Watching the chocolate making process at last year's "Power of Chocolate" festival

This post is going to serve a dual purpose.  Along with my regular list of weekend happenings, I want to make some blog roll shout-outs.  It’s been too long since I’ve done so, plus I’ve got good reason for making special mentions of other local bloggers: I had the lucky pleasure of meeting some of them last night.

I was invited to join a few ladies who pen some of the blogs I follow for dinner and wine (have to note the wine, as the invitation was very specific about drinking wine, which was a good sign), and talk about kids, life, and whatever else the conversation might evolve into after a couple of glasses. Long story short, it was pretty awesome meeting the people behind the blog posts, and it confirmed that my online reading is coming from good places. So, Darcy from No Monsters in My Bed, Shannon from But I Do Have a Law Degree, Rebecca from Not-So-SAHM, and Cath from Constance Reader, thanks for a fabulous night out!

Aaaand… here’s where fun of the family-friendly variety can be found around town over the next few days. Happy Weekend!

Mmm…Chocolate – Just in time for the holiday that goes hand-in-hand with the gift of chocolate, the National Museum of the American Indian is hosting their annual “Power of Chocolate” festival. We attended last year and found it to be a treat for everyone, and it sounds like many of the festivities will be repeated: Live food demos, hands-on activities, dances performances, and artisans showcasing their work.  Especially for kids are opportunities to create paper molas, grind cocoa beans to make their own hot chocolate, and sample the tasty treat (while they last).  Some activities require free tickets for timed entry. For specifics, you can download the festival brochure here. This free event is happening on Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4:30pm both days.

Butterfly Birthday Bash – Celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Butterflies + Plants: Partners in Evolution exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History on Saturday from 1-3pm. There will be special arts and crafts activities for children of all ages, and museum educators will be on hand to talk about about metamorphosis and native butterfly species of our region. This is part of the Second Saturday Arts & Science series, the museum’s monthly program for families. Admission is free.

Super Science Saturday – The second Saturday of each month is also calendar-marker at the Dulles arm of the Air & Space Museum. Guests are immersed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics related to aviation and space exploration. This month’s theme is Scientists & Inventors.  Admission is free, but parking at the museum is $15.

African American Pioneers in Aviation – The Air & Space on the National Mall is hosting it’s own program for guests of all ages on Saturday in honor of Black History Month. The museum’s annual African American Pioneers Day focuses on the accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen. Visitors can listen to Tuskegee Airmen and their descendents talk about the challenges and triumphs as members of the groundbreaking African American World War II fighter group.  In addition, the Black Gents of Hollywood will be presenting excerpts of Layon Gray’s off-Broadway play, Black Angels over Tuskegee.  The event also includes hands-on activities, story times, and book signings. The event is from 10am – 3pm, admission is free.

Happy Birthday, Abe! – Ford’s Theatre Society is celebrating Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on Saturday with a free open house featuring a variety of programming and activities. Visitors can attend author discussions, ranger talks and one-act play performances exploring Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. They can also view the exhibits at the new Center for Education and Leadership, participate in workshops with the Education Department, and enjoy scavenger hunts and prize drawings. The Ford’s Theatre Museum will be open for visits on the hour beginning at 9am. Tickets to the event are free and will be available at the box office beginning at 8:30am that day.

Show Time – The theatre is a good place to spend a cold day, and there are several options for live entertainment this weekend.  I highly recommend Peter and the Wolf at The Puppet Co. – read my review of it here. Last I checked there were still tickets available for the 7pm performance of The Snowy Day at Adventure Theatre (though all others are sold out). P. Nokio will be on the Imagination Stage many times throughout the weekend. This week’s Saturday Morning at the National is Theatre IV’s performance of Jack and the Beanstalk. The Wings of Ikarus is still running at The Kennedy Center. And 1^st Stage Theatre’s a capella version of Three Bears just opened.  You can find more details and ticket info for all of these productions in this post about winter entertainment.

Stories in Art – The National Gallery of Art’s drop-in program for kids is back on Sunday, and this time exploring the work of artist Georgia O’Keefe. Encouraging them to see the natural world as the artist did, guests will hear a reading of the book Through Georgia’s Eyes then create watercolor drawings inspired by plants. Sessions are at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. Sign-in takes place in the East Building Atrium, beginning at 11am, and continues until all spaces are filled. Admission is free. Read a KFDC review of the Stories in Art program here.

Tommy’s Traveling Book Club – In celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the children’s book The Snowy Day, DC Councilmember Tommy Wells is leading a special storytime this weekend. Enjoy the free reading of the Ezra Keats classic at Deanwood Libray (1350 49th. Street NE) on Saturday at 10am.  All ages are welcome.

Making Dental Health Fun – In celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month, the National Children’s Museum wants to provide all of the information that children need to keep their teeth healthy and clean! Science experiments will demonstrate how toothpaste works and then attendees can learn how to make their own! Friends from Adventure Dental and Kids Smiles DC will present some fun interactive activities about dental health. And the Tooth Fairy will be making two very special guest appearances at 12:30pm and 2pm for “Tooth Fairy Storytime”! Drop in at the NCM’s Launch Zone for this free event on Saturday 11am – 4pm.

Design a Dragon – This month’s Arts for Families program at the Textile Museum is inspired by their newest exhibition Dragons, Nagas and Creatures of the Deep. Guests are invited to make their own dragon paper mola.  Molas are the colorful appliqué panels made by the Kuna people of Panama and Coastal Columbia, two of which are on view in the exhibit. On Saturday from 2-4pm, kids can create a paper mola with scissors, glue, and their wildest imaginations. The free program is recommended for ages 5-12.  No reservations required.

And it looks like this post with even more ideas for indoor fun will prove useful this weekend as well:

Rainy Day Recreation (ie, Indoor Fun)

Peter finally ensnares the wolf

The Puppet Co.’s latest production, Peter and the Wolf, is only running for two more weekends at the playhouse in Glen Echo, which means you better get your tickets soon. Because, in a nutshell, it’s one terrific show.

The one-man, multi-marionette show is not just an engaging and entertaining theatre experience, it’s also an impressive demonstration of the art of puppetry.  We get to see the classic story played out on the stage, while watching puppet master Christopher Piper manipulate and voice every character and even parts of the set.  And he does this all without missing a beat.  I can barely keep voices straight while reading books to my kids, and he does it without a hitch through a 45-minute-long performance while executing the characters’ every movements.

And lest you think this would distract audience members from the show itself, I can assure it doesn’t.  Rather, it’s quite interesting to watch, especially for adults. It seemed the children in the audience were so absorbed by the story, particularly the silly parts that elicited plenty of giggles, they didn’t even take their eyes off the puppet stage.

As for story, The Puppet Co. sticks very close to the original, except for a few changes that actually make it less scary for kids (spoiler alert: the duck doesn’t get eaten by the wolf). Piper also throws in some grown-up humor as he voices the duck’s conscience, then makes an aside to the audience about it. And he nailed the cat behavior, making him rub up against trees and wink in that funny way cats do.

These are just a few of many details that contribute to the show’s all-ages appeal that seems to be a signature of The Puppet Co.’s productions. Six-year-old Owen and I caught the performance with my friend and her two boys, ages 2 and 5, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. And judging by the laughter and applause of the audience, I think plenty of others did, too.

Peter and the Wolf is running at The Puppet Co. Playhouse through February 19.  Performances take place on Fridays at 10am and 11:30am, and Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30am and 1pm.  Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online.

Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets to Peter and the Wolf  from The Puppet Co. Playhouse, but all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

All little hands on deck on the USS Constellation

Our visit to the Maryland Science Center for the bug exhibit opening last Thursday inspired a family outing this weekend.  As I took in the view of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor through the museum’s massive windows, I thought about how little we take advantage of all the city’s great attractions. Sure, we’ve been to many over the years, just not often enough considering they are only a 45-minute drive from DC. Lately, our Charm City trips usually involve visits with friends, Maryland crabs, and Port Discovery.  So, this past Saturday we decided to head north and experience something different.

It was my husband who suggested we do a ship tour at the Inner Harbor.  We’d admired the historic vessels moored at the harbor from the outside, but had never been aboard any of them. Plus, it seemed like something we’d all enjoy. We timed it so we would arrive in time to eat lunch — there are plenty of dining options along the Inner Harbor — then start our maritime explorations.

The USS Torsk

The USS Constellation, a U.S. Navy ship from the Civil War, was the one we had in mind, but there are actually four vessels you can tour — the USS Torsk, USCGC Taney, and LV116 Chesapeake are the other three.  Admission to tour one ship is $11/adult, $5/ages 6-14, free for ages 5 and under), and you can add on for just a few dollars more per ship. We opted for just one to start, since we didn’t know how long it would take or what the kids would be up for, but ended up tacking on another, the USS Torsk submarine, since we liked the first one so much and we had the time.

Touring the rooms below - the captain's dining room

As for the ships, the fun and fascination for the kids began as soon as we walked on deck of the USS Constellation. Just being on board the big boat was a blast for them. They immediately rang the large ships’ bell in the center of the deck, then checked out the cannons all around the outer parts. And, of course, they had to take turns at the helm of the ship and pretend to steer the wheel. Below deck, we got to glimpse what were the inner workings of the ship and crew: more cannons and guns aimed out portholes; captain and officer quarters and their nice dining area; rows and rows of hammocks hanging from the ceiling, where crew members slept and the mess area where they ate; a clinic for the injured; and storage areas.

Sub par space for a big guy

Our tour of the USS Torsk, a World War II submarine, was just as cool. The kids especially loved that the exterior is painted to look like a shark. Once inside, the tour began in the torpedo room, then we pretty much walked along the narrow hallway, peered into the small rooms on either side, passed through the navigation room, then walked down the tight hallway again until we arrived in the engine room.  There are sleeping and eating areas, captain and officer quarters, kitchens, weapons storage, all nestled efficiently along the “walls” of the sub. It was a bit creepy being down there, imagining living in such a tight space, hundreds of feet underwater (but not enough for claustrophobia to kick in).  And it was funny to see my 6’4″ husband wriggle through the tiny doorways.

Tours on both ships are self-guided, and audio tour wands for the USS Constellation are available at the information desk on the way in. We decided to forgo them figuring it would be hard to listen while keeping up with the kids, but there were plenty of information panels as well as crew members on board to answer questions.

All in all, a great way to get our Baltimore fix. But, of course, we’ll be back for more!

Discovering "How Things Fly" at the National Air & Space Museum

Monday - Engage in imaginative play in the various themed rooms and crafts areas at the Playseum. Admission is $6/person (siblings under 10 months are free) and is good for the whole day. Locations in Capitol Hill and Bethesda are convenient to many eateries for pre- or post-play lunch.

Tuesday – Combine story and play time at the National Building Museum.  The Book of the Month program is back at the Building Zone, so guests can hear a reading of The Big Orange Splot and participate in a corresponding activity along with the usual fun in the play space. Readings are at 10:30am & 11:30am, and don’t forget that admission to the Building Zone is now $3, and entry is timed, with guests admitted every hour. Make it a bigger NBM outing and head upstairs for Lego play in the LEGO Architecture exhibit ($5/person) and/or hang out in the Great Hall, where large soft Lego blocks and arch building kits are often available.

Wednesday - It’s Kids Day at Lebanese Taverna in Arlington. Enjoy free children’s entertainment every Wednesday from 10-11am. On the schedule this week: Groovy Nate.  Stay after for a tasty bite to eat!

Thursday - Let fun take flight at the National Air & Space Museum.  Be sure to stop by the “How Things Fly”exhibit, which is full of hands-on displays that little ones love to demo.  And check the schedules for the planetarium and IMAX theatre — both present interesting films and shows about space and flight throughout the day.

Friday – How about storytime at the largest library in the world? The Young Readers Center at the Library of Congress hosts readings every Friday at 10am and 11am. The free sessions are designed for babies and toddlers (0-3 years old), but older children are welcome, too. Each lasts about 25 minutes, with 20 minutes of play afterwards, then clean-up. The Young Readers Center is located in the Jefferson Building (Room LJ G29) at 10 First Street SE.

Memories of Snowmageddon: It was two years ago this weekend that the mega snowstorm hit

Two years ago this month, I remember thinking that I couldn’t picture DC without two feet of snow blanketing the sidewalks, streets, front yards, and green spaces.  We temporarily replaced the stroller with a sled, and snow boots became our everyday kicks. Getting around was a massive pain in the butt, especially with a baby in an Ergo on my back and a four-year-old in my arms as I carried him over the drifts that almost came up to his shoulders.  We fell on slippery areas. We were cold.

But I look back on that time that so many of us endearingly call Snowmageddon as one of the most fun times I can remember in all my years of living here (which is a long time).  The stairs in our neighborhood park became a little sledding hill, and Capitol Hill became a big, thrilling one.  Someone built a real igloo in the park large enough for several kids to play in together. We gathered with friends for chili, Trivial Pursuit, and National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day.  We drank a lot of beer and wine. Folks walked in the middle of the street and greeted each other with extra enthusiasm (see that part about beer and wine).

I’m merely reminiscing, not wishing for another huge storm. Though if Part Deux were to hit the area, there would be no complaining. Rather, I’d get out the sled, bundle up the kids, pull the Trivial Pursuit out of the game closet, and stock up on booze.

And on that note, here’s what’s happening over the next couple of relatively warm, sunny winter days.  Happy Weekend!

Black History Month Family Day – Celebrate the start of Black History Month with the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Head to the Penn Quarter venues on Saturday for a day full of art, crafts, and live entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy music, dance, hands-on activities for kids, and a special tour of the related exhibition, The Black List: Photographs by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. Main festivities take place in the Kogod Courtyard from 11:30am – 3pm, and you can see the schedule of them here.  Admission is free.

Americana Valentines – Get ready for the love-filled holiday at the National Postal Museum on Saturday afternoon.  Drop in anytime from 12 – 3:30pm for their Red, White, & Blue Valentines workshop.  Create two heartwarming cards — one for a friend, another to send to military personnel.  Beautiful materials and inspirational examples will be provided. The Postal Museum’s workshops for kids are always well done, plus the exhibits are fun to tour and you can easily gran lunch at Union Station next door, so plan to make a big outing of it.  Admission is free.

Monster Mash of Movie Shorts – The National Gallery of Art’s monthly film program for kids is all about monsters this weekend, presenting a series of animated shorts featuring furry and fun-loving ogres of all sorts, sizes, and shapes. The mash includes favorites like The Gruffalo and an adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are, along with a few others that young film-goers will enjoy.  Recommended for ages 5 and up, the program takes place on Saturday at 10:30am and Sunday at 11:30am in the East Building Auditorium and lasts about an hour.  Admission is free.

It’s a Bug, Bug World – Chocolate chirp cookies, anyone?  Try treats with crickets, see live bugs up close, and explore all kinds of interactive installations featuring all kinds of insects at the Maryland Science Center this weekend.  The brand new exhibit Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World opens on Saturday and runs through April 29.  On weekends only, you can enjoy extras along with the displays, like tasty bug bites prepared by a chef, an insect petting zoo, roach races, and cricket spitting.  Read more about the exhibit in this new post.

Jam along with SteveSongs – The award-winning children’s musician and PBS co-host is performing three shows at Jammin’ Java with his band on Saturday. The 10:30am is sold out, but you can still catch the 12:30pm and 2:30pm shows. Tickets are $15 for ages 1 and older. Find out more about SteveSongs and hear samples of his music here.

Super Bowl Pre-Game Warm-Up – Athletes aren’t the only ones who need to warm up before the big game; fans need to get ready too!  The National Children’s Museum Launch Zone is hosting its own Super Bowl party, complete with physical drills to get little ones in top shape, paper football tournaments, and craft activities for guests to make their own fan gear. Learn about some delicious, and healthy, game-day snacks, too.  Drop in and have a ball on Saturday from 11am – 4pm. Admission is free.

The Languages of Love – Get ready for Valentine’s Day with the Smithsonian at the Freer/Sackler Galleries.  On Saturday and Sunday, the Museums of Asian Art are hosting “In Every Language Love”, an open house for all ages.  After a slideshow of images representing love in Asian art, guests can use printing blocks inscribed with the word “love” in more than a dozen Asian languages to make valentines. The free program runs from 12 – 4pm both days

Celebrate La Chandeleur – On the same day we wait for a groundhog to give us a weather report, France celebrates La Chandeleur (or “Crêpe Day”).  And Alliance Française de Washington and Hillwood Estate and Garden are observing it on Saturday with a day full of food, fun, and games. Families are invited to celebrate the holiday in festive French fashion by eating crêpes, listening to a story, and experiencing the exciting culture of Brittany, where crêpes are said to have originated. Guests can learn a customary Breton dance, make traditional Breton hats, and hear classic children’s tales told in French and English. Tickets are $15/adults, $8/ages 2-18, free for ages 2 and under, $8/Hillwood and Alliance Française Members.  The event runs from 10am – 4pm.

Auto Show – The Washington Auto Show is still going on through the weekend, and it’s an event the whole family can enjoy.  We went last Saturday, and the kids had a blast checking out all of the cars, sitting in the driver’s seats pretending to take the wheel, and even lounging in the trunk of a Mini Cooper.  There’s also the PBS Playland where kids can watch a show, play games, and meet some of their favorite characters.  Taking place at the Washington Convention Center, tickets are $12/adults, $5/kids 6-12, free for children 5 and under.

Dramagami – The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop is sill celebrating it’s 40^th anniversary with 40 days of free events.  And there’s one this Saturday especially for kids that combines origami with storytelling, drama, and fun.  Or, as CHAW calls it: Dramagami! Learn to fold three animals in each workshop and create a mini-play about the animals. Leave with your newly folded animals and a story you can act out at home with them. As you fold the animals, let your imagination go wild as you create a whole world for the animals as you activate your body and voice with a little play creation. The class will take place from 10-11:30am and is recommended for ages 7 and up. Space is limited, so registration is required – go here to sign up.

In Theatres Now – There are several children’s productions on stages this weekend – P. Nokio at Imagination Stage, Peter and the Wolf and Tiny Tots at The Puppet Co., Teen Ensemble: Romeo and Juliet at Synetic Theatre, Saturday Morning at the National, and The Wings of Ikarus Jackson at The Kennedy Center.  Get details and ticket info on all of them in this post about winter entertainment.

Winter Walks – A slight drop in temps doesn’t mean you have to shun the outdoors, especially on a sunny day.  Get some exercise and enjoy the crisp weather on a nature walk – there are plenty of great places in the area where you can hit the trail with the kids.  This post from awhile back lists some of the ground we’ve covered.

Rock Creek Recreation– Take advantage of having one of the nation’s largest natural urban parks right in our backyards. Rock Creek Park is teeming with recreational and educational opportunities for all ages. Take a hike, stop by the horse center, visit the National Zoo, check out the nature center, see historical sites, or enjoy one of many free ranger-led programs.

And it never hurts to keep these posts, loaded with ideas for indoor and outdoor recreation, handy:

The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids

Rainy Day Recreation (ie, Indoor Fun)

A vibrant welcome to Harry's Big Adventure: My Bug World!

A few days ago, I told Owen I would take him to the Maryland Science Center on his day off from school Friday.  Then, not even three hours later, I received an invitation to attend an opening reception for a new exhibit there Thursday evening.

It had to be a sign. Of what, I wasn’t sure, but that didn’t even matter.  I did know that we would be going to the reception to check out the new exhibit.  After all, it wasn’t a school night since Owen had the next day off, and it sounded like something he would absolutely love: Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World. I’ve mentioned many a time how much my kids love the insect stuff (as recently as earlier this week when I posted about the Natural History Museum), so I knew this would be a treat for him.

The dino exhibit with Inner Harbor lights in view

What I didn’t realize is what a treat it would be for both of us. We’d never been to the Maryland Science Center before, so this was quite an introduction — the lobby filled with food stands offering tasty bites, a DJ playing pop music, the Dinosaur Mystery and TerraLink areas open to guests, and, best of all, a first-look at the brand new bug exhibit upstairs.

Harry’s Big Adventure is a multi-sensory experience that immerses visitors into the world of bugs through cool displays, fun games, and interactive experiences. It all starts at the entrance, which is tunnel with screens on the walls showing close-up videos of bugs and insects. That leads to a roomful of installations for guests to explore:

Water Habitat: Insects found in swamps and waterways are at home in the Water Habitat, where guests can become a part of the insects’ world through a half-sphere bubble underneath the aquatic environment.

Forest Habitat: Visitors can immerse themselves among the trees in the Forest Habitat, where they’ll meet ants, millipedes and termites.

Virtual butterflies

Meadow Habitat: Virtual butterflies fly throughout the Meadow Habitat, landing on guests’ shoulders and fluttering away as they move and dance in front of a projection screen.

Croplands: Visitors can experience the sights and sounds of an insect swarm and learn more about why these swarms are so important for insects – and potentially threatening to humans.

Bug Art: Guests can express their creativity by building their own bugs, making a rubbing of insects found throughout the exhibit or drawing their favorite character from Harry’s Big Adventure.

Checking for bugs around the house

House Habitat: Kids can don a Terminix hard hat for a pest inspection mission to find common home invaders, including bed bugs, roaches and rodents. Owen loved this one as he pretended to be an exterminator, walking around the house in a white coat, clip board in hand, marking off the problem bugs he found.

There were also opportunities to hold live insects, see how far you could spit a cricket (yup, I did it), watch roach races, and taste insect delicacies like chocolate “chirp” cookies served up by Bug Chef.  And these weren’t exclusive to the reception; every weekend, the exhibit will come alive with all of these extras.

We will definitely be going back to visit the bugs again — and to explore the rest of the Center.  If the few exhibits we saw were this good, we can’t wait to see what else we’ll find there.

If you plan to go:

- The Maryland Science Center is located at 601 Light Street at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

- It’s closed on Mondays, and hours vary by day and time of year, so check the schedule here.

- Admission is $14.95/adults, $11.95/ages 3-12, $13.95/seniors, and rates are slightly higher if you see an IMAX.  If your family plans to make multiple visits in a year, you might consider a membership, as it pays for itself in just a couple of visits.

- Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World runs from February 4 through April 29. Additional experiences noted above will be available on weekends only.

- An IMAX theatre and planetarium present a variety of shows and films throughout the day.

- Beaker’s Cafe in on the premises for a bite to eat, but there are also plenty of restaurants nearby on the Inner Harbor.

Have you, like me, gone through your family photos recently and realized you have very few with all of you in it, let alone shots that actually turned out well? If that’s a yes (or even if it isn’t), this is a giveaway you don’t want to miss.

Cynthia Sambro-Rier is a local photographer specializing in children’s and family portraits.  A graduate of the Corcoran School of Art and Design, her interest in photographing families was sparked when she had kids of her own. “As I look back on some of my own children’s images,” she says on her website, “I’m taken back to that exact moment, and I relish in the memories of days gone by. And that is what I try to capture for you…”

Want a chance to win a photo session (worth $325) with Cynthia? It’s easy to enter — all you have to do is like her Facebook page and sign up for email updates on her website, then come back here and let me know you did in the comments section. Everyone who enters will be eligible to receive a free 8×10 print ($40 value) if they do a future photo session with Cynthia.

You can receive extra entries by liking the KidFriendly DC Facebook page and following KFDC on Twitter. The contest will run through the weekend, and a winner will be drawn at random on Sunday evening.

Good luck!

Mesmerized by an aquarium full of fish in the Sant Ocean Hall at the Natural History Museum

Monday – Since I just wrote a big post about it, and because it’s one of DC’s best attractions for kids, visit the National Museum of Natural History.  See if there’s an exhibit you have yet to explore.

Tuesday – Head to the National Children’s Museum Launch Zone for Toddler Tuesday.  This week, toddlers ages 2-4 can drop in from 10:30am – 2:30pm to discover which animals hibernate and which animals can stand the cold. Activities may include stories, games, art, and movement for children and adults to experience together. Admission is free. The Launch Zone is located at the National Harbor.

Wednesday – Explore seasonal nature topics through stories, crafts, and activities at Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria. There are still spots available in the Nature Detective program for 3-5-year-olds. The class starts at 1:30pm. (A few spots are also open in the Thursday sessions.)

Thursday – See Mouse on the Move at Imagination Stage in Bethesda.  The show about two adventurous mice ready to explore the world beyond their little mouse hole is recommended for ages 1-5. Showtimes are 10:30am and 11:45am, tickets are $10.

Friday – Boogie on down to the Atlas Performing Arts Center where Mr. Skip will be playing the Boogie Babes show at 10:30am.  Admission is $5/child, free for siblings 6 months and under. The Atlas is located at 1333 H Street NE.

Sasha, at one year old, holding a giant cockroach at the NMNH Insect Zoo

One of my New Year’s blogging resolutions was to re-organize a bit. I devote so much of this space to posting about special, timely events that I often neglect writing about the “tried and true,” those mainstay DC attractions that are  go-to pursuits for families. They’re mentioned now and then as recommendations for weekday or weekend activities, as well as in round-ups of indoor and outdoor ideas, but it’s not often that one gets a dedicated post with tips and insights garnered from my own adventures with my kids. This is somewhat ironic, since many of those places and activities are our trustiest, things we’ve been experiencing for years and enjoy on a regular basis — you’d think I’d have an overload of rambling posts about them.

So, with January nearly over, it’s about time I paid heed to that resolution and began documenting the tried and true as what I’ll call “The Permanent Collection”.  And what better way to start than with one of our absolute favorite places, the National Museum of Natural History. Or, as my kids like to call it, the Dinosaur Museum.

Hence, the "Dino Museum" nickname

One of the most popular of all the Smithsonian venues, the National Museum of Natural History never fails to thrill the kids. I can’t even count the number of times we’ve toured the exhibits; Owen is like my own personal docent when we visit, guiding us through the displays, naming every creature, and handling interactives like a pro. But the museum is a big place, and it’s practically impossible to see everything in one day, so we usually pick two or three exhibits/activities to explore (or re-explore, in our case), the following being our favorites. (Of course, if I am missing something really good, please let me know in the comments section!)

The  Elephant in the Room
You can’t talk about the Natural History Museum without mentioning the African elephant exhibit smack in the middle of the grand Rotunda. Even though they’ve seen it countless times, my kids still stand below, mouths agape, as they take in its enormity. They also like to press buttons on a surrounding display panel to hear its wild calls.

The Dinosaurs
The lure of this collection is pretty obvious: What kid isn’t fascinated by the giant skeletal models of prehistoric beasts? And, like most museum exhibits, it gets better for the kids all the time. As Owen has gotten older, he’s become interested in smaller displays, like maps and dioramas that illustrate where different species lived and cases full of real fossils. And we always stop by the FossiLab to watch paleontologists at work through glass walls.

Enthralled by walking stick in the Insect Zoo

Insect Zoo & Butterfly Pavillion
With interactive exhibits, live creatures on display, and opportunities to hold some of them, it may just be my kids’ favorite part of the museum – both were handling giant caterpillars, cockroaches, and beetles before they could even talk. At various times throughout the day, museum volunteers bring out all kinds of creepy crawlies that guests can view up close and hold.  And, depending on timing, you may be able to watch a tarantula feeding, too. For exhibits that aren’t alive, but still fun, kids can check out the “house” in the southwest corner to find out where different insects might make their home in your abode or try to match up bugs with their contributions to the human world on an interactive panel nearby. They can also crawl through a termite tunnel and examine scads of live insect species in terrariums.  Right next door, is the Butterfly Pavillion, where guests can walk among nearly 50 different species of butterflies as well as exotic plants.  It’s one of the few exhibits that requires a fee — $6/adults, $5/children 2-12, $5.50/seniors.

Sant Ocean Hall
My kids are mesmerized by the aquariums full of colorful fish, underwater scenes projected on the walls, the whale and skeleton suspended overhead, and the giant squid stretched out inside a display case in the center of the hall. Located on the first floor on the opposite side of the Rotunda from the entrance, this exhibit is a must-tour for anyone, young or old, with an interest in oceans and marine life.

Hall of Mammals

Hall of Mammals
This popular exhibit on the main floor is a very cool   showcase of animal species — and masterful taxidermy. The mammals have been preserved so well they look real; even their stances and expressions recall scenes from the jungle, out of the ocean, or off the African plains. Just beyond the wildlife display is a theater where guests can watch a short film about mammal evolution and get a photo op next to the bronze sculpture of Harriet the chimp.

Johnson IMAX Theater
Many of the films playing at the museum are perfect for young movie-goers. with interesting subjects relating to nature, relatively short run times (an hour or less), and the 3D aspect of “being there”. See the current schedule here, and read a review of Born to Be Wild 3D here.

Discovery Room
Kids can enjoy fun, interesting activities here, like dressing up in costumes from different cultures and examining fossils and minerals up close. However, the hours are limited, and I find it’s often closed or very crowded when we are there.  If you want to include it in your visit, it’s open during these hours:  Tuesday-Thursday,12-2:30pm.; Friday 10:30am-2:30pm; Saturday and Sunday 10:30am-3:30pm; closed Mondays.

Hall of Geology, Gems & Minerals
While this isn’t a usual stop for us at the museum – my kids go for the less subtle exhibits right now – I know it’s very popular with many folks, so it’s still worth a mention. And given Sasha’s penchant for sparkly things, it’s likely to become a favorite soon.

If you plan to go:

- The National Museum of Natural History is located at 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW. The closest Metro station is Smithsonian on the Blue/Orange line.

- If you drive, parking is available on nearby streets, or in parking garages across Constitution.

- There are two entrances, on the National Mall side and on Constitution Avenue.  The latter is stroller-friendly with a ramp and automatic doors.

- Admission to the museum is free, but fees are required for the Butterfly Pavillion ($6/adults, $5/children 2-12, $5.50/seniors) and IMAX movies ($9/ticket).

- There is café located on the ground floor that sells sandwiches, salads, coffee and treats.

- Beware the museum shop if you leave via the Constitution exit. Small toys and other neat items are on open display, practically calling your child’s name. (We’ve had a couple of near-accidental shoplifting incidents because of it!)

Crossing a high footbridge at Living Classrooms in Glen Echo Park

Who would ever guess that near-60-degree nice days in DC would be a regular occurrence in the middle of winter?  This is exactly why this weekend round-up is steeped with recommendations that take place indoors, despite at least one of those glorious days on the way.  If you want to get out and seize it — because who knows when Snowmageddon II could hit? — scroll right down to the end of the list for a link to a wealth of outdoor ideas.  Otherwise, read on to explore all of your options for family fun, from the Auto Show and the Monster Jam, to Chinese Lunar New Year and birthday celebrations, to a puppet festival and puppet shows, and even more possibilities in between.  Happy Weekend!

Auto Focus – The 2012 Washington Auto Show begins today and runs through next weekend. If there’s any “grown-up” event that is equally fun for all ages, this is it. And I know from firsthand experience; our family went to the show last year and practically had to drag the kids out when it was finally time to go. It’s like a Truck Touch, but with autombiles — more than 700 of them! — on display for guests to check out. And especially for kids will be Playland, an area filled with games, toys, videos, and cuddly mascots, including some from the PBS show SuperWhy! This all takes place at the Washington Convention Center. Tickets are $12/adults, $5/ages 6-12, free for 5 and under. Hours are 12-10pm Friday, 10am-10pm Saturday, and 10am-7pm Sunday. See this post for even more details.

Year of the Dragon  – Usher in the lunar year 4017 on Sunday at the Chinese New Year Parade.  Festivities kick off at 6^th & I Streets NW at 2pm and will wind through the streets of Chinatown celebrating Chinese culture in a brilliant procession that includes traditional dance, music, and, of course, the iconic dragons. The parade is expected to last about two and a half hours, and spectating is free. View the route here to stake out your curbside spot.

Build-a-Saurus at Lowe’s – It’s another Build and Learn Clinic at the home improvement store on Saturday. Lowe’s hosts free bimonthly workshops for kids, and during this session guests can build a wooden dino, then choose the stickers to make it a cartoon or a realistic dinosaur. The store will provide all the materials, along with goggles, an apron, and other goodies to take home. We haven’t yet been, but a friend went to the last one and gave it a great review.  Go here to find your local Lowe’s and register for the workshop.

Monster Jam – If you hear a rumble echoing around the city this weekend, chances are it’s coming from the Verizon Center where 12-foot-tall, 10-thousand-pound monster trucks will be wowing crowds with big stunts, power races, and wheelie contests (can you imagine one of those things popping a wheelie?!). There are shows Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. Tickets are $60/VIP seats, $25/Gold Circle seats, and Mid-Level are $20/adults, $10/kids 2-12, kids under 2 are free.   There is also a pit party on Saturday from 11am – 12:30pm, where guests can meet drivers, check out cars up close, and more. According to the website, pit passes are generally available for free at Advance Auto Parts retailers while supplies last. They are also available for purchase at the Verizon Center the day of the show when accompanied by the appropriate event ticket.

Show Time - Sit back, relax, and enjoy the shows at local theaters. The Snowy Day is at Adventure Theatre, Peter and the Wolf and Tiny Tots are at The Puppet Co., and Mouse on the Move is at Imagination Stage. You can find details on all of these productions in this post about winter entertainment.

Living Classrooms – Whether you’re at Glen Echo Park to catch a show or just looking for a little nature fun for the kids, Living Classrooms, located just off the path that leads from the park to the parking lot is worth checking out.  We’ve passed by numerous times, but never actually visited until last weekend, after we found out the show we were supposed to see was canceled. What a neat discovery — the small building contained a giant ant hill that kids cold crawl through, a high foot bridge to cross and a tree to slide down, various critters and creatures observe, and more. One of the highlights was a an animal encounter with a rosy boa and a chance to pet the snake.  There’s also an art room that’s open to the outdoors — a great place to draw inspiration from nature when weather permits.  It’s all open to visitors on Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 3pm both days.  Admission is $5/person, free for children under 2.

Happy Birthday, Renwick! – Celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the opening of the Renwick Gallery. Enjoy live music, hands-on activities, a docent led touch table, craft activities, mini scavenger hunts through the galleries, and, of course, cake! This all takes place on Saturday from 11am – 2pm. Admission is free.

Happy 25^th, IKEA Woodbridge – Everyone’s favorite DIY furniture and everything else store is celebrating 25 years at the Northern Virginia location with goodies for customers — four days of savings, giveaways, design workshops, and family fun! Be the first 100 in line on Saturday and Sunday and win an IKEA gift card worth anywhere from $5-$250.   Also among the festivities: live entertainment, including a string quartet, pianist, and opera singer from the Opera Performance Group from the college of William and Mary; fun events for the kids, including face painting each day from 12-2pm; and on Sunday, Radio Disney will be there from 1-3pm with non-stop music, games and giveaways.

See Us Fly: The Wright Brothers – On Saturday at 11:30am and 1pm, the National Air & Space Museum presents a puppet performance about Orville and Wilbur Wright and their journey into the history books. This is the story of two very determined brothers who beat the odds to create the world’s first self-propelled flying machine. Rainbow Puppet Productions will perform two 40-minute performances. Recommended for ages 4-8. Admission is free.

The Artist in You – The National Children Museum’s Launch Zone welcomes kids to discover their inner-artists — the only supply needed is their creativity! They can learn about artists such as Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Alexander Calder and have the chance to create their own artistic masterpieces using marbles, construction paper, and more interesting textiles. Drop in on Saturday from 11am – 4pm. Admission is free.

Puppet Festival – The McClean Community Center’s Alden Theatre is hosting a day dedicated to puppetry on Saturday.  Guests can enjoy two puppet shows starting at 1:30pm, then make their own puppets at puppet creation stations.  Admission is $10, children 2 and under are free.  Purchase tickets through the Alden Theatre website.

Stories in Art – Henri Matisse is the featured artist once again at the National Gallry of Art’s drop in program this Sunday.  Kids ages 4-7 can learn about him through storytelling, discussion, and an art project. Sessions are at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. Sign-in will take place in the East Building Atrium, beginning at 11am, and will continue until all spaces are filled. Admission is free. Read a KFDC review of the Stories in Art program here.

Outward Bound – Near sixty-degree days in the middle of winter seem to be the new normal in Washington. And you will not hear a single complaint about it from me. Get out and enjoy the unseasonably awesome weather while you can; Snowmageddon 2012 could be right around the corner. For ideas on where to seize the sunny days, see this post about the best places in the DC area to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors with the kids.