Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

Marvel Universe Live! is at Eagle Bank Arena March 22-31! Marvel fans, assemble for this live, legendary battle to defend the universe from evil. The Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy and Spider-Man join forces with Doctor Strange, master of the mystic arts, in a race against time to recover the Wand of Watoomb before it falls into Loki’s hands in this all-new, spectacular arena production.

Imagination Stage has their early childhood programs on both Saturday & Sunday. 

Saturday

9:30am-10:30am: Family Yoga at Lemon Tree
Start your Saturday with an all-levels vinyasa yoga practice the whole family can enjoy. Mamas and/or papas with kiddos of any age 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.  Online registration is available here. 

10:00am AND 11:30am: Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) Music Box at AMP Strathmore
The BSO Music Box Concerts are the perfect program for your budding music lovers! Each half-hour-long, highly engaging and interactive concert is hosted by Maria Broom and features a small ensemble of musicians of the BSO performing light-hearted classical and children’s songs to develop your child’s musicality, creativity, coordination, and literacy. 30 minutes prior to the concert, the room fills with a range of musical, creative, and fun activities for babies and families. The Ticket Office will open at 9am. Doors open 45 minutes before the show. Seating will be available in the back of the house, but we plan to leave plenty of floor space for dance and play!

10:00am-3:00pm: Japanese Culture Day at Library of Congress
Sponsored by the Library of Congress, Japan-America Society of Washington DC and the National Conference of State Societies, this event will provide an exciting opportunity for children of all ages, their families and teachers to learn about Japanese culture through reading, writing and craft-making with Japanese cultural and linguistic professionals. Japanese-related books also will be on display. One special highlight of the day is “Japan-In-A-Suitcase,” an inspiring program about Japanese life and culture. Other activities include: Rodd Chin and his students performing Japanese drum music, including Sakura Saku Ondo; Sakura Saku Ondo dance performance by Satoko Kajima Best; Former Cherry Blossom princesses providing instructions on the art of tiara-making; Hands-on lessons about origami artwork creation; Decorative Konobori coloring, the kimono dress-up experience and more.

11:30am-3:00pm: Cherry Blossom Celebration at Smithsonian American Art Museum
Join SAAM and the National Cherry Blossom Festival for a celebration of Japanese culture. A taiko drumming performance kicks off the day on our F Street plaza. Afterward, move into the Kogod Courtyard for a day of Japanese music and performances. Enjoy face painting, make cherry blossom crafts, decorate a kite, and go on a spring-themed art hunt.

1:00pm-3:00pm: Family Circus Yoga
Wanna shake up your own learning and grow new playful connections within your family? Join founders Kevin and Erin Maile O’Keefe who have been leading communities in this CircusYoga blend of interactive group yoga, circus arts, acrobatics and play for over 20 years. Surprise yourself by what you and your family can do while experiencing your whole village at play together. Learn games and practices that you can take home immediately and teach others. Most importantly, leave feeling energized and deeply connected to yourself and your loved ones. CircusYoga has been connecting communities, families and people through their unique blend of circus, yoga and play since 1997. For adults & kids ages 7 to 97!

3:00pm: Picasso at Gala Hispanic Theatre
The great Spanish painter Pablo Picasso comes to life on stage and inspires children to pursue their dreams. Picasso centers on the art and life of the creative genius, and his feelings and thoughts about children and childhood. Through the use of music, dance, and puppets, this bilingual play for families entertains audiences ages 5 to 105!

Sunday

10:00am-4:00pm: Sensory Friendly Day at B & O Railroad
The B&O offers a new first in a series of Sensory Friendly Days for children and guest with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences. The Museum opens one hour earlier at 10am on this day to accommodate our special guests and their families. Staff will modify museum lights and sounds and post extra signs to give guests a more accessible experience. Additional volunteers and staff will be available to support visitors throughout their stay. Come and enjoy smaller crowds, specialized activities, less sound and light stimuli, and a special quiet room. Event is free with general admission. To RSVP and receive specialized sensory story, contact Rebecca Funk.

3:00pm: Balloon Animals 101 at Makeshift
Delight your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing talent! Join professional balloon twister Julie Zauzmer for Balloon Animals 101. You’ll learn the basics of balloon twisting, from balloon selection and sourcing to twisting mechanics, and will walk away with 3 of your own balloon animals! Recommended for children 5+

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Spring Break Camps for 2019

Summer Camps for 2019

Plan Ahead:

New Pajama Jams at AMP by Strathmore:
Summer vacation may not start for months but playtime is year-round at AMP, and we’re bringing back our Pajama Jam series to prove it! Sing, dance, and strike a few (yoga) poses with Gina Chavez on April 7, Yogapalooza on April 28 and Moona Luna on June 16.