Family-Friendly Events This Week

Check out this week’s fresh list of family-friendly events, from Pi Day to St. Paddy’s hosted by Merida, Darth Vader, & Princess Tiana, to adventure parks, the Harlem Globetrotters, and a taiko drumming show. Here’s our roundup of 10 events happening through March 19:

Historic Encounters Day at Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum

Join Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum for their Historic Encounters Day. Each month features a different theme, and fun stations may include costumed interpreters or live farm animals. Depending on the day, the Blacksmith Forge and Workhorse Museum may also be open. This month’s theme is Natural Resources, where you and your family can learn about how items from nature are used in every day life!

When: Monday, 3/13 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Price: $10/person, with a reduced price of $7.50/person for families of 4 or more. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Address: Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Ln., Sterling, VA 20164
Register here.

Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory

Tour the planets, constellations, stars, nebulas, and galaxies in the night sky at the Roll-Top observatory at Turner Farm Park! If inclement weather, then images of objects that could be observed in clear skies will be shown. No knowledge of astronomy is needed, just an interest in learning about the universe around our planet. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society, and this program is appropriate for everyone ages 8 and up.

When: Monday, 3/13 from 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Price: $8/person
Address: The Turner Farm, 925 Springvale Rd., Great Falls, VA 22066
Click here to learn more.

Flights of Fancy Drop-In Storytime at Udvar-Hazy Center

Join the Udvar-Hazy Center for a free storytime on Tuesday and Thursdays! March’s story is Deb Lund’s Dinosoaring, a funny tale about huge dinosaurs who fly airplanes to an air show and learn about early aviators writing messages in the sky. Activities are included after storytime! Stick around to create a skywriting craft and send a message to a loved one.

When: Tuesday, 3/14 and Thursday, 3/16 with storytimes beginning at 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Price: Free
Address: Udvar-Hazy Center (National Air & Space Museum), 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, VA 20151
Find out more here.

Pi Day at Sully Historic Site

Pi, usually written as 3.14, is a number that goes on forever. Sadly, real pie does not go on forever, but it does have a very long history as a classic food made at Sully in the 1800s. This Pi Day, visit the 1794 kitchen to sample a piece of pie and learn how pies were made from traditional recipes over an open-hearth fire. This event is recommended for guests ages 5 and up.

When: Tuesday, 3/14 from 3:14 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Price: $3.14/participant
Address: Sully Historic Site, 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly, VA 20151
Click here to register for Pi Day.

Family Happy Hour with King Bullfrog

Enjoy a Friday evening filled with live music perfect for all ages! This concert is hosted indoors, and is perfect for little ones to run, dance, laugh, and play to the beat of their favorite songs. Featuring Mr. Jeremiah and Mr. Steve, Capitol Hill-based dads and music teachers, the duo’s roots-and-blues tunes are carefully tailored to get children and grownups dancing! Beer, wine, and cheese & pepperoni pizza will be for sale.

When: Friday, 3/17 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Price: $10/child and $5/adult
Address: Hill Center at The Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC, 20003
Find out more here.

Candytopia at Tysons Corner Center

This week welcomes Candytopia to Tysons Corner Center! If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy a real-life Candyland or score the Golden Ticket, this is for you. Candytopia is an immersive candy-themed experience boasting more than a dozen interactive rooms and activities.

When: Select dates beginning Friday, 3/17 through Wednesday, 5/31
Price: Free for children 3 and under; $23 for children ages 4-12; $30 for all other guests
Address: Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons, VA 22102
Check out their calendar and book tickets here.

Opening Day at The Adventure Park

Join The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School for their 2023 Opening Day! The Adventure Park is the largest forest climbing park in the nation, with 15 Trails, 35 zip lines, 6 difficulty levels, and almost 200 challenge bridges.The Adventure Park offers the best climbing and ziplining around, providing family fun for ages 5 and up. The aerial forest adventure is fun, exciting, and secure. Harnesses and equipment are provided, and participants receive a safety briefing that demonstrates how to climb and zip line in the park.

When: Saturday, 3/18 from 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Tickets: Tickets must be purchased online and reserved for a specific time slot. The base price for children ages 5-6 is $20; $57 for children ages 7-11; and $67 for everyone 12 and up.
Address: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School, 16701 Norwood Rd., Sandy Spring, MD 20860
Book your tickets here.

The Harlem Globetrotters at EagleBank Arena

The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their magic to EagleBank Arena this weekend! With a rich history spanning nearly a century, the Harlem Globetrotters continue a world-famous tradition of ball-handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages.

When: Friday, 3/17 and Saturday, 3/18 at 7:30 p.m.
Price: Base price is $25/seat. Additional passes are available
Address: EagleBank Arena, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax VA, 22030
Learn more here and purchase tickets.

KODO at GMU’s Center for the Arts

Since its debut over four decades ago, KODO has brought taiko drumming to all corners of the globe, giving more than 6,000 performances on five continents. This weekend, experience the power, grace, and joy that KODO’s athletic percussionists bring to the stage in their much-anticipated 40th anniversary performance: Tsuzumi. As masters of the ancient art of Japanese taiko drumming, KODO bewitches audiences with visually-stunning performances that combine athleticism and refined percussive virtuosity. This performance is appropriate for all ages.

When: Saturday, 3/18 at 8 p.m.
Price: $60, $51, $36, half-price for youth through Grade 12
Address: George Mason University's Center for the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, VA 22030
Learn more here.

St. Patrick’s Family Festival at Shipgarten

If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Shipgarten is your spot! This Festival will be hosted by Merida, Darth Vader & Princess Tiana! You’ll recognize Merida by her flaming red hair and Scottish accent. Merida will also be performing a bow demonstration for the kids, plus there will be scavenger hunts, face painting, moon bounces, crafts, and more!

When: Sunday, 3/19 from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Price: Free
Address: Shipgarten, 7581 Colshire Drive Mclean, VA 22102
See the full event listing here.