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Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

December 16, 2022

The countdown is on for holiday fun! There are several festive events and activities you can still do, from holiday shows, ballets and concerts, tree lightings and holiday markets, and gift guides to purchase from (you still have time).

Be sure to click the above links as there are plenty of events happening this weekend that are included in those above posts.

Holiday events our family hopes to do still this season: Light Yards, Georgetown Glow, US Botanic Garden and the light exhibit at Brookside Gardens.

Winter Lantern Festival comes to the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia area for its FIRST immersive DMV Winter Lantern Festival! From New York with 150,000 annual guests, 3 years in a row, this is an experience you don’t want to miss! Starting Dec. 16 to Feb. 12, Lerner Town Square at Tysons II will be transformed into a dazzling world of light with over 1000 Chinese lanterns; all handmade by artisans with decades of experience. Our lanterns and bright displays will light the night and bring warmth this holiday season!

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience! Walk into the depths of a dark forest and discover fantastic beasts and iconic wizarding world moments illuminated like never before. Follow a trail through a mysterious and magical forest full of interactive moments, mesmerizing lights, and theatrical illusions. Come face-to-face with magical creatures from the Harry Potter™ and the Fantastic Beasts™ films, such as Hippogriffs, Centaurs, Unicorns, Nifflers, and more.

Greenberg’s Great Train & Toy Show at the Dulles Expo Center is in town Saturday & Sunday from 10am-4:00pm. There will be 250+tables of trains for sale, 60+ exhibitors from across the country, huge operating model train displays, free workshops and demonstrations, free test track – test run your trains at the show, free door prize giveaways and more.

Saturday

11:00am-2:00pm: Rudolph’s Rockin’ Reindeer Games at Boro Park
Get your groove on with friends, families and neighbors at this holiday-themed dance party featuring a live DJ. Move and sing to your favorite seasonal tunes while sipping hot cocoa, doing arts and crafts and capturing memories (with Santa photo ops!) for your holiday card. Take part in a special scavenger hunt and compete in reindeer games like freeze dance, red light green light and limbo! Santa photo opportunity will be from 11:30am-1:30pm. Rudolph’s Rockin’ Reindeer Games is FREE and open to the public. Registration is encouraged, but not required through Eventbrite.

1:00pm-4:00pm: JoAnn Hill at Steadfast Supply
We just had our first post by JoAnn and we are thrilled to welcome her back soon. You can meet her and purchase her amazing books on Saturday!! Perfect for gifts (hint, hint).

1:00pm AND 4:00pm: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed at Imagination Stage
A new, high-energy musical to rock the holiday season! When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J. Mole Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed! In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur find the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Based on Mo Willem’s beloved picture book, the show explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves. Best for ages 4-10.

Sunday

1:00pm: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed at Imagination Stage– ASL Interpreted Show
A new, high-energy musical to rock the holiday season! When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J. Mole Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed! In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur find the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Based on Mo Willem’s beloved picture book, the show explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves. Best for ages 4-10.

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.

4:00pm: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed at Imagination Stage
A new, high-energy musical to rock the holiday season! When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J. Mole Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed! In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur find the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Based on Mo Willem’s beloved picture book, the show explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves. Best for ages 4-10.

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!

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October 11, 2018

Saturdays and Sundays only– 10:00am-6:00pm-: Eye Spy Train at Wheaton
All aboard the Wheaton Eye Spy Halloween Train! NO LONGER HAUNTED! This “not so scary” train ride is fun for the whole family – it’s all about fun, not fright! Each child will receive an Eye Spy card before boarding the train. As you ride through the woods of Wheaton Regional Park, look all around to find Halloween friends hiding, and mark them off the Eye Spy card. They’ll have fun Halloween activities in the Train Station Party Room, where snacks will also be available for purchase. Costumes are encouraged! Please bring a canned food donation for your neighbors in need – they’ll donate them to Mid-County United Ministries in Wheaton. [Read more…]

Weekend Picks: December 15-17, 2017

December 15, 2017

Join Nats Winterfest, returning December 16 and 17 to the Washington Convention Center. Winterfest will again feature two days of fun! Activities include:

Clinics with Nationals players and coaches
Watch a Home Run Derby featuring the Nationals mascots
Make a snow fort, participate in the steal home challenge and take batting practice
Hear a winter or baseball-themed story, read by a Nationals player
Participate in the Kids Press Conferences
Sign up for 2018 season Jr. Nats Kids Club memberships at the Jr. Nationals Kids Club kiosk
Ride down The Slider, a giant slide reminiscent of a sledding hill
“Video Pitch,” where fans can give virtual batters their best pitch

Bring your young animal lover to the Zoo this weekend for “Meerkat Mania,” or “Monkey See, Monkey Do,” preschool classes for 2-3 and 3-5 year olds! Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes are designed for children ages 2-3 and 3-5 to discover a whole new view of the National Zoo. “Adult-and-me” format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo Walks to engage your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world. Pre-registration is required. “Meerkat Mania” will run on Saturday, December 16 from 10:00am-11:30am “Monkey See, Monkey Do” will run on Sunday, December 17 from 10:00am-11:30am $28/child for FONZ members. $35/child for non-members. Registration fee covers one child with adult.

This weekend Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show is at the Dulles Expo Center. It is the largest and longest-running model train and collectible toy show in the country. The show is geared towards the general public and towards modelers and hobbyists, featuring hundreds of tables of trains and accessories for sale, huge operating exhibits, activities for kids, and more. All aboard!

Saturday-

9:30am AND 11:00am: Bright Star Theatre: Holiday Songs: Music Around the World at National Theatre
Songs and stories come together for a truly magical wintertime show. Audiences will travel from Africa to Mexico and everywhere in between, while hearing a range of songs from “I Have A Little Dreidel” and “Auld Lang Syne” to “Away in a Manger,” “Sankta Lucia” and so much more.

11:00am-1:00 pm: Holiday Edition Art Making at Treehouse Atelier
Bring your school-age kids and take some time off your busy schedules to craft alongside your child during this special time of year. What a better gift than to create some holiday cheer with your children? Projects include: Gingerbread Wintery Mural (art), Make your own Ornament (craft), Create a Candy/Winter Wonderland world (craft) and Create a Nutcracker collage (art). Please note this Open Studio is geared towards school-age kids 4 and older. $25 per child with sibling discounts. Please register here.

1:00pm-4:00pm: From Our Happy Home Holiday Craft Program at National Portrait Gallery
Step into the 19th century world of Louisa May Alcott in this craft program for the entire family. Construct paper house lanterns and handmade books as you explore some of the ways people have created feelings of comfort and warmth in the cold winter months. Join Little Women story time to hear how Alcott’s heroines the March sisters celebrated the holidays, bringing literature and music together to light their home. This drop-in program will take place Saturday, December 16 in the National Portrait Gallery’s Education Center, E151, and Explore! children’s space. Reservations are appreciated but not required. Designed in collaboration with the National Building Museum; a variation of this program will take place on Sunday, December 17 at the National Building Museum. Visit their website for more information.

4:00pm: Family Yoga at LemonTree
Come enjoy an all-levels vinyasa yoga practice with your little one(s). Mamas (and papas) with kiddos are welcome to join us for this fun, interactive flow. Grown-ups and older children will move through poses while littler yogis sleep, play and/or explore in a child-friendly (and safe) environment. No prior experience is required. Please bring your mats and a playful attitude.

Sunday-

1:00pm-4:00pm: Family Afternoon: From Our Happy Home at National Building Museum
Construct paper house lanterns and handmade books as you explore some of the ways people in the past and today create feelings of home in the cold winter months. Investigate objects from the Museum’s House & Home exhibition for examples of interior lighting. Step into the 19^thcentury world of author Louisa May Alcott and discover how music and literature were brought together to light her homes during the winter season. Designed in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery; a variation of this program will take place on Saturday, December 16 at the National Portrait Gallery. Visit their website for more information. Free, drop in. All ages.

3:30-5:00 pm: Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas at Hooray for Books
Come meet Pamela Ehrenberg, author of the new PJ Library® book, Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas. We will have a book reading and signing, followed by crafts and vegetarian Indian snacks from Namaste King Street. You’ll get a signed, hardcover copy of the book!$25 for up to 3 people – includes signed book and Indian snacks; $5 for every additional person. Best for ages 3 and up. Brought to you by PJ Library Greater Washington, Federation’s Jewish Food Experience, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington andHooray For Books.

Holidays in Washington, DC

Tricks and Treats around Washington, DC this Halloween

October 9, 2017

Post has been updated and can be found here for 2018

I can’t count the number of times our son wore his “Max” costume from Where the Wild Things Are. Between parades, school, special celebrations and on Halloween he got lots of practicing saying, “Let the wild rumpus start”! Here’s a guide that will help your child get mileage out of their costume(s) this year. Of course, check out our guide to Festivals and Orchards, as many of them have a special Halloween celebration as well as their day-to-day happenings. DC Library also will have a variety of Halloween celebrations, including Creepy Crafts & Pumpkin Decorating! Check out Facebook and Instagram for updated events.

[Read more…]

Weekend Picks: September 8-10, 2017

September 8, 2017

Saturday and Sunday The Kensington Train Show with model trains, live music and kids activities chugs into Kensington! The event is a benefit for the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation and the Kensington Historical Society. Admission is $7 Adults; $2 Kids; $15 Family and the hours are 11:00am-5:00pm. This annual train show is located at Kensington Town Hall, 3710 Mitchell St., in Kensington, Maryland.

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!!!

Friday-

6:30pm-8:30pm: Friday Night Concert Series at Capitol Riverfront
(355 Water St SE)
Celebrate the first month of school in the Capitol Riverfront – Arrive early to the Friday Night Concert in Yards Park to enjoy kids activities, face painting, balloon art and more from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Near Southeast Community Partners will be taking donations to benefit the purchase of art supplies for Van Ness Elementary School. Come for family fun and support the community.

Saturday-

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: Alice in Wonderland at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004)
The Lewis Carroll literary classic is magically brought to life in Bright Star Theatre’s production of Alice in Wonderland. Join Alice on her journey into the rabbit hole, packed with some eccentric and fantastical characters who take families on an imaginative ride. Join the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and Alice on this adventure in Wonderland.

11:00am or 12:30pm (depending on location): DC Shorts Film Festival Family Showcase
(Various Libraries)
Check out the Parents Guide (and see photo above) with details on films. This showcase runs approximately 46 minutes and includes all of the films listed on the page. These films are appropriate for children aged 3+.

12:00pm-4:00pm: PawPaw Festival at Meadowside Nature Center
(5100 Meadowside Ln Rockville, MD 20855)
Meadowside Nature Center will celebrate this delightful native fruit with music, crafts, games, expert advice on pawpaw cultivation, and most importantly a pawpaw tasting station. We’ll have pawpaw fruit and trees for purchase, limited quantities, while supplies last. $5 per person. Children ages 2 and under are free.

1:00pm-7:00pm: Rosslyn Jazz Fest
(1300 Lee Hwy)
For the past 27 years, the Rosslyn Jazz Fest has taken over all of the three-acre, urban Gateway Park. This much-anticipated annual event draws upwards of 5,000 music fans to Gateway Park for a day of dynamic, free performances. Come to hear live music performed by some of the biggest names in jazz and world music today. Eat + Drink: Enjoy several bar areas serving wine and beer, plus a variety of favorite local food trucks: Tacos Matadores/ Rocklands BBQ/ Mangia Tutti/Chix N Stix/ Tapas Truck/ Bon Bonni/ Healthy Food Fool.

Sunday-

11:00am: The Rumpus Room at U Street Music Hall
(1115 U Street NW Washington, DC, 20009)
Welcome to the Rumpus Room, a daytime dance party for families, with sounds provided by DC’s top club DJs (who all happen to be parents themselves). Created by DJs who wanted to share the nightclub experience with their kids, the Rumpus Room adapts the club environment (think disco ball, lights, and of course music) into safe family-friendly fun. Get ready for a dance floor filled with little ones, parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. The soundtrack will be a family-friendly mix of dance hits and classics, all at a kid-friendly volume. They provide the shakers, hula-hoops, beach balls and other props. Rumpus Room is designed for kids 8 and under and their caregivers, but older siblings are welcome. Infants/crawling children enter free. Brunch drink deals. Advance ticket sales end one hour before doors. $10.

11:00am-2:00pm: Family Picnic with Rainbow Families at Hillwood Estate
(4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008)
Pack a picnic from home or purchase food from the café’s express menu to enjoy on the magnificent lawn. Play games on the lawn, including hula hoop, badminton, and jump rope. Practice your putt on the Putting Green. Get your face painted with your favorite garden critter. Try on costumes from a collection of hero’s capes, royal crowns, knight’s sheilds, and more. Create a glittering art project and explore the special exhibition Spectacular Gems and Jewelry.

12:00pm-6:00pm: Adams Morgan Day
(18th St. NW, between Florida Ave. and Columbia Rd., Washington, DC)
Now in its 39th year, Adams Morgan Day is Washington’s longest running neighborhood festival with live music and international food from around the world. Enjoy sidewalk cafes, colorful vendors, cultural demonstrations and dances. The expanded Kid’s Fair has games, interactive science exhibits, clowns, and the Chinese Lion Dancers.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor: The Little Mermaid
(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!

Mom Picks this Weekend

May 11, 2017

Happy Mother’s Day to all!! We’ve found some fun things families can do together. And, in case you still need brunch plans for that special Mama here’s a list of some family friendly places.

All Fired Up offers 10% off to all Moms Saturday & Sunday at both locations.

Friday-

3:00pm-7:00pm: Jo Malone London at City Center
(996 I St NW)
Customize a cologne or candle with a beautifully engraved message. RSVP to attend.

Saturday-

8:00am-5:00pm: Mothers Day Weekend at Mount Vernon
(3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121)
Join the “Mother of our Country”, Martha Washington, for Mother’s Day weekend at Mount Vernon! Stroll through Mount Vernon’s magnificent gardens in bloom. Lady Washington will give lavender sachets to all mothers (while supplies last).

10:00am-6:00pm: Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
(Bethesda Woodmont Triangle, Norfolk Ave., between Auburn and Del Ray Aves., Bethesda, Md)
Delight in fine art created by 130 of the nation’s best artists, live entertainment and Bethesda restaurants. Children’s area will be on Auburn Ave.

10:00am-12:00pm AND 1:00pm-3:00pm: Children’s Ball at The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum
(701 21st Street, NW)
Dress in your best for our Children’s Ball during a very special Mother’s Day weekend at the museum. Join us for fun and fancy treats, dancing beats, and a kid-centered visit to the exhibition Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair. $10/museum members and GW students, faculty, and staff; $15/public (entrance for one adult and one child). Advance registration is required; space is limited. Register online or call 202-994-7394.

5:00pm-7:00pm: Adam’s Morgan Summer Concert
(Columbia Rd and 18th St NW)
Join us for the second show in Free Summer Concert Series! We’ll have hula hoops and bubbles for the kids as free wristbands good for discounts at businesses all over Adams Morgan. The Oxymorons take the stage with a mix of the hottest new songs, the best of the old, and their award-winning originals, giving audiences a night of hip-shaking New Orleans funk, soulful blues, Americana roots, and jam-band rock. This seriously-fun eight-piece band has been playing the DC area for more than 25 years, reeling off favorite party tunes spanning four decades and witty, well-crafted originals.

Sunday-

9:00am-12:00pm: La Bella Strada
(Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA)
Del Ray’s main street, Mount Vernon Ave. will come alive with vibrant chalk art. The second annual La Bella Strada Street Painting Festival, modeled after an ancient Italian art form, will bring artists from around the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. region to create masterpieces up and down the sidewalk. Learn more about the event here. The event raises money for The Del Ray Montessori School, a 501c3 profit, for an outdoor playspace.

9:30am-4:00pm: Mother’s Day Brunch at Pinstripes
(1064 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20007)
Make this Mother’s Day special by treating mom to an expansive bottomless brunch fit for a queen! Indulge in favorites like made-to-order omelets, carved prime rib and fresh shrimp, bagels with spreads and smoked salmon, flatbreads, waffles ‘her-way’ topped with berries, bananas foster or Nutella, plus a chocolate fountain for dessert. Moms will be especially encouraged to sit back and relax with mimosas and bloody Mary’s as the kids are taken care of at the ‘Kids Corner’ station with pizzas, chicken fingers, Mac and cheese and more. Adults $36, includes bottomless mimosas | Kids 6-12 $15 | Kids 5 & Under: Free | $4 Mimosas & $7 Bloody Marys available all day. Please call to make a brunch reservation: 202-625-6500 Or plan ahead to Father’s Day Brunch.

10:00am-5:00pm: Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
(Bethesda Woodmont Triangle, Norfolk Ave., between Auburn and Del Ray Aves., Bethesda, MD)
Delight in fine art created by 130 of the nation’s best artists, live entertainment and Bethesda restaurants. Children’s area will be on Auburn Ave.

11:00am AND 2:00pm: Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp at Adventure Theatre
(7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
See my review of the play here. Bring your mom to see Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp this Sunday and she will receive a chocolate rose!

1:00pm-4:00pm: Celebrate Mothers Day at United States Botanic Garden
(Conservatory Garden Court)
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day? It is never too early to start planning your vegetable garden. Bring your mother to the USBG and help her design and plant her very own cook’s garden! Join Danielle Cook as she whips up two recipes and savor the bounty your garden will bring. Please note: This is a drop-in program and appropriate for all ages.

Weekend Picks September 9-11

September 9, 2016

Saturday and Sunday The Kensington Train Show with model trains, live music and kids activities chugs into Kensington! The event is a benefit for the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation and the Kensington Historical Society. Admission is $5 Adults; $2 Kids; $10 Family and the hours are 11:00am-5:00pm. This annual train show is located at Kensington Town Hall, 3710 Mitchell St., in Kensington, Maryland.

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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!

Saturday-

10:00am-3:00pm: Family Day at President Lincoln’s Cottage
(140 Rock Creek Church Road NW, Washington DC 20011)
Join us for a field day inspired by the Lincoln family and their life at Soldiers’ Home. Activities for all ages included in this FREE event including a petting zoo, pony rides, arts and crafts (including a top hat station and card making for veterans), food vendors and picnic grounds, live music, and a Civil War encampment featuring reenactors of the Pennsylvania Bucktail Soldiers from Lincoln’s Presidential Guard.
[Read more…]

Weekend Picks are endless!

September 10, 2015

There’s no excuse to stay home this weekend. So much happening, it was hard to pick the best.

The Kensington Train Show is back! Model trains will chug around the tracks at the family-friendly event. Saturday and Sunday your kids can view the trains from 11:00am-5:00pm both days. Admission is $5 for adults/$2 for children/$10 for a family. Kensington Town Hall 3710 Mitchell Street Kensington, Maryland

Maryland Renaissance Festival will be weekends of August 29-October 25. The festival is free to children 6 and under this weekend. Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment for you and the kids, 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!
[Read more…]