April 29, 2012

Where to Play on the Weekdays: April 30 – May 4

Checking out an exhibit at the Potomac Overlook Park Nature Center

 

Monday – Go strawberry picking! Schlagel Farms in Waldorf, Md, always begins their pick-your-own season ahead of other area farms, and their berries are ripe and ready now. Fields are open daily 8am – 7pm.

Tuesday - Combine story and play time at the National Building Museum’s Building Zone. The Book of the Month program is back with readings of A House for Hermit Crab followed by an art activity at 10:30am & 11:30am. Admission is $3, and entry is timed, with guests admitted every hour.

Wednesday – Experience the Suprasensorial exhibit at the Hirshhorn Museum before it closes in a couple of weeks.

Thursday – Explore and play at Potomac Overlook Park in Arlington. We went for the first time recently and had a blast on the playground, in the nature center, and visiting rescued birds.  Not-So-SAHM, who we ran into there, also has a nice review of the park.

Friday – See Adventure Theatre’s newest production Five Little Monkeys, recommended for children of all ages. As this post goes live, seats are still available for the 10:30am show. Tickets are $18.

 

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April 27, 2012

The Weekend Round-Up: April 28-29

Playing and learning at last year's Maryland Day

 

A few days ago, when I said there’s a LOT of great stuff going on this weekend, I wasn’t joking.  There are several biggies happening, all are worth checking out.  Geek out in a good way at the Science & Engineering Festival,  experience a campus full of fun at Maryland Day, celebrate the carousel and season at Glen Echo, explore and play at Great Country Farms, say “Qui!” to a Georgetown outing, and much more.  And these are just timely ideas. For more mainstay recreation, see these outdoor suggestions as well as this newly revamped list of ideas for indoor fun.  Happy Weekend!

USA Science & Engineering Festival
Where: Washington Convention Center
When: Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
If your child has any inkling of interest in science and engineering, likes to do hands-on experiments, see fascinating live demos, or talk first-hand with the experts, then chances are very good that they will dig this event. (And so will you, parents.) Over 3,000 interactive exhibits and 150 stage shows will highlight all kinds of science-related topics in fun, engaging, exciting ways. Attendees can discover the science of Harry Potter magic, the mathematics of jump roping, the physics of superheroes, the chemistry of Thanksgiving Dinner, the engineering of baseball bats and balls, the science behind special effects in movies, trends in Global Warming, renewable energy sources of the future, and much, much, much more.

Go Terps!
Where: University of Maryland
When: Saturday 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
This celebration in College Park gets a big thumbs-up from me, and not just because it’s my alma mater. Maryland Day is a fantastic event for families, and I know from experience. The University is hosting a huge open house for, well, everybody. “Explore Our World” is the theme of the annual fair, and guests will be able to do that and then some. There will be loads of activities for kids, including learning games; caricature drawings; arts & crafts; farm animal visits; puppet shows; insect and instrument petting zoos; and much more. It’s spread out all over campus, and it’s a big campus. Be prepared for lots of walking – worth every step – and be sure to bring a stroller for little ones.

Glen Echo Family Day
Where: Glen Echo Park
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm,
Admission: Free
Celebrate the seasonal opening of the park’s beautiful Dentzel Carousel. Along with rides on the merry-go-round ($1.25/ride), guests of all ages can enjoy all kinds of activities. Magic shows, dance performances, arts & crafts, face painting, photo exhibits, and balloon animals are just some of the festivities. The full schedule of events is available of the Glen Echo website.

Open House on the Farm
Where: Great Country Farms
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $8/child, $10/adult, free for CSA and fan members
Who’s your farmer? You can get to know one at Great Country Farms’ Open House on Saturday! Guests will have the opportunity to talk with Farmer Mark – he’ll be there from 11am – 1pm to discuss his bountiful harvest and passion for growing fruits and vegetables. Viitors can also sample farm products and enjoy the five-acre children’s play area, including giant jumping pillow, slides, rope swings, and more farm fun.

Georgetown French Market
Where: Wisconsin Avenue NW, between P St. & Reservoir Rd.
When: Friday & Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The Georgetown French Market returns for its 9th year. Book Hill’s signature European open air market will feature nearly 40 Georgetown boutiques, antique shops, restaurants and galleries, art and antique home furnishings. But it’s not all about the shopping; kids will enjoy the strolling mimes, children’s activities, live music, and French cuisine from Georgetown cafes and restaurants. Visit the website to download a schedule of events and list of participating shops.

JAM-min’ Family Day
Where: American Art Museum
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
American Art celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM)! Baltimore Jazz Alliance’s Jazz for Kids band presents an introduction to jazz music, with a family-friendly mini-concert that invites audience participation. Children can also visit a “petting zoo” of musical instruments, where they try out some or all the band’s instruments — drums, flute, saxophone, clarinet, recorder, bass, violin, guitar, trumpet, and trombone. There will also be sheet music origami, Jazz Nickname Name Tags, and face painters to jazz up the afternoon.

Letter Writing Social
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Saturday, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
Remember when people wrote each other letters on paper? At this workshop, guests can amaze a friend by sending an artfully handwritten, paper-based message instead of the usual tweet or text. (They might just write back!) One-of-a-kind stationery, unique postcards, pretty paper, ink stamps, retro airmail labels, cancelled stamps, a somewhat functional typewriter, and mailable supplies are provided in this veritable letter-writing lounge. Postage stamps will be available for purchase in the museum’s Stamp Store.

Taste of Vienna
Where: Vienna Volunteer Fire Dept. Grounds
When: Saturday, 11am – 8pm
Admission: Free
The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department (VVFD) is hosting the 1st Annual Taste of Vienna, showcasing the many excellent restaurants that the Vienna area has to offer. The VVFD parking lot will be lined with many local favorites, and the event is expected to draw large crowds of area diners. While admission is free, guests will be able to purchase restaurant food and beverages to sample. The event will go on rain or shine.

South Mountain Creamery Spring Festival
Where: South Mountain Creamery
When: Saturday10am – 5pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Take a ride out to the country and experience farm fresh hospitality at South Mountain Creamery’s annual festival. Both kids and adults will enjoy an inside look at where their food originates. There will also be lots of farm fun for all ages — go on a hayride, feed a calf, make some butter, sample SMC products, listen to Bluegrass, and more. BBQ, ice cream, drinks, and other concessions will be available for purchase.

On Stages
Where: Theaters throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by venue
Five Little Monkeys opens at Adventure Theatre today. We caught a preview performance last night, and 6-year-old Owen thought it was great. (My review to come soon.) The Puppet Co. presents both Tiny Tots and Pinocchio this weekend. The free Saturday Morning at the National, presented by Bright Star Theatre, focuses on notable women. The Maryland Youth Ballet is dancing a special children’s performance of Caroline Goes to the Seashore. Imagination Stage presents four performances of Rapunzel this weekend. And Barry Louis Polisar, renowned children’s musician, will play at 1st Stage Theater in Tyson’s Corner on Saturday.

Park It
Where: All National Parks
When: Through the weekend
Admission: FREE
It’s National Park Week through this Sunday, and entrance to over 100 parks that usually charge admission is free. If weather permits, take advantage and hit the trails at a local park or even one a bit further away. For suggestions on good hikes with kids, see this post about tramping with little ones.

 

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April 26, 2012

The Great Indoors

The U.S. Botanic Garden is just about as close as you can get to the outdoors on an indoor outing.

 

When the rain forced our family to make a Plan B this past weekend, I turned to my own (old) list of Rainy Day Recreation.  Looking it over, I realized it needed revamping — some elaboration on listed suggestions and the addition of many new ones.  It’s now all here in this bigger, hopefully better, list. So, when the weather isn’t conducive to outdoor recreation or you simply just feel like being inside, check out these ideas of where to take shelter, just about all of them tried and tested by yours truly and crew.

1. Visit a Smithsonian museum on the National Mall and elsewhere in the city. They are free, fantastic places to stay dry, cool, or warm, depending on the weather.

More specifically…

2. Hold giant caterpillars, cockroaches, and beetles, and watch a tarantula feeding at the National Museum of Natural History’s Insect Zoo (inquire about times at the information desk).  Of course, there are many more fascinating exhibits to tour while you’re there.

3. Discover “How Things Fly” at the National Air & Space Museum. The gallery is full of cool hands-on displays that explain the basics of flight and pique kids’ curiosity. Take time to wander through the rest of the exhibits, too.

4. Navigate to the National Museum of American History, where kids can see “America on the Move,” a history of transportation; toys and games from your childhood; the Star Spangled Banner; and much more. The Spark!Lab is currently closed for renovations, but put the museum’s activity center for kids on your must-do list for when it reopens.

5. Deliver on fun at the National Postal Museum, where lots of interactive exhibits and an easy-to-explore space make it a nice outing for little ones.

7. Drop in for Portrait Story Days at the National Portrait Gallery on weekends (1-4pm Saturdays, 2-5pm Sundays).  Kids ages 5 and up can listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. On any day, tour the collections and be sure to stop by the lovely Kogod Courtyard.

6. Enjoy Art a la Cart on weekends at the American Art Museum. Four interactive carts found throughout the galleries let kids (about ages 7-12) explore subjects such as sculpture and folk art through hands-on activities. Check the calendar to see when they’re available. All ages can explore the museum on their own everyday. Note that hours are 11:30am – 7pm.

8. Explore imagiNATIONS, the family activity center at that National Museum of the American Indian.

9. Find out how fun math can be at MathAlive!, on exhibit at the Smithsonian’s Dillon S. Ripley Center (the small domed building next to the Castle) through June 3. It’s loaded with cool, interactive installments and interesting displays that will engage both kids and adults.

10. Catch an IMAX like To the Arctic 3D, To Fly!, or one of several other films currently playing at one of the Smithsonian’s IMAX Theaters.

11. Experience supra cool art at the Hirshhorn’s dynamic and highly interactive Suprasensorial exhibit on display through May 13.

At other local museums…

12. Foster an interest in art at the National Gallery. The Calder exhibit and pop art downstairs are often the most fun for kids to view. And don’t forget to check to see if any family programs are on the schedule.

13. Head to the National Building Museum for playtime in the Building Zone, LEGO Architecture and other exhibits, and activities in the Great Hall. Admission is $3/person for the Building Zone, $5 for exhibits.  (Tip: There is no admission for museum members, and a family membership is just $80/year. For many of us who visit often, this is well worth it!)

14. See an exhibition or a few at the National Geographic Museum.  They occasionally present exhibits geared toward kids, and they always have stunning photography, often featuring wildlife and nature, on display.

15. Wing it at the College Park Aviation Museum. See historic aircraft and direct the kids play in the children’s area with art activities, a dress up station, and more hands-on fun.

16. Drop in at the National Children’s Museum’s Launch Zone, their temporary digs until the new space opens in spring 2013. Enjoy special programs on Toddler Tuesdays and most weekends. See the calendar for specifics.

And for non-museum pursuits…

17. Experience the outdoors inside at a nature center. Rock Creek Nature Center, Watkins Nature Center, and Potomac Overlook Nature Center are a few faves. Or find one near you with the help of The Natural Capital blog.

18. Bounce, swing, climb, run, balance, and tumble at the PG Sport and Learning Complex Gymnastics Center. See this post for more details and open play hours.

19. And for even more places to let little ones burn some energy, see this list of indoor playgrounds.

20. Get in touch with nature at the U.S. Botanic Garden, where many of the plant collections make you feel like you’re not just outdoors, but in a whole other region altogether.

21. Take in a show at Glen Echo Park — see what’s currently on stages at The Puppet Co. and Adventure Theatre.

22. Shake your thang with the Boogie Babes. They bring children’s musicians to Eastern Market every Thursday morning and to the Atlas Performing Arts Center on Fridays.

23. Check out your local library.

24. Score a strike or a spare or just have fun knocking down some pins when you go bowling. Lucky Strike downtown sets up ramps and bumpers for little bowlers, as does Bowl America, which has several locations in Virginia. Or try duck pin bowling at White Oaks Lane in Silver Spring.

25. Stay entertained at Discovery Theater, located in the Smithsonian’s Ripley Center. Check the schedule to see what productions they’re currently presenting.

26. Let imaginations run wild with pretend play at the Playseum. Locations are in Capitol Hill and Bethesda.

27. Get a glimpse of where DC’s bigwigs work on a tour of the Capitol Building.

28. Rock out at a Jammin’ Java kids show. Visit the website to see the line-up of children’s musicians playing at the Vienna venue.

29. Let kids get their bounce on during an open jump session at Pump it Up.  Go here to find out when they’re offered at a location near you.

30. Jump in at an indoor pool. (Note: DC DPR closes aquatic centers if there is thunder).

31. Explore space at a planetarium. The Albert Einstein Planetarium at the Air & Space is open every day.  The Rock Creek Park Planetarium has free shows on weekends and Wednesdays at 4pm.  And the David M. Brown Planetarium is in Arlington, though it’s closed for renovations until the 2012-13 school year.

32. Go below the surface, literally and figuratively, at the National Aquarium in DC, located in the lower level of the Department of Commerce Building.

33. Play the day away among a variety of fun exhibits developed especially for kids at Port Discovery in Baltimore. And check the calendar to see if there are any special programs going on when you plan to go

34. And speaking of Baltimore and aquariums, the National Aquarium in Charm City gets its own spot on this list.

35. As does the Maryland Science Center, also on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

36. Nurture the next 007 at the International Spy Museum. (Best for about ages 6 and up. Check for admission discounts here.)

37. Make a trip out to Luray Caverns in the Shenandoah Valley to gawk at the spectacular display of stalagmites and stalactites. It really is breathtaking, and most kids will be thrilled by the idea of an underground adventure.

38. See a movie.  It seems there are always flicks for little ones showing at a theater near you.  Find out what’s playing now.

39. Enjoy Theatre for the Very Young, the new program for little audiences at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Visit the website to see if there’s a show currently running.

40. Go ice skating at Kettler Iceplex, the Herbert Wells Ice Rink in College Park, or Cabin John Ice Rink.

41. Paint some pottery at Color Me Mine (several locations in the area), All Fired Up in DC and Bethesda, or Clay Cafe in Falls Church and Chantilly.

42. Take a tour of Tudor Place and be sure to check the calendar for special events.

43. Get your game on at Labyrinth, the Capitol Hill shop specializing in games and puzzles for all ages. Demo a few at tables set up in back for just that purpose.

44. Romp in the play area and ride the Express Train at Tysons Corner Center.

45. Frolic in the new 1,200-square-foot play area at Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge, Va. (And while you’re there, do a little outlet shopping, too!)

46. Day trip or plan an overnight to Pennsylvania’s Amish Country for the Turkey Hill Experience to get the scoop on the ice cream-making process through a series of interactive exhibits.

47. Take the kids to play in the big inflatables at Bubble Bounce in Montgomery Mall.

48. Roll on down to the National Capitol Trolley Museum to see old streetcars and even take a ride on one.  The museum is open on the weekends all year, and Thursdays and Fridays during select dates, so be sure to make sure it’s open before you go.

49. Chug on over to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore. Along with old trains on display and other exhibits, there is a Kids Zone for ages 2-8, regular children’s programs, and special events.  Check the calendar to see what’s happening when.

50.  Go to a Storytime session at Barnes & Noble.  The bookstore chain regularly hosts free children’s book readings at locations around the area.  Find out when there is one near you. Make time before or after to play at the train table (there’s seems to be one in every store) and look at some more books.

51. Find even more free storytime options in NW DC. Check out this great list from Mommy FTW.

52. Learn and play at Living Classrooms. Open weekends only, kids can explore nature and wildlife through interactive play, live creature encounters, and more hands-on fun at Glen Echo Park.

53. Cheer on our local teams at a sporting event when their seasons are on. The Wizards, Capitals, and Mystics all play indoors at the Verizon Center.


Find Local Deals 50% - 90% Off

 

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April 25, 2012

The 2nd Annual USA Science & Engineering Festival

Ready for blast off at the first Science & Engineering Festival

 

The Weekend Round-Up won’t be posted until Friday, but I’m going to give you a little advance insight about this weekend:  There is a LOT of great stuff for kids and families going on. And, generally, I don’t push one event over another, as I know that kids have varying interests, and parents also have their own preferences when it comes to activities with their children.

BUT, I’m going to offer my two cents this time: Go check out the 2nd Annual USA Science & Engineering Festival.

If your child has any inkling of interest in science and engineering, likes to do hands-on experiments, see fascinating live demos, or talk first-hand with the experts, then chances are very good that they will dig this event. (And so will you, parents.)

Over 3,000 interactive exhibits and 150 stage shows will highlight all kinds of science-related topics in fun, engaging, exciting ways.  Attendees can discover the science of Harry Potter magic, the mathematics of jump roping, the physics of superheroes, the chemistry of Thanksgiving Dinner, the engineering of baseball bats and balls, the science behind special effects in movies, trends in Global Warming, renewable energy sources of the future, and much, much, much more…

Like operate state-of-the-art robots; laugh with science comedians; watch mesmerizing demos by science magicians and mathemagicians; converse with astronauts, Nobel Laureates, storm chasers, science celebrities like Bill Nye the Science Guy and the MythBusters; fly a fighter jet simulator; enter a virtual reality environment; be a CSI agent; make a virus out of marshmallows and toothpicks.

WHEW! And that’s just a small sample.

We attended the first Science & Engineering Festival when it took place on the National Mall about a year and a half ago.  Owen, who was 4 at the time, couldn’t get enough.  There were hundreds of booths set up offering so many interesting things to do it was impossible to try them all. And while it was crowded, there was so much available, we never had a problem finding something that was easily accessible and fun for him.

Making moon craters

Conducting electricity

Operating aquatic robots

With one successful Festival under its belt, I bet this year will be even better.

The 2nd Annual USA Science & Engineering Festival will take place at the Washington Convention Center this Saturday, April 28 10am – 6pm, and Sunday, April 29 10am – 4pm.  The closest Metro stop is Mt. Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center on the Yellow/Green line. Parking is available in nearby garages or on the street. Admission is FREE.

*Be aware that it will be crowded (but I still highly recommend it)!

*I’ll be attending on Friday as a field trip chaperone with Owen’s class and will try to post highlights before Saturday.  I’ll likely just post to Facebook, so if you don’t already follow, go like the KidFriendly DC page.

 

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April 23, 2012

Nature, Space, and Pony Rides at Rock Creek Park

Riding off into Rock Creek

 

I don’t take advantage of all that Rock Creek Park has to offer nearly as often as I should.  Encompassing over 2,000 acres and sprawling gloriously through Northwest DC, it’s one of the largest natural urban parks in the nation.  It contains miles of great hiking and biking trails, a nature center, historic sights like Peirce Mill, tennis courts, the Carter Barron amphitheater, a horse center, and of course, the National Zoo.

We visit the Zoo plenty, but besides a few short hikes, it had been a couple of years since we’d been there for much else.  That is, until this past Saturday when we planned an outing to the Rock Creek Park  Horse Center to visit the equine residents, see the stables, and surprise the kids with pony rides. We knew from previous experience that the rides were more than just the usual few laps around a ring; these take children on a 15-minute jaunt through the Rock Creek woods.

When we arrived and parked, it became evident just how long it had been since we’d been out there.  I had completely forgotten that the Rock Creek Nature Center was just a stone’s throw from the Horse Center.  Since we weren’t in a rush, we popped in, which turned out to be great timing because a park ranger let us know that a planetarium show was just about to start.  Once Owen heard about it, there was no way he was going to miss out, so we joined the group in the small domed-ceiling theater.

Park ranger silhouetted against the Rock Creek night sky

The park ranger conducting the show was very engaging as he talked about the night sky over Rock Creek, took us to the moon, and pointed out constellations and explained the legends behind them. It lasted about 30 minutes, a perfect length for many of the young viewers (Sasha not among them, as she got a little antsy in the dark room, so Levi took her to see animals).

Nature center exhibits

Watching turtles

After the show, we walked through the room full of wildlife exhibits, many of them taxidermied animals, but a few live turtles, too. And across the hall is the Discovery Room, which is full of hands-on activities, books, and nature-related toys for kids.

Absorbed in a book about space

Finally we headed over to the Horse Center.  The kids, especially Sasha, literally began squealing as soon as they made their way down a short path and the stables came into view.  Outside, several horses were being prepped for riding, and two ponies stood in a small pen.

We were lucky to get them riding times just 15 minutes from when we arrived, and we used that wait to visit the horses in the stables.  Guests are welcome to walk through, see the horses boarded there, and check out the rings and rooms full of riding equipment.

Making new friends

After finding helmets that fit, the kids were ready to go.  Horse Center staff guide the ponies and are also very careful about safety and make sure kids get acquainted with their ponies, mount them correctly, and don’t startle them in any way. Once Owen and Sash were good to go, we headed for the trail in the woods, Levi and I walking alongside our happy riders.

Ready to ride

Giddy up!

The guides explained how to lean forward when they went uphill, and back going downhill.  The ride was pleasant, lasting about 15 minutes and looping through the woods, where it was pretty and shaded.

Like a Rock Creek cowboy(girl)...

When the ride was over the kids dismounted and thanked their ponies, Chia and Munchie. And I made a mental note to not let two years pass again before our next visit.

The Rock Creek Park Horse Center is located at 5100 Glover Road. Hours are 10am – 6pm Monday – Friday, and 9am – 5pm Saturday and Sunday. pony rides are offered on weekends April – October and also on weekdays June – August. It’s $20 for a 15-minute ride, and they are offered every 30 minutes 1-3:30pm on weekends (3 & 3:30pm weekdays), and you can call ahead to reserve a time.  Children must be at least 2.5 years old and 30″ tall. They also offer trail rides for kids ages 12 and up. For $40/rider, you can take a guided one-our trail ride at walking pace through Rock Creek Park.

The Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium is located at 5200 Glover Road. Hours are 9am – 5pm Wednesday – Sunday. Free planetarium shows are presented on Wednesday at 4pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 1pm and 4pm.  Other ranger-led programs for children are also offered – see the schedule for details.

 

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April 22, 2012

Where to Play on the Weekdays: April 23-27

Running the cafe at Port Discovery

 

Monday – Escape the cold at the National Gallery of Art. Alexander Calder’s mobiles and sculptures seem to capture kids’ interest, as do the big, modern works downstairs in the West Building. Be sure to stroll the concourse between the museum’s two buildings — the moving walkway, dazzling lights, and waterfall right out the window are just as exciting to kids, perhaps even more so, as the art.

Tuesday -  Venture up to Baltimore for a day full of play at Port Discovery.  It’s Thrifty Tuesday, which means admission is just $8 from 1-4:30pm ($13.95 all other times).  Hours at the children’s museum are 9:30am – 4:30pm Tuesday – Friday (10am – 5pm Saturday, and 12-5pm Sunday).

Wednesday - Visit the animals, roam the peaceful grounds, and possibly join in a children’s program at Oxon Hill Farm.  Hours are 8am – 4:30m, and admission is free.

Thursday - Pop in for open jump time at Pump It Up in Lanham, Md. Children ages 2-8 and accompanying adults are invited to bounce in the giant inflatables from 10-11:30am.  Admission is $8/child. To find sessions at other area Pump It Up locations, visit the website.

Friday – See the magnificent falls, stroll along the Potomac, or take a light hike through the woods at Great Falls Park. Both the Maryland and Virginia sides have trails that are easy for little legs to tramp, as well as great overlooks for viewing the cascades. Bring along food for a picnic lunch or grab a hot dog at the snack bar (open 10am – 5pm Wednesday – Sunday). Admission, usually $5/vehicle, is free this week in celebration National Park Week!

 

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April 20, 2012

Bet on the Oxon Hill Farm

Picturesque views at Oxon Hill Farm

 

A few days ago when Owen had an after school activity and Sasha and I had an extended afternoon together, we headed over to Oxon Hill Farm for a couple of hours.

I’m not sure why, but it’s one of those places that I tend to forget about, but really should visit more often with the kids.  Not only is it super fun for little ones, with animals to visit and lots of space to run around, it’s also scenic and serene, making you feel like you’re way more than just a few miles from the city.  And it never seems to be crowded. In fact, when we pulled into into the parking lot on our visit the other day, only one other car was already there.

E-i-e-i-o...

The cows are the first to greet visitors walking up the gravel road to the main grounds (if you can call sitting still in the grass staring us down a greeting). They hang out in a large field where there’s also a barn and big red farm equipment.

How now brown cow?

Beyond that, the farm sprawls over a fairly large area, though it’s far from too big for little ones to explore it all.  There are more animals to visit, a barn and other farm structures to peek into, a museum housing old farm equipment, a chicken coop, and several other exhibits that offer a history of the farm. There are two trails in the park:  the Hiker/Biker trail is 1.6 miles starting at the parking lot and the Woodlot trail meander just .3 miles through the forested area. You can also just roam through the grassy areas, too.

An old plow in the museum

Sasha, like most kids probably, is all about the animals.  We, of course, stopped to see all of them, making up names and singing an “Old MacDonald” verse for each one.

With an oink oink here...

...and a neigh neigh there

Here a hee-haw...

...there a cluck

After strolling the grounds for awhile, we stopped in the Visitor Center, where there is a small play area for kids.  Sasha headed straight for it while I chatted with the park ranger who told me about all kinds of kids’ programs they host on both weekday and weekends. She said they often have school groups visit, so if it’s just one or two children who want to join, they can tag along with them. But larger groups (she said play groups sometimes meet there) should call ahead to make a reservation.

More fun for kiddos in the Visitor Center

Or you can take a self-guided tour and enjoy the farm at your own leisurely pace.

Space to roam

 

Oxon Hill Farm is located in Oxon Hill, Maryland very close to National Harbor.  It’s open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas, from 8am – 4:30pm. Admission is free.

 

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April 20, 2012

The Weekend Round-Up: April 21-22

A highlight this week/month/year: Space Shuttle Discovery's fly-over

 

We are incredibly lucky to live in a Metro area that offers so many unique, enriching resources and experiences for families.  I think about this a lot — it was one of my main motives for starting this blog over two years ago, and I’m reminded of it all the time as I discover new places and try new adventures around Washington, DC.  But it hit home in another way on Tuesday as I watched the Space Shuttle Discovery fly-by from the National Mall.  It may have been a one-time event, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  And when I think about it, extraordinary opportunities like that are fairly regular here. Those, plus all that is available to us on an everyday basis, is part of what makes living here and raising children here pretty amazing.

And on that corny reflective note, here’s where you can have some of those experiences, both one-time and everyday, around our dynamic city.  Happy Weekend!

Welcome Discovery
Where: Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
If you missed Space Shuttle Discovery’s flyover earlier this week (or even if you got to see it), you still have a chance to be part of the excitement of its arrival in the DC area. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Discovery’s new permanent home, is hosting a Family Weekend to celebrate the shuttle’s retirement there. Special exhibits, programs, and activities will be presented with offerings designed for every age group, from youngsters to older adults. See the website for details.

Earth Day
Where: National Mall
When: Sunday, 12-7pm
Admission: Free
Earth Day is celebrated around the globe, but the centerpiece of the event is happening right in our backyards on the National Mall. Civic leaders and celebs will join thousands of people to “Mobilize the Earth,” the theme of this year’s rally. Notable speakers include EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson; DC Mayor Vincent Gray; Rev. Jesse Jackson; Indy Car driver Leilani Münter; Atlanta Falcons fullback, Ovie Mughelli, and members of Congress. There will also be performances by Cheap Trick, Dave Mason, Kicking Daisies, and The Explorers Club. Besides the main stage, there will be tents and booths set up along the Mall with enviro-related activities, exhibits, and more sponsored by green-thinking organizations.

Happy Birthday to the Bard!
Where: Folgers Shakespeare Library
When: Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
‘Tis Shakespeare’s 448th birthday, and the Folger Shakespeare Library is celebrating with an Open House on Sunday afternoon. In true Renaissance fashion, there will be song and dance, jesters and jugglers, and stage combat (workshops, methinks). Especially for children will be fortune telling, quill writing, arts & crafts, a Shakespeare portrait contest, and a giant birthday cake. The event is free and will take place rain or shine. The Library is located at 201 East Capitol Street SE.

Earth Day Party for the Planet
Where: National Zoo
When: Sunday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Earth Day and the Zoo’s commitment to green practices. Learn about living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, watch animal demos featuring recycled items for animal enrichment, stop by State Farm’s special children’s area at the Kids’ Farm that promotes reusing, find out how to turn newspaper into a plant pot and take home your own, enjoy original music played on handmade instruments made from locally grown gourds, and much more. For the complete scoop, visit the Zoo’s website.

MathAlive!
Where: Dillon S. Ripley Center
When: Daily through June 3, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
The promos for this exhibit claim “Math has never been so sweet!” And I am happy to report that it does not disappoint. With a over 40 unique, interactive experiences, including video games, robotics, movie making, and many more hands-on installments, both kids and adults will want to play (and learn) all day. It’s fun, engaging, and challenging. It’s cool to look at, both as a whole and by individual display. In a nutshell, it is one impressive exhibit. Read a review of our experience there.

ABC’s of Family Biking
Where: Capitol Hill Montessori School at Logan (215 G Street NE)
When: Saturday 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Kidical Mass DC, WABA and DDOT Safe Routes to School will help interested families learn more about the tools and resources available to help them bike together and offer fun activities for all ages. There will be basic skills classes along with a special new class on biketrains and group riding, a bike decorating station, a clinic on roadside repairs, a display of bikes and equipment used to transport kids, and chance to get tips and tricks from other biking parents.

Eleanor’s Secret/Filmfest DC
Where: Goethe-Institut Washington
When: Saturday, 2:30pm
Admission: $5
The 26th annual International Film Festival includes a kids’ offering this. Eleanor’s Secret, a French animated film from an Academy-Award-nominated director, tells the story of a magic library where characters from classic children’s books come alive. The film will be presented in English and is an excellent opportunity for local children to view a film they would not otherwise see.

Eco Art & Design Earth Day Celebration
Where: 3401 Water Street NW
When: Sunday,
Admission: Free
In celebration of Earth Day, Benevolent Media and SCRAP DC present an afternoon of eco-conscious art and design, featuring a pop-up marketplace of local vendors and interactive workshops led by teaching artists dedicated to inspiring “creative reuse” and environmentally sustainable behavior. This event is scheduled as part of The Water Street Project, a multidisciplinary “flash” exhibition housed in a temporary art gallery/creative space in Georgetown, along the newly renovated waterfront. RSVP on Facebook.

Root for the Home Team
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday 7:05pm, Saturday 1:05pm, Sunday 1:35pm
Admission: Starts at $10
The Nats are hosting the Florida Marlins this weekend, and there are promos that families in particular will enjoy for the two afternoon games.  Saturday is a Family Fun Day with special ticket and food packages. Sunday is Kids Opening Day, plus it’s a Signature Sunday, and kids can run the bases after the game. For details on what all this entails, see this post from last week.

Show Time
Where: Various theaters
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Live entertainment options start with Saturday morning at the National with performances by the Coyaba Dance Center. You can also catch The Puppet Co.’s newest production, Pinocchio, or a Tiny Tots for the youngest set. This weekend is the last chance to see Aquarium at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Imagination Stage presents their version of Rapunzel. And Trout Fishing in America is performing at BlackRock Center for the Arts on Saturday.For more details on all of these shows, see this post about spring entertainment.

Nature Calls
Where: National Museum of Natural History
When: All Weekend
Admission: Free
There are a couple of great additions – one brand new, the other recently opened – to the Natural History Museum’s array of interesting exhibits and entertainment. To the Arctic 3D, a new IMAX film opens at the Samuel C. John Theater today. And the Nature’s Best Photography exhibit features the winning images from the 2011 Windland Smith Rice International Awards, a competition that honors the best in nature and wildlife photography. And for some background on the museum’s permanent collections, see this post.

Fun with the National Children’s Museum
Where: NCM Launch Zone
When: Saturday 11am – 4pm, Sunday 1pm & 2pm
Admission: Free
The NCM presents two different programs for kids this weekend. At Earth Day Everyday on Saturday, celebrate with them as they highlight how kids can grow their own gardens and learn how to protect them using natural resources. Guests can decorate their own garden accessories, witness ladybug releases, and meet special guests from Maryland Master Gardeners. On Sunday, see Princess Sunni’s Birthday Dress Rehearsal, a royal celebration during an open dress rehearsal of NCM’s original production of the play. Help the Princess learn about sun safety and complete the Ancient Royal Challenges so she can become Queen. The performance runs approximately 20 minutes and is recommended for ages 3-8.

Explore the Universe Day
Where: National Air & Space Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Discover the wonders of space with a day full of activities at the Air & Space Museum. Guests can join a museum expert for a free, live presentation on the stars in the Albert Einstein Planetarium at 10:30am (seating is limited and will be is first-come, first-served), discuss telescopes with a Galileo re-enactor, chat with expert and amateur astronomers, and gaze at Venus and the Sun from the Museum’s Public Observatory, weather permitting. Other hands-on activities around the museum include a chance to make a solar clock and build an astrolab. Go here for the complete schedule of activities.

The Ins and Outs of DC
Where: All over the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by adventure
If you’re just looking for things to do outdoors or inside, depending on the weather or simply your preference, these posts are chock full of evergreen pursuits:
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
Rainy Day Recreation (ie, Indoor Fun)

 

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April 18, 2012

Math Has Never Been So Suh-weet!

Bridge to the Future, an apropos first stop at MathAlive!

 

It’s rare that I get to spend a weekday with just Owen. But the occasion arose this past Monday when he was off from school for Emancipation Day, while Sasha, who attends preschool part-time, was not.  To make it special I suggested we do a couple of things: 1) sushi lunch (he loooves it) and 2) an activity that doesn’t cater to Sasha’s age group.

For the latter, I offered a few ideas, including the new MathAlive! exhibit at Smithsonian’s Ripley Center.  When I told Owen what it all about and showed him photos online, he didn’t hesitate with a response: “Let’s do that!  I want to do math!” And with that, my little nerd and I had our day planned.

I use “nerd” loosely, as the promos for MathAlive! make it look more like an X Games event than a museum exhibit, featuring images of snowboarders, skaters, and BMXers and claiming that “Math has never been so sweet!”  The descriptions make it sound even more rad, promising nearly 40 unique, interactive experiences, including video games, robotics, movie making, and many more hands-on installments. Both Owen and I had very high expectations.

And I am happy to report that MathAlive! does not disappoint.  It really is sweet (make that suh-weet!) and rad. It’s fun, engaging, and challenging. It’s cool to look at, both as a whole and by individual display.  In a nutshell, it is one impressive exhibit.

View from the entrance

The whole thing is housed in the Ripley Center’s International Gallery, just past the Discovery Theater. Walking in, it almost felt like I was entering an 80′s arcade — the lights are dim, lots of video screens are on display, electronic sounds reverberating.

The exhibit is divided into seven thematic categories that show how math is used in a real world context:  “Outdoor Action” features adventure sports, “Build Your World” focuses on  the environment, “Future Style” is about style and design, “Kickin’ It”  spotlights entertainment, “Game Plan” presents video and other games, “Robotics and Space” is exactly that, and there’s the “Resource Center” with general background info on everything.

Every area contains displays, both physical and digital, that explain how math figures into the concepts. While 6-year-old Owen could read most of them and figure out how to work the electronics, I definitely had to explain the math part (they’ve barely covered basic addition in his Kindergarten class). Even then, a lot of it was over his head, but he could still do every interactive there — and he, make that we, had fun with just about all of them. There are so many, I’ll just mention some of the highlights, but I can assure you there are much, much more.

Those photos of skaters and snowboarders on the promo materials aren’t just for show.  There are actually a couple of games that use them. One demonstrates how angles work with a snowboarding jump 3D video game, another shows how to modify variables for optimal effect, by adjusting board length, wheel size and placement in designing a digital skateboard.

Can this board do an ollie?

 

A rock climbing wall where guests can do a horizontal climb across explains a mathematical scatter plot.

Who knew math could be so fun?

 

On the Curiosity Rover (one of Owen’s favorites), you need to program coordinates to move a digital rover around to pick up virtual rocks to be analyzed for water.

Operating the rover

 

Another space-related station is On Target, which features a 3-D version of the International Space Station and a Robotic Arm that you move to different locations.

Astronaut prep

 

At the Mix it Up station, we got to explore the mathematics of rhythm as we played with different musical instrument sounds and the patterns of the music.

DJ O-man mixes it up

 

Style Revolution lets you do a 360-degree photo shoot using freeze-motion techniques. This one was really fun, not only because you could play it back immediately, but you got to watch people do funny poses and action shots.

Strike a 360 pose

 

You really have to go check out the rest for yourself — this exhibit is all about the interactive experience.  And something I consider a big bonus is its location. The Ripley Center is one of those museums that tends to elude the tourist radar, so it’s never very crowded.  Granted we were there on a weekday, but there was hardly a wait for any of the activities, and if something was already in use, there was plenty more to explore until it was free.

As for ages, older children would definitely get the most out of it, but I think even younger children (Owen is only 6) could enjoy it, too.  Hey, with lots of buttons to push, a dancing and music games, and that photo shoot, I may even take Sasha, after all.

MathAlive! will be on exhibit at the S. Dillon Ripley Center (the small domed building next to the Smithsonian Castle) through June 3.  Hours are 10am – 5:30pm daily, admission is free.

And P.S., for an excellent sushi/Japanese food meal, I highly recommend Kushi located at 465 K Street NW.

 

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April 16, 2012

Getting Crabby (in a Good Way) in Annapolis

Maryland's finest

 

I owe Not-So-SAHM a huge thank you for prompting a great day out yesterday.  She recently posted her ten favorite local spots to play, and topping the list is Cantler’s Riverside Inn, an Annapolis institution for crabs and a fun, relaxing meal by the Severn River.

It had been years since Levi and I had been to Cantler’s, and the kids had yet to go at all. But once I saw it on that top ten list, I couldn’t get it out of my head.  We actually had completely different plans yesterday, but as we were about to embark on them, I couldn’t help but blurt out, “How about getting crabs at Cantler’s instead?” Levi didn’t miss a beat; he turned the stroller around, we headed home, hopped in the car, and made our way out to Annapolis.  It was on.

We lucked out and got the last outdoor table available when we arrived just before noon, as I heard the hostess tell the family behind us it would be a 35-minute wait for the next one. Owen and Sasha were immediately psyched — they could see boats, kayakers, and ducks from their seats, the waitress laid out butcher paper and handed them both crayons, and the bucket at our table included enough mallets for everyone to pound some claws. Levi and I were even more psyched that we’d get to enjoy our first crabs of the year — at one of the best places for them, no less — and it seemed like we were in for a great time.

Happy kid having lunch by the Severn

Eating crabs is one of those things that can be tricky with young children, at least it has been for us.  Delving into a pile of the steamed critters is a commitment — there’s work involved, hands get dirty and caked with Old Bay, and extricating good chunks of meat from a deconstructed crab takes focus. If little ones require hands-on attention, it’s not super easy to switch gears once immersed in crabphoria. It never stopped Levi and I from getting a crab fix, but we had to be strategic about it, taking turns eating and hanging with the kids. (Now writing this, I’m wondering if we’ve just been way too uptight about the whole thing.)

Anyway, it seems the kids are now at ages where it works.  At least it did yesterday.  And not only did it work, it was wonderful. The crabs were delicious, and we couldn’t have had a better day weather-wise to enjoy a relaxing meal by the water. Levi and I split a dozen extra larges, and Owen and Sasha noshed on fried clam strips, mac-n-cheese, and corn on the cob.  And, of course, we gave them claws and mallets to let them do their own crab whacking.  Needless to say, we were all very satisfied with the entire dining experience.

Sibling love on the docks

After our leisurely lunch, we walked down to the dock for a closer look at the boats, kayaks, and ducks.  I could kick myself for forgetting to check out the live crabs in the tanks, but that’s something to do on our next visit.  And now that we know we can feast easily with the kids, we’ll definitely be heading back there soon.

Our day trip to Annapolis didn’t end with the crabs. We decided to spend some time downtown, since we were all the way out there, and it had been awhile since our last visit.  Mainly, we walked around by the water, checking out boats, the Alex Haley memorial, and an old ship docked there (though I’m not sure which).  We then strolled up Main Street and stopped for ice cream cones at Kilwin’s, which the kids enjoyed right next door in the small lot containing a few benches, big painted wooden flowers, and a hopscotch board painted in the middle.

Ice creeeeam!

Our visit to Annapolis was not nearly long enough — we had to get home for late afternoon plans — but that just gives us even more reason to go back, both to hang out downtown and have us another fine crab feast.

Cantler’s Riverside Inn is located at 458 Forest Beach Road in Annapolis. Their hours are 11am – 11pm Sunday – Thursday, and 11am – 12am Friday and Saturday. It gets crowded fast, so arrive early for lunch if you want to sit outside without having to wait awhile for a table.  And parking is limited, so there could be a wait for that, too.

Kilwin’s is located at 128 Main Street in downtown Annapolis.  Hours are 10am – 10pm Sunday – Thursday, and 10am – 11pm Friday and Saturday.  Be prepared for a line on a nice, sunny day.

 

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