DC Area Activities for Kids: Inauguration, Leaders050

It's an exciting time to be in Washington, DC right now, with the Presidential Inauguration just around the corner! Many families will brave the cold, the traffic, the standing, and the crowds and head downtown for the inaugural events on January 20. There are also a handful of family-friendly events around town that provide a little taste of the excitement - without a lot of effort.

Saturday, January 17

The National Museum of the American Indian hosts a three-day Multicultural Festival of Music, Dance, and Story that features daily performances of live music, dancing, and storytelling from a variety of cultural traditions. The National Postal Museum offers a day of stamp-related fun, including designing a presidential stamp. The National Museum of American History's program Renewing America's Promise celebrates with four days of roving costume characters, music, book signings, and gallery tours.

Inauguration Events on Saturday at the Anacostia Community Museum include meeting authors Deborah Willis and Kevin Merida, who sign copies of their book Obama: The Historic Campaign in Photographs, and interactive poetry sessions with Griot and master storyteller Baba-C and Tomorrow's Voices. The National Museum of African Art offers a self-guided inaugural treasure hunt from Saturday through Tuesday, as well as film screenings, music, and poetry on Sunday and Monday.

And the Young Chefs Academy in Rockville holds a cooking class for kids seven and up with a menu of past presidents' favorite dishes. Advance registration is required.

Sunday, January 18

The massive, public welcome event at the Lincoln Memorial, We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration, features an amazing line-up of stars, from Beyonce to Bono and will.i.am to Stevie Wonder. The one and only "ball" for children is held at The Historical Society of Washington, DC, featuring live music and entertainment, games, interactive exhibits, play areas, storytimes, puppet shows, children's mini-classes, a baby and toddler playroom, food, and recorded history activities. And the Freer and Sackler Galleries offer three days of artist workshops for children and families, performances, and stories of Asian and Asian American celebratory traditions, from Sunday through Tuesday.

Monday, January 19

The Kids Inaugural: We Are the Future Concert is at the Verizon Center, with performances by the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Bow Wow, Billy Ray Cyrus, Keke Palmer, and Usher. Tickets were distributed through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington.

Tuesday, January 20

The big day at the US Capitol. If you don't have a ticket, jumbo screens should be up around the Mall, or you can also head to the AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring and watch it all in comfort inside. Tickets are available at the AFI Silver Box Office starting at 1pm on January 12, with a four ticket limit per person. The Arlington Cinema 'N' Drafthouse is also providing inauguration coverage on its big screen.

Wednesday, January 21

Author Nikki Grimes and illustrator Bryan Collier drop by Politics & Prose to discuss their popular children's book Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope and sign autographs.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 19 is, of course, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and there are many events held in honor of this great man throughout the weekend. Here are a few ideas:

Thursday, January 15

The Historical Society of Washington, DC screens the American Experience production Citizen King daily through Monday. The Mt. Pleasant Branch Library hosts its annual concert The Movement and the Music, inviting children to participate with their voices and library-owned instruments: drums, rattles, tambourines. The concert ends with an audience rendition of Stevie Wonder's song, Happy Birthday to You. And in the spirit of Dr. King, families are invited to participate in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, which is actually many days of community service opportunities in the District.

Saturday, January 17

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library holds its 13th Annual MLK Poetry Extravaganza, featuring poetry and music in honor of Dr. King. And the KanKouran West African Dance Company returns to Dance Place on Saturday and Sunday for its annual performance in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday's performance is part of the Family Series; free for one child (under 13) with a paying adult.

Sunday, January 18

The McLean Community Center hosts its 6th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration featuring guest speaker Rev. Todd Brown, live entertainment, and a reception.

Monday, January 19

The Kennedy Center's annual concert, Let Freedom Ring!, is even more exciting than usual this year - boasting none other than Aretha Franklin herself - plus Nuttin' but Stringz, and the Let Freedom Ring Choir. Tickets for the free event are distributed in front of the Concert Hall on Monday, January 19 beginning at 4pm.

The Washington National Cathedral hosts Continuing the Dream of Dr. King, an annual celebration giving local youth center stage and the chance to express their own hopes and dreams. The AFI Silver Theatre also screens the King documentary King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis on Monday. Tickets for the free film are available at the AFI Silver Box Office on the day of the show only (opens at 12n), with a four ticket limit per person.

All Things Presidential

Many other president-related activities can be found around town, such as exhibits, plays, and performances. Some highlights include:

Tudor Place celebrates the inauguration with a special display of rare and unusual presidential objects in addition to its vast collection of George and Martha Washington objects. Visitors can tour the historic mansion and 5 1/2-acre gardens during special hours from January 17 through January 21.

From January 30 through February 22, the Kennedy Center presents Unleashed! The Secret Lives of White House Pets, a play for kids seven and up about a new First Daughter who's a bit nervous about moving into the White House. A wise old custodian takes her and her pet chihuahua on a hilarious journey back in time to meet other First Kids and their pets.

Exhibits include Preparing for the Ball: Costume of the Early Nation at the Dumbarton House; Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life (opening January 16) at the National Museum of American History; as well as One Life: The Mask of Lincoln and Presidents in Waiting (opening January 20) at the National Portrait Gallery.

And the Smithsonian American Art Museum presents the Victorian Dance Ensemble on January 31, which re-creates Lincoln's second inaugural ball - one of the most memorable inaugural events to take place in the museum's historic building.