Giant bunny sculptures will be back at The Yards – see them aglow in the evenings
Once again, there are numerous great ways to enjoy your days off with the kids around DC. From a performing arts fest to museum programs to nature explorations to winter fun to whimsical art in the park and plenty more among all of that, there’s something for everyone to love. Happy Weekend!
Intersect with the Performing Arts
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Admission: See the website
There’s more family programming at the INTERSECTIONS Festival this weekend, most of it on Saturday. See Midsummer Madness, Shakespeare for the Young’s puppet tribute to the bard. Arts on the Horizon presents several Space Bop performances. And enjoy The Singing Cricket, a cross-cultural interactive show for all ages. There will also be fun activities and music in the lobby. Check the schedule for details on all of the shows plus more (grown-up) events going on throughout this weekend.
Washington Antiquarian Book Fair
Where: Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge
When: Friday, 4-8pm & Saturday 10am – 5pm
Admission: $14/two days, $8/Saturday, $5/students & librarians
Book lovers, rejoice! The Washington Antiquarian Book Fair returns to DC celebrating its 41st year, featuring new and longtime favorite exhibitors and collections. Celebrate and discover rare books and manuscripts, and connect with fellow enthusiasts for this rare opportunity to share conversations, discoveries, and experiences with the larger community. New (and highly anticipated) to the Fair this year is Typewriter Rodeo, who will bring custom, on-demand poetry written on vintage typewriters. In five minutes or less, this Austin, Texas-based traveling quartet will write ticket holders an original and personal poem as a keepsake!
Women’s History Month Celebration
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Women’s History Month at this family festival! See “Amelia Earhart” speak about her love of stamps and airborne adventures, and enjoy activities that focus on females in the USPS. A special story time will be held featuring the adventures of good friends Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt in the story “Amelia and Eleanor Go For A Ride.” Guests can also participate in a scavenger hunt and take home an NPM airplane as a souvenir.
Tossed & Found Children’s Trunk Show
Where: Crystal City – 1225 S. Clark Street, 10th Floor
When: Saturday, 10am – 12:30pm
Admission: $10
Score some great deals at this huge second hand sale. The Tossed & Found Series features new and gently used clothing, toys, and gear with proceeds going to support the Junior League of Washington’s mission of improving children’s literacy. This year’s sale also features great vendors like Arbonne from Heidi Miller, thirty-one from Erin Krekeler, Wren Riley by Amy Riley and children’s author Sharon Hicke.
Shake Up Your Saturday with Shakespeare
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free, but registration required
Join this family program about the Merry Women of Shakespeare at the Folger on Saturday. Are you a fan of Beatrice or Ophelia? What about Viola, Juliet, or Kate? In honor of Women’s History Month, explore your favorite heroines from the works of Shakespeare. Ages 5-7 at 10-11am, and ages 8-14 at 11am – 12pm. Go here to sign up.
Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Reserve free tickets to InterAct Story Theatre’s One Gold Coin, this week’s Saturday Morning at the National performance
* James and the Giant Peach is Adventure Theatre’s latest play for all ages
* Encore Stage & Studio brings theatre by kids for kids in their latest production, Treasure Island
* Catch a performance of Beauty and the Beast at The Puppet Co.
* And Baby Bear’s Birthday is the featured Tiny Tots show at the Glen Echo theater
* JACK and Phil, Slayers of Giants-INC is on the Imagination Stage
* The Reston Community Players present Mary Poppins
* A Midsummer Night’s Dream is on stage at the Folger Shakespeare Library
* Justin Roberts is playing two shows, morning and afternoon, at Jammin’ Java on Saturday
* Catch Wild Kratts Live at DAR Constitution Hall on Sunday
* Enjoy a grown-up night out at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s new production of Othello
Nowruz: A Persian New Year Celebration
Where: Sackler Gallery
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Ring in the Persian New Year with the kids at a scaled-down version of the gallery’s annual Nowruz celebration! With free attractions for all ages include storytelling, hans-on art activities, a photo booth, calligraphy, food trucks, and a book signing by Najmieh Batmanglij.
Bird Walk
Where: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
When: Saturday, 8:15-10:15am
Admission: Free
All ages are welcome on this guided hike to search for birds in several refuge. Field guides and binoculars are recommended. Registration is required The program is held at the North Tract located on Rt. 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 32.
Animal Close-Ups
Where: National Geographic Museum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $15/adult, $10/ages 5-12 (find a discount here)
Experience two fascinating exhibits in one outing at the museum downtown. Photo Ark, a gorgeous collection of portraits of the world’s animal species, spotlights conservation through the lens of photographer Joel Sartore. And you can zoom in on CROCS through an exhibit focusing on crocodilians. Components like captivating images, interactive displays, and live creatures are compelling for all ages.
Bunnies A-Glow-Glow
Where: Yards Park
When: Saturday & Sunday evenings
Admission: Free
Light Yards, the art installation melding light, sculpture, and music, that opened at The Yards Park two weeks ago will be hopping again this week as the giant luminescent bunnies return. While there won’t be another special event along with the art, you can still see them in the park, and they’ll be lit up in the evenings starting at sunset. Plan on dinner at The Yards then check out the glowing riverfront rabbits.
Weekend Family Matinee
Where: Avalon Theatre
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $12/adult, $9/child
Enjoy the Avalon’s series that present films and live performances that are family-friendly and ridiculously fun. This week, meet the rainbow and join Rainbow Rock Band members, the Rainbow Lady (Kate Moran) and Mister Melody (Michael Mattice), as they entertain little ones with tunes, laughs and lots more. This amazing team will have microphones and more for kiddos to get in on the fun.
Rock(noceros) On
Where: Gypsy Sally’s
When: Saturday, 11am (door open at 10:30am)
Admission: $10
Local music fave Rocknoceros have just released a new album, Plymouth Rockers, and they’re sharing the new tunes live at Gypsy Sally’s, the place for family-friendly musical events in Georgetown. The new batch of songs is sure to entertain and educate in equal measure!
A Great Escape
Where: The Escape Lounge
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $15
Test your puzzle solving skills and have a great adventure at the H street venue that offers escape experiences for kids and adults. Bring the whole fam to Escape the Classroom by figuring out a series of clues – it’s a fun and challenging way to enjoy time together. Read more about it in this new post about Owen’s birthday party there.
National Parks Adventure
Where: National History Museum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $9
Explore some of our country’s most spectacular places at a viewing of National Parks Adventure 3D at the National History Museum’s Johnson IMAX Theater. The film is full of stunning cinematography and thrilling adventure that will transport you and spark wanderlust. You can also try to win a 4-pack of tickets to see it here!
Ice It
Where: Local Ice Skating Rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
Take advantage of a fun and active winter activity while you can. Enjoy art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; circle the rink at Washington Harbour; meander the paths at Canal Park; or do some shopping then skate at Pentagon Row, Veteran’s Plaza, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on alfresco (and indoor) ice skating options in the area. And note that both at Canal Park and Washington Harbor are hosting Cartoon Skate on Saturday morning!
Date Night: Shakespeare Sans Words
Where: Synetic Theater
When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Admission: Tickets start at $20
It’s probably hard to imagine a wordless Shakespeare production, but Synetic Theater’s version of Romeo and Juliet is just that — and it’s phenomenal. Innovative, fluid choreography set against dramatic scenery of gears in a clock, all to a unique soundtrack of ticks, tocks, and chimes makes for a gorgeous, mesmerizing production. Words aren’t necessary when a familiar story is told in such a beautifully expressive way. If you’re a fan of the bard or just appreciate superb theatre, I highly recommend this show. Teens and up could enjoy it, but it makes for a great grown-up night out.
Portrait Stories & Discoveries
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 1-4pm & Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about Clara Barton and complete a hands-on activity. When you’re done there, pick up a Portrait Discovery Kit to explore the museum. For more about the program, see this post about one of our experiences there.
An Evening of Exploration
Where: National Geographic Headquarters
When: Sunday, 5:30pm
Admission: Free, but registration required
Join National Geographic Student Expeditions for an evening of exploration and a chance to meet with experts, trip leaders, and alumni. Hear about the careers of photographer Tyrone Turner and biologist Greg Marshall, and learn how middle and high school students can pursue their own passions while traveling on a summer trip with the group. Learn what it’s like to shoot a story for National Geographic magazine, and get an intro to the Crittercam—a device to see what wild animals do when we’re not around. Eligible high school students who attend can enter to win a summer 2016 trip with National Geographic Student Expeditions. Register here to reserve your space!
The Ins & Outs of DC
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Looking for ways to stay active and entertained without a chill in the air? Then The Great Indoors post, a list of over 70 ideas for places to go inside, should have you covered. And if you prefer the outdoors no matter the weather, The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids, has a bunch of recommendations, too.