The Monument made of plant materials at the U.S. Botanic Garden’s Season’s Greenings
Before you get started on weekend planning, I have a quick note about KidFriendly DC on Facebook. It seems they’ve once again changed their algorithm (however it works), trying to get those of us who maintain pages for a website or business to pay for our followers to see our posts. But there is a way around it if you want to make sure you get updates from the Facebook pages you like. (And I do recommend following KFDC on FB, because I often post things there that I don’t always have time to dedicate a blog to, including local deals, events I hear about last minute, fun photos, and links from other sites.)
Anyway, here’s what you need to do to ensure you get my updates: Go to the KidFriendly DC Facebook page, hover over the “Liked” button, then select “Add to Interest Lists” or “Get Notifications.” The latter feature enables you to get a notification if one of my updates doesn’t show up in your news feed. I also recommend checking the page now and then just to see what’s new.
And with that out of the way, here’s where you can find family fun around the DC-Metro over the next couple of days. Happy Weekend!
Holiday Festival
Where: American Art Museum
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Come in from the cold and celebrate the holidays with the Smithonian American Art Museum. Stop by craft tables to make a wintry art project. Take part in themed scavenger hunts. Enjoy hot apple cider and festive music to get you into the holiday spirit.
Gifts that Give Hope
Where: Calvary United Methodist Church
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Instead of giving another tie or candle this year, how about boxing up hope and happiness? Gifts That Give Hope Arlington is holding their 3rd annual Gift Fair, capturing the holiday spirit in a way that redefines the notion of meaningful, alternative gift giving. This year’s fair will feature 15 local and global nonprofit organizations, many of them based in Arlington. Shoppers will have the opportunity to peruse the tables hosted by each organization and purchase alternative gifts that will directly benefit the mission of those organizations. There will also be refreshments, face painting, and kids activities.
Sock Monkey Saturday
Where: American Visionary Art Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Don’t let the holidays drive you BANANAS! Relax by making your very own Sock Monkey—a great last-minute gift, and just something fun to do with the family. Free entry, just bring your own SOCKS (2 pair, clean & colorful) and SCISSORS to get in. Instructions, stuffing, sewing needles, thread, visionary baubles and camaraderie will be provided.
‘Tis the Season
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies be venue
Most of the area’s big holiday events and activities will be on by this weekend. Holiday on the Ellipse, Season’s Greenings at the U.S. Botanic Garden, Holly Trolley Fest, Christmas on the Potomac, Christmas at Mount Vernon, train and light displays, and more. Get the full rundown on all of them in the 2013 Guide to the Holidays in DC.
Light & Art at the Yards
Where: Art Yards
When: Friday & Saturday, 6-10pm
Admission: Free
The public art project at Yards Park, is showcasing the works of even internationally renowned artists in a whole new light — literally. Art Yards is winding down with light shows for the next couple of evenings. The completed murals and chalk installations will be unveiled, accompanied by a light show by video artist trio 3-Search, Integrated Visions, and United VJ’s. They’ll take place each night from 6-10pm. I should note that it isn’t touted as a family event, but it seems like something any age could appreciate.
Super Science Saturday
Where: 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 Air & 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. The focus of this month’s program are the Wright Brothers.
More Holiday Entertainment
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Much of the live entertainment on area stages right now is holiday-inspired. Enjoy the ultimate holiday classic The Nutcracker performed by the Washington Ballet at Warner Theatre or catch a tot-friendly version at The Puppet Co. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead Scrooge on A Christmas Carol journey at Ford’s Theatre. Enjoy The Twelve Days of Christmas at Adventure Theatre. Get details on these shows and others in the 2013 Holiday Guide.
Lyle the Crocodile
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $12+
Recommended for ages 4-12, Lyle the Crocodile will run through January 10: When the Primm family moves into their New York City apartment, they are quite surprised to find a crocodile in their bathtub! But Lyle is a rather extraordinary crocodile and quickly becomes part of the family. Unfortunately, a nasty neighbor, Mr. Grumps, has it out for the reptile. He thinks poor Lyle is unfit for the neighborhood simply because he’s different. After a parade, a trip to the department store, and a stint in the zoo, Lyle saves the day and earns his place as a beloved friend and neighbor.
Jam with Ellis Paul
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $10
Hear some kiddie folk rock as Ellis Paul, one of the preeminent contemporary folk singer/songwriters on the scene today, take the stage at Jammin’ Java. He tours around the country constantly and his songs have been featured in movies and covered by many other artists. His children’s songs are smart, melodic, and entertaining. They’re educational and FUN too! (He’ll also be playing an adult show on Friday evening.)
Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Saturday, 11am and 1:30pm & Sunday, 4pm
Admission: $25
Best friends Gerald and Piggie find themselves on an excellent musical adventure in this world premiere stage adaptation of Mo Willems’s award-winning Elephant & Piggie books. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Flying Monsters 3D – For Free!
Where: National Geographic Museum
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free with museum ticket ($11/adult, $9/child)
This weekend, the National Geographic Museum is offering free admission to screenings of “Flying Monsters 3D” with every museum ticket. (Film tickets are usually $7 per person.) “A New Age of Exploration” and “Women with Vision” are two exhibits that require paid admission, while “Lions & Tigers & Bears: Through the Lens of a National Geographic Photographer” and “One Cubic Foot: Portraits of Diversity” are free.
Movie at the Museum: Christmas Story
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Saturday, 10:30am & Sunday, 11:30am
Admission: Free
Recommended for ages 8 and up, this Fall Film Series screening is Christmas-themed: Hundreds of years ago in a remote village in Lapland, a little boy named Nikolas loses his family in an accident. The villagers decide to look after the orphaned boy together. Once a year–at Christmas–Nikolas moves to a new home. To show his gratitude, Nikolas decides to make toys for the children of the families. Over the years, Nikolas’ successive adoptive families become many, and soon almost every house has presents on its doorstep on Christmas morning. At thirteen, Nikolas is sent to live and work with Iisakki, a grumpy old carpenter, who forbids Nikolas to continue making presents for Christmas. Gradually, however, Nikolas wins Iisakki’s trust and together they uphold the Christmas tradition. When the aged Iisakki has to leave Nikolas and move away, the gift-giving tradition is once again at risk. Thankfully, Nikolas comes up with a solution that brings children joy every Christmas–even until today.
Colonial Wassail
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Sunday, 1-5pm
Admission: $3/adult, $2/child
In the winter apple trees need encouragement to bear fruit in the coming year. Gather in the Farm’s orchard to wassail, or toast, the trees with singing, dancing, and chants to ensure a “howling crop.” Enjoy hot spiced cider, sugar cakes, a roaring bonfire, and 18th century games, too.
To Market, to Market
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Mostly free but prepared to shop!
How about adding some fun to your holiday shopping? What’s often a stressful activity for many this time of year, can actually be good time for you and the kids — if you know where to go. Some local markets offer more than the standard browse-and-buy, where live entertainment, yummy treats, fun activities, and the chance to shop outdoors in a festive atmosphere will keep your inner-Scrooge at bay as you pick out perfect gifts for all. This post has a list of ‘em.
Georgetown Jingle
Where: Four Seasons
When: Sunday, 1pm
Admission: Tickets start at $50
This family-friendly holiday extravaganza, hosted each year by Four Seasons Hotel and the design community, helps raise funds for Medstar Georgetown University Hospital’s pediatric oncology programs. Trees and vignettes by some of the area’s favorite designers and creative types will be on display and available for purchase. Santa Claus and friends, holiday crafts, fun bites, a silent auction and raffles, and great entertainment will be part of the afternoon’s festivities.
Recreation on Ice
Where: Local ice rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
If the weather is conducive to outdoor ice skating, lace up the skates and get gliding. Enjoy art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; circle the rink at Washington Harbour; or shop then skate at Pentagon Row, Veteran’s Plaza, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on both alfresco and indoor ice skating options in the area.