Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center is thrilled to be back open and offering many events for Bambinos ages 0 to grade 3.

My First Imagination Stage: The My First Imagination Stage theatre series offers intimate, interactive theatre performances designed for the very young in our Reeve Studio Theatre. Learn more below about their early childhood classes and weekend workshops for ages 1-5. Wake Up, Brother Bear is on stage now from January 11- February 13, 2019. The show is about Sister Bear and Brother Bear are back from hibernation to take your little ones on an interactive journey through the seasons. Meet a curious butterfly, play in a rushing waterfall, and catch lightning bugs as the bears frolic through the forest in this unforgettable live theatre experience. Reimagined for this 10th anniversary performance, this audience favorite is sure to delight and inspire.

KID Museum has a packed weekend planned! Visitors can “invent the future”, experience the new “hands-on, brains-on!”, woodshop explorers, tinkerers and makers will have open build time and so much more!

Saturday

8:30am: Groundhog Day in Dupont Circle
Potomac Phil, the National Groundhog, will make an appearance and offer weather and political predictions. 

9:00am-12:00pm: Kids Workshop at Home Depot: Heart Candy Box
Celebrate love and kindness with a personalized candy heart box. In this workshop, you and your child can build a heart shaped box for Valentine’s Day perfect as a gift for someone you love or to stash all your super sweet Valentine’s Day goodies and keepsakes. Once the heart is built, your child can customize it with paint and stickers. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.

9:30am AND 11:00am: Brian Curry Magic Show at National Theatre
Water vanishes in midair moments before drenching a hapless volunteer, bottles appear out of nowhere, and the world’s most difficult card trick happens in a flash! Magician Brian Curry keeps even the most skeptical of audiences laughing with befuddlement in a morning filled with mystery. 

10:00am-2:00pm: Welcome Back Celebration at Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum
The staff of the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum would like to welcome our visitors back to our galleries. We will be providing extra activities and programs on our first Saturday after re-opening. Among the many fun programs  we have planned are: tours, craft activities, hands-on gallery demonstrations, scavenger hunts with prizes, movies, story time & exclusive curator and conservator talks & demonstrations. Suitable for all ages and free, as always.

10:00am-12:00pm: Michael’s Kids Club Classes
For ages 3+.

10:00am: The Great Zucchini at The Avalon
When The Great Zucchini is in the house, you can count on one thing: guaranteed laughs in an interactive performance that makes every child a star. Known for his comedic magic shows, The Great Zucchini returns with more of the colorful surprises that define his performances. Join us for a memorable morning of laughs and wonder with this comedic magician who has been amazing audiences for over 20 years. Tickets: $10.00 / $8.00 for Avalon members

10:00am AND 11:00am: Folger Shakespeare Library Family Program: Comedy with Cupid
Shake Up Your Saturdays is a free program that takes place on the first Saturday of every month. Family members of all ages are welcome to join the fun! Learn the art of over-acting with Shakespearean confessions of love.10-11AM: Recommended Ages 4-7 and 11-12PM: Recommended Ages 7-11. Foulke Conference Room; Register to attend.

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. Toot Toot Beep Beep is the featured story.

10:30am-12:30pm: Creativity Workshop at Phillips Collection
Let your creativity fly in our art-making stations—it’s an art materials “petting zoo” for the whole family! Comes with Artful Wellness Kit for parents and caregivers. Geared for families with children ages 2 to 8. $18 for 1 adult and 1 child; $15 for 1 member and 1 child; $5 per additional person. Reservations required. Advance purchase recommended as this popular event tends to sell out.

1:00pm-3:00pm: Michael’s MAKE break Kids Class
There’s snow chance of this little guy melting! Make a charming snowman with a pom pom hat to add to your winter décor. Buy the jar, and the supplies to decorate it will be provided.

Sunday

Smithsonian Museums are back open. Spend a day inside, exploring. 

9:30am-12:00pm: Valentine’s Day HeARTstravaganza at Red Panda Art Studio
Each workshop includes a variety of art and sensory activities related to the day’s theme. Drop-off welcome.

2:00pm-4:00pm: Artful Afternoons at SEEC
Join us for an afternoon of fun and creativity. Families are welcome to drop by our art studio Sunday afternoons where they can choose from any of our four maker stations. Each station presents a challenge or question based on the afternoon’s theme.

Giveaways: 

Enter to win 4 VIP tickets to the Big Apple Circus

Enter to win 4 tickets to Disney on Ice!

Plan Ahead:

Mid-winter break for DCPS

Nerf Night at Badlands– February 15

Story Pirates– March 17

Summer Camp 2019