5 Things for Families

Although lots of Christmas happenings are still going on post-Christmas, most people are ready to shake off the tinsel and move on. And I mean move on to more awesome things to celebrate!

December 25, 2013; 8:51 AM • by Kelly Gerow

1. Fruitcake Science

Truth: I have never had fruitcake before. Maybe after visiting Fruitcake Science, where this Christmas staple is tested for its ability to float, burn, and for other reactions, I never will want to try it.

Thursday, December 26th through Monday, December 30th
Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street
$10-$11, free for members

2. Capital City Kwanzaa Festival

The Capital City Kwanzaa Festival, presented by the Elegba Folklore Society, is one of the largest Kwanzaa festivals on the East Coast. Celebrate this festival of thanksgiving, remembrance, and community strength with workshops, music, dance, children’s activities, and an African Market. This year’s theme is “Remembering Mandela.”

Saturday, December 28th • 1:00 – 9:00 PM
The Hippodrome Theatre, 528 N. Second Street
$6 ($7 at the door), 12 and under free

3. New Year’s Eve Bash at the Children’s Museum of Richmond

I can’t deal with how adorable this idea is without first curling into a ball and crying a little. All Children’s Museum of Richmond locations are hosting a New Year’s Eve party with a countdown to noon and a juice toast. NOON!

The Science Museum of Virginia (see information above) is also hosting a Noon Year’s Eve (why doesn’t it sound as darling for the science museum?), but instead of a cute character parade, 2014 bouncy balls will drop. I welcome this “noon is the new midnight” trend, because who wants to stay up until midnight anymore, right?

Tuesday, December 31st • 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
All CMOR locations (check website for location details)
Included in admission: $8 (free for members)

4. New Year’s Eve Family Frolic

Although the garden is lovely any time of the year, the New Year’s Eve party takes place indoors. Listen to music by the Ululating Mummies, make a party hat, see the trains, and if you’re still there by 5:00 PM, stay in the garden to enjoy the Dominion Gardenfest of Lights.

Tuesday, December 31st • 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave
$7-11 (free for members)

5. Harlem Globetrotters — Fans Rule Tour

Here are two things I recently learned about the Harlem Globetrotters, the legendary basketball expedition team: It is a co-ed team, and one of the players (Thunder) is from Chesapeake. On this current tour, fans are able to vote on the website for new rules to be played in the game (like the players play with two basketballs at the same time). Make that three things recently learned: A Harlem Globetrotters’ game has rules!