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Things to Do in Washington, DC This Weekend: Valentines, Harry Potter

Discover the magic of maple sugaring at Brookside Nature Center. Photo by Marilyn Stone, courtesy of Montgomery Parks
Discover the magic of maple sugaring at Brookside Nature Center. Photo by Marilyn Stone, courtesy of Montgomery Parks
2/5/20 - By James Smith

It's that special time of year, where thoughts turn to sweethearts and loved ones. Valentine's Day is on the horizon and kids in the Washington, DC area can get into the spirit with a number of great things to do this weekend.

There's a card workshop at the National Postal Museum and a sweethearts dance with the animals in West Springfield, Virginia.

Too early to think about Valentine's Day? Well, you can enjoy theater in Silver Spring, Maryland, a "Harry Potter" scavenger hunt in DC, or perhaps get outside for some maple sugaring in Wheaton, Maryland.

Whatever you do this weekend, know that your friends at Mommy Poppins DC will be with you throughout 2020 with updates on the best family happenings in the capital area. Check our events calendar for the most up-to-date events in DC and beyond, and remember to sign up for our FREE newsletters to receive posts such as this right to your inbox.

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Things to Do in Washington, DC With Kids All Weekend

Maple Sugaring Month

Wheaton, MD
February is Maple Sugaring Month at Brookside Nature Center. Every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, families can watch the whole sugaring process from start to finish. Kids can see sap drip from trees and even taste it. READ MORE

Valentine’s Day Card Workshop

Washington, DC - FREE
Homemade love is in the air at the annual Valentine's Day card workshop at the National Postal Museum. Create handmade and heartfelt cards to send to your loved ones. Suitable for all ages. Free; no registration required. READ MORE

The Toxic Avenger: The Musical

Silver Spring, MD
Rorschach Theatre’s first musical follows Melvin Ferd the Third, who is dumped into a vat of radioactive toxic waste, only to re-emerge as The Toxic Avenger, a superhero determined to clean up America. READ MORE
"Harry Potter" fans can enjoy a scavenger hunt at the National Gallery. Photo by Mark A. King

Things to Do in Washington, DC With Kids, Saturday, February 8

Animal Sweethearts Dance

West Springfield, VA
It's back — the social event of Hidden Pond’s winter season. Enjoy dancing, refreshments, crafts, and live animals guaranteed to entertain. READ MORE

Portrait Story Days: Rosa Parks

Washington, DC - FREE
Drop by to hear a story and create art inspired by civil rights activist Rosa Parks. READ MORE

Astronomy Festival (at Turner Farm Park)

Great Falls, VA
Families can enjoy a variety of astronomy activities, including guided stargazing, looking through a telescope, various games, and listening to stories about the constellations around a campfire. READ MORE

Storytime in Explore! Family Space at the National Portrait Gallery

Washington, DC - FREE
Story time in the Explore! space immerses visitors in tales of artists, presidents, inventors, athletes and more. Before or after story time, enjoy the family space where kids can play and learn about portraiture.  READ MORE

Watson Adventures’ Wizard School Scavenger Hunt for Harry Potter Fans

Washington, DC
Join Watson Adventures on a unique "Harry Potter"-themed scavenger hunt. Kids follow in the footsteps of young wizards on a field trip to the National Gallery in search of art that echoes characters, places, and enchanted objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies. READ MORE

Make Your Own Pine Cone Birdfeeders

Great Falls, VA
Help feed your feathered friends this winter by making and taking home your very own pine cone bird feeder. Find out which birds stay through the winter and discuss common birds you might see at your feeder. READ MORE
Thrill to FazaFam, Baltimore's family dance jam. Photo courtesy of Dance & Bmore
Thrill to FazaFam, Baltimore's family dance jam. Photo courtesy of Dance & Bmore

Things to Do in Washington, DC With Kids, Sunday, February 9

Second Sunday FazaFams!

Baltimore
FazaFam is an innovative family strengthening program designed by Dance & Bmore to help families ‘Bmore’ fit, fun, creative, and connected. Parents get moving along with their children to gain better fitness, a better relationship, create positive memories, and develop practical skills for healthy habits at home. READ MORE

Sunday Fun Day at Imagination Stage - CANCELED

Bethesda, MD
Imagination Stage brings your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. READ MORE

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About the Author

James Smith
James Stephen Smith is a seasoned journalist who transitioned from reporting at Newsday to a more relaxed life as a father and director of media relations at St. John's University. He manages the university’s messaging while also contributing to Mommy Poppins, a site he discovered after his third daughter was born in 2011. Fun fact: James nearly made it on Jeopardy but missed a Final Jeopardy question on art history—only to watch a colleague nail it and become a two-time champion.
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Read more articles by James Smith.