portrait gallery

Weekend Picks June 24-26

June 24, 2016

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma celebrates its tribal history and heritage with two days of artist demonstrations and hands-on activities for children at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet and greet Choctaw princesses and other featured guests Friday & Saturday from 10am-5pm.

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Friday-

Movie Nights in the Heights- Minions
(Harriet Tubman Elementary School)
This is the final installment of our June series of “Movie Nights in the Heights”. The gates open at 5:30pm. We will have games and activities for guests to enjoy together before the movie from 6pm to 7:30pm. Feel free to bring a picnic. The movie will begin at sundown. We’ll be screening Minions. Come and join us for a night of fun!

Four Mile Summer Movie Festival at Four Mile Conservatory Building- The Goonies
(4109 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305)
Movies begin at dusk (around 8:00) and have Spanish subtitles, bring blanket or chair. Admission is free, so is popcorn and drinks. Presented by National Community Church.

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Weekend Picks: Valentine’s Edition

February 11, 2016

It’s Valentine’s weekend and President’s weekend. We’ll post a separate post on activities for Monday for those of you who are off with your Bambinos. Did you stop by any of the chocolate shops mentioned in our guide? Hopefully you “like” our Facebook page because we noted a new chocolatier this week, not mentioned in the post and we are constantly sharing relevant articles and information. DgD6-VvKRbFSGrhO5jCh0llT A yummy highlight this weekend is Sur La Table- Sweet Valentine’s Treats Cooking Class.
The Alexandria, VA and Arlington, VA locations are participating and will have a class on both Saturday & Sunday (see link for details). Bring your little one and join us for a family afternoon filled with baking, laughter, and plenty of tasty Valentine’s Day treats. Mom, grandparent, or special adult along with their kids will have a wonderfully sweet time creating yummy cookies, whoopie pies and chocolate-dipped hearts. Plus, our instructor will walk you through the steps for making delicious cream cheese frosting and share some fun decorating tips. This year, make Valentine’s Day extra special for your little loved ones by making delicious desserts—and precious memories—together.
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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: 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: Salamanders, Kings, Queens and Barefoot Puppets

June 1, 2014

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.Today’s featured artist is master educator, musician, and storyteller, Bashea “Iya ” Imana . “Iya & the Kuumba Kids” is an interactive, hands-on, fun-filled time. Iya masterfully blends music & movement with storytelling, eco-friendly arts & crafts, and puppetry. This educational program for children fosters a love for learning and promotes literacy, critical thinking, respect for the environment, character development, and creativity.

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Weekend Picks: Dragon boats, jazz with java and a birthday party

May 16, 2014

Fun things to do this weekend outdoors. Last weekend, our family climbed some rocks and searched for animals hiding at the Billy Goat Trail along the Potomac River. You can strap that baby on your back and your toddler will have a blast climbing the rocks, pretending he is a billy goat. The Mets are also in town trying to beat our Nationals both on Saturday and Sunday. Grab your tickers here and on Saturday you can admire all of the Pups that are invited to the ballpark or on Sunday your children ages 4-12 can run the bases.

Saturday

8:30am-5:00pm: 13th Annual Dragon Boat Festival at Thompsons Boat Center
(2900 Virginia Ave NW Washington, DC 20007- near the Georgetown Waterfront)
The Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival, now in it’s 13th year, is a two day festival held along the Potomac River complete with cultural exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and of course… dragon boat racing made to look just like dragons. The event is sponsored by the Chinese Women’s League (CWL) and serves to promote Chinese culture to the Washington DC area through the sport of dragon boat racing. Schedule of events here. The kids will enjoy watching the races as well as brushing painting, calligraphy and paper cutting.

10:00am-6:00pm: Gaithersburg Book Festival
(Gaithersburg City Hall, 31 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877)
Since its inception in 2010, the Festival has quickly become one of the nation’s top literary events, attracting hundreds of award-winning and best-selling authors, poets and songwriters from across the country to its quaint, park-like setting in the heart of Olde Towne Gaithersburg. In the Children’s Village you will also find a literary sea of activities, workshops and performances brought to us by multiple sponsors. They are designed to engage and stimulate your child’s book curiosity and interest in reading and writing.

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Weekday Adventures: Tyke hike, a Japanese Journey and The Yards Park

April 27, 2014

What a beautiful weekend! Hope you were able to enjoy the weather! Some of your children are off school on Friday, remember to check our post that outlines some places that will entertain your kids for the day! Also, remember the great theatre programs in our area. Get out and see a show performed at one of the many wonderful local stages.

Rain, rain go away!!!! Visit this DC Library link to see all of the children’s events going on this week that wll keep you dry and indoors.

Word around the playground is that The Yards Park will be turning on their water for kids to splash in come the beginning of May. A sure sign summer is on its way! This peaceful green space is just south of Capitol Hill and east of Nationals Park. There is a waterfall and canal-like water feature, an elevated overlook, an iconic bridge and light sculpture, terraced performance venue, and a riverfront boardwalk. Pack a picnic, some balls to throw around and bubbles when you go as your kids will have a blast.

Monday-

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Weekend Picks: The disco is back, rock out at the Kingman Island Festival and puppeteers in action

April 24, 2014

We’ve highlighted some exciting events going on in our area this weekend. A weekend sure to please everyone and keep you busy. In case you want to get indoors and see a show check out our ongoing events page for showtimes. Also, it’s the last weekend The Natural History Museum will have the dinosaurs on display. Go see them before they are gone for a few years for renovations and updates.

Saturday-

8:30am-6:00pm: A Day out with Thomas at B & O Railroad
(901 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21223)
Little Engineers won’t believe their eyes–or their ears! For the first time ever at Day Out With Thomas™, 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 $20 each for ages 2 and up available. Get tickets here.

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Weekday Adventures: Egg hunt, star gazing and paper airplanes

April 13, 2014

We hope you got out to admire the beautiful Cherry Blossoms this weekend. Enjoy the week and let’s hope this weather is here to stay. Friday is a popular day, full of activities! Be sure and keep an eye out for a mid-week post on Egg Hunts in our area.

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 features Jessica Smith “Culture Queen”. (Video below is from a child’s birthday party)

Tuesday-

10:00am: Museum of Natural History’s Butterfly Pavilion (2nd floor)
(10th St. and Constitution Ave., NW)
Every Tuesday at 10:00am you can get into the magnificent butterfly pavilion for free! Make sure and get a free ticket by the entrance. We visited this last month and were amazed by how many butterflies were flying around, some even landing on a shoulder. Look closely and you could spot a frog under some trees.

10:00am-10:45am: Tudor Tots: Growing Gardeners at Tudor Place
(1644 31st St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20007)
Tudor Place, which has enchanted young children for almost two centuries, invites your child to join us Tuesday mornings to read, sing, and play in the garden. Children and parents or care-givers will participate each week in a read-aloud, singing, and themed movements related to a theme, such as Adventurous Animals or Growing Gardens. Children enjoy active learning and sharing this tranquil setting with the grown-ups who care for them. $5 per session, recommended for kids ages 2-4.

11:00am: Story time at National Air and Space Museum
(14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151)
“Flights of Fancy” staff will read stories about famous aviators, hot-air balloon flights, trips to Mars, characters visible in the night sky, or creatures that have their own wings. Each session includes one story and a hands-on activity. Featured story is How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman.

Wednesday-

10:00am-11:00am: Story time at The Kreeger Museum
(2401 Foxhall Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007)
Children ages 3-5 and an adult companion are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, analysis of works of art from the collection, a story and a hands-on art-making experience. Class size is limited to 10 children. Pre-registration is required. Payment due at time of registration. An adult must remain with the child throughout the program.

10:30am: Boogie Babes presents The Singing Lizard at Union Market
(1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC. 20002)
Access the free market parking lot from 6th Street NE or travel via metro to NoMA-Gallaudet. Come early for coffee and stay for lunch!

4:00pm-4:30pm- Young Planetarium at Rock Creek Nature Center
(5200 Glover Road, NW Washington, DC)
Calling all kids: learn about the twinkling stars and wandering planets of our night sky during this children’s planetarium program.

4:00pm-5:30pm: Free Art Wednesdays at Create ART
(Silver Spring Civic Building – 1 Veterans Plaza)
Join Create ART in this wonderful new FREE after school art workshops – improv, sewing, comics, & more! Kindergarten-5th grade students welcome. Register online.

5:30pm: !Uno, Dos, Tres con Andres! at BloomBars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
!Uno, Dos, Tres con Andres! is a sure bet every time. Children of various ages enjoy this interactive show that teaches Spanish language and Latin American culture.

Thursday-

10:00am: 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.

10:30am: Boogie Babes presents Bridgette and Dawn at Eastern Market
(225 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003)
Our most popular show of the week! Join us at Historic Eastern Market’s North Hall (closest to South Carolina) for a lively concert, grab lunch and shop for dinner. Access to the North Hall via the market for Boogie Babes. Eastern Market Metro is two short blocks away.

10:30am: The Great Zucchini at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Get tickets here for The Great Zucchini, Washington’s funniest and most magical preschool and kindergarten entertainer, performs a colorful magic show where every child is a star and guaranteed to laugh. Experience the excitement of the children when they get to learn a magic trick at the end of show.

Friday-

10:00am: Songs, stories & puppets at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
30 minutes of storytelling, dancing, singing and entertainment just for kids under 5.

10:30am: Rocknoceros at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
As every family with youngsters in the DC area already knows, Rocknoceros (pronounced like rhinoceros) is three guys: Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie, who make wildly popular, award-winning music for the whole family. Tickets are $5.

10:30am: Boogie Babes presents Marsha Goodman Wood at Atlas Performing Arts
(1333 H Street NE Washington, DC. 20002)
Join us at the ATLAS Performing Arts Center along the H Street Corridor. Snack bar and bathrooms are easily accessible. Lots of good and kid-friendly lunch options within one to three blocks!

10:00am-3:00pm (Select time): Annual Egg Hunt at Meadowside Nature Center
(5100 Meadowside Ln. , Rockville, Md)
Search for real eggs through our meadows, then dye and decorate the eggs you find. Event includes other on-going Spring-related activities throughout the day. Fun for the entire family! Reservations are required (we want to be sure we have enough eggs for all!) Please register and pay for all attendees. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 2-12yrs; $8

11:00am- Story time at National Air & Space Museum
(601 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20597)
(14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151)
“Flights of Fancy” staff will read stories about famous aviators, hot-air balloon flights, trips to Mars, characters visible in the night sky, or creatures that have their own wings. Each session includes one story and a hands-on activity. Featured story is You Can’t Do That Amelia! by Kimberly Wagner Klier in DC and How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman in VA.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Paper Airplane Day at College Park Aviation Museum
(1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park 20740)
Build and test your own paper airplane before entering it in our annual Paper Airplane Derby. The derby starts at 3 pm and prizes will be awarded! $4/adults, $3/seniors 60 & up, $2/children 2-18, FREE/1 & under.

2:00pm-4:00pm: Afternoon Aviators at College Park Aviation Museum
(1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park 20740)
Have an airplane enthusiast? We have the perfect museum for them, off the busy National Mall. Join for a fun, hands-on aviation-themed activities. A weekly series for children ages five and up.

1:00pm-4:00pm: The National Portrait Gallery presents Open Studio Fridays
(Eighth & F St NW, Washington, DC 20001 – Education Center, Room E151)
Friday afternoons at the Gallery feature some creative and free fun! Check out a Portrait Discovery Kit to explore the museum and try a different selection of art material each week.

4:00pm-4:30pm: Creature Feature at Rock Creek Nature Center
(5200 Glover Road, NW Washington, DC)
Calling all kids: come meet Pokey, Atwee, Tiki, Oscar, and Fire during this informal program. Learn about park wildlife and then assist us in feeding the Nature Center’s live critters. Geared for ages 4 to 10.