President’s Day/Monday Events
9:00am-5:00pm: George Washington’s Birthday Celebration at Mount Vernon
Celebrate the first president of the United States at his beloved home. Admission is free for Presidents Day and George Washington’s birthday. Admission tickets will be distributed on-site upon arrival; a limited number of tickets are available. Mansion tours are timed. Mansion tour tickets will be distributed first come, first serve. Depending on the number of guests, there may be a 2-3 hour delay between your arrival and your Mansion tour time. Arrive early to receive the earliest tour times.

10:00am-3:00pm: Library of Congress Open House
Twice each year, the Library of Congress opens its magnificent Main Reading Room to share information about how the public can access the Library’s resources year-round. The Main Reading Room is located on the first floor of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE, Washington, D.C.

10:30am-5:30pm: Community Day: Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Lion King on Broadway
A Community Day celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Lion King on Broadway. The festivities will include show-themed workshops led by Disney Theatrical Teaching Artists (separate passes required–information upon registration) and other in-museum activities for the whole family. 

1:00pm-3:00pm: George Washington’s Birthday Parade
The nation’s largest George Washington Birthday parade marches a one-mile route through the streets of his chosen hometown! Location: Old Town Alexandria.

DCPS February break & President’s Day Camps:
Breathing Space Yoga

Capitol Language Services

Confetti

CREATE Arts Center

DC-Ice

DC Way Soccer

Easy Spanish 123

Hoop Ed

Red Panda Art Studio

Silver Stars Gymnastics

Related post:
2023 Summer Camp Guide

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Jacquelyn Davis, a former Washingtonian of the Year who was honored for her pioneering work establishing the Thurgood Marshall Public Charter High School and D.C. New Leaders, recently launched Clever Noodle, an educational tabletop “learn-to-read” game company. Davis has set her sights on the national literacy crisis with a focus on the power of games as an essential tool to contribute to reading success.  Unlike oral language, reading is a learned skill that must be taught.  Many parents do not know this. (See tips below on how you can help your child.)

Davis is a Fellow and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at national education nonprofit Bellwether, where the new venture is being incubated. Her first product, Kangaroo Cravings, was first introduced on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter in October, garnering 561 supporters! These early backers purchased or donated enough games to enable the young company to go into full production of 5,000 games, creating the first educational board game that teaches over 300 high-frequency, sight words aligned to the brain science of how children learn this foundational reading skill.  Good-bye boring flashcards, hello really fun and effective Kangaroo Cravings.

Davis has been a leader in the education space for years, but the pressing need to address the literacy crisis hits close to home. She is the mother of a young son whose struggle with reading was compounded by a recent dyslexia diagnosis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her son was having a tough time hitting his reading goals, and traditional flash cards did not work nor did they keep his attention. So Davis got out the markers and glue, and using the back of a delivery box, she came up with fun ways to engage her son’s imagination while helping him learn his high-frequency, sight words.

Her son loved the game, and more importantly, his reading fluency improved dramatically! Word quickly spread among his classmates, teachers, and school leaders in Washington, DC. Over the next two years, Davis refined and tested the game with hundreds of kids, teachers, and education leaders. Initial responses exceeded Davis’ expectations. “Our literacy experts reviewed Kangaroo Cravings and we are all excited to use it in our classrooms,” noted Dr. Melissa Kim, Deputy Chancellor for DC Public Schools. 

Throughout her personal journey developing Clever Noodle’s first educational tabletop game,  Davis has enjoyed learning firsthand from top literacy experts why the Science of Reading is key in addressing the literacy crisis that impacts over 70% of America’s school age children.

Davis shares three tips for parents of young readers:

• Read aloud more advanced texts to your children than they can read on their own.  In doing so, you’ll help your child increase their background knowledge and vocabulary critical to comprehension.  Engage with the text, asking your child what he/she/they predict will happen next. What’s the setting and how does that impact the story?  What character do you like best and why?  What do you think is most ____(e.g., funny, sad, surprising, etc) about this section of the book/chapter? Ask your child to let you know if there is a new word they don’t know, then explain it.  Discussing the literature with your child improves their critical thinking and vocabulary.    
• Get your child screened in kindergarten for early reading success – or any possible red flags to monitor.  There are many free online dyslexia screeners to use if your school is not already doing this assessment.  Ask the school about their practice here. 
• Ask your child’s elementary school what literacy/reading curriculum it uses.  Ask if phonics is included.  If the school says it uses Caulkins’ Readers, Writers Workshop or Fountas and Pinnell (often referred to as “F&P”), tell them these curriculums have been proven to be ineffective in teaching reading.   Ask the school to implement a proven phonics curriculum aligned to the Science of Reading.

To find out more tips and insights about children’s literacy, and to place pre-orders of Kangaroo Cravings (to be delivered in early 2023), please visit Clever Noodle.

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NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE

Mo Willems’ Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience

November 20 – January 8

Based on the book Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems
Published by Hyperion Books for Children
Script and Lyrics by Mo Willems
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer

Buy tickets here!

A new, high-energy musical to rock the holiday season! When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J. Mole Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed! In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur find the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Based on Mo Willem’s beloved picture book, the show explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves. Best for ages 4-10.

Extra weekday matinees over Thanksgiving and winter break.

Check out this sneak peek video from rehearsal

This performance takes place at Imagination Stage:
4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814

Imagination Stage is a nationally-recognized theatre arts center in Bethesda, MD, respected for more than 43 years of high-quality, innovative programming. Each year, it produces several professional theatre productions for children ages 1+ and hosts classes, camps, and workshops for ages 1-18.

Imagination Stage’s professional productions are also available for field trips, groups, and birthday parties.

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S.P.I.E.S. 2: Flight of the Hawk

OCTOBER 29– NOVEMBER 20

Join S.P.I.E.S. in person, where it is more interactive than ever! This follow-up to the online hit S.P.I.E.S. & the Lost Treasure of Atlantis combines live theatre and filmed adventure scenes to create a collaborative and exciting experience where each audience gets to be the hero and solve the puzzles–and no two performances are alike.

“All 5-10 year-olds can be at the center of a spy story–decoding, problem solving, and ultimately saving the day! This show will send kids home feeling empowered.”
– Janet Stanford, Imagination Stage Founding Artistic Director

Performances:
Saturdays at 11:00am and Sundays at 11:00am and 1:00pm
JUST ADDED: Friday, November 11 at 7:00pm

Buy tickets today!

Make it a special S.P.I.E.S. Birthday party!
Birthday Parties at Imagination Stage come with a ticket discount, room rental, and on-site staff.

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Sleepover at the Museum – Saturday, October 15 at 2:00pm & 4:00pm
The National Symphony Orchestra will perform Karen LeFrak’s Sleepover at the Museum. It combines music and adventure to tell the story of a boy named Mason and his birthday party and scavenger hunt at a natural history museum. It’s sure to keep the kids excited!

Jacqueline and Jason’s Block Party! – Sunday, October 16 at 1:00pm
Join us for a FREE outdoor family event hosted by Education Artist-in-Residence Jacqueline Woodson and Artistic Director for Jazz Jason Moran. There will be exciting performances, fun-filled games, and activities. A jazz performance with Jacqueline Woodson, Jason Moran and the Bandwago, DC’s Second Line band DuPont Brass, Go-go and jazz artist Sweet Cherie, The Duke Ellington School of the Arts Show Choir, Fly Zyah and DJ Malcolm Xavier, Double Dutch demos and lessons from DC Retro Jumpers, Roller Skating demo with Our Family Skate Association, Hopscotch, hula hoops, sidewalk chalk, fort building, and more. Inspired by Jacqueline Woodson’s book The World Belonged to Us.

Finding Rhythm: Grow Your Brain with Go-go Music – October 29 at 11:30am & 1:30pm
Take a journey through the musical brain with Mother Dance, Father Rhythm, and the Curious Scientist! D.C.’s own Go-go music and brain science come together for this lively show that’ll have kids singing and dancing to the beat. Learn the origins of human rhythm, how rhythm grows the brain, and where children find the source of their own power AND connection. Music neuroscientist and show creator Dr. Jessica Phillips-Silver draws together a team of master musicians and teaching artists to tell this powerful, unifying story. This isn’t the Mozart Effect—it’s the Go-go Effect!

Air Play – November 4-6
Umbrellas fly, fabrics soar over the audience, balloons swallow people, and snow swirls, filling the stage. Air Play transforms ordinary objects into uncommon beauty through a wordless, magical adventure as two siblings journey through a surreal land of air. Created by circus performers Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone in collaboration with kinetic sculptor Daniel Wurtzel, this enchanting spectacle combines comedy, live sculpture, circus, and theater to fill both the young and young at heart with wonder.

The Day You Begin – November 19 – December 18
It’s not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet…but somehow you do it. This world premiere commissioned musical is based on one of Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence Jacqueline Woodson’s most popular picture books, a #1 New York Times bestseller illustrated by Rafael López and featured in its own episode in the Netflix original show Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices. Adapted by Woodson with music and lyrics by Toshi Reagon and direction by Charlotte Brathwaite, The Day You Begin is a poignant and heartening musical about finding courage to connect, even when you feel afraid.

Bluey’s Big Play – November 22-27
When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy Award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theater show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life!

Imagination Stage Performances:
In the Year of the Boar – October 15-22
Adapted from the award-winning novel, this play tells the touching story of a young Chinese American girl and her family moving from China to the United States in 1947. Using humor and a rich multimedia staging, the play celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of those who bring new perspectives to our country.

S.P.I.E.S. 2 – October 29-November 20
Join S.P.I.E.S. in person, where it is more interactive than ever! This follow-up to the online hit S.P.I.E.S. & the Lost Treasure of Atlantis combines live theatre and taped adventure scenes to create a collaborative and exciting experience where each audience gets to be the hero and solve the puzzles–and no two performances are alike.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed – November 16-January 8
When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J. Mole Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed! In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur find the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Mo Willem’s beloved picture book explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves.

Aquarium – January 14-February 12
Enter a fantastical island world where fish soar through the air, lemons light up the sky, and sheep go parading by. With gentle music, puppets, and props, actors lead children and caregivers in an interactive exploration of a magical place of play.

The Hula Hoopin’ Queen – February 15-April 8
Kameeka is confident that today she will finally beat her rival, Jamara, and become the Hula-Hoopin’ Queen of 139th Street in Harlem. But she has to prepare for Miz Adeline’s birthday party, and almost ruins the day. Until Miz Adeline confesses that she’s also got the itch–the hula-hoopin’ itch! Her fingers start snappin’. Her hips start swingin’. Soon everyone’s hips are swinging as the party spills out onto the street.

Wake Up, Brother Bear – March 11-April 8
Sister Bear and Brother Bear are back from hibernation to take little ones on an interactive journey through the seasons. Meet a curious butterfly, play in a rushing waterfall, and catch lightning bugs as the bears frolic through the forest in an unforgettable theatre experience.

Olney Theatre Center Performances:
Dance Nation – Through October 31
Clare Barron’s explosive off-Broadway smash kicks off Olney Theatre Center’s 2022-23 season! In this Pulitzer Prize finalist, about a tweenage dance team from Liverpool, Ohio, more is at stake than a first-place trophy. It’s a play about the puberty years, but leave the kids at home — adult actors of all ages portray the adolescent girls (and one boy) amidst their tween confusion, as well as their future adult selves. As the competition heats up, literal fangs come out, and the blood, sweat, and tears get very real in a drama about friendship, rivalry, and girls becoming women.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – November 9-January 1
Last winter our internationally acclaimed production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast inspired thousands of theatergoers: as People Magazine said, it’s “a tale as old as time [that] feels refreshingly new.” Now Jade Jones (Belle) and Evan Ruggiero (Beast) are back in a revival of the production that won hearts and attracted the admiration of audiences from around the country. Be our guest along with other returning cast members Bobby Smith (Lumiere), Dylan Arredondo (Cogsworth), Michael Burrell (Gaston) and the rest of the gang in the Beast’s cursed castle for an escape to a world where beauty is more than skin deep and happily ever after is just a rose petal away.

A Christmas Carol – November 25-January 1
In a season stuffed with varied versions of the classic yuletide tale, Paul Morella’s solo performance stands apart for its devotion to Dickens’ original language and storytelling genius. One extraordinary performer brings to life Scrooge and his specters, the whole Cratchett family, and celebrants of Christmases past, present, and future – more than 40 different characters in all. It’s why this production is a treasured annual tradition gathering more devotees than ever as it enters its 13th iteration

The Puppet Co at Glen Echo Performances:

Witch Wartsmith’s Halloween Spooktacular – October 1-31
Witch Wartsmith (the sister of Witch Wartsmith from our Legacy show “Rapunzel”,) hosts the annual Halloween Spooktacular and you get to vote on the winner! Part contemporary competition show, part vintage telethon, and part punpalooza, this spooky variety show will tickle your funny bone. Don’t miss this year’s performances, because some of our contestants will change year to year! With a special evening performance on Halloween! More shows coming soon!

The 34th Annual Nutcracker – November 25- January 1
Join the Puppet Co. for our 34th annual The Nutcracker! This time honored seasonal celebration includes Tchaikovsky’s familiar story of Clara and her prince, with some Puppet Co. nursery rhyme spin.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins – December 1-January 1
Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)? With a special performance at 7pm on the first night of Hanukkah, December 18th!

Arts on the Horizon Productions:

Sneakers & Gumdrop – December 2-January 1
One snowy winter morning, Mr. Gumdrop prepares for his annual holiday party!  When an unexpected and curious mouse appears, Mr. Gumdrop’s routine is thrown for a loop. Can these two wildly different characters work together to get the holiday preparations done in time?  This nonverbal, imaginative production captures the magic of making new friends and sharing ideas to accomplish big goals.

Fitting In – March 10-April 2
Three siblings find themselves in a room full of possibilities and one not so simple task- to put things in their proper place.  However, they soon discover that throwing this and that into a box is not the same as finding where it fits in. Through clowning, movement, and original music, three performers will transform everyday objects into something extraordinary. Is a blanket a blanket? Or is it the sail of a boat setting off on an epic voyage? Together, we can find the magic buried in the bottom of every box, and hidden inside the world around us!

Acro Iris – June 9-July 1
Iris is excited about taking a trip to el parque with Abuela! But while getting ready, Iris has a hard time deciding what color shirt to wear. As Iris and Abuela explore each of the colors, they discover the different ways colors appear in the world and their own unique beauty. Abuela reminds Iris that each color lives inside everyone, so even if we choose one, the rainbow is always a part of us. Told through vibrant imagery, dynamic movement, and a beautiful soundscape created by each of the performers, this sensory-rich production is inspired by a Zapoteca myth and Quechua legends about the rainbow.

Saturday Morning Live! at the National Theatre
Fun takes center stage at the National Theatre for Saturday Morning Live! Join us in the Helen Hayes Gallery space on select Saturday mornings at 9:30 and 11:00 AM for wow-inspiring children’s entertainment of all sorts, from interactive performances, puppets, dance, and music – all designed to light up imaginations and celebrate a world of wonder. It’s free. It’s fun. It’s a great way to Saturday.

Millennium Stage at The Kennedy Center presents free performances everyday, no tickets required! Shows typically begin at 5:30pm.

Add to your calendar:
Disney on Ice: October 6-10
Masters of Illusion: October 22-23
Disney Junior Live: October 22
The Illusionists Magic of the Holidays: November 9
A Christmas Carol: November 23-December 31
The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker: November 25-December 30
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show: December 9-18
Capital City Symphony: Annual Holiday Concert and Sing Along: December 18

Additional venues:
Atlas Performing Arts CenterArts for Young Audiences
BlackRock Center for the Arts
Bloombars
Busboys + Poets
Encore Stage and Studio, Theatre for Kids, By Kids
Jammin Java
Other Voices Theatre
Strathmore
The National Theatre Saturday Morning Live!

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Free At Last

What is Juneteenth?

The History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth: Our Day of Freedom (Step into Reading)

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom

Juneteenth (Beautiful Me)

Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth

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The Nationals are proud to be the Team that Reads, promoting reading and literacy in the community. This summer, the Nationals invite you to join us on the Team that Reads through a number of different initiatives! These include joining your local library’s Summer Reading program (launching June 1), Major League Baseball’s Summer Slugger program, or Nationals Summer Reading Ambassadors Sean Doolittle and Josh Bell for Summer Reading Sundays. 

This baseball season, The Washington Nationals have expanded the annual Summer Reading program to include four events at the ballpark – Summer Reading Sundays. All of these, which are FREE to attend with a ticket to that day’s game, feature a read-along with a Nationals player plus other fun activities. This Sunday, Sean Doolittle will be reading to the group, and among the featured games is one of my personal favorites, Mad-Libs. Additionally, each child who attends will receive up to THREE FREE BOOKS to take home.

This Sunday’s event takes place from 12:15-1:15 p.m. in the Kennedy Room, which is located on the Club Level at Nationals Park down the third-base line. First pitch of Sunday’s game vs. the Colorado Rockies is at 1:35 p.m., and gates open at 12:00 p.m.

Additional Summer Reading Sunday events are scheduled for June 12, July 17 and August 14. For more information, including locations for each event, which may change week-to-week, visit here.

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The City of Brotherly Love is a place that is near and dear to our family for a variety of reasons. We recently took a family road trip to Philadelphia and had an absolute blast. An easy car ride or train trip from Washington, DC. The city is so walkable and easy to navigate and has so much to offer families visiting. We’ve put together a 3 day itinerary below but keep in mind you can easily spend all day at the museums if you plan to stay longer than 3 days.

Day 1:

Walk around The Italian Market where dozens of vendors line the street, selling vegetables, fish, meats, spices and produce from their stalls, while gourmet shops and restaurants occupy storefronts in between.

Lunch & Dessert at the Italian Market. Angelo’s Pizzeria for cheesesteaks and Isgro for italian pastries and cookies.

Play– Eat lunch at the nearby playground at S 10th St & Fitzwater St around the corner from Angelo’s Pizzeria.

Explore The Liberty Bell, housed inside of the Liberty Bell Center which spans almost an entire city block on 6th Street between Market and Chestnut Streets. Entrance to the Liberty Bell Center is free and no tickets are required. Walk across the street to Independence Hall, located on Chestnut Street, between 5th and 6th Streets. Tickets are required for entrance to Independence Hall from March through December. After your tour you can sit in the courtyard on benches and relax and take in all of the history.

Day 2:

Explore The Franklin Institute, one of America’s most celebrated museums—a renowned leader in science and technology. You can spend all day here- it is simply the best! Purchase tickets here.

Late lunch or dinner at the famous Reading Terminal Market. For 127 years, Reading Terminal has been providing Philadelphia neighbors with their grocery & meal planning needs and more than ever, we stand committed to being here for our community. You can spend a great deal of time walking around, looking at what each vendor has to offer. Think Union Market but on a much, much larger scale.

Day 3:

Grab a coffee from the first La Colombe location found in Rittenhouse Square and walk to Love Park and take a photo in the iconic park.

Tour Eastern State Penitentiary, which was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America’s most notorious lawbreakers, including “Slick Willie” Sutton and “Scarface” Al Capone. Purchase tickets here.

Play at Please Touch Museum, with two full floors of fun, engaging exhibits, children are empowered to pursue their curiosity and explore the wonder of the world around them and within their own imaginations. Make online reservations here.

A few of our favorite places to eat:
Osteria
Abe Fisher and any of their other restaurants
Cleavers for cheesesteaks
Great breweries in Philadelphia
You gotta try water ice

More recommended museums & attractions:
Benjamin Franklin Museum
Museum of American Revolution
Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Rodin Museum
Mütter Museum
Rittenhouse Square
Rocky statue & steps
Elfreth’s Alley
Check out a sports game if you are there at the right time
Google parks near you to experience a local spot

For extensive guides on places to see and visit, head to Visit Philadelphia’s for families & kids guides.

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P.Nokio: A Hip-Hop Musical

February 26 – March 27

Book and Lyrics by Psalmayene 24

Music by Nick “tha 1da” Hernandez

Directed by Tony Thomas

For your comfort, shows are capped at 50% audience capacity.

G.Petto is an ingenious computer games designer who one day discovers that his newest game character, P.Nokio, can live outside the computer! G.Petto is thrilled at the prospect of having a “son,” and with the help of the Graffiti Fairy, he teaches P.Nokio how to become a real boy. But, P.Nokio falls in with con artists and finds himself in a web of lies that endangers his father. To save G.Petto, P.Nokio must wise up, keep it real, and learn that words and truth are the mightiest weapons of all. A completely contemporary, high-energy musical update of Pinocchio that will have your kids dancing in their seats. Best for ages 5-11.

Purchase tickets here.

Imagination Stage is a holistic theatre arts organization for all children and youth. For more information about our shows, classes, and camps, please visit our website.

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