A peek inside the kids area of the new Hyattsville library!
It’s not an April Fools Day joke (a day early) – Route One Fun’s Weekend Guides are back! Emily of University Park is your wonderful new Weekend Guide guru! As a superstar mom of 3 and a teacher, Emily’s always got her eyes peeled for kid-friendly weekend activities, so you know she’s going to be a perfect fit for keeping you all informed on the latest and greatest kid-friendly fun happening along Route 1. We’re so excited to be back – and know you all, are, too! 🙂 Take it away, Emily:
Despite the wintry temperatures early in the week, spring should attempt to make a comeback by the weekend. There are plenty of fun ways to celebrate the season: Visit the brand new Hyattsville library, get some cute photos with the bunny, and enjoy the gorgeous cherry trees in full bloom as you take in Sakura Sunday at National Harbor.
Friday
Check out the New Hyattsville Library
The Hyattsville Library officially opens on Wednesday, March 30 with a full day of events, but if you can’t make it there that day, check it out during its regular opening hours over the weekend. The new library features PGCMLS’ first ever green roof and lots of other sustainability features, a maker space, an art room, a two-sided fireplace, and a children’s area with play spaces inspired by children’s literature.
When: 10 am to 6 pm on Friday and 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday (closed on Sundays until June)
Where: Hyattsville Library
Cost: FREE!
Family Photos with the Bunny at the Mall at Prince George’s
Stop by the mall for some cute photos with the bunny starting this Friday through April 16.
When: Friday and Saturday 11 am to 8 pm and Sunday 12-6 pm
Where: Mall at Prince George’s Center Court
Cost: Photo packages start at $35.99
Saturday
Visit the Dinosaur Park
Dinosaur Park is a 41-acre park in Laurel, Maryland, featuring a rare deposit of fossils from the Cretaceous Period (144 to 65 million years ago). Dinosaur lovers big and small can join paleontologists and volunteers on-site to learn more about fossils and dinosaurs.
When: 12 to 4 pm
Where: Dinosaur Park, Laurel
Cost: FREE!
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at the Mall at Prince George’s
Join the Mad Hatter and his friends in Center Court for crafts, games, characters, prizes and snacks. Each family that purchases a bunny photo package during the event will receive a $10 gift card for The Children’s Place.
When: 11 am to 1 pm
Where: Mall at Prince George’s Center Court
Cost: The event is free, but photo packages start at $35.99
Cherry Blossoms in and around DC
The National Park Service announced that peak cherry blossom bloom had arrived on March 21, so this weekend might be your last chance to catch them in all their majesty. Head down to the Tidal Basin for the tourist experience, or check out some of these other locations to avoid the crowds.
When: Whenever the mood strikes you!
Where: Tidal Basin, National Arboretum or East Potomac Park
Cost: FREE!
Sunday
Sakura Sunday at National Harbor
Sakura Sunday at National Harbor is a free festival that is part of the Cherry Blossom Festival. It will feature a wide array of activities including Japanese market, cultural performances, art and culinary demonstrations.
When: 12-6 pm
Where: National Harbor Plaza
Cost: FREE!
Montpelier Mansion Hidden Spaces Tour
Ever wonder what’s behind the doors that say, “Staff Only”? On this tour, Montpelier staff will take visitors to the areas that are seldom open to the public including the three cellars, the attic, and walk-in vault. The tour includes narrow winding stairs and ladders (optional). Older clothes and comfortable shoes are recommended. This event is probably best for older kids and adults.
When: 3:30 to 5 pm
Where: Montpelier House Museum, Laurel
Cost: $15 (be sure to register in advance through ParksDirect)
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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!
Thrilled to have you back! I’m hoping you can subscribe to the Meadworks event calendar email and include our events in your guide. If you’re not already subscribed, please visit http://www.marylandmeadworks.com and sign up.
Sat., April 2, 7-10pm at Maryland Meadworks: Band Brûlée is back this Saturday night! Brûlée sets the standard by which all other jazz-infused, Americana-marinated, alt-pop bands are measured. Washington Post and Jazz Times music writer Michael J. West recommends the band’s live show, describing their sound as “a unique and clever cross that could be called singer-songwriter jazz.”
The four members of Brûlée combine original song writing and exceptional musicianship to create a rich musical blend with sultry vocals and arrangements that slide seamlessly from smoky jazz ballads to bouncy alt-pop anthems. Check out their website for songs from their first CD (“To a Crisp”), Washington DC area press, and some very geeky descriptions of their vintage instruments: http://www.bandbrulee.com.
Free event (tipping encouraged). Indoor and outdoor seating. Proof of vaccination required for indoor seating.
Sun., April 3, 11am-3pm: Brunch on the Avenue
Join us for brunch this Sunday and enjoy delicious brunch of ham and cheese croissants, quiche, and patties, as well as your favorite sweet treats from Shortcake Bakery. We’ll provide the perfectly-paired lava lamp and meadmosas. Outdoor and indoor seating available.
Maryland Meadworks is open Sundays until 7pm.
Upcoming Events
JG & the MMM: April 1
Band Brûlée: April 2
Historic Sunsets: April 9
Janine Wilson: April 16
Jazz Night: April 22
Jess Eliot Myhre & Kelly Dillon: April 23
Comedy Night: April 30
Jazz Night: May 6
Kundelika: May 7
Jazz Night: May 13
Blue Comedy Night: May 21
So happy this is back. Welcome and yay!
Welcome back Route 1 Fun! I missed you.
Wonderful to see the return of the Route 1 Fun blog ! Hurray!
Woo hoo! Happy to see these make a comeback!