garden

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

April 6, 2018

The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum is hosting a Garden Party from 11am-4pm both Saturday & Sunday to celebrate the warmer weather, and to highlight one of our exhibitions, Beautiful Blooms: Flowering Plants on Stamps. The exhibition’s focus is on stamp art that features flowers and diverse elements of a garden, such as birds and flowering trees. The artwork on display represents some of the most attractive pieces in the renowned Postmaster General’s Collection, and we are excited to feature the exhibition as part of this educational, fun and inviting program.

Balloonacy at Imagination Stage is on it’s final weekend of performances. Shows are Saturday & Sunday.

Helpful information on the Cherry Blossoms can be found here.

Royal Adventure Days at B&O Railroad Museum allows you to spend the day with some of your favorite princesses and fairy tale characters. Explore 5 royal kingdoms where you interact or make crafts with royalty. Saturday, April 7, 10am – 3pm, Sunday, April 8, 11am – 3pm. Train Ride: Saturday at 11:30am, 12:30pm & 2pm. Sunday at 12pm & 2:30pm.

USA Science & Engineering Festival will be at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Saturday 10 am- 6 pm and Sunday 10 am- 4 pm. This is the Nation’s largest celebration of STEM. With over 3,000 hands-on exhibits, stage shows & scientists. Free 2-day expo!

Saturday-

9:30am AND 11:15am: Theatreworks USA: Dragons Love Tacos and Other Stories
The National Theatre is thrilled to welcome Theatreworks USA’s newest musical revue of beloved contemporary children’s books! Dragons love all sorts of tacos – except spicy ones! When a boy throws his new dragon friends a spicy salsa taco party, red-hot trouble ensues. FREE

10:00am-12:00pm: Open Studio: Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival! at Freer|Sackler
Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival with the Freer|Sackler! Take a family-friendly tour and learn about nature in Japanese art (10:30 am). Then, continue to explore the Freer for pop-up art-making activities and artist demonstrations inspired by the spring season. All ages welcome with adult companions.

10:15am: Strathmore Children’s Art Talk & Tour at the Mansion
Young art lovers can get behind the brushstrokes and into the head, heart, and history of the artists with these kid-friendly Saturday tours. Children take part in an educational guided tour of the current exhibitions followed by a hands-on art activity. Ages 7 & up. Accompanying adults are free. Reservations required.

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. The Little Engine That Could is the featured story.

11:30am-3:00pm: Jazz Family Day at SAAM
Come and jam at SAAM during Jazz Appreciation Month! SAAM celebrates jazz’s influence on artists with activities and performances. Improvise with your own jazz-themed crafts, complete a swinging scavenger hunt, and bop to jazz performances throughout the day.

1:00pm-9:30pm: Petalpalooza
Join us for live music, games, fireworks, free product giveaways, and more. There are also lots of great restaurants along The Wharf where you can pop inside and grab a bite to eat. We’re looking forward to a fun-filled Saturday and can’t wait to see you there! To remain aware of updates, check back here or follow us on Facebook: CherryBlossomFestival and Twitter: @CherryBlossFest.

Sunday-

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Fun-Day at Imagination Stage
We invite you and your child to 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. From Head to Toe is the featured story.

2:00pm AND 6:00pm: Bubble Guppies Live at National Theatre
Get the ultimate fan experience with the Meet and Greet Package. Package features premium show seating and a pre-show Meet and Greet with two Bubble Guppies Live friends – Gil and Molly! Meet and Greet packages will include a separate Meet and Greet ticket, which you’ll receive with your show tickets. Each adult and child (age 1 and up) in a group must purchase a Meet and Greet Package. All Meet and Greets start one hour before show time and last 20 minutes.**Everyone entering the theater must have a ticket.

Weekend Picks: September 22-24, 2017

September 22, 2017

Fall Festivals have commenced!!! Let the apple and pumpkin picking start. Pictured above is a fabulous fall display the The National Harbor had set-up two years ago by the Wheel.

The Great Frederick Fair with rides, agriculture, fair food, animals and more will be happening through Saturday!

Maryland Renaissance Festival will be jousting and serving up lots of turkey legs for opening weekend! The festival is free to children 15 and under this weekend only. Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, jousting, mazes, puppetry, pony rides, a huge pirate playground and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits. Dress like a knight and come participate or just watch! The Festival ends October 22 and is open weekends only.

****Follow our Instagram page to learn about more events, not included on the Weekend Picks!!!

Saturday- Museum Day Live! thanks to Smithsonian Magazine. Museums who typically charge admission, are free today.

8:30am-9:30am: Capoeira for Kids Ages 3.5-7 at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Capoeira provides physical fitness for children, ages 4 and up. It is intended to be a no- to low-contact martial art that helps children with gross motor planning and gross motor skills. Children will also learn maculele (a dance done hitting sticks against your partner’s sticks), samba, capoeira instruments, and Portuguese through this fun, interactive class. Classes are $15 each or $120 for a series of ten classes.

9:30am AND 10:30am: Harambe with Baba Ras D at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
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. $7 per child $3 per adult suggested donation.

9:30am AND 11:00am: Reptile World at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004)
Exotic creatures star in this amazing show! Michael Schwedick and his extraordinary animal friends not only teach kids invaluable lessons about the ecology, but also thrill them with up close reptile encounters. Adults will be awed by Michael’s ability to present alligators, snakes, and other sometimes scary creatures without frightening even the youngest children.

10:00am-5:00pm: Can you believe the National Museum of African American History & Culture is celebrating one-year of being open?! They are having an outdoor celebration that is free. See schedule for details.

10:30am: Here Comes Trouble at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Metro DC based kindie rock heroes HERE COMES TROUBLE is a band that is all about being silly, having fun, and finding the adventure in everything. Conservatory trained duo (and husband/wife team) Jon Babu and Kelly Donohue collaborate with their wacky band of friends to create irresistibly catchy lyrics and toe-tapping, genre-bending tunes that will keep you smiling all day long! $8

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave Bethesda, Maryland 20814)
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. Activities in Saturday Song Circle are best for 1-3 year-olds but 4-5 year-old siblings and friends are also welcome to join in the fun. Featured book: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

11:00am-5:00pm: Barrack’s Row Fall Festival
(Barracks Row)
A petting zoo, live music, beer garden, Star Wars characters dressed up, trapeze performers and the festival wraps up with a donkey procession.

11:00am-6:00pm: Reston Multicultural Festival
(2310 Colts Neck Rd Reston, VA 20191)
The Reston Multicultural Festival is a celebration of the diversity and community spirit that is found in Reston. This annual event brings together the people of Reston to celebrate our rich medley of cultures. Family, friends and neighbors are treated to music, entertainment, dress, food, and cultural treasures from all over the world that are all right here. This signature Reston event honors the diversity that is one of our greatest strengths. Everyone is encouraged to dress in attire from their own cultural roots and share the stories that we gather on the pathways of our lives. The Multicultural Festival features a Naturalization Ceremony, International Book Fair, National Heritage Award Fellows, arts & crafts, exciting entertainment, Art Mirrors Culture 2D and 3D exhibits, delicious food, and family activities from around the world.

7:00pm: Opera in the Outfield
(Nationals Park)
Celebrate the tenth season of free live opera simulcasts by joining Washington National Opera at Nationals Park for Aida. Gates open at 5 p.m. for pre-opera activities.

Sunday-

11:00am-4:00pm: ZooFiesta
(Smithsonian National Zoo)
Visitors can kick off the Smithsonian-wide Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at “ZooFiesta: Un día de diversión animal para toda la familia,”. There will be a variety of fun-filled family activities, including live music and educational activities about conservation in Central and South America. Animal keepers will host talks, feedings and demonstrations highlighting a variety of animals native to the region, including Andean bears, sloths, golden lion tamarins, Panamanian golden frogs and more. Visitors have an opportunity to meet Zoo scientists who are working to save native species and learn about their research.

11:00am-7:00pm: Turkish Festival
(Pennsylvania Avenue between 12th and 14th Streets NW)
With a 52 years legacy, ATA-DC’s mission has been cultivating the diversity in our city through its cultural, social and educational programs. In addition to the Turkish Festival, ATA-DC will take Washingtonians on a magical tour of Turkey with a variety of events showcasing Turkish culture, traditional arts, cuisine and movies during the 5th Annual Turkish Heritage Month. This cultural celebration will also highlight one of the regions of Turkey: the Ancient City of Ephesus, one of the most ancient cities of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors will have a chance to get a glimpse of Ephesus at the Annual DC Turkish Festival. Dancing, singing, lots of delicious food, shopping and more!

11:00am-8:00pm: DC State Fair
(Waterfront Station in Southwest DC- 375 and 425 M St. SW)
The DC State Fair is a free showcase of the District’s agricultural and creative talents and a daylong celebration of all things homegrown. While the DC State Fair is inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, animal husbandry, and deep-fried foods—it also honors the things that make the District of Columbia unique. This means the DC State Fair holds competitions to find the best pupusas, mumbo sauce, and Double Dutch jumpers in the city, puts on a Pet Parade instead of a pig race, and works with local businesses and organizations that are committed to helping our community thrive.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Garden Day at Washington National Cathedral
(3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016)
Bring your picnic blanket and join us in the Bishop’s Garden and Lawn as we celebrate All Hallows Guild’s 101st birthday. Garden docents to answer your questions, free lawn games for children and adults, food available for purchase from Rocklands Barbeque and A&B Ice Cream, free All Hallows Guild carousel coloring books. A coloring and craft table for kids, live music in the All Hallows Amphitheater, Herb Cottage Gift Sales, artists in the Garden and scavenger hunt. No admission charge. Free parking is available on Sunday along Pilgrim Road

12:00pm-5:00pm: KidFest
(Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, MD)
The DC Region’s largest annual family festival celebrating making, creativity, and innovation. Part of KID Museum’s ongoing effort to expose children and adults alike to the power of hands-on maker learning, KIDfest inspires them to find their own “spark.” Experience hands-on electronics, art, engineering, science, and crafts activities – along with awe-inspiring demos, engaging “KIDtalks,” and two stages of live musical performances and entertainment. Free parking and admission.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor
(165 Waterfront St National Harbor, MD 20745)
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. Pack your picnic blankets, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages! Movie:Beauty & the Beast

Weekend Picks April 28-30

April 28, 2017

I love this time of year with all of the flower marts and pick-your-own farms opening. This weekend you can visit the Garden Fair & Plant Sale at The National Arboretum. The annual Garden Fair & Plant Sale features new, rare, and hard-to-find plants, garden supply vendors, books, children’s activities, refreshments, entertainment, and more. Bring your garden questions to National Arboretum staff members for expert advice. Sponsored by the Friends of the National Arboretum.
April 28, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm; Friends of the National Arboretum members only
April 28, 1:00 – 4:00 pm; Open to the public
April 29, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; Open to the public

This weekend (and next) is the long-awaited Day Out with Thomas at B&O Railroad. Little Engineers won’t believe their eyes–or their ears! Thomas the Tank Engine will be able to talk to his fans when he returns to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore! Take a 25 minute train ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and enjoy a full day of live entertainment, activities, and family fun! Tickets are needed for ages 2 and up available.

Saturday-

10:00am-11:30am: Rock City Art Workshop at New Community ArtSpace
(614 S Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (basement))
We are going to have fun recreating and decorating a city using broken sidewalk and other rock from construction sites in the neighborhood. Children are welcome to bring things they find in nature to help accompany their mini city. Paula Lantz paints using the energy of intense color and collage combined, the abstracted figures reflect mysteries in our personal, emotional and spiritual life. Ann Gordon‘s work reflects strains of classical American Realism through her passions of water, light, shadow, reflections, transparency, and translucence. She works in watercolor, oil paints, stained glass.Workshops for children ages 4-8. Caregivers are welcome to stay or drop off. Siblings of all ages are welcome (caregivers are asked to stay if child is younger than 4). Just inform us of their ages so we can tailor the project. Each workshop is $10/child. Consider signing up for all workshops for just $20/child.

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave Bethesda, MD 20814)
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 of the songs to practice at home for ages 1-5. Register online. Featured: Take Me Out To The Ballgame

11:00am-4:00pm: Carousel Day at Glen Echo
(7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
Our fun-filled annual event gets a new name this year. As many of you know, this festival used to be called Family Day, but Carousel Day better represents what the day is all about — celebrating our beautifully-renovated, historic Dentzel carousel and all the wonderful arts programs in the Park. The carousel will open for its 97th season in Glen Echo Park on Carousel Day! The event also offers a full day (11:00 am to 4:00 pm) of FREE activities for throughout Glen Echo Park, including live music & other performances, face painting, storytelling, and carousel themed crafts. The carousel operates from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., $1.25 per ride. Free performances from Storyteller Arianna Ross, Artivate’s Karim Nagi & Mark H Rooney, Culkin School of Irish Dancing, Ballet Petite and Columbia Big Band.

11:30am-1:00pm: Nibble + Squeak Brunch at Joselito
(660 Pennsylvania Avenue SE)
Proprietor (and Dad), Javier Candon, debuted Joselito to Capitol Hill this January as a homage to his parents who showed him that some of the best memories in life are created with family and friends over leisurely meals. We’re bringing the whole family to the table on April 29th for a Spanish style brunch to be remembered. Thanks to MommyNearest, kids eat from the same menu for free! Nibbles for the littles provided by Plum Organics!

1:00pm-4:00pm: Taste of 8th
Each Taste is a small sample size, similar to a tapas portion. Most people purchase a pack of 5 tasting tickets so they can sample their favorite 8th Street restaurants. Buy now to purchase at our advance purchase price of $20 for 5 tasting tickets. Day-of tickets will be $25 for 5 tasting tickets. Barracks Row restaurants will serve appetizer sized samples of their best-known or newest dishes. Watch over the coming weeks as we announce the participants in the 2017 Taste of 8th! This year’s participants include Ambar, Banana Cafe, Betsy, The Brig, Capital Teas, Cava, Cafe Kimchi, Chat’s Liquor, DCanter, District Donut, EatBar, Las Placitas, Lavagna, Matchbox, Medium Rare, Nooshi, Springmill Bread, Souk, The Sweet Lobby, The Ugly Mug, Trattoria Alberto, and Yes! Organic.

Sunday-

11:00am: Sunday Fun-Day at Imagination Stage(4908 Auburn Ave 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 special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home for ages 1-5. Register online. Featured: The Tiny Seed

Plan ahead—

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp has several shows this weekend at Adventure Theatre

The Jungle Book is now playing at Imagination Stage

Does your child have a business she already runs? Or an idea for a business he wants to start? We’d love to include your child in this year’s Acton Children’s Business Fair of Washington, DC, where children become entrepreneurs for a day. Young entrepreneurs, ages 6-14, may APPLY NOW to join us Saturday, May 13 on Connecticut Avenue in Cleveland Park. Spark your child’s creativity and see where it leads!

Paw Patrol Live!: Race to the Rescue at Hippodrome May 6, 2017, 10:00am & 2:00pm AND May 7, 2017, 10:00am & 2:00pm

Peppa Pig Live at Strathmore May, 2, 2017 7:00pm

Weekend Picks: September 23-25

September 23, 2016

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical at Adventure Theatre kicks off this weekend!

Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-7:00pm Maryland Renaissance Festival will be joisting and serving up lots of turkey legs weekends through October 23. The festival is free to children 11 and under. Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, joisting, puppetry, pony rides and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits. Dress like a knight and come participate!

It’s here– the Grand Opening Weekend of the National Museum of African American History & Culture. Check out the link for all of the details.

smithsonian-african-american-museum-771x578

Saturday-
Museum Day Live! thanks to Smithsonian Magazine. Museums who typically charge admission, are free today.

8:30am-10:00pm: National Book Festival
(Washington Convention Center)
Calling ALL bookworms, this event is for you. Fun for everyone, you can attend signings, Q+A’s, read-alongs and so much more. Make sure to check out the Children’s Guide.
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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-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 is performing.

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.
[Read more…]

Weekday Adventures: Pumpkin Harvest Days and Postal Museum birthday celebration

September 21, 2014

Pumpkin Harvest Days begin on Thursday at Butler’s Orchard. Pumpkin Harvest Days activities include exploring the learning stations, jumping in the hayloft barn, swooshing down the giant slides, visiting barnyard animals, picking a pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, and exploring the straw maze. Pumpkin Harvest Days are self-guided. You may do any activity in any order as
many times as you like! Book your reservation here.

Many new theater productions start this week. Including The Night Fairy and Under the Canopy. Be sure and reserve your tickets!

This weeks DC Library Events for Kids can be found here.

Monday-

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Weekday Adventures: Aviation afternoon, boogie down and Spinosaurus

September 14, 2014

What a wonderful, cool day we had today in DC. Hopefully you were outdoors enjoying it. Speaking of fall weather, inbox us your favorite Orchard or Fall Festival so we can include it in our Fall Round-up that will be posted this week.

Head to the National Geographic Museum soon to view the Spinosaurus: Lost Giant of the Cretaceous exhibit. Free exhibition tours offered daily at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (with admission).

This weeks DC Library Events for Kids can be found here.

Monday-

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Weekday Adventures: Peter Pan Club, Samba Baby and Fanciful Heroes

September 7, 2014

DC Library Kid Events for the week can be found here. There’s a lot to take advantage of, from storytime, yoga and crafts to movies and readers theaters.

Have a Bambino you need to enroll in a Fall class for interaction with other kids? Check out a few of our favorites here.

Carnival rides, monster trucks, live music, animals and more. Sept. 10-16 you can visit Anne Arundel County Fair.

Monday-

9:30am: 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-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’s featured performer is Jessica Smith “Culture Queen”.

[Read more…]