Search Results for: parents night out

123 Andrés is at The Kennedy Center this weekend! You won’t want to miss this interactive, bilingual show. Join Andrés and Christina on an exciting cultural exploration of Latin America through an introduction of language, music, and dance. Families sing, shake, and sound out.

Saturday

10:00am-11:00am: First Studio at the Kreeger Museum
Children, ages 3-5, are invited to use their imaginations as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Read about our experience from 2015, here.

10:00am: Marsha & The Positrons at The Avalon
Marsha and the Positrons are back with their fun songs about science and how the world works! Expect an interactive show where audiences can sing & dance along and make fun memories experiencing the joy of live music!

10:30am-2:00pm: 39th annual Alexandra St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Dog Show
Don your green and line King Street to kick off the region’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Parade-goers come early at 10:30am for the Fun Dog Show on Market Square

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage: Good Night, Good Night Construction Site
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist 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.

11:00am: Spies in Disguise at AMC Mazza
FREE showing, grab tickets at link above.

5:00pm-7:00pm: JFamily playtime and Havdalah at The LANE
Celebrate the end of Shabbat and the start of a new week with JFamily at the brand new Lane Social Club! The Lane is a family social club that is meant to be a space that’s fun for the whole family. The space is complete with play structures, toys and activities for kids as well as comfortable seating, food and drinks (real drinks!) and activities for adults. The afternoon will include open play, story time, delicious snacks and a family Havdalah service! Children of all ages are welcome to join and participate in the play (and adults too!). 

Sunday

Cancelled 10:00am-5:00pm: Ethiopia Day at KID Museum
Visitors will celebrate the culture, crafts, and flavors of Ethiopia as they explore traditional forms of making, experience Ethiopian art and music, take part in cultural rituals, enjoy performances, sample traditional Ethiopian foods, and more. As always, visitors can drop in any time and stay as long as they like. Same day tickets may be purchased at the front desk. General admission costs $12 and includes one child and two adults.

10:00am-11:30am: Family fun Harambe at Capital Cider House
Harambee has become a DC institution and a cultural/moral compass for thousands of parents and youth over the past decade. Harambee, which means “all pull together” in Swahili, is the practice of hope, possibility and compassion – basically, all the things that happen when we all come together. Full food and drink menus will be available. 

10:00am-12:00pm: Family Purim Carnival
When was the last time you dressed up like a queen or king? Now is your chance – the EDCJCC’s Purim Carnival is the perfect time for children and adults to dress up and celebrate this festive annual holiday! Join the carnival games, arts & crafts, hamantaschen (yummy Purim treats), and a community service project! Don’t forget your costume! Little ones are welcome at this Carnival but it’s geared towards ages 3-6. Tickets are $20 for a member family ticket, $25 for a non-member family ticket and $30 at the door.

11:00am-5:00pm: Nowruz: A Persian New Year Celebration at Freer|Sackler Gallery
Ring in the Persian New Year at our twelfth annual Nowruz celebration! Celebrate Persian culture and the arrival of spring with free attractions for all ages, including performances, storytelling, hands-on activities, and more.

11:00am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage: Roaring Rockets
Your favorite stories come to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books.

Weekend theatre–
The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats at Adventure Theatre through April 5
Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth at Imagination Stage through March 22
Thumbelina at Imagination Stage through April 5
Hear Me Say My Name at Discovery Theater
Beauty & The Beast at The Puppet Co through March 29
Magic Toyshop at The Puppet Co Tiny Tots

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for last minute events that pop up!

GIVEAWAY: There is still time to enter to win tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters!

Homemade love is in the air at the annual Valentine’s Day Card Workshop at the National Postal Museum on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-4:00pm! Create handmade heartfelt cards to send to your loved ones. The museum provides a bountiful spread of patterned papers, rubber stamps and postage stamps for decoration, gems and other 3-D embellishments, special cut-out scissors, washi tape, stickers, markers of every color (with a surplus of red and pink of course!) and more.

Weekend Theatre
Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth at Imagination Stage: Best for ages 4+
Mouse on the Move at Imagination Stage: Best for ages 1-5
Rapunzel at Glen Echo Puppet Co: Best for ages 3.5-9
Snow Show at Tiny Tots: Best for ages 2-4

Friday

5:00pm-9:00pm: Movie Night at Dynamite Gymnastics
For kids ages 3.5 to 17 (participants must be potty-trained). Open gym play time starts promptly at 6 pm, followed by pizza dinner ($2 per slice), filtered water, movie popcorn and watching the movie in the gym.

5:30pm-7:30pm: Chinese Lantern Festival Celebration
Join for traditional Lantern festival activities, food, and fun while experiencing traditional Chinese tea culture as you celebrate the Lantern Festival and final days of Chinese New Year! Doors Open at 5:30pm – All are welcome!

Saturday

9:00am-12:00pm: Lowes Kids Workshop: Love Note Holder
Child(ren) must be accompanied by parent/guardian.Valentine’s Day is almost here!  This month’s project is perfect for holding all your child’s Valentine’s cards and treats!  Sign them up and join us on Saturday, February 8th!  Space is limited, so register today! 

10:00am: The Great Zucchini at the Avalon Theatre
The Great Zucchini returns to the Avalon with more of the colorful surprises that define his performances. Join us for a memorable morning of laughs and wonder with this comedic magician that has been amazing audiences for over 20 years.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist 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.

Sunday

10:00am-12:00pm: Exploration Day with UpCycle Creative Reuse Center at The Oswald Durant Arts Center
Join a morning filled with tactile and sensory-based activities, creative play, and visual art. Visit the Creation Station to build your own skyscraper or flower, make your rhythm shakers at our Craft Station, and stop by the Creative Play Station to cook up a delicious three-course meal. They are offering three mini workshops with songs, stories, and creative movement at 10:30am, 11:00am, and 11:30am.

10:00am-5:00pm: Japan Day at KID Museum
In partnership with the Japan Information & Culture Center, the Embassy of Japan, and Table for Two, KID Museum presents Ume Matsuri, the plum blossom festival that marks the end of wintertime. Bring your family and enjoy hands-on, maker activities all day long. Build a communal zen garden, create a Kendama toy, take part in interactive performances, make your own Japanese rice balls, and much more! ASL interpretation will be available from 11 am to 2pm as we celebrate Japan Day at KID Museum.

11:00am-12:00pm: STORYTIME at Hirshhorn
Join a special STORYTIME exploring rights; looking at artworks in Manifesto: Art x Agency and read We March by Shane W. Evans. Stay, play, and make your own art. STORYTIME explores contemporary art through stories and movement. Each week features a fresh and fun theme. Bring your littlest art lover for an introduction to an artist on view, interactive read aloud, and a hands-on activity.

11:15am–1:00pm and/or 2:30pm–4:15pm: Family Workshop at the National Gallery of Art
Workshops provide the opportunity to explore artists’ thinking and studio practices. Taught by museum educators, each workshop includes a conversation in the galleries followed by a hands-on studio art session. Family Workshops are designed for children (ages 8–11) and adults to participate in together.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Mongolia’s Past and Present
Celebrate Mongolian culture past and present through performances, games, interactive art demonstrations, and conversations with scientists and artists. Meet and be inspired by throat singers, long song singers, musicians and dancers. Learn about Mongolian painting and calligraphy, and play traditional games in a real ger (yurt) set up in the middle of Q?rius. Archaeologists and museum conservators will be on hand to show and discuss ongoing research to understand and preserve Mongolia’s past.

More weekend events can be found here.

Valentine’s Day Date Night

The Chocolate Lovers Festival, an annual three-day festival held on the first full weekend of February, features activities for all to enjoy. The festival will be held Friday, January 31 for Liquid Chocolate only from 6-8pm, Saturday, February 1 from 10am-6pm (see schedule of events for times and locations) and Sunday, February 2 from 12-4pm. Join us for the Taste of Chocolate, the Chocolate Challenge, the Kiwanis BBQ Lunch and Craft Show, open houses at historic buildings and much more.

Saturday & Sunday head to the National Gallery of Art Family Workshop where kids will be provided the opportunity to explore artists’ thinking and studio practices. Taught by museum educators, each workshop includes a conversation in the galleries followed by a hands-on studio art session. Family Workshops are designed for children (ages 8–11) and adults to participate in together.

Zoom! Zoom! The Washington Auto Show is at the Convention Center wraps up this weekend. Your chance to check out the newest vehicles, ride in an all-new Jaguar, driven by a stunt driver, and test-drive an all-electric vehicle on the streets of DC. This year’s Family Fun Zone will be bigger than ever, featuring appearances by popular PBS characters including Splash and Bubbles, Daniel Tiger, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Jet Propulsion from Ready Jet Go!, and Luna from Let’s Go Luna! 

2020 is the Year of the Rat, an animal that symbolises wealth and the beginning of a new day. This weekend there are still a few ways to celebrate with the family- The REACH, Chinese New Year Day at the Kennedy Center & Chinese New Year Family Day at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Saturday

9:00am-12:00pm: Home Depot Kids Workshop: Heart String Art
Create a loving memory with your child at our Heart String Art Workshop. As you help your child piece together the symbol of Valentine’s Day, they will develop hands-on skills by sanding, nailing, painting and more. Celebrate the moment as your child makes a unique keepsake.

9:30am AND 10:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
Ten years and more than 1,600 shows later, Harambe @BloomBars has become a Washington DC institution and a cultural/moral compass for thousands of parents and youth. In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” At BloomBars, Harambe is the practice of hope, possibility and compassion – basically, all the things that happen when we all come together. Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community. With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambe” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children.

9:30am & 11:00am: Mr. Jon & Carrie Rock & Rhyme at National Theatre
Mr. Jon & Friends makes music for kids and their families that inspire fun, laughter, and dancing. The music of Mr. Jon & Friends is sure to bring a smile to your face!

10:00am-5:00pm: Crêpe Day: Celebrate La Chandeleur! at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden
La Chandeleur, also known as Crêpe Day, marks the halfway point between winter and spring.  In France, families celebrate by eating crêpes, which are round and golden like the springtime sun. You are invited to celebrate this holiday in festive French fashion amidst Hillwood’s magnificent setting and exquisite French treasures. Snack on a tasty treat of sweet crêpes. Explore Hillwood’s French treasures through docent-led, family-friendly gallery talks and a printed treasure hunt. Decorate a plate with fanciful designs and flourishes inspired by Hillwood’s French Sèvres porcelain.

10:00am: Missing Link at the Avalon Theatre
PG movie alert playing at the historic Avalon Theatre! Tired of living a solitary life, Mr. Link, who is 8 feet tall and covered in fur, recruits a fearless explorer to guide him on a journey to find his long-lost relatives. Through it all, they learn that sometimes one can find a family in the places one least expects.

10:00am-11:00am: First Studio at the Kreeger Museum
Children, ages 3-5, are invited to use their imaginations as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum and then create a piece of work. 

10:00am-12:00pm: STEM Fair
Each year, District Architecture Center opens their doors to young people in the Washington Metro area and invite them to learn more about design-related fields—from architecture, engineering, and construction, to urban planning, landscape architecture, and interior design. Best for ages 10 through high school.

10:00am-1:00pm: Maker Morning at the Hirshhorn
This is a free series that invites kids of all ages to experience contemporary art through interactive hands-on making activities. Each month will introduce a new topic and a completely new way to think about art. Color your February with love. Try out Valentine’s Day activities including writing a love letter inspired by artist Marcel Duchamp’s word play, painting with light, and making a valentine to give to a loved one. Join us for a special kid-led tour of the Hirshhorn’s most loved artworks.

11:30am: Bilingual Art Talk & Tour for Kids at Strathmore
Young art lovers can get behind the brushstrokes and into the head and heart of the artists in current exhibitions. Kids participate in an interactive activity during the tour. Ideal for ages 5 and up. Free, but registration is encouraged to help for planning purposes. 

1:30pm-5:00pm: Ice Yards
DC’s Winter Festival is back at The Yards for its sixth year in a row with a retro twist. Now in its sixth year, Ice Yards has become the event of the winter season, with revelers enjoying an unparalleled afternoon in DC’s winter wonderland. Guests are invited to enjoy this retro aprés ski inspired event featuring icy cocktails and local DC brews, interactive ice activities, live music, and more.

6:30pm: Sleepover at the National Archives
The National Archives and the National Archives Foundation are partnering to host the 13th overnight event where children ages 8 to 12 years old can sleep where the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights are housed. The theme of the upcoming February sleepover is women’s suffrage, relating to the newest National Archives exhibit, Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote. After spending the night next to the Charters of Freedom in the Archives Rotunda and Rotunda Galleries, participants will enjoy pancakes made by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero.

Sunday

8:30am-9:00am: Groundhog Day
Potomac Phil, the National Groundhog, will make an appearance and offer weather and political predictions. 

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage: Pete the Cat
You and your child will bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books.

Enter to win tickets to Disney on Ice!

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These are the weekend picks posts we live for! They are full and you will find fun for everyone. If you’d like to join the movement #womenrising2020 here is all of the information on the Women’s March happening this Saturday as well as a few gatherings leading up to the March.

DC Public Library has several events honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.

As always, check out the theatre and musical options for some indoor fun!

Friday

5:30pm-8:00pm: Badlands Nerf Night: Fornite
Are you ready for a Battle Royale? Grab your squad and drop in to Badlands this Friday for Fortnite Nerf Night. Help your team collect loot and floss like a boss at the mid-game dance off.

6:30pm-9:00pm: Friday Night Rox at Earth Treks
Kids get a fun night of climbing adventure (2.5 hours!) and parents enjoy a night out on the town- what could be more perfect! Activities include vertical games, age appropriate basic skills instruction, and tons of climbing, all under the supervision of our qualified instructors. No experience is necessary- ages 6-12.

Saturday

9:30am AND 10:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
Ten years and more than 1,600 shows later, Harambe @BloomBars has become a Washington DC institution and a cultural/moral compass for thousands of parents and youth. In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” At BloomBars, Harambe is the practice of hope, possibility and compassion – basically, all the things that happen when we all come together. Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community. With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambe” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children. Recommended for ages 0 to 7 years Parental consent required. $10 per child $7 per adult suggested donation (sliding scale..invest more if you can!)

10:00am-12:00pm: Free the Trees on the Capital Crescent Trail
Bring gloves or clippers or use theirs and help free the trees along the trail. Dress to protect from angry vines and thorns. Kids under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult supervisor.

10:00am-11:00am: First Studio at Kreeger Museum
Children, ages 3-5, are invited to use their imaginations as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. 

10:15am–12:00pm or 1:30pm–3:15pm: National Gallery of Art Family Workshop
Workshops provide the opportunity to explore artists’ thinking and studio practices. Taught by museum educators, each workshop includes a conversation in the galleries followed by a hands-on studio art session. Family Workshops are designed for children (ages 8–11) and adults to participate in together. See the complete listing below for topic, dates, and times. Workshops are free but preregistration is required.

10:30am and 11:30am: Art Investigators
How do you investigate a work of art? This program helps children make careful observations, analyze artists’ choices, ask questions, and use their imagination while exploring works of art. Led by museum educators, each program includes reading a children’s book, exploring one work of art in the galleries, and completing a simple hands-on activity. Each program is approximately 60 minutes. These free drop-in programs are designed for individual families on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no advance registration and space is limited, so please plan accordingly. For ages 4-7.

11:00am AND 1:30pm: NSO Music for Young Audiences: Beauty and the Beat
Explore the thrilling language of instruments. Featuring musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra. See NSO principal second violinist Marissa Regni and NSO principal percussionist Eric Shin in an exciting new program exploring the magic created when the violin and percussion join together. Eric may have a vast array of percussion instruments, but Marissa shows how versatile the violin can be. This melodic and rhythmic ride for families proves that no matter how different the instruments are, they can come together to make some beautiful music. Most enjoyed by age 3 and up. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Come early for a Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo” Starting one hour before the 11am and 1:30pm performances hands-on activities let children get up close with the instruments they’ll see played on the stage.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Portrait Story Days: MLK, Jr.
Drop by on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to hear a story and create art inspired by someone in the Portrait Gallery’s collection.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Fire & Ice Festival
Some like it hot, some like it cold. Join us at The Wharf for the third annual Fire & Ice Festival presented by Proper No. 12 and featuring the WAFF Ice House. Come sample whiskeys from Catoctin Creek, Elijah Craig, St. George, Miscellaneous, Larceny, Filibuster, Proper No. 12 and Pendleton or grab a ginger whiskey hot toddy at the Johnnie Walker tent.  Play ice shuffleboard or ice corn hole, sit in the official Capitals ice throne and don’t miss the fire dancers and DJ on the main stage. Plus they will be showing the Capitals game on the jumbotron at the Capitals Campfire, where you can roast s’mores over a roaring fire.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Rock the Rink
It’s ALL CAPS at The Wharf this winter. Through February, make Caps s’mores at the Capitals Campfire at The Wharf and check out the Washington Capitals décor and ice resurfacer at The Wharf Ice Rink. On Rock The Rink days, join fellow hockey fans at The Wharf to show your Caps pride. From 1-4pm, skate at the Wharf Ice Rink with a DJ, Caps trivia and gear giveaways, a visit from Slapshot, and special Caps-themed drinks from Cantina Bambina. At 1pm, they’ll broadcast the Capitals’ away game against the NY Islanders on a jumbotron at the Capitals Campfire. Throughout the day, fans wearing Capitals gear receive $5 off admission to the Wharf Ice Rink.

1:00pm-2:30pm AND 3:00pm-4:30pm: MLK Painting for Peace Freestyle Sessions
Join on Saturday or Sunday for a family-friendly Painting for Peace Weekend. In honor of MLK Day ArtJamz is donating $5.00 per canvas order to local charity DC Central Kitchen. During Painting for Peace Weekend they encourage the creation of original art under the guidance of local artists and with inspiration from their jamming social art studio and lounge. There will be plenty of images and quotes inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. to help you create a unique masterpiece.

Sunday

10:00am-11:30am: Spots and Stripes Preschool Class at the National Zoo
Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes are designed for children
ages 2-3 to discover a whole new view of the National Zoo. “Adult-and-me”
format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and
crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo Walks to engage your child’s sense of
wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world. Pre-registration is required. Please note that classes do not include any behind-the-scenes access or animal contact.

10:00am-12:00pm: Picture Perfect Pets Workshop at Red Panda Art Studio
Which pet would you get? Celebrate pets you already have— and discover ones you may want! Email ahead a photo of your pet or favorite stuffed animal! Children will draw, paint, and sculpt during this two-hour workshop!

10:00am-11:00am: EYE TO EYE: STORYTIME in ASL
EYE TO EYE: STORYTIME in ASL is for the Deaf Community, and explores contemporary art through stories and movement.  Each week STORYTIME features a fresh and fun theme. Bring your littlest art lover for an introduction to an artist on view, interactive read aloud, and a hands-on activity.

11:15am–1:00pm or 2:30pm–4:15pm: National Gallery of Art Family Workshop
Workshops provide the opportunity to explore artists’ thinking and studio practices. Taught by museum educators, each workshop includes a conversation in the galleries followed by a hands-on studio art session. Family Workshops are designed for children (ages 8–11) and adults to participate in together. See the complete listing below for topic, dates, and times. Workshops are free but preregistration is required.

11:15am: A Boy Called Patches at Bloombars
An interactive puppet show featuring chants, movement, songs and storytelling! The show focuses on the acceptance of differences between yourself and others, therefore aiding in having less need for conflict resolution in certain areas at the early childhood level while reinforcing that it’s okay to be different! $7 Suggested donation per child, $5 suggested donation per adult. Recommended for ages infant and up.

11:30am and 12:30pm: Art Investigators
How do you investigate a work of art? This program helps children make careful observations, analyze artists’ choices, ask questions, and use their imagination while exploring works of art. Led by museum educators, each program includes reading a children’s book, exploring one work of art in the galleries, and completing a simple hands-on activity. Each program is approximately 60 minutes. These free drop-in programs are designed for individual families on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no advance registration and space is limited, so please plan accordingly. For ages 4-7.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Portrait Story Days: MLK, Jr.
Drop by on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to hear a story and create art inspired by someone in the Portrait Gallery’s collection.

1:30pm-3:00pm: MLK Painting for Peace Freestyle Sessions
Join on Saturday or Sunday for a family-friendly Painting for Peace Weekend. In honor of MLK Day ArtJamz is donating $5.00 per canvas order to local charity DC Central Kitchen. During Painting for Peace Weekend they encourage the creation of original art under the guidance of local artists and with inspiration from their jamming social art studio and lounge. There will be plenty of images and quotes inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. to help you create a unique masterpiece.

2:00pm AND 5:30pm: Daniel Tiger Live!
“Won’t you be my neighbor?” Daniel Tiger and all of his friends from the beloved PBS KIDS television series are hopping aboard Trolley to your town with DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE! Along with “O” the Owl, Katerina Kittycat, Prince Wednesday, Mom and Dad Tiger and many more, Daniel Tiger will take live audiences on an interactive musical adventure to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, sharing stories of friendship, helping others and celebrating new experiences. This live theatrical production filled with music, dancing, laughter and “grr-ific” surprises will warm the hearts of multiple generations.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Sunday Jam at Bolt Parkour
Parkour is all about the thrill of movement – so we’re opening up the gym every month for everyone to share in the fun. Join us for a no-holds-barred event where you can vault, leap, kong, swing and more in our 7,000 square foot facility dedicated to all forms of parkour and free running. Bring your friends and register above!

Monday– Martin Luther King, Jr Day post

9:30am: Rise + Rhyme at various Busboys & Poets locations
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly morning storytelling and performance series for children ages 5 and under with the goals of teaching children to engage with their community, learn to love performing and become rising artivists!

10:00am-4:00pm: Celebrate MLK, Jr at Port Discovery Children’s Museum
They are typically closed on Monday’s! Take advantage of this great museum. If you can dream it you can change it! Join Port Discovery in celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy during our “Be the Light” event! Experience the strength of celebrating differences in our community and learn how you too can become a Change Maker. Take part in interactive programs and performances designed to educate, inspire and help children understand the positive impact that their actions can have, inspired by Dr. King’s message of promoting fairness. 

10:00am-5:00pm: Open Explore: MLK Day at KID Museum
Drop-in to create felt peace pins, help build a model all-inclusive playground, tell us your dreams with screen printing, and experience our new Reflection Room. Listen in to Martin Luther King Jr.’s most famous speeches and take the time to reflect on his history, legacy, and impact.

10:15am–12:00pm or 1:30pm–3:15pm: National Gallery of Art Family Workshop
Workshops provide the opportunity to explore artists’ thinking and studio practices. Taught by museum educators, each workshop includes a conversation in the galleries followed by a hands-on studio art session. Family Workshops are designed for children (ages 8–11) and adults to participate in together. See the complete listing below for topic, dates, and times. Workshops are free but preregistration is required.

Here we are–the first weekend of 2020 and perhaps for some kids their final hurrah of winter break. It is also the final weekend to enjoy holiday light displays. Be sure and visit our top 5 most viewed posts of 2019 and check some items off of our winter bucket list! A date night idea is for you to see Jersey Boys at National Theatre as the curtains close on this spectacular show this Sunday. I can’t recommend the show enough.

Saturday

9:00am-12:00pm: Home Depot Kids Workshop
Face off with fun in this Mini Hockey Game Workshop. Kids develop hands-on skills by sanding, nailing, painting and more. With help from parents and Store Associates, your child will create and own their own game. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron and a commemorative pin while supplies last.

9:45am-12:35pm: Summer Camp Sampler at Imagination Stage
Try a sample camp for free to get an up-close-and-personal taste of what camp is like at Imagination Stage for kids ages 4-grade 9.

10:00am-1:00pm: Maker Morning: New Year, New Color
Ring in the new year with a musical color parade through the Hirshhorn! Keep the celebration going at our hands-on activity stations. Build noise-makers, create art using light, and make a cyanotype (a photographic print) inspired by artists Harold Ancart and Takashi Arai, on view in Feel the Sun in Your Mouth: Recent Acquisitions.

10:00am-10:30am: Tunes 4 Tots at Anxo Cidery
Kids music + cider!

10:30am-12:30pm: Creativity Workshop at Phillips Collection
Let your creativity soar in our art-making stations! Designed for families with children ages 2 to 8. The workshop includes multiple “Creativity Stations.” Each station has a different project with art materials, instructions, and artistic inspiration from The Phillips Collection. An art educator is on site to support families who would like guidance. From 10:30am-11:00am join the Family Playdate: The first Saturday of the month for a family-friendly playdate. Guided by a professional art educator, explore one to two galleries through fun, hands-on activities. Geared for families with children ages 4 to 8.

3:30pm & 6:00pm: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe at Imagination Stage
Leap through the wardrobe and into a winter wonderland in this dance-based adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s treasured novel from the Chronicles of Narnia. A remount of Imagination Stage’s Helen Hayes award-winning 2012 production, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe tells the story of four siblings who journey from war-torn England to a magical land frozen in eternal winter, where the powerful lion Aslan leads them on a journey to discover their destiny. Music, modern dance, and breathtaking puppetry tell a story of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Best for ages 5+.

Sunday

10:15am-11:45am: Toddler Trailblazers: Polar Bear, Polar Bear (Also takes place Saturday at 10:15am)
January is one of our coldest months – and a perfect time to read Eric Carle’s famous Polar Bear, Polar Bear! This lesson will combine the classic book with the National Museum of Natural History’s collection of Arctic specimens. Museum Visit: National Museum of Natural History

1:30pm & 4:00pm: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe at Imagination Stage
Leap through the wardrobe and into a winter wonderland in this dance-based adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s treasured novel from the Chronicles of Narnia. A remount of Imagination Stage’s Helen Hayes award-winning 2012 production, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe tells the story of four siblings who journey from war-torn England to a magical land frozen in eternal winter, where the powerful lion Aslan leads them on a journey to discover their destiny. Music, modern dance, and breathtaking puppetry tell a story of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Best for ages 5+.

2:15pm-3:45pm: Preschool Pioneers: Cave Art (Also takes place Saturday at 10:15am)
Thousands of years ago, early humans drew on the wall of caves all over the world and at different times. This class will give children the chance to explore the life of early humans and explore these mysterious symbols, how they were made, and what they might have meant. Museum Visit: National Museum of Natural History

Light displays:
Bulls Run Festival of Lights- Lights out on Jan. 5
Experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn out your headlights and just follow the magical glow. After viewing the lights, bring your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, and of course, photos with Santa Claus. The festival happens annually at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia. Avoid crowds and go Mon-Thurs at a discounted rate.

Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens– Lights out on Jan. 5
Explore botanic gardens from Hawaii to Maine in this year’s holiday show. The best times to visit are weekdays early in December or on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December when the Conservatory is open until 8 pm with live seasonal music. Aside from these extended holiday hours, the Conservatory is open every day of the year, from 10am-5pm, free of charge.

Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple– Lights out on Jan. 4
As one of the D.C. area’s great community traditions, the Festival features free performances nightly in the comfortable, state-of-the-art theater located in the Visitors’ Center while the Temple grounds glow with 650,000 lights.

Georgetown Glow– Lights out on Jan. 5
Experience the sparkle of the season at Georgetown GLOW, the region’s only curated exhibition of outdoor public light art installations. Set against the historic backdrop of DC’s oldest neighborhood, it’s a whole new way to shine.

Light Yards– Lights out on Jan. 4
The DC region’s premier outdoor public light art installation, returns for its fourth year at The Yards, with two must-see, worldwide traveling light installations, The Pool, by New York-based Jen Lewin Studio and Angels of Freedom, by Israel-based OGE Group. The Poolwill invite visitors to hop, skip, and jump across 106 interactive circular pads of light, roughly 3 feet in diameter and 2.5 inches tall. As multiple visitors play in The Pool, their movements will come together to create a giant canvas of shifting and fading colors in mesmerizing patterns.A beautiful and social sculptural installation, Angels of Freedom aims to reveal the inner beauties of everyone by visually turning visitors into real-life angels. Visitors will be invited to pose with five giant, neon-colored wings and white halos as a reminder that everybody counts and deserves love.