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

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...

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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The Sippy Cups are Coming!

by Leticia

April 27, 2009

Not to give you nightmares about giant plastic cups with spouts but if you are looking for something to do this weekend despite it only being Monday, consider getting tickets to The Sippy Cups.  

In our hunt for new music, we’ve discovered The Sippy Cups and their Electric Storyland album.  We also scored a preview copy of their yet to be released CD, The Time Machine (due out June 16), which we've been rocking out to all weekend!

As parents of preschoolers, The Sippy Cups' music is inspired by their own children and have positive principles. Reminiscent of the Beatles, Pink Floyd, and a little David Bowie The Sippy Cups’ music is kids’ music that is zany, rockin', and fun for grownups too.

The Sippy Cups will be performing at National Geographic’s Grosvenor Auditorium this Saturday, May 2 at 12 pm and 3 pm.  This rollicking group of talented funsters will thrill you with their mix of captivating original tunes, cult-rock favorites, delightful puppets, and aerial feats in a whirlwind of a show for music lovers of all ages. Bring the whole family and find out why this band has become a national phenomenon.

Tickets may be purchased online, via telephone at (202) 857-7700, or in person at the National Geographic ticket office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

THE SIPPY CUPS

National Geographic Grosvenor Auditorium (1600 M Street, NW)
Saturday, May 2
12 PM and 3 PM
Adults: $16 / Children 12 and under: $12

Click here for more information! 

 

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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...

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:

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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Montgomery Cinema and Drafthouse: Catch a Movie, Local Music, or a Night Out

by Leticia

December 03, 2008

There's a new venue in Montgomery County that's great for the whole family! The Montgomery Cinema and Drafthouse recently opened its doors and shows first-run movies, Sunday afternoon and Monday night Redskins games, and live comedy, magical, and musical performances. We went to the new Drafthouse to catch a performance of local favorite kid-rock band, Rocknoceros , and to see what the new  Read more...

High School Musical

by Beth Hoffman

November 24, 2008

No, not that High School Musical, I mean an actual high school musical. My husband and three year old went to one a couple of weeks ago and it was a huge hit. Well ok , the first two hours were a huge hit, then she'd had enough sitting still and asked to go home. But still! Singing! Dancing! Big kids! Tickets to buy and give to someone and then stubs to keep in your pocket for months! A  Read more...

Savvy Guest: A Savvy Parents Guide to the Performing Arts

by Leticia

August 06, 2008

Today's Being Savvy Washington DC guest contributor is Jennifer Buzzell . Jen is a former public school music teacher who strongly believes in the importance of the performing arts. Today she shares how performing arts are integral to a child's learning and provides a list of ideas where to find great opportunities for the whole family. Let's start out with a pop quiz! Q : Are the arts an  Read more...

Free Metro accessible summer concerts

by Leticia

July 25, 2008

Nothing says summer like enjoying music outside while you get your groove on with your kids with a cold drink in hand. Summer isn't quite over yet but it will be before you know it. With free Metro accessible concerts almost every day of the week, you can be sure to catch some live music before the summer ends. Enjoy free music on Wednesdays at Stathmore's Gudelsky Concert Pavilion Gazebo  Read more...

Introduction to performing arts at Imagination Stage's Story Theater

by Leticia

July 23, 2008

Everyone I know raves about Imagination Stage . All the preschool moms I know say that their classes are world class and hold them in the highest regard. Their fantastic performances are a fabulous way to introduce the performing arts and now Imagination Stage has a Story Theater series geared just for the preschool and toddler set. Not only am I excited about having a family activity that  Read more...

Insider tips for attending Wolf Trap's Theatre in the Woods

by Leticia

July 05, 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). She writes at Monkey Business and for DC Metro Moms . While there's no shortage of things to do in the area during the summertime, one of 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...

Downtown Silver Spring's Little Tots Summer Fun Series

by Leticia

June 11, 2008

Happy Wednesday! If you are reading this with nothing on the agenda this morning and happen to be close to Downtown Silver Spring , today is the start of Little Tots Summer Fun Series . Beginning at 10:30 am every other Wednesday there will be children's performances, in-store activities, specials at the stores, arts and crafts, and more! Here's the summer lineup: June 11- Flumpa and Friends  Read more...

Local Music- Rocknoceros

by Leticia

May 30, 2008

We were introduced to Rocknoceros a year ago 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. Hailing from Northern Virginia, Rocknoceros' Coach Cotton, Boogie Woogie Benny, and Willie Bob have been friends since they were kids. Now these three dads play gigs  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...