5 best things to do with kids in the D.C. area this weekend, March 22-24

In the D.C. area and looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend? Here are our top picks.

NSO in Your Neighborhood: ‘Riverfront’

The National Symphony Orchestra’s annual community outreach is focused on the banks of the Anacostia River and Washington Channel, with free concerts and events around Navy Yard, the Wharf and Southwest Washington over the next few days. Highlights include a performance at the Anthem honoring Duke Ellington’s 125th birthday (Saturday at 7 p.m.); a concert at Bald Eagle Recreation Center with mezzo-soprano Marquita Raley-Cooper (Sunday at 7 p.m.); a string trio in the Southwest Library’s meeting room (Friday at 11 a.m.); a cherry blossom-themed performance at Culture House featuring four basses (Saturday at 11:30 a.m.); and a piano and woodwind trio at the Rubell Museum (Sunday at 11:30 a.m.). See the NSO website for a full list of events. Through Sunday. Free.

Cherry Blossom Family Celebration at the Smithsonian American Art Museum

Held in the all-weather Kogod Courtyard, the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Cherry Blossom Family Celebration features face painting, cherry-blossom-themed crafts, a scavenger hunt in the galleries, a taiko drumming performance, a jump rope team, and Japanese pop and funk music spun by Les the DJ. Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free.

Japanese Culture Day at the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress’s Japanese Culture Day is a hands-on experience, letting young visitors try origami, coloring woodblock prints and making a tiara with the Cherry Blossom Princesses, as well as watching Japanese dance and drumming performances or settling in for storytelling. Advance tickets have been claimed, but same-day tickets are available on the library’s website beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free; ticket required.

Family Day: Japanese Fashion at the Textile Museum

The Textile Museum’s Family Day is focused on Japanese fashion, so visitors can try on a happi coat or yukata before touring the galleries, watching dance or music performances, or making cherry blossom pendants. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.

Oxon Run Pinknic & Kite Fly at Oxon Run Park

Cherry Blossom Festival activities continue on Sunday with this popular kite-focused event in Southeast Washington. Think of it as a local alternative to the busy and crowded kite festival on the Mall: Kids can make their own kites while enjoying family-friendly entertainment. Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Free.

This article was originally published by a www.washingtonpost.com . Read the Original article here. .