The best things to do in Washington, D.C. this week: August 31-September 4

Big Bird and Elmo are getting the planetarium treatment, and honestly, this is one of the more charming ways to introduce young kids to the night sky. In this 25-minute show, the Sesame Street favorites set off on an imaginary trip to the Moon, then head to Zhima Jie with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from the Chinese co-production of Sesame Street. Along the way, the show draws a simple connection between how the sky looks from different parts of the world, giving the international premise more substance than a standard character-driven kids' program. It is aimed squarely at young children, but the short runtime makes it an easy add-on to a museum morning rather than a major commitment. The planetarium show is free, as is museum admission, though timed-entry passes are required.

Immersive pop-ups come and go, but Bubble Planet earns its place by committing fully to the bit. Instead of relying on a single Instagram-friendly installation, it moves you through more than 10 distinct environments, each playing with scale, light and texture in different ways. The result feels more playful than polished, with oversized bubbles, optical illusions and interactive elements that invite curiosity rather than passive photo-taking. The VR component adds another layer without overshadowing the physical sets, and there's enough variety to keep the experience moving at a steady pace. Families will get plenty out of it, but adults with a soft spot for whimsical design shouldn't dismiss it as a kids' attraction. If you're looking for something that swaps a typical museum visit for an hour of unabashed, sensory fun, this is an easy recommendation.

If your yoga routine could use a little more groove, Sydnea’s R&B Yoga is the reset you didn’t know you needed. This isn’t your standard silent-studio stretch session. Instead, you’ll move through a series of mobility-focused flows while a carefully chosen R&B playlist keeps things loose and lively. Sydnea’s approach is refreshingly unpretentious—think less about perfect poses and more about feeling good in your body, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just rolling out your mat for the first time. The vibe is relaxed, shoes are off, and the usual pressure to perform is nowhere in sight. It’s the kind of class where you can actually laugh if you wobble, and nobody’s judging your downward dog. Bring a friend, or just come solo and let the music do its thing. Your joints (and your mood) will thank you.