Museums


Click here for information on Museum Overnights and Sleepovers.

American Art Museum, 8th and F Streets, N.W. Washington DC 20004. Phone: 202- 633-7970, Website: http://americanart.si.edu

Black History Month Family Day, Saturday, February 4, 11:30am – 3pm, Kogod Courtyard. Celebrate the start of Black History Month with a day of craft activities and live music for the whole family. Come for a day of music, dance, a special tour of the related exhibition, and hands-on activities. Included are Family books, Silhouette making, Contemporary pop art cereal box collage workshop (free gift for participants) , Photo booth, Artlab+ teens conduct interviews (Portrait Gallery Education Center) and Book signing


Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC, Phone: 202-633-4880, www.asia.si.edu

Art Cart: Unearthing Chinese Art, Saturdays, February 4, 18 & 25, 1:30 – 3:30 pm, Outside galleries 18 and 19 of the Freer Gallery. Stop by this interactive cart to explore examples of natural and carved jade and the tools used to shape them. Learn how bronzes were made by assembling the parts of a bronze mold. Touch pieces of jade and bronze. Discover designs in the works of art in the Ancient China galleries.

In Every Language Love, An Open House for All Ages, February 4, 5, 11 & 12, 2pm, Sackler sublevel 2. Free. In the classroom, enjoy a digital slideshow of images of love in Asian art. Use stamps that say “love” in more than a dozen Asian languages to print Valentines to take home.

Nowruz! A Persian New Year Celebration, Sunday, March 4, 11 am – 5 pm. Dance, play, and feast your way into the Persian New Year at the Freer and Sackler Galleries. The museums’ fourth annual Nowruz celebration features free attractions for all ages—including Haft Sin table displays, “fire” jumping, paper-flower arranging, chess and backgammon games, a text-messaging scavenger hunt, animated films, Persian stories by Xanthe Gresham, performances by vocalist Monika Jalili (free tickets required) and the Nomad Dancers


Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum , 901 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21223, Phone: 410-752-2490, www.borail.org

Toddler Time, Wednesday, February 1 & 15, 10:30 a.m. Children listen to a classic railroad story, create a craft, enjoy playtime at Choo Choo Blue Kids Zone and a ride on the indoor train carousel – all included with paid admission. Recommended for ages 2-5..

Historic Roundhouse Turntable Demonstrations, Saturday, February 11, Demonstrations begin at 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Ever wonder how locomotives and rail cars are moved in and out of the historic 1884 Roundhouse? Watch Museum staff operate the 60 foot wooden turntable to move an historic rail car.

Happy Birthday to the B&O! Sunday, February 26, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Come celebrate both the B&O's 184th birthday as well as the 127th birthday of the historic 1884 Roundhouse! The B&O programs for this day will focus on both the birth of the oldest railroad in America and the Baldwin's Roundhouse. Half-price admission for all visitors!

Ticket Sale for Day Out With Thomas, through April 24. B&O members and the general public may purchase tickets to Day Out With Thomas at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, April 27-29 & May 4-6. Day Out With Thomas includes a25 minute ride with a full size Thomas the Tank Engine™ , Meeting Sir Topham Hatt, Storytelling, Live Music, building with Mega Bloks® and Much More!


Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore MD, Phone: 410-396-7100, www.artbma.org

Free Family Sundays. The BMA is the place to be for free family fun! Every Sunday at 2 p.m., enjoy different activities—sketching tours, hands-on workshops, gallery tours, and more—designed just for families. Look for Henri Matisse’s dog Raoudi (pronounced “rowdy”), the BMA’s guide for family art adventures. This perky schnauzer from the much-loved painting Interior with Dog will be popping up all over the Museum. Wherever you find him, you’ll know that fun for the whole family will soon follow! February – The Arts of Africa and Asia. Create masks you can wear and containers for your personal treasures. Workshops are 2-5pm.
February 5: Craft Containers from Clay
February 12: Create Mythic Creatures
February 19: Make Moveable Animal Masks
Family Tour: 2–2:45 p.m. on February 26: Fishes, Crocodiles, and Birds, Oh My!


Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway, Baltimore MD, Phone: 410-727-4808,
www.thebmi.org.

Teddy Bear Picnic, Saturday, February 4, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Bring your huggable friend to BMI for a fun-filled morning of crafts, stories, songs and a Teddy Bear Parade! Be a chef for the day as you prepare your own sandwiches using our tasty toppings. BMI Members: $8 per person, Non-Members $10 per person. For details or to register, contact Gena at gmorris@thebmi.org or 410.727.4808 x132.

Wee Workers, Tuesdays, February 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Your preschooler will love exploring the museum through gallery tours, stories, songs, and crafts. Kids: FREE! Adults: FREE for members, $5 non-members. Reservations recommended, contact Gena at gmorris@thebmi.org or 410.727.4808 x132.

Family Night, Thursday, February 9, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Bring the family to BMI for an evening of tours and activities, crafts, a family-friendly movie, and more! This month's craft for kids is Valentine's Cards. Members are free. Non-members: Kids under 2 are free, Kids 2-18 are $5 and their accompanying adults are free; General admission - adults $10, seniors $8. For details, contact contact Gena at gmorris@thebmi.org or 410.727.4808 x132.


Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Mill Street, St. Michaels MD, 410-745-2916, www.cbmm.org

ChesAdventures, Saturdays, February 11, 18 & 25. Morning sessions are 10am -12noon for ages 4-6 and afternoon sessions are 1-3pm for ages 7-9. The Saturdays for Kids program offers two hours of fun-filled and creative hands-on games, arts and crafts, and storytelling. Small classes and age-appropriate projects facilitate the learning process and offer kids a special place and opportunity for early engagement in building a love of the Chesapeake Bay and the region. Pre-registration is required. Call Helen Van Fleet at 410-745-4941 or email hvanfleet@cbmm.org to reserve at spot. Sessions are $12 for members and $15 for non-members.


Chesapeake Children’s Museum, 25 Silopanna Road, Annapolis MD, Phone: 410-990-1993, www.theccm.org

Creek Critters, Thursdays, 11am – 12pm. Parents and children alike will enjoy learning about the local environment with indoor and outdoor activities. See what critters live in our woodlands and creek. Share stories, songs, games and crafts with other Creek Critters Nature Explorers. Homeschoolers welcome. Ages 3 to 10. The program is free with admission.

Arts & Storytime, Fridays, 10am – 11am. Enjoy explorations with art every Friday. Fun for caregivers and children ages 2-4. Free with admission. Starts promptly at 10 am


College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park MD, Phone: 301-864-6029, www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.com

Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO® January-June 2012, 1st & 3rd Saturday, times vary. Register for the Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO® program at the College Park Aviation Museum. Bricks 4 Kidz programs provide an extraordinary atmosphere for students to build unique creations, play games, and have loads of fun using LEGO® bricks. The activities are designed to trigger young children’s lively imaginations and build their self-confidence. Children work with exciting themes such as machines, outer space and mosaics. Follow the steps at www.bricks4kidz.com to register and for more information on times and fees.

Afternoon Aviators, Fridays, February 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 2:00 pm until 4:30 pm. Come for fun hands-on aviation-themed activities. A weekly series for children ages five and up. If you would like to schedule a program like this for a group, please call the museum to make a private group reservation.

Peter Pan Club, February 9 & 23, from 10:35 am until 11:30 am. This fun pre-school club for little learners meets the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month. The Club includes story time and hands-on craft activities. If you would like to schedule a program like this for a group, please call the museum to make a private group reservation. Museum Admission: $4/adults, $3/seniors, $2/ages 2-18, free/children under 2.

Tuskegee Airmen, Saturday, February 11, 2 pm, for all ages. Stop by the museum and meet a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military aviators in the United States Armed Services during World War II. Learn about the history of the group and about the current Tuskegee Airmen organization. FREE with museum admission: $4/adult; $3/seniors ages 60 & up; $2/ages 18 & under

Weekend Wings, Sunday, February 5, 1-3 pm, for all ages. Stop by the museum for fun, hands-on activities. Bring your friends and enjoy the activity of the day. FREE with museum admission


Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 Seventeenth Street NW, Washington DC, Phone: 202-639-1700, www.corcoran.org

Memorable Photos Family Workshop, February 18, 10:30 a.m. – noon for ages 8-12 and 1 - 2:30 p.m. for ages 5-7. Everyone loves sorting through old photographs and reliving the memories. In the galleries, families look at photographs taken when Abraham Lincoln was President and discuss how things have changed. In the studio, families create new art from old photographs. Please bring a couple of photographs to incorporate into your work. All workshops are $8 per child, Corcoran members at the family level and above and $10 per child, public. Adult companions do not need to purchase a ticket for the workshop and re-entry to the collection after the workshop is permitted.


Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry, 31 S. Greene Street, Baltimore MD, Phone: 410-706-0600, www.dentalmuseum.org

The Future is Now! African Americans in Dentistry Exhibit, All month . Celebrate Black History month at the National Museum of Dentistry and learn about an important part of our “oral” history.

MouthPower Girl Scout Program, Saturday, March 24, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Come for a health education badge-earning program designed just for Girl Scouts. Find out how good nutrition and healthy habits add up to a healthy mouth and body. Plus, learn about the history of the dental profession and the role women play today. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of our Girl Scouts program, participants take home a newly designed MouthPower patch! Explore Mouthie’s interactive MouthPower laboratory, meet Mr. Gross Mouth and learn how tobacco harms your teeth. Discover careers that help people have healthy smiles. Earn a variety of official badges and a MouthPower patch. Program leads to completion of Healthy Habits badge for Brownies and Highway to Health badge for Junior Girl Scouts. Fee: $10 per Scout, Troop leaders free; $5 per chaperone. Reservations and nonrefundable $50 deposit are required. Call 410/706-9599 to make a reservation.


Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capital St. NE, Washington DC, Phone: 202-544-4600, Website: www.folger.edu

Shakespeare's Sisters: Voices of English and European Women Writers 1500-1700, Saturday, February 25, 10am-11am . Learn about the women who dared to write poetry during and after Shakespeare's time in this free family workshop filled with history, activity, performance, and fun! A scavenger hunt takes young visitors through the Folger's Shakespeare's Sisters exhibit. Free - Registration required. Recommended ages: 6-12. Call 202-675-0395 or email educate@folger.edu


Hillwood Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington DC, 202-686-5807, www.hillwoodmuseum.org

Families: Celebrate La Chandeleur! Saturday, February 4, 10am-1pm . On February 2 in France, La Chandeleur (or "Crêpe Day") is celebrated with food and games. Alliance Française de Washington and Hillwood invite families to celebrate this holiday in festive French fashion by eating crêpes, listening to a story, and experiencing the exciting culture of Brittany, where crêpes are said to have originated. Learn a customary Breton dance, make your own traditional Breton hat, and enjoy class children's tales told in French and English. $15, $8 Children (ages 2-18), $8 Hillwood and Alliance Française Members, Free for children under 2

Family Fun Sunday: Creating Art from the Heart, Sunday, February 12, 1-5pm. Decorate a heart-shaped box, inspired by the French gold boxes in the Mansion, for someone you love this Valentine's Day. Use stickers, ribbons, "gems," and other materials to make your "heart of gold" sparkle.


Kreeger Museum, 2401 Foxhall Road NW, Washington DC, Phone: 202-338-3050, www.kreegermuseum.org

Story Time, Wednesday, February 1 & 15.. Children ages 3-5 and an adult companion are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program focuses on a theme supported by a story, works of art from the collection, and a hands-on art-making experience. Class size is limited to 10 children. Pre-registration is required. An adult must remain with the child throughout the program. Supply fee per child: $7. Children of members are free.


Maryland Science Center, 601 Light Street, Baltimore MD, Phone: 410-685-5225, www.mdsci.org

IMAX Film Festival, January 1 - March 3. The Maryland Science Center’s popular IMAX Film Festival returns for a limited engagement this winter beginning January 3rd. Maryland’s only true IMAX Theater showcases the best of the large format genre featuring theatrical performances, stories of survival, and films that take a look at the nature and animals which surround us. Film titles rotate on a frequent basis and during the run of the Film Festival and there is no need to purchase a Science Center exhibit admission ticket to see IMAX films. All films are available at single entry admission prices throughout the day. Friday Night Stargazing in the Observatory Friday Nights from 5 – 9pm. Venture out to the urban rooftop Observatory to view the night sky as their staff help you find planets and constellations. The observatory is open every Friday night free of charge to the public, weather permitting. Please phone 410-545-2999 before your visit to check on viewing conditions.

Saturdays: 1-4pm (weather permitting). Safely look at the Sun and its features–such as sunspots and prominences–through a special set of filters on our telescope. The Observatory is open to museum visitors every Saturday, weather permitting, and admission is included in general Science Center admission. Please phone 410.545.2999 before your visit to check on viewing conditions.

A New Exhibit–Harry's Big Adventure: My Bug World, opens Saturday, February 4. Harry's Big Adventure: My Bug World is hosted by Harry, a Chinese Praying Mantis, and his insect friends. It features thousands of live bugs, video, audio, games and more. It is designed to give visitors an up-close view of nature and a new perspective on the role insects play in our environment. Live Cooking demos and bug performances will take place every weekend!

The Kids Room is free with paid admission to the Maryland Science Center. All children must be accompanied by a chaperone. All activities subject to change or cancellation without notice

Preschool Storytime, Saturdays & Sundays, February. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 at 1:30pm. An interactive program that includes stories, music, science activities, and lots of hands-on fun!

Friday, February 3 & 17 at 3pm. This activity is specially designed for children ages five through eight. Each week come and face a new I.C.E. challenge based on our monthly theme. Our theme for February is myths busted. Come help the Kids Room staff as we answer some age old questions and put legendary myths to the ultimate scientific test.

Discovery Tots, Thursday, February 9: 11am. An exciting exploration program designed for children ages 12 through 24 months. Come discover basic science concepts and reinforce newly-developed skills at our intriguing and interactive investigation stations.

Infant Wonders, Thursday, February 23: 11am. .A program designed for our smallest scientists (up to one year old) which stimulates their young minds with music, rhymes, books, and more.


Maryland Zoo at Baltimore, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore MD, Phone: 410-366-5466, www.marylandzoo.org

Valentine Animal Enrichment Day, February 11. Visitors will notice some unusual red and heart-shaped items in several of the exhibits with the animals. Enrichment activities help enhance the care that keepers provide for Zoo animals, by adding variety and stimulation to the animals’ daily routines and encouraging natural behaviors. Each enrichment item is specifically developed for each animal species. You might see decorated paper bags filled with raisins for the chimps and meat treats for lions and leopards. You might witness the giraffes delicately lick an ice treat, while the polar bears wrestle an ice block filled with fish. You never know what you might find. For a complete schedule, see their website.


Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon VA, 703-780-2000, www.mountvernon.org

Washington’s Birthday Celebration, February 20. Celebrate the national observance of George Washington’s birthday by visiting his home and burial site FREE of charge on this day. The traditional wreathlaying ceremony takes place at Washington's Tomb followed by patriotic music and military performances on the Bowling Green. Join characters from the 18th century as they help visitors surprise General Washington with rousing birthday cheers! At "George Washington’s Surprise Birthday Party", the first president will be presented with gifts which he will describe and react to during a speech to his birthday visitors. The birthday festivities begin one hour earlier this year – the Estate will open to visitors at 8 a.m.! "General Washington" will be on the grounds to greet visitors and receive birthday wishes all day.


National Air and Space Museum, 7th and Independence Avenue NW, Washington DC, Phone: 202-357-2700, www.nasm.si.edu

Stargazing at the Public Observatory, Saturdays, February 11 & 25, 6:45 pm, Public Observatory , National Mall Building, Admission: Free. The National Air and Space Museum’s Public Observatory will be open for special nighttime stargazing. Do not miss this chance to see an array of celestial objects through a powerful professional telescope as well as additional portable telescopes. This special viewing will take place weather permitting, and tickets are not required.

African American Pioneers in Aviation Family Day, Saturday, February 11, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Throughout the Museum in Washington, DC. This year’s African American Pioneers Day focuses on the accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen. Visitors can listen to Tuskegee Airmen, and their descendents, tell of the challenges and triumphs as members of this groundbreaking African American World War II fighter group. In addition, the Black Gents of Hollywood will be presenting excerpts of Layon Gray’s off-Broadway play, Black Angels over Tuskegee. The event also includes hands-on activities, story times and book signings.


National Aquarium in Baltimore, 510 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore MD, Phone: 410-576-3800, 410-727-FISH, www.aqua.org

Celebrating African-American Heritage, Friday, February 3, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for all ages. Beat the winter blues and come in from the cold for a night of fun at the Aquarium! The National Aquarium's Cultural Series will celebrate Black History Month with an event that honors the black watermen who worked along the Chesapeake Bay. The students in our award-winning after-school program Aquarium on Wheels will perform an original play about the Bay. There will also be an oyster tonging exhibit, an art exhibit by the students at the Renaissance Academy, an African drum performance, arts and crafts, and dance performances.


National Building Museum, 410 F Street NW, Washington DC, Phone: 202-272-2448, Website: www.nbm.org.

Discover Engineering Family Day - Become an engineer for a day! February 18, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm. Every February, the National Building Museum and the National Engineers Week Foundation invite you to debunk the myths of engineering and discover how professional engineers turn an idea into reality. Celebrate National Engineers Week by participating in this free, hands-on and fun-filled festival. Discover Engineering Family Day is a FREE, drop-in program. $5 donation suggested. Program and activities are most appropriate for children ages 5 to 13 with adult supervision. Registration is not required.


National Children’s Museum, NCM Launch Zone, 112 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745.
Phone: 301-686-0225, www.ncm.museum

Super Bowl Pre-Game Warm-Up, Saturday, February 4, 11am – 4pm. Athletes aren’t the only ones who need to warm up before the big game; fans need to get ready too! The Launch Zone is hosting its own Super Bowl party, complete with physical drills to get you in top shape, paper football tournaments, and craft activities to make your own fan gear. You can also learn about some delicious, and healthy, game-day snacks! Registration not required.

Toddler Tuesdays: Under the Sea, Tuesdays February 7,14, 21 and 28, 10:30am – 2:30pm. Explore the mysterious and vibrant world of the sea with the Launch Zone! Investigate the remarkable creatures of the world’s oceans, enjoy “scuba diving” play time, and much more with this drop-in program, designed especially for toddlers ages 2 to 4! Activities may include stories, games, art, and movement for adults and children to experience together. Registration not required.

Celebrating Children's Dental Health Month, Saturdays, February 11 and 25, 11am – 4pm. It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month and the National Children’s Museum wants to make sure you have all of the information you need to keep those pearly whites healthy and shining bright. Come in for science experiments demonstrating how toothpaste works and then learn how to make your very own! Our friends from Adventure Dental and Kids Smiles DC will be joining us to present some fun interactive activities about dental health. Come by at 12:30 and 2 p.m. for special “Tooth Fairy Storytime” and have your picture taken with the Tooth Fairy! Registration not required.

Presidents' Day, Saturday, February 18, 11am – 4pm and Monday, February 20, 11am – 2pm. Take some time out of your three-day weekend to tip your top hat to some of our country’s finest presidents. Make president finger puppets and an official Shrinky Dink inaugural badge, inspired by the special badges police officers wear during the inaugural period. Additional resources will be provided so that you can learn all about some past presidents; who knows, maybe it will give you inspiration for a 2040 campaign! Shrinky Dink badge activity available while supplies last. Registration not required.

Picturing America: See What You Hear, Wednesday, February 22, 4-6pm, Fairmount Heights Library, 5904 Kolb Street, Fairmount Heights, MD 20743. Listen to unique American music styles, such as jazz, country, patriotic marches, gospel, and traditional Native American music while getting lost in relevant artwork. Flex your creative skills in an art workshop inspired by famous African American artist, Romare Bearden. Registration not required.


National Museum of the American Indian, Fourth Street & Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20560, Phone: 202-633-1000, http://www.nmai.si.edu

Power of Chocolate Festival, Saturday, February 11 – 12, 10am – 4:30pm. This two-day celebration of one of the world’s favorite flavors includes traditional dance performances by Tradiciones Bolivianas and Sangre Boliviana; live food demonstrations and free chocolate samples (while supplies last!); a talk focused on the health and nutrition benefits of cacao and chocolate with Catherine Kwik-Uribe of Mars Botanical; and presentations from one of the world’s greatest chocolate makers, The Historic Division of Mars; as well as “Make Your Own Paper Mola” hands-on activities for kids and families!


National Postal Museum, 2 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington DC, Phone: 202-357-2991, www.postalmuseum.si.edu

Make Red, White, & Blue Valentines, Saturday, February 4, 12 – 2:30pm. Make one valentine for a friend and one to send to American military personnel. Beautiful materials and inspirational examples provided. Drop by anytime.

African American History Month Family Day, Saturday, February 18, 12 – 3pm. Discover the struggles and achievements of African Americans in the postal service with family activities. Design a stamp honoring your heritage hero and sort mail in the Railway Post Office!


Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20001, 888-639-7386, http://www.newseum.org

Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital Day at the Newseum, Saturday, February 18, 9am – 4pm. Events include: NewsMania™, Front Page Frenzy, Votes for Women: The First Amendment and the Women's Rights Movement,: Women in Journalism Gallery Talk, Keynote Address and Media Panel, Express Yourself, Journeying Through Leadership, and News Hound Scavenger Hunt.


Port Discovery Museum, 35 Market Place, Baltimore MD, Phone: 410-727-8120, www.portdiscovery.org

Wonderful Wednesdays. Visit every Wednesday for a day dedicated to children ages birth through 6 years. Participate in special art, music, and literacy programs designed to develop early learning skills. Children ages 3 and under can enjoy these programs in the new Tot Trails exhibit.

Kids in the Kitchen, February 4. Get healthy and fit with the Junior League of Baltimore's Kids in the Kitchen, a special event which is designed to raise awareness and help reverse the escalation of childhood obesity and its associated health issues. Make your own trail mix, participate in soccer drills with Goucher College, learn where your food comes from and more!

Valentines for Clifford, February 11. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Clifford! Enjoy Cook and Tell with McCormick, Bubbles the Clown, meet and greet with Clifford the Big Red Dog, performances by the Kindersinger, and a special Valentine’s activity.

Art A la Cart, February 12, 19, 26, 11:00 am- 12:00 pm. Come for quick and portable art activities designed to encourage children to create artworks and explore different media on the go.

Tot Time, February 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26. Come to the Tot Trails exhibit for special programs designed for children ages birth through 3. Mother Goose on the Loose: 1:30 pm - An award-winning, early literacy program featuring singing, movement, and fingerplays. Jingle Jangle Music Time: 2:30 pm; 3:30 pm - A lively interactive music experience that teaches infants and young toddlers basic rhythm through singing, clapping, and shaking shakers!

Exploration Station, February 17, 24, 1-3pm. Recommended for ages 5 years and up Everyone can be a scientist! Learn about plants, energy, shapes, forces, planets, and more. The sky is the limit at Exploration Station!

Pop Up Science, February 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25. Pop into the Wonders of Water and R & D DreamLab exhibits and discover the science behind play! Each Pop Up Science session features a simple science demonstration by Scientist Sarah! 11:00 am (WoW); 11:30 am (R&D)

Target $2 Family Fun Night, February 17. General Admission is just $2 per person from 4pm - 7pm. Tickets must be purchased at the door. Tickets cannot be purchased in advance and cannot be combined with any other discounts or coupons


Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History and Culture, 830 E. Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202. Phone: 443-263-1800 or 443.263.1829, www.africanamericanculture.org

Family History Fridays, Friday, February 3, Noon to 4 p.m. Stop by the Resource Center for genealogy starter sessions and consultations on the first Friday of the month. Free program For more information, call 443-263-1816.

Saturday’s Child Family Clay Art Workshop, Saturday, February 11, Noon to 2 p.m. (All ages) Decorate African-inspired clay bowls and plates with Baltimore Clayworks artist Herb Massie. To register, call 443-263-1829. Museum admission required. Snow Date: February 18, Noon


Textile Museum, 2320 S. Street NW, Washington DC, Phone: 202-667-0441, www.textilemuseum.org

Design a Dragon Paper Mola, Saturday, February 11, 2-4pm. Let the newest exhibition Dragons, Nagas and Creatures of the Deep inspire your own paper mola. Molas are the colorful appliqué panels made by the Kuna people of Panama and Coastal Columbia, two of which are on view in the exhibit. Create a paper mola with scissors, glue, and your wildest imagination. Suitable for ages 5-12. Free; no reservations required.


Walters Museum of Art, 600 N. Charles Street, Baltimore MD, Phone: 410-547-9000, www.thewalters.org

Drop-in Art Activities: Patterns & Prints. Every Saturday and Sunday. No registration required – drop-in, make, and take a fantastic piece of art home with you. Lines, dots, dashes! What makes a pattern? Throughout February look for repeating patterns in art. You’ll make colorful quilts, use found objects to make collagraph prints, explore the patterns of sound and create special carved pattern boxes.
Feb. 4-5 is Quilting Bee
Feb. 11-12 is Crazy Collage Prints
Feb. 18-19 is African Talking Drums
Feb. 25 is Free African American Family Festival
Feb. 26 is Carved Kuba Boxes

Walk Wonder & Create Family Tour: Can You Repeat That? Saturday, February 18, 11am – noon and 1-2pm. Pitter, patter, pitter, patter, go our footsteps, as you walk through the museum. The rhythms of your steps will echo those of the collection, as you seek out patterns and repetition in art. Walk, wonder, and repeat as you make your way into the studio for African drums and their audible patterns. For ages 6-8 and their favorite adult. Online pre-registration required. Register for the 11a.m. or 1p.m. tour. FREE African American Family Festival: Carnivale of Cultures, Saturday, February 25, 10am – 4pm. Celebrate the African influence on cultures from Cuba to Brazil and beyond! Join us as we explore the rich diversity of art, music and dance of African Latin Americans. Learn about poets, artists and heroes of Latin American and African American history. Create your own colorful artwork and discover local Afro-Latin communities. Learn a few new dance steps and be amazed by exciting performances all day!