MONDAY, APRIL 13
NOSH: After hawking more than 25 million red velvet cupcakes across the country, Sprinkles is turning the big 1-0. To celebrate the occasion, visitors to the Georgetown location will receive a free cupcake of their choice. Sweet! 9 AM to 9 PM, free.
CREATE: Kids get an up close and personal look at their own DNA in this 20 minute workshop at the Natural History Museum. After a quick molecular biology activity, mini science buffs (ages seven and up) can craft a necklace pendant made up of their own DNA. 11 AM to 1 PM, free.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14
INDULGE: Let them eat ice cream for lunch—or dinner! Ben and Jerry’s is doling out free scoops at all of their local shops. Pro tip: For quicker service, know your flavor choice beforehand. Chunky Monkey, please and thank you.
READ (TO A POOCH): Elementary school kids are invited to read to trained and certified therapy dogs at the Westover Branch Library in Arlington through their Paws to Read program. Why, you ask? Research shows that reading to man’s best friend improves literacy in a non-judgemental environment. 5:30 PM, free with pre-registration.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15
MOVE: Tots (18 months to three years) and their parents get a fun lesson in Taino culture at the American Indian Museum from musician Irka Mateo. Expect stories, singing, hands on crafting, and a ton of active bodies jumping around. 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM, free.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
WATCH: Salsa Cinderella, which is showing at Publick Playhouse takes the classic princess tale and adds a Latin twist to it with salsa music and south of the border themed puppets (think: Onion and Garlic Stepsisters with a Pepper Prince). Bonus: Kids (pre-k through second grade) will learn a few new Spanish words and Latin food references. 9:30 AM and 11:15 AM, $5.
FORWARD…MARCH: Celebrate the abolition of slavery in the District with your brood at the annual Emancipation Day Parade, which goes down Pennsylvania Avenue (from 4th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW to 13 1/2 Street NW). If your kiddo still has energy, stick around for the post-parade concert and fireworks display. 11 AM, free.
Ayren Jackson-Cannady (@ayrenjc on Instagram) is a health-and-wellness writer/editor in Arlington whose work has appeared in Prevention and Self.
