Happy Weekend!
Easy links to all kinds of DC activity round-ups:* Best Outdoors in the DC Area* The Great Indoors* Local Hikes with Kids* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums* Baltimore with Kids* Bike Rides* Paddling Options* Stunning Spaces* Peaceful Places
Star Wars WeekendWhere: Barracks Row | Capitol Hill, DCWhen: Friday, Saturday, & SundayAdmission: FreeThe Force will be strong on Barracks Row to celebrate May the 4th this weekend. Starting Friday evening through Sunday, there will be all kinds of Stars Wars-inspired fun on 8th Street SE, from a character meet and greet to a Jedi lightsaber parade and battle to food specials and themed cocktails to Star Wars trivia games and more. Guests, young and old, are encouraged to dress up in their best Star Wars garb! Go here to see the full schedule of events.
Nats vs Blue Jays (+ the Force)Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DCWhen: Friday, Saturday, & SundayAdmission: Tickets prices varyThere are home games for the Nats all weekend as they host the Blue Jays — catch them on Friday (6:45pm), Saturday (4:05pm), and Sunday (1:35pm). And get ready for Star Wars themed fun at all of them: Friday night fireworks to Stars Wars music, a Star Wars X-Wing Pilot bobblehead giveaway on Saturday, and a light side vs. dark side beanie giveaway on Sunday. Kids can also run the bases after the Sunday game.
Flower MartWhere: National Cathedral | Glover Park, DCWhen: Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 5pmAdmission: FreeThe annual festival, running for over 80 years at the National Cathedral, is a wonderful way to spend a spring day. While plant sales, floral and horticultural displays, and boutique booths will likely be of more interest to grown-ups, there is also music and entertainment, games and carnival rides, tasty foods, the All Hallows Guild antique carousel, and many more fun activities to delight kids. While you’re there, be sure to visit the awesome Beauvoir playground. Admission is free, though concessions and some activities will cost a fee. Read about one of our experiences at the event.
Around the World Embassy TourWhere: Multiple Embassies | Embassy Row & Dupont Circle, DCWhen: Saturday, 10am – 4:30pmAdmission: FreeThe wonderful Around the World Embassy Tour is like a local passport to countries across the globe as embassies from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania open their doors to the public. It’s a free showcase of art, music, traditional dress, and culinary delights from nations across the globe. (It’s also your chance to check out the interiors of those mansions along Mass Ave & International Drive that you usually just admire from the street.) A heads-up that there could be lines to get in some embassies, so be prepared to exercise patience. Admission is free, but bring identification, as some embassies might conduct security checks. Read about one of our past globetrotting-in-DC experiences for an idea of what to expect.
Build Day: Budding ArchitectsWhere: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DCWhen: Saturday, 10am – 1pmAdmission: FreeAll budding architects are invited to join the Hirshhorn, DCPS Arts, and Boolean Girl for Build Day Enjoy an exhibition by student artists and hands-on artmaking activities on the Hirshhorn Plaza. Tour a City Design Exhibition featuring artwork and projects by DCPS elementary students, make an LED sculpture explore 3D-printed building replicas, enjoy building and play zones, create your own 3D structure from loose parts, LEGO®, and more!
Spring Farm DayWhere: Frying Pan Farm Park | Centreville, VAWhen: Saturday, 10am – 3pmAdmission: $12/advance, $14/at doorHave a super fun day getting the farm experience at Frying Pan Farm Park’s annual spring fest — milk a cow or goat, visit baby animals, see farm equipment demos, and watch some sheep lose their wool. Along with the farm-y stuff, there will be wagon rides, crafts, games, and fair food for all to enjoy.
Bloom Ride & Spring PicnicWhere: Starts at Franklin Park |When: Saturday, 9:30amAdmission: $25-75Join the Washington Area Bike Association for a leisurely ride through our vibrant city as the flowers bloom and the air fills with the scents of spring. A three-mile, family friendly route starts and finishes at Franklin Park, traveling primarily on the protected 15th Street bike lane and includes a pit-stop at the Floral Library by the Tidal Basin to admire blossoms and soak in the season’s beauty. At a picnic afterwards, enjoy boxed lunches, chilled drinks, and delectable desserts (all included) and craft paper flowers and show off their flair with floral-themed stickers or temporary tattoos. Use code RIDELIKEAKID to save $20 off total registration.
Gateway Farmers MarketWhere: 3716 Rhode Island Ave. | Mount Rainier, MDWhen: Saturday, 9am – 1pmAdmission: FreeA new Saturday farmers’ market is launching this weekend in Mount Rainier. The many venodros will include small businesses and local farmers selling all kinds of wares, produce, meats, and more. This market will be super kid-friendly, with kids picnic tables, chalk and coloring books, a mini soccer set-up, and hula hoops, in the kids’ corner near the music tent. And for opening day, there will be live music, plus Mount Rainier Elementary PTO will have even more kid activities.
Stead Park Grand Re-Opening PartyWhere: Stead Park | (1725 P Street NW, Washington, DC)When: Saturday, 11am-3pmAdmission: FreeMAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU! Stead Park went through a renovation, and they are celebrating with a free community party with lots of fun, and jam-packed with space-themed activities. Join for galaxy games and prizes, a DJ, catering from local restaurants, space-inspired crafts, balloon twist artists, face painters, moon messages, and activities to help you become a Jedi Master. RSVP here!
Racing ArtWhere: Around the Inner Harbour | Baltimore, MDWhen: Saturday, 9:30am – 7pmAdmission: FreeYou might see giant pink poodles and other outrageous works of art “race” down Baltimore streets at the American Visionary Art Museum’s annual Kinetic Sculpture Race. Kinetinauts (the pilots of the moving sculptures) will compete for the Grand East Coast National Mediocre Champion, awarded to the competitor who finishes exactly in the middle (that is the BEST). Vehicles are wacky and whimsical, straight from a lunatic genius imagination and constructed out of all kinds of materials. They may be a small one-person machine or a 50-foot feat of engineering navigated by many. This is one of those spectacles you just have to see for yourself. Read more about the race presenter, the American Visionary Art Museum here.
Strawberry FieldsWhere: Around the DMVWhen: Throughout the weekendAdmission: Varies by localeStrawberries are ripe and ready for harvest at a few area farms, and guests are welcome to pick their own. Be sure to check websites/Facebook or call ahead to confirm availability the day you plan to go. Sunscreen and hat also recommended.
Family Workshop: Silver Tells a StoryWhere: National Museum of Asian ArtWhen: Saturday, 11am – 12:30pm & 1:30-3pmAdmission: FreeA selection of dazzling silver objects will be on display as part of the exhibition Striking Objects: Contemporary Japanese Metalwork. Behind the scenes, how do we care for a material that tarnishes so quickly? In this hands-on workshop for children ages 6 to 11 with adult participation, explore how conservators preserve silver objects; then, experiment with real silver using your newly acquired conservation skills.
Kids in the KitchenWhere: DC Dream Center | Randle Highlands, DCWhen: Saturday, 11am – 3pmAdmission: FreeHosted in collaboration with the DC Dream Center, The Junior League’s Kids in the Kitchen is an annual event showcasing how kids can eat smart and make healthy lifestyle choices. Kids in the Kitchen is a fun-filled day of games, crafts, hands-on learning, and exciting prizes to celebrate and promote nutritional literacy. Targeted at children ages 3-13, local chefs host healthy cooking demonstrations, fitness experts lead high-energy exercise sessions, and certified nutritionists are on hand to answer questions. The Washington Wizards dancers will be on site for a special class and meet and greet at 1pm.
Anacostia River FestivalWhere: Anacostia Park | Southeast DCWhen: Saturday, 1-4pmAdmission: FreeThe 10th annual Anacostia River Festival will offer an afternoon of fun for guests. This year enjoy musical performances, fishing workshops, arts & crafts, and more fun at the park along the Anacostia River. Read more about Anacostia Park, where it’s taking place, here.
Arts & Crafts WorkshopWhere: House of Sweden | Georgetown, DCWhen: Saturday, 1pm – 3pmAdmission: FreeThe Swedish Embassy is hosting this free event especially for kids. Get creative and join the drop-in arts & crafts workshop. A weekend guide will lead children ages 2-10 in an art! project. Attendees are set up with everything they need to participate. And FYI: The Embassy is open to the public every weekend from 12-5pm. Stop in to tour the exhibits, including the Children’s Library, and take in scenic views from its waterfront location in Georgetown.
Running of the Chihuahuas (Rescheduled for May 19 due to weather!)Where: The Wharf | Southwest DCWhen: Saturday, 2-5pmAdmission: FreeIt’s DC’s cutest and funniest Cinco de Mayo celebration as The Wharf hosts the 112h Annual Running of the Chihuahuas! The day will include live music, family fun, cold Pacifico beer, and of course, the highlight of the afternoon, chihuahuas racing for fame and fun! It’s family and pet-friendly event — all dogs are welcome, though only chihuahuas can race. If you don’t have a dog yet, keep an eye out for your forever furry friend during the Adoptable Dog Parade that takes place between the Chihuahua races. Read more about The Wharf in this KFDC post.
Wizard School Scavenger HuntWhere: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DCWhen: Saturday, 2-4pmAdmission: $18/ages 10-17, $24/adultJoin Watson Adventures on a unique Harry Potter-themed scavenger hunt that kids and adults will love! Follow in the footsteps of young wizards on a field trip to the National Gallery in search of art that echoes characters, places and enchanted objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies. The hunt is not an addition to or variation on Harry’s adventures, but instead references to the books will provide a surprising bridge to many strange and wonderful works of art. This hunt is designed for kids and adults to do together (but all-adult teams are allowed to compete separately) Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Read about this super fun adventure in this KFDC post.
Duck Pond PartyWhere: Sixth & I SW | Southwest DCWhen: Saturday, 2-4pmAdmission: FreeThe Southwest BID is celebrating the return of spring and the ducks to the pond. Join them for a fun-filled day of music, free food, activities, and more!
Adams Morgan PorchFestWhere: Around Adams Morgan, DCWhen: Saturday, 2-6pmAdmission: FreeGet the best seats in the house (or on the sidewalk) as the front porches of homes and store fronts of local businesses are transformed into intimate performance spaces to be enjoyed by anyone who happens to stroll by. Enjoy a variety of music styles from about 80 bands playing on porches, patios, and stoops in the neighborhood. At the corner of Adams Mill and Columbia Road NW on Porchfest Day, pick up a music map and free wristband that will get you discount at dozens of Adams Morgan businesses.
United vs UnionWhere: Audi Field | Southwest DCWhen: Saturday, 7:30pmAdmission: Ticket prices varyDC United is playing at home on Saturday evening, hosting Philadelphia Union. As always, I recommend taking public transportation or parking in the Navy Yard neighborhood and walking to Audi Field from there. Plan for a pre-match bite — here are a bunch of recs for family-friendly spots to eat there.
Sing Down the Moon: Appalachian Wonder TalesWhere: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MDWhen: Saturday, 2pm & Sunday, 11am & 2pmAdmission: $25 (look for discount)Journey into the Appalachian Mountains in this award-winning musical that deftly weaves four traditional tales and original music into a keepsake quilt of mountain lore and wisdom for the whole family. Jack who lands himself a job despite his foolishness. “Catskins” is a spunky Appalachian Cinderella. “The Enchanted Tree” is a beauty-and-the-beast love story between a lost girl and a frightening crow. And in a zany, sung-through “Sow and Her Three Pigs” plucky Nancy the pig outsmarts the hungry fox. This play with music incorporates singing, mountain dances, music, and puppets to create a highly theatrical storytelling style.
Divinity RoxxWhere: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DCWhen: Saturday, 11am & 1:30pm | Sunday, 1:30pmAdmission: $20Celebrate self-love and positivity in Divinity Roxx’s fun and empowering live show. The upbeat and sunny music is filled with powerful messages that encourage young people to become the best versions of themselves. A Grammy-nominated musician, recording artist, and composer who has toured with Beyoncé, Divinity is praised for her ability to inspire others with her infectious grooves and memorable lyrics. Recommended for ages 5+.
Alice in WonderlandWhere: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MDWhen: Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am & 1pmAdmission: $15This brand new adaptation based on the beloved children’s novel by Lewis Carroll will take the audience on a delightful journey into wonderland using rod puppets. This one-of-a-kind performance blends music and humor to create a new version of a familiar story. Recommended for ages 4+.
Islander: A New MusicalWhere: Olney Theatre | Olney, MDWhen: Through April 28Admission: $55-91 (look for discount)Islander tells a modern myth featuring two actors who use live mixing and looping technology to create a sonic landscape as dramatic as the Scottish coastline. Eilidh is the only child on Kinnan Island, where most of the dwindling population has moved to the “Big Land.” The government has proposed to resettle the rest, and the town must vote soon on whether or not to accept the offer. But the day after a baby whale beaches itself, Eilidh discovers a young girl named Arran along the shore, who seems straight out of Scottish folklore. As the two form a friendship, Islander takes audiences on a magical journey to transcend loss, recover hope, and find community. Rated G for all families.
International Family Equality DayWhere: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DCWhen: Sunday, 9:30am – 5:30pmAdmission: Free, but Zoo entry passes are requiredCelebrate the beauty and importance of family diversity with fun activities and rainbow-themed decor. View the day’s schedule here. Read more about the National Zoo here and reserve free passes to the Zoo, go here.
Wonderful World of WatkinsWhere: Watkins Regional Park | Upper Marlboro, MDWhen: Sunday, 12-5pmAdmission: Free (but rides are a fee)The Antique Carousel, Miniature Train, and Mini Golf at Watkins Regional Park open for the season on Sunday! Plus, there are Old Maryland Farm, the Nature Center, Wizard of Oz Playground. and hiking trails. It all makes for a fantastic place to spend a day with the fam. The carousel and train cost $3.50/PG resident, $3.75/non-resident; and mini golf per round is $6/PG resident, $7.50/non-resident.
***MORE GOOD STUFF**** Plan for next weekend with ideas to celebrate Mother’s Day around DC.* There’s rain in the forecast this weekend, so highlighting The Great Indoors list, ideas for fun and games inside, the round-up of off-the-beaten-path museums in DC, and one of museums in MD & VA.* DC’s 25 best restaurants, according to the NY Times.* The Big Bounce is coming back to the DC area later this month.* 6 ways to make a mint julep for the Kentucky Derby.* Do the last couple of hot days have you looking for these?* How about an “old school” family sport? Here’s gear for kids and an inexpensive starter for adults. And plenty of locations to play, many for free!* For an indoor game, this one sounds really fun. And here’s one to play with younger kids.* This new romcom looks like a fun watch.* Plus, family movies to stream this weekend.* Days of the Week Redefined for Parents…haha.