kids & family
by Kathleen Donner
Kids Run the Bases at Nat’s Park
Kids ages four to twelve can run the bases after every Sunday day game. This season’s remaining dates are April 5 and 19; May 3 and 24; June7 and 21; July 5, 12 and 26; Aug. 16 and 30; and Sept. 20 and 27. An adult must accompany runners to the field. Starting at first base, kids will be directed to run around the bases as the adults continue along the warning track and meet the runners near home plate. Once the baseball game has ended, kids and parents/guardians can line-up at the end of the seventh inning, however fans who would like to stay and watch the entire game will be able to line-up once the game has ended. Participants must exit the ballpark through the Right Field Gate. The line forms outside of the park on the sidewalk along First St. washington.nationals.mlb.com. Kids at Nats Park. Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club
Arts on the Horizon: Drumming with Dishes
Shakespeare for the Young: The Tiniest Tempest On Saturday, March 21, 10:30 a.m., the Shakespeare for the Young puppet show will be performing at the Anacostia Playhouse ,2020 Shannon Pl. SE. This theatrical company of puppeteers is dedicated to bringing Shakespeare to young children, ages four and up, through a fun and interactive experience. Based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest, four puppeteers bring the characters of Miranda and Prospero, Antonio and Alonso, and Caliban and Ariel to life with their story of hurt, love, revenge and forgiveness. The puppets are both large-bodied and shadow puppets with actors also playing the roles of Prospero and Antonio/Alonso. The show features group activities after the performance with song, movement and interactive play. Free. No tickets or reservations are needed. anacostiaplayhouse.com.
Books to Movies: From Amazing Books to Incredible Films
The Anacostia Library has an assortment of amazing books that have been adapted into blockbuster movies. Every month, library staff will select a book that has been adapted into a film and display it all month long for your reading pleasure. Read and enjoy the featured book of 38
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the month and on the third Thursday of each month, at 4 p.m., library staff will present the film adaptation of the book for your further enjoyment. Anacostia Library is at 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. dclibrary.org/anacostia.
Eggstravaganza at Benning Library
On Thursday, April 9, at 5 p.m., bring your baskets and a friend to the Egg-ceptional Hunt at the Dorothy I Height/ Benning Library. Seek and you shall find eggs, eggs and more eggs waiting just for you. This program is for ages three to ten. Benning Library is at 3935 Benning Rd. NE. dclibrary.org/benning.
Capital City Symphony’s Meet the Orchestra
On Saturday, April 4, at 10 and 11:30 a.m., at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, meet a section of the Capital City Symphony orchestra through this engaging, educational and intimate program for young people. Join them for an instrument petting zoo to meet the musicians and see their instruments up close. Then, learn about the music they play and hear the beautiful sounds come to life. $15. This program is best for ages three to eight. All patrons age one and above must purchase a ticket to the performance. atlasarts.org.
What happens when you invite someone very different from you to come over to play? Such an adventure awaits an energetic child when she introduces her shy imaginary friend to a very special kitchen. But instead of food, they’ll cook up beautiful music! This gentle, whimsical adventure celebrates friendship and turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Join them and discover what wonders can be accomplished through friendship. $15. Drumming with Dishes is on stage at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, March 11 to 15. Best for ages two to five. atlasarts.org.
Kite Flying Fun on the National Mall
On Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the National Mall serves as the backdrop as thousands of kites take flight during the annual Blossom Kite Festival. Held on the grounds of the Washington Monument, this event is a spectacle to see and one you don’t want to miss. Professionals and novices alike showcase their skill through a variety of competitions and demonstrations, Rokkaku Battles, and the Hot Tricks Showdown. Bring your own kites or children can make a kite at an activity station to fly on the Public Field. Kites are also available for purchase onsite. Free. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.
SAAM Cherry Blossom Celebration
On Saturday, March 21, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Join SAAM and the National Cherry Blossom Festival for a celebration of Japanese culture. A taiko drumming performance kicks off the day, followed by Les The DJ spinning Japanese pop,
