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2 Tuesday

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! All ages. 4 p.m. Come dressed as your favorite Seuss character, and enjoy stories, games and birthday cake. 703-339-7385. Lorton Library.

Tip Tip Dig Dig. Ages 3 - 5. 10:30 a.m. - noon. Join us for a special interactive reading of "Tip Tip Dig Dig," which explores the noises and functions of construction vehicles. 202-272-2448. National Building Museum, Washington, DC.

3 Wednesday

Flying Squirrels. All ages. 6 p.m. Catch a glimpse of these nighttime gliders, and find out how they live. 301-962-1480. Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton.

Hola Baby! Ages 2 1/2 - 6. 11 a.m. Have fun in Spanish with this introduction to Spanish immersion. 703-241-8281. Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, Arlington.

5 Friday

Boogie Babes: Bridgette. All ages. 10:30 a.m. Enjoy live, quality children's music by Bridgette. boogiebabes.com. $$ SOVA Espresso & Wine Bar, Washington, DC.

Cabin John Kids Club: Shake Your Sillies. Ages 1 - 5. 10:30 a.m. Join us for fun, entertainment, crafts, store discounts, a live performance by Tracey Eldridge and more. ShopCabinJohn.com. Cabin John Mall.

Capital Challenge Invitational Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship. All ages. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Also 3/6 & 3/7. Watch as more than 350 gymnasts from Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, Israel, Canada and the United States compete. Tickets: capital-challenge.info. $$ Trinity University, Washington, DC.

The Best of Café Groove. Ages 12 & up. 7:30 p.m. Join poets, singers, emcees and special guest performers for an evening of unforgettable entertainment. Tickets: 301-277-1710. $$ Publick Playhouse, Cheverly.

6 Saturday

ArtNotes: The Paul Reisler Duo. All ages. 7 p.m. Join us for an evening of folk and world music. workhousearts.org. $$ Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton.

Justin Roberts. All ages. 10:30 a.m., 12:30 & 2:30 p.m. Justin and the Not Ready for Naptime Players will perform new tunes and old favorites. Tickets: 703-255-1566. $$ Jammin' Java, Vienna.

Kaps for Kids Walk-A-Thon. All ages. 8 a.m. Make a difference in a child's life by walking to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities in this walk-a-thon started by children. Registration: rmhc.greaterdc.org. $$ Tysons Corner Center, McLean.

Mad Science. All ages. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Join Mad Science for an exciting and interactive program about science. Tickets: 301-864-6029. $$ College Park Aviation Museum.

Smithsonian Sleepover. Ages 8 - 12. 8 p.m. Discover the museum in a whole new way in this overnight adventure, including a snack, breakfast, IMAX screening, tour, activities and more. Registration: 202-633-3030. $$ Natural History Museum, Washington, DC.

The Emperor's New Clothes. All ages. 5 p.m. Enjoy this fractured fairy tale about a pampered emperor and his extravagant wardrobe. Tickets: 703-938-7301. $$ Jewish Community Center, Fairfax.

Together We Sing. All ages. 2 p.m. The Children's Chorus of Washington's Chamber Ensemble performs with Glorystar Children's Chorus Concert Choir as part of the "Intersections: A New America" Arts Festival. Tickets: intersectionsdc.org. $$ Atlas Performing Arts Center, Washington, DC.

Urban Artistry. Ages 4 & up. 11 a.m. You'll be amazed by Urban Artistry's high-energy urban dance that showcases their historical and international influences. Tickets: 240-567-5775. $$ Montgomery College, Takoma Park.

Women's History Month Celebration. All ages. 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kick off Women's History Month with performances, storytelling, stamp collecting and art activities. americanart.si.edu. American Art Museum, Washington, DC.

7 Sunday

Flying in the Great Hall. Ages 8 & up. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Make your own rubber band-propelled model airplane with the DC Maxecuters, then launch your place in a test flight. Registration: 202-272-2448 x3458. $$ National Building Museum, Washington, DC.

Investigate: Chuck Close. Ages 4 - 7. 11:30 a.m., 12:30 & 1:30 p.m. Also 3/14 & 3/21. Join Pezzettino as this "little piece" searches for his place in the world. Examine the painting technique used by Chuck Close to create a portrait and try it out. 202-842-6252. National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC.

It's Surreal! Ages 8 - 11. 1 - 3 p.m. Also 3/14 & 3/21. Unleash your imagination! Investigate paintings by Joan Miro, and experiment with a drawing exercise used by the artist. Registration: 202-789-3030. National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC.

Keyboard Conversations: Chopin the Storyteller. Ages 6 & up. 7 p.m. Jeffrey Siegel presents three of Chopin's Ballades -- G Minor, A Flat and F Major -- as well as three of Schumann's Novelettes. Tickets: 888-945-2468. $$ GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax.

Love 2 Dance Teen Showcase. All ages. 4 p.m. The top dancers from area schools and studios bring the latest moves and grooves to entertain you with a high-energy performance. Tickets: 301-277-1710. $$ Publick Playhouse, Cheverly.

Princess Tea. All ages. 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Dress up as your favorite princess, and enjoy a sophisticated tea in the elegant surroundings of the mansion. Reservations: 301-258-6425. $$ Kentlands Mansion, Gaithersburg.

Wild Side Stage: Smithsonian's Discovery Theater. Ages 4 & up. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Meet Chef FONZ who will show you how animals eat on the Asia Trail, then see what's cookin' when you visit our giant pandas, red pandas, clouded leopards and more. Tickets: 202-397-7328. $$ National Zoo, Washington, DC.

8 Monday

Family Bagging Night. Ages 3 & up. 6:30 p.m. Help place canned goods and other nonperishable groceries in paper bags for later distribution to needy families in Arlington. Registration: 703-845-8486. Arlington Food Assistance Center.

9 Tuesday

Lesole! South Africa. All ages. 10:15 & 11:30 a.m. Also 3/10. This amazing dance and drum ensemble steps out in a performance that will leave you stomping and shouting. Tickets: 202-633-8700. $$ Natural History Museum, Washington, DC.

10 Wednesday

Sing Books With Emily! Ages 2 1/2 - 6. 11 a.m. Also 3/20. Join singer Emily Leatha Everson as she sings picture books made from your favorite songs. 703-241-8281. Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, Arlington.

The Little Engine That Could. Grades PreK - 3. 10:15 a.m. & noon. Also 3/11. The Little Engine overcomes seemingly impossible odds to carry a train full of toys over a steep mountain. Tickets: 301-277-1710. $$ Publick Playhouse, Cheverly.

11 Thursday

Storytime at the Kreeger. Ages 3 - 5. 10 a.m. Also 3/16, 2:30 p.m. Stories about artists, artworks and their inspiration give the impetus for a playful exploration of the collection. Registration: 202-337-3050. $$ Kreeger Museum, Washington, DC.

12 Friday

Boogie Babes: Groovy Nate. All ages. 10:30 a.m. Enjoy live, quality children's music by Groovy Nate. boogiebabes.com. $$ SOVA Espresso & Wine Bar, Washington, DC.

13 Saturday

Fabulous Foxes. Ages 3 - 6 with adult. 10 a.m. Learn how foxes catch their food, then take a hike to check out fox dens and see if they're active. Registration: 301-652-9188 x26. $$ Audubon Naturalist Society, Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase.

Reptile Day. All ages. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Learn more about the wonderful world of reptiles with educational crafts, special talking engagements and more. nationalaquarium.org. $$ National Aquarium, Washington, DC.

St. Patrick's Day Parade. All ages. 10 a.m. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Celtic dancers, floats, bagpipe bands, equestrian units and more. 301-258-6350. Washingtonian Center, Gaithersburg.

Women in Aviation & Space. All ages. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Learn about the accomplishments and achievements of women in aviation, science, technology and space exploration. nasm.si.edu. National Air & Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly.

World Children's Choir 20th Anniversary Celebration. All ages. 6 - 10:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of enchanting musical performances, Irish dancing, a reception and silent auction. Tickets: 703-883-0920. $$ St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Arlington.

14 Sunday

A Year with Frog & Toad. All ages. 1 p.m. Frog and Toad are joined by many colorful companions for a yearlong adventure. Tickets: 301-581-5100. $$ Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda.

Eileen Ivers: Beyond the Bog Road. Ages 6 & up. 4 p.m. Eileen Ivers uses music, story, film and dance to pay homage to the passage of the native Irish people from their homeland to the United States. Tickets: 888-945-2468. $$ GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax.

Incredible Amphibians. Ages 3 & up. 1:30 p.m. Take a hike to some vernal pools to hunt for frog eggs, and make an amphibian craft to take home. Registration by 3/10: 240-314-8770. $$ Croydon Creek Nature Center, Rockville.

The Little Mermaid. All ages. 2:30 & 4:30 p.m. American Family Theatre presents this tale about a mermaid who falls in love with a prince. Tickets: 301-258-6350. Gaithersburg High School.

15 Monday

A Stitch in Time: Block-by-Block Quilting. Ages 8 & up. 10 a.m. - noon. Learn the basics of hand-quilting, explore the range of how quilts are designed and made and more. Registration: 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum.

Boogie Babes: Mr. Skip. All ages. 10:30 a.m. Enjoy live, quality children's music by Mr. Skip. boogiebabes.com. $$ SOVA Espresso & Wine Bar, Washington, DC.

16 Tuesday

Money Savvy Teens. Ages 13 & up. 6:30 p.m. Smita Lal discusses the fundamentals of money management, including concepts of saving and earning interest. Registration: 703-437-8855. Herndon Fortnightly Library.

17 Wednesday

Community Sing. All ages. 7 p.m. Dr. Ysaye Maria Barnwell presents an uplifting performance of group song. Tickets: 202-686-8000 x0. $$ Levine School of Music, Washington, DC.

Musical Storytime with Don Bridges. Ages 2 1/2 - 6. 11 a.m. Join Mister Don for an interactive children's music time. 703-241-8281. Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, Arlington.

18 Thursday

Math Kangaroo Olympiad. Grades 1 - 12. 5 p.m. Join the fun math competition, and win fun prizes. Registration: mathkangaroo.org. $$ Fallsmead Elementary School, Rockville.

Tiny Tot Walk/Tyke Hike - Spring. Ages 2 - 3 1/2. 10:30 a.m. Ages 3 1/2 - 6, 1 p.m. Learn about the spring season through stories, hands-on activities and a craft. Registration: 240-314-8770. $$ Croydon Creek Nature Center, Rockville.

Water, Water Everywhere. Ages 4 - 8. 10:15 & 11:15 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. Learn about our relationship to the Earth's waters and creatures. Tickets: 202-633-8700. $$ Sant Ocean Hall, Natural History Museum, Washington, DC.

19 Friday

Cabin John Kids Club: Fun Music. Ages 1 - 5. 10:30 a.m. Join us for fun, entertainment, crafts, store discounts, a live performance by Peter McCory and more. ShopCabinJohn.com. Cabin John Mall.

Liquid Sunshine & Rainbows. Ages 18 months - 3 with adult. 10 a.m. Turn your eye to the sky as we explore rain and rainbows. Registration: 301-652-9188 x26. $$ Audubon Naturalist Society, Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase.

20 Saturday

All Brahms. Ages 7 & up. 8 p.m. Also 3/21, 3 p.m. The National Philharmonic presents this program of works by Johannes Brahms. Kids ages 7 - 17 get in free. Tickets: 301-493-9283. $$ Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda.

Kites of Asia. All ages. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Celebrate the beauty and tradition of kites from across Asia. Make your own kite, and learn about Tibetan kite making and culture. nasm.si.edu. National Air & Space Museum, Washington, DC.

Operation Secret Slumber. Ages 9 - 13. 7 p.m. Begin a night of top-secret spy training by perfecting your alias and cover-story and preparing for a night of intrigue and adventure. Registration: 202-654-0932. $$ International Spy Museum, Washington, DC.

Spring Gala. All ages. 7 p.m. Also 3/21, 5 p.m. The Manassas Ballet Theatre performs with musical accompaniment by the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra. Tickets: 800-955-5566. $$ Metz Middle School, Manassas.

TAO: The Martial Art of Drumming. Ages 6 & up. 8 p.m. Also 3/21, 4 p.m. This energetic ensemble combines athletic bodies and contemporary costumes with explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreography. Tickets: 888-945-2468. $$ GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax.

The Cashore Marionettes. All ages. 1 p.m. Marionettes perform a series of poignant vignettes from everyday life set to the music of Vivaldi, Strauss, Beethoven and Copland. Tickets: 301-528-2260. $$ BlackRock Center for the Arts, Germantown.

The Salamander Room. Ages 3 - 6 with adult. 10 a.m. We'll read "The Salamander Room," then search Rust to see what it would take to create a salamander room for our native salamanders. Registration: 703-669-0000 x1. $$ Audubon Naturalist Society, Rust Sanctuary, Leesburg.

World Dance Showcase. All ages. 7:30 p.m. Celebrate traditional dance cultures from all parts of the world. Tickets: 301-277-1710. $$ Publick Playhouse, Cheverly.

Worm Workshop. Ages 6 & up. 2 p.m. Celebrate the first day of spring with ways to keep our planet healthy. Explore the dark world of worms in a compost bin, then make your own bin to take home. Registration: 703-642-5173. $$ Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria.

Youth Festival. All ages. 8 p.m. Also 3/21, 7 p.m. This festival features the best and brightest youth from the DC metro area in performances of various dance styles. Tickets: 202-269-1600. $$ Dance Place, Washington, DC.

21 Sunday

Au Pair in America Cultural Fair. All ages. 1 - 3 p.m. Local au pairs from around the globe share their cultures through visual displays, food samples, games and performances. aupairinamerica.com. Northern Virginia Community College, Ernst Cultural Center Gym, Annandale.

Community Family Fun Day. All ages. 1 - 4 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of fun with magic shows, moonbounce, arts and crafts, face painting, book sale, nature activities and more. 703-962-9612. Gesher Jewish Day School, Fairfax.

Spring Sights & Sounds. All ages. 2 - 3:30 p.m. Make an easy craft that welcomes spring. 301-962-1480. $$ Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton.

22 Monday

Jonathan Austin: Magic, Juggling & Fun. Ages 6 - 12. 2:30 p.m. Enjoy magic, juggling and unicycle fun. Registration: 703-644-7333. Pohick Regional Library, Burke.

23 Tuesday

Hoppers. Ages 3 - 5. 1:30 p.m. Hear a hopping good story, then look in our woods for frogs, toads, birds, bugs and other animals that hop. Registration: 301-962-1480. $$ Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton.

24 Wednesday

Boogie Babes: Banjo Man. All ages. 10:30 a.m. Enjoy live, quality children's music by the Banjo Man. boogiebabes.com. $$ SOVA Espresso & Wine Bar, Washington, DC.

Go Green Lecture - Conservation Landscaping. Ages 16 & up. 7 p.m. Learn how to select, install and maintain plants for conservation landscaping, and find out how this practice helps protect watersheds. Registration: 240-314-8770. Croydon Creek Nature Center, Rockville.

Have a Musical Adventure with Groovy Nate. Ages 6 months - 9. 11 a.m. Sing along, dance and play rhythms to classic and original children's music. 703-241-8281. Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, Arlington.

Reading Comes Alive with Yoga. Ages 3 - 5 with adult. 10:30 a.m. Learn basic yoga concepts. Stories, music and yoga postures will enhance strength, self-awareness and concentration. Registration: 703-689-2700. Reston Regional Library.

26 Friday

Gustafer Yellowgold. Ages 2 - 6. 10:15 & 11:30 a.m. An alien from the sun befriends some of Earth's odder creatures in this performance featuring a blend of live music and moving images. Tickets: 202-633-8700. $$ Ripley Center/Smithsonian, Washington, DC.

Slimy Frog Eggs. Ages 18 - 36 months. 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Join us for a puppet show, and hike to our frog pond to see if the frogs and salamanders are laying their jelly-like eggs. Registration: 301-962-1480. $$ Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton.

27 Saturday

Brahms Requiem. Ages 7 & up. 8 p.m. The National Philharmonic presents this program of works by Brahms, Bernstein and Makris. Kids ages 7 - 17 get in free. Tickets: 301-493-9283. $$ Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda.

Family FunFest. All ages. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Enjoy music and games on the concourse, inflatables in the parking lot, Louie and his mascot pals and more. baysox.com. Prince George's Stadium, Bowie.

Gustafer Yellowgold. All ages. 10:30 a.m. The whole family will enjoy this musical moving storybook about an alien from the sun who comes to visit Earth. Tickets: 703-255-1566. $$ Jammin' Java, Vienna.

Hot 8 Brass Band. All ages. 7:30 p.m. Get a taste of the Big Easy with traditional songs and original works of New Orleans jazz. Tickets: 301-277-1710. $$ Publick Playhouse, Cheverly.

Hot 8 Gumbo. All ages. 11 a.m. This lecture/demonstration combines live performances of rap, jazz and rock enhanced by the myths and stories of New Orleans. Tickets: 301-277-1710. $$ Publick Playhouse, Cheverly.

My Room, My Way. All ages. 2 - 4 p.m. Learn about decorating through "The Art of Living," and design a pattern or textile for your own bedroom. 202-667-0441. Textile Museum, Washington, DC.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Day. All ages. 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Celebrate the opening of cherry blossom season with a festival that explores Japanese arts and design, DC in the spring and the official opening of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. 202-272-2448. National Building Museum, Washington, DC.

Saturday Story & Hike. Ages 2 - 5. 10 a.m. A naturalist will read a story and lead a hike based on the story. Dress for the weather. Registration: 240-314-8770. $$ Croydon Creek Nature Center, Rockville.

Smithsonian Kite Festival. All ages. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Learn about kite flying, make a kite, learn about the history of kites, watch green kite demonstrations and more. kitefestival.org. Washington Monument, Washington, DC.

White Flint Spring Camp & Summer Programs Expo. All ages. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Representatives from more than 50 day, overnight, music, sports, cultural and religious camps and facilities are on-site to talk to you about their programs. ShopWhiteFlint.com. White Flint Mall, North Bethesda.

28 Sunday

Maryland Day. All ages. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tour living history sites, hear keynote speakers and listen to live performances celebrating the anniversary of Maryland's founding. 240-895-4990. Historic St. Mary's City.

Maydale at Sunset. Ages 5 & up. 7:30 p.m. Hike through the woods and around the pond to look for who's out and about in the park as the sun goes down. Registration: 301-962-1480. $$ Maydale Park, Silver Spring.

29 Monday

Vampires...And Other Fanged Things. Ages 12 - 18. 3:30 p.m. Play "Twilight" trivia, make werewolf and vampire crafts, read books and more. 703-830-2223. Centreville Regional Library.

30 Tuesday

Pioneer Living. Ages 6 - 12. 2 p.m. Find out what life was like on a pioneer homestead. Play games, do chores and make a candle. Registration: 301-962-1480. $$ Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton.

31 Wednesday

ARABIQA: Arab Drumming, Dancing & Heritage. All ages. 10:15 & 11:30 a.m. Experience the mesmerizing pattern and flow in Arabic music through the drum and dance of master percussionist/educator Karim Nagi. Tickets: 202-633-8700. $$ Natural History Museum, Washington, DC.

Bunny Bonanza. All ages. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Learn about rabbits and responsible pet ownership with live animal encounters, demos, hands-on experiences and more. 571-258-3800. $$ Heritage Farm Museum, Sterling.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day! Ages 2 1/2 - 6. 11 a.m. Storyteller and guitarist Miss Mollie will read books about St. Patrick's Day and the start of spring. 703-241-8281. Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, Arlington.

Ongoing

Nov 19 -- Mar 31 Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor. All ages. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Wed., 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Stand face-to-face with thousands of life-size clay figures excavated from massive underground pits and used to accompany emperor Qin Shihuangdi into the afterlife. nationalgeographic.com. National Geographic Museum, Washington, DC.

Feb 6 -- Apr 11 Orchid: A Cultural Odyssey. All ages. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Explore the way orchids have permeated the lives of people around the world. Discover orchids in art, literature, exploration, jewelry, trade and business. usbg.gov. U.S. Botanic Garden, Washington, DC.

Feb 12 -- Apr 6 The New Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley. Ages 4 & up. Dates & times vary. Follow the adventures of Stanley, a boy flattened by a fallen bulletin board, as he travels from DC to France to Honolulu and beyond. Tickets: 301-634-2270. $$ Adventure Theatre, Glen Echo.

Mar 13 -- Apr 3 OperaTots. Ages 3 - 5. Sat., 11 a.m. Tots are introduced to the concept of a singing story and will put on their own opera performance for friends and family. Registration: 301-581-5100. $$ Mansion at Strathmore, North Bethesda.

Mar 16 -- Mar 28 Environmental Film Festival. All ages. Times & locations vary. Featuring more than 22 documentary, feature and animated children's films that provide fresh perspectives on environmental issues affecting our planet. dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org. $$ Washington, DC.