Courtesy of the Smithsonian
From an email:
“The Smithsonian will welcome families and children to Smithsonian Family Day, a free event Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall.
The event will feature live performances by The Washington Ballet and the Dylan Lizza Quartet; hands-on STEM and art activities; historical reenactors portraying George Washington and Amelia Earhart; and appearances by beloved PBS KIDS characters.
It’s also the last chance for visitors to see “American Aspirations” before the exhibition closes July 26 next door at the Smithsonian Castle.
Admission is free, and no tickets or registration are required.”
“Date: Saturday, July 25
Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building, 900 Jefferson Dr. S.W.
Admission: Free; no tickets or registration required
Full Program
Folklife Stage Schedule
10–10:45 a.m.: Performance by the Dylan Lizza Jazz Quartet
11–11:30 a.m.: Performance by Smithsonian Associates’ Discovery Theater of “Professor Wingnut Wants to Fly”
11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Performance and movement class by The Washington Ballet
12:45–1:15 p.m.: Performance and singalong by Capital Accord Chorus, a barbershop quartet
1:30–2 p.m.: Performance by Smithsonian Associates’ Discovery Theater of “Professor Wingnut Wants to Fly”
2:15–3 p.m.: Amelia Earhart historical reenactment performance
Create & Explore Zone
Dress for Success with the National Portrait Gallery
Ideal Age Range: 3+
Participants can dress like George Washington and design their own outfit inspired by works of art.
Brick by Brick with the Smithsonian Mason
Ideal Age Range: 5+
Guests can participate in a hands-on masonry demonstration and build their own foam block structure.
Nature Play with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
All Ages
Participants can explore animals and nature through creative sensory activities and art.
My Bright STEM Idea with the Smithsonian Science Education Center
Ideal Age Range: 5+
Guests can create a simple electrical circuit and light a bulb through this hands-on science activity.
The Washington Ballet
All Ages
Guests can learn about The Washington Ballet’s performances, youth programs and adult classes.
PBS KIDS Across America
All Ages
Hands-on activities and photo opportunities will be available with PBS characters.
Make Your Mark Zone
Printing Identity: Tell Your Own Story! with the National Museum of the American Latino
Ideal Age Range: 5+
Guests can learn about printing presses and create their own newspaper.
Fin-tastic Sculptures with the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
All Ages
Participants can take inspiration from Alexander Calder’s mobile “Fish” (1944) and create their own animal-like sculpture.
Mystery Model with the National Air and Space Museum
Ideal Age Range: 4+
Guests can solve a museum mystery by identifying a 3D airplane model.
Specimen-Inspired Prints with the National Museum of Natural History
Ideal Age Range: 3+
Participants can create their own print using specimens from the museum’s collection, including a T. rex tooth.
Stamp Design with the National Postal Museum
Ideal Age Range: 4+
Guests can design their own stamp that celebrates America’s birthday.
Railroad Cart with the National Museum of American History
All Ages
Guests can discover the story of the Transcontinental Railroad and the people who helped build it.
Your Voice Zone
Family Calm Zone
All Ages
A quiet, sensory-friendly space for rest and relaxation.
Voices and Votes Exhibition
Ideal Age Range: 5+
Participants can explore the history and evolution of American democracy through an exhibition and a kid-friendly voting experience.
Story Time
All Ages
Visitors can join storytellers throughout the day for read-alouds celebrating American history, folklore and imagination.
Family Picnic Zone
Family Dining Area
Guests can bring food from home and enjoy a space to rest and refuel.
Pop-Up Store
Commemorative Smithsonian 250th merchandise will be available for purchase; only card and mobile payments accepted.
Community Mural
All Ages
Guests can contribute a self-portrait to a collaborative community mural. All supplies are provided.
Enid A. Haupt Garden Activities
Outdoor activities weather-permitting.
Plant a Seed with Smithsonian Gardens
All Ages
Visitors can discover how gardens bring people and plants together in the new “Growing Tomorrow” exhibition.
Performance by the Dylan Lizza Jazz Quartet
11–11:30 a.m.
Live jazz will be performed in the garden (weather permitting).
Special Appearances
Surprise visits throughout the day from:
Smithsonian’s founder, Jimmy Smithson
Xavier Riddle from PBS KIDS
George Washington
Amelia Earhart
Smithsonian Castle
Last chance to see “American Aspirations” before the exhibition closes July 26 next door at the Smithsonian Castle”