Weekend Picks: Cherry Blossoms, Winnie the Pooh and a bite of gelato

It’s officially Cherry Blossom season (aka Spring), so perhaps that snow that is in the forecast on Tuesday will magically disappear? Will you make your way down to The Tidal Basin? Here is the link to the official website to find out all the information you need. Check the forecast, reserve a paddle boat for your family, and row through the basin admiring the blooms. Make sure and read everything, especially one of our final Weekend Picks (hint: it involves fresh churned gelato!)

Saturday-

9:30am and 11:00am- Bright Star Theatre: Jack’s Adventure at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC  20004)
Join Jack as he crams for his upcoming history test. When his history book magically bursts, Jack meets some of the most exciting people in our nation’s history! George Washington, Betsy Ross, Henry Ford and Neil Armstrong are just some of the 22 characters that come to life in this high energy adventure. Audience volunteers help write the Constitution, work on Ford’s assembly line and even demand the right to vote. Best for grades 2-5– Free.

10:00am-4:00pm- National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Days at National Building Museum
(401 F Street NW. Washington, D.C. 20001)
Join the National Building Museum and the National Cherry Blossom Festival® for two days of hands-on activities and dynamic performances, all part of the 9th annual celebration honoring the gift of trees. All ages are welcome to this free drop-in event.

10:00am- Saturday Musical Storytime at Noyes Library for Young Children
(10237 Carroll Place Kensington, MD 20895)
Come Sing 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.

10:00am-3:oopm- Kites of Asia (and story time) at National Air and Space Museum
(601 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20597)
Celebrate Spring at the National Air and Space Museum’s Kites of Asia Family Day! Talk to kite experts, see pan-Asian kite displays, marvel at indoor kite flying, make your own kite— and maybe even take a dance lesson! Click link above and see a detailed schedule of events throughout the day. Don’t miss this free event. While you are there check out “Flights of Fancy” story time at 11:00am. The featured story is Reading Ramu and the Kite by Swatantar Mann.

10:00am-3:00pm- Virginia Touch-A-Truck at Dominion High School
(21326 Augusta Dr., Sterling, VA.)
Come and climb on and explore your favorite vehicles including big rigs, fire engines, cement mixer, school bus, bomb squad response unit, and vision and hearing screenings by the Purcellville Lions Club. Sensitive ears? Stop by between 10-11 for a “horn free hour”. Entrance fee $5/person.  Children ages 12 months and under free.  First 300 kids will receive a free die cast car/truck with admission.  Proceeds will benefit Joshua’s Hands. (No pets)

10:00am-11:30am- Architecture Everywhere: Girl Scouts in Georgetown Day for Juniors and Cadettes at Tudor Place
(1644 31st Street NW · Washington DC 20007)
Scouts explore architectural styles from around the world while touring Tudor Place and the Georgetown neighborhood. After the tour, participants design their own building and landscape. $10/Scout, $3/Adult.

10:30am- Dave Brewer and the Pre-K Kings at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
They were at FNDTN last weekend and now they are across the river at Jammin Java. We’ve seen Dave Brewer and the Pre-K Kings and these Dad’s are very entertaining. They use stories, props, magic tricks and a constant thread of humor while getting children to dance and move around.

10:30am- Marsha Goodman-Wood at DC Family Fiesta at El Tamarindo
(1785 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009)
Marsha Goodman-Wood will be performing her original melodies that mix generous doses of science and positive social messages into songs that are just plain fun. Stay after the show for El Tamarindo’s delicious food and kid-friendly options. Children of all ages will enjoy the music. $4 person/3 people for $10.

10:30am-The Rooster Trademark Paper at The National Gallery of Art
(6th St and Constitution Ave., NW – East Building Concourse, Auditorium)
When Amir, a young boy who dreams of becoming an artist, sees an advertisement for a visual arts competition he is inspired to enter. Although he works hard selling newspapers and making deliveries for a local store, he struggles to purchase the costly Rooster Trademark paper that all entrants must use to qualify for the contest. Amir’s passion and drive is bolstered by his community, as he strives to make his dream a reality. In Farsi with English subtitles. (Maryam Milani, Iran, 2012, 93 minutes) Recommended ages 9 and up. Shown in collaboration with the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital.

11:00am-12:00pm- I Spy…Signs of Spring at Locust Grove Nature Center
(7777 Democracy Boulevard., Bethesda, Maryland 20817)
Go on a hike and take pictures of all the signs of spring we see. When you get back to the nature center, you’ll review what you saw and make your own ‘I Spy’ books to take home. Please dress to be all outdoors. Best for ages 4-6, $6 for each person attending, register online.

11:00am and 2:00pm- Disney’s Winnie the Pooh KIDS Delights at Arts Barn Theater
(311 Kent Square Rd. Gaithersburg, Md. 20878)
Welcome to the Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh is once again in search of honey in this delightful new musical based on the beloved characters of A.A. Milne and the 2011 Disney animated feature film. Along the way, Pooh meets his pals Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit, and Owl but soon discovers that Christopher Robin has been captured by a mysterious creature named “The Backson.” As they prepare for a rescue operation, the animals learn about teamwork, friendship and sharing snacks. $18/adults, $9 kids under 18.

12:00pm- Reptiles Alive: Live Animal Show at Old Town Theatre
(815 King St ., Alexandria, Va. 22314)
Wildly entertaining educational animal show- fun for the whole family! See snakes, crocodiles and more up close and learn more than your reptile enthusiast already knows. Tickets are $9.

Sunday-

10:00am-10:45am– Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave. Bethesda, Md. 20814)
Your child’s favorite stories will be brought to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session you leave with a completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. This weeks story is From Head to Toe. Best for ages 1-3. Tickets are $10.

11:00am-4:00pm- National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Days at National Building Museum
(401 F Street NW. Washington, D.C. 20001)
Join the National Building Museum and the National Cherry Blossom Festival® for two days of hands-on activities and dynamic performances, all part of the 9th annual celebration honoring the gift of trees. All ages are welcome to this free drop-in event.

11:00am and 2:00pm- Disney’s Winnie the Pooh KIDS Delights at Arts Barn Theater
(311 Kent Square Rd. Gaithersburg, Md. 20878)
Welcome to the Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh is once again in search of honey in this delightful new musical based on the beloved characters of A.A. Milne and the 2011 Disney animated feature film. Along the way, Pooh meets his pals Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit, and Owl but soon discovers that Christopher Robin has been captured by a mysterious creature named “The Backson.” As they prepare for a rescue operation, the animals learn about teamwork, friendship and sharing snacks. $18/adults, $9 kids under 18.

11:30am- The Rooster Trademark Paper at The National Gallery of Art
(6th St and Constitution Ave., NW – East Building Concourse, Auditorium)
When Amir, a young boy who dreams of becoming an artist, sees an advertisement for a visual arts competition he is inspired to enter. Although he works hard selling newspapers and making deliveries for a local store, he struggles to purchase the costly Rooster Trademark paper that all entrants must use to qualify for the contest. Amir’s passion and drive is bolstered by his community, as he strives to make his dream a reality. In Farsi with English subtitles. (Maryam Milani, Iran, 2012, 93 minutes) Recommended ages 9 and up. Shown in collaboration with the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital.

12:00pm-7:00pm- Grand Opening of Dolcezza Gelato Factory and Coffee Bar
(550 Penn St., Northeast D.C. 20002 (Across from Union Market))
We’ve ordered many pints of mouth watering gelato from their Bethesda storefront (they also have 3 other locations) but now they are opening a factory. One in which features a sundae menu, freshly spun gelato and sorbets and a coffee lab. For kiddos who are still working on the fine art of using utensils, they offer gelato and sorbetto push pops that are perfect for little fingers. They will offer discounts this weekend for their grand opening. Complimentary tours are also available at 2:00pm and 4:00pm. (Open on Saturday 12:00pm-7:00pm)

2:00pm-5:00pm- Portrait Story Days: Wilma Rudolph at The National Portrait Gallery
(Eighth & F St NW, Washington, DC 20001 – Education Center, Room E151)
Drop in to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. Today, learn about American athlete Wilma Rudolph (1940-1994). For ages 5 and up with adult.

****Nothing catch your eye? Read our updated Ongoing Events list, full of plays and performances or read our post on Indoor Fun complete with Nature Centers and museums other than the typical destinations on The National Mall.