What To Do With Kids In Washington, DC

Every week, the National Children's Museum scouts the best family friendly activities in the Washington, DC region just for you!

The National Children’s Museum is scheduled to open in 2013 at National Harbor, but you can visit us every day at the Launch Zone at National Harbor! Here's what's happening this weekend:

Rubber Ducky, You're The One!
Saturday, January 21
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

While we build our new home at National Harbor, here are a few more of our favorite places for families to visit for the week of January 16, 2011.

National Gallery of Art
National art museum displaying major achievements in painting, sculpture, and graphic arts. 

Activities: Families with children ages 4 to 7 are invited to join the National Gallery of Art for Stories in Art, a series of free programs designed to introduce children to works of art. These museum educator-led programs include reading a children's book, touring the galleries, and completing a hands-on activity. This Sunday, learn about the bold colors of the French artist Henri Matisse. Programs last 60 minutes and occur at 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30 p.m.

400 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20565
T 202.789.3030
W www.nga.gov/programs/family/#stories

Arlington Public Library Central Branch
Public library in Virginia.

Activities: The Arlington Public Library System presents Under 2s, a storytime program specifically designed for children ages two and under with accompanying adults. Families can participate in singing and dancing to nursery rhymes. This Friday at 10:30 and 11:15 a.m., join the Arlington Central Library for storytime. If you cannot make it to this particular time and location, programming is offered at multiple locations, for more information on dates and times visit the website. Reservations are not required for these free programs, space is given on a first-come, first-served basis.

1015 N. Quincy Street
Arlington, VA 22201
T 703.228.5990
W http://library.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Libraries/kids/KidsStoryTimeTalesForTots.aspx

Anne Arundel County Public Library West County Area Branch
Public library in Maryland.

Activities: On January 17 at 7 p.m., compete against other families for prizes at Family Trivia Night at the Anne Arundel County Public Library West County Area Branch. Walk-ins are welcome, however, calling in ahead to reserve a table is recommended. This is a free event.

1325 Annapolis Road
Odenton, MD 21113
T 410.222.6277
W www.aacpl.net/branch_info/wco.htm

National Portrait Gallery
Art gallery dedicated to the exhibition and study of portraits of people who have made significant contributions to American history and culture.

Activities: On January 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., families are invited to participate in Farm to Table Family Day in the Kogod Courtyard of the Portrait Gallery to learn about the "farm to table" movement. There will be live music and hands-on activities. The event is being held to celebrate the arrival of the new exhibition Portrait of Alice Waters. This event is free and open to the public.

800 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004
T 202.633.8300
W www.npg.si.edu/event/currentevents.html#/?i=3

Corcoran Gallery of Art
Largest privately supported cultural institution in Washington, DC.

Activities: Children are invited to visit the Corcoran Gallery of Art for its family workshop, Liftoff! Families can work with artists Claire Healy and Sean Codeiro to pack for a trip to Mars, then design their family's own space shuttle. There will be a workshop session at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and each will last 90 minutes. Tickets are $8 per child for members, $10 for nonmembers, and free for adult companions. Visit the website to register.

500 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
T 202.639.1700
W www.getinvolved.corcoran.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=580

Center for the Arts
Children's theatre designed to introduce children to theatre both on and off the stage.

Activities: The Center for the Arts' Pied Piper Theatre will present Annie this weekend at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, VA at 7 p.m. on January 21 and 4 p.m. on January 22. Tickets are $9 in advance and $10 at the door.

14000 Smoketown Road
Woodbridge, VA 22193
T 703.330.2787
W www.center-for-the-arts.org/piedpiper

Textile Museum
Museum dedicated to furthering the understanding of mankind's creative achievements in the textile arts. 

Activities: From noon to 4 p.m. on January 21, join the Textile Museum for the third annual Mid-Winter Family Festival celebrating Africa. Kids can dress-up and pose with a professional photographer and participate in storytelling, dancing, and crafts, such as hand-sewing a Kuba-inspired textile in the Textile Learning Center. Traditional snacks will be provided. This event is free and open to the public.

2320 S Street, NW 
Washington, DC 20008
T 202.667.0441
W www.textilemuseum.org/calendar/calendar.htm

Long Branch Nature Center
Nature Center providing interpretive environmental education programs for all ages and audiences.

Activities: Families are invited to Flying Squirrel Lore & More at the Long Branch Nature Center from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. on January 21. This program begins with an indoor presentation all about flying squirrels and ends with a tiptoe tour of outside to see the flying squirrels. Tickets are $5 per person, advance registration is required.

625 S. Carlin Springs Road
Arlington, VA 22204
T 703.228.6535
W www.arlingtonva.us/calendar/#EventDetails_16400

Jammin' Java
Music club and cafe.

Activities: Every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., visit Jammin' Java to take part in Ryan Buckle & Friends' Science You Can Sing To! performance. This show uses both music and experiments to teach and inspire children about science. Ryan Buckle's music focuses on discoveries kids can make a zoo, while Zelda the Zookeeper performs the experiments. The show usually runs for 45 minutes with hands-on science stations available before and/or after the show. Tickets are $5 for ages one and older and are available only at the door.

227 Maple Avenue E
Vienna, VA 22180
T 703.255.1566
W www.jamminjava.com/buckle.html

Northern Virginia Players
Children's theater company.

Activities: On January 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Burke Community Church, families are invited to come see the Northern Virginia Players' production of Aladdin. The Northern Virginia Players believe that children's involvement in theater is an effective way to build confidence, and thus involve children in all aspects of production.

9900 Old Keene Mill Road
Burke, VA 22015
T 703.866.3546
W http://nvplayers.com/