Weekend Picks: Rocket launch, I-Spy and shadow puppets

There’s such a variety of fun going on this weekend. We hope you are able to enjoy some of the listed events.

Weekend Quick Pick: Join Alliance Francaise Washington for Théâtre d’ombres (Shadow puppetry) introduction 3-week class. They divided children into 2 age groups: 3-5 year olds 1:30pm-3:00pm and 6-10 year olds 3:30pm-5:00pm. Workshop dates are March 1st, March 15th and March 29th. The final project will be presented to parents during the Kids’ Open House on Saturday, April 5, 2014. Register here.

Saturday, March 1:

9:30am and 11:30am-Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés at The National Theatre 
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004)
In this musical adventure, Andrés receives a letter from Juana, a mysterious new amiga. In search of Juana, Andrés takes the audience on a voyage around Latin America. Come sing and dance to Latin classics and fun new tunes while learning Spanish along the way! Don’t miss this unique and interactive performance.

9:30am-1:30pm The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia hosts Reading: A Family Affair
(James Lee Community Center: 2855 Annandale Rd Falls Church VA 22042)
A one-day family festival that celebrates books through performance art. Clifford the Big Red dog will be there for photos and hugs.  Preregister for a chance to win a Nook. $5 suggested donation per family.

10:00am-4:00pm- Mardi Gras at National Children’s Museum
(151 St. George Boulevard, National Harbor Fort Washington, Maryland 20745)
Join the Mardi Gras celebration with a masquerade party! Kids and families will make masks and all guests will receive Mardi Gras beads (while supplies last). There will also be a Mardi Gras parade throughout the day, featuring the music of an NCM friend–Jazzy Ash!

10:00am- GALA Hispanic Theatre & Wit’s End Puppets present Fábulas Mayas (Part of Atlas Intersections Festival)
(1333 H St NE. Washington, DC.  20002)
A bilingual adaptation of traditional Mayan legends and fables featuring puppets, movement and song from an innovative puppet company and award-winning Hispanic theatre.

10:00am and 11:30am- Arts on the Horizon present Under the Canopy (Part of Atlas Intersections Festival)
(1333 H St NE. Washington, DC.  20002)
Touch and explore the wonders of the rainforest in an interactive, non-verbal show especially for babies and toddlers.

10:00am-2:00pm- Kids in the Kitchen at YMCA of Washington DC
(1711 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036)
Children’s health and education has been a key focus of the YMCA.  In partnership with the Junior League of Washington, they are once again hosting a fun-filled day all about healthy foods, healthy lives, and exercise. There will be tons of activities to get your kids moving and learning, lead by some of the region’s leading organizations. Cooking with professionals, dance classes and a visit from the Mobile Dental Van for free screenings. This event is free and is intended for children ages 3-13.

10:00am-12:00pm- Cartoon Skate at Washington Harbour Ice Skating Rink
(3000 K St., NW, Washington, D.C.)
This is the final weekend the rink will be open for the season!! We haven’t been brave enough to take our toddler ice skating yet, but this sounds like a fun way to try it out for the first time. Cartoon characters are on ice skates and want to zip around the rink being silly with your little one. $8 kids/$10 adults/$5 skate rental. Public skating on Saturday is from 10:00am-10:00pm and 10:00am-7:00pm on Sunday.

10:30am-11:15am- Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave. Bethesda, Md. 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience. An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) explores a popular children’s book (Five Little Monkeys) with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Tickets are $6.

10:30am- Family Fiesta at El Tamarindo
(1785 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009)
Mr. Skip is back, you’ve seen us recommend his shows through Boogie Babes and at Firehook, now he’s playing at the Family Fiesta! Stay after the show for El Tamarindo’s delicious food. Children of all ages will enjoy. $5 per child.

10:30am and 12:30pm- Justin Roberts at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Justin Roberts is one of the “all-stars” of the indie family music scene. Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players raise the bar for family music with a playground full of bright new songs for parents and kids to enjoy together.
Tickets are $15.

10:45am-11:15am- Bridgette and Dawn (Part of Atlas Intersections Festival)
(1333 H St NE, Washington, DC. 20002)
A dynamic duo with a Caribbean vibe play delightful tunes for tots and their families. Trinidad-born Bridgette sings and plays the guitar and Dawn provides the beat on the conga drums and other fun percussion. Part of Intersections Free Cafe Concerts.

11:30am-3:00pm- Mardi Gras Family Festival at the American Art Museum
(8th and F St NW)
The Big Easy’s Mardi Gras is unlike any festival in the world and we are bringing New Orleans’s party to the museum. With bead art created by Beadazzled’s Kathleen Manning, costumes, crafts, and  zydeco music from Batimore’s The Crawdaddies, join the jubilee!

12:30pm- Old Town’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
(Old Town Alexandria, King St. between Alfred and Lee Sts., Alexandria, Va)
You read that right and no, St. Patrick’s Day is not this weekend….unless you are in Old Town. Click the above link for info on the parade route as well as the car and dog show. Remember to wear your green!

1:00pm-2:30pm- Dolly and Me, Taking Tea at Tudor Place
(1644 31st Street NW · Washington DC 20007)
Bring your favorite doll to tea! Children and adults will sample historic tea blends along with tasty desserts. Dolls will sip from their own miniature tea and special treats. After the tea, children will make a craft for their dolls and learn early American dances. Tickets range from $10-25.

2:00pm- I-Spy History Tour at Mount Clare Museum House
(1500 Washington Blvd. Halethorpe, Md.)
Families become history detectives as they search Mount Clare Museum House for clues to learn about colonial life in the 18th century. Following this special I-Spy tour, visitors may make and take home an 18th century toy. $4 members; $8 nonmembers.Recommended for ages 5-12. Space is limited; reservations required.

Sunday, March 2:

11:30am- Arts on the Horizon present Under the Canopy (Part of Atlas Intersections Festival)
(1333 H St NE, Washington, DC. 20002)
Touch and explore the wonders of the rainforest in an interactive, non-verbal show especially for babies and toddlers.

12:30pm-2:00pm and 3:00pm-4:30pm- Artful Adventures at The National Portrait Gallery
(8th and F St NW)
A museum tour, exciting and educational games, and hands-on activities designed by George Mason University’s art education masters students help parents and children discover connections between the artworks. For children ages 6-12, free.

2:00pm- Model Rocket Launch at Goddard Space Flight Center
(8800 Greenbelt Rd., Greenbelt, Md., 20771)
Want to revisit your youth of making and firing off rockets? Bring your child (or don’t) to this free event that Goddard hosts once a month. Goddard’s gift shop has all the pieces necessary to make a rocket, and get it off the ground. This is as painless and fun a way of getting into model rocketry as you can imagine. You will also have the opportunity to pop into the Visitors Center and learn more about rockets and see exhibits.
The Goddard Visitor Center is located off ICESat Road (formerly Soil Conservation Road). Once on ICESat Road, turn left into the Visitor Center prior to the security checkpoint.

3:00pm-4:00pm- American Youth Chorus & Northeast Senior Singers (Part of Atlas Intersections Festival)
(1333 H St NE, Washington, DC. 20002)
Spirited young singers ages 8 – 14 and a chorus of H Street NE elders present back-to-back musical delights. Both choruses are based at the Atlas as a program of the Congressional Chorus under the director of David Simmons. Congressional Chorus offers “American Music for Every Age” encouraging young people through senior adults to embrace the power and pleasure of music.

3:15pm-3:55pm- Kids Yoga (ages 4-7) at Lil Omm
(4708 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016)
This is a unique class for families and children ages 4 -7 who want to learn yoga postures in a structured class. This is a class for children and adults to practice together in a studio setting. Class will include warm up, standing postures and relaxation appropriate for all levels. The intention of this class is to introduce our children to the more formal practices in an inclusive and safe class.

4:00pm-4:45pm- Kids Yoga (ages 8+) at Lil Omm
(4708 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016)
This is a unique class for families and kids ages 8+ who want to learn yoga postures in a structured class. This is a class for children and adults to practice together in a studio setting. Class will include warm up, standing postures and relaxation appropriate for all levels. The intention of this class is to introduce our children to the more formal practices in an inclusive and safe class.

5:00pm-6:30pm- FUNday at Pump it Up
(9172 Gaither Rd, Gaithersburg, Md. 20877)
(73 Lawson Rd SE, Leesburg, Va. 20175)
Get the kids out of the house and get some exercise in before the school week begins. Pizza dinner is served from 6:30pm-7:00pm.

Family Day at Pinstripes
(3222 M Street NW- inside Shops at Georgetown)
A new bowling alley in the District! This new Georgetown attraction also features bocce ball and a bistro. Sunday is family day with brunch and dinner specials.
10:00am-2:00pm-Pintastic Brunch Adults $20/KIds 12 and Under $12/Under 5 FREE
Family Day: Kids ages 12 and under eat free after 5:00pm from kids menu.

Check out our list of ongoing fun in the city to see what else is on rotation for Sundays and beyond. There are lots of theater showtimes on Sundays, so take advantage. New shows have been added and updated!!