You’ve done your best to teach moderation.

But from Halloween to Valentine’s Day, there’s no escaping the sweet stuff.

If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em — with a candy-making birthday party at ACKC Cocoa Bar, where kids get to tour the kitchen, check out the equipment, and make their own stash.

Choose from candy pizzas (with toppings like toffee and gummy worms), pouring chocolate into different molds (hearts, animals), or whipping up old standbys (nut clusters, caramels, and lollipops). Plus, ACKC provides cupcakes and packages to take treats home, so all you have to do is send out invites.

Easy peazy. Like taking candy from a baby.

ACKC Cocoa Bar, 2003a Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria (703-635-7917 or thecocoagallery.com).

SEE
Unleashed! the Secret Lives of White House Pets
What: A fun look back at the beloved animals who’ve lived at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Why: It’s the cat’s meow.
When: Thru Feb. 22. Sat., 10:30 a.m., 4 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 & 4 p.m.
Where: The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW (202-467-4600). Tickets online at kennedy-center.org.

BUY
Boutique District Warehouse Sale
What: Steals on maternity and baby clothes from Apple Seed and furnishings from Red Barn Mercantile.
Why: Little people, big savings.
When: Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria.

HEAR
Making the Right Educational Choice for Your Child 
What: Free discussion on education options in D.C. with board of ed rep Laura McGiffert Slover.
Why: Because you can get in.
When: Wed., 5:30-7 p.m.
Where: St. Albans Early Childhood Center, Saterlee Hall, 3001 Wisconsin Ave. NW, at Cathedral Ave. (202-375-8020).