Weekend Picks + MLK Jr Day

Saturday-

9:00am-4:00pm: Bei Bei the Panda’s Debut at The National Zoo
(3001 Connecticut Ave. NW)
Giant panda cub Bei Bei will go on public exhibit for the first time! The panda house will open at 9am and those interested should enter at the Asia Trail entrance across from the Visitor Center. Please note: Cub viewing is not guaranteed. Animal behavior, weather, and other factors may affect viewing.

10:00am: First Studio Story + Workshop at Kreeger Museum
(2401 Foxhall Rd. Washington, DC. 20007)
Children are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, a story and a hands-on art-making experience. Adult companion required. Register online.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814)
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. Activities in Saturday Song Circle are best for 1-3 year-olds but 4-5 year-old siblings and friends are also welcome to join in the fun. Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You See?  is the story this weekend. $8 per person.

1:00pm-7:00pm: Indie Arcade at American Art Museum
(8th & F St)
For one day, MAGFest, American University’s Game Lab and SAAM present an indie arcade! Play some of your favorite video games, participate in game building workshops, and try new indie games—courtesy of the International Game Developers Association’s Indie Arcade: Coast to Coast competition. Classic arcade games include Asteroids, Pac-Man, Tron, Star Wars, Arkanoid, Donkey Kong, and more. Don’t miss the arcade!

Sunday-

10:00am-10:45am: Sunday Fun-Day at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories 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. Activities in Sunday Fun-Day are most appropriate to 3-5 year-olds but 1-2 year-old siblings and friends are also welcome! From Head to Toe is the story this weekend. $8 per person.

11:30am: The Little Polar Bear at National Gallery of Art
(6th and Constitution Ave)
Lars, a young polar bear cub, is searching for his place in the world. When he meets a seal named Robby, their newfound friendship causes consternation between their communities until they unite to face a challenge. Based on a series of Dutch children’s books by Hans der Beer, this animated feature is a gentle tale of acceptance and friendship. (Piet De Rycker and Thilo Graf Rothkirch, Germany, 2001, 78 minutes) Also showing Saturday at 10:30am and Monday at 11:30am.

Monday-

Do your children know why they are off school on Monday? Here are some events and opportunities you can share with your child to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” There are plenty of places open and needing assistance on Monday to serve those less fortunate and other places open to remember King.

In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. Make an impact on your community .

Tregaron Conservancy for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
on Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, 10:00am-12:00pm: We are pleased to be co-hosting this event with Rock Creek Conservancy.

“It Takes  a Village” Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Project Monday, January 18, 2016-  This year there are opportunities for participants to either serve off-campus in direct service projects or engage on-campus through workshops and mobile service projects.

Let Freedom Ring! – Monday, January 18, 2016 at 6:00pm The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University present Grammy Award-nominated gospel singer Yolanda Adams and the Let Freedom Ring Choir in a musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Visit the Martin Luther King Memorial

I Have A Dream Weekend Celebration at Port Discovery Children’s Museum from 10:00am-3:00pm on Saturday, Sunday & Monday. Community comes to life over the three-day “I Have a Dream” weekend! Join the Museum to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Montgomery County MLK Day of Service 2016 This is a great family friendly event and one in which MCPS students can earn SSL hours. Take part in a variety of family friendly service projects.