Route 1 Kids Weekend Guide: Dec. 6th-8th

Family-friendly things to do along the Route 1 Corridor this weekend include Holidays Around the World at the Publick Playhouse, where kiddos learn about celebrations around the globe; Santa’s visit to Vigilante for storytime and photo opps! A visit to the U.S. Botanic Gardens, full of model trains and intricate displays & more! Check it out inside Route One Fun’s latest Kids Weekend Guide!

Friday Along the Route 1 Corridor

Season’s Greenings: America’s Gardens
A weekday’s a great (not as crowded) day to check out this fantastic seasonal event. Every year, the US Botanic Gardens puts on an amazing holiday display with model trains, poinsettias and landmarks made of leaves, sticks and many other garden accouterments!
When: Now through January 1, 2020, 10am-5pm
Where: US Botanic Gardens, Washington DC
Cost: Free!

Playday @ the Library: Winter Wonderland (Ages 0-5)
Oh, baby it’s cold outside. Why don’t you come indoors for some winter stories & crafts @ the library? No matter what the weather, it’ll be a great time to play & socialize!
When: 10:30-11:30am
Where: Laurel Library, Laurel
Cost: Free!

Storytime PopUp! @ The Waterhole
Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays and more at this innovation collaboration between PGCMLS & Mt. Rainier’s fabulous organic juice & smoothie joint, The Waterhole. Best for 0-3 years olds as space can be tight. Curious? Click here for our review of The Waterhole!
When: 10am
Where: The Waterhole, 4004 34th St, Mt Rainier
Cost: Free (Heads-up: Waterhole’s menu is delish, highly recommend indulging!)

Community Tree Lighting with Santa (All Ages)
Santa’s on his way to to light the Greenbelt community tree. Festivities include the local brass band choir, cookies, hot chocolate & cider! Plus, watching “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966) @ Old Greenbelt Theatre. Perfection in a nutshell!
When: 7-9pm
Where: Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt
Cost: Free!

Xtreme Teens: Dog BINGO (Ages 10-17)
Grab a BINGO card & test your pooch knowledge. Each card features pics of dogs. Hear a pooch’s name, place your chip on the correct dog – you win! Prizes for all winners!
When: 7-10pm
Where: College Park Youth Services Center, College Park
Cost: Free! w/ MNCPPC youth ID

Red & Black Intrasquad
See the Maryland gymnastics team in action!
When: 7pm
Where: Xfinity Center Pavilion, College Park
Cost: Free!

🎄 Where to buy Xmas Trees Near the Route 1 Corridor 🎄

Saturday Along the Route 1 Corridor

PGAAMCC Story Time: Museum Kids Club (Ages 3-8)
Only 2 dates left to catch a fab storytime & craft @ your local African American museum. Come see what this month’s theme is all about! Engage your kiddos in literacy & promote black excellence!
When: 11am-1:30pm
Where: Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center, North Brentwood
Cost: Free!

Nativities of the World
Warm your heart and see the Holy Family through the eyes of those from many other cultures as you view over 150 Nativities from countries all over the world. Check out our time visiting the Nativities at the Franciscan Monastery here!
When: 9am – 6pm
Where: Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, Brookland, DC
Cost: Free! (Donations welcomed)

Santa Fly-In
Here comes Santa Clause, right down the runway! At the College Park Airport, that is. And you’re the greeting crew! Photo oppts w/ Santa plus holiday arts, crafts & activities in the aviation museum.
When: 12-4pm (Santa’s approx ETA @ 12:30pm)
Where: College Park Aviation Museum, College Park
Cost: $5

Paint and Sip (Ages 7+)
Make it a date w/ your kiddos. Create a winter wonderland painting w/ the help of an instructor. Art supplies plus wine & virgin drinks included. You’ll get to take home your art for all to see!
When: 1:30-4:30pm
Where: Fairland Sports and Aquatic Complex, Laurel
Cost: $15-$20

*Family Fun Series: Holidays Around the World (All Ages)
Discover the many ways to celebrate the holidays. The Lohri Festival, St. Lucia Day, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, to name a few. But there’s more! Read more here!
When: 2-3pm
Where: Publick Playhouse, Cheverly
Cost: $5/person

Skate For A “Clause” (Ages 5+)
You get to be Santa’s little helper. Bring a non-perishable item or toy for donation. Roller skate w/ Santa & celebrate the spirit of giving, together!
When: 3-5pm
Where: Bowie Community Center, Bowie
Cost: Free! w/ donation of non-perishable item or toy

Festival of Lights
Bring a little twinkle to your holidays at this spectacular drive-through event featuring dazzling displays with more than 2.5 million lights throughout the park!
When: Now through January 1, 2020; 5-9:30pm
Where: Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro
Cost: $10/car; $20 mini-bus

Sunday Along the Route 1 Corridor

Baby & Me Storytime Featuring Pop-Up Peekaboo! Baby Dinosaur (Ages 0-2)
Need to get out before naptime? Why not swing by the bookstore for storytime & activities featuring sensory growth for your baby. Rumor has it, adults get a free Starbucks’ coffee for being you! (cafe stores only)
When: 11am
Where: Barnes & Nobles, Bowie
Cost: Free!

20th Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Show (All Ages)
Feast your eyes on an amazing display of gingerbread houses. Cast your vote for “Viewer’s Choice”. Just note, no nibbling the houses, please. 😉
When: 12-5pm
Where: Darnall’s Chance House Museum, Upper Marlboro
Cost: $2/person

Santa at Vigilante Coffee!
Pictures, storytime and more fun with Santa at this FREE event for children of all ages!
When: 1:30-4:30pm
Where: Vigilante Coffee, Hyattsville
Cost: Free!

Collage Ornaments Workshop for Adults and Children (Ages 7+)
Create a pair of unique collage ornaments using papier mache technique. All sorts of colored, textured papers to choose from to transform your designs! They’re yours to keep!
When: 2:30-5:30pm
Where: CREATE Arts Center, Silver Spring
Cost: $25

Light Yards 2019 (All Ages)
It’s opening weekend for this annual interactive light installation & you’re invited! Staged at the waterfront & curated by famous international artists, it’s sure to please the senses!
When: 6-10pm
Where: The Yards DC, Washington, DC
Cost: Free!