Route 1 Kids Weekend Guide April 8th-10th

Friends, if egg hunting is your thing, this is your weekend. You can hunt them in the dark. You can hunt them in the park. You can hunt them just for fun. You can hunt them near Route 1! You get the picture. Grab those baskets and get going! If egg hunting isn’t your jam, check out one of several live music or storytime events along Route 1, or head into D.C. to celebrate the end of the National Cherry Blossom Festival and Japanese culture.

FRIDAY

Hyattsville Library Ready 2 Read Storytime (ages 3-5)
Bring your preschooler and enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays, and more at the brand new Hyattsville Library. The story time will be held outdoors, but be sure to pop inside to check out the adorable Discovery Village and grab a book or two to enjoy at home. While these storytimes are geared for ages 3-5, I’ve never seen them kick out an older or younger kiddo, so go for it.
When: 10:30-11 am
Where: Hyattsville Library
Cost: FREE!

Puppet Friends in Storyland at Watkins Nature Center (ages 2-3)
Did you know that Watkins Regional Park (home of the awesome Wizard of Oz playground) also has a nature center? You and your little one can check it out at this nature-themed storytime and craft event. After the event, be sure to explore the hands-on exhibits at the nature center.
When: 10-10:45 am
Where: Watkins Nature Center, Upper Marlboro
Cost: $10 (register in advance through PG ParksDirect)

Flashlight Egg Hunt (ages 10-16)
Kids ages 10-16 can enjoy a fun twist on the traditional egg hunt at Bowie Community Center’s flashlight egg hunt. Search for hidden treat-filled eggs under the stars. They will also have games, face painting, and music.
When: 7-9 pm
Where: Bowie Community Center
Cost: $5 (register in advance through PG ParksDirect)

Jazz Night at Maryland Meadworks
Stop by for the best jazz around featuring the Hyattsville Jazz Collective and some delicious mead to boot.
When: 7-10 pm
Where: Maryland Meadworks, Hyattsville
Cost: FREE!

Eric Maring White Album Concert
Brilliant young musicians and some older ones who ain’t too shabby will bring The Beatles White Album alive along with each of you at the Old Parish House in College Park.
When: 7:30 pm
Where: Old Parish House, College Park
Cost: FREE! (donations accepted at the door in support of College Park Arts Exchange)

SATURDAY

Watkins Youth Birding Club (ages 10-17)
Young wildlife enthusiasts, ages 10-17, who enjoy hiking and the outdoors can join the Watkins Youth Birding Club. Kids will learn how to use binoculars and scope and how to recognize and identify birds. Bring binoculars if you have them. This program will meet in front of the Nature Center and take place outdoors. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
When: 8-10 am
Where: Watkins Nature Center
Cost: FREE! (register in advance through PG ParksDirect)

Great Driskell Park Egg Hunt
The city of Hyattsville has a morning of egg hunting fun planned. Snacks and entertainment will be provided by a very important bunny from 10 am to noon. The actual egg hunt will begin at 11:30. Don’t forget your basket!
When: 10 am to 12 pm (egg hunt begins at 11:30 am)
Where: Driskell Park, Hyattsville
Cost: FREE!

Mt. Rainier Springtime Egg Hunt (ages 0-11+)
Bring your basket and collect some treat-filled eggs at the Mt. Rainier Springtime Egg Hunt! Snap a photo with the bunny, hang with Monchito the Clown, and get a free ice cone (for the first 200 kids).
When: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Mt. Rainier Nature Center
Cost: FREE!

Adaptivities Community Games and Art Day (ages 5+)
Adaptivities and Kyle’s Art for Autism World are bringing a day of fun and easy games and art projects to College Park. Children, teens and adults of all abilities (and their parents and caregivers) are invited to participate. Everyone will have a chance to win prizes and will go home with a gift bag. The event is divided by age groups, so be sure to arrive at the right time for your participants’ ages.
When: 11-12:30 pm for ages 5-9; 1-2:30 pm for ages 10-17; 3-4:30 pm for ages 18+
Where: College Park Community Center
Cost: FREE!

Hyattsville Library Spanish-English Ready 2 Read Storytime (ages 3-5)
Stories, Fingerplays, and songs will be presented in Spanish and English for ages 3-5.
When: 12:30-1 pm
Where: Hyattsville Library
Cost: FREE!

Black Aviators Tour at the College Park Aviation Museum (ages 12+)
This tour highlights just some of history’s Black Aviators, from the legendary Eugene Bullard to local aviator Gus McLeod, and their impacts on aviation. Visitors will also dig deeper into the story of nearby Columbia Air Center, which was the first licensed airfield owned and operated by black aviators in the country. The tour last about 45 minutes to an hour.
When: 1-2 pm
Where: College Park Aviation Museum
Cost: Free with museum admission

Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival (all ages)
Check out Japanese cultural performances, authentic Japanese food and beverages, handmade Japanese crafts, and more at this two day festival stretching from 3rd to 7th streets NW on Pennsylvania Ave at the base of Capitol Hill.
When: 10:30 am to 6 pm
Where: Between 7th St NW & 3rd St, Pennsylvania Ave NW, DC
Cost: $12 for a one-day advance ticket ($15 day-of)

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade (all ages)
This annual celebration of the end of the Cherry Blossom Festival features parade floats, balloons, marching bands from across the country and performers. Portions of the parade are free to the public to view along the route, so get there early to scope out a good spot.
When: 10 am to 12 pm
Where: Constitution Avenue NW, between 7th and 17th Streets, DC
Cost: Certain areas are free; reserved grandstand tickets start at $25

Historic Sunsets in Concert at Maryland Meadworks
Mount Rainier’s own Historic Sunsets will play their blend of French pop, mallcore folk, and garden rock while you enjoy a glass of Mead.
When: 7-10 pm
Where: Maryland Meadworks, Hyattsville
Cost: FREE!

Eric Maring White Album Concert
Brilliant young musicians and some older ones who ain’t too shabby will bring The Beatles White Album alive along with each of you at the Old Parish House in College Park.
When: 7:30 pm
Where: Old Parish House, College Park
Cost: FREE! (donations accepted at the door in support of College Park Arts Exchange)

SUNDAY

Anacostia River Festival (all ages)
In the morning, take a canoe tour on the Anacostia River to learn about the ecological and historical changes that have occurred in the river and the communities around the river or participate in a family friendly fishing experience. In the afternoon, relax by the river and listen to some live music.
When: 9 am to 3:20 pm
Where: Anacostia Park, D.C.
Cost: FREE! (register for river tours and fishing in advance through the website)

Black Aviators Tour at the College Park Aviation Museum (ages 12+)
This tour highlights just some of history’s Black Aviators, from the legendary Eugene Bullard to local aviator Gus McLeod, and their impacts on aviation. Visitors will also dig deeper into the story of nearby Columbia Air Center, which was the first licensed airfield owned and operated by black aviators in the country. The tour last about 45 minutes to an hour.
When: 1-2 pm
Where: College Park Aviation Museum
Cost: Free with museum admission

Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival (all ages)
Check out Japanese cultural performances, authentic Japanese food and beverages, handmade Japanese crafts, and more at this two day festival stretching from 3rd to 7th streets NW on Pennsylvania Ave at the base of Capitol Hill.
When: 10:30 am to 4 pm
Where: Between 7th St NW & 3rd St, Pennsylvania Ave NW, DC
Cost: $12 for a one day advance ticket ($15 day-of)

Go for a stroll at Lake Artemesia (all ages)
This is one of my absolute favorite places in our area. The loop around the lake is about 1.5 miles, so definitely bring a stroller for the younger ones. It’s a perfect place to walk, run, or bike, and you’re sure to see some beautiful flora and fauna no matter what time of year you go, but it’s especially lovely in spring. There are several nice grassy areas along the trail to stop for a picnic lunch.
When: Anytime!
Where: Lake Artemesia in Greenbelt
Cost: FREE!

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As always, please call ahead to confirm the event’s status before heading out, especially when inclement weather is in the forecast!