Running out of things to keep your brood occupied? Try these editors’ picks.
By Anne Kim-Dannibale
The kids are going stir crazy and sending them outside will only cause them to melt faster than a popsicle on a blacktop. Luckily, you live in Washington, with its wealth of family-friendly activities. But with 19 Smithsonian museums alone, finding something that will engage the kids (and maybe even get them to learn a thing or two) is a little daunting. We did a little sleuthing and came up with a few upcoming programs that promise plenty of fun and may even sneak in a little learning, too.
Covered box with design of chrysanthemums (Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1907.301)
ImaginAsia: Cranes and Clouds (Ages 6-14)
July 28, 2 p.m.
Sackler Gallery, (1050 Independence Ave. SW) Free
Plenty of learning here, plus hands-on activity. Kids and families can explore beautiful Korean celadon ceramics, with its intricate inlays of birds and flowers. Then, they’ll get to try their hand at making their own piece of ceramic, which they can take home.
"The Addams Family" (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)
The Addams Family (Ages 10 and up)
July 29 (Closing)
Kennedy Center, (2700 F. St. NW), $39-$115
OK, not much to learn here and they may have to sit for a little bit, but what kid isn’t going to be enthralled with the zany antics of America’s most lovable ghoulish family? In this updated version, Wednesday Addams has grown up and fallen in love, but wants to keep her “average” beau a secret from her mother.
A blanket dyed using the Japanese shibori technique (Photo courtesy Textile Museum)
Dye Your Own Pillow Case (Ages 5-12)
August 4, 2-4 p.m.
Textile Museum, (2320 S St. NW) Free
Get dirty! Learn how to create a one-of-a-kind pillowcase through “shibori,” the Japanese art of shaped resist dyeing in this fun, hands-on class. Bring your own pillowcase, T-shirt or piece of fabric and meet in the lobby. No reservations required.
