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A Guide to Spring Break Camps- 2015 Edition

February 20, 2015

Spring Break Camps? Yes, please if it means this arctic weather will soon be gone. We’ve found an assortment of camps for your child if you are staying in town this Spring Break. Registration has already opened for most so don’t delay find a good fit for your child and sign up today. And it’s not too early to start checking out our Summer Camp Guide. Have a favorite camp that isn’t listed? Please let us know so we can add it to our list for readers.

Maryland:

Imagination Stage- April 6-10, 2015
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814)
Mornings, afternoons or full day camps in Drama, Dance, Filmmaking,or a combination. Make it an awesome Spring Break, and get your child’s creative juices flowing. It’s way more fun than hanging out at home. Ages 3.5-Grade 8.

MSA- April 6-10, 2015
(Hoover MS, 8810 Postoak Rd, Potomac, MD 20854)
Spring break multi-sport and enrichment camp is designed by sports champions to help young athletes realize their optimal performance in their favorite sports. MSA offers a spectacular multi-sport & enrichment camp providing a well-rounded experience combining learning and fun, to build fond memories that will last a lifetime. Baseball, Basketball,Bocce Ball, Dance and fitness, Flag Football, Golf, Kickball, Lacrosse, Soccer, Street Hockey, and Tennis. are offered. Camp is from 8:30am-4:00pm and is offered for girls and boys ages 4-14.

Silver Stars Gymnastics- April 6-10, 2015
(2701 Pittman Dr. Silver Spring, Md 20910)
(14201 Woodcliff Ct. Bowie, Md 20720)
Choose one day or all week, half day or full day. They offer three camps for kids 3.5-15 at both locations.

Adventure Theatre– April 6-10, 2015
(7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
Send your kids to come play with Adventure Theatre MTC where they will have a full day of theatrical activities, afternoon snack. For those that attend a Wednesday camp day, an 11am performance of their main show Three Little Birds is included. You can choose one day or the full week. Grads K-5.

Virginia:

Arts on the Horizon – March 30-April 3, 2015
(1100 Wythe Street Alexandria, VA 22313 )
Calling all time travelers! Your child will take a voyage through the vortex to explore the past, present, and future. Jumping into history, climbing the pyramids in Ancient Egypt and then head further back to meet a T-Rex and use their imaginations to explore futuristic worlds on distant stars! Half day camp for children ages 3-5.

Arlington County Parks and Recreation – March 30-April 3, 2015
(Various locations in Arlington)
Many options from arts, sports and theatre are some of the camps offered through the Recreation Department. Extended hours are available. Ages 5-15.

Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre – March 30-April 3, 2015
(Heritage Presbyterian Church- 8503 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, Va. 22308)
Your child will explore their creative side. All campers will rehearse and perform a show at a the end of camp. This is one of the longer camps running from 9:00am-5:00pm. Grades Kindergarten-14 years old.

SkateQuest – March 30-April 3, 2015
(1800 Michael Faraday Ct., Reston, Va. 20190)
For the child who can’t get enough of the ice. Camp includes ice skating lessons, ice painting, broom ball and an end of camp show. Ages 4.5-12.

Spring Break Camp at Dulles SportsPlex – March 30-April 3, 2015
(21610 Atlantic Blvd. Sterling, Va. 20166)
Your child will have fun learning and playing sports. Some are soccer, kickball, flag football and basketball. They offer full or half day & full or half day options for children ages 6-12.

Washington, DC:

The Children’s Art Studio- April 13 – 17, 2015
(Location TBD)
Campers will touch upon the fundamentals of drawing, painting, sculpture and printing with fun-filled exercises. Time will be devoted to longer-term multi-day projects which will be structured as a direct response to the interests and curiosities of the particular group of children. Camp will meet from 9-2. Camps are for children 5 years old and up!

DC United Camp– March 30-April 3, 2015 and April 6-10, 2015
(RFK Training Center- 2400 E. Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC 20003)
(Patriot Park- 12111 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22030)
Join D.C. United as they host their annual Spring Break soccer camp series. The 5-day curriculum designed by our full time Academy and Pre-Academy coaches suits players ages 5-17. These camps will help develop the players’ technical and tactical understanding of the game while maintaining a fun and exciting environment. Camp includes soccer ball, t-shirt, DC United ticket and DC United player appearances.

Spring Break Camp at The Children’s Art Studio– April 13-April 17, 2015
(Location may vary)
Each camp session will touch upon the fundamentals of drawing, painting, sculpture and printing with fun-filled exercises and will devote time to longer-term multi-day projects. They go to Fort Reno Park for lunch and play. Class will take place from 9:00am-2:00pm. Camps are for children five years old and up.

Spring Safari Day Camp at The National Zoo- March 30 – April 3; April 7 – 10 (no camp on Monday, April 6 – Easter Monday); and April 13 – 17, 2015
(3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008)
The Zoo always delivers fun and engaging camps. Themes include Zoo-uess and Where the Wild Things Are. Spring Safari campers will explore the lives and habitats of animals around the world and learn about ongoing conservation efforts to protect them. Camp includes exciting hands-on activities, craft projects, science experiments, and walks through the Zoo. Grades K-5.

Hopper Heroes Camp at Georgetown Day School (GDS)- March 23-27, 2015
(Held at the Lower School- 4530 MacArthur Blvd, Washington, DC 20007)
Have you ever wanted to be just like one of your favorite superheroes, learn the skills that they use, and how they apply those skills to helping the world become a better place!? If so, this camp is for you. You’ll build strength and skills, test your superhero brain power and learn what it takes to live everyday like a superhero. (Sign up by day.) Break Camp runs from 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and After-Camp Care from 3:00-6:00 p.m. There is not before-camp care. Geared towards campers age 5-Grade 5 and are open to GDS and non-GDS students.

The Theatre Lab- April 13-17, 2015
(733 8th Street NW. Washington DC 20001)
School’s Out camps, modeled on The Theatre Lab’s award-winning Summer Acting Camps for Kids, are perfect for children age 6-12, who enjoy being creative and making new friends, and are designed to be fun for novices as well as kids who have already been bitten by the drama bug. Drama activities are scheduled from 9:00am-3:00pm, and kids can come for just one day or the whole week. Families can extend a child’s day from 8:30am-5:00pm by choosing our extended-day recreational activities option.

Weekend Picks: Intersections Festival, Chinese New Year and Tunes

February 20, 2015

Atlas Intersections Festival kicks off the 6th annual Festival this weekend showcasing over 125 performances in music, theatre, dance, film, spoken word and performance art that offer new ways to see ourselves and to celebrate our community and our world. The festival begins February 20-March 7. There are many family events (too many to choose for our picks), so please check out the schedule for family friendly shows.

Saturday-

10:00am: Avalon Theatre presents The RTT’s
(5612 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20015)
The RTTs (also known as the Rhodes Tavern Troubadours) bring their toe-tapping, award-winning, original roots rock back to the Avalon! The whole family will want to dance along as they play hits like “Snack Time” and “Turn it Up, Mommy.”

10:00am-12:00pm: Open Studio at Little Loft
(511 11th St SE Washington, DC 20003)
Drop in anytime during our open hours to play at our sand and rice tables, play dough station, book corner, and art table. Great for ages 1.5 – 8. $15/child (siblings half price), no preregistration necessary.

10:30am: GIGS and Kindiemusicdc present Junior Jams: John Henry the Guitar Playing Man! at FNDTN Gallery and Liveroom
(3762A Howard Ave. Kensington, MD. 20895)
John Henry is renowned for his ability to connect with his audiences. He brings 20 years of early childhood education, and experience as a dad himself to his interactive program, engaging children of all ages as they dance, sing and imagine.

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 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. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Featured story: Five Little Monkeys

11:00am-4:00pm: Mardi Gras Family Day at Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
(1901 Fort Place SE Washington, DC 20020)
Join in on the fun with this popular annual museum event featuring storytelling, face painting, balloon artist, mask-making, and other hands-on activities including a second line parade through the museum. Attendees can also participate in the popular Art of Adornment workshop with artist and entrepreneur, Januwa Moja-Nelson. Get a complimentary picture of you dressed in Januwa’s individual designs. Those interested in the Adornment workshop should sign up on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival. This program is free and open to everyone! Register or call 202.633.4844.

Sunday-

10:00am: Sunday Fun Day at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. 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. Best for ages 1-3. Featured story: The Little Engine That Could

2:00pm-5:00pm: Chinese New Year Parade and Festival
(H Street, NW, between 6th and 7th Streets)
Each year a parade is held in Chinatown to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The event features the traditional Chinese Dragon Dance, Kung Fu demonstrations and live musical entertainment. The firecracker will be lit at 3:45 p.m. A good place to view the parade is along 7th St. The closest Metro station is Gallery Place/Chinatown.

2:00pm: McLean Community Center presents “Fly Guy and Other Stories”
(1234 Ingleside Avenue McLean, Virginia 22101)
Fly Guy has met his match, and her name is Fly Girl. Fly Guy is totally impressed and totally smitten. Will Fly Guy and Fly Girl get married and leave Buzz without his dear pet? Other stories by authors such as McMullan, Howe, Henkes and Munsch will be featured. Tickets are $15 for non-members. For ages 5+.

Weekend Picks: Be My Valentine this President’s Day Weekend

February 13, 2015

The Kennedy Center Performances for Young Audiences presents: Jack’s Tale: A Mythic Mountain Musical Adventure. This world premiere Kennedy Center co-commission with Nashville Children’s Theatre uses actors and a live bluegrass band to dive deep into the eclectic music traditions of the Appalachians. The result: a delightfully authentic mountain musical! There are 5 shows throughout the weekend, tickets are $20 for the 60 minute musical, best suited for children ages 8+.

It is George Washington’s Birthday Weekend! Celebrate George Washington’s 283rd birthday this weekend with special activities at Mount Vernon! Enjoy a sample of George Washington’s favorite breakfast on February 14-15 (included in admission). Celebrate the national observance of George Washington’s birthday by attending Mount Vernon’s events free-of-charge on February 16! Admission on Monday is free.

Friday:

11:30am-7:00pm- SweetARTS and Valentines at American Art Museum
(8th and F Streets, NW)
Need something special for your sweetie? Looking for a snarky card to send to your BFF? Tired of the same ol’ Valentine’s Day options? Look no further; American Art has what you need. Come on by to make the perfect, personalized card—we supply all the necessary materials at no cost. If you are feeling fancy, horticulturists from Smithsonian Gardens can help you make an orchid corsage for a $10 materials fee, while supplies last.

Saturday:

10:00am- Baby Loves Disco DMV presents Brunch Box at H St Country Club
(1335 H Street, NE, Washington DC 20002)
From the host who brought the DC area Baby Loves Disco since 2008 and owner of Hex9 Productions – we present “Brunch Box” – a pop up Brunch event for families in the DC area debuting at the wildly popular H Street Country Club in the Atlas Arts District of Washington, DC. Your ticket also includes the entertainment: a balloon twister, The Face Paint Lady! and other activities. Mini golf and the two shuffle board tables are available for exclusive use for the two hours. Tickets are $23 pp and children 8 and under are FREE. Get your tickets here.

10:00am- Avalon Theatre presents The Great Zucchini
(5612 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20015)
It’s time for The Great Zucchini to take over The Avalon once again! And he’s bringing in New York’s Charlie & Checkers for their first DC appearance ever! Don’t miss this very special performance from some of the biggest children’s entertainers on the east coast.

10:30am- Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 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. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Featured story: Skidamarink

10:30am-11:30am or 1:30pm-2:30pm- Be My Valentine Tour & Workshop for Children at Tudor Place
(1644 31st Street, NW Washington, DC 20007)
Tour the historic mansion in search of Valentine’s Day greetings from long ago. Children then design their own Valentines to take home, drawing artistic inspiration from historic cards in the Tudor Place Archive.

10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm- Steve Songs at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs has been writing and performing his award-winning music for kids and families for the past fifteen years. Steve blends participatory songs, clever stories and great melodies to create what the Boston Globe called “not just a musical journey but an entertaining, interactive and educational one.”

1:30pm-3:00pm- The French Academy presents Saint Valentin Workshop
(Baptist Church of Chevy Chase)
On Valentine’s Day we will talk about LOVE, of course: our best friends, our pets and family. We will prepare cards for our loved ones. Songs, games and treats await you too! Price for our students: $25 for one child/ $20 per child if you sign up two or more. Price for non students: $30 for one child/ $25 per child if you sign up two or more. For children ages 3-12 years old. Register

Sunday:

10:00am- Sunday Fun Day at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. 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. Best for ages 1-3. Featured story: My Heart is Like a Zoo

11:30am-3:00pm- Presidential Family Fun Day at The National Portrait Gallery
(8th and F St NW)
Celebrate President’s Day weekend during a patriotic family day at the National Portrait Gallery. Enjoy a variety of crafts and performances dedicated to our nation’s famous past-leaders.
Meet Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in person and enjoy several art activities like Presidential Polaroid’s and making picture frames. See performances by the local a capella group, “Snowday,” get your picture taken with the Washington Nationals Racing Presidents, and more.

Monday:

9:30am-11:00am- Presidents Day Family Storytime Yoga at Lil Omm
(4708 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016)
Storytime Family Yoga with Arts and Crafts with Julia Colton. Storytime Yoga is the perfect family workshop for budding bookworms and reluctant readers alike. Drawing on her experience working at Politics & Prose in the Children’s department and as “the best bed-time story reader ever” (according to several moms), teacher Julia Colton was inspired to combine two of her favorite things: books and yoga. Start with “Ish” by Peter H. Reynolds and then play our way through a few classics of children’s literature with time at the end for crafts based on our favorite stories (Ish drawings & butterfly masks). The workshop costs $30. Children ages 2-3 must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver.Drop-off optional for ages 4-5 years. Sign up here.

10:30am- Rocknoceros at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Spend Presidents Day rocking out with a DC favorite. As every family with youngsters in the DC area knows, Rocknoceros (pronounced like rhinoceros) is three guys: Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie. They have been making award-winning music for the whole family since 2005.

Weekend Picks: Children’s Orchestra, Chocolate Festival and Drones

February 6, 2015

Chocolate buzz anyone? We know it isn’t Valentine’s Day quite yet but this weekend brings a few sweet events to attend to get you ready for the 14th. The highlight of this weekend; The Chocolate Lovers Festival in Fairfax. There will be a puppet show, chocolate tastings, face painting, story time and much more that involves chocolate! Check out the schedule here. Also, be sure and check out our guide to getting delicious chocolate for your Valentine!

Friday:
6:00pm-9:00pm: Kennedy Center hosts Orchkids
(2700 F St., NW, Washington, D.C)
Sixty-five students from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s during- and after-school music program perform a special concert that will feature a mix of classical, jazz, pop and spiritual-inspired pieces.

Saturday:

10:00am-2:00pm: The Learning Center for Young Children presents WINTERFEST!
(10123 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895 Social Hall, Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church)
A day filled with fun for preschoolers, bake sale, silent auction, and music. All are welcome.

10:00am: Avalon Theater presents Blue Sky Puppet Theatre
(5612 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20015)
For over 40 years Blue Sky Puppet Theatre has brought excellence in theatre, art, education and fun to audiences all along the east coast. Their show “The Three (Not So Little) Pigs,” explores sibling rivalry and cooperation, incorporating audience participation and humor aimed at all ages.

10:30am: GIGS & Kindiemusicdc Present: Junior Jams – Marsha Goodman-Wood at FNDTN Gallery and Liveroom
(3762A Howard Ave. Kensington, MD. 20895)
Singer-songwriter Marsha Goodman-Wood is known for setting little toes to tapping with original melodies that mix generous doses of science and positive social messages into songs that are just plain fun. Her quirky, smart compositions take on topics from astronomy, answering the age-old question “Why Can’t You Dance on Jupiter?” to nonconformity with “Sheep Don’t Wear Shoes,” and biology in “The Penguin Song.”

11:00am-2:00pm: Eyes in the Sky: Game of Drones Family Day at The National Building Museum
(401 F Street NW Washington, D.C. 20001)
Drones have been in the news quite a bit but few people really know how they are designed, built and operated. Join the International Spy Museum, the National Building Museum and the DC Drone User Group to discover the secrets of drones. Local drone makers will demonstrate their wares and show families the inner workings of their drones as well as their special spy skills. A spy mission challenge will take place in which drone makers will guide their drones through a series of secret spy missions to see whose drone is the stealthiest. This event is free and requires no reservation.

1:00pm-5:00pm: Valentine’s Day Card Making at The Postal Museum
(2 Massachusetts Avenue Northeast, Washington, DC 20002-Atrium on the level 1)
Love is in the details at the annual Valentine’s Day Card Workshop at the National Postal Museum. Come out and create heart-felt handmade cards and visit the museum’s stamp store to send the cards to your loved ones with a special Postal Museum postmark! This event is free and needs no reservation.

Sunday:

1:00pm-4:00pm: Takoma Plays! 5th Annual Mid-Winter Play Day
(Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, 20912)
See the flyer here for the schedule of details. Bach to Rock will be playing, face painting, box play with Girl Scouts and more indoor fun!

Weekday Adventures: ‘Make Meaning’ with art, watch a play and listen to catchy tunes

November 16, 2014

As the weather turns bitter, reserve your seats at a play this week. Adventure Theater and Imagination Stage have great plays showing. Remember, our Indoor Guide has you covered for some fun and unique indoor places to turn to as it’s windy and cold outside. And for you cold weather fans, we will publish a Winter Outdoor Guide soon.

Monday-

9:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
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.

9:30am and 10:15am: Storytime at Noyes Library
(10237 Carroll Pl, Kensington, MD 20895)
Come Sing, Read, and Rhyme With Us! Music is a fun way to learn about sounds, rhythm, rhyme and is a natural support for your child’s early learning. Appropriate for all ages.

10:15am and 11:30am: Coyote Mischief Tales at Discovery Theater
(Ripley Center, Smithsonian)
Coyote Mischief Tales introduces the culture and legends of Native Americans in a show featuring the famous trickster Coyote, his friend Hastali, and his loving wife Mole, in a trio of tribal stories that will entertain, inspire and teach. Walk the Medicine Wheel in four directions, each with a different lesson—alternately funny, warm and wise. “Coyote Gets his Name” teaches us that the most important lesson is to be true to ourselves; “Coyote and his Pups” reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously and to always value others; “Coyote’s Big Giveaway” is a story about friendship and true giving; and the message in “Coyote Visits the Land of the Spirits” is that true love is the strongest medicine of all. Recommended for ages 5-10.

10:30am-11:00am: Songs and stories at Politics and Prose
(5015 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008)
Come sing-along to your favorite songs. Grab a treat in the cafe afterwards or hang out reading books.
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Weekday Adventures: Coyote Mischief, Geocaching and Postal Museum Storytime

November 2, 2014

Brrr– November is here and Fall weather has arrived. I’m ecstatic because that means I’m only 2 weeks away from meeting our second child but I am also fully aware that today was not *that* cold and I still had to run screaming to my car tonight on our way out of Comet Pizza because I was so cold. I’m admittedly a big baby when it comes to cold weather (in my defense I lived in Florida for 6 years). With that being said, I will keep a few events outdoors but it’s that time of the year where I will search for fun indoor events mostly. The heat is on at DC Libraries and you can find the Children’s Library Events for the week here. Also, our Indoor Fun Guide has plenty of places to check off your list this winter and escape the cold.

Monday-

10:30am: Storytime at The National Postal Museum
(2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum invites adults and young children (ages 2-3) to discover the world around them together at our monthly StoryTime. Children will build important developmental and social skills through books, activities, songs and self-guided gallery exploration. Explore themes, such as shapes, colors, and sizes, in a relaxed setting at your neighborhood museum. Feel free to bring snacks and enjoy the space after the program! Free- no reservation required. Featured story is Letter to Amy by Ezra Jack Keats.

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Weekday Adventures: Mr. Gabe at the Farm and a Haunted Halloween

October 26, 2014

The kids are living for Friday! With Halloween being on a Friday, we have the longest celebrating to do, with two weekends of parties and parades. But, don’t forget about the apple and pumpkin picking– here’s the guide! The weather this week looks amazing so take advantage of the festivities.

Monday-

9:30am-11:00am: Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for local stay-at-home parents and early rising families of all kinds! Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under. This week Jessica “Culture Queen” Smith is a Master Teaching & Performance Artist who creates fun and cultural experiences for your royal children!

11:00am and 12:00pm: Mr. Gabe at Cox Farms
(15621 Braddock Rd, Centreville, VA 20120)
A perfect way to explore a new farm and fall festival. The farm opens at 10:00am so get there early to play and then catch the concert(s).

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Weekday Adventures: Starry, Starry Night, Owl-O-Ween and Boo at the Zoo

October 19, 2014

This week has all of our usual fun activities but near the end of the week Halloween festivities will begin! Get those finishing touches on those costumes!

Monday-

9:30am-11:00am- Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for local stay-at-home parents and early rising families of all kinds! Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under. This week Marsha Goodman-Wood, a D C-based singer/songwriter and music teacher will perform. Marsha is known for getting kids singing and dancing at her shows, setting little toes to tapping with original melodies that mix generous doses of science and positive social messages into songs that are just plain fun.

[Read more…]