Winterfest at Adventure Theatre: Nov. 19, 2021- Jan. 2, 2022
Get three winter-themed shows for the price of one! Adventure brings favorites from the digital Jingle in July festival to the live stage.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at The National: Nov. 23, 2021–Dec. 5, 2021
DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theatres in New York. Since then, more than 2.1 million theatregoers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical, which The New York Times praised as “100 times better than any bedtime story” and the Gannett papers hailed as “A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults.”  

A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre: Nov. 24-Dec. 27, 2021
Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Experience Charles Dickens’ beloved Yuletide story of transformation and redemption at Ford’s Theatre. Director of Artistic Programming José Carrasquillo directs a reimagined production based on Michael Wilson’s beloved Radio Play adaptation, featuring traditional caroling and new staging throughout. Craig Wallace returns as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge who encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future on a memorable journey. Length: 75 minutes. No intermission.. Recommended for ages 5 and older.

A Christmas Carol at Olney Theatre: Nov. 26-Dec. 26, 2021
It wouldn’t be the holidays without Olney’s favorite Christmas tradition. Paul Morella’s captivating solo performance of the Dickens classic keeps audiences coming back season after season. They come for the masterful storytelling and come back for the way Paul keeps this tale fresh, year-after-year. Experience the unforgettable characters and vivid imagery as Charles Dickens originally intended  – in his own words – and rediscover this timeless classic presented in a masterful solo performance. Adapted from Dickens’ original novella and reading tour, Morella’s solo version will transport you back to Victorian England and into the heart of this classic morality tale. This critically acclaimed production has become a holiday must-see. 

The Nutcracker on Strings at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo: Nov. 26, 2021-Jan. 2, 2022
Join the Puppet Co. for our 33rd 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.

Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker at Warner Theatre: Nov. 27-Dec. 26, 2021
Set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score, this celebrated classic comes to life with intricate, stunning set designs, Experience the magic of The Washington Ballet’s charmingly-DC The Nutcracker! This celebrated production is set in historic 1882 Georgetown with George Washington, King George III, and other historical figures. Join us again with family and friends or start a new holiday tradition with your loved ones. Set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score, this celebrated classic comes to life with intricate, stunning set designs, original period costumes, and over 100 dancers including students and trainees from The Washington School of Ballet. It has become the signature Nutcracker of the nation’s capital. With 30 scheduled performances, The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker will transport audiences of all ages into a winter wonderland that has become a lasting holiday tradition not to be missed.

Christmas with Cantus Lessons and Carols for Our Time at Wolf Trap: Dec. 3, 2021
The ethereal vocal ensemble Cantus returns to The Barns for an evening of holiday favorites. From Latin hymnody to Spanish folksong, from Sacred Harp to Irving Berlin, this is the perfect way to kick off your holiday season.

Encore Stage & Studio present- Enchanted Bookshop Christmas: Dec. 3-5, 2021
It’s four days before Christmas and Miss Margie, the scatterbrained owner of the shop, is thrilled to have two very special guests — her serious-minded sister Ellen and book-loving niece Annabelle. Ellen was recently laid off from her position as an astronomy professor, and she’s certain she’ll never find a job again. Her luck changes, however, when high-tech billionaire Philip Brantley stops in at the shop and Margie convinces him to hire Ellen for his new space project. With Ellen out shopping, Margie has a brainstorm to wrap the bookmark that Philip wrote his phone number on and give it to Ellen as a Christmas present. After all, what could possibly go wrong?

Messiah- G. F. Handel at The Washington National Cathedral: Dec. 4-5, 2021
Join Washington National Cathedral for Handel’s beloved “Messiah,” and experience this Christmas classic in a space as Handel would have intended. The Cathedral’s soaring architecture and Gothic splendor offers a space unlike any other in Washington to experience Handel’s masterpiece. There is a family show at 12:00pm on December 4 is an abbreviated performance of “Messiah” highlights, perfect for busy families with young children. Experience the best of “Messiah” with the whole family.

Holiday Sing-A-Long (from home) at Wolf Trap: Dec. 4 &18, 2021
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is pleased to continue the longstanding community tradition of the Holiday Sing-A-Long, this year with a virtual twist! Traditionally, this event combined a festive instrumental performance by the United States Marine Band and a sing-a-long of traditional holiday carols led by more than 500 local singers. This year’s event will be presented in a digital format and we hope that you will participate from the comfort of your home. The program will feature performances by some of The Barns at Wolf Trap’s favorite artists and will commence with a program of festive songs pre-recorded by the USMB at the Barns at Wolf Trap and conclude with a festive at-home sing-a-long. Join for the virtual performances on December 4 and 18, 2021, gathered safely with family, cocoa, and cookies.

Manheim Steamroller Christmas at Strathmore: Dec. 4, 2021
Do you remember the first time you heard Mannheim Steamroller Christmas? This classic album has become synonymous with the season and become a treasured holiday tradition for millions over the past 35 years. For this special 35th anniversary performance, Mannheim Steamroller will perform the album that started it all, Christmas, live, in its entirety. Experience the magic as the spirit of the holiday season comes alive with dazzling multimedia effects and the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller.  

NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas featuring Gerald Clayton, Patrice Rushen, and Eric Reed. at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 4, 2021
Your favorite holiday classics as you’ve never heard them! The Kennedy Center and NPR present A Jazz Piano Christmas, the annual sell-out event featuring today’s best jazz pianists performing the most loved seasonal music.

NSO at the Anthem: Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert: Dec. 8, 2021
Join the NSO in an exciting new atmosphere as the musicians ditch traditional tuxedos and evening gowns—deconstructing the concert experience without deconstructing the music. Don your favorite holiday sweater (ugly or not) and join us for an evening filled with holiday spirit (and holiday spirits). This performance takes place at The Anthem.

Notes of Honor: NSO Salutes the Military A Holiday Pops with Ingrid Michaelson at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 9-11, 2021
Notes of Honor: NSO Salutes the Military invites all current, retired, veteran, and prior service members to a special FREE performance of A Holiday Pops with Ingrid Michaelson!

Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show at Atlas Performing Arts Center: Dec. 9-19, 2021
As the world’s first holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of stepping, the Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is a feast for the eyes and ears. Fabulous and furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom – Popper the Penguin along with polar bear twins, Pinky and Polo-ensure a fun and exciting experience for the entire family! Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is the most vibrant holiday celebration in town! This fun, family-friendly performance will have you stomping your feet and clapping your hands to energetic beats from Step Afrika! Why celebrate the holidays sitting still when you can step with Step Afrika!

The Christmas Revels: A French-Canadian Celebration of the Winter Solstice: Dec. 10-12 & 17-19, 2021
Magic is just around the corner in a rustic village in Europe! As the Winter days grow short, three wandering performers from far-off lands weave music, dance and stories from their cultures into an enchanting and dramatic tale of the Winter Solstice. But when the sun finally sets on the longest night — and darkness seems to stretch on without end — these “Celestial Fools” lead us on a journey into the heavens to reclaim the light and restore its warmth to the world. The cast of over 100, ages 9-90, invites you to join tradition bearers Karim Nagi, Shizumi Shigeto Manale and Mark Novak for this timeless fable. Sing along and dance through the aisles to eclectic instrumentals by Seth Kibel, Vladimir Fridman and Bob Abbott, with the glorious tones of the Washington Revels Brass. And as we prepare to call back the Sun, let’s light a candle, deck the hall, and revel in this exuberant blend of seasonal celebrations from around the world and across the centuries. Welcome Yule!

An Irish Carol at Keegan Theatre: Dec. 10-31, 2021
An original work by Keegan company member Matthew J. Keenan, AN IRISH CAROL is an homage to Dickens’ classic – told as only the Irish can. This comic and touching play, set in a modern Dublin pub, follows one evening in the life of David, a wealthy pub owner who has lost touch with his own humanity in the interest of self-protection and material success. But on this Christmas Eve – challenged by a voice from the past, provoked by those in the present, and faced with the reality of a lonely future – David’s life may change forever.

A Celtic Christmas with Seán Heely Celtic Band at Strathmore: Dec. 11, 2021
Join award-winning Irish fiddler Seán Heely and a cast of nationally-acclaimed Celtic performers on a magical journey through Scotland and Ireland during the holidays. The fiddle and bagpipes will sweep you away to Christmas time and Winter Solstice celebrations along with featured dancers from Scottish and Irish traditions that are sure to lift your holiday spirits and warm your heart. Kilts and tartan abound as the show travels through ancient Gaelic carols and songs, tucked in perfectly with lively Irish tunes and familiar Christmas melodies with a Celtic twist.

Joy of Christmas at The Washington National Cathedral: Dec. 11-12, 2021
From all corners of Washington National Cathedral, voices rise, filling the arches with echoes of holidays past and the wonder of things to come. It’s time to surround yourself with feelings of comfort and warmth that come when the weather is cold and the music is bright. It’s time to restart the tradition of singing together in a space of beauty and community. Washington, D.C.’s holiday tradition since 1976 is back. Seraph Brass and Cathedral organist George Fergus join Maestro Steven Fox and the Cathedral Choral Society for an unforgettable return to choral music.

Holiday Cheer at The Performing Arts Factory: Dec. 11 & 12, 2021
A Cabaret of Holiday Songs from some of your favorite Other Voices Theatre performers!

The Mini-Nut at Montgomery College: Dec. 11 & 12, 2021
The Mini-Nut is MYB’s abbreviated version of The Nutcracker geared towards younger audiences. This one hour version is a great introduction to ballet for our youngest theatre goers. The performance is approximately one hour long with no intermission. A perfect holiday mini-treat!

Corduroy at Imagination Stage: Dec. 11, 2021-Jan. 24, 2022
We all need a friend, and Lisa is instantly drawn to the perfectly imperfect teddy bear on display at the department store. If only she can convince her stressed-out mother to buy Corduroy for her! Meanwhile, Corduroy is determined to find his missing button and become worthy of going to a real home. After the store has closed, he goes on a hilariously destructive search–with the Night Watchman in comical pursuit. Full of mischief and clowning, this story of unconditional love captures both the humanity and the merriment of the holiday season. ASL-Interpreted performance: January 2 at 1:30 p.m. Sensory-Friendly performance: January 16 at 11:00 a.m.

Noseda conducts Handel’s Messiah (Part I) & Bach’s Magnificat at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 16-19, 2021
Don’t miss the glorious return of Washington, D.C.’s favorite holiday tradition! For the very first time, Gianandrea Noseda conducts the NSO in selections from the quintessential musical crown of the season: Handel’s Messiah. Experience the beauty of “Rejoice,” “For unto us a Child is born,” “Comfort Ye,” and more iconic music of Messiah’s Part I—coupled with Bach’s celebratory showpiece Magnificat.

The Washington Chorus presents A Candlelight Christmas at Strathmore: Dec. 16-17, 2021
Jingle all the way! Join two-time Grammy winners—the DC region’s dynamic Washington Chorus—for a festival family holiday concert like nothing else. “A Candlelight Christmas” features The Washington Chorus (Eugene Rogers, Artistic Director) with brass, organ, and special guests in this spirited holiday music experience. Delight in our signature candlelight processional; raise your voice in our audience carol sing-along; and leave humming with a candy cane and a heart filled with holiday cheer. “A Candlelight Christmas” is among the DC region’s most treasured holiday traditions—join The Washington Chorus in community and song for this unforgettable holiday experience. This event is not presented by Strathmore. 

Cirque Dreams Holidaze at MGM National Harbor: Dec. 16-19, 2021
Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the stage in this popular and dazzling family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family.

The Nutcracker at Montgomery College: Dec.17–27, 2021
Magical dolls, life-sized mice, dancing snowflakes, and an enchanting kingdom of sweets return to stage this holiday season for Maryland Youth Ballet’s LIVE production of The Nutcracker. Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, the incredible dancing and dazzling costumes bring to life the story of Marie and her Nutcracker Prince. Join us back at the theater for the full-length classic choreographed by Artistic Director, Olivier Muñoz.

Christmas with the King’s Singers at The Washington National Cathedral: Dec. 17, 2021
Celebrate the magic of the Christmas season with one of Britain’s most beloved vocal ensembles, The King’s Singers, in their only Washington-area appearance. With Christmas favorites to lesser-known gems to some brand-new surprises, there’s no better way to embrace the warmth of the season than with these six talented singers. Featuring songs from their albums “Finding Harmony,” “Christmas” and “The King’s Singers Christmas Songbook.” You are invited to come home to the Cathedral this Christmas to embrace everything that Christmas and the Cathedral have to offer.

A Family Christmas at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 18 & 25, 2021
Bring the kids for an unforgettable holiday experience as the Choral Arts Chorus fills the concert hall with holiday classics just for them!

A Candlelight Christmas at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 19-22, 2021
Jingle all the way! Join two-time Grammy winners – the DC region’s dynamic Washington Chorus for a festive family holiday concert like nothing else!

The Hip Hop Nutcracker at Strathmore: Dec. 20-22, 2021
A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns to Strathmore. This contemporary dance spectacle is a remixed and reimagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set. Grab your family and friends and let the dynamic performers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker take you on a journey that celebrates love, community and the magic of the holiday season.

Christmas Music at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 20 & 24, 2021
Awaken your holiday spirit with a concert of festive musical treats performed by the Choral Arts Symphonic Chorus and Youth Choir accompanied by a full orchestra in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall.

Film: Elf (Part of December Traditions) at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 22, 2021
Join for FREE film screenings in the Justice Forum every Wednesday at 6 p.m. and FREE performances in the Grand Foyer Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 6 p.m. A limited number of advance reservations are available, but most seats will be be available for walk-ups on the day of the performance. 

Christmas Day Organ Recital at The Washington National Cathedral: Dec. 25, 2021
Cathedral organists Thomas Sheehan and George Fergus present a program of festive Christmas music on the Cathedral’s Great Organ. Make a cup of cocoa, wear your holiday-appropriate ugly sweaters and socks, and celebrate Christmas with us! If you’re planning to attend the recital in person, the concert is free and is not ticketed.

Related posts:
Winter bucket list
Gift guide
Hanukkah celebrations
Holiday light displays
Ice skating
Holiday gift guide and stocking stuffers
Toys & games that are educational
Indoor & outdoor must-haves
Subscription boxes for children
Holiday tea

The post 2021 guide to holiday shows, ballets and concerts in and around Washington, DC appeared first on Beltway Bambinos.

Please join Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) June 24th, at 4:00 p.m. for Counting Cats: How Shelter Staff and Volunteers Care for Lots and Lots and Lots of Kittens & Cats. During an hour-long special event, students are invited to join the Humane Rescue Alliance and St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center on Zoom for a behind-the-scenes tour of St. Hubert’s high tech kitten nursery. Plus, meet kittens in their foster homes not quite old enough to be adopted. How many felines will you see? 5, 10, 20, or more?! Learn how tiny, orphaned kittens are cared for in the nursery and watch kittens play in their foster homes. Get all your kitten and cat questions answered.

If you love cats and are eager to see lots and lots of kittens and cats up close on your computer screen, you will not want to miss Counting Cats: How Staff and Volunteers Care for Lots and Lots and Lots of Kittens & Cats! This event is supreme kitten-cuteness. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Summer with HRA & St. Hubert’s Staff and Friends is slated for July 19-22. Spend four {virtual} mornings meeting cats, dogs, and small animals. A special guest from Farm Sanctuary will introduce the concept of “foodprint” on the environment and share several resident animals’ stories. And each day will conclude with an activity led by Mickey from TeachHEART. They will lead sessions that include cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other animals. Fourth through seventh-graders, who are eager to learn about animals and the organizations that care for them, will not want to miss this very special event! Click HERE to register.

No animal enthusiast will be denied access to participate because of the inability to pay. For information on financial assistance, please contact HRA here. Registration information for both events can be found here.

Don’t forget to check out HRA’s Animal Academy and web site for regular updates.

Related posts:
Have a device free road trip!
Summer camp guide

The post Upcoming Humane Rescue Alliance events for children who love animals appeared first on Beltway Bambinos.

DC Department of Parks and Recreation (In-person)
Offering full-day Spring Break Camp programs in recreation centers for children, ages 3–13, during DC Public Schools’ spring break. DPR provides youth with a variety of structured games, sports, character-education exercises, and arts and crafts. Our goal is to plant the seeds of personal development and environmental responsibility in a fun and engaging recreation setting. Camp is from 9:00am-5:00pm, April 12-15 (no camp on Friday). See locations below:

Ages 6-12

• Jelleff Recreation Center – Ward 2
• Emery Heights Community Center – Ward 4
• Edgewood Recreation Center – Ward 5
• Arthur Capper Recreation Center – Ward 6
• Hillcrest Recreation Center – Ward 7
• Therapeutic Recreation Center – Ward 7
• Barry Farm Recreation Center – Ward 8

Multi-Sport Camp –  ages 5-7 and 8 -13

• Deanwood Recreation Center – Ward 7

Home Run Baseball (In-person) AU Park, DC
Spring break camp is April 12-16, from 8:30am to 2:30pm at Friendship Recreation Center. Camp is for girls and boys ages 4-11 (half-day option for 4 year olds), players can expect a positive mental attitude environment featuring long round of ground balls, batting practice and two games a day.

Confetti’s Spring Break Camp (In-person) Tenleytown, DC
Confetti fosters creativity, peer interaction, and positive thinking for elementary-aged children. This program encourages children to collaborate with one another through daily crafts, hands-on activities, and engaging games. The session will run from 1:00pm-4:00pm, April 12th through April 16th.

Red Panda Art Studio (Virtual)
Join from 9:30am-11:30am, April 12 to April 14 to celebrate all things Spring! Mini-camp is designed for ages 5 to 10. All supplies included and delivered to you!

Hoop Ed (In-person) Various locations
HoopEd Spring Break Camps offers families an active and exciting child care option during the holiday break. Spring break is a busy time for HoopEd Nation and that is why we offer full or partial week sign ups for kids in grades 1-8! Spring Break Camps are the best way for kids to see their friends, stay active and avoid “break boredom”! See you on the courts and playground!

The Children’s Art Studio (Virtual)
Have your child join us for one hour, April 12 to April 14 from 10am-11am, for Art Camp! They will learn technique, look at examples from art history, and have a blast making beautiful drawings and paintings. Small class size means your child will receive one-on-one attention and support. Your child will receive a prompt at the end of class, and instructions to keep working at home. Camp is best for ages 6-9. A materials list is on the above link.

DC Way Soccer Camp (In-person) Capitol Hill, DC
Spring into soccer with DC Way’s Spring Break Camp on April 12th! DC Way’s camp provides players the opportunity to work on technical soccer skills as well as participate in fun games. The DC Way team leads energetic games that combine learning and fun. Your kid will get the most out of their spring break while developing both soccer and cognitive skills in just a week.

School of Rock (In-person) Cleveland Park, DC
Want to play in a band onstage? Our Rock 101 camp is designed for beginners 7-11 years of age. No experience necessary! Students will explore their instruments through musical games and activities. The nurturing environment makes this the perfect camp for budding musicians. Students will work on songs Monday through Friday and the camp will culminate in a concert at the end of the week for family.

The post DCPS spring break camps {in-person and virtual options} appeared first on Beltway Bambinos.

To celebrate the trailblazing contributions to the world by women in STEM fields this month, KID Museum, a pioneering experiential museum and educational makerspace, is launching Maker Girls, a  series of hands-on, invention-based workshops for 4th-8th grade girls.  A live, interactive virtual event on Thursday, March 25 from 4-5 PM ET will kick off the program, in partnership with AAAS IF/THEN® Ambassadors program, with a diverse set of top female STEM leaders — from a statistician featured in the book “Wonder Women of Science” and a biomechanical engineer studying 3D sports movement, to a cancer immunologist and the college-student founder of Makers for COVID-19. The event will feature a “Shark Tank”-style pitch event and a virtual tour of KID Museum’s new online Maker Playground.

“With Women’s History Month celebrating those who have challenged gender stereotypes and left a lasting legacy, Maker Girls is empowering the next generation of female leaders with maker skills, experiences and mindsets to invent the future,” said Cara Lesser, the Founder and Executive Director of KID Museum.  “Lyda Hill Philanthropy and AAAS IF/THEN Ambassadors exemplify positive female professional role models in STEM for young girls. Partnering with them brings our commitment to girls to life, and challenges girls to be active makers while they interact with and solve problems with successful women STEM leaders.” 

Hosted by Dr. Corinna Lathan, a neuroscientist, technology pioneer, social advocate, and IF/THEN Ambassador, along with 11-year-old maker Zuri Davis, the live, virtual event will be highly interactive. Girls will hear from IF/THEN Ambassadors who will share examples of “How I Failed” and the lessons they learned; girls will experience new Maker Playground activities; and girls will serve as advisors to KID Museum in helping shape the direction of deeper dive workshops to be offered later this spring.

In a “Shark Tank” style pitch showcasing a range of STEM-based activities, girls will serve as the ultimate decision-makers, investigating topics and voting for those they’d like to see turned into the workshops they can join later in the spring.

Ambassadors include:  

• Davina Durgana – Award-winning international human rights statistician who has developed leading global models to assess vulnerability to modern slavery. She was a Forbes Top 30 Under 30 in Science (2017), and is featured in the children’s book, “Wonder Women of Science: Twelve Amazing STEM Geniuses Who Are Currently Rocking the World.”
• Danielle Twum – Cancer immunologist hailing from Ghana who blends scientific knowledge with social media influence to ignite interest in STEM careers for young people, especially minorities. 
• Sarah Wilson – Mechanical engineer and former professional freeride skier who has made a career of “crashing STEM into her hobbies,” most recently using wearable technologies to measure athlete movements in 3D.
• Karina Popovich – 21-year-old Head of Education and Policy at Women in 3D Printing, Founder of Makers for COVID-19, Cornell University student, KPMG Future Leader 2019, Amazon Future Engineer 2019 and Technovation Regional Pitch Competition Winner. 

Workshops:

The live, no-cost, interactive virtual Maker Girls workshops offer 4th through 8th grade girls the chance to join in hands-on, invention-based challenges covering topics such as game design, robotics, space exploration, cybersecurity, and science experiments. 

Each of the three workshops taking place in April and May is capped at 24 students to encourage side-by-side interaction with the Ambassadors, whose backgrounds range from engineering and astrophysics to computer programming and biology. Together, the Ambassadors and students will brainstorm, design, and prototype solutions to real-world, STEM-inspired challenges.  

Maker Playground: 

Maker Playground is designed to engage youth and families in experiences and activities inspired by real-life women inventors, engineers, and scientists; and then use maker skills and concepts to experiment, invent, and create something on their  own. Concepts explore the “art of STEM,” “robot explorers,” “sports and STEM,” “animal allies,” and “games for good,” with activities for kids to prototype a technology that improves athletic performance, create a digital 3D model of a robot that explores the unknown, design a game, and more.

About KID Museum:

KID Museum is the region’s pioneering experiential museum and educational makerspace. They foster the “Mind of a Maker” and empower the next generation with the skills to invent the future. Through hands-on programs, they challenge young people to be active makers, building agency, confidence, and creative problem-solving skills. They design and deliver programs across the full continuum of learning for kids in pre-k through middle school in partnership with educators and schools. Weekend onsite programs, community events, and live, virtual sessions encourage families to learn and explore together. They are part of a growing movement to remake education for every young person, putting them in the driver’s seat of their learning and trusting them to be agents of change.

The post KID Museum launches Maker Girls for 4th-8th grade girls appeared first on Beltway Bambinos.

Not too long ago we were going to local performances at our favorite theatres, exposing our children to the arts. We are so happy Imagination Stage has adapted their art into something we can watch from home, for now and in this latest show, they definitely completed the mission!

For its second foray into the world of virtual theatre, Imagination Stage meets this unique moment with Spy Academy & the Lost Treasures of Atlantis, an immersive online experience best for children ages 5+. The show–part escape room, part spy adventure, and part online game–engages children in an interactive performance as meaningful as it is delightful. Our children– excuse me, Cadet Cheese and Cadet Spygirl are ages 6 and 9 and both really enjoyed this performance as it was interactive and suspenseful all while observing the actors in their element which was silly and entertaining. This was a Zoom they were actually engaged in and fit the bill for something they had been missing.

The audience which has no more than 15 households per performance, takes on the role of cadets at a spy academy. They are being taught by Pat, a live facilitator. When Pat gets notification that some of the academy’s adult spies need help evading the villainous Dr. Levinious as they search for the Heart of the Dragon, Pat recruits all of the cadets to help them by solving various puzzles and problems. Enter your household! Pat is played by nimble and comedic improvisational actors Jasmine Jones, Matthew Pauli or Amanda Haddock (at different performances), and directly urges the participation of the cadets in a “create your own adventure”-style exploration of numerous challenges. (Ssshhh: the adults in the household will have received instructions in advance to secretly prepare some key props to have nearby for their cadets.)

We were emailed documents to print out including an introductory letter to the cadets, activities and clues to use during the performance, and a certificate to be awarded to the cadets after the mission is completed. We put these in envelopes or hid them throughout our house. Silly enough, it was something my husband and I actually had fun doing as we knew this was so unique that our kids would be shocked to find these in real time as they watched the show– at one point Pat told viewers to check their front door for a package and to our kids surprise there was a small package waiting there for them to use with the show! Our kids think it was a ‘black bag job’ and didn’t ask if it was up who left the materials for them, which made it fun. However, if you do not have a printer Pat does an amazing job to share everything on screen and reassure those who may not have the items at home to have no fear and presents alternatives.

The artfully filmed segments of the spies getting into and out of jams in far-flung locations were filmed in all the nooks and crannies of Imagination Stage’s Bethesda facility, including against the back wall of the stage, which was transformed into an enormous green screen to allow for exciting special effects. Our cadets were amazed when we told them where it was filmed and how. They are eager to get back to seeing performances in-person but they both agreed that this was an amazing alternative!

Details:
Spy Academy & the Lost Treasures of Atlantis runs through May 23, 2021

Ticket cost: $25 per household

Run time: Roughly 45 minutes

You can even purchase a private performance if you have a cadet’s birthday approaching! Call the Box Office for more details 301-280-1660.

Cast and Creative Team:
Edima Essien- Newscaster
Danielle Gallo-Tank
Amanda Haddock-Facilitator
Jasmine Jones-Facilitator (swing)
Miss Kitty-Specs
Matthew Pauli-Facilitator
Ryan Sellers-Levinious/Locksmith
Strother Gaines-Concept and Co-Director
Doug Robinson-Playwright
Jeffrey Eagle-Co-Director and Producer
Chris Mariles-Director of Photography
Ted Hogeman-Sound Operator
Paige Smith Lee-Editor
Madison Booth-Costume Designer
Katie Moshier-Stage Manager

Also, be sure to check out Imagination Stage Summer Camp!

The post Spy Academy and The Lost Treasures of Atlantis; an immersive online theatre experience appeared first on Beltway Bambinos.

Changing City: Tobacco, Transportation & Georgetown
March 3 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Delve into the founding of Washington DC through the port of Georgetown and its undeniable ties to the tobacco industry. Using primary sources, uncover the links between the tobacco trade, money, city growth, and enslavement in this urban setting. Free, grades 3-5. REGISTER

Tudor Explorers: Be the Curator
March 18 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Pull back a museum curtain to reveal the best practices of public history in this unique primary source workshop. Students learn how Tudor Place curators, historians, archivists and educators use primary sources to make decisions. Then, students replicate this work in their own projects. Free ages 11-18. REGISTER

Tudor Explorers: Garden Detectives
April 20 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Students become digital garden detectives as they virtually explore 5 ½ acres of historic gardens in search of plants, animals and other wildlife. They will learn principles of scientific investigation to study how plants grow. Free, ages 8-14. REGISTER

Tudor Explorers: Storytime in the Garden: Pollinators
May 12 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Students are invited to virtually explore Tudor Place’s magnificent 5 ½ acre garden. This kinesthetic program promotes sensory learning and development. Students enjoy an interactive storytime, then observe a variety of plants, flowers and wildlife. Free, ages 3-7. REGISTER

The post Tudor Place offers virtual, interactive free programs for children appeared first on Beltway Bambinos.

Saturday
9:00am-4:00pm: KTown StoryWalk ends tomorrow!
A stroll through historic Kensington, Maryland, will offer families a self-guided, socially distanced outing to read the book The Mitten by Jan Brett in store windows. A free craft kit tied into The Mitten will be available for pick up in a box outside the Noyes Library for Young Children which is located at 10237 Carroll Place, Kensington, MD. 20895 today and tomorrow from 9am to 4pm.

9:30am: Saturday Morning Live! At The National 
The Saturday Morning Live! At The National program is celebrating its 40^th anniversary this year and has delighted children for years with performances designed to engage and inspire the young mind. Virtual performances by nationally known educators and artists encourage children to look outside their communities and discover a world of wonder. New episodes premiere every other Saturday at 9:30am via Facebook Premiere. This programming is best suited for children 4-10 years, but siblings and friends of other ages are always welcome to join the fun.

2:00pm: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Head to the movies and stay in your warm car while watching a family-friendly flick.

5:30pm: The Karate Kid
Head to the movies and stay in your warm car while watching a family-friendly flick.

6:15pm: Pajamuary Havdalah
Havdalah starts a new week with a multi-sensory experience, so join us and special guest reader, PJ Poppins, for a fun way to end Shabbat. You can bring a Havdalah candle, spice box and juice (get ideas for these) to join us to say the blessings. Register in advance

Sunday
9:00am-4:00pm: KTown StoryWalk ends today! A stroll through historic Kensington, Maryland, will offer families a self-guided, socially distanced outing to read the book The Mitten by Jan Brett in store windows. A free craft kit tied into The Mitten will be available for pick up in a box outside the Noyes Library for Young Children which is located at 10237 Carroll Place, Kensington, MD. 20895 today from 9am to 4pm.

9:30am: Pajamuary Breakfast and All Star Tu B’Shevat Performance
Stay in your pajamas and join the Kagin Family to make pancakes; then enjoy your breakfast while being entertained. Join the JKids Radio All-Star Tu B’Shevat Concert, featuring Jewish kids music superstars Ellen Allard, Shira Kline, Joanie Leeds, Jason Mesches, Mister G, and Rick Recht. Let’s all plan to make the world a happier, healthier and GREENER place to be in 2021! Registration is required for Zoom link and password.

10:00am & 1:00pm: Virtual Artful Conversations
Join the National Gallery of Art for an upbeat Artful Conversation and learn how one artist’s love of hip hop inspires her art. DC-based DJ and multimedia artist Virtual Chicana connects our discoveries to music. Registration is required and the program is geared towards ages 7-12 year olds.

2:00pm: Toy Story 4 Drive-In
Head to the movies and stay in your warm car while watching a family-friendly flick.

More ideas:
Head to a trail, marsh or garden to explore but bundle up!

Our outdoor post has a bit of everything. Be sure to check individual websites to verify they are open and welcoming guests currently.

Have you gotten to any slopes this winter? There are so many options from DC that are perfect for a day trip of skiing.

Create Valentine’s through Eliana’s Light annual initiative for caregivers and patients; to be sent virtually.

Do you have a 3-5 year old? Don’t forget to register for Books & Baseball program put on by Washington Nationals Youth Baseball and DC Public Library. Families can now register for the Winter 2021 season of the virtual program, with sessions occurring every Monday from January 11 to February 22. Each 35-minute session includes the reading of a children’s book by a DC Public Librarian, followed by a beginner-level baseball clinic led by YBA coaches. Virtual clinic activities are easy to complete at home and focus on enhancing motor skills and learning the fundamentals of baseball.

Support our local restaurants by participating in DC Restaurant Week through February 7.

Plan ahead:
Hirshhorn presents: Respect her Crank!: Creating Sounds of Blackness
Workshops are open to educators on Tuesdays and teens on Thursdays. Do not miss out on this groundbreaking opportunity to learn about Black women’s contribution to music. Select the links below to learn more about each set of workshops, operating from February–June 2021. 

Recent posts:
Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Where to buy Valentine’s chocolate

The post Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC appeared first on Beltway Bambinos.

February 2:
7:00pm-8:30pm CST: Paper Source Virtual Valentine Card Making
Feel the love with some Valentine fun at our latest handmade cards workshop. Perfect for virtual hang out with your gals or some cozy solo crafting time. Make one-of-a-kind cards that you can gift to your significant other or your bestie on Valentine’s Day. Shop our recommended supplies here and our optional, add-on supplies here.

February 7:
2:30pm-4:30pm: Parent & Me Valentine’s Drip Cake with a Sugar Cookie Cake Topper
Join Dawn Alston from Ravy Cakes, competitor on Food Networks Wedding Cake Championship, for our Parent and Me Valentine’s Day drip cake with a Sugar Cookie Cake Topper.Each team will receive a crumb-coated, 6-inch, two layered Cake. Each team will learn piping techniques, how to apply buttercream to the cake, how to decorate the cookie cake topper, and how to apply drip onto the cake. Chef Dawn will also share additional tips and tricks for cake decorating.

February 12:
10:00am: Red Panda Valentine’s Day-inspired Workshops! 
A day off from school and a full morning of art fun!  Make magical heart worlds and raining heart wall hangings inspired by the art of Chris Uphues. All supplies are included and delivered to you (local delivery only)! Workshop is designed for ages 5 to 10.

4:30pm: Red Panda Valentine’s Day-inspired Workshops! 
Give a loved one the gift of flowers that can last forever! Join us during this 90-minute workshop as we create multiple types of flowers from polymer clay. Clay flowers are added to a canvas to create an enchanting hanging garden. Workshop is best for ages 8+. Adults are welcome to participate, this could be a perfect grown-up and child activity! All materials are included and delivered to you. 

4:00pm-4:30pm & 4:30pm-5:00pm: Valentine’s Cupcake Decorating at American Girl Store
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with sweet treats! Your girl will love adding her own special touches to girl- and doll-sized cupcakes with plenty of frosting and sprinkles to make them extra special!

5:00pm-6:00pm: Valentine’s Kids Night In with My Gym
A special one-hour “evening” event where kids will spend time together on Zoom enjoying fun games and activities with their favorite teachers. Sign up online HERE.

February 13:
11:00am-1:00pm CST: Paper Source Virtual Galentine Hangout
Grab your gals, pals and best buds to join us at the Paper Source Galentine Virtual Hangout! Spend your favorite brunch time learning to make champagne cocktails, long-lasting paper blooms and DIY pressed flower candles with the Bouqs. We recommend crafting along with us with our Big Blooms Paper Flowers Kit and creating bubbly brunch cocktails with our DIY Mimosa Kit (purchased separately). Take 20% off your order when you add the Galentine Virtual Hangout to your cart & use code GALENTINE20 at checkout.

February 14:
10:00am: Red Panda Valentine’s Day-inspired Workshops! 
Spend your Valentine’s Day morning with us as we celebrate all things love! Workshop runs from 10AM to 11AM and includes a collaborative painting project for the whole family! All ages 2+ welcome. All supplies included and delivered to you (local delivery only). $25/family.

10:00am: Virtual concert with Marsha & the Positrons
A 30 min concert; all are welcome! Tune in on Marsha’s Facebook live page.

12:00pm & 5:00pm EST: Laurie Berkner’s Valentine’s Day Party Virtual Concerts for Families 
Laurie encourages fans of all ages to decorate their homes for Valentine’s Day and to wear something fun and valentine-y to the show — shades of pink and red are the order of the day, and love-hearts are the shape of the hour! $20 Regular*/$80. Meet & greet add-on package. Group discounts available.

2:00pm: Adventure Theatre presents The Heartcracker Ballet
Adventure Theatre MTC’s Sunday digital productions will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a reading of the new play The Heartcracker Ballet by Margaret Gorman. In this new work, middle-schoolers Zelda and Therese are dear friends who have been dancing around one question for some time now: how do you admit to your friend that you want to go out with them? Adventure Theatre MTC’s digital productions are Sundays at 2PM ET free on Facebook-live.

2:00pm-4:00pm: Card making at The Lane
What’s Valentine’s day without a homemade card covered in paste and construction paper hearts? There will be hot chocolate, card making, masks, social distancing, and someone else (The Lane staff) cleaning up afterward.

2:30pm: Shrek at the Drive-In
Enjoy Valentines as a family, includes admission for the whole car, family size popcorn, a rose for Mom, & a special sweet treat, This special showing is only offered as a package.

Ongoing:
Valentine’s at-home mini kit from Nook
Host a mini Valentines Day Celebration for 5 little loves. In this kit you’ll get: a cookie decorating kit from Fluffy Thoughts Cakes, with 5 heart-shaped cookies, 3 bags of colored frosting, and a Valentines sprinkle mix, a Valentines Day activity, provided by BumoBrain, plates, napkins, and wooden (kid-friendly) knives for easy frosting application. Pre-order your kit by February 5th. Kits will be available for pickup at Nook Ballston Quarter or Nook Bethesda Row on February 11 & 13 between 9-11am. 

Eliana’s Light is taking its 6th Annual Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids & Cookies for Caregivers community service program virtual! You can be a part of a collaborative effort to share positive messages of kindness, care, and compassion for children with complex medical conditions, their caregivers & their care providers at pediatric medical centers. This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for all ages, schools, organizations, businesses, and associations! For more information, please click here. Gather your family members, friends, and colleagues as they can participate from anywhere in the world.

Year Cheer
YearCheer is the solution for busy moms who want to create memorable moments for their kids, but are so busy managing the day to day of their work and family that “having fun” often falls to the bottom of the to-do list.  You can order individual holiday boxes delivered to your door or get a subscription so all the holidays are covered!

10 DIY activities for kids to share love thanks to Kiwi Co

Pure Wow has 41 fun and easy Valentine’s crafts

All Fired Up
Valentine bundle includes Valentine bundle includes I Love You block or two heart ornaments, a heart tote, paint brushed and heart candles. They also offer adult workshops!

Rosslyn Love
This Valentine’s Day, the Rosslyn BID wants to help you show some love and gratitude! Rosslyn Love is a community-wide activity where you can share your appreciation for your friends, family, coworkers, significant other or even your favorite local business! Now through February 1, participants can submit a message through this link to be displayed on five temporary murals on Wilson Boulevard outside of the upcoming Highlands development. The murals will be installed February 8 and will be up through the end of the month for the entire neighborhood to see!

Henry’s Sweet Retreat in Bethesda will have Valentine’s goodies; likely cookies to decorate. Check back for more details.

Get the very best Valentine’s Day chocolate for your loves!

The post Ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in and around Washington, DC appeared first on Beltway Bambinos.

Alexandra Raquel Hughes is a certified energy healer and intuitive life coach, a life-long researcher and writer who is currently working to be ordained as an Andean Priestess. She’s a Peruvian-Canadian expat mom married to a Catalan, who has lived in 8 countries, speaks 4 languages and holds an MPhil in Development Studies from the UK, and a BA in Environmental Studies from Canada. She’s an Earth loving, tarot reading, astrology junky (Pisces with Capricorn rising) currently based in Brazil with 3 strong personality kiddos and ever-loving left-brained husband. You can likely find her in the bath, garden or dancing under the moon. Below you will find a guest post written by Alexandra that I feel will resonate with most of you, especially after the year we’ve had. I hope you will join me in participating in this free 7-day Sacred Pause experience; more details on that below.

Here we are, D.C. Mom, rapidly approaching February. 

Less than one month into the New Year and so much has happened to throw us off kilter. (As if 2020 hadn’t already perfected the art of WTF-induction, right?!)

2021 was baptized with some shocking, sad, and scary events, followed by a break-the paradigm presidential inauguration.  

All the messages coming in are saying the same thing: 

Sister, it’s time. The world is ready for a rebirth. There is work to be done. 

This is especially true for moms who want, at the very least, to lay healthy groundwork for their children, for the future generation.

Groundwork that promises our kiddos a world with social justice, regenerating environmental health, and the opportunity for them to express themselves fully as who they were born to be.

Overwhelmed (yet driven) by the proposition?

I get it. 

It’s a lot to take on. 

We all know that mom-life is busy and loud. 

That our news and social media feeds are even louder

And we’ve also hopefully learned that rushing around doing #allthethings, went out of style when the pandemic started. (#truthbomb: it never really worked for you, anyway ). 

So where do we begin to respond to this call to re-design, re-birth, and re-build?

The answer is to begin with YOU. 

You shuddering with the notion of scheduling self-care in?

Hear me out. 

I know that while it may feel selfish, the first thing you need to take care of right now is YOU.  

But (capital “B”), without approaching the craziness from a healthy and balanced place, you cannot be the mother or woman the world needs right now. 

A leader is someone who models a way of being and doing, someone who influences change. 

And guess what? As a mom, you do this all the time.

So whether you like it or not, you are a leader. 

But to be the leader that your children, the future generation and the world needs, you need to be grounded and balanced.   

It is only from this grounded and balanced place that you can reflect, access your inner wisdom and only then take wise heart-centered steps towards being, and thus making, the change you want to see.

On January 28, I’ll lead a group of amazing moms (like you!) through 7 days of simple, meet-you-where-you’re-at rituals designed for busy moms who:

• feel the world tugging at their heartstrings (and sanity ) right now,
• want to heal their nervous systems and find inner peace, so they can…
• step into their power as change-makers and leaders.

The Sacred Pause is a free collective sisterhood experience that will equip you with the tools you need (and can go back to time and time again) to:

heal your nervous system

slow down & find inner peace

connect with & strengthen your intuition  

Our 7-day gathering is also my invitation for us to gather as creators of the future generation, and talk about feminine leadership and the rebirthing of a new world. 

You can sign up for the Sacred Pause HERE.

I really hope you see the urgency in taking time for yourself as a means of honoring your role, and of empowering yourself as a change-maker. 

We start under the full moon on January 28. Click here to learn how it works, and to join us.

In the meanwhile, I want to invite you to pick two of the following to support yourself during these next few weeks:

• Get back to basics with your news and social media intake. Delete notifications on your smartphone and limit your news checks to twice daily.  Play with the Screentime function if you have one.
• Connect with nature daily. This can look like standing on the Earth, going for a walk, hugging a tree for 3 minutes, sitting still and taking 10 deep breaths next to your favorite houseplant. It doesn’t need to be complicated, but it is one of the best ways to recalibrate your nervous system, and the DC area has loads of beautiful nature spots for you to enjoy.
• Move your body. Stretch, shake, dance, walk, run, do yoga….just move. And if you can do this for 10 minutes while consciously visualizing tension and anxiety leaving your body, even better. 
• Take notice and document what you appreciate in your life. My favorite time to do this is before I lie down to sleep, but taking a moment to feel gratitude at any time of day works.

Looking forward to seeing you on the inside 

P.S. If you’re telling yourself that you’re too busy, read on…I want you to imagine 7 days of it sacred pause — with guidance and in sisterhood. How grounded and balanced would this leave you feeling? The return on your investment of time and energy is a focused mind, centered and open heart and boosted efficiency.

Don’t believe me? Here’s what others have said:

I loved being part of the Sacred Pause. Alex is a true guide in navigating and prioritizing soul nourishing self care. I love how she gently led us to find the time to commit to ourselves, even though we’re all busy women. Alex truly walks her talk, and took us on the journey with her. I highly recommend this for all women with too much on their mind to make self care a priority. ~Rosalie Puiman

Thank you so much for creating the glorious Sacred Pause. What an amazing gift!  I am grateful for all this week-long Experience brought forth… The connection to nature was  amazing and necessary and right. Ahhhh… I am thankful for how you lifted us up and reminded us who we all are — Queens . Yes, we are!   ~ Leisha Davis

The post Prioritize self-care in a seven day Sacred Pause appeared first on Beltway Bambinos.

You’re invited to show how you care for children, their caregivers, and their care providers through a caring community in advance of Valentine’s Day.

Eliana’s Light is taking its 6th Annual Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids & Cookies for Caregivers community service program virtual! You can be a part of a collaborative effort to share positive messages of kindness, care, and compassion for children with complex medical conditions, their caregivers & their care providers at pediatric medical centers. This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for all ages, schools, organizations, businesses, and associations! For more information, please click here. Gather your family members, friends, and colleagues as they can participate from anywhere in the world.

You are invited to submit pictures of:
-Hand-made cards or signs with messages of encouragement, support and empathy
-Poems, quotes or songs you write or select that give uplifting, relevant and appropriate messages
-Pictures you draw or paintings you paint of images/scenes that carry messages of renewal, replenishment & well-being

They will be shared on social media & through emails this year to families Eliana’s Light support and the doctors, nurses, social workers, case managers, therapists & all the others who care for so many.

Eliana’s Light provides emotional, financial, and educational support to families with children experiencing complex medical conditions. It is inspired by Founder Whitney Ortiz’s experience witnessing the gaps left behind by our broken support systems when taking care of her daughter, Eliana, for four years with a heart condition and transplant.

Eliana’s Light’s “C.A.R.E” collaborative model works with medical centers, mental health providers, housing assistance and other specialists to give families the integrated and integrative support services they need. They hope to replicate and scale this collaborative model works beyond our region. They invite your support and collaboration within all areas of their nonprofit’s mission.

The support Beltway Bambino’s readers have given towards this initiative in the past has been overwhelming and one of our favorite holiday events we are a part of. Our hope is that this year is no different even though it is a virtual event.

The post Create virtual Valentine’s for Eliana’s Light appeared first on Beltway Bambinos.