Weekend Picks: Polar Plunge, Train Show & Groundhog’s Day

Have you defrosted from this week’s weather yet? There are a few outdoor events on Sunday you may want to take advantage of if Meteorologists are correct and it warms up a bit.Otherwise, there are plenty of interactive, indoor things going on. From yoga to trains, I think we have your family covered this weekend with our favorite picks. Will the Groundhog see his shadow on Sunday? Don’t know about you but I’d prefer not to have six more weeks of these frigid temps!

Saturday~

9:00am-4:30pm- Chocolate Lovers Festival at City of Fairfax (Event is also held on Sunday)
(10455 Armstrong St., Fairfax, Va)
This festival is sure to appeal to my sweet tooth AND it is a 2 day event! There will be plenty of samples up for grabs, the ever-popular Kiwanis Chocolate Chip Pancake Breakfast, a craft show and an art show featuring work made completely out of chocolate, taste of Chocolate, the Chocolate Challenge and open houses at historic buildings. Some events are free and some has a fee, check out the events page.

9:30am & 11:00am- Saturday morning at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC  20004)
Join George Washington Carver on an exciting FREE journey through history. Learn about the inspirational stories of groundbreaking individuals such as Booker T. Washington, Jackie Robinson and Madame C.J. Walker. This show introduces children to some of the most influential African Americans of the past 150 years.  Recommended ages 4 and up.

10:00am- The RTTs perform at Avalon Theatre
(5612 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20015)
A band parents will enjoy as much as their kids! The RTTs will perform songs from their album “Turn it Up Mommy,” which features ten roots-rockin’ songs for the whole family. The songs combine infectuous beats with humorous lyrics and positive educational themes. 45 minutes to 1 hour duration and tickets are $8.25 / $6 for members.

10:00am- DC Family Fiesta at El Tamarindo
(1785 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009)
Come brush up on your Spanish with bilingual songs for kids and grown-ups to sing together.  The show features Mariana Iranzi, visiting DC from New York City, and local artist ¡Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés! 5$ per child & all ages encouraged to come.

10:30am- Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. This week’s book is Sleep, Black Bear, Sleep. $6 per person and best for ages 1 month-3 year (but 4 & 5 year-old children will enjoy them, too!)

12:00pm-1:30pm- Family Yoga at Tranquil Space
(1632 17th St NW, Washington, DC. 20009)
Spend a yoga fun afternoon with your partner and your baby. Stretch and have fun with your partner in a yoga class for the three of you. We’ll move and breathe together in partnered yoga poses and we’ll play with your baby ages 0-6 months. $45 per couple/family; $40 if you register online and members enjoy 15%. Register at www.tranquilspace.com or call 202-328-YOGA

12:00pm-4:00pm- Polar Plunge at Reston’s Lake Anne
(Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Rd., Reston, Va)
Freezin for a reason! The 7th Annual Virginia Polar Bear Dip brings together the adventurous and the risk takers taking a dip into Reston’s Lake Anne (let’s hope it does really warm up this weekend). Proceeds support Camp Sunshine in their hope to send children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to our one-of-a-kind retreat in Maine.

6:00pm- Kids Concert at BloomBars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC)
Mariana Iranzi is a children’s composer & performer from Argentina. She is in town from New York and has made the children’s music circuit in DC this week performing. Her songs are bilingual and multicultural.

Sunday~
10:00am- 10:30am- Tiny Tots: The Mother Goose Caboose at Glen Echo Puppet Co.
Mother Goose introduces us to her friends, including Leonardo the Lion, Kelly, a near-sighted duckling, Doofus, the dog, and many more! Ages 0-4. Get your tickets for $5 here.

10:00am-4:00pm- The Great Scale Model Train Show at Maryland State Fairgrounds (Event is also held on Saturday)
(2200 York Rd., Timonium, MD. 21093)
See 20 huge beautifully detailed operating model train displays. Free kid’s activity and Thomas Play area. Over 700 tables of model trains and related items for sale. Refreshments available and plenty of free parking. (Also open Saturday 9:00am-4:00pm)

10:00am- Sunday Fun Day at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. This week Where the WIld Things Are will be the features story. Each session you leave with a completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. $10 per person & best for ages 1-3 (but 4 & 5 year-old children will enjoy them, too!)

11:30am- Animal Antics at National Gallery of Art
(East Building Concourse, Auditorium)
What happens when a pig really wants a cookie? Or when a giraffe accidentally bumps the moon from the sky? Plenty of laughter! Join us for a screening of hilarious international short films featuring animals large and small. Approximately 45 minutes and is recommended for ages 4 and up.

2:00pm- Groudhog’s Day Out at Frying Pan Farm Park
(2709 West Ox Rd, Herndon, VA)
You can visit a groundhog burrow as part of the Groundhog’s Day Out program. You’ll learn about the groundhog, enjoy games and even make a groundhog friend to take home. There also will be hot chocolate, in case it’s cold. $5.00

2:00pm- Groundhog Day Celebration at Hidden Oaks Nature Center
(7701 Royce St., Annandale, VA)
Hidden Oaks Nature Center has invited the costumed characters Willard and Mother Nature to visit on February 2 and talk to kids about nature’s true weather forecasters. $6.00