family

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

November 4, 2022

Friday

7:00pm: Inside Out Movie at President Lincoln’s Cottage
Join for a free film screening on the lawn of Lincoln’s summer residence. Among other things, the Lincoln family came to the Cottage to relax and enjoy each other’s company, and you are invited to do the same. Bring a picnic (or popcorn) and sit back!

7:30pm: Día de los Muertos at The Kennedy Center:
Celebrate the Mexican holiday, el día de los muertos, the day of the dead, with a concert dedicated to music by Mexican composers, conducted by NOW’s Artistic Director Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez, a native of Guadalajara, Mexico.

Saturday

9:00am-1:00pm: Open Streets: Tenleytown
The final Open Streets of the year will take place on Ward 3’s Wisconsin Avenue, where one mile will be closed to cars and open to people to bike, walk, scoot, and play in a reimagining of public space. Explore all the amenities that Friendship Heights and Tenleytown have to offer and be sure to participate in a fitness or yoga class in one of our activation zones at no cost! Popular programming will return this fall, including arts and crafts, live music, safety demonstrations, and more. The event is free and suitable for people of ALL ages and abilities.

10:00am-5:00pm: Pumpkin Chunkin’ at Great Country Farms
Bring your leftover jack-o-lantern to our smashin’ stations and let it fly! The Silo Drop and the Zip Wire Sploosh let you do the smashin’ yourself or bring your pumpkin to the Pumpkin Drop Zone and add it to our upside down “fireworks display” as the pumpkins are dropped from a 40ft lift. You will be sure to love giving your pumpkin one final ride. What happens to all those smashed pumpkins?… the pigs and cows love to eat them and we compost the rest.

10:00am-4:00pm: 16th Annual Parade of Trabants at The Spy Museum
Join us for the ONLY Trabant Rally in the United States! Celebrate the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall at this festive gathering of the quintessential Cold War car—the Trabant. Despite their questionable performance and smoky two-stroke engines, these little cars are now affectionately regarded as a symbol of East Germany and the fall of Communism.

10:00am-1:00pm: Maker Morning at Hirshhorn
Think inside and outside the box with us in this Maker Morning exploring installation! Have you ever seen an artwork that covers an entire room (sometimes including the floors!)? Large artworks, often with many different parts that are set up in a place, are called installations. Join us for Maker Morning: Installation Creation to check out the many installations on view at the museum, collaborate and create our own larger than life artwork!

11:00am-4:00pm: The Big Build at the National Building Museum
All ages are invited to The Big Build, a FREE hands-on festival exploring a wide variety of unique, interactive activities with roofers, plumbers, home remodelers, construction workers, carpenters, designers, and artisans.

5:30pm-8:30pm: Side Yards at The Yards
Guests are invited to enjoy contortionists, magicians, escape artists, sword swallowers, aerialists, lollipop lyra performers and other spook-tacular performances. Attendees are also able to take part in interactive activities including tarot card and palm reading, balloon artistry, and glitter tattoos, and warm up with hot cocoa and bites from Agua 301 and Due South Dockside. You can find photos from last year’s event linked here.

Sunday

Performances
Air Play – November 4-6
Umbrellas fly, fabrics soar over the audience, balloons swallow people, and snow swirls, filling the stage. Air Play transforms ordinary objects into uncommon beauty through a wordless, magical adventure as two siblings journey through a surreal land of air. Created by circus performers Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone in collaboration with kinetic sculptor Daniel Wurtzel, this enchanting spectacle combines comedy, live sculpture, circus, and theater to fill both the young and young at heart with wonder.

S.P.I.E.S. 2 – Through November 20
Join S.P.I.E.S. in person, where it is more interactive than ever! This follow-up to the online hit S.P.I.E.S. & the Lost Treasure of Atlantis combines live theatre and taped adventure scenes to create a collaborative and exciting experience where each audience gets to be the hero and solve the puzzles–and no two performances are alike.

Children’s performances at Wolf Trap

May 3, 2022

Wolf Trap isn’t just for adults, there are great family shows too! If you do go sans Bambinos, remember to bring a picnic, drinks and blanket and make an entire evening out of it. For the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods performances, you can’t have your picnic at the show but once it is finished you can enjoy it in the big grassy field or at one of the tables.

Family Sing-A-Longs-
Sound of Music: July 16
Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story in Concert: July 30
Encanto: The Sing Along Film Concert: August 11

Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods–
Josh Lovelace- Young Folk: June 21
The Fourth Wall- Fruit Flies Like a Banana: June 22
Xuejuan Dance Ensemble- The Land of Mulan: June 23
Madcap Puppets- Jack & the Gentle Giant: June 24 & 25
Marsha & the Positrons- Fun Songs About Science!: June 28
Native Pride Dancers- Dancing Through Life: June 29
David Gonzalez with Daniel Kelly- Cuentos: Tales from the Latinx World: June 30
Up In Arms- Pirate Song: July 1 & 2
Kalanidhi Dance- Dancing Stories: July 5
Uncle Devin- In the Pocket Go-Go Show: July 6
The Bright Siders: July 7
GreatWorks Theatre Company- Lyle the Crocodile: July 8 & 9
Fyütch- Dance Party with Fyütch: July 12
Freddy Fossil’s DINO Show!: July 13 & 14
Furia Flamenca Dance Company- A Trip to Spain: July 15
Rissi Palmer- Best Day Ever: July 16
Wendy and DB- Into the Little Blue House: July 19
Soul in Motion- Drum Call: July 20
Flor Bromley- Fiesta Global: July 21
Vital Theatre Company-Owen and Mzee The Musical: July 22 & 23
Aaron Nigel Smith & Red Yarn- Smith & Yarn: July 26
Megan Schoenbohm: July 27
The Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance- Stepping in the Woods: Celebrating Irish Dance: July 28
Maryland Youth Ballet- Hansel & Gretel: July 29 & 30
Broken Box Mime Theater- Destination Everywhere: August 2
123 Andrés- Actívate: August 3
Bee Parks and the Hornets: August 4
The Amazing Max- Magic Shoe: August 5 & 6

SEE MORE, FOR LESS! Buy tickets now to 3 or more Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods shows and get $2 off every ticket! BUY PACKAGE HERE

2022 POLICIES & INFO: By purchasing a ticket to Wolf Trap, you agree to comply with all health and safety protocols that are in place at the time of the performance. Wolf Trap’s COVID-19 protocols are subject to change based on the CDC, Virginia, and National Park Service policies. Please check the policies and guidelines prior to your performance for the most up-to-date information.

LOCATION: 1551 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182

Hanukkah celebrations in and around Washington, DC

November 27, 2021

Hanukkah begins November 28 this year! There are several ways to get festive in our area from menorah lightings to family Hanukkah parties to ice skating! Edible DC has an amazing round-up of places to get food for your holiday.

Now through Dec 7: Military Mitzvah Chanukah Card Project
PJ Library and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington are partnering to share a wonderful opportunity with you to send Chanukah greeting cards to Jewish military members and veterans! Sign up to mail your cards by December 7^th.

Nov. 19 – Jan. 2: Winterfest production at Adventure Theatre
Get three shows for the price of one! Adventure brings favorites from the digital Jingle in July festival to the live stage. The shows are: Uri & Ora Light the Menorah, Connection & Cranky Penguin.

Nov. 26 – Jan. 2: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins at The Puppet Co.
Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)? Join during Hanukkah (November 28 – December 5) to take home a special gift.

Nov. 28 from 3:15pm – 5:45pm: National Menorah Lighting
The annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah, on the Ellipse, just across from the White House, helps launch and strengthen the celebration of “Chanukah – Festival of Lights” in all 50 states and over 100 countries globally. The National Menorah is honored to have the presence of the Military Bands of the Military District of Washington perform at the lighting ceremony, often accompanied by a celebrity Jewish artist. Prominent guests including the President, Vice President, members of the Cabinet, Congress and the diplomatic corps, as well as numerous senior Administration officials and international dignitaries and celebrities have participated in the ceremony. The event creates much joy and celebration throughout the entire Washington community and beyond. Music, food, entertainment and the “National Essay Winners” are main attractions of the National Menorah Ceremony.

Nov. 28 – Dec. 6 from 5:00pm-6:00pm: The Wharf Lighting of the Menorah
The Wharf is continuing the annual tradition of lighting the menorah in District Square for each night of Hanukkah. Come to The Wharf to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Nov. 28 at 5:30pm: Chanukah Festival in Old Town, Alexandria
Join us as we celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious pre-packaged Latkes, hot cocoa, pre-packaged donuts and more!

Nov. 30 at 6:00pm: Light Up Arlington
Experience the festival of lights at Clarendon Menorah Lighting and Community Celebration when they light a giant 9 foot Menorah. Enjoy delicious hot potato latkes (pre-packaged), hot cocoa, donuts, (pre-packaged), chocolate gelt and dreidels for all. There will also be lively Chanukah music!

Dec. 2 from 5:30pm-8:00pm: Chanukah Party for Jews of Color & the Families
Please join for an evening in the EDCJCC parking lot to celebrate Chanukah in fellowship with Jews of Color and multiracial Jewish and interfaith families in the DMV. It may be chilly outside, but latkes, candle-lighting, music, activities for a wide range of ages (tweens and teens welcome!), and friendly conversations will keep us warm. 🙂 Bring your coat and yourself, and join us for a festive opportunity to be together and get to know other Jews of color and multiracial families — Jewish, Jew-ish, interfaith, and everything in between.

Dec. 2 from 6:00pm-8:00pm: Lights & Ice: Hanukkah Skate Night
Celebrate the Festival of Lights at the Canal Park Ice Rink with the Capitol Riverfront BID! Free skate rentals will be offered to the first 100 attendees to slip and slide around the outdoor menorah along with free donuts plus dreidel and gelt giveaways.

Dec. 2 from 6:00pm-8:00pm: Chanukah on Ice
Skate with family and friends at the Pentagon Row Ice Rink. There will be a free raffle and the lighting of a giant 6ft Menorah. There will be hot latkes, kosher hot dogs and refreshments.

Dec. 4 10:30am (Brunch), 11:30am (Concert): Boogie-Woogie Klezmer Brunch with The Music Pilgrim Trio & Daryl Davis
Klezmer brunch is back and family friendly this December! Music lovers of all ages are welcome to join us for Boogie-Woogie Klezmer Brunch with Seth Kibel paired with the Music Pilgrim Trio & Daryl Davis. There will be concert seating for those who want it, but children will not be expected to sit quietly — dancing is encouraged! $25/person for concert and brunch; $15 for concert only; children 7 and under are FREE

Dec. 4 at 11:00am: City-State Brewing Story Hour: The Ninth Night of Hanukkah
Erica is the author of numerous early-reader books, chapter books, middle grade novels and picture books, including the festive and inspiring The Ninth Night of Hanukkah, which follows siblings Rachel and Max as they navigate their first Hanukkah in a new apartment.

Dec. 5 from 10:00am-11:00am: Family Chanukah Party
Happy Chanukah! Join at the EDCJCC for a fun morning celebrating Hanukkah. There will be arts and crafts, music, science and a community service opportunity. This program will take place in the JCC parking lot and inside the building.

Dec. 4 from 4:30pm-6:30pm: Hanukkah Party at The Lane
The Lane loves a party and there’s no better reason to celebrate than the festival of lights: Hanukkah! Join the party in partnership with The Micah Storefront Project for a Hanukkah party with latkes, donuts, dreidels, and singing with Rabbis Josh Beraha and Stephanie Crawley! Sign up here.

Dec. 5 from 5pm-6pm: Community Menorah Lighting
It’s Chanukah time – and they’re bringing the celebration to you! Join as they light the candles, sing songs, enjoy entertainment, spin the dreidel and more!

Dec. 10 at 6:30pm: Chanukah Havdalah in Pajamas
Join PJ Library, Berman Hebrew Academy, Kehilat Pardes, and The Jewish Federation to celebrate how to bring more light into the world with Chanukah (the Festival of Lights) and Havdalah. After a warm, spirited Havdalah ceremony to end Shabbat, we’ll create our own lanterns for a lantern walk!

Dec. 11 from 1:00pm–2:30pm: The Great Hanukkah Escape
Join the CESJDS STEM Center for Hanukkah! Families will work to solve puzzles to celebrate the joy of Hanukkah! *Ages 3-10, must be accompanied by an adult.

Dec. 13 at 4:30pm: Chanukah with Grandfriends Zoom (link sent after registration)
Join a virtual, multi-generational event for PJ kids and their “grandfriends” to celebrate the Festival of Lights with stories, a de-light-ful craft project, and games. Register by December 7^th to receive the project materials in the mail. Registration opens 11/17. This is a collaboration of PJ Library, Bender JCC, Edlavitch DCJCC, Pozez JCC’s Growing Jewish Families, HoneymoonIsrael, and The Jewish Federation of Great Washington. $8/screen, which includes project materials mailed to you.

Dec. 18 from 3:45pm-5:15pm: National Menorah Lighting
Musical performances, special guest and the lighting will occur on the Ellipse. Register to attend at link above.

Dec. 18 at 5:30pm: Northern VA Night of Lights
Join a family-oriented, community-wide candle lighting event featuring holiday-themed activities, including latkes, dreidel playing, doughnuts, kids crafts, music, a photo booth and more!

Celebrate the High Holidays at home with PJ Library

September 11, 2020

Each fall, Jews around the world celebrate the High Holidays: Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). It’s a time when one can take a deep breath and think about the ways to make ourselves and the world a better place. Traditionally, many families celebrate the holidays at synagogue and with relatives and friends. This year, to stay safe, many are staying home, so PJ Library has created a FREE, everything-you-need family guide to help celebrate what may be many family’s first High Holidays spent entirely at home. It’s easy to subscribe to PJ Library just click HERE! Be sure to check out and download this beautifully-illustrated “High Holidays at Home: A PJ Library Family Guide” featuring new and familiar rituals, hands-on activities such as shofar making and challah baking, conversation starters, “unpacking” of selected prayers (with tips on talking with children about God), and family-friendly explanations — all aimed at making the ten days the High Holidays are celebrated meaningful, memorable and fun for families, this year and in the future. The guide is also accompanied by an interactive online companion that offers helpful how-to videos, music, and audio versions of blessing and prayers.

Our family used the guide to make homemade challah, using the recipe in the guide. It was so simple and a great way to bond and discuss the holidays.

It’s easy to subscribe to PJ Library just click HERE!

Washington Nationals Kids Promotions

June 10, 2019

Nationals Park was designed for fans of all ages, and throughout the 2019 season families will have great opportunities to come watch a game at Nationals Park and enjoy all the family-oriented things Nationals Park has to offer. In addition, one Sunday each month there will be a special giveaway for kids presented by Harris Teeter, featuring all new items. Family-friendly events like Kids Run the Bases, Kids Opening Day, and the Youth Baseball & Softball Parade also return for the 2019 season. The Nationals full 2019 promotional calendar can be found here.

Just for Kids Giveaways:
 April 28 – Kids Watch (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 May 26 – Max Scherzer Jersey (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 June 23 – Screech Hooded Towel (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 August 18 – Teddy Squeezable Toy (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 September 15 – Lumberjack Cap (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)

Our favorite family-friendly summer activities in and around Washington, DC

May 2, 2019

Summer is my all-time favorite time in Washington, DC, despite the hot temperatures, there is something always going on. An outdoor festival, fountains to splash around in, an outdoor sports game to watch or live music are a few of our go-to’s. We want to help you kick off your summer the right way so you don’t miss out on some of the great summer events in Washington, DC.

Jazz in the Sculpture Garden: The Jazz in the Garden Series begins its 19th season in May. The free concert series features jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles—Brazilian Folk Jazz, Alternative Modern, Blues, Reggae, World Steam Punk, Afro Funk, African Fusion Jazz, Cuban Charanga, Django Guitar, New Orleans Jazz, and more—every Friday evening from 5:00 to 8:30 in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Bring a picnic, buy a beverage, relax and enjoy the atmosphere, sculptures and music.
Local splash parks
Wolf Trap children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods: June 18- Aug 3, 2019- Across the meadow from the Filene Center, literally tucked in the woods at Wolf Trap National Park, the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods has been a summer tradition for generations of children and families. Performances range from music and dance to puppetry and storytelling—interactive, educational, and fun. All shows are about an hour long and are perfect for children ages 4 and up. Event calendar can be found here.
Play in your own yard! Our family loves good old fashioned chalk and bubbles on our front walkway but we also play tons of catch, water play and scootering. This wouldn’t be possible if we didn’t have our yard sprayed by Mosquito Squad. The first year we lived in our house we weren’t able to sit on our front porch for more than a minute without being bitten by mosquitos. Mosquito Squad has made an amazing difference and after our treatment the mosquitos are gone! What I love most is that their spray techniques allow for kids and pets to return to playing just 30 minutes after service.
Pirate Adventure on the Chesapeake: Boat + Annapolis + Pirate Adventure = Outdoor Perfection
Smithsonian Folklife Festival: The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is June 29 & 30, 2019 and you will experience living traditions from around the world. The goal is to work with communities to strengthen and preserve their cultures and share them with you on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Strathmore Backyard Theatre: Enrich your little ones’ summer Thursday mornings in July with sunshine, music, and laughter at Strathmore’s Backyard Theater for Kids. This eclectic program is the perfect summer escape for busy families. Pack a picnic and enjoy live performances by highly esteemed and innovative family-friendly entertainers.
Montgomery County Agriculture Fair: The Fair will be August 9-17, 2019 and has animals, rides, entertainment, food, commercial, home arts, arts and crafts exhibits, and many others for the whole family to enjoy!
11th Annual Ukulele Festival at Strathmore: It’s a celebration of the marvelous musicality of the ukulele on August 21, 2019. UkeFest features ukulele superstars Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, Daniel Ho, and Peter Luongo along with a mass strum-along. This fantastically fun concert is the culmination of the 11th annual UkeFest intensive workshop and a highlight of summer at Strathmore!
Kayak, canoe and paddle boating: Ballpark Boathouse, Fletcher’s Boathouse, Mariner Sailing School, The Wharf

Mosquito Squad of Greater Washington DC is our communities’ leading choice for mosquito, tick, and flea control, as well as other forms of backyard pest control. Their work has made it possible for customers to enjoy their backyards for the first time without fear of bug bites or vector-borne diseases. Their work is backed by a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. If you don’t like the results, they promise to spray your yard again for free or refund your money. Schedule your mosquito control treatment by calling (571) 364-6956 and find a service that is right for your family here.

This post was written in partnership with D.C. Mosquito Squad who is providing standard barrier treatment for our yard this summer.

Live outdoor summer music in and around Washington, DC

June 7, 2018

One of my favorite parts about summer in Washington, DC are the (mostly) free, outdoor concerts you can find. A few summers ago we took a sporadic drive to the Mall, walked around, played some ball by the reflecting pool with our then three year old and walked towards the Capitol where the U.S. Air Force Band was performing a free concert. A huge crowd was gathered on the steps and in chairs taking in the gorgeous evening and patriotic tunes. I had no idea they performed for free and for the public on random evenings. This post will help you take advantage of some great music that will help you relax after a long day and see a bit of our city while doing so. Also, included are family focused shows at some favorite venues. Get out and enjoy the lighter evenings, let your kids stay up a little longer and enjoy the music our city offers.

The Yards Park Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 8th Season. Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike. Also check out Kids in Canal: Making its second appearance in Capitol Riverfront, Kids in Canal is a 12-week series of kid-friendly entertainment every Wednesday 10:30 am – 11:30 am beginning June 6th! Bring your little ones to the middle block of Canal Park to enjoy magic shows, kids tunes, science demonstrations, and puppet shows. Top off your day with a refreshing splash in the Canal Park dancing water fountains.

Strathmore’s Backyard Theatre for Children
Enrich your little ones’ summer mornings with sunshine, music, and laughter at Strathmore’s Backyard Theater for Kids. This eclectic program is the perfect summer escape for busy families. Pack a picnic and enjoy live performances by highly esteemed and innovative family-friendly entertainers. From folk and jazz to the amazing sounds of the steelpan, Backyard Theater makes it easy to engage kids at every stage. We promise to keep both kids and parents entertained, so bring your family for a morning of inspiration and celebration!

LITTLE MISS ANN Thu, July 5
JOJO & THE PINECONES Thu, July 12
POSITIVE VIBRATIONS Thu, July 19
LUCKY DIAZ & THE FAMILY JAM BAND Thu, July 26

Also for kids!
ARTS ON THE HORIZON: TO THE CLOUDS Sat, July 28

[Read more…]

Safe Summer Fun: 11 Family-Focused Water Safety Tips + Williamsburg Great Wolf Lodge

May 16, 2018

Summertime is almost here and what better place to kick off your summer adventures by planning a family vacation to the beach, lake or a trip to the incredible Williamsburg Great Wolf Lodge? Summer is the perfect time to take your family to the waterpark resort, which was recently named by Trip Advisor as one of the Top 25 Hotels for Families in the United States! The resort features a massive indoor waterpark, as well as a bowling alley, mini golf course, outdoor ropes course, and a spa just for kids of all ages.

Great Wolf Lodge is a nationally recognized leader in water safety. Ellis & Associates, a renowned international organization focused on aquatic safety has recognized Great Wolf Lodge several years running with its top award for water safety. Since opening its first resort in 1997, Great Wolf Lodge has welcomed millions of families and accumulated a wealth of tips to help keep families safe around water.

May is National Water Safety Month, so there is no better time to share these tips with your family for a safe summer of fun!

Never swim alone. Always use the buddy system and be sure the area is well supervised by lifeguards before you or other family members enter the water.
Encourage your child to wear a life jacket. Many public pools and water parks provide life jackets for your use free of charge and it’s better to be on the safe side if your child is not a confident swimmer.
Never assume someone else is watching your child. Even with lifeguards nearby, you have the responsibility for your child. The best way to keep your child safe is to play right alongside them.
Stay hydrated. Swimming and playing takes a lot of energy, especially during the hot summer months. Drink plenty of water or sports drinks and rest in a cool location.
Forget the Bling. Before heading to the beach, pool or water park, avoid swimsuits that have ties, grommets or decorations that could get caught on something during water activities.
Skip the flip-flops. Look for sandals with a heel strap or a full-coverage slip-on water shoe that will stay in place both in and out of the water.
Too much sun is no fun. Be sure to limit your exposure during peak hours of 12pm-3pm and reapply waterproof/sweat proof sunscreen every 80 minutes.
Take a CPR course. Knowing these skills can be important in any environment. This is a skill we all can benefit from – on land and around water.
Read all of the signs before going on a waterslide, pool or attraction. Make sure your child meets the posted requirements. If you have questions about an attraction, ask an employee at the facility.
Plan ahead. As a family, decide on a meeting place to go to if anyone gets separated. Kids can take off in instant and crowded parks and beaches can make it difficult for little ones to find you. Choose an easy-to-spot location that can be easily found by all family members.
If you see someone struggling in the water, call for help. Remember “Reach or Throw, Don’t Go!” Even professionally trained lifeguards don’t enter the water without having the proper flotation devices to keep themselves safe.