Weekend Picks for Families in and around Washington, DC

It is the final weekend for this year’s Kids Euro Festival which is one of the largest performing arts festivals for children in America, bringing Europe’s most talented children’s entertainers to the DC metro area each fall for two weeks of free performances, concerts, workshops, movies, storytelling, puppetry, dance, magic, and cinema. 

Cinderella debuts at Imagination Stage this weekend. This wacky retelling of the beloved fairy tale takes Cinderella on a royal adventure complete with a wisecracking rat, evil stepsisters, and a smitten prince. When Cinderella’s stepmother forbids her from attending the ball, her fairy godmother convinces here that if the shoe fits- wear it! True love may await her if only she can put down her sword. Just the right fit for the holiday season! Recommended for all ages 4+.

Friday

Union Market Drive-In: Hocus Pocus 
After three centuries, three witch sisters are resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night, and it is up to two teenagers, a young girl, and an immortal cat to put an end to their reign of terror once and for all. 1 h 36 min, rated PG
Lot opens 5:30, Lot closes promptly at 7:45, Film begins 8:00, Film ends at 9:50 

Saturday

9:00am-12:00pm: Kids Workshop at Home Depot
Celebrate and honor all who have served our country in our hands-on Veteran’s Day focused workshop. You and your child can build a custom model military helicopter to spark a conversation with a Veteran about fighting large fires, moving troops, getting supplies to ships and transporting patients. Once the “helo” build is complete, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron, and pin.

10:00am-5:30pm: Smithsonian Food History Festival
The Food History Festival is a free day of hands-on learning, live demonstrations, talks, and stories exploring the past, present, and future of regional food cultures in America. Talented chefs, local organizations, experts, museum curators, students, and more will be on hand to spark conversation, lead activities, and dig into food history with museum visitors of all ages. All activities are free.

10:00am-12:00pm: The Forest Hills Playground’s annual Halloween Spooktacular 
Come see our favorite magician, Abracadabra Alex, who also excels at balloon-making! There will also be a bake sale, face painting, spooky music, and the annual costume parade. This is Friends of Forest Hills Playground’s biggest fundraiser of the
year. 100% of bake sale proceeds and donations support playground improvements and programming like the popular summer concert series. Costumes encouraged for kids and grown-ups (but not required)!

10:00am: Native American Stories Family Day at National Archives
As NASA celebrates its 60th anniversary, this new documentary from Discovery presents a moving portrait of the agency’s many accomplishments in space: taking us to the Moon, to the surface of Mars, to the outer edge of our solar system, and beyond. Above and Beyondalso sheds light on the vital role NASA has played in measuring the health of our planet. Directed, produced, and narrated by Academy Award–nominated and Emmy-winning Rory Kennedy (Last Days of Vietnam). Save the Date: Story Time in the ReSource Room for Pre-Schoolers and Adults on Tuesday, November 20, at 10:00am.

10:00am-1:00pm: Glen Echo: Saturday Art Explorers
Drop in for an art activity and play in the Candy Corner Studio for $5, no need to pre-register. Play on the playground afterwards, look around the Glen Echo Park Aquarium or catch a show at Adventure Theatre or the Puppet Co.

10:00am-12:00pm: Michael’s Kids Club
They craft, you shop! Kids 3 and up can enjoy making a Christmas tree. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event. 

10:30am-12:30pm: Creativity Workshop at The 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.

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. Ages 1-5. Featured story: The Pout-Pout Fish

Sunday

9:30am: Fit4Mom is partnering with FRESHFARM farmer’s market
Join Stroller Strides on Sunday November 4 and November 11 at the TD Bank Dupont Circle. Bring the whole family for a workout and then shop the market goodies after class! The market is held on 20th St NW, right next to the class, and features fresh produce, smoothies, and ready-to-eat foods from local vendors! Bonus: The first class is always free.

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
Your child’s favorite stories will come to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Featured story: Mouse Paint

12:00pm-2:00pm: Pumpkin Hill at Nalls Produce
SPIRIT: RIDING FREE and TROLLS: THE BEAT GOES ON! will both be onsite to promote their new seasons streaming on Netflix. There will be free face painting, complimentary cotton candy, and fun SPIRIT and TROLLS promotional items, such as bubbles, bouncy balls, chap stick, hair ties, luggage tags, pencils, bookmarks, stickers, tattoos, and more, all while supplies last. Pumpkin Hill is a FREE fall playground event.

Have you entered to win a spot at Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) weekend workshop?

Related Links: 
Holiday Tea for Families

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