City skating at Canal Park
Holiday events and live entertainment might dominate this round-up, but you can find plenty beyond that among DC’s ongoing activities and mainstay attractions. For ideas and details, check out the Everyday Play page. Or to plan by weather, go straight to the outdoor recs or have a look at the The Great Indoors list. Happy Weekend!
Holidaze
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
The big holiday may be over, but many activities celebrating them are still going on, some for up to another week. Live entertainment, spectacular light displays, model trains, and seasonal events are some of the ways you can savor the holiday magic just a little bit longer. The 2013 KFDC Holiday Guide will tell you where to find them.
Uncle Devin’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Show
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: Saturday, doors open at 10am
Admission: $8
Enjoy the live, interactive musical experience recommended for children five and up. Uncle Devin is both a drummer and percussionist, and, therefore, is known as the original “Drumcussionist.” His drum set consists of a combination of natural drums/ percussion instruments, and the latest in electronic drums. This hybrid drum set allows him to play the normal drum groove along with the additional color that is normally played by additional percussionist and musicians. He also has uses an assortment of percussion instruments, including cowbells, triangles, shakers, congas and timbales, as learning tools for his message.
Kwanzaa Arts, Family Fun
Where: Anacostia Community Museum
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 2:30pm
Admission: Free
Join artists Tamara Thomas and Diedra Bell as they activate the creative imagination for this fun, free workshop. While the workshop is free, space is limited, so call to reserve a spot: 202.633.4844.
Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 1-4pm & Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery 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 artist Joseph Cornell .
Aquarium
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $10-12
This is a show best for ages 1-5. With gentle music, beautiful puppets, and props, Jack and Calypso lead children and caregivers to a magical, interactive world where giant jellyfish fly through the air, sheep graze in the grass, and lemons create the sun in a “let’s pretend” sky.
Fun 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; meander the paths at Canal Park; 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.
Millennium Stage Family Night
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Saturday, 6pm
Admission: Free
It’s a Target Family Night at the Kennedy Center’s free evening performance of “Holiday Vaudeville” on Saturday. The show blends holiday music and non-stop laughter with Cajun cellist Sean Grissom and modern-Klezmer quartet the Alexandria Kleztet. (It will also be performed on Friday night, though it’s not a designated Family Night — however, families are always welcome.)
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.
Winter Break Festivities
Where: Port Discovery
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $13.95
The children’s museum in Baltimore has special activities going on all weekend (and Monday) for Winter Break. The multiple levels featuring all kinds of a hands-on exhibits are always a blast, too!
The Polar Express 3D
Where: American History Museum
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-2:40pm
Admission: $5
Catch a short flick at the American History Museum. Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express follows a doubting young boy as he embarks upon an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole. Multiple 12-minute screenings will be shown each hour.
Winter Festival
Where: Kettler Capitals Iceplex
When: Saturday
Admission: Depends on activities
Celebrate the season and the upcoming 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Activities will include broomball, skating, skills demonstrations, and hockey. At the Mini-Olympics competition, kids can show off their skills, earn points for their team, and win awards. And the Broomball Tournament will have everyone racing down the ice to the net.
Get Out!
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by locale
Looks like we’ll have at least one sunny day this weekend, so get out and bask in the sunshine. Head to the National Arboretum, stroll the grounds of Brookside Gardens, watch airplanes at Gravelly point, hit the trail for a hike, visit the animals at Old Maryland Farm or the Zoo. Find more info about all these suggestions and scads more in this post about the best places in the DC area to enjoy a day outdoors.