DC Thrifty Mom’s
FREE & Cheap Happenings in DC
Mother’s Day Weekend 2014
May 10 & 11
**Visit the CALENDAR for additional FREE & Cheap happenings.**
Always call or check the event website before heading out;
Event information is subject to change.
Pond Tours at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens – Visitor Center
Saturday, May 10 & Sunday, May 11 ∙ 9:30am – 10:30am
Price: FREE
Explore and walk the aquatic gardens with a ranger and experience the sights and sounds of Kenilworth’s aquatic environment.
SHORTCUT TO EUROPE: EUROPEAN UNION EMBASSIES’ OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, May 10 ∙ 10am – 4:00pm
Price: Admission is FREE, but please bring identification. Some Embassies will conduct security checks.
Experience the best of European Culture without the Jet Lag! The Delegation of the European Union to the United States and the Embassies of 28 EU Member States to the United States open their doors to the Washington public during the EU Embassies’ Open House Day. This annual event is the highlight of the Washington May calendar and is celebrated during Europe Week. Each embassy opens their doors to the public and offers a rare look inside the buildings and provides a unique opportunity to experience the country’s cultural heritage and national traditions.
NATIONAL TRAIN DAY at Union Station
Saturday, May 10 ∙ 10am – 4:00pm
Price: FREE Admission but fee for excursion train
This year, National Train Day activities feature train equipment displays, local exhibitors, model train displays, kid-friendly activities from Chuggington and much more! Amtrak® invites you and your family to celebrate trains and train travel, and to share why Trains Matter to us all. Tickets for the Washington, DC, Excursion Train are available through Amtrak.com by booking in advance. A limited number of tickets will be available at the ticket counter in Washington, DC, Saturday, May 10, beginning at 10:30 am, for the 3:45 departure only.
CELEBRATE MOM! at Whole Foods Market
Saturday, May 10
Whole Foods Market Tenley ∙ 10am – 12:00pm: We have some great gift ideas for Mom this year! Stop by to pick up a personalized dessert, get recipes for breakfast in bed, or choose a flower bouquet. We have a FREE kids craft too-little ones can make a bud vase for Mom to take home! Bring your own glass bottle or jar, or we’ll provide one.
Whole Foods Market Foggy Bottom ∙ 10am – 2:00pm: Celebrate Mother’s Day with Free Mimosas, Massages, Goodie Bags, Raffles and more!
GREAT BROOKLAND YARD SALE
Saturday, May 10 ∙ 10am – 2:00pm
Price: FREE Admission
The Great Brookland Yard Sale is a set date for Brookland residents to host concurrent yard sales. Once again this year, the GBYS is organized by the Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association (BNCA). See list of addresses participants and map
Open House: World Bonsai Day at U.S. National Arboretum
Saturday, May 10 ∙ 10am – 4:00pm
Price: Admission and all events are FREE!
World Bonsai Day celebrates Saburo Kato’s belief that bonsai has the power to unite people by acting as a bridge to international friendship and peace. This annual event features demonstrations at 12:00 and 2:00 pm, drawings for the demonstration trees, curator-led museum tours at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm, and an exhibit about Mr. Kato, founder of the World Bonsai Friendship Federation. National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.
STORYTIME (AGES 3-5) at Kreeger Museum
Saturday, May 10 ∙ 10am – 11:00am
Price: $7.00
Children ages 3-5 and an adult companion are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, analysis of works of art from the collection, a story and a hands-on art-making experience. Class size is limited to 10 children. Pre-registration is required.
MADE BY ME MOTHER’S DAY at GYMBOREE DC
Saturday, May 10 ∙ 10 – 10:45am
Price: Free for Gymboree DC members, $5 for the public.
Come make mom a special art/crafts project made by YOU! Arts/Crafts, mom inspired stories and snacks. For ages 6 months – 4 years old only. Adult must be present. Space is limited and REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to attend. Call 202-627-2450 to Register
DC FAMILY FIESTA – FAMILY MUSIC SERIES at El Tamarindo
Saturday, May 10 ∙ 10:30am
Price: $4 per person – 3 people for $10
Mr. Skip says, ”It’s all about the kids!” He’s been delighting and enlightening young children for nearly 40 years. Come hear hot tunes for cool kids this Saturday at DCFF!
FREE FAMILY FUN DAY! at National Postal Museum
Saturday, May 10 ∙ 11am – 5:00pm
Price: FREE
The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum is hosting Family Fun Day. The event will celebrate two different yet uniquely connected themes: Chinese heritage and National Train Day. Through special exhibits, programs and events, the museum will showcase how trains and the people of China have long shared a very special place in American history.
RUN OF THE MILL at Peirce Mill
Saturday, May 10 ∙ 11am – 2:00pm
Price: FREE
Miller Jeanne Minor and the Friends of Peirce Mill invite you to drop in and discover Washington DC’s only surviving gristmill in action for the first time in 2014. Be sure and explore the exhibits and watch the film in adjacent Peirce Barn as well.
Mother’s Day Family Festival at American Art Museum [Kogod Courtyard]
Saturday, May 10 ∙ 11:30am – 3pm
Price: FREE
Celebrate your family and the caregivers in your life during this family day. Make portraits of your loved ones like the ones artist Fasanella did of his parents; create a bouquet of paper flowers to give to someone special; and make a decorative family tree to display in your home with artist Alyson Johnson. Get your dancing shoes on, folk band the Knuckle Dusters performs live! Enjoy a puppet performance by Wits End Puppets in the museum with your family!
Celebrate Petworth at 800 Block of Upshur Street NW
Saturday, May 10 ∙ 12pm – 6:00pm
Price: FREE Admission
Celebrate Petworth highlights the creativity, diversity, culture, people, and quality of life that makes Petworth a vibrant and great place to live. The event will feature two stages with music and kids performances, over 35 local vendors, local business and non-profit showcases, live art painting and demonstrations, kids art crafts and activities, as well as a fundraiser yard sale for Parents Organizing for the Power and field day activities in the Petworth Park.
Create with Gara Cloth at African Art Museum
Saturday, May 10 ∙ 1 – 3:00pm
Price: FREE
Create a “Gara” cloth Mother’s Day gift bag. Gara dyeing is said to have been brought to Sierra Leone by Mandingo traders between 1840 -1900, from nearby Guinea. In the past, woven cloth was used by chiefs and warriors for ceremonial dress, for bridal dowry, burial cloths, and gifts for important visitors. Today, the word gara is used to describe the dyeing process and products, which have become a status of national identity of Sierra Leone. [Workshop repeats May 24]
ImaginAsia: Cranes and Clouds at Sackler Gallery [Sublevel 2]
Saturday, May 10 & Sunday, May 11 ∙ 2:00pm
Price: Free; walk-in
Explore the intricate inlays of cranes, clouds, fruit, and flowers on Korean celadon ceramics. In the classroom, use gold and silver inks to print a folding fan with Korean inlay designs to take home.
ImaginAsia programs are for eight- to fourteen-year-olds and their adult companions. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs begin promptly at 2 pm with introductions and a question-and-answer session. Next, families use an activity book to explore an exhibition or theme at their own pace. They then return to the classroom for an art project related to the works viewed in the galleries. Art supplies are provided, and families are invited to take home their creations. [Workshop repeats May 17 & 18]
Side Yards at The Yards Park
Saturday, May 10 ∙ 5 – 10:00pm
Price: FREE
Come one, come all, to the first ever riverfront sideshow extravaganza: Side Yards at The Yards. It’s an evening of amusement and wonder featuring some of the DC area’s top sideshow performers; Circus of Wonders. Three side-stages of entertainment will showcase their terrifying talents with contortionists, magicians, jugglers, fire breathers, sword swallowers and more.
FIESTA ASIA PLANET FAMILY at Smithsonian’s National Zoo – Lion Tiger Hill Stage
Sunday, May 11 ∙ 1 – 3:00pm
Price: Free
Mother’s Day always had a special place in our heart. We love our mommies! Fiesta Asia started dedicating a special tribute to mothers since 2008 with an afternoon of fun family time featuring cultural performances by children of all ages for the whole family. Our wonderful partner, the Smithsonian National Zoo has been awesome to work with. We have debut Panda Dance, Polynesian Roll, Rabbit Hop, Bollywood Shake and even the Taiko Dog Woof!
We believe every kid should be exposed to culture and arts. It fosters creativity, focus, talent and simply all around goodness! Just look at our Fiesta Asia Kids, absolutely outstanding.
Every child has the opportunity to learn the different dances together with their moms, (and dads too!) show her how talented you are and thank her for loving you. We want to show our appreciation to all the mommies out there for being simply incredible!
Portrait Story Days: Mary Cassatt at Portrait Gallery [Education Center, 1st Floor, Room E151]
Sunday, May 11 ∙ 2 – 5:00pm
Price: Free; walk-in
(for ages 5 and up with adult) 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. Today, learn about American artist Mary Cassatt (1844-1926).
Mendelssohn Piano Trio Mother’s Day Tribute at American Art Museum [McEvoy Auditorium]
Sunday, May 11 ∙ 3:00pm
Price: Free - Tickets available at 2:30 p.m. in G Street Lobby
Join the Mendelssohn Piano Trio for their annual Mother’s Day performance. Over the next three years, they will present the complete Beethoven Piano Trios. This first concert includes the witty Variations Op. 44 in E-flat Major, the passionate Piano Trio in C Minor, Op. 1, No. 3, and the celebrated “Archduke” Piano Trio Op. 97.
There are so many activities this weekend. Please view the calendar for FREE & CHEAP Happenings like: LAUREL MAIN STREET FESTIVAL, ALEXANDRIA ART MARKET, BETHESDA FINE ARTS FESTIVAL, GREEN MAN FESTIVAL 2014 CELEBRATING BUTTERFLIES, MARLBOROUGH DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL, SPRING FARM DAY, SUPER SCIENCE SATURDAYS SERIES: ENERGY, PINOCCHIO, Early Keepers at The Mall at Prince George’s, Family Day — World War I, GATEWAY OPEN STUDIO TOUR, HERITAGE INDIA FESTIVAL, 18TH ANNUAL BICYCLE SAFETY RODEO, 2ND ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR, CHILDREN’S THEATRE: ”PRINCESS AND THE PEA”, DOWNTOWN FEST AT ONE LOUDOUN, 2ND SATURDAY ART WALK, CITY FAIR AT ANNAPOLIS CITY DOCK, YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERT: SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK! (AND ALL THAT JAZZ), THE FOLKLORE SOCIETY OF GREATER WASHINGTON ∙ FAMILY DANCE, LAKE ANNE SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL, FREE CONE DAY 2014 ∙ HÄAGEN-DAZS (5/13) and MORE!
Require additional Mother’s Day suggestions, visit CultureCapital’s Mother’s Day Weekend 2014 Planning Guide. Looking for a Mother’s Day Freebie? Check-out Freebies & Steals {The Mother’s Day Round-Up} from CapitallyFrugalDC.
BLUE MAN GROUP DISCOUNT - Save more than $25 on tickets to BLUE MAN GROUP! Use code FAMILY and get tickets for $49.75 (reg price $73-$78) Discounts available at all points of purchase for select performances: Sat 9 pm & Sun 7:30 pm
Purchase tickets online here and use promo code FAMILY when ordering. Military? Inquire about the Military Discount (202-628-6161), limited availability. Also view GO Kid Trips’ amazing facts in Blue Man Group By the Numbers and daily ticket lottery here!
Foundation for the National Archives is offering an Online Giveaway to Attend Sleepover in National Archives Rotunda -
The Foundation for the National Archives announced today the launch of an online giveaway, providing free tickets to two lucky children (and one grownup chaperone) to attend the “History, Heroes and Treasures” sleepover at the home of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
The August 2 sleepover at the National Archives Museum will allow 100 children and parents to engage with Archives records in fun and educational ways and explore the museum before rolling out their sleeping bags to spend the night in the building’s Rotunda.
Tickets to the sleepover, which is open to 8- to 12-year-olds and their parents, are $125 per person ($100 for Foundation members). The Foundation will open registration for the general public on Monday, May 19. An additional sleepover is scheduled for October 2014.
SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS IN THE ARTS – METRO DC 2014 - Find a Metro DC Summer Camp program that matches your child’s interest in theatre, dance, music and visual arts. Whether they are toddlers, tweens or teens, there’s a program that will spark their creativity, build on their talents and excite them through the summer season.
FREE YOUTHSPARK SUMMER CAMPS AT MICROSOFT STORES (AGES 8 -13) - Registration is open for FREE weekly in-store camps, June 2 – August 29, 2014. Camps are broken up into two age groups for Jr. Designers (recommended for ages 8-10) and Designers (recommended for ages 11-13), so choose the camp (descriptions below) that fits your student’s interest.
FREE BOWLING FOR KIDS: AMF SUMMER 2014 - Summer is for FUN—especially for kids! Register your kids (ages 15 and under) for the Summer Games and let them enjoy 3 FREE games every weekday, all summer long! Summer’s not just for kids—the Summer Games offers great deals for adults, too! Purchase a Family Pass and up to 4 adults can get in on all the fun for just $39.95! Valid from Memorial Day (Monday, May 26) through Labor Day (Monday, September 1) 2014. Shoe rental not included. Weekdays from open til 5 pm, visit the participating AMF near you to enjoy all the fun and excitement of summer on the lanes. Sign up. And get the fun (and games) rolling for you and your kids! Sign up today!
And starting next month, THE 2014 REGAL SUMMER MOVIE EXPRESS!
To All the Mothers & Grandmothers, Happy Mother’s Day!
Enjoy your weekend!