Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

Happy New Year to all! We had a busy winter break; traveled back to my hometown of St. Louis to celebrate the holidays and were fortunate enough to take our kids on their first ski trip to Seven Springs Mountain Resort with family. It was a great two weeks of family time, full of making memories and was great to regroup and be together.

Thank you for being a reader of Beltway Bambinos. It’s hard to believe we are celebrating our fifth year. We love finding ways for you to experience the city with your Bambinos and love hearing about your experiences. We have some exciting things planned for 2019 so stay tuned! Be sure to share and like our various social media pages to receive even more updates that don’t get shared as blog posts- Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. 

We may be experiencing a partial government shutdown but some places have been funded or are private so they remain open. Here is a list which was updated 1/3/19.

National Building Museum
United States Botanic Garden
Kreeger Museum 
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden
Newseum
The Phillips Collection
Washington National Cathedral

Have you entered to win 2 tickets to see School of Rock at National Theatre? There’s still time; winner will be announced on Saturday. The show will be at National Theatre, January 16-27, 2019.

Saturday

9:45am-12:45pm: Summer Camp Sampler at Imagination Stage 
The annual Summer Camp Sampler is a great way to get a taste of what camps are like at Imagination Stage before registering! Children and parents can try out a variety of camp titles and theatrical disciplines in 20-45 minute segments, as well as speak with the Education staff about our program offerings. Additionally, the Digital Media Studio will be open for those interested in Imagination Stage’s filmmaking program. While this event is geared toward families with children Age 3.5 – Grade 9, please note that Imagination Stage Summer Camps have options for ages 3.5-18.

10:00am-2:00pm: Family Crafternoon at National Building Museum
Capture the warm glow of light to break the winter cold by constructing and decorating a paper lantern to take home. The program runs from 10 am – 2 pm while supplies last. Free, drop-in. All ages.

10:00am AND 11:00am: Folger Shakespeare Library Family Program: Celebrate Twelfth Night
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! Get festive with Twelfth Night traditions this weekend. 10-11AM: Recommended Ages 4-7 and 11-12PM: Recommended Ages 7-11. Foulke Conference Room; Register to attend.

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

10:30am: The Great Zucchini at Jammin Java
The Great Zucchini, Washington’s funniest and most magical PRESCHOOL & 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! For over 12 years, The Great Zucchini has been entertaining young children as a magician and preschool teacher. He performs his hands-on, interactive magic shows to more that 250 groups a year. His experience, coupled with his gentle nature and wacky facial expressions, makes kids immediately feel comfortable and ready to laugh.

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.

11:00am AND 2:30pm AND 4:00pm: Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas at Adventure Theatre

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.

1:30pm AND 4:00pm: Cinderella at Imagination Stage 

Sunday

10:00am-12:00pm: Red Panda Art Studio Sunday Morning Workshop: Rainbow Animals
Each two hour workshop includes a variety of art and sensory activities related to the day’s theme. Drop-off welcome. Please bring along a nut-free snack and something to drink!

11:00am AND 1:30pm: Cinderella at Imagination Stage 

11:00am AND 2:00pm: Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas at Adventure Theatre

12:30pm AND 1:30pm: Art Jamz Graffiti Party
It is time to get messy like a street artist at the Kidz Graffiti Party and get 1 hour of studio time to paint the wall. The lounge will be open for accompanying parents and they’ll be playing jamming tunes to inspire all the little artist. Afterwards, your family can purchase additional studio time and canvas and let your vision come to life off the wall.