kids & family
by Kathleen Donner
Pandaversary at the Zoo
On April 16 and 17, the National Zoo will celebrate 50 years of unprecedented achievement in the care, conservation, breeding and study of giant pandas. Over the past five decades, the Zoo’s pandas have become international icons, beloved both for their adorable antics and their ability to bring colleagues from the United States and China together to collaborate for a common goal: saving the species from extinction. On Saturday, April 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can enjoy lion dance performances, panda-shaped Bao buns and calligraphy demonstrations, courtesy of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, speak with the Zoo’s scientists who study giant panda biology and ecology, and see the pandas receive special enrichment treats. On Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m. to noon, visitors can enjoy a performance by Dong Xi, a musical collaboration between percussionist Tom Teasley and Chinese dulcimer artist Chao Tian. The Zoo’s giant pandas also will receive enrichment treats as part of the celebration. nationalzoo. si.edu/animals/celebrating-50-years-giant-pandas. March 1, 1985. Giant pandas Hsing-Hsing (left) and Ling-Ling (right) at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Petalpalooza at Capitol Riverfront at the Yards
On Saturday, April 16, 1 to 9 p.m. (rain date, Sunday, April 17, 5 to 9 p.m.), celebrate spring at the National Cherry Blossom Festival‘s Petalpalooza at Capitol Riverfront at the Yards, with a full day of live music and engaging activities. This all-ages celebration brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a beer garden and family-friendly hands-on activities. The evening is capped by fireworks set to music. Free. nationalcherryblossomfestival. org/event/petalpalooza.
The Other Side at the KC
Clover’s mom says it isn’t safe to cross the fence that segregates their AfricanAmerican side of town from the white side where Anna lives. But when the two girls strike up a friendship, they’ll find a clever way to get around the grown-up rules together. Twenty years after its first publication, Education Artist-in-Residence Jacqueline Woodson’s simple yet powerful book The Other Side comes to life with movement from choreographer and Kennedy Center Artistic Advisor for Dance Education Hope Boykin. When literal and figurative fences keep us apart, can we find the courage—and creativity—to knock them down? $20. The Other Side, best enjoyed by age five and older, is at the Kennedy Center from April 21
Easter Monday at the Zoo
On Easter Monday, April 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain or shine), the Smithsonian’s National Zoo will continue a Washington tradition that spans more than 100 years by hosting “Easter Monday: An African American Family Tradition”. Throughout the day, the Zoo will offer familyfocused activities, from an Easter egg hunt with prizes to field games, special animal demonstrations and live entertainment. And don’t miss a chance to meet Easter Panda. Free but parking is $30 and you must reserve a parking pass online before you visit. nationalzoo.si.edu. Photo: Mehgan Murphy, Smithsonian National Zoo
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