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Festivals

Tuesday List: Reasons to Go to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival

June 30, 2009

For two weeks around the 4^th of July, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival celebrates cultural traditions. If you are thinking about going, the second part of the festival begins tomorrow and ends on July 5. If you need a reason to go, here are my top 5:

Free multi-day event means that you can see as much, or as little, as you choose with the option of returning a second, third, or even fourth day. So if the kids get hot and bothered, hop on the Metro and head home. Then return the following day.
The three themes- oral traditions in African American culture, music and its meaning in Latino culture, and the culture of Wales- are perfect learning experiences for your budding global citizen.
The marketplace is a great place to get a jump start on holiday shopping with items produced by Festival artisans in the Festival Marketplace. The Marketplace is located in front of the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art.
Evening concerts are perfect for dinnertime picnics. Enjoy wonderful music from around the world with the Capitol and Washington Monument in the background. For a schedule of events, click here.
Finally, the Smithsonian Folklife Festiva makes another great excuse to leave the ‘burbs and go into DC.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

by Leticia

June 29, 2009

If you missed The 43^rd annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival last week, head to the National Mall between 7^th and 14^th Streets between July 1-5 to learn about oral traditions in African American culture, explore music and its meaning in Latino culture and experience the vibrant culture of Wales. The Festival is free and hours are from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day, with special evening events such as concerts and dance parties beginning at 5:30 p.m.

“Giving Voice: The Power of Words in African American Culture” explores and celebrates the role African American oral traditions in American culture. The program features poetry, storytelling, comedy, radio, theater, and children’s and youth culture and is presented in partnership with the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which is scheduled to open on the National Mall in 2015. Performance venues will include re-creations of a barbershop, a beauty shop, a porch stoop and a radio station. Grammy-winning singer-storyteller Ella Jenkins and the Asante Children’s Theatre will be doing special performances for children and youth. Kids can also compose poetry, tell stories, act in a skit or practice their comedic talents. Other hands-on activities include crafts such as making finger and paper-bag puppets, storyboarding and creating a cultural scrapbook.

“Las Américas: Un mundo musical/The Americas: A Musical World” is part of the “Nuestra Música: Music in Latino Culture” series, an initiative that explores and presents the diverse, evolving and expanding universe of Latino music. The diverse musical program features music from Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay, the United States and the Dominican Republic. Children will enjoy listening the sounds of the award- winning Mariachi Chula Vista, a 14-member youth ensemble from Chula Vista High School in Chula Vista, California whose members have learned traditional Mexican mariachi music and with it, a sense of self, heritage and pride.

“Wales Smithsonian Cymru” will provides Festival visitors the opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of Wales, a small, dynamic country with an ancient history, an industrial past and a commitment to a sustainable future. Live demonstrations, narrative sessions, hands-on activities, dance and musical performances explore Wales’ rich heritage. The program features 100 participants including fiddlers, harpists and pipers; book conservators; textile designers and weavers; basket makers; woodcarvers; and potters. There are also demonstrations of genealogical research, instrument making and clog making. Welsh cooks will teach visitors about bread making, bake-stone cooking and smoking fish. There are daily craft projects to show young visitors how they can take what they would normally throw away and make it into a piece of art. Kids also will want to pick up a “Little Welsh Quiz” to test their knowledge about the country. Prizes will be awarded for taking the quiz.

For a complete listing of events searchable by day or program, click here.

Jazz ?N Family Fun Days at the Phillips Collection

by Leticia

June 01, 2009

If you are looking to add the arts into the coming weekend, head to the Phillips Collection for Jazz ‘N Families Fun Days. In partnership with the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, live jazz performances will fill the museum on June 6-7 to celebrate jazz and the visual arts. In the galleries art inspires musical interpretation as musicians interpret art through improvised sound and families visit the instrument petting zoo to interact with instruments. Children will also have the opportunity to listen to a storyteller and create their own art while being in the intimate setting of the Phillips Collection and surrounded by masterpieces by Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keefe, Marc Rothko, and many others.

Jazz ‘N Families Fun Day is part of the annual Dupont-Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend. As part of the weekend’s festivities, you can visit other museums located in Dupont Circle and the Kalorama neighborhood that will have family programming and free admission.

Jazz ‘N Families Fun Day- Presented by the Phillips Collection

Saturday, June 6, 10 am - 5 pm  

Click here for the full Saturday schedule and don’t miss Alona Lee’s incredible performance at the Phillips Collection at 10:00 am!

Sunday, June 7, 11 am - 6 pm

Click here for the Sunday Duke Ellington Jazz Festival schedule.

Herndon Festival. Really.

by Beth Hoffman

May 31, 2009

Have you been to the Herndon Festival yet? If not, you still have a chance to go from 11:00 to 6:00 today, and you should definitely take it. We went yesterday and are planning, at the behest of my almost-four-year-old, to go back today. Here are the best parts:

Lots of rides that the preschool-set can ride alone, and plenty more that they can ride with Mom or Dad.
Good food. Even my picky eater found something for lunch, courtesy of the people handing out free pita chips and hummus.
Two stages with kid-friendly entertainment. Yesterday we caught a trained dog show and local favorite Rocknocerous.
Sno cones. Enough said.
The Doodlebug. Volkswagen is the biggest sponsor of the festival (did you know they were moving to Herndon?) and they have several cars on display, including one covered in whiteboard paint where the kids can draw pictures or sign their names. On a car.
The kids tent full of art projects and friendly, helpful volunteers.
Real bathrooms. Sure, they are the trailer kind, but they are leaps and bounds above the usual porta-potty fare and much friendlier for the newly potty-trained set.
Baby changing station. A tent with a couple of tables inside. Seriously brilliant
The easiest bedtime you've had in months, your kids are guaranteed to be exhausted.

Seriously people, check it out. We planned to stay two hours yesterday and stayed for five, only leaving because we had something else we had to do in the afternoon. It's a beautiful day for a festival. Read more...

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.

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.

Weekend Picks: Fun, Free Family Fun!

by Leticia

April 23, 2009

Nothing to do this weekend? Other than getting outside and enjoying the beautiful spring weather we are supposed to have after the last few rainy days, here are my weekend picks for some great free family fun.

Maryland Day

Saturday 10-4 pm
University of Maryland, College Park

This popular free family friendly event is UMD’s open house that is filled with learning, exploration, and fun. Choose activities among the various themes: Science & Tech Way, Arts Alley, Sports & Rec Row, Biz & Society Hill, Terp Town Center, Ag Day Avenue, and Global Village. UMD will have over 400 hands on activities, workshops, events, and performances so there will be something to please everyone in your family. Click here for a list of events especially designed for kids.

Celebrate Earth Day with the Montgomery County Division of Solid Waste Services

Saturday 11-3 pm
850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, MD 20850

Catch a bus every 15 minutes to tour the county’s recycling center, get a free Leafgro and compost bin, make Earth Friendly crafts, bring your jeans and other denim clothing to repurpose into home insulation, bring your personal documents for on site shredding, and learn more about environmentall friendly homes, recycling and waste reduction, and purchasing recycled products.

Grand Opening of National Children’s Museum Launch Zone

Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, 2009, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m
NCM Launch Zone, 112 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745

Open to the public seven days a week, the Launch Zone is a place where children can prototype exhibit components and programs, share their ideas about what should be included in the new Museum, and participate in fun and educational programs related to the Museum’s core content areas. On Saturday festivities will feature recycled art activities, face painting, chalk art, food, and an original, interactive performance by the Museum, The Adventures of Wally the Water Bottle. Performances will take place at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. On Sunday, April 26, the celebration continues with recycled and chalk art activities, face painting, balloon creations, treats, and a special performance – Sea Revels – by cultural performance organization, the Washington Revels. Performances will take place at the Main Stage at National Harbor at 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

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...

Free Family Activities at the Cherry Blossom Festival

by Leticia

March 27, 2009

It is that time of year when we become blossom watchers, anxiously awaiting the peak of the cherry blossoms. The beautiful pink blossoms are always a sight to behold whether you are admiring the blooms in your neighborhood or around the Jefferson Memorial.

As in past years, the National Children’s Museum (NCM) will be presenting free family activities at the National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Day with the National Building Museum on March 28. Families are invited to celebrate the fourth annual opening of Washington, DC’s cherry blossom season during this celebration that will feature hands-on activities, martial arts demonstrations, and captivating indoor and outdoor performances exploring Japanese art and design. Activities will be from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For additional information, visit the National Children's Museum or the National Cherry Blossom official website.

Coming Attractions

by Beth Hoffman

March 12, 2009

Here are a few options if you are looking for things to do with the kids this weekend.

NSO Community Music & Arts Festival at THEARC. This event takes place from 10AM to 2 PM and all ages are welcome. There's a concert at 10AM targeted to 3-6 years olds, who are invited to bring their teddy bears. At 11, there's a musical instrument "petting zoo," an appearance by Maestro Mouse, face painting, balloon artists, and more, and finally a full orchestra family concert at 1 PM. Admission is free, but you do need tickets, so hit the website for more info.

Pi Day at the Maryland Science Center. Planning to be near the Inner Harbor? Check out Pi Day at the Maryland Science Center from noon to four. Entrance is free with paid admission and they are offering pie, a Pi memorization contest and a hula hoop contest. (Let's see.... 3.14159.... I'm out. Who can beat me?) It's Einstein's birthday too, so you can take a shot at explaining relativity to your preschooler. I wish you luck on that one.

Elephant Walk through D.C. The circus is coming! The circus is coming! And at 10AM Tuesday (weather permitting), the elephants are coming to take a stroll through the streets of D.C. from Garfield Place to the Verizon Center. They're even bringing a bagpiper in honor of St. Patrick's Day. I'm definitely heading downtown for this one, I think the sight of elephants walking down city streets will blow my three-year-old's mind. Read more...

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:

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

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...

Virginia's Cox Farms Fall Festival: A Must See

by Leticia

October 06, 2008

Guest contributor Linda Kerr lives in Fairfax County with her two children. She and her clan venture out to find cheap fun and excitement close to home. If you need a little Autumn in your Fall right now, check out Cox Farms in Centerville, Virginia. Last year was our first time to visit this nearby farm, but I think we managed three trips there. There's not too much farm about it during Read more...

Get your craft/rock/green on at Crafty Bastards

by Leticia

September 27, 2008

On Sunday, the 5th Annual Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair will be held in Adams Morgan. Hosted by The Marie Reed Learning Center, Crafty Bastards highlights up-and-coming artists and those newer to the indie craft scene. We stopped by the first Crafty Bastards in Silver Spring at the end of June and were treated to a host of fabulous unique goods. Hand sewn dim sum pieces like cha siu bow Read more...

Foster a Love of Literacy at The National Book Festival

by Leticia

September 25, 2008

Deciding what to do this Saturday is going to be difficult. Besides Smithsonian Museum Day, another great event going on this Saturday is the National Book Festival . The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, rain or shine, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between 3rd and 7th streets. The National Book Festival is a wonderful way to cultivate a love of Read more...

Celebrating the Moon Festival

by Leticia

September 13, 2008

Yesterday I wrote about the Moon Festival and mooncakes but you don't have to go to a big festival or eat mooncakes to celebrate the Moon Festival tomorrow night. Just looking outside and marveling at the size of the moon while talking with your child about how the moon is the fullest it will be for the entire year is special enough. If you want to do more, the Savvy Source Activity Finder has Read more...

Moon Festival and Mooncakes

by Leticia

September 12, 2008

As a Chinese American, I'll be looking up towards the skies on Sunday night since it is the night of the Moon Festival. Many Asian Americans celebrate the Moon Festival which falls on the 15th day of the eighth moon when the harvest moon is at its brightest. Many cities like San Francisco and New York have Autumn Moon Festivals. The street fairs are celebrations that typically feature food, Read more...

Its County Fair Time!

by Leticia

August 13, 2008

Where can you find live animals, all kinds of fried food, demolition derbies, carnival rides, live entertainment, arts and crafts exhibits, more food, and fun for all ages? The county fair! It is fair season and for your fair-going pleasure, here's a roundup of this year's Maryland and Virginia county fairs: Virginia Fairs Arlington County Fair Dates: August 6 - 10, 2008 Location: Thomas Read more...

Reston Asian Festival

by Leticia

August 10, 2008

Guest contributor Linda Kerr lives in Fairfax County with her two children. She and her clan venture out to find cheap fun and excitement close to home. Linda is currently writing a book on having kids less than two years apart (aka Baby Bunching). This afternoon, in an attempt to kill some time with my husband out of town, the kids and I hit the Asian Festival out in Reston. If you are Read more...

Outdoor Movies

by Leticia

July 11, 2008

To me, summer is all about spending as much time as humanly possible outdoors. With it staying light outside longer, our children spend more time playing outside in the evenings and later bedtimes. Without the rigid routine of the school year, it is easier to stay up just a little later and catch a family movie outside at many of the great venues that offer free family flicks throughout the Read more...

Being Savvy DC's Weekend Picks

by Leticia

June 27, 2008

Lacking plans for the beautiful weekend that is ahead of us? Well look no further! Here are my Being Savvy Washington DC picks for this weekend: Saturday- Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair On Saturday, the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair will be held in Silver Spring, Maryland (just north of the DC line) for the very first time! Hosted by Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center, Crafty Read more...

Smithsonian Folklife Festival Children's Activities- Texas

by Leticia

June 23, 2008

Today is the third day in a row that I've devoted Being Savvy DC to the ways the Smithsonian Folklife Festiva l can be enjoyed by the whole family. I covered Bhutan , wrote about NASA, and am highlighting Texas today. My goal through this series is to provide you with a kid-friendly guide to enjoying each part of the Folklife Festival when it opens this Wednesday. After learning about space Read more...

Smithsonian Folklife Festival Children's Activities- NASA

by Leticia

June 20, 2008

Today is the second of three days that I'm devoting Being Savvy DC to the ways the Smithsonian Folklife Festival can be enjoyed by the whole family. I covered Bhutan yesterday , am writing about NASA today, and will be highlighting Texas on Monday. My goal is to provide you with a kid-friendly guide to enjoying each part of the Folklife Festival when it opens this Wednesday. Little Miss Read more...

Smithsonian Folklife Festival Children's Activities- The Kingdom of Bhutan

by Leticia

June 19, 2008

It's coming The 2008 Smithsonian Folklife Festival . Now don't let the inclusion of folklife in the title scare you away. There is nothing folksy about the festival in any way, shape, or form. At least not in the years I've attended. And the Folklife Festival serves as a wonderful way to teach your child about different cultures both in the United States and around the world. This year the 42 Read more...