Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Washington, DC

National Children's Museum Shares Imaginative Ideas for Fun on a Budget

by Leticia

July 06, 2009

With summer here and kids out of school, it can get expensive to entertain them.  The price of admission, cost of fueling up, and snacks-whether purchased there or brought-can certainly add up!  Today's Savvy Guest is the National Children's Museum who shares tips for creating "magical moments" every day through creative, inexpensive activities that can be done at home.  The Museum encourages parents and caregivers to use their imaginations to conduct activities that support creative thinking and build lasting memories in children.

National Children's Museum Offers Tips for Making Homemade "Magic"- Museum provides families with imaginative ideas for creating fun on a budget

“It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week demands that go with being a parent, and you might think that you don’t have the time or money to think of new and creative activities to do with your kids,” said Linda Coulombe, Manager of Science Programs at the National Children’s Museum. “But almost every single day is filled with moments that can be extra special for you and your children – if you are looking for them.”

These “magical moments” are important for both caregivers and children. Allowing a young person to play pretend and use his imagination is an essential aspect of being a child. Caregivers should join their child in these adventures to see where together, their imaginations might take them. “Be the princess in the tower that your son saves from the dragon or be his crime busting police partner,” said Coulombe. “It is not only a good bonding activity, it will also bring out the child in you.”

The National Children’s Museum has offered the following free or low cost suggestions to help families create their own magic at home:

• Make a “magic wand” (use a wooden stick, construction paper, and glitter), then look up a few easy magic tricks and give a magic show. Make special “magic carpets” to sit on out of old rug remnants.
• Host themed dinners like “A Night in Old Mexico” or “Chinese New Year” complete with a few decorations and themed music. Add a sombrero or chop sticks.
• Make a miniature golf course in your basement. Use any kind of balls, yardsticks with sponges glued onto the ends, Frisbees, oatmeal boxes, shoe boxes, or cans.
• Have a “magical treasure box” that your children can open on rainy days. Put in small toys, ideas for fun activities, or funny jokes.
• Post riddles for children to solve on Post-It notes around the house. The first one to solve them all gets a prize, such as choosing a favorite movie to watch together.
• Start a window herb garden and then use the herbs to cook a meal together. 
• Have a “Wacky Dress-Up Day” where everyone in the family picks the most wacky clothes to wear to do chores around the house.
• Do some star gazing and adopt a favorite constellation.
• Start a never-ending bedtime story that you and your child can add to each night.
• Wear special fun hats while reading stories together. Look for funny old caps and bonnets at garage sales or thrift shops, or make your own, then start a special fun hat box.
• Build a secret clubhouse in your family room or basement out of old appliance boxes. Use old pieces of fabric for curtains, and create fun signs out of cardboard like “Wizards Only!”

 

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Saturday Fun: PBS Super Why Play Day at Area Toys R Us Stores

by Leticia

June 12, 2009

Are you a fan of the PBS show SuperWhy like we are?  If so, Super Why is launching a great new line of educational toys and is hosting events at Toys R Us stores around the country tomorrow!  Tomorrow you can head to your local Toys“R”Us for an in-store super duper Super Why! play day that is sure to be tons of fun for your Super Reader!

Kids ages 3 and up are invited to play a Super Why Bingo Game, complete a Super Why coloring activity and listen to a Super Why story. You’ll also be treated to a hands-on Super Why toy demonstration and receive special Super Why premiums, coupons, a free mask, coloring fun sheet, and more (while supplies last)!

We usually shun character-based products in our home but have welcomed the Super Why products because of their educational value.  Our two Super Why fans received some of the new Super Why products a couple of weeks ago and they have been a huge hit ever since they arrived.  They love donning their special capes and transforming into Super Why and Princess Presto to act out scenes from their favorite episodes while holding the included Why Writer and Magic Spelling Wand.  They also like taking their Super Duper Computer into their play house and pretending they are going to the Book Club. I love watching what they have learned through the episodes through their imaginative play and like that their touch screen Super Duper Computer is filled with games that help them practice different literacy skills such as learning the alphabet, problem solving, spelling, word families, word comprehension, rhyming, and reading. 

For more details about the Super Why events in your area, click here for a listing of special events just for Super Readers in the DC Metro area and around the country.

Super Readers...to the rescue!

 

Super Why Play Date

• JUNE 13, 2009
• 12:00pm to 2:00pm
• Nationwide Toys"R"Us In-Store Event

 

Click here for more details!

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Tuesday List: Easy Ways to Extend Learning into Summer

by Leticia

June 09, 2009

With many schools already out for the summer, I’ve already seen the look of dread in some parent’s eyes.  Finding things for kids to do over the summer can be tricky especially if you want them to keep up their skills learned during the school year.

Here are some easy and inexpensive ways you can extend your child’s learning into the summer:

 

• Schedule a library day- Go every week to select new books to keep up beginning reading skills and while you are there, ask if your library has a summer reading program to provide some incentive to keep reading.

• Go on a walk- A walk can be an easy way to practice observation skills that are used in science.  Take a bag to collect leaves, sticks, rocks, etc. and upon returning home sort them to practice classification skills and talk about their attributes to increase your child’s vocabulary while getting some gross motor time in there too.

• Write a letter- Every child likes to get mail so talk to the grandparents or even a fellow parents about being pen pals for the summer.  Write letters back and forth to keep up those writing skills and send along any pictures that your child draws and take along their address to send them postcard from any summer vacation spot.  If your child is too young to do their own writing, have them dictate the letter to you and send along a picture.  Their creation still helps them practice fine motor skills!

• Play with water- The scientific properties of water are intriguing for all children.  Splash in puddles, turn on the hose, and add some bubbles, ice cubes or some food coloring to a tub of water.  Learn about the properties of water as the ice melts and add some measuring cups to the tub to teach about capacity while keeping everyone cool.

• Start a lemonade stand- Meet your neighbors while you have your children practice their money skills.  While you are at it, bake some cookies to practice measurement while you whip up that cookie dough.  Not in the mood to bake from scratch?  A tube of the ready made stuff will do just fine.  Count the cookies once they are cool and learn about half- half to keep and half to sell!

 

 

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Summertime, Summertime, Sum-Sum-Summertime

by Beth Hoffman

June 03, 2009

I keep swearing that I am sticking to one activity per kid for the summer and spending the rest of our time playing at the pool and visiting new places and attending all the kid-friendly events that happen around here in the summer.  But then I keep finding out about new activities that my kids would love, so I'm having a hard time sticking to it.  In case you are still in the market for some ways to pass the weeks until school starts back up, here are some of the things tempting me:

• Yoga!  Soccer!  Ballet!  Arts and Crafts!  Swimming!  Nature hikes!  Gymnastics!  Once a week classes or weeks-long camps!  And cheap!  Oh, Parks and Recreation, where have you been all my life?  Check out your local county, city or town rec center and see what they are offering for the summer.  My almost-four-year-old could keep herself very bus bouncing from camp to class to activity at the local community center.  We've done several programs there in the past year and they have beenalmost without exception fantatic.
• Most of the indoor playground places (Gymboree, Little Gym, My Gym, JW Tumbles, etc.) offer summer camps for preschool-age and up.  I've been considering Little Gym, where you can do morning or afternoon sessions and can buy anywhere from one day of camp to the entire summer.

No, wait, I have to stop looking or else I'm going to sign the kids up for something every day of the week.  What are your kids doing this summer?  Read more...

Tuesday List: Ways to Enjoy Unscheduled Time

by Leticia

June 02, 2009

May was probably our busiest month of the year and with the end of school coming fast and furious, June is turning out to be about the same.  I know that Beth and I are constantly writing about the many wonderful activities and things to do in the DC Metro Area but today’s Tuesday List is all about taking a step back from the crazy scheduled lives that we lead by celebrating the idea of doing nothing and enjoying unscheduled time in your yard. 

After a hectic day either at school or on the weekend, there’s nothing that our two children like to do more than play outside.  Here are some of their favorite things to do that require little preparation and minimal stuff: 

 

• Play with the hose
• Make bracelets or crowns out of the weed flowers that grow in the grass
• Make chalk outlines of each other
• Dig in the dirt
• Lie in the grass and stare at the clouds
• Pick flowers
• Play hide and seek
• Collect rocks, pinecones, etc.
• Look for bugs
• Gathering sticks
• Climb trees

 

These things are proof that kids don't need a scheduled activity all the time.  They often find creative things to do in our yard with the things that are already there and these things are testament to the fact that it  really is ok to just be.

What are some of your kids’ favorite things to do during their downtime either inside or out?   Leave a comment and let us know!

 

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Weekend Update

by Beth Hoffman

May 28, 2009

Ah, Spring has sprung and the mosquitoes have not.  I think that makes this the perfect weekend to get outside.  Check out the following local events:

Friday Night Live! Summer Concert Series - Every Friday until August 28th from 6:30 to 10:00 at the Herndon Town Green (777 Lynn Street).  This Friday features Black Sheep and next week is Burnt Sienna.  Food and drinks are for sale during the shows.

How Plants Work, A Guide to Being Green - This ongoing exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Garden.  It is hands-on and targeted for kids, but I think the moms and dads will enjoy it as well.

Walking Town DC - This Saturday and Sunday, Cultural Tourism DC is sponsoring 120 free walking tours around the city.  Check out their website for full details and the schedule.

Night at Mount Vernon - May 29-31 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.  Watch the sunset from the lantern lit grounds and interact with historical re-enactors.  Tickets are required, see the website for more information.

Artomatic 2009 - The 10th anniversary of this event opens May 29th and last until July 5 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) at 55 M St. SE.  This month-long art festival is free to the public.  Read more...

Fresh Hot Tips for Visiting the National Aquarium in Baltimore

by Beth Hoffman

May 27, 2009

We have been talking about a trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore for months, and we finally made it up there on Memorial Day.  So, here are my newly-updated tips for your visit.

• Remember the stroller ban.  You can check your stroller when you get to the aquarium, but lines to check them in and out get long.  You might want to leave it in the car and fetch it later if you are staying in Baltimore for the day.
• If you want to see the dolphin show, buy your tickets in advance or be prepared to wait for an afternoon show.  We bought our tickets at 10:00 (the aquarium opens at 9:00), and the next available show was at 3:30.
• Check the aquarium's website for a list of their highest traffic days.  The aquarium basically tells you not to come on those busy days, and you would do well to heed their advice.  Memorial Day was not too crowded, at least in the morning while we were there, but the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend is one of their high volume days.
• Plan a stop at the Harbor View Cafe.  It is about halfway up in the main exhibit and a great place to let the kids have a little more freedom to wander and blow off a bit of steam from all their good behavior.  It is also a great place to let the little kids out of whatever backpack/Ergo/Baby Bjorn you've strapped them into for the visit.
• Pay attention to what the fish are eating.  We saw zucchini, lettuce, and bok choi, and my hgihly vegetable-averse preschooler suddenly wants to try "that thing the polka dot fish was eating."
• Warn the kids well in advance about the sharks.  Also warn the kids that much of the aquarium is rather dark to allow better viewing of the fish.
• Either be prepared to buy tickets to tour the submarine right outside the museum, and rent a paddle boat, and possibly go sailing in the pirate ship that my kid spotted in the harbor, or have your firm nos ready to go.

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Tuesday List: Raising Citizens of the World

by Leticia

May 26, 2009

The DC Metro Area is a pretty diverse place.  Living here makes it easy to teach children about becoming a citizen of the world by exposing them to cultures and beliefs that differ from their own while giving them an introductory geography lesson.

Here are some ways to get started:

Visit an embassy-  You don’t have to be a dignitary to gain entrance to an embassy.  Many of the embassies offer free programming for families that is listed in The Washington Post Weekend section.  Check the For Families section for something that you think your family would like and go!  Once we went to a Marimekko exhibit at the Embassy of Finland and enjoyed learning as much about the country as we did seeing my favorite graphic florals!

Plan a global playdate- I can’t take credit for this great idea which comes courtesy my Delhi Bound friend and former Being Savvy Cleveland City Editor, Naomi.  Naomi wanted to celebrate diversity by having a global playdate.  All moms chose a country to research with their children, planned a craft, and provided a snack that went with their country.  Children were given homemade passports to get a stamp at each station.  Click here or Naomi's how to guide on creating your own global playdate.  

Get a subscription to Little Passports- Each month fictional characters, Sofia and Sam, travel to a new country on their scooter and send your child a personalized package with a letter, souvenirs, and activities that are designed to teach geography, history, culture, and language in a fun and memorable way.

Choose a dinner table destination- Stuck in a dining rut and wanting to try something else for dinner?  If you are feeling super adventurous, spin the globe and put your finger on a country to choose where you are going for dinner and Google to see if there is a restaurant close by that happens to serve food from that country.  You could also put the names of your favorite ethnic restaurants on little slips of paper and have your children pull one out of a hat.  Or feel free to consult my Dinner Table Destinations: Mexico post for ways you can enjoy food from South of the Border in your own kitchen.

Attend a festival- We missed the annual Greek festival at one of the large churches on 16^th Street again this year but know that there are plenty of others.  Sometimes cruising the city, following your nose, or word of mouth is the best way to find lively cultural celebrations.

Listen to music- We love the Putumayo Kids line for fun musical tours that take us all over the world but don’t require packing a suitcase, a visa, or a lengthy flight.  The newest CD, European Playground, features music from Finland, Sweden, Belgium, England, Denmark, Hungary, France, Greece, Portugal, German, Scotland, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, and Ireland.  We also like the Global Wonders CD and DVDseries.

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Merrifield Garden Center

by Beth Hoffman

May 23, 2009

Ah, Spring, when a young suburbanite's fancy turns to thoughts of mulch.  Do you constantly smell like mulch these days, even three showers past your last stint in the garden, or is that just me?  Last weekend, to get a break from the weeding and the mulching, we went to the garden center to buy some new plants for all those bare spots that were formerly covered by weeds.  We had a two-year-old gift certificate to Merrifield Garden Center, so we decided to head over there and put it to use.  We went to the new place near Fair Oaks, not the original in Merrifield.  And wow, this place blows my regular nursery out of the water.

We had both kids with us, of course, and they had a blast.  The toddler was in the backpack, saying hello to all of our fellow patrions, and straining for handfuls of any plant I got him too close to.  The preschooler ran all over the place admiring the plants, debating the best azalea colors, helping me pick tomatoes based entirely on their pictures and/or funny names, and getting an impromptu education on the difference between annuals and perennials, evergreen and deciduous, indoor and outdoor plants, and why in the heck we needed all that mulch anyway. 

I never thought a trip to the nursery with the kids would be anything but a hassle, but it was actually a lot of fun to go through all the plants with the kids, and Merrifield was a great place to do it.  It's huge, well organized, well stocked, and has plenty of wagons to dump the kids in when they get tired of tearing up and down the rows of rhododendrons.  So brush up on your plant identification skills, or just keep a sharp eye out for the tags, and take the kids to the garden center for a free field trip and ecology or biology lesson.
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Herndon Festival 2009

by Beth Hoffman

May 21, 2009

The Herndon Festival is coming!  Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 28 - Sunday, May 31.  This year, the festival will feature:

• Live Entertainment on Three Stages
• Carnival Rides and Games
• Fireworks Displays on Thursday and Saturday
• Arts & Crafts Show including a Fine Arts Division
• Children's Entertainment
• Children's Hands-On Art Activities
• Business Exposition
• 10k & 5k Races (at the Herndon Community Center)
• K9 2-K & Doggie Expo (at the Herndon Community Center)
• Model Railway Exhibit
• International Foods

Plus entertainmant:

Thursday -The Legwarmers, Ruthie Foster, and Eric Scott

Friday - Lenka, Luke Brindley, and Leaving Texas

Saturday Night - Glen Burtnik and Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams

Sunday - Fat Ammons Band and Still Surfin'

and on Saturday & Sunday family-friendly entertainers during the day.

Now, the first time I went to the Herndon Festival was many years ago by pure accident, when we ordered a pizza to pick up from the middle of Herndon and didn't realize the festival would make getting there and back almostimpossible.  In the hours it took us to retrieve dinner, I got a good look at all the goings-on.  Lots fun for the whole family , even the littlest ones.  Be sure to park and take advantage of the shuttles so you don't repeat my pizza debacle.  Shuttles stop at Worldgate Shopping Center and Herndon High School.

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Ice Cream and Entertainment

by Beth Hoffman

May 20, 2009

Now that the weather is occasionally warmer, a lot of preschooler energy in my house has been directed to two things: when the neighborhood pool will open, and when we can go out for ice cream.  Really, my daughter prefers the ice cream man to heading out to an ice cream parlor, but the ice cream man who cruises our neighborhood has a truck that plays "La Cucaracha," and I have a hard time buying food from any place that so blatantly advertises cockroaches.  So during the summer, we sometimes venture out to one of the many local ice cream shops.  Now, when I was a kid growing up in Northern Virginia, you had Baskin Robbins and you liked it.  There were none of this Ben and Jerry's, Cold Stone, Milwaukee Frozen Custard, etc., options.  We've tried them all, and we always end up at the same place. 

We go to the Baskin Robbins at North Point in Reston.  Not because if the ice cream, which is fine, always makes the kids happy, whatever, but because of the entertainment.  When the weather is warm, the plaza in front of the store is the frequent haunt of a man with a friendly dog and a bird (I think it is a cockatoo) who wears a cape and a helmet and rides around the shopping center on an RC car.  My daughter is mad for both the dog and the bird and always holds long conversations with both whenever she sees them.  We get to have all sorts of interesting conversations with her, starting with why she should avoid strange animals, of course, but then touching on animal training and positive reinforcement and the sometimes very subtle differences between pets and wild animals.

So the next time you are in the market for a family ice cream outing, stop by Reston and check out the floor show.  And if you see me, be sure to say hello.  I'll be the one with strawberry ice cream in my hair.  (Neither child has mastered the concept of a napkin.)  Read more...

Child Friendly Bethesda Row is Fun for the Whole Family

by Leticia

May 11, 2009

Looking for a place that has stylish shopping, great dining options, and boasts child friendly spaces with room to run can be a tall order.  Recently we’ve found that Bethesda Row delivers all of the above.

With an impressive list of restaurants that can delight foodies, Bethesda Row’s restaurants are also places where parents with children can feel comfortable going with their kids for a nice evening out.  Most restaurants, including Austin Grill, Levante’s, Mon Ami Gabi, Café Deluxe, Cosi, Le Pain Quoitdien, Lebanese Taverna, and Raku feature outdoor seating.  We love being able to eat al fresco not only for the fresh air, but also because minimizes parental embarrassment since the birds tend to clean up puddle of rice or pile of crumbs left underneath our kids’ seats.

With no shortage of stroller traffic on Bethesda Row streets, store owners are used to parents who bring their kids in to browse while they shop.  The newly expanded Apple Store has 4 computers on a low table with round seats for children to test outkid friendly software titles while mom and dad browse.  Out of all the large bookstores, I’ve found that the Bethesda Barnes and Noble has the most knowledgeable staff in the children’s section and the most organized collection of books. The enticing window displays of Tugooh Toys/Yiro Children’s Clothing on Bethesda Avenue reveals a children’s paradise upon setting foot inside.

The collection of shops and restaurants may be called Bethesda Row but include an area larger than a city block which allows for plenty of walking and running between stores.  The uneven cobblestone walkway that passes by stores like Lucy, Cacao, Le Creuset and Redwood Restaurant and Bar is a safe place for kids to run since it is protected from traffic.  Just watch the windows at Redwood if they are open since the bottom corners of the many windows stick out and are about the height of a three year old’s forehead!  There’s also a great park kitty-corner from Lebanese Taverna and across the street from the newly renovated Giant Food Store

There are also many other kid-friendly stops along the way.  Barnes and Noble boosts a stage with weekly story times, plentiful floor space for cuddling up with a book, and a train set which is always popular.  The fountain outside the Barnes and Noble is perfect for exploring the properties of water or watching birds dust off their feathers.  Or run to the other side of the block to find a fountain where water runs over cups and plates with a Winnie the Pooh quote encircling it.

Bethesda Row is west of Wisconsin Avenue, between Bradley Boulevard and Old Georgetown Road.  Click here for directions.

For a list of child friendly dinner time destinations, come back tomorrow for my Tuesday List which will give a rundown of the many ethnic eateries in Bethesda. Friday’s post will feature the best places to roam in Bethesda to work out those pre and post meal wiggles.

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Saturday- Rocknoceros' CD Release Party Celebrates New PINK! Album

by Leticia

April 17, 2009

We were introduced to Rocknoceros over three years during their performance at a local coffee house and became hooked.  Ever since then we’ve been checking their online calendar and following them around the DC Metro Area like groupies.  We own both their debut CD and Dark Side of the Moonbounce and are now proud owners of their third album, PINK!  (Click here for my review of PINK!)

Ever since our PINK! CD arrived in the mail, our entire family has been looking forward to joining the band at Jammin’ Java in Vienna tomorrow to celebrate the release of PINK!  We can’t wait to rock out with the band!  There will be three shows to celebrate the release of PINK and tickets for the 11 am, 2 pm, or 7 pm pajama show are available by clicking here.

 If you can’t make it to tomorrow’s CD release party, don’t worry!  Rocknoceros has a regular Wednesday morning gig at Jammin’ Java and a full schedule where you can catch them at any of the following venues:

• April 26 - Arlington Cinema Drafthouse, Arlington VA
• May 2  - Celebrate Mama!, Bethesda MD
• May 3 - B’nai Shalom Family Fun Day, Olney MD
• May 4 - Clifton Town Hall Meeting 
• May 5 -  Chesterfield Town Center “Club Mom”, Richmond VA
• May 9 – Avalon Theatre, Washington DC      
• May 17 - Party in the Park, Annandale VA
• May 18 - Austin Grill, Centreville VA (2 Shows)
• May 23 – Ram’s Head Tavern, Annapolis, MD - 11am
• May 23 - Hometown Holidays, Rockville MD
• May 30 -  Herndon Festival, Herndon VA

Seeing Rocknoceros perform is a total treat and we hope to see you at Jammin’ Java tomorrow!  I’ll be the mom rockin’ the purple Rocknoceros shirt with the two kids clutching their train whistles and shakers who know the words to all the songs! 

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Weekend Getaway: Charlottesville, Virginia

by Leticia

April 13, 2009

If you are craving to get away from the Beltway, politics, and enjoy some different scenery, head a couple hours south to Charlottesville.  Charlottesville is known as the home of the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Monroe’s Ash Lawn Highland, and Michie Tavern.   While it best known as a college town that is filled with history, Charlottesville is also a family friendly place with plenty of fabulous food and room to run that makes a wonderful weekend getaway or even a day trip. 

Here’s a quick guide of some things to do when in the Charlottesville area:

 

Room to Run:

• Right around UVAs Rotunda is a wide expanse of grass perfect for a game of Frisbee, bubble blowing, kite flying, or just plain roaming.  Off to the sides of the grass are some fabulous old trees with low branches that are just right for climbing. 
• At the end of the Downtown Mall by the Visitor’s Center is a large amphitheater with a large stage.  Our kids loved running up and down the aisles, between the chairs, and up the ramp to the stage.
• There are also numerous parks in Charlottesville.  For the locations and details about the city parks, click here. 

 

Things to See:

• If you want to integrate a little history lesson into your visit to Charlottesville, head to Monticello.  Home to Thomas Jefferson, Monticello boasts many amenities that make it family friendly.  Skilled guides tell you everything you need to know about President Jefferson’s home in 30 minutes, which is the perfect length for those 6 and under.   Make sure to allocate plenty of time for roaming the grounds and gardens.  Monticello also boasts a brand new visitor’s center complete with a café, hands-on Griffin Discovery Room for children, and family restrooms.  For a list of family friendly activities at Monticello, come back tomorrow when I cover it as a Tuesday List topic.
• The Virginia Discovery Museum is the perfect place for the 10 and under set.  With plenty of hands on exhibits to delight kids, wallet friendly admission ($4 per person), and in and out privileges, this is a must do.  For rates and hours, click here.  Also know that the first Sunday of the month is pay-as-you-wish day! 
• Right in front of the Discovery Museum is a great chalk wall for channeling your inner artist and a 1920 push carousel.  The scaled down carousel is more like a merry go round because parents have to push their kids but it is a fun free ride that our kids didn’t want to leave!

 

Cheap Must Eats:

• On the Downtown Mall, stop at Christian’s Pizza whose tasty flavor combinations on the most crisp crust remind me of true New York pizza. 
• On the back side of the Downtown Mall is The Flat (closed Sundays and Mondays) which serves huge sweet and savory crepes.  My pick is the ham, brie, and apples but you can choose one of their flavor combinations or create your own. 
• Located in the shopping area known as the Corner (across the street from the Rotunda) Arch’s frozen yogurt serves up delicious flavor combinations.   
• For snacks and other restaurants, stop anywhere on 29 which you took into Charlottesville to find Whole Foods, Kroger’s Grocery, Giant, and lots of restaurants.

 

 

 

 

 

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Saturday Easter Events at Your Giant Food Store

by Leticia

April 10, 2009

Easter is almost here and if you have a few last minute items to pick up this weekend, do your shopping at any Giant Food store this Saturday, April 11 and take your kids.  Yes, take your children.  I really just wrote that!  Normally I enjoy solo grocery shopping trips on the weekend but Giant has some fun stuff planned for the kids this Saturday from 11-4 pm.

With Easter egg hunts down the aisles, Easter basket raffles, tastings of Easter sweets throughout the day, and Easter egg cookie decorating, grocery shopping has never sounded more fun! 

For specific times for the aforementioned events, consult your local Giant Food store.  

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Weekend Update

by Beth Hoffman

April 09, 2009

Here are a few kid-friendly events coming up this weekend.

Easter Egg-stravaganza at Woodrow Wilson House - Saturday, April 11 from 1-3 PM.  It seems President Wilson used to enjoy standing at the South Portico of the White House and watching the Easter egg-roll on the White House lawn.  To honor that tradition, the Wilson House is holding their first annual egg-roll in the garden.  Admission is pricey, $25 for adults and $10 for children over 2, but if you missed the ticket for the White House egg-roll (like most of us did), it might be a good substitute.  The Wilson House is located at 2340 S Street, NW.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show - Saturday, April 11 from 8:30-9:00 PM.  The last hurrah of this year's Cherry Blossom Festival starts with a three hour festival (stating at 5:00 PM), includes musical performances, kid craft activities, and food from local restaurants.  Rain or Shine at the Southwest Waterfront, 7th Street and Maine Ave, SW.

Washington Nationals Home Opener - Monday, April 13 at 3:05 PM, Tuesday, April 14 and Wednesday, April 15 at 7:05 PM.  Take them out to the ballpark before the heat and humidity of summer arrive.  The Nats are playing the Phillies in a three-game home stand to open the season.  For the little ones, check out the Kids Page of the Nationals website for kid-friendly information about the mascot, baseball, and chances for kids to get out and run the bases after select Sunday games.  Nationals Park is located at 1500 S. Capital Street, SE.  Green Line to Navy Yard or park at RFK and take the shuttle.  Read more...

Weekend Update

by Beth Hoffman

April 02, 2009

Here are some of the kid-friendly goings-on about town this weekend.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade:  Saturday starting at 10 AM.  It happens every year, it is a madhouse every year, and you will spend the day begging your children not to touch the cherry trees (it is bad for them, remind the tourists, would you?), but it is also the most beautiful time of year to be downtown and a heck of a lot of fun for the kids.  Alex Trebek is the Grand Marshall this year, there are musical guests that I have never heard of but who will surely delight the tween set, the DC Roller Derby Skaters, performances from two Broadway shows, and, of course, Elmo.  Take Metro, pack snacks, the kids will love it.

Rainforest Alive! at Discovery Theater:  Special family performance at noon Saturday.  Got a critter lover?  This live animal show features a boa constrictor, caiman crocodile, iguana, and other rainforest animals.  The Saturday show is followed by a reception with "Earth-friendly treats."

Our Ocean Planet at National Aquarium in Baltimore:  Saturday and Sunday 11 AM to 3:30 PM.  The Baltimore Aquarium introduces a new dolphin show this weekend with special events including games, face painting, and a "build a dolphin" activity.

Polar Weekend at the Maryland Science Center:  Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM.  Tired of the warmer weather?  Missing the winter chill?  Check out the cold weather tents, displays of cold weather animals and a polar science fair at the Maryland Science Center.  Anyone else think they should have saved this for August?  Read more...

The Great Space Junk Hunt of 2009

by Beth Hoffman

April 01, 2009

Did you hear about the fireball that some people saw in the skies over our are on Sunday night?  On Monday, officials were saying that it was caused by a Russian rocket booster re-entering the atmosphere.  Tuesday brought the news that the rocket really fell to earth near Taiwan and that what we had was a meteor.  Either way, I think it is the perfect opportunity to take the kids out for a space junk hunt.  All reports agree that you aren't going to find any space junk around here, no matter what the cause of those lights in the sky, but it is still a chance to explain all sorts of things to the kids while getting out to enjoy the Spring weather.  For the younger kids, try little rocks that fall from space and bounce off the atmosphere.  (For that matter, maybe you should start with explaining the atmosphere.)  Older kids can learn fun new words like geosynchronous orbit.  And kids of all ages can enjoy tromping through the woods imagining that a decaying pinecone of shiny scrap of soda can are really treasures from outer space.  Read more...

2009 White House Easter Egg Roll

by Beth Hoffman

March 26, 2009

So, are you spending all day today refreshing the 2009 White House Easter Egg Roll ticketing website, or is that just me?  No luck, so far for me.  They are releasing tickets in blocks throughout the day, but the times are not published so you just have to guess and get lucky.  I suppose this is more convenient for most of us than thronging the Ellipse for tickets, but at least then you can see how many people are ahead of you and what your chances aire.  Anyway, since I am dedicating so much time to running over to my laptop to hit F5, I thought I would share some fun facts about the White House Easter Egg Roll, for anyone else out there who is spending far too much time on this today.

From the White House's Easter Egg Roll website:

• The White House Easter Egg Roll will be held on Monday, April 13, 2009 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the South Lawn of the White House.
• The theme for this year's egg hunt is "Let's Go Play."  Do you think that means President Obama will be on hand to play "Wizard of Oz" with my three year old for nine straight hours?
• The first White House Easter Egg Roll was in 1878.
• This is the first time that tickets have been distributed online.

(Refresh.  Refresh.  Refresh.)

 Good luck if you are trying for tickets!

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Tuesday List: Best Places to Picnic

by Leticia

March 24, 2009

With the weather turning warmer, our thoughts turn from being inside to spending as much time as humanly possible outside.  One thing we love to do is to picnic.  On the weekends we take our cooler stuffed with food with us on outings for an al fresco lunch.  Picnics are great not only because we are spending more time outside but the crumbs that drive me crazy at the kitchen table help the local ecosystem.

 

Here are our favorite places to picnic:

 

National Zoo (DC)- We’ve picnicked all over the Zoo.  Outside the Bird House, in the giant meadow between the Ape House and Reptile Discovery Center, on Lion and Tiger Hill, while watching the seals, and off the path leading behind the Ape House.  In our opinion, there aren’t any truly bad places to picnic at the zoo and often times our picnic location is determined by when hunger strikes!   

 

Smithsonian Castle (DC)- Behind the Smithsonian Castle is a picnic oasis.  Bubbling fountains, beautifully manicured grounds, shady trees, and benches make this a perfect spot to grab a bite between museums.  And it’s not too far from the carousel in case a post-lunch carousel ride is in order.

 

Wheaton Regional Park(Wheaton, MD)- With plenty of room to run, tons of climbing structures, the miniature train, and carousel, Wheaton Regional Park becomes not just a picnic spot but a day trip.  With plenty of parking, you can keep your lunch in the car until the kids are worn out and need a bite to eat before it is off to play again.

 

Gravelly Point Park (end of National Airport runway)- What can be better than eating lunch while watching boats on the river, an endless stream of bicycles, and planes take off or land overhead during your picnic?  Gravelly Point Park has free parking and endless entertainment.  There’s also lots of grass so on a windy day, it makes a great place to fly a kite.

 

Butler’s Orchard (Germantown, MD)- When summer comes and we head out berry picking, we supplement our berry eating with an actual lunch.  While shade can sometimes be hard to find, we like eating our lunch between the boysenberry bushes or down by the farm stand under the shady trees you pass as you drive in.

 

Great Falls (the Maryland side)- Something about being surrounded by water always makes it seem much cooler at Great Falls, even in the hot steamy summer months.  We like to go for walks and pack lunch in a backpack so we can eat whenever we get hungry.  A rock usually does just fine as a seat or if you’d like, there are picnic tables by the Visitor Center.  If you don’t pack a lunch or grab something on your way, you can always get a bite to eat at the snack bar between the months of March and November.

 

Quiet Waters Park (Anne Arundel County, MD)- For a day trip away from the city, head to Quiet Waters Park, just south of Annapolis.  There you can easily spend the day between playing on the playground, visiting the gardens, or renting a canoe or kayak for a couple of hours.  With all that activity, you have to eat and luckily, there are plenty of places to do so.

 

Federal Hill Park (Baltimore)- Whenever we are in Baltimore, we love to head to Cross Street Market to select our eats among a variety of different food stalls (sushi and the fried chicken are my faves!) before heading to Federal Hill Park.  The park overlooks the Harbor on one side and off in the distance you can see a huge white mountain of salt not too far away from the large Domino Sugar sign and plant.  The fenced in area with the playground is dog-free and has a climbing structure, plenty of grass, and swings that are hugely popular.  And sometimes it is just fun to lie in the grass and watch the huge flag blow in the breeze overhead.

 

 

 

 

 

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Tuesday List: Best Tricycle and Bicycle Paths

by Leticia

March 17, 2009

With spring almost here, it is time to dust off our bikes and trikes, strap on our helmets, and get riding once again.  We are lucky that there are a multitude of paved trails with easy terrain and plenty of gorgeous scenery.

Beginning bike riders who are still adjusting to 2 wheels or trike enthusiasts will appreciate the circuits below because of the smooth paved terrain.  The trails below tend not to be overcrowded so beginning riders won’t down by over enthusiastic adults ringing bells at them to move.  The short trails won’t completely tire out little legs unless those legs are like those of the Energizer bunny.

 

• Meadowbrook Community Park- The ride from the Meadowbrook Stables to Candy Cane City (Chevy Chase, MD) is a great circuit that can take as long or as little time as you wish.  Visit the horses, ride to Candy Cane City to play, hop back on and continue through the tennis courts, and over the little bridge before heading back.  Bring a snack or a picnic lunch and eat anywhere along the way.
• General Getty Park- Tucked away in a little neighborhood in Silver Spring off of Georgia Avenue just outside the Beltway, Getty Park has a fabulous little loop for beginning riders.  The loop goes between two separate play areas and around a small hill.  Kids can also wheel on over to the gazebo just a short distance from the riding track.
• Sligo Creek Parkway Trail- There are numerous parks along Sligo Creek Parkway in Silver Spring which make it a great place to ride.  The trail is completely paved and surrounded by trees, making it a shady spot for a cool ride on a hot summer day.  Bring along a pair of water shoes and dip your toes in the creek or stop at one of the many playgrounds along the way.  Also be sure to look in the woods as you ride since deer can be spotted throughout the day.

 

The trails below are best for confident bike riders who aren’t afraid of fast moving bicycles ridden by adults and can handle a longer ride.

Capital Crescent Trail- While this trail runs from Georgetown to Bethesda, my favorite part begins in Downtown Bethesda by the Barnes and Noble.  Park in the parking garage or the adjacent lot and head south.  Stop at the playground about a mile down on the right and head back or keep going.  This trail is incredibly popular and fast moving cyclists use it throughout the year.  Heading into Georgetown you have a slight advantage of going downhill the entire way from Bethesda.

BWI Trail- Got some time to kill between picking a loved one up at the airport?  Throw the bikes in the car and check out this new trail.  While the entire trail is 11 miles long, you can do a section of it and then take a rest to watch for planes overhead until that flight arrives.

Mount Vernon Trail- This is an incredibly scenic trail that is on the other side of the Potomac from Washington DC.  I love the stretch that goes by the monuments and ends at Gravelly Point, just by National Airport.  The more ambitious riders can take this path all the way to Alexandria.  Be sure to take a list of Metro stops with you if you take this trail since you can put your bike and tired selves on the Metro to head home when everyone is exhausted!

 

 

 

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Hearty flowers for little hands

by Leticia

March 16, 2009

With the warm spells that we have had so far this month, we are eagerly watching the buds form on the trees, the yellow blooms of the forsythia in our yard grow bigger each day, and the tips of our tulip plants emerge from under the grass. 

Last year we really got into gardening and this year I’m determined to get an earlier start on our planting.  Whether you have a yard of your own or want to start a container garden to brighten up your indoor space, planting is a fun and easy science activity that is quite rewarding for young children. 

But where to start?  Sometimes the selection at garden centers can be completely overwhelming.  Last year my kids wanted one of each seed packet on the racks before them.  The pretty blossoms and colors sent them into a spring planting tizzy and it was hard to restrict them to just a few kinds.  Based on our planting and growing experience from last year, I suggest the following seeds for your budding botanist which are not only easy to grow but are sturdy enough for your child cut with child scissors without destroying the blooms:

Cosmos- I remember my mom planting Cosmos in our yard each spring.  I loved picking the pink, purple, and white ones for bouquets for our kitchen table.  Cosmos are great flowers for any yard because they tolerate poor soil, heat, and drought well. 

Nasturtiums- These blooms are generally yellow, red, and orange.  While some say you need to soak the seeds in order to have them germinate faster, we found that just planting them and keeping the soil moist was enough to make the seeds sprout.  Nasturtium flowers and leaves are edible and commonly used to adorn fancy salads but you may not want to tell your child this for fear that they will start to sample other non-edible garden plants.

Zinnias- Zinnias come in all colors and are quite hearty flowers that are also deer resistant.  My children loved seeing the beautiful yellow, white, red, bright and pale pink, purple blooms throughout the summer.  We picked them all summer long and had constant containers of them on our kitchen table.  They bloomed constantly despite regular harvesting and we even had Zinnias blooming into early fall even when it started to get cold.

Marigolds- These short blooms are usually full like pom poms.  They can be solid yellow, orange, or white or variegated with multiple colors on a single bloom. Marigolds are perfect for kids because they bloom prolifically all summer long and there’s not much that can be done to harm them.  Their stems are perfect for a child to cut and when the flower dies, you can collect the seeds in a jar to save them for next year’s planting season.

Coneflowers- We always admire our neighbor’s coneflowers.  These large flowers usually have purple petals and a beehive shaped center that rises up from the flower.  They are a perfect addition to your garden if you want to try to attract butterflies to your yard.

Black Eyed Susans- If you have a lot of room and are looking for a flower that will fill the space you give it, plant some Black Eyed Susans.  This Maryland state flower has 13 yellow petals with a black center.  They can become bushy as they plants mature but the blooms flower all summer long, making for a gorgeous backdrop in your yard.

Sunflowers- There are many variety and colors of sunflowers besides the dinner plate size blooms that tower over children.  Check the back of the seed packet to find ones that grow only a foot or two high and intersperse them with a packet of the super tall ones.  Since the stems of some sunflower varieties can be quite thick, have your child wrap their hands around yours as you use garden shears instead.

Now that you know the heartiest flowers for little hands, head to the garden center to get some peat pots and soil to start your seeds inside.  If you end up with too many seed packets like we did, have a planting party and invite some friends over to begin getting them excited about spring too. 

Happy planting!

 

 

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Elephants on Parade as the Circus Arrives in DC!

by Leticia

March 13, 2009

Every year when Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® heads into DC, everyone eagerly anticipates information about the Elephant Walk. The famed walk happens as the elephants exit the train at Union Station and walk around Capitol Hill, making for an outstanding parade as they meander over to the Verizon Center.

 

This year the pachyderm parade will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as the animals walk to the beat of a bagpiper.  The walk will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. but due to unpredictable train schedules, the starting time and route are subject to change.  The best way to get up to the latest information is to call the Animal Walk Hotline (866-683-3640 or 866-683-3650) for continuous updates.

 

The walk celebrates the arrival of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Over The Top show which is coming to DC for five weeks of wacky and whimsical circus spectaculars.  Over the Top’s biggest stars will also march on Capitol Hill in their St. Patty’s Day best.  Showing their true green spirit, the Pachyderms will parade behind the Capitol to the sound of bagpipes.

 

Want to watch the pachyderm parade?  The route for the animal walk is as follows:

• East on Virginia Ave SE (By Garfield Park)
• North on 4th Street, SE to East Capitol Street
• Continue north on 4th Street, NE to Stanton Park
• Continue west on Massachusetts Ave, NE to Columbus Circle, NW in front
• of Union Station. 
• Columbus Circle, NW to E Street, NW. 
• 3rd Street, NW to G Street, NW to the Verizon Center

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® OVER THE TOP show will be at these DC area venues on the following dates:

• March 19 – 22, Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
• March 25 – April 5, 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore, Md.
• April 8 – 19, Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA

If you are excited about going to the circus and haven't gotten your tickets yet, I'll hook you up with 4 tickets for $44! Click here to read my previous post about the circus that contains information about how the discount and treat your family to a special circus outing without breaking the bank.

 

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Tuesday List: Best Fountains to Make a Wish

by Leticia

March 10, 2009

With spring upon us, we are about ready to seek out blooming spring bulbs and some bubbling fountains.  We are extremely fortunate to have many gorgeous fountains to choose from as almost free entertainment.  It just depends how many fistfuls of pennies we bring to pitch into the water below.

Here are some of our favorites:

 

• The Bartholdi Fountain at the U.S. Botanical Gardens 
• Freedom Plaza in front of the Willard Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue by the White House
• The National Arboretum
• Lower level of Columbia Mall by Lord & Taylor
• Between Union Station and the Capitol Building
• Outside the National Cathedral
• National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
• The Garden Pool in the Smithsonian Castle Gardens
• Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD
• Meadowlark Gardens in Northern Virginia

 

What are your favorite fountains in the DC Metro Area?  Please leave a comment to add to the list!

 

 

 

 

 

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National Aquarium Washington

by Beth Hoffman

March 04, 2009

Have you been to the National Aquarium?  I mean the one in the basement of the Commerce Department, not to be confused with the National Aquarium in Baltimore.  (And if you have been to both, there is no risk of confusing them.)  My parents used to take me to the National Aquarium when I was a kid, and I remember really liking it.  They had these shallow pools full of starfish and you could touch them and even pick them up, if you were brave enough (they aren't there anymore).  My parents always seemed to giggle when I requested a trip to the National Aquarium, and the first time I visited as an adult I understood why.

The National Aquarium is, in many ways, an embarrassment.  It is a basement, it is small, it is cramped, it is poorly lit, the exhibits are insufficiently annotated, and it is frequently populated by incredulous tourists, shaking their heads and wondering how they were duped into spending their time and money on such a lackluster attraction.

However!  It is an ideal outing for a young kid.  It is small enough that the preschool set hardly has time to get bored and start whining before you have seen all there is to see and it is time to get lunch.  It generally isn't too crowded (word about its shortcomings has apparently gotten out) so you get fewer dirty looks about your kid pressing their nose against the glass at a favorite exhibit.  And then, there are two major areas where the National Aquarium Washington has it all over the National Aquarium Baltimore: a family of four can visit Washington for the price of a single child's admission to Baltimore, and Washington allows strollers. 

If you are visiting D.C. for a week, do not under any circumstances take the time to visit the National Aquarium.  But if you live here and are sick of the bugs at Natural History and are looking for an hour or two of family togetherness with your preschooler, definitely check it out.  You will be disappointed, but your kid will have fun.

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A Being Savvy Look Back at Math Activities for Your Child

by Leticia

March 03, 2009

Math is all around us although it doesn't always seem like it to your child.  If you want to incorporate some more math into your everyday activities, here are a list of fun things you can do that are a far cry from the statistics, algebra, and geometry that they will meet in their later years. 

Besides my list of savvy pre-math activities, the following fabulous posts written by fellow Being Savvy City Editors will make math fun:

 

• Being Savvy Halifax’s Raechelle Masuda has a list of ideas to get your preschooler counting.
• Vancouver’s Gwen Floyd writes about math with manipulatives like pattern blogs and Legos for some hands on fun.
• Laura Stallard Petza of Being Savvy Baltimore wrote about math at the 32^nd Street Farmer’s Market.  Take a little trip up 95 with her guide to let your child test out their knowledge of money like counting, making change, and spending or use her ideas at your local farmers' market or neighborhood grocery store.
• Music and math?  Indeed!  Being Savvy Austin’s Nicole Basham explores the links between music and math with through her interview with Petra Soltis, Early Childhood Coordinator at the Austin Lyric Opera’s Armstrong School of Music. 
• There are lots of posts about money including Nicole Teed’s review of the Lunch Money album on Being Savvy Charleston, a guide to introducing your child to money by Amy Mumper in Cincinnati, a review of the Preschool Money Manager by Naomi from Being Savvy Cleveland, and a post called Money Makes the World Go Around by Jenny Meade from Being Savvy Kansas City.
• For tips on teaching to tell time, check out Being Savvy Dallas.  Or wow your kids with your knowledge of clock facts compiled by Milwaukee’s Amy Jo Jones.  Then take a trip to a couple hours north where Cecily Kellogg tells you the best Philly landmarks with clocks.
• And math is everywhere!  Shauna Reynolds of Being Savvy Nashville finds it at the park, West LA’s Susan Choi finds it when shoe shopping, and Jennifer Signore (Pittsburg) finds it around the neighborhood and on the mini golf course. It's also part of bowling according to San Antonio editors Emily and Colleen Pence, and a big part of any baseball game whether you are rooting for the Nats, Os, Tampa, or Tuscon!
• Math is also embedded in many favorite stories.  Terese Farmen from our San Diego site shares her favorites here while our Toronto City Editor, Katie, lists some of best counting songs and rhymes in her post.

 

With all of these great ideas from the Being Savvy City Editors, your child will be ready for algebra in kindergarten!   

 

 

 

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99 Things To Do in DC

by Leticia

February 24, 2009

In no particular order, here’s a list of 99 things to do in the DC Metro Area with a child before they grow up:

1. Head out the night before and brave the elements to obtain coveted tickets to the White House Easter Egg Roll
2. Witness the beauty of the cherry blossoms at the Jefferson Memorial at their peak 
3. Go kayaking at Mason Neck State Park in Virginia since it is a great place to spot a bald eagle 
4. Step back in time and go on a canal boat ride in Great Falls or Georgetown 
5. After dinner and a bath, take your PJ-clad child on a tour of the Monuments at night
6. Appreciate the grandeur of the interior space of the National Building Museum then head to the Building Zone to satisfy your child’s inner Bob the Builder 
7. Play at Turtle Park and don’t miss Turtle Park Day  
8. Attend a performance at Glen Echo Puppet Theater 
9. Catch a show at Glen Echo Adventure Theater, DC’s longest running children’s theater 
10. Take a spin on the Glen Echo Carousel and witness the amazing Wurlitzer band organ 
11. Witness air acrobatics at Bealeton Airport Flying Circus 
12. Choose a local farm, bring your own containers, and an appetite to spend a couple hours berry picking
13. Introduce your child to the wonders of live performances at Wolf Trap Theater in the Woods 
14. Attend afternoon high tea at Strathmore Mansion 
15. Witness the power of water at Great Falls
16. Take a seat at the end of the runway at National Airport’s Gravelly Point and watch airplanes zoom overhead 
17. Explore all areas of the National Zoo, including the naked mole rats
18. Feed the koi at the National Arboretum
19. Ponder what George Washington used to think about while sitting on his back porch on Mount Vernon high above the Potomac River 
20. Ride the train and feed the trash pig (a trash can that talks when you throw garbage in it) at Cabin John Park 
21. Throw rocks in Rock Creek
22. Hike part of the Billy Goat Trail 
23. Spend time in the woods just exploring
24. Go camping at a local campground for the weekend
25. Bike the Monuments and the sights of The Mall
26. Go to Sky Meadows State Park for Astronomy Day or a Saturday Star Party
27. Let a butterfly land on you at the Wings of Fancy exhibit at Brookside Gardens 
28. Attend the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival to witness sheep shearing, partake in the fabulous lamb sold at the concession stands, and be dazzled by all the beautiful hand knit items for sale by vendors 
29. Experience the plethora of fried goods, carnival rides, and animals at a County fair
30. Have a hands on learning day at Port Discovery 
31. Go train crazy at the B&O Railroad Museum 
32. Go plane crazy at the College Park Aviation Museum 
33. Have a cultural experience at an Embassy
34. Ride a restored DC trolley car at the National Capital Trolley Museum 
35. Hunt for shark teeth at Calvert Cliffs State Park 
36. Hum The Star Spangled Banner while paying tribute to the inspiration for our National Anthem during a visit to Fort McHenry 
37. Step back in time to 1771 at Claude Moore Historical Farm 
38. Attend Claude Moore Historical Farm’s Market Fair offered three weekends a year 
39. Engage in hands on science at Discovery Creek Children’s Museum 
40. Enjoy more hands on science fun at the Maryland Science Center 
41. Stare in awe at the most amazing stained glass rosettes at the National Cathedral 
42. Stare in awe at sheets of uncut money at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing 
43. Stare in awe as you take in the scenery from the top of the Washington Monument 
44. Explore every corner of the 2 acre Clemyjontri Park 
45. Procure tickets to an afternoon performance of Cirque du Soleil and witness acrobatics like you’ve never seen before 
46. Cruise the Potomac
47. Attend Art-o-Matic, the free art festival featuring paintings, sculpture, photography, music, theater, poetry, dance and workshops 
48. Visit Cunningham Falls
49. Attend the lighting of the National Christmas Tree
50. Visit the bonfire on the Ellipse during the holidays
51. Catch Vienna based kid rock band, Rocknoceros, in concert for music the whole family will enjoy
52. Join up with Stroller Strides for a great workout and fun scenery and songs for your kiddo
53. Attend the Smithsonian Folklife Festival
54. Marvel at Jim Henson’s creations, First Ladies gowns, and the ruby slippers at the Museum of American History
55. Give your child unrestricted access to the hose one hot humid summer afternoon
56. Go swimming at an indoor pool in the middle of winter
57. Cool off at an ice skating rink during the summer
58. Be a pirate for a day 
59. Visit Meadowlark Gardens 
60. Begin to culture a love of art with a visit to the National Portrait Gallery or National Gallery 
61. Catch a summer movie outside under the stars at the Strathmore Film Fest or Screen on the Green
62. Practice using chop sticks at dim sum 
63. Go fishing 
64. Root for the home team at an O’s or Nat’s game
65. Pretend to be a rocket scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center 
66. Go apple picking
67. Take advantage of Free for All Fridays classes at the Roundhouse Theater 
68. See the sights in the snow
69. Visit rescued owls and experience the cave slide at Meadowside Nature Center
70. Enjoy the spectacle of a Chinese New Year’s parade
71. Root for the Ravens or the Redskins either live or on TV
72. Have a SmartTrip card and know how to swipe it to ride the Metro
73. Know which Metro station is closest to home
74. Marvel at the sculptures in the National Gallery Sculpture Garden
75. Seen the inspiration for the Star Spangled Banner at the Museum of American History
76. Witnessed the grandeur of the space shuttle at Udvar Hazy
77. Indulge in a hot dog at Ben’s Chili Bowl
78. Visit all the monuments on the National Mall
79. Write a letter and mail it from the National Postal Museum
80. Visit Roosevelt Island 
81. Walk among the dinosaurs or visit the butterflies at the National Museum of Natural History
82. Visit the butterflies at the National Museum of Natural History
83. Have an ice cream themed birthday party and create your own flavor of ice cream at Moorenko’s
84. Go spelunking at Luray Caverns 
85. Rock out with your kids while sipping coffee at Jammin’ Java 
86. Go on a tour of the White House with tickets from your local Member of Congress
87. Visit an aquarium- either in Baltimore or the one right here in DC!
88. Cool off at Deep Creek Lake
89. Test furniture at IKEA until you get a craving for meatballs and lingonberry sauce
90. Visit a lighthouse
91. Practice espionage at the International Spy Museum
92. Go fly a kite at the Smithsonian Kite Festival on the Washington Monument grounds 
93. Gaze at the stars at the Rock Creek Planetarium 
94. Enjoy a free summer concert at Carter Barron Amphitheater 
95. Watch the tennis pros practice for free before competing in the Legg Mason Tennis Classic
96. Become one with nature at the Audobon Nature Fair 
97. Ogle at sailboats at the United States Sailboat and Powerboat Shows in Annapolis
98. Walk in the Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure 
99. Watch 4th of July fireworks on the National Mall
100. Spend a whole day doing what your child wants to do!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Savvy Guest Andrea Astrachan from Giant Food Provides Tips for a Stay-At-Home Valentine

by Leticia

February 12, 2009

As you know, Saturday is Valentine's Day.  Today's Being Savvy Washington DC Savvy Guest, Andrea Astrachan from Giant Food, shares some wonderful tips to ensure that you have a wonderful time celebrating as a family without breaking the bank.   

There’s no better day to show your family how much you care than on Valentine’s Day. Since this year Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, you can have a family fun day and then have a romantic evening with your significant other – all while staying in the comfort of your home! There’s no need to pay for a babysitter while you eat at an expensive restaurant.  I have tips below to show you how.

Fun with the Kids

Of course kids love Valentine’s Day for the candy, fun cards and little gifts.  But you don’t need to shower them with sugar and stuffed toys. Instead, show them you care by spending quality time with them during the day on Saturday.

Encourage your children to invite a few friends over for a Valentine’s Day movie night sleepover.  Let them know that during the day they will help you prepare for their party by decorating, cooking and baking.  Together, you can use creativity to make the house a Valentine’s Day wonderland with pink, red, and white decorations. 

Help them with the crafts below and by decorating the house.

• Kaboose.com lists fun Valentine’s crafts such as Valentines’ Day Heart Box or a Valentine’s Day Piñata 
• SisterlySavings.com has some easy ways to decorate the house

The kids can also help make snacks to munch on during the movies.  Cereal Snack Mix is always a favorite and is easy to make with the family:

Cereal Snack Mix 

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. margarine
• 1/2 Tbsp. garlic seasoning (salt less or low-salt)
• 1/2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup toasted oats cereal
• 1 cup small unsalted pretzels
• 1 cup of chex type cereal
• 1 cup peanuts or raisins

Add all the above ingredients 

Steps:

1. Adult: In large skillet, melt margarine and blend in seasonings.
2. Child: measure remaining ingredients and add to skillet with help of adult
3. Adult: Remove from stove and mix well.

Romantic Evening

After the kids are all settled in with their friends, movies and snacks, it’s time for you to relax with your sweetie! You can have a romantic Valentine’s Day evening cooking in the kitchen, eating together and sharing a bottle of wine and sweet dessert. Light some candles and bring out the nice linen. No need for a babysitter, the kids are safe and are entertained.

Treat your honey - or have your honey treat you - to this Honey Mustard-Glazed Steak with Grilled Onions.  And then top it off with a Cherry Heart Cheesecake.

Honey Mustard-Glazed Steak with Onions 

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup coarse-grain or regular Dijon-style mustard
• 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley (optional)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. honey
• 1 Tbsp. each cider vinegar and water
• 1/4 tsp. hot red pepper sauce
• 1/8 tsp. coarse grind black pepper
• 1 lb. boneless top sirloin steak
• 4 Vidalia onions, cut into 1/2" thick slices

Steps:

Combine glaze ingredients. Place steak and onion slices on grill (a grilling basket or tray works well for the onions) over medium coals, brush both sides liberally with glaze. Grill steaks and onions 15-20 minutes for medium rare (145° F) to medium (160° F) or to desired doneness, turning once and again brushing with glaze.

Cherry Heart Cheesecake

Ingredients:

Cheesecake:

• 1 9" prepared chocolate crumb pie shell
• 2 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened (reduced fat can be substituted)
• 3 heaping Tbsp. (out of 1/2 pint container) sour cream (reduced fat can be substituted)
• 2 eggs
• Dash of salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla

Topping:

• rest of 1/2 pint container sour cream
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• Sprinkle of lemon juice

Cherry Sauce:

• 1 can 21 oz. cherry pie filing
• 3 Tbsp. cherry flavored liqueur or cream sherry
• Add all the above ingredients

Steps:

Beat all ingredients for cheesecake in large mixer bowl until smooth. Place in pie shell and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and pour over it mixed topping ingredients. Decorate the top with cherry hearts by spooning 2-3 Tbsp. of cherry sauce from pie filling into small dish, drop by teaspoonfuls in a circle on top of cheesecake. Carefully pull knife or spatula through cherry sauce forming hearts. Return to oven and bake at 425 °F for 5 minutes. Cool, Refrigerate overnight. In medium bowl, stir together remaining pie filling and liqueur. Serve over slices of cheesecake. Store refrigerated. 

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Andrea Astrachan is the Consumer Advisor for Giant Food and a busy mom who lives in the DC Metro Area.   

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Savvy Guest: National Children's Museum's Tips for Combating Winter Boredom

by Leticia

February 09, 2009

Today's Savvy Guest post is by the National Children's Museum whose experts are providing fun and educational ideas and activities to cure the cold-weather blues. "The winter months find most families inside, reading books, playing games, and finding ways to keep boredom at bay," said Linda Coulombe, Manager of Science Programs, National Children's Museum. "But most pediatricians and experienced  Read more...

Kid Art Auction for Earth Day 2009

by Beth Hoffman

February 05, 2009

Our fabulous Being Savvy Denver City Editor, Aimee, has recently announced the second annual Kid Art Auction for Earth Day. This effort was started last year when Aimee's six year old son suggested that they hold an art sale in their backyard. Things being what they are, the effort soon made the jump to cyberspace and raised nearly $800 for environmental causes. The concept is  Read more...

Meadowside Nature Center for Birthdays and Indoor Play

by Leticia

January 23, 2009

Sometimes planning a practical birthday party means having it outside your home. But where can you go that isn't booked almost a year in advance and won't cost the month's mortgage? I'm a huge fan of county facilities. Here in Montgomery County our swimming pools, ice rinks, parks, and recreation and nature centers are top notch and inexpensive compared to other party places because our tax  Read more...

Day Trip: B & O Railroad Museum

by Leticia

January 14, 2009

If someone in your house likes, loves, or is obsessed with trains then the B & O Railroad Museum is the place for you. The B & O Railroad Museum is conveniently located in Baltimore, also known as the birthplace of American railroading. The museum makes for a fabulous day trip far enough from the DC Metro Area but close enough that you can make sure that you donâ??t mess up nap time.  Read more...

Kicking off the New Year

by Beth Hoffman

December 31, 2008

So, schools have been closed for a long, long time now and I'm sure many of us are looking for ways to get the kids out the house for a day. The good news is that many things are open on New Year's Day. Here are my recommendations for getting the new year kicked off to an educational start. The Smithsonian - all Smithsonian museums are open tomorrow, and most open at 10  Read more...

Butterfly Pavilion at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

by Beth Hoffman

December 28, 2008

If you are looking to add a touch of Spring to these cold Winter months, you need look no further than the Butterfly Pavilion at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (10th and Constitution, NW, Smithsonian Station in the Blue and Orange Lines). Start with a stroll through the Partners in Evolution Exhibition which explored the connections between butterflies and  Read more...

Musical Holiday Traditions

by Beth Hoffman

December 19, 2008

We are a musical family. My husband is happiest with a guitar in his hands and I tend to sing all day long without even noticing that I am doing it. The children seem to be taking after us. They both love their father's guitars and the piano, my three year old daughter sings and dances from the moment she wakes up in the morning until she falls asleep at night, and even the baby is starting  Read more...

Cooking up some holiday memories in the kitchen

by Leticia

December 12, 2008

I come from a family that loves to cook. Holidays are an especially memorable time because of the favorite dishes that I've come to associate with each occasion and Christmas is all about cookies. Each year we made many different kinds of Christmas cookies that filled the house with the warmsmell of baking. Snickerdoodles rolled in red and green sugar, white powdered Russian tea cakes, brown  Read more...

Spicing up Early Literacy

by Beth Hoffman

December 09, 2008

I don't know about you, but I have a heck of a time keeping a three year old and a nine month old entertained long enough to get dinner on the table every night. At least I did, until I turned my spice rack over to the kids. Now, my spice rack is really a low shelf in a cabinet, so when I need to get dinner started I just open up the door and point the kids in that direction. The baby  Read more...

Write a Letter to Santa for a Good Cause

by Leticia

December 05, 2008

With December here and the Christmas drawing closer with each passing day, children are dreaming up their wish lists for items that they hope Santa will bring for good behavior. But Christmas doesn't always have to be about consumption. It is also a time of good will and helping others. Inspired by the 1897 letter written by 8 year old Virginia O'Hanlon to the editor of The New York Sun  Read more...

Kids Hate Shopping - Better Ideas for Black Friday

by Beth Hoffman

November 27, 2008

Still in town? Need to get out of the house or burn off that dinner? Check out some local events (that don't involve hitting the malls with the rest of your neighbors) for the long weekend. Reston Town Center - Get started early tomorrow with a 8:30 AM race for kids. Registration starts at 7:30 and kids race free. The parade starts at 11:00 and Santa arrives at 12:30. If you really  Read more...

Savvy Guest: National Children's Museum Offers Tips to Beat Winter Boredom

by Leticia

November 12, 2008

Today's Savvy guest post is by the National Children's Museum . When it opens in 2012, The National Children's Museum (NCM) will be a world-class cultural and educational center dedicated to engaging children and empowering them to make a difference. The mission of NCM is to inspire children to care about and improve the world. Today the National Children's Museum experts provide families with  Read more...

Guide to Storytimes

by Leticia

November 11, 2008

Who doesn't love a good story? Public libraries and bookstores host free story times for children that can breathe life into old favorites or make you discover a fabulous new book. Browse the list below and pencil the dates of local story times in your calendar so you are never without a great story. Public library systems: Alexandria Arlington County Fairfax County Falls Church  Read more...

Homemade Lift-the-Flap Books

by Beth Hoffman

November 06, 2008

A couple of years ago, my brilliant friend Elaine sent my daughter a book that has been one of her prized possessions ever since. It is a homemade life-the-flap book where all the flaps open to reveal family pictures. My daughter still gets a huge kick out of opening those flaps and announcing that it is a picture of her underneath, or Daddy, or Mommy. They are simple, if a  Read more...

Don't Feed the Greedy Ducks

by Beth Hoffman

September 29, 2008

Hi, I'm Beth, the new girl, and I'm going to be joining Leticia here at Being Savvy DC starting, well, now. I'll be focusing on things to do with your kids in and around Northern Virginia, and will probably even venture into the city or roam a bit father afield from time to time. I'm a not quite native of Northern Virginia, but have spent nearly 30 years in Fairfax and  Read more...

Room to Run: Brookside Gardens

by Leticia

August 25, 2008

We just went to Brookside Gardens and as much as I love going there, each time we go, I'm reminded how wonderful it is. Located in Wheaton, Maryland, Brookside Gardens is 50 acres of free tranquility and beauty that can wear your child out! One of my favorite features is the Japanese Tea House . Accessible by a stone path or a wooden footbridge, the Japanese Tea House is a place to enjoy some  Read more...

Getting Far Away with a Good Book

by Leticia

July 17, 2008

Having spent a couple years in Boston during graduate school, one of my favorite books that always brings me back to Beantown is Robert McCloskey's Make Way for Ducklings . My toddler and preschooler can never get enough of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and I'm always willing to read it because there's something magical about the story, with its charcoal illustrations and the tale of the pair of ducks  Read more...

Three Days in and Around DC: Day 2- National Harbor

by Leticia

July 09, 2008

Today's Three Days In and Around Washington, DC travel guide comes courtesy of guest writer, Jessica McFadden. Jessica is quickly becoming a household name among parents looking for things to do in and around Montgomery County, Maryland on a daily basis. She founded A Parent in Silver Spring , 50% humorous mommy blog and 50% DC-burbs local resource website, and also writes about great family  Read more...

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: Northern Virginia's Hidden Jewel

by Leticia

June 30, 2008

Guest writer Linda Kerr lives in Fairfax County with her two kids. She and her clan venture out to find fun and excitement close to home that doesn't break the bank. Linda is currently writing a book on having kids less than two years apart (aka Baby Bunching). She can also be found writing at Monkey Business and for DC Metro Moms . With school out for summer, it's tricky to find fun things  Read more...

Top 5 Things to Do in the DC Area on a Rainy Day

by Leticia

May 27, 2008

Top 5 Things to Do in the DC Area on a Rainy Day Sometimes rainy days make me want to curl up on the couch underneath a blanket with my two children cuddled close with a stack of books for a reading marathon. Other times we feel like we've been stuck in the house for days and need to escape. National Building Museum's Building Zone - - My children love anything construction related so we hop  Read more...