Event Bites
Learn Camping Basics
Jan. 11, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Want to go camping, but not sure where to start? Potomac Overlook Regional Park in Arlington, Virginia, is hosting a Camping 101 class for children ages 8 and older where they can learn how to pitch a tent, tie knots, build a campfire and more. Advanced registration is required.
“RISE” Up
Jan. 18, 7 p.m.
Collage Dance Company’s “RISE Project” ballet at the Alden Theatre in McLean, Virginia, is inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s final speech, looking back on civil rights history and exploring its future.
Musical Farm Fun
Jan. 18-19 (tickets available for 1:30 p.m. Saturday)
Honk, moo and neigh along with Old MacDonald’s farm animals in NSO Music for Young Audiences: Old MacDonald’s Symphony, an interactive concert for toddlers, featuring puppets, storytellers and a string quartet at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Meet Giant Pandas
Jan. 24 (Member preview Jan. 10-19)
Bao Li and Qing Bao have finally arrived! Starting Jan. 24, Smithsonian’s National Zoo guests can meet these pandas in their renovated habitat in D.C.
More Events
New Year’s Day 5K 2025
Jan. 1, 10-11:30 a.m.
Manna Food Center
9311 Gaither Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Get an early start on your New Year’s resolutions at this beginner-friendly race for all skill levels. Bring a non-perishable food item for Manna Food Center’s food drive!
$17; $11.60 for participants younger than 18 | mcrrc.org/calendar-event/new-years-day-5k-2025
Do Re Mi, Mes Amis!
Jan. 11, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Alliance Française de Washington DC
2142 Wyoming Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
Enjoy French children’s songs in this cultural immersion program for young children, with plenty of singing and dancing.
Free | francedc.org
Sonic Symphony
Jan. 11, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Warner Theatre | 513 13th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
Do you have a Sonic the Hedgehog-loving kid? Experience the music of the Blue Blur like never before, performed by a live orchestra and featuring some of the games’ original composers.
$54-$119 | sonicsymphonytour.com
Kiddo Rave
Jan. 12, noon-6 p.m.
Shipgarten | 7581 Colshire Drive, Tysons, VA 22102
This kid-friendly rave features a magic show, family football, bounce houses and more. It’s even dog-friendly, with plenty of treats for both furry and human guests!
Free | shipgarten.com
20th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk and Parade
Jan. 18, 9 a.m.
2500 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE, Washington, D.C. 20032
Honor Dr. King’s legacy at this annual parade, which focuses on his life and the accomplishments of the Civil Rights movement.
Free | mlkholidaydc.org
Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks
Jan. 25, 11 a.m.
Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center
51 Mannakee St., Rockville, MD 20850
One day, a school bus suddenly fell out of the sky and crash-landed in Washington, D.C. This play for young audiences explores the stories of 10 different people and where they were when this strange incident occurred.
$10; $5 for students and children | montgomerycollege.edu
Grand Princess Show and Character Experience
Jan. 26, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, VA 22301
Meet 10 Disney Princesses at this special show and meet-and-greet! The event also includes opportunities for face painting and hair tinsel.
$35; free for children younger than 2 | princesspartiesdc.com
