Fun Holiday Lights in Arlington, Alexandria, & Falls church

My daughter is mildly obsessed with Christmas lights, and I must admit that I am an enabler.  I’m a white light and garland kind of girl, but there is something fun about an absolutely tacky house.  It is dark so early these days that we are often in the car after the sun sets, and I’m constantly pointing out houses for her to check out.  I just love the intake of breath at each and every house.

Although she likes any kind of light display, I wanted to really blow her mind.  I asked our MOMS Club chat if they knew of any local displays that went overboard (in a good way).  I had some great responses.  The first that we checked out was 1610 N Abingdon St in Arlington.  It is fantastic!  You have to get out of the car to get the full effect.  There is a train set on the porch, a Santa and reindeer on the roof, and a tree with candy canes for the kids in the yard- plus tons more.  Totally over the top, but tasteful (a difficult combination).

Another mom posted about  Holly’s Tacky Christmas Lights.  Holly Zell, the creator of the site, takes pictures of the tackiest light displays in the area, primarily focusing on Fairfax County.   Check it out to see tons of addresses.

Here are some other “tacky” treats in the area- let me know if you know of any others!

 

• 1713 N. Quebec St, Arlington
• 5604 Hereford Ct, Alexandria
• 5601 Hereford Ct, Alexandria
• 8505 N Roosevelt St, Falls Church
• 510 East Broad St, Falls Church

 

This Weekend with Kids in DC Metro: November 19th & 20th

Here’s what happening this weekend!

Children’s Class: Thanksgiving Candy Craft

10-11:30am @ Sugar Cube, Alexandria

Kids ages 6-8 will make gumdrop turkeys and chocolate-dipped pilgrim hats for the Thanksgiving holiday. Perfect as place settings or as little gifts.

Civil War Family Day

11am – 4pm @ National Postal Museum , Washington, DC

Sort mail in a Railway Post Office train car (a Civil War-era innovation), learn about Confederate postage, find out how Abraham Lincoln corresponded, and write to current American military personnel. Explore the Mail Call exhibit and learn more about Civil War postal history and philately.

Sort mail in a railway post office train car, find out how Abraham Lincoln corresponded and write to current American military personnel.

Family Gaming–Shirlington 

2pm @ Shirlington Branch Library, Arlington

Have family game time at the library! Try board games, card games and a host of video games. Call 703-228-6545 for more information.

Giving Thanks Tea

2pm – 5pm @ The Grille at Morrison House, Alexandria

Mrs. B teaches children proper etiquette through a themed afternoon tea. For November, the theme is giving thanks and Julie Marks’s “Thanks for Thanksgiving” will be read. There will also be a dress up time with antique aprons and crafts. Of course, there will be plenty of finger foods and tea.

What’s it All About, Maestra?

2:30pm & 4:30pm @ Atlas Performing Arts Center, Washington, DC

Capital City Symphony presents a family concert, with Guest Artist Oran Sandel.  It includes the popular Instrument Petting Zoo!

Snakes Alive

4pm – 5pm @ Long Branch Nature Center, Arlington

Families, with children ages 4 and up. Register children and adults; an accompanying adult must attend. Find out everything you wanted to know about these amazing and often misunderstood creatures. You’ll have a chance to meet several up close and personal! For more information call 703-228-6535.

Campfire: American Indian Heritage Month

6pm – 7:15pm @ Long Branch Nature Center

The whole family is invited to join us for lots of old-fashioned fun. Celebrate American Indian Heritage Month by learning about the culture of some of the previous residents of Virgina. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities, which may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs, and of course treats like s’mores. For more information call 703-228-6535.

 

Get Out and Stay Out with Kids in DC Metro: November 15th – 18th

Is everyone out there as busy as I am?  There’s always rom for some fun- here are some ideas to get you out of the house!

Tuesday, November 15th    Recess at the Rink

9:20am – 10:50am @ Kettler Capitals Iceplex, Arlington

This special public skating session is a great opportunity for young children to get acclimated tothe rink before summer skating camps and lessons!  An instructor will be available throughout the session to assist skaters as needed.  Kids can play hockey with foam hockey pucks, mini-nets, and mini-sticks, use buckets, and write on the ice with special markers!  All young skaters must wear gloves. Helmets are recommended. Adults not required to be on ice with children, but they do skate for free with children.  Beanie Babies, buckets, ice markers, and foam hockey pucks will be provided for kids to play with while skating! Plus free hot drinks!*  Kids ages 2 to 8 skate for $7.  Parents and caregivers skate free with child!  Includes skate rental for all! Limit one adult per child.

Wednesday, November 16th   Kids Club

10:30am @ Aurora Hills Branch Library, Arlington

Come and listen to stories by Dav Pilkey and Mo Willems! There will be an egg toss and children will go home with balloon animals created by Antoine from the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs department. For more information, call 703-228-5715.

Wednesday, November 16th    Special Drop-In Holiday Storytime “Off Campus”

10:30am @ Giant Supermarket, Arlington

A special holiday storytime. Drop-in, no registration. Daycare classes are welcomed to attend. At the new Giant supermarket off Columbia Pike, 2501 9th Rd. S. For more information, call 703-228-7761.

Wednesday, November 16th    Fairies, Fables and Funny Folktales

4pm @ Columbia Pike Branch Library, Arlington

Storytime includes multicultural folktales, puppetry, readers’ theater and crafts. A drop-in program for grades K-5. No registration required. For more information, call 703-228-7761.

Wednesday, November 16th    Wild Ones: On the Turkey Trail

4pm – 5pm @ Gulf Branch Nature Center, Arlington

Your child is invited to join our exciting nature club which meets twice a month. Choose just a few programs or attend them all! Gobble gobble? Trace the tracks of the turkey as we trail this big bird through the woods. Learn to tell a Tom from a Hen, where they can be seen in our area, and more! For more information: 703-228-3403. Ages 6 – 10.

Thursday, November 17th    Nature Detectives- Turkeys

10am @ Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria

Learn about these impressive birds through an activity, and a craft. Reservations required

Friday, November 18th    ‘Tis the Season

7:30pm @ David M. Brown Planetarium, Arlington

This annual holiday favorite, where you learn how people throughout time dealt with the shortened days of winter.  The show equates the darkness of the winter solstice with the multi-cultural practice of using festive lights to celebrate the holiday season.

 

This Weekend with Kids in DC Metro: October 29th & 30th

 

Winter weather this weekend!

 

Saturday, October 29th

 

 

 

Healthy Kids Fun Run

 

8am – 3pm @ Pentagon North Parking lot, Arlington

 

The annual Marine Corps Marathon Healthy Kids Fun Run will be held in the Pentagon North Parking Lot. Children ages 5-12 will participate in the one-mile just-for-fun event.  All participants receive a t-shirt, medal and snacks at the finish line.

 

 

 

 

 

AUMC Kid’s Stuff Consignment Sale

 

9am – 1pm @ Annadale United Methodist Church, Annadale

 

Great way to save money and buy second hand clothing, furniture, gear, books,

 

games and toys.

 

 

 

Falloween

 

10am – 2pm @ Market Common Clarendon

 

Bring the whole family out for a day of fall fun at Market Common Clarendon! Enjoy a petting zoo, free face painting, DJ music, sidewalk chalking, fun photo ops (1 free photo per family), a variety of live entertainment, plus trick-or-treating at participating retailers. People and pets in costume are invited to join in the FALLoween Parade at 11:30am, led by The Jokesters. Each attendee can also take a complimentary mini-pumpkin home! No registration necessary. FALLoween is on rain or shine, and all the activities are free.

 

 

 

 

 

DCJCC Literary Festival   

 

10am @ Washington, D.C. Jewish Community Center’s Morris Cafritz Center for the Arts, Washington, DC

 

The program is part of the Sugarman Family Children’s Book Award and includes a morning of crafts, folktales and fun with author Vicki Weber. Her book, It’s Too Crowded in Here! is a collection of Jewish folktales and midrashic stories, enlivened by colorful illustrations. Great to read aloud or act out, the stories also provide a rich yet light-hearted resource for exploring key values such as self-respect, compassion, appreciation, tolerance and thankfulness. Tickets are $10 per family, and include a copy of the book.

 

 

 

Haunted Halloween Pop Ups

 

10am – 12pm @ National Building Museum, Washington, DC

 

Celebrate the spirit of Halloween as you design your very own pop-up haunted house. Learn the pop-up architecture technique from guest artist Carol Barton. Decorate a spooky haunted house scene to take place on your window sill. Fun for the whole family, the festivities include crafts, treats, and ghosts stories (more silly than spooky!) about the Museum.  Prepaid registration required. Ages six and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Adult tickets are FREE.

 

 

 

Halloween Trick-or-Treat
11am – 5pm @ Pentagon Row, Arlington
Center-wide Halloween trick-or-treating for all of the local little ghouls and goblins. Participating merchants will have a sign on their door designating them as a trick-or-treat location. Rain or shine.

 

 

 

Trick or Treat with the Boo-tiques

 

11am – 6pm @ Old Town Alexandria Boutique, Alexandria

 

Bring your ghosts and goblins for a day of trick or treat in the Old Town Boutique District.  All of the participating OTBD stores will offer treats. Some may also offer family friendly tricks. Halloween costumes are encouraged. Tricks and treats will be available during store hours.

 

 

 

 

 

Halloween Costume Parade and Craft Activities

 

12pm – 2pm @ Marine Corps Museum, Alexandria

 

Try out your child’s Halloween costume early at our Halloween event featuring fun activities including a costume parade for ages 1-10.   There is an owl demonstration, puppet show, arts and crafts, and more family fun!

 

 

 

Change My World Now Bus Tour

 

1pm & 3pm @ Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Arlington

 

Cassandra’s Angel Bus Tour Is Coming to DC.  Meet and greet award-winning author and globally acclaimed children’s advocate, Gina Otto. Gina Otto’s children’s book “Cassandra’s Angel” is launching with a national bus tour designed to reach and inspire children in local communities and across the country. “Cassandra’s Angel” was written with the intention of igniting and empowering today’s youth. Via this bus tour and musical performances, the story comes vivdily to life for audiences to experience firsthand tale’s underlying message and engage a national dialogue about tolerance, compassion and respect.
 

15th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade   

 

2pm @ Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria

 

The parade begins at 2 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Avenue, south of E. Bellefonte and continues down to the Mount Vernon Recreational Center play fields at Mt. Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues. Children, pets, and strollers in costumes are invited to march and show off their finest and scariest Halloween garb. To register your stroller or pet, just look for the signs and registration desks on Mt. Vernon at E. Bellefonte beginning at 1:30 p.m.  There is no registration required for children and families that march in the parade.

 

 

 

Air & Scare
2pm – 8pm @ Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly

 

Discover the spooky side of air and space at the Udvar-Hazy Center’s seventh annual Air & Scare! Arrive in costume for safe indoor trick-or-treating. Participate in creepy crafts, spooky science experiments, and other Halloween-themed activities. Bring the tiniest visitors by the Tot Zone to play dress-up and hear a story. Don’t forget to stop by the face painting station or pose for a photo with your favorite Star Wars character! FREE admission; parking $15 until 7pm.

 

 

 

Marvelous Mice Campfires

 

6pm – 7:15pm @ Gulf Branch Nature Center, Arlington

 

The whole family is invited to the Gulf Branch fire ring for lots of old-fashioned fun. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities, which may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, treats like s’mores. $5 fee per person and $20 max per family due at registration.  Program # 612851-G

 

 

 

Halloween Skate Party!
6:30pm – 8:30pm @ Thomas Jefferson Community Center, Arlington

 

Join ghosts, goblins, Lady Gaga and others at TJ’s Halloween Skate Party.  Come in your favorite costume or have one of their face painters help you. Enjoy skating, carnival games, music, prizes, arts, crafts…we even have a pre-school play area.

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, October 30th

 

 

 

ZooBoo

 

10am – 4pm @ Reston Zoo, Vienna

 

Designed for a younger audience, ZooBoo offers a day of scare-free fun!
Join the safe zoo neighborhood of Halloween entertainment, with kid-friendly fun around every corner.  There is a Trick or Treat Trail, with treats, toys and treasures for children of all ages.  There is also a Halloween hay maze, a creepy crawly critter touch station with giant bugs, slugs, and tarantulas to gentle turtles and toads, festive faces face painting, and pumpkin pickup tractor rides.  Due to inclement weather, ZooBoo will be closed on Saturday, October 29th.

 

 

 

Family Fun Sunday: Halloween Fun 

 

1pm – 5pm @ Hillwood Estates, Washington, DC

 

Come in costume and join the Halloween celebration! In Mrs. Post’s time, the estate was decked out for Halloween with whimsically adorned pumpkins. Join them in their unique tradition of decorating miniature pumpkins with hats, wigs and other creative trimmings. At 2 and 3:30 pm listen to Spooky Tales from the Pet Cemetery told by storyteller Marianne Meyers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get Out and Stay Out in DC Metro: October 24th – 28th

 

 

The week leading up to Halloween is always fun in the DC Metro area, so get out and play!

Monday, October 24th    Forest Fledglings 

9:45am @ Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale

New topic each week for parent and child (quiet siblings welcome.) Stories, crafts and nature activities leading to outdoor exploration. Dress for weather. Call nature center for weekly topic.

 

Tuesday, October 25th    Kids Read to Dogs (Paws to Read)

5:30pm @ Westover Branch Library, Arlington

Children grades K – 5 are invited to read to therapy dogs. Each “Paws to Read” child is given a 15-minute session where they will be paired with a canine listener. Volunteers (both owners and dogs) are part of PAL (People. Animals. Love.), an animal therapy organization. All participating dogs are trained and certified. Studies have shown that reading to a dog (or other non-judgmental audience) can help improve a child’s reading level and increase their enjoyment of reading. Please register for a slot by calling (703) 228-5260.

 

Tuesday, October 25th    Whoo’s About 

10:30am – 11:30am & 1:30pm – 2:30pm @ Long Branch Nature Center, Arlington

Wondering who’s out at night, lurking just out of sight. Don’t let these creatures give a you a fright, come and learn they do not bite! For ages 3 – 5 years.  Registration is required.  Activity #: 612911

Wednesday, October 26th  Halloween at Whole Foods

5pm – 7pm @ Old Town Whole Foods, Alexandria

Start your night off by experiencing the mystery boxes and then continue to experience Halloween by Trick-or-Treating around the store. A night full of costumes, snacks, and fun! Trick-or-treating starts at 5 pm and goes until 7 pm.

 

Thursday, October 27th    Harvest Halloween  

10:15am & 11:30am @ Ripley Center, Smithsonian, Washington, DC

Join Oran Sandel at the Discovery Theater pumpkin patch for songs, games, and more. He’ll spin an American Indian harvest story; you will look inside Mr. Jack O’ Lantern (what really makes him tick?); and you will create a pumpkin face for Discovery Theater. Bring in YOUR design, and they will post it on their Facebook page.  For ages 3 – 8.  Also on Friday, 10/28.

 

Friday, October 28th    OctoberFest @ Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center

4pm – 8pm @ Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, Alexandria

This is an opportunity for the entire family to dress up in their best costume for Halloween Fun! Families will be able to particpate in Halloween Arts & Crafts, Spooky Musical Chairs, Face Painting, Scary Movies, Haunted House Tours and much more!!!

 

 

Friday, October 28th    Pippi in America with Sarah Riedel  Swedish Children’s Songs in Playful Jazz Versions  
10am & 12pm @ Dome Theatre, Artishere, Arlington 

Pippi in America is an acoustic performance where the musicians combine well known Swedish children’s songs with beloved characters such as Pippi Longstocking and jazz. Sweden’s Sarah Riedel is a thought-provoking, elegant, and emotional jazz vocalist who was nominated in 2010 and 2011 for the Swedish Radio Corporation’s prestigious Jazzkatten Award.  This event is free!

 

This Weekend with Kids in DC Metro: October 22nd & 23rd

Wow- so much going on this weekend!  Better yet, it is going to feel like fall and be sunny all weekend.  Get out and enjoy it!  KidFriendly DC has a fantastic post about more Halloween related events coming up, so be sure to check it out as well.

Saturday, October 22nd

River Farm Fall Fest

9am – 12pm @ River Farm, Alexandria

Bring a picnic and the family to River Farm to enjoy story time in the garden, arts and crafts projects, a scavenger hunt, and more.  This event is free of charge, though donations are appreciated. Rain or shine (activities will be held indoors in the event of rain). For more details, call (703) 768-5700 ext. 126.

Annandale Fall Festival 

10am @  Safeway parking lot on Little River Turnpike, Annandale

Eighty merchants with jewelry, artwork, giftware, crafts, children’s toys & books, clothing, wood carvings and other gifts for your holiday shopping will fill the community market.  There will also be rock, jazz & country Bands along with International costumed dancers and swing dancersfor entertainment as well as tons of food.  The Kid’s Zone will challenge with a climbing wall, bungee jump, bungee basketball, face painting, Lil Pirate inflatable & toddler games, costumed characters, and The Secret Garden which will feature puppet shows at 1 & 3pm and The Traveling Storyteller at 12pm and 2pm along with interactive games for toddlers to teens.  The Annual Parade 10am – 12pm will finish at the festival grounds.

AppleFest

11am – 1pm @ Whole Foods Old Town, Alexandria

Transforming into a delicious orchard, Virginia Whole Foods Market’s AppleFest will be complete with inspiring cooking demonstrations, entertaining crafts, prizes, tastings and more! While exploring taste palates of sweet treats and savory apple infused dishes, customers will be exposed to and learn about the best apples that the harvest has to offer.   Featured activities will include mouth-watering samples and cooking demonstrations, carmel-apple making stations, hard apple cider on tap, apple sampling in every department, and apple scavenger hunts

Mousequerade Ball for Kids  

1pm – 2pm @ Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Alexandria

Families with children ages 4 – 7 can enjoy a reading of Alexander the Old Town Mouse by author Cheryl Barnes and have their books signed. Children will then create a mask and enjoy a ball of their own — in the very same room the story takes place! Costumes are encouraged but not required.  This hour-long program will be held at 1:00pm and 3:00pm. $10 per child (ages 2 and older); adults free with purchase of child ticket.

Wild Side Wagon Ride  

4pm @ Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria

Take a 90-minute tractor ride with a park naturalist to parts of the wetland that are difficult to reach on foot. Look for and learn about songbirds, wildflowers, butterflies and waterfowl, then stop for a snack at the observation platform. Meet at South King’s Highway park entrance.

Campfire: Popcorn

6pm – 7:15pm @ Long Branch Amphitheater, Arlington

The whole family is invited to join us at the Long Branch Amphitheater for lots of old-fashioned fun. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities, which may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, treats like s’mores.  Cost is $5 fee per person with a $20 max fee per family.

Fearless Fest

7pm @ Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale

This fun event provides a lighthearted alternative to scary Halloween celebrations. The not-so-scary event is guaranteed to educate and entertain participants.  A naturalist will lead guests on a one-hour night hike into the woods to meet and interact with costumed creatures who explain away their scary reputations. The 52-acre forest surrounding the nature center is an ideal setting to hear ironic explanations from a black widow spider, a skunk, an owl, poison ivy, a dead tree, and other animals.  Indoor activities include craft projects and hands-on exploration. Guests will investigate real animal skulls in the graveyard, meet live reptiles and insects such as snakes, toads, and millipedes, and dissect owl pellets to learn about their diet and habitat.  The cost is $7 per Fairfax County resident and $9 for out-of-county guests. Families should bring a flashlight. This event is great for scout groups looking for a fun evening activity. Costumes are encouraged and are completely appropriate for the event’s festive, party-like atmosphere.

Sunday, October 23rd

Scarecrow Making Workshop

1pm & 2pm @ Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon

Adults and children enjoy making scarecrows. Bring an outfit and a pair of pantyhose for each scarecrow.  They supply special touches for faces. Held outdoors, dress for the weather. Register to make a scarecrow. Canceled if rain.

Meet me on a Sunday at Potomac Overlook  

1:30pm – 3:30pm @ Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Arlington

Almost everyone needs more time in the great outdoors – time to take a walk, enjoy each others’ company, or to just sit and do nothing! So, come make a “natural connection” at Potomac Overlook Regional Park. Every Sunday afternoon, between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., the park provides refreshments, games and hands-on nature exhibits, and a fun place to meet and enjoy the outdoors. There’s always something for families, groups, scouts, friends, couples, seniors . . . anyone!

Saturday, October 22nd & Sunday, October 23rd

Fall Harvest Family Days  

9am – 5pm @ Mount Vernon 

Mount Vernon welcomes the autumn season with Fall Harvest Family Days! The entire family enjoys autumn activities including wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, 18th-century dancing demonstrations, a straw bale maze, farrier (blacksmithing) demonstrations, apple-roasting, corn husk dolls demonstrations and early-American games and music. Potomac River sightseeing cruises are half-price during this weekend event. Fall Harvest Family Days are included in regular Estate admission on October 22&23: adults, $15.00; children ages 6-11, $7.00; and children 5 and under are admitted free.

Ghost Train Halloween Event  

10am – 5pm @ Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station

Board the haunted train at Burke Lake Park for a special ride through the forest. Tickets are $4.50. The Ghost Train runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last ticket sold 4:15 p.m.) Tickets for the carousel are $1.75. Costumes are encouraged! For more information, call 703-323-6600.

 

This Weekend with Kids in DC Metro @ September 24th – 25th

Check out these fun things going on this weekend.  Lot of rain forecasted- stay dry!

Saturday, September 24th

Smithsonian Museum Day at  Alexandria Archaeology Museum and Gadsby’s Tavern Museum

Various times @ participating museums

Looking for a good family-friendly activity while enjoying and learning about our heritage? The Smithsonian Institute is sponsoring a national Museum Day on Saturday September 24^th. As part of the celebration hundreds of museums across the nation are offering two free admission tickets per request.  Tickets available online through the Smithsonian Magazine: http://smithsonianmag.com/museumday.  At the Archaeology Museum, participate in the History Scavenger Hunt by identifying artifacts in the Museum that bring Alexandria’s past to life! Try your hand at piecing together, or crossmending, pottery sherds from the past and learn about life as a Civil War drummer boy in the “Wanted Young Heroes” exhibit.  At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum come explore this 18th century tavern that attracted Washington, Jefferson, and travelers. It was the setting for dancing assemblies, theatrical and musical performances, and meetings of local organizations.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/

Fort Ethan Allen 150th Anniversary

9am – 4pm @ Fort Ethan Allen Park, Arlington

150 years ago on September 24, 1861 the Union army began constructing Forts Ethan Allen and Marcy to protect the Chain Bridge. Come visit both of these forts as they commemorate their construction with exhibits, interpretive walks and activities. For information call 703-243-4342. Meet at, 3829 N.Stafford St, Arlington, VA 22207. Registration is not required.

http://www.arlingtonva.us/calendar/#EventDetails_15901

Mike Perrello Magic Show

10am @ Valley Drive Cooperative Preschool, Alexandria

Mike Perrello’s fun and high-energy magic show will captivate children of all ages (and adults too). With comedy, live animals, puppets, music, and more, this magician will entertain the whole family and keep them roaring with laughter.

http://delray.patch.com/events/magic-show-12

Funville

10am – 4pm @ White Flint Mall, N. Bethesda, MD

White Flint Mall will be transformed into a free community parenting fair.  Citizens of Funville will receive their passports to live performances, hands-on activities, giveaways, contests, demonstrations and interactive stations, focusing on education, health, the arts, parties and more.

http://www.washingtonparent.com/funville

Worldwide Day of Play

10am – 4pm @ Ellipse, Washington, DC

Nickelodeon will bring its 8th Annual Worldwide Day of Play event to the Ellipse in Washington, DC.  You can enjoy activities set up by over 50 organizations! Hit a homer with Major League Baseball and Boys & Girls Club of America’s batting contests and clinics. Be a soccer star with shooting and passing clinics provided by Major League Soccer. Score a touchdown with drills from the National Football League, and serve some aces with the United States Tennis Association! Plus, many more.  The event will also feature appearances by a number of Nickelodeon’s live-action and preschool stars, including Big Time Rush, the cast of iCarly; Victoria Justice and the cast of Victorious; Keke Palmer, star of True Jackson, VP; SpongeBob SquarePants; Dora the Explorer, the Fresh Beat Band and more.  This event is free and open to the public
http://www.nick.com/thebighelp/worldwide-day-of-play

Clarendon Day 2011- Family Fun Day

11am – 5pm @ Around Clarendon Metro Station, Arlington

Enjoy performances, fun kids’ activities, free health screenings, meet local sports mascots, and so much more.  Following the Pacer’s 10k/5k/Kids Dash, everyone can enjoy local music on two stages, and tasty treats from more than a dozen local restaurants.  There will be a moonbounce obstacle course, face-painting, balloon sculptures, and a special fencing demonstration by the Fencing Sports Academy.  There is also a Kidz Zone Play Area that will will feature new attractions that appeal to kids of all ages in our Kidz Zone, including a free safari obstacle bounce and monkey bouncer, as well as ticketed rides.  Clarendon Day 2011 takes place in the area around Clarendon Metro Station.

http://www.clarendonday.org

Awesome Airmail

11am – 3pm @ Postal Museum, Washington, DC

Airmail turns 100 and you’re invited to celebrate with hands-on activities, storytime, and tours. Join us beneath a 1911 plane that carried airmail and discover its fascinating story.

http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/museum/1b_calendar.html?trumbaEmbed=eventid%3D95720113%26view%3Devent%26-childview%3D

McLean Harvest Happenings

11am – 2pm @ McLean Community Center, McLean, VA

Activities are designed for children ages 3-8. A fun and exciting day for your whole family is right in your backyard.  Bring your family to this indoor/outdoor festival and enjoy activities, live entertainment, fun snacks, and games at the McLean Community Center. All activities are included in the entrance fee.  Children’s entertainers Rocknoceros and Kidsinger Jim will perform.

http://www.mcleancenter.org/kids-teens/childrens-events.asp#harvest_happenings

 

Night at the Planetarium 6

3pm – 7pm @ David M. Brown Planetarium, Arlington

Fun for the whole family with shows in the planetarium and hands-on activities and telescope viewing outside for all to enjoy.

http://www.saveplanetarium.org/2011/09/20/0924-night-at-the-planetarium-6/

Ah Love Baby

4pm – 5pm @ Ah Love Oil & Vinegar, Arlington

Store owner Cary Kelly will share ancient practices that keep you and your baby healthy using chemical free, all natural olive oil.  Learn how mothers in the Mediterranean have treated diaper rash, cradle cap, dry skin, earaches and even their own stretch marks and nursing discomfort.  Olive oil is not just for your kitchen!

http://www.ahloveoilandvinegar.com/Events.html

Campfire: Tall Tales & Long Legs

7am – 8:15pm @ Gulf Branch Nature Center, Arlington

Register adults and children; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. The whole family is invited to join us at the Gulf Branch fire ring for lots of old-fashioned fun. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities, which may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, treats like s’mores. For more info call 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center- registration is required.

http://www.arlingtonva.us/calendar/#EventDetails_15978

Goodnight Walk: Abounding Bats

7pm @ Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale

Search the skies during our night time stroll for bats. Enjoy a story and fun facts about these curious, misunderstood creatures. Learn how to encourage these natural mosquito-zappers to visit your backyard. Children must be accompanied by a registered, paying adult. Family fun outside the trail and searching the skies for bats above the rain garden. Learn of the challenges bats face with both habitat loss, poor public relations and disease. Find out how to be safe near wildlife and the real issue of dangers of human contact with bats and other mammals.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hiddenoaks/public.htm

Sunday, September 25th

Olde Towne Dogge Walke

9am – 11am @ Market Square, Alexandria

A fun way for animal lovers to support the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria in a 1.5 mile walk.

http://www.doggewalke.com/

Plant Sale and More!–Glencarlyn

10am @ Glencarlyn Branch Library Community Garden, Arlington

Glencarlyn Branch Library Community Garden’s Master Gardeners invite you to free talks on native bees (11am), fall planting (noon), herb and pollinator gardens (1pm). Also tastes of herbal treats and drinks plus potpourri making for children and adults. Hundreds of sun and shade loving perennials, ferns, shrubs, and trees will be on sale just in time for fall planting.  Sponsored by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia and Virginia Cooperative Extension. Cash or check appreciated. For information, call Judy Funderburk at 703-671-5310.

http://arlingtonvalib.blogspot.com/2011/09/plant-sale-and-more.html

Steam Stomp

1:30pm @ Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale

Investigate Bugg Creek for salamanders, crayfish, and more in this catch-and-release adventure.  Learn about erosion and other environmental issues affecting aquatic wildlife. Cancelled in case of severe weather. Wear closed toes shoes that can get wet and clothes that can get dirty because we’re wading in the stream. Use dip nets to collect creatures to examine.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hiddenoaks/public.htm

Saturday, September 24th & Sunday, September 25th

Library of Congress National Book Festival

National Mall, Washington, DC

Come to the 11th annual National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are honorary chairs for the event. The festival is free and open to the public.  Justin Roberts will perform at 5pm.

http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/

 

Get Out and Stay Out with Kids in DC Metro: September 20th – 23th

 

Tuesday, September 20th    Mr Skip Performance

11am @ Firehook Bakery & Coffee House, Alexandria

Every Tuesday at 11am, come enjoy baked goods, stay for lunch, and sing along with Mr. Skip.

 

Tuesday, September 21st    Kids Club 

4pm @ Central Library, Arlington

Fun activities for elementary school kids. Participants will receive a membership card and are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible. Read the book “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” by Judi Barrett ahead of time and we’ll watch the movie and discuss both. For more information, call 703-228-5946 or email jkarell@arlingtonva.us.

 

Tuesday, September 20th    Kids Read to Dogs: “Paws to Read”

5:30pm @ Columbia Pike Branch Library, Arlington

Children grades K – 5 are invited to read to therapy dogs. Each summer “Paws to Read” child is given a 15-minute session where they will be paired with a canine listener. Volunteers (both owners and dogs) are part of PAL (People. Animals. Love.), an animal therapy organization. All participating dogs are trained and certified. Studies have shown that reading to a dog (or other non-judgmental audience) can help improve a child’s reading level and increase their enjoyment of reading. Please register for a slot by calling (703) 228-5710.

 

Tuesday, September 20th    Drop-in Storytime: Family Storytime

6:30pm @ Central Library, Youth Services “Rabbit Hole” Room, Arlington

All ages.  No registration required. First come, first served until capacity is reached. Call 703-228-5946 for more information.

 

Wednesday, September 21st    Tiny Tot Program

10 – 10:45am @ Long Branch Nature Center, Arlington

Tiny Tot programs provide a wonderful opportunity to interact one-on-one with your child while discovering the wonders of nature. Each fun and educational program will engage your child with hands-on learning, and may include a variety of activities like songs, crafts, finger plays and mini-hikes.  Ages 18 to 35 months. $5 per child.  Register online.

 

Wednesday, September 21st    Nature Detectives: Leaves and Trees

10am & 1:30pm @ Huntley Meadows Visitor Center, Alexandria

Learn about the autumn season through an activity and a craft. Reservations required.  Ages 3 to 6, and cost is $6

 

Wednesday, September 21st    Fairies, Fables and Funny Folktales 

4pm @ Columbia Pike Branch Library, Arlington

Storytime includes multicultural folktales, puppetry, readers’ theater and crafts. A drop-in program for grades K-5. No registration required. For more information, call 703-228-7761.

 

Thursday, September 22nd    Capital Bikeshare Birthday Bash

6pm – 9pm @ Yards Park, Washington, DC

You’re invited to celebrate Capitabl Bikeshare’s first birthday with live music, food, games, moonbounces, giveaways & more!

 

Friday, September 23rd    Playmobil Playday

4pm @ Kinderhaus Toys, Arlington

They will showcase the new Playmobil, and have lots of little giveaways while they last.  Free give-away catalogues of the entire line are here for you.  Call to sign up for the Playday at 703-527-5929.

 

Friday, September 23rd    Calling Crows Campfire

7pm – 8:15pm @ Gulf Branch Nature Center, Arlington

The whole family is invited to the Gulf Branch fire ring for lots of old-fashioned fun. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities, which may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, treats like s’mores. $5 fee per person with a $20 maximum per family due at registration.

 

This Weekend with Kids in DC Metro @ September 17th – 18th

 

Thanks for being patient during our baby hiatus!  We are back!  Enjoy the early fall weather this weekend…

 

Saturday, September 17th

 

Green Spring Gardens Fall Garden Festival

9am – 3pm @ Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria

Support one of Virginia’s most innovative and exciting public gardens. The Fall Festival is a FROGS (Friends of Green Spring) sponsored fundraiser filled with activities, music, silent auction and an expanded plant and craft sale. Proceeds help acquire plants for the garden and add to Green Spring’s educational efforts.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/events.htm

 

Fall Festival and Taste of Falls Church

9am – 3pm @ Cherry Hill Park, Falls Church

Bring in the fall with live entertainment, amusement rides, pony rides, crafters, businesses, civic organizations, and fantastic food! The children’s activity tent sponsored by MoBu Kids is open 11am -3pm featuring free craft projects and face painting.  Sample cuisine from City kitchens for $3 per “taste” or 10 “tastes” for $25.  The Great Zucchini, and Blue Sky Puppets will also be performing.

Click here for more info.

 

Alexandria Story Festival

10am – 1pm @ Jefferson Houston Elementary School, Alexandria

Celebrate the wonder of stories at the second annual Alexandria Story Festival, geared toward families and students in preschool to fifth grade. Admission is free for all.  Festival goers can meet eight great authors, listen to them read from their books and participate in book-related activities. Books by the featured authors and light snacks will be sold at the festival. Attendees each will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a free book and a coupon page for restaurants and stores to visit after the festival.

http://www.wrighttoread.org/alexandria-story-festival.html

 

Wags ‘n Whiskers

11am – 4pm @ Village of Shirlington, Arlington

Come with your furry friend for the 4th annual Wags ‘n Whiskers at The Village at Shirlington.  There will be 30+ exhibitors, pet adoptions, free pet photos, tick or treat contest, live music, face painting, and balloon art.

http://www.villageatshirlington.com/events.php

 

Four Mile Run Stream Cleanup 

1pm – 3pm @ Barcroft Park, Arlington

Come for the fall cleanup, held in conjunction with the International Coastal Cleanup and Clean Virginia Waterways Day. ACE volunteers will be collecting and tallying trash. For more information call 703-228-6406.

http://www.arlingtonenvironment.org/getinvolved.htm

 

Synetic Theater Open House

1pm – 3pm @ Synetic Theater, Arlington

Synetic Theater, Synetic Studio, and Synetic Family Theater presents a fun and free afternoon for the Whole Family.  They are opening doors to exciting adventures in creativity  For Ages 4 and up there is something for everyone.  Visit their Educational Studio  for food & drinks and a free 40-minute Youth Drama Workshop (Ages 4-14) taught by Elena Velasco & Randy Snight.  Then it is off to their Family Theater for a free performance of Synetic’s signature show The Miraculous Magical Balloon, starring Ryan Sellers and Vato Tsikurishvili.

http://www.synetictheater.org/

 

Tagging Monarch Butterflies

1:30 pm @ Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale, VA

Learn to identify monarch butterflies, discover their fascinating life cycle and assist with tagging monarchs as they migrate to Mexico. Visit a Monarch Waystation garden and learn how you can help increase monarch populations. Participate in a Monarch Watch citizen science project with tagging butterflies in hopes of learning more about the migration phenomenon. Naturalist will lead discussion as to the challenges of habitat loss, especially host food loss for caterpillars.  This is appropriate for all ages.

Click here for more info.

 

 

Family Gaming–Shirlington 

2pm @ Shirlington Branch Library, Arlington

Have family game time at the library! Try board games, card games and a host of video games. Call 703-228-6545 for more information.

http://library.arlingtonva.us/departments/libraries/kids/librarieskidskidscorner.aspx

 

Movies Under the Stars

8pm @ Penrose Square, Arlington

The new Penrose Square Giant presents the first Movie Under the Stars on the Penrose Square at the intersection of Columbia Pike and S. Barton St.  The featured film will be The Blind Side.  Bring your Family, friends and neighbors, a blanket and/or a lawn chair, and enjoy the movie.

http://www.columbia-pike.org/?p=2479

 

Sunday, September 18

Fiesta Musical

11am – 5pm @ National Zoo, Washington, DC

FONZ celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with an annual fiesta at the National Zoo. With animal demonstrations, Hispanic and Latino music, costumed dancers, traditional crafts, and Latin American foods, the event offers something for everyone.  Crafts available for sale will include handmade jewelry, sweaters, clay sculptures, bags, finger puppets, and drums.  The Caring Corral at Kids’ Farm will be open from 10:30am to 12pm and 1:30pm to 3pm.  Capital One Bank will have another special giveaway for our guests: A piggy bank that children can decorate, while learning about the value of saving money.

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/activitiesandevents/celebrations/fiestamusical/default.cfm

 

A Bilingual Concert for Kids with José-Luis Orozco

1:30pm & 3:30pm @ Arlington Central Library Auditorium, Arlington

In conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month and National Hunger Action Month, Arlington Public Library presents a free concert in English and Spanish starring educator, author and recording artist José-Luis Orozco–an interactive musical experience. Mr. Orozco will also perform a second concert at 3:30 p.m.

http://library.arlingtonva.us/departments/libraries/kids/librarieskidskidscorner.aspx

 

Third Sundays – Remove Invasives!
2pm – 5pm @ Long Branch Nature Center, Arlington

Not all plants are good for the environment. Kids and adults will learn what these trouble-some beasts look like and can help rescue the park from these alien invaders! No registration required.  This is a free event best for ages 9 and older.

http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/nature/page68836.html

 

Get Out and Stay Out with Kids in DC Metro: July 25th – 29th

 

Monday, July 25th    Nature Center at Libraries: A Tale of Tails
1:30pm – 2:15pm @ Glencarlyn Library, Arlington & 4:30pm – 5:15pm @
Cherrydale Library, Arlington
Long Branch Nature Center takes its show on the road for the Arlington County Libraries’ Summer Reading Quest. This year’s theme is “One World, Many Stories”. They will concentrate on the many tales around the world about animal’s tails.  Naturalist Alonso Abugattas from Long Branch Nature Center for stories of foresty friends.  Hear some of these stories and even get a chance to meet some animals with some interesting tails to be told about!  Get Caught Reading summer performances are designed for children entering kindergarten through 5th grade.  Tickets are required for all participants and will be distributed only to age appropriate children and one accompanying adult per child.  FREE TICKETS will be available at each location on the day before the performance on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.

 

 

Tuesday, July 26th    The Wonder of Whales 

10:30am – 11:30am & 3:30pm – 4:30pm @ Long Branch Nature Center, Arlington

Preschoolers will learn about these amazing mammals of the ocean.  Parents are invited to stay and observe, or those with younger siblings may visit the rest of the building during the program. Parents must remain on-site.  There is a $5 fee due upon registration.  Ages: 3 – 5 years.

 

Tuesday, July 26th    Kofi Dennis Djembe Storytelling

1:30pm @ Shirlington Library, Arlington & 7pm @ Central Library, Arlington

Wolf Trap Institute artist, Kofi Dennis, brings creative dramatics, movement, and storytelling through Djembe drumming.  Get Caught Reading summer performances are designed for children entering kindergarten through 5th grade.  Tickets are required for all participants and will be distributed only to age appropriate children and one accompanying adult per child.  FREE TICKETS will be available at each location on the day before the performance on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.

 

 

Tuesday, July 26th    Singalong Party 

11am @ Barrett Branch Library, Alexandria

Music with Barbara Effron & Lisa Springer.   All programs at Barrett Branch are recommended for kids ages 2 & up

 

Wednesday, July 27th    Tiny Tot

10am – 10:45am @ Long Branch Nature Center, Arlington

Tiny Tot programs provide a wonderful opportunity to interact one-on-one with your child while discovering the wonders of nature. Each fun and educational program will engage your child with hands-on learning, and may include a variety of activities like songs, crafts, finger plays and mini-hikes. Tiny Tot programs are offered throughout the year at both Gulf Branch and Long Branch Nature Centers. Each program has a theme, but themes are not published ahead of time so that we have flexibility in exploring and incorporating all of the amazing and changeable aspects of the park and its wildlife into our programs. The theme for each program is repeated during the month, so please register for only one program at each nature center per month. Adults must remain during the entire program. $5 fee due upon registration.  Ages: 18 – 35 months with adult.

Wednesday, July 27th    The Three Not-So-Little Pigs  

3:30am @ Duncan Branch Library, Alexandria

Blue Sky Puppet Theatre performs.

 

Wednesday, July 27th    4-Day Family Fest: Owney

11am – 3pm @ Postal Museum, Washington, DC

All aboard for a rail-riding good time with Owney the dog! This celebration includes fun, hands-on activities the kids will love.  Owney and the U.S. Postal Service invite you to celebrate the issuance of a Forever stamp celebrating this lovable dog. Enjoy remarks by special guests and the opportunity to purchase Owney stamps and first day covers. After the ceremony, enjoy Owney Fest hands-on activities for families including:

• Design a tag for Owney
• Race to sort mail in the Railway Post Office
• Make a topical stamp collection to take home
• Do a scavenger hunt and win a prize

Schedule:

• 11 a.m. – Noon: First Day of Issue Ceremony and Remarks
• Noon – 3 p.m.: Owney Festival (hands-on activities and family fun)
• 1 p.m. – Book reading by Mona Kerby, author of Owney, The Mail-Pouch Pooch
• 2 p.m. – Book talk by Dirk Wales, author of A Lucky Dog: Owney, U.S. Rail Mail Mascot

Thursday, July 28th    Stories at the Park

10:30am @ Under the shade trees, Walter Reed Community Center, Arlington  Get caught listening with drop-in stories for preschoolers–”Stories in the Park” at the Walter Reed Community Center.  Bring a blanket and your picnic if you like!All ages welcome.  No reservations needed.

 

Thursday, July 28th    Dance Party!

11am @ Barrett Branch Library, Alexandria

“DanceParty” w/scarves, shakers & more!  All programs at Barrett Branch are recommended for kids ages 2 & up

 

Friday, July 29th    Tales from the Deep Dark Woods
7:30pm – 8:30pm @ Long Branch Nature Center Amphitheater, Arlington
The whole family is invited to the Long Branch amphitheater for lots of old-fashioned fun.  Margaret Chatham tells stories from forests in Africa, Sweden, and Japan.  Eclectic teller of ethnic tales, Margaret Chatham is a founding member of Voices in the Glen, the Washington-area storytelling guild. Winner (with her husband) of the 2003 National Storytelling Network Oracle Award, has she got some stories to tell you!!  For information: 703-228-6535. Families. Register children and adults; children must register with an accompanying adult.
Free event!