DC weekend

If you’re up for a day in the town, here are some activities in DC to check out:

The Best Things in Life Are Free

International Children’s Festival     
Meridian International Center         10 a.m.-2 p.m    FREE
1630 Crescent Place, NW
(202) 667-6800 
Bring your entire family to this interactive and educational fun-fair that promotes cultural exchange and understanding among children of all ages. Embassies host booths highlighting their countries’ rich cultural heritage which introduce children and their families to world geography, dress, and traditions through exciting displays and unique hands-on activities. At least 16 embassies will host booths with banners, posters, food and drink, and activities to showcase their country, giving you the chance to travel to Australia, Brazil, Lebanon, and Japan! For more information, please call Beth Larson at 202.939.5513 or e-mail at blarson@meridian.  

National Train Day
Union Station      10 a.m.-3 p.m.    FREE 
50 Massachusetts Avenue NE   
Highlights of National Train Day festivities at Union Station include an appearance by Al Roker, free concert by Sara Bareilles, children’s activities at the AmtraKids Depot: magic shows, arts & crafts, face painting, toy trains and live music by “Engineer Jack.” Click here for a schedule of events.

Pippi Longstocking Comes to Washington
House of Sweden            Noon   FREE
2900 K Street NW
(202) 467-2645
In this Swedish embassy’s Children’s Theater production, Astrid Lindgren’s beloved character, Pippi Longstocking – the strongest girl in the world – and her friends will entertain young and old with their mischief. For more info, contact Linda Tocchini-Valentini at the phone number above or e-mail linda.tocchini-valentini@foreign.ministry.se

Butterflies are free to fly … but not to watch  

FlutterFest! A Family Butterfly Event
National Museum of Natural History    9-11 a.m.
1000 Constitution Ave. NW
For $125, an entire family (including grandparents) get exclusive access to the newest exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History – Butterflies+Plants: Partners in Evolution. Fun activities for kids and adults will include demonstrations on identifying butterflies, feeding butterflies, and how to grow a butterfly garden. Face painting, story-telling, and arts & crafts activities will complement your exploration of the hundreds of live tropical butterflies and plants that in the walk-through pavilion.

Complimentary parking is available in the Museum’s parking lot (driveway entrance on Constitution Avenue between 10th and 12th Street, NW).

Advance ticket sales are required; no tickets will be sold at the door. $100 of your ticket purchase supports the scientific and educational mission of the National Museum of Natural History and is tax deductible according to IRS charitable donations requirements. Click here to purchase tickets online.