April 15, 2012

Where to Play on the Weekdays: April 16-20

Making friends with (ie, feeding) a peacock at Old Maryland Farm.

 

Monday - The Atlas Performing Arts Center presents Aquarium, the final production of this season’s Theatre for the Very Young series. Catch a performance at 10:30am or 12pm — tickets are $8 and available for purchase online or at the Box Office.  Recommended for ages 1-5, the show runs April 16-22. Be sure to check showtimes, as they vary by day.  For an activity for older children off from school, take a hike to enjoy the day.  This post has suggestions for walks in the woods with kids.

Tuesday – Don’t miss a the chance to witness the Space Shuttle Discovery’s last in-air appearance  just 1,500 feet over DC as its flown its final resting place at the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Center.  The flight is expected to take place 10-11am. NASA lists some of the best viewing sites here.

Wednesday - Visit horses, ponies, donkeys, peacocks, chickens, bunnies, llamas, and more at Old Maryland Farm in Watkins Regional Park. If weather isn’t conducive to outdoor recreation, head to the park’s Nature Center instead. There, you can see turtles, owls, snakes, lizards, and more woodland creatures.  The farm is open 9am – 4pm Tuesday – Friday (9am – 4:30pm on Saturdays, 11:30am – 4:30pm on Sundays and holidays), and hours at the Nature Center are 8:30am – 5pm Monday – Saturday (11am – 4pm Sundays). Admission to both are free.

Thursday – Explore the grounds and play in the gardens, specifically the Children’s Gardens, at River Farm. The American Horticulture Society’s headquarters overlooking the Potomac River in Alexandria are as lovely as they are fun. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Read all about our recent experience there.

Friday – Hit a playground, any playground.  The Meanest Momma blog has reviews for what must be every playground in the DC-Metro area – wow!

2 Comments

Filed under All ages, Animals, DC, Educational, Farm, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Outdoor, Park, Play, Spring, Theatre, Virginia, Weekdays

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

April 13, 2012

The Weekend Round-Up: April 13-15

Root for Racing Presidents (Let Teddy Win!) at the Cherry Blossom Parade or a Nats game

 

Wow.  There is a LOT going on this weekend. A grand parade, the old ball game, a street festival, fun on the farm, all sorts of live entertainment, a film fest, special workshops for kids, museum programs, and much (yes, much!) more.  The big dilemma: Which to choose?  Here’s the scoop on all of them to help you decide. Happy Weekend!

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue NW, from 7th to 17th Streets
When: Saturday, 10am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free
The mac daddy of cherry blossom festivities is definitely the parade. Thousands of people line Constitution Avenue every year to watch the spectacle of lavish floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and a variety of performers travel down Constitution Avenue. This year, catch an American Idol finalist, The Voice winner, gymnastics shows, and 80′s pop idol Debbie Gibson. Other celebrity appearances will include Kristi Yamaguchi, Marie Osmond, Debbie Gibson, and Buzz Aldrin. And Katie Couric and Alex Trebec will be hosting ABC’s coverage of the parade. Tickets for grandstand seats are available for $20, but you can stake out a spot along the curb for free. Plan to arrive early to get a good view — the crowds come out for this one, especially if it’s a nice day.

Nationals vs. Reds
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday 7:05pm, Saturday 4:05pm, Sunday 1:35pm
Admission: Starts at $10
The Nats are back for their first series of the regular season against the Cincinnati Reds. Tickets are available for all of the games, and there are some special promos going on including Family Fun Days, Signature Sundays, Kids Run the Bases. For details on all of them, see this post from a couple of days ago. Or, go straight to the Nationals website to purchase your tickets.

Sakura Matsuri
Where: 12th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
When: Saturday, April 14, 11am – 6pm
Admission: $5/ages 13 and older
Immediately following the Cherry Blossom parade, many folks head right over to Sakura Matsuri, the Japanese Street Festival that is America’s largest one-day exhibition of Japanese culture. Stretching down six city blocks from 9th to 14th Streets on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, there will be live music and dance performances, all kinds of Asian and Western foods, martial arts demos, Japanese art, and more. Be prepared for a crowd.

Spring Garden Market
Where: River Farm
When: Friday 9am – 6pm, Saturday 9am – 3pm
Admission: Free
The American Horticultural Society’s Spring Garden Market features a variety of vendors of plants, garden supplies, garden art, and other related products. But the real reason to bring the kids is for the garden, especially the Children’s Gardens, which have got to be among the loveliest outdoor play spaces in the DC area. For more about the locale, see this post from a few days ago.

Shake Up Your Saturday!
Where: Folger Shakespeare library
When: Saturday, 9:30-11:30am
Admission: $35/one child & one adult, $10/each additional child
Children in grades 1 through 5 can immerse themselves in Shakespeare’s world as they are introduced the language of his plays and stage combat. Master Swordsman Brad Waller will teach performance-based techniques, and students will perform a scene from Macbeth! Registration is required: Email educate@folger.edu or call 202.675.0395.

For Your Entertainment
Where: Various venues
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by performance
If you’re looking for live entertainment this weekend, you’ve got your pick of performances starting with a Boogie Babes show at the Atlas this morning (Friday) at 10:30am. Tomorrow, catch a free jazz performance for kids at the National Theatre. Or see Gustafer Yellowgold as he returns to Jammin’ Java. Septime Weber’s Alice (in wonderland) at the Kennedy Center is getting wonderful reviews. The Puppet Co. just introduced their newest production, Pinocchio and has Tiny Tots shows on the line-up as well. Also at the Kennedy Center are Sleeping Beauty and an NSO Kinderkonzert. Imagination Stage presents their version of Rapunzel. And The Gift will give its final performances tonight and tomorrow evening at Round House Theatre. For more details on all of these shows, see this post about spring entertainment.

Lowe’s Build and Grow
Where: Lowes stores throughout the area
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
It’s another Build and Grow clinic at the home improvement store. Lowe’s hosts free bimonthly workshops for kids, and during this session guests can build a Game Show Chip Drop Game. The store will provide all the materials, along with goggles, an apron, and other goodies to take home. We still haven’t been to one yet, but friends have, and they gave it a great review. Go here to find your local Lowe’s and register for the workshop.

Unbuilt LEGO Washington
Where: National building Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 12:30pm
Admission: $15/members, $20 non-members
Inspired by the Museum’s exhibition Unbuilt Washington exhibit, join the Museum and staff from Play-Well Teknologies for an exciting LEGO® Build. Design your own buildings that you think should be added to our nation’s capital. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Free for adults accompanying children. Prepaid registration required.

Discovering the Titanic
Where: National Museum of Natural History
When: 1-3pm
Admission: Free
Find out how archaeologists study shipwrecks during this session of the museum’s Second Saturday Arts & Sciences program. NOAA archaeologists will be on hand to help guests work with images of Titanic artifacts, placing them on a giant sonar image of the Titanic site. Then, learn how photomosaics of compiled images are used to visualize something of Titanic’s magnitude at such a depth. Of course, there’s plenty more to explore while you’re at the museum – this post has a run-down of some of our favorite exhibits.

Filmfest DC – Eleanor’s Secret
Where: Goethe-Institut Washington
When: Saturday,
Admission:
The 26th annual International Film Festival includes a kids’ offering this weekend and next. Eleanor’s Secret, a French animated film from an Academy-Award-nominated director, tells the story of a magic library where characters from classic children’s books come alive. The film will be presented in English and is an excellent opportunity for local children to view a film they would not otherwise see.

Royal Mail Ship Titanic Centennial
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Saturday, 12-3:30pm
Admission: Free
Many know about the story of the Titanic disaster, but not that it was a floating post office. During this free Family Day program, guests can learn about life on board the fated ship and the postal workers who processed tons of mail at sea through hands-on activities taking place in the museum’s atrium. The workshop is being presented in connection with the exhibit Fire & Ice: Hindenburg and Titanic.

ArtsNOW
Where: CHAW
When: Saturday, 11am – 1:30pm
Admission: Free
The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop is celebrating its 4oth anniversary in street festival meets flash mob style. ArtsNOW will feature free classes and demonstrations in ceramics, visual arts, and Zumba; performances by CHAW’s private music instructors, Suzuki violinists, ballet students, and theater groups; a gallery scavenger hunt by the Capitol Hill Art League, and much more. CHAW also invites the community to join hands outside the building at 11:40am in an interconnecting community moment requiring 1600 hands. CHAW is located at 545 7th Street SE.

Japanese Films at the Freer
Where: Freer Gallery
When: Sunday, 11am, 1:30pm, 4pm, & 7pm
Admission: Free, tickets required
The Smithsonian museum showcasing Asian Art is presents four Japanese films as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival offerings. The first film, Ponyo, has a G rating is appropraite for young viewers. Reviews of the other three, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away call them darker and suggest they are more suitable for older children, especially those interested in anime. Tickets for all films (limit two per person) will be available beginning at 10:30am. Additional tickets will be made available 30 minutes before each screening.

West African Dance Workshop
Where: Bloombars
When: Saturday, 12-3pm
Admission: $20 suggested donation
Dance your way around the world this weekend! Bloombars’ Blooming Dance Program is hosting a West African Dance Workshop with instructor Afrika Dances. Students will learn various authentic West African dance styles during the three-hour class that includes a warm-up, breakdown of dance steps, and choreographed routines. Recommended for ages 5 and up, the workshop is $20 (pay at the door). RSVP to afrika_dances@yahoo.com.

Celebrate National Volunteer Month
Where: National Children’s Museum Launch Zone
When: Saturday, 11am -4pm
Admission: Free
April is National Volunteer Month and the NCM wants to provide kids with information on ways to give back. Join them to create create heart suncatchers for The Children’s Inn of NIH for their “Thoughtful Treasures” program. In addition, friends from RJ Smiles will be at the Launch Zone from 11am – 2pm to present a craft activity.

How Things Fly
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
It’s a Super Science Saturday at the Dulles arm of the Arm & Space Museum. Through demonstrations and hands-on activities, visitors of all ages will become immersed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics related to aviation and space exploration. This month’s program will focus on “How Things Fly.”

Eggcellent Fun on the Farm
Where: Ticonderoga Farm & Butler’s Orchard
When:Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $11.95/Ticonderoga, $6.50-8.50/Butler’s
It’s the last of the spring/Easter celebrations at these two local farms. Ticonderoga will be open through Sunday 10am – 5pm, and Butler’s on Sunday only 9am – 3pm. For more on both festivals, see this KFDC post.

For even more (yes, more!), check out these posts with ideas for outdoor and indoor adventures:
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
Rainy Day Recreation (ie, Indoor Fun)

Leave a Comment

Filed under All ages, Annual, Class, DC, Educational, Festival, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Movies, Museums, Music, Outdoor, Parade, Seasonal, Sports, Spring, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

April 11, 2012

The Nats Are Back…Along with Some Great Family Promos

Happy Nats fan at a game last season

 

Opening Day was nearly a week ago, but for Washington Nationals fans, the fun begins tomorrow when the Nats play their first regular season game at home against the Cincinnati Reds.

And if you like attending games, you’re in luck: they’ll be playing at home everyday for over a week in back-t0-back series against the Reds, Astros, and Marlins. Even better, among those home games are a bunch of special promotions geared especially to families.  Here’s the scoop on all of them:

Family Fun Days (April 14,15, 21, 22): Purchase seats in two great sections, Upper Right Field Terrace or Outfield Reserved ($14 & $25) and receive a voucher for a hot dog, chips, and drink with each ticket.

Signature Sundays (April 15 & 22): Before every Sunday home game, around 12:15pm, select players will be available for 20 minutes to sign autographs for fans.

Kids Run the Bases (April 15 & 22): After Sunday home games, kids ages 4-12 can run the bases on the Nationals Park field, with Nats mascot Screech and the Racing Presidents coaching them on the way (there’s often some high-fives from the gang, too).  A heads-up about this: Kids start lining up before the game is over, so depending on long the last inning takes, the wait could be anywhere from not so bad to patience-testing.

Kids Opening Day & Screech’s Birthday (April 22): The first 10,000 fans ages 12 and under to arrive will receive a free Zimmerman jersey.

 

Tickets are still available for all of the games coming up over the next couple of weeks, though very limited for tomorrow’s home opener.  And this isn’t the last of the special promos; the first three programs will be repeated throughout the season. You can check on dates here, and I’ll post reminders as well.

And if taking kiddos out to the ballgame is a new experience for you, check out this post from awhile back where I discuss all that a family day at the ballpark entails.

 

5 Comments

Filed under All ages, DC, Live Entertainment, Outdoor, Seasonal, Sports, Spring, Weekdays, Weekend

Tagged as , , , , ,

April 10, 2012

Take Me to the River Farm

Enjoying the last of spring break at River Farm

 

For the last day of spring break, I decided to do something new with the kids: A visit to the American Horticultural Society’s River Farm.  It wasn’t a new venture for lack of trying; we attempted the outing on a Sunday a couple of months ago, only to learn upon arrival that it’s not open on weekends October through March. So, with both kids home at the same time for the last day in awhile, we headed out to Alexandria to explore the grounds, gardens, and estate house of the AHS headquarters.

River Farm is located just off the GW Parkway on the way to Mount Vernon, right along the Potomac River.  It’s quite easy to find as long as you keep an eye out for the turn off the Parkway (we missed it our first time out there).  East Boulevard Drive leads right to the front gates, and from there you drive up a short road, loop around the orchard, then park in a small lot.

Right next to the lot is a teaching and demonstration garden, which also contains a donation box — admission to River Farm is free, but donations are welcome to help with operations and upkeep.  After sliding our contribution through the slot, we followed a path that led to the lovely grounds behind the house and sweeping views of the Potomac.

Plenty of room to roam

I don’t know if it’s a consequence of being city kids or what, but when my children see open green space, they run.  And that’s just what they did here. Sometimes it’s a problem, but in this case, it was perfectly fine.  The lawn behind the house leads downhill to a low stone wall called the Ha-Ha Wall (I almost expected Nelson Muntz to pop his head up at any moment), and beyond that is a meadowy area traversed by grassy paths. Even though Owen and Sasha ran in separate directions, I could still see them both and knew they were safe as long as they didn’t run further down the hill to the river.

Getting the scoop on the gardens

When we all caught up with each other, we walked along the trails and read about the vegetation and plantings on signs posted around the area.  Most of the flora seemed pretty dry right now — perhaps all those 70-degree March days took a toll — but it was still quite pretty and gloriously tranquil. After strolling through, we walked down to the river to take in the views for a bit.

Chilin' by the river

We finally made our way back up the hill to the kids’ favorite part — the Children’s Gardens. On the north side of the house, is a lovely area (not that the whole place isn’t lovely) with all kinds of mini gardens designed to stimulate children’s interest in plants and nature.  There’s a little fort that kids can crawl under or over; the Boat Garden with a real row boat to climb aboard; a Little House on the Prairie Garden with – yup! – a little house to play in; and many more charming areas for kids to enjoy.  And right next to it all are more gardens with beautiful flowers, plants, brick paths, and nice seating areas that would make a great picnic spot.

Row, row, row your garden boat...

Sitting, skipping...both great ways to enjoy the farm

Owen and Sasha played there awhile, joining a group of children who were frolicking (never has this word seemed more apropos, thanks to the delightful setting) throughout the garden together.

The kids probably could have played in the garden for hours, but they needed a potty break, so we went into the house, where guests are welcome to use the bathrooms.  The downstairs  is also open to tour — you can view art in the lobby and a larger dining room and walk through the kitchen and office.

On the way out the kids stopped to sit in rocking chairs in the back porch and had there been more available (a couple were already occupied), it would have been wonderful to sit there all afternoon, just rocking and taking in the view. Instead, we called it a day and made our way back home.

River Farm is located at 7931 East Boulevard Drive in Alexandria. It’s open from 9am – 5pm Monday through Friday all year, and 9am – 1pm on Saturday from April through September.  Hours will actually be extended this weekend for a special event: The Spring Garden Market will take place April 12-14.  While Thursday is for members only, the Market will be open to the public on Friday 9am – 6pm and Saturday 9am – 3pm.

 

4 Comments

Filed under All ages, DC, Farm, Free, Outdoor, Play, Virginia, Weekdays

Tagged as , , , , , ,

April 8, 2012

Where to Play on the Weekdays: April 9-13

Nature walk at Huntley Meadows Park

 

Monday - Say “domo arigato” at the National Building Museum, where you can check out robots in action in the Great Hall from 10am – 12pm. The free, drop-in event being held in celebration of National Robotics Week sounds like a great program for school-aged kids on spring break.  Or, extend the Easter fun and enjoy the spring day at one of several seasonal festivals around the area.

Tuesday - Experiment with music and science at Jammin’ Java as Ryan Buckle & Friends present “Science You Can Sing To,” a show that curious kids of all ages can enjoy.  Showtime is 10:30am. Tickets are $5 and only available at the door.

Wednesday – Kites and jazz go hand-in-hand…and all around the Flag Hall at the National Museum of American History. During the Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) event, the public is invited to enjoy a free kite-making activity from 10am – 2pm, while professional kite flyers demonstrate indoor kiting to the music of JAM 2012 poster artist Frank Sinatra.

Thursday - Explore the woods and wetlands of Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria. Turtles, frogs, herons, and beavers are among the wildlife you’re likely to see there. Stop by the nature center for even more exhibits and animal encounters. Hat and sunblock recommended. Admission is free.

Friday - Take the kids to the Tidal Basin in honor of Thomas Jefferson’s birthday.  Tour his memorial, see a wreath-laying ceremony at 11am, then stroll around the reservoir to visit the nearby FDR and MLK memorials.  The nearest Metro stop is Smithsonian on the Blue/Orange line.

Leave a Comment

Filed under All ages, Animals, DC, Educational, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Monuments & Memorials, Museums, Music, Outdoor, Park, Seasonal, Spring, Virginia, Weekdays

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

April 6, 2012

The Weekend Round-Up: April 7-8

Spring in the city

 

Apologies for the scant list of recommendations this weekend, but as mentioned previously, we’ve been away.  In fact, we just returned late last night and, frankly, I’m still in vacay mode (and really missing a freshly squeezed glass of papaya juice this morning).  Hopefully, these ideas will help keep your brood busy this holiday weekend. Of course, you can also dig through the blog a bit, and check the KFDC Facebook page, too — there may be more recs to come.  Happy Weekend!

Eggcellent Celebrations
Where: Various locations
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by Event
Many places around the area are hosting egg hunts, Easter bunny visits, and more spring fun to celebrate Easter and the season. Even if you’re not big on the holiday, there are attractions beyond bunnies and candy-filled eggs that will have the whole family hopping with joy. See this post for a list of them.

Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival
Where: 600-900 Water Street, SW
When: Saturday, 1-9pm
Admission: Free, but concessions can be purchased
The big Cherry Blossom Festival event this weekend is the annual fireworks show at the Southwest Waterfront. It’s an all-day and part-evening affair with free live music and family-friendly festivities, including water-related activities, cultural experiences, and all kinds of food. The grand finale will begin at 8:30pm when the National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show lights up the night sky. See the schedule of events and music line-up here.

Show Time
Where: Various local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
As this post goes live, there are still tickets for the Saturday 2pm show of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, which is in its last weekend at Adventure Theatre. The Puppet Co. presents Rapunzel for the last time today and tomorrow, and little ones can catch Tiny Tots shows Saturday and Sunday mornings. And when some shows close, another opens: The Round House Theatre in Silver Spring is introducing its new production The Gift, a combination of dance and theatre based on the Shel Silverstein book, The Giving Tree. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Get ticket info and read more about all of these shows here.

Seize the Spring Day
Where: All around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by location
It’s going to be a gorgeous weekend, so get out and Carpe Diem! Here is the go-to post listing all kinds of outdoor adventures. (And I know I recommend it a lot, but it is useful, and I will be adding some new al fresco adventures soon!)

Inside Scoop
Where: All around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by location
There’s no rule that says you have to be outside all day just because it’s nice out. For activities indoors, this post has all kinds of ideas.

Leave a Comment

Filed under All ages, Annual, DC, Farm, Festival, Free, Holidays, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Music, Outdoor, Seasonal, Spring

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

April 2, 2012

Where to Play on the Weekdays: April 2-6

Spring break adventure in the Costa Rican jungle

 

So, a ziplining adventure in the Central American jungle may not be a plausible outing for everyone this week, but one in local forests is (for ages 7 and up, anyway).  That’s just one of several suggestions for fun with the kids during the spring break week. Enjoy!

Monday - The National Postal Museum is hosting a special weekday workshop especially for spring break. Drop in from 10am – 2pm for Collection Connection, where guests can make a stamp collection to take home and learn how to continue the hobby. Afterwards (or before, depending on when you go), head over to Union Station for a bite to eat or maybe even make your way over to the National Mall for more museum-going. (Note: the Postal Museum event repeats on Tuesday, April 3).

Tuesday - Construct your day around a visit to the National Building Museum.  Little ones can enjoy the Book of the Month program and play time in the Building Zone at 10:30am and 11:30am — this month’s reading is Taxi: A Book of City Words. Older kids can do some plastic brick design in the LEGO Architecture upstairs.  And everyone can hang out in the Great Hall for even more activities, including an indoor picnic lunch (BYO or grab something at the Firehook Cafe on premises). Admission is $3 to the Building Zone (with timed hourly entry), $5 to the exhibits, free if you have an NBM membership.

Wednesday - Zip through the treetops at the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School, which opened for the season this past weekend. Kids ages 7 and older can experience fun and adventure on the ropes courses and ziplines in the park’s aerial forest, the largest in North America. Hours are 9am – dark this week, and admission is $38/ages7-9, $43/ages 10-11, $48/ages 12 and older.

Thursday - Keep the academics in mind (under the guise of fun) at the new MathAlive! exhibit at the Smithsonian’s Ripley Center.  Through an array of interactive displays, guests can ride in a 3D snowboard race, operate NASA robotics simulations, design and play their own video games, control a Mars rover, and experience real math at work in everything from nature to music to dancing to movie-making.

Friday -  If the forecast holds out, it’ll be nice weather all week, so take your pick from one of many in this list of the best places in the DC area to spend a beautiful day outdoors with the kids. And a heads-up: Cabin John Regional Park opened its Miniature Train for the week — a spring break bonus for visitors!

Leave a Comment

Filed under All ages, DC, Educational, Free, Maryland, Museums, Outdoor, Seasonal, Spring, Virginia, Weekdays

Tagged as , , , ,

March 29, 2012

The Weekend Round-Up: March 30 – April 1

The view above at a Kite Festival past.

 

You have an extra day to plan for the weekend!  I’m posting this round-up of activities a bit early, as we’re heading out of town for Spring Break. This also means that KFDC will likely slow down over the coming week, but I’ve got at least one post planned, as long as the Internets cooperates. You can always dig through the blog for ideas, and the “Go-To Posts” on the sidebar are loaded with recommendations for outings, too.

As for family fun over the next few days, Cherry Blossom Festival activities, early Easter celebrations, live entertainment, and museum programs are among your options.  Plus, there are plenty of mainstay adventures, both outside and indoors, to pursue.

And while I’m slightly bummed to miss out on the kite flying, I’m looking forward to doing some flying of my own (via zipline!) at our destination.  Happy Weekend!

Blossom Kite Festival
Where: Washington Monument Grounds
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Cross fingers for a nice, breezy day for optimal kite flying conditions. This is one of the best events of the Cherry Blossom Festival, in my opinion. The sight of hundreds, maybe thousands, of kites of all colors, shapes, and sizes dancing in the air around the Washington Monument is spectacular. There’s a competition element to the Festival, but you can fly one right along with the best of ‘em – everyone is invited to unravel a spool of string and let a sail soar!

Cherry Blossom Festivities
Where: Various venues
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Enjoy some blossom-related fun at several National Cherry Blossom Festival events taking place at a few locales. This post highlights the best ones for families, and you can find more on the official NCBF website.

Easter Events
Where: Various locations
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Many places around the area are hosting egg hunts, Easter bunny visits, and more spring fun early. At least one big festival has already begun and even more will kick off festivities this weekend. Even if you’re not big on the holiday, there are attractions beyond bunnies and candy-filled eggs that will have the whole family hopping with joy. This post lists a bunch of them.

The Entertainers
Where: Various local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
The Puppet Co’s version of Rapunzel is delighting young audiences — and older ones, for that matter. Our family saw it a couple of weeks ago, and we all enjoyed the marionette interpretation of the Grimm classic (Read Wired Momma’s longer review). Really little ones will enjoy the Tiny Tots production of The Mother Goose Caboose on Saturday. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is still on stage at Adventure Theatre. Owen’s Kindergarten class just took a field trip to see it, and the kids all gave it rave reviews. And Nana Malaya: A Song, A Story, A Dance will showcase African culture at this week’s Saturday Morning at the National series.

Kids’ Farm Month
Where: National Zoo
When: April 1 – 30
Admission: Free
Celebrate the Zoo’s Kids’ Farm, sponsored by State Farm®, throughout the month of April with a variety of activities and events. Every day, the Zoo will have special animal encounters, keeper talks, and demonstrations. There will also be an exclusive Kids’ Farm giveaway from State Farm® for children every weekend in April. And it all kicks off this Sunday!

Mysteries of Mail Family Day
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Saturday, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
Take a time-traveling journey through postal history. Discover the inner workings of the system that made it possible to send a newspaper in the 1800’s, mail a postcard home from the battlefield during World War I, and ship a crate of eggs to Alaska. Discover how machines read your handwriting and how engineers solve complex sorting problems. And, most of all, enjoy a variety of fun activities.

Find Your Way at the Launch Zone
Where: National Children’s Museum Launch Zone
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Navigate your way to the Launch Zone to celebrate the anniversary of the publishing of the first U.S. map. Once you’ve learned how to read them, make your very own map of your town and compass to help you get around. Learn to make your own travel frame using recycled maps in a special workshop presented from 12-1pm, while supplies last. Once this day is over, there will be no need to ask “Are We There Yet?”

Portrait Story Days: Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 1–4pm; Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, learn about American social activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Leave a Comment

Filed under All ages, Animals, Art, DC, Educational, Farm, Festival, Free, Holidays, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Outdoor, Seasonal, Spring, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

March 27, 2012

Eggcellent Celebrations this Easter

Thank you, Easter Piggy! (oink oink)

 

You don’t have to wait until Easter Sunday to get the celebration started.  Many places around the area are hosting egg hunts, Easter bunny visits, and more spring fun early.  At least one big festival has already begun and even more will kick off festivities this weekend. Even if you’re not big on the holiday, there are attractions beyond bunnies and candy-filled eggs that will have the whole family jumping hopping with joy.  Here’s where you can find them, listed in order of start date.

Spring Easter Festival
Where: Ticonderoga Farm
When: March 17 – April 15, 10am – 5pm daily
Admission: $7.95/weekdays, $11.95/holidays & weekends
With spring comes a host of seasonal activities at Ticonderoga. You can visit with the spring farm animals, do some bird watching and animal tracking, and pick daffodils along with their myriad year-round attractions – think swings, hayrides, a maze, and much more. On weekends, the farm takes the celebration up a notch with egg hunts, face painting, children’s games, and visits from the Easter bunny.

Bunnyland
Where: Butler’s Orchard
When: March 31 & April 1, 5, 6, 7, 9, 15; 9am – 3pm
Admission: $8.50/child, $6.50/adult
One of the more popular spring festivals in the area, Butler’s has all the trappings for seasonal fun: bunnies, eggs, and other Easter-related treats to get young guests in the holiday spirit. Other attractions include hayrides down the Bunny Trail, egg hunts, the Rubber Ducky Derby, giant slides, and a small petting zoo. There will also be face painting and pony rides for an extra fee. Food vendors will offer hotdogs, veggie pitas, soup, popcorn, and more. There are also plenty of picnic tables if you prefer to pack a lunch. The Farm Market will be open, too, selling preserves, honey, home-baked fruit pies, and other local goods.

Easter Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Harvest
Where: Great Country Farms
When: March 31 – April 1, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $10/kids, $12/adults, children 2 and under are free
Celebrate springtime amidst rolling hills, friendly animals, and special Easter activities. There will be four separate aged-based egg hunts both days with over 7,000 treat-filled eggs hidden around the farm! Visitors will enjoy the mysterious Marshmallow Harvest, which always blooms on or around April 1st and can be eaten straight off the tree or roasted over the bonfire. Visit with the Easter bunny, then lunch at the Farms’ signature Roosteraunt. Along with all this, the farm’s permanent attractions — the giant jumping pillow, pedal carts, rope mazes, and more — will also be open. Note: Due to popular demand, advanced Egg Hunt tickets are recommended and are available for purchase online.

Easter Eggstravaganzas
Where: Various locations around the DC-Metro
When: March 31 & April 1
Admission: Free
These festivals held in several neighborhoods around the area will offer all kinds of Easter fun and more – egg hunts, Easter bunny visits, face painting, yummy treats, games, prizes, and more. They’ll take place on March 31 in Alexandria and Columbia Heights, then on April 7 in Ballston, Capitol Hill, and Georgetown. Visit the National Community Church website for more details, including specific locations.

Fabergé Egg Family Festival
Where: Hillwood Museum
When: March 31, 10am – 7pm & April 1, 1-5pm
Admission: $6/ages 6-18, $15/adult, $12/senior, free for 6 and under
Celebrate spring’s arrival in Russian style! Enjoy festive folk music and storytelling, meet historic character Tsar Nicholas II, and take part in a centuries-old egg-rolling game. Step into Fabergé’s Workshop to decorate your own Fabergé-inspired egg.

Egg Hunt & Bounce
Where: Pump it Up in Lanham
When: April 6, 10am – 12pm, 2-4pm, 5-7pm
Admission: $15/child, $5/adult
Grab the kiddos and hop on down to Pump It Up for an jumpin’ Easter Egg Hunt. Search for eggs hidden in and around the huge arenas filled with giant inflatables. Looks for special golden eggs, visit with the Easter bunny, and have a bouncy good time. Admission includes pizza, beverages, and goodies for everyone. Don’t forget socks!

Eggstravaganza at Tudor Place
Where: Tudor Place
When: April 6, 10am – 12pm
Admission: $3/adults, $6/member child, $7/non-member child
Celebrate spring and Easter at the historic Georgetown estate. Children of all ages can enjoy the largest egg hunt in Washington, DC, and a thrilling egg roll contest. After the games, spend the morning decorating festive eggs, playing games from the past, and taking picture with the Easter Bunny. Visitors can also enjoy a self-guided tour of Tudor Place’s 5+ acres of glorious gardens. The egg hunt begins at 10:45am, and the egg roll follows at 11am. Guests should bring their own basket and spoon, plus one hard-boiled egg per child. Tickets can be purchased through the website here.

Joyeuses Pâques
Where: Alliance Française de Washington D.C.
When: April 7, 10:30am
Admission: $5
Celebrate Easter with the Alliance Française! The morning will kick off with a special story time, followed by an Easter egg hunt in the park. Children who find a special Golden Egg will have an extra surprise. The egg hunt will be followed by a special treat from Paul Bakery. Call 202.234.7911 to RSVP.

Easter Egg Hunt and Basket Decorating
Where: Hill Center
When: April 7, 1-3pm
Admission: $15
Kids of all ages are welcome to join a class at the Hill Center to decorate baskets then fill them up with their gatherings from an egg hunt. To register, email: karen@alewter.com.

Presidents Gallery Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Madame Tussauds
When: April 7, 8-10am
Admission: $10/ages 13 and up, free for ages 12 and under
In celebration of Easter and a White House tradition started by the 19th President of the United States, Rutherford B. Hayes, The Presidents Gallery by Madame Tussauds is hosting its first annual Easter Egg Hunt offering a fun and educational “eggs-ploration” through American history and pop culture. more than one thousand eggs will be hidden throughout the attraction, waiting to be uncovered by guests as they interact with and enjoy the wax figures. Various trinkets and prizes will be contained in every egg, including one Golden Egg that will award its finder a personalized wax hands souvenir, an Oval Office photo shoot or a family V.I.P. package. Additionally, live bunnies provided by the Be With Me Playseum will be on-hand for special Easter photo-ops in the attraction’s replica Oval Office.

Easter Monday: Celebrating the African American Family Tradition
Where: National Zoo
When: April 9, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Easter Monday at the National Zoo has been an African American community tradition for over 100 years, and the Zoo proudly commemorates it annually with special festivities that all families in the metro area are welcome to enjoy. An Easter egg hunt, animals demos, activities highlighting African animals, live entertainment, relay style games, and visits from the Easter Panda will be part of the fun-filled day.

2 Comments

Filed under All ages, Animals, Annual, DC, Farm, Festival, Free, Holidays, Indoor Play, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Outdoor, Seasonal, Spring, Virginia, Weekdays, Weekend

Tagged as , , , , ,

March 25, 2012

Where to Play on the Weekdays: March 26-30

Teepee peekaboo at the imagiNATIONS activity center in the American Indian Museum

 

Monday – Go see the cherry blossoms while you can, because they won’t be blooming much longer.  And I recommend checking out these tips for families before you do.

Tuesday – Celebrate the season at Ticonderoga Farm’s Spring Easter Festival.  You can visit with the spring farm animals, do some bird watching and animal tracking along with their myriad year-round attractions (swings, hayrides, a maze, and much more). The Festival runs through April 15 and includes egg hunts, face painting, and a few other extras on weekends. Open 10am – 5pm, admission is $7.95 on weekdays ($11.95 on weekends and holidays).

Wednesday – Explore the outdoor world inside at a nature center.  The Natural Capital blog has a great list of are nature centers, and many host weekday programs especially for little ones.

Thursday – Rock out at Discovery Theater as they present Secret Agent 23 Skidoo as part of their “Tot Rock: Jammin’ at the Smithsonian” series.  Showtimes are 10:15am and 11:30am. Tickets are $6/ages 2 and up, $3/children under 2.

Friday – Discover Native American culture through a variety of interactive exhibits at the imagiNATIONS activity center in the National Museum of the American Indian.  Kids can play in a teepee, build an igloo, listen to sounds of wild places, and much more. The museum is open 10am – 5:30pm, admission is free.

 

1 Comment

Filed under All ages, Animals, Babies, DC, Educational, Farm, Festival, Free, Gradeschoolers, Indoor Play, Live Entertainment, Museums, Music, Ongoing, Outdoor, Preschoolers, Seasonal, Spring, Theatre, Toddlers, Virginia, Weekdays

Tagged as , , , , , , ,