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

The National Zoo's Guppy Gala!

by Leticia

June 08, 2009

Who doesn’t love the National Zoo?  With plenty of room to run, the excitement of visiting favorite animals, and free admission, this treasure is one of our go-to places any time of the year.  We also love their special events like Boo at the Zoo, the winter light display known as Zoo Lights, and look forward to the upcoming Guppy Gala. 

This year’s Guppy Gala is being held on Friday, June 12 from 6:00-8:30 pm and is going to be 2 ½ hours of pure fun.  This annual family event is a fundraiser that supports animal care, conservation science, education and sustainability at the National Zoo.  It features animal encounters, tasty food, and a variety of spectacular activities such as a mock construction site, rock climbing walls, obstacle courses, mazes, jugglers, gymnasts, musicians, and other live entertainment.

This year ticket prices have been discounted to make them more affordable for families to attend and since you are supporting the National Zoo, all but $5 for each ticket you buy is tax deductible!

I can’t think of a better way to support one of our favorite family places than to buy a ticket to the Guppy Gala!  The whole family will have a fabulous time and come next tax season, you will have a nice deduction thanks to your ticket purchase.

See you at the Guppy Gala!

Visit the Guppy Gala site for more information and to access the link to purchase tickets.

Guppy Gala event details:

• Friday, June 12, 6:00-8:30 pm
• Tickets: Tickets are needed for everyone over the age of 2.  Cost for FONZ members- $15, nonmembers- $25
• Parking: Passes can be requested with your ticket purchase.  1 pass can be requested if 1-5 tickets are purchased and 2 passes can be requested if 6+ tickets are purchased.

Review: MiYim Organic Plush Toys Perfect for Baby

by Leticia

May 29, 2009

Weddings and babies seem to go in cycles and I find myself shopping for baby presents for friends and colleagues.  Despite the fact that my children are only 5 and almost 3, the baby market has changed since they were born. 

The other day I ventured to Target to shop off a friend’s registry.  There were the standard onesies, bottles, and diapers but a completely new line of organic plush toys from MiYim.    

I fell in love with the super soft MiYim Andrew the Hippo and envisioned a 6 month old falling in love with it just as my daughter fell in love with her white stuffed Gund Bear.  The petite deep rose colored Baby Victoria the Bunny is heavenly for a little girl.  It comes clothed in a darling little dress that makes it tea party ready for when a baby girl grows up.

I love the idea of organic gifts like the ones from MiYim because they are made from organic cotton, use plant and mineral dyes, and are packaged in recycled materials.  I can’t think of a better way to welcome a new little baby into the world than with something super soft and completely natural.

The MiYim line is available at Target, Toys R Us, and online through Amazon.

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.

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...

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.

Coming Attractions

by Beth Hoffman

March 05, 2009

Looking for things to do with the kids this weekend?  Here are a few of the events and activities happening around town.\

Smuckers Stars on Ice at the Verizon Center (District)
Ok, so I'm cutting this one a bit close since the show is Friday night (3/6 at 6:30 PM), but I mention it for two reasons.  First, it features Michael Weiss, who I went to high school with.  Well, who attended my high school at the same time I did, not that I ever clapped eyes on him.  Second, when I first read the press release I thought it said the show featured Michael Phelps, and I had such fun trying to envision how that would work that I just had to share.  Also, ice skating is strangely captivating for many of the preschoolers I know, maybe yours feels the same way.

Majestic Eagles at Mason Neck State Park (Lorton, VA)
If you want to head to the park this weekend (the weather is supposed to be fabulous), they are running an educational program about bald eagles and will loan you binoculars and a spotting scope so you can try to sneak a peak of one in the wild.  Good excuse to get outside and enjoy our early Spring.

Shushan Street Festival, a Purim Party (District)
The District of Columbia Jewish Community Center is holding a Purim Party this Sunday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Wear costumes, catch a puppet parade and puppet show, and join the dance party.  $15 per family, tickets available at the door.

Zomo at the Zoo (district)
Have you heard about "Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth" at Imagination Stage?  Well the zoo is hosting a bunch of activities based on the show at the Kid's Farm this weekend.  Admission is free, and be sure to take advantage of a less-crowded winter time trip to visit the animals while you are there.

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.

The Circus is Coming to Town!

by Beth Hoffman

February 27, 2009

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!

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...

White House Pets

by Beth Hoffman

January 22, 2009

My daughter spent much of Monday with her Legos playing "Sasha and Malia watch the parade." She's got a bit of an obsession with the White House these days, and is fascinated that there are kids living there now. Even more exciting than the idea of kids living in the White House is the idea of Sasha and Malia's new dog living in the White House. In looking for more information to feed my  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...

Fall fun at Homestead Farms

by Leticia

October 08, 2008

When the air starts to get a little chilly and we wake up to crisp mornings, I immediately want to go apple picking. Last weekend we headed to my all time favorite apple picking spot- Homestead Farms . Located in Poolesville, Maryland, Homestead Farms is a fabulous place to go. Not only is the drive scenic but the apple picking is amazing due to the sheer variety of apples that are grown in the  Read more...

See the horses- Potomac Barn Tour

by Leticia

September 03, 2008

When I was little I really wanted a pony. I absolutely loved horses and couldn't get enough of them. Now my children spend lots of time ogling horses from the inside of the car as we past them. We have a favorite nearby stable that we frequent on our way to a park in hopes that the horses will need a pat and scratch behind the ears. If your children love horses like mine, then mark September  Read more...

A Backyard for the Birds

by Leticia

July 14, 2008

After the tragedy of a baby bird dying in our yard , it was a pleasure to watch a robin build a nest right outside our kitchen window one night during dinner. As we've sat together at each meal over the past two weeks we've watched Mama Bird sit on her three eggs. We've watched her come and go and hunker down in her nest, protecting them during summer rainstorms. Little Miss Techie and Captain  Read more...