Every other Wednesday at noon, local experts from washingtonpost.com share their best bets for arts and entertainment options for kids and their families. Our group specializes in local dining, museum, sports and recreations, day trips, children's theaters and the special events that keep life in metropolitan Washington interesting.
We're happy to answer questions, but we need to hear from you too. Tell us about
your favorite public swimming pool, a movie that wowed your family, a toy shop with
a "do touch" policy, or a restaurant where pizza is as welcome on the floor as it is on
the plate. This is an hour for kids of all ages: So if you have teenagers who need a
night out without you -- or vice versa -- ask away. Together we can fill our calendars
with memorable activities.
Our "With Kids" editor hosts each discussion, but the entire group will be sitting at the kids' table. If you need more ideas, see KidsPost and the Entertainment Guide.
The transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
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The Kids' Table:
This hurts me as much as it hurts you ... and it's for our own good that I say this: "Labor Day." The unofficial end of summer is days away. Go ahead and sneak a peek at the holiday's calendar goodies. But I (Vicki) think we should just get started reminding each other of all the fun that's still left in the season -- but quickly running out: the carnival rides at county fairs (Saturday is Kids' Day at Arlington's); the outdoor concerts (bring peanut butter sandwiches to go with the WAMA Jam at Carter Barron on Sunday) and movies under the stars (see Spider-Man tomorrow night or Harry and his Hogwarts chums on Sunday at Strathmore Hall).
The Kids' Table (Kate, Anne, Maura, Alexa and Lynette) is here to help give us directions.
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Alexandria, Va.:
I will be entertaining my nieces/nephew this upcoming weekend, I need some cool ideas that will allow me to have fun with them without passing out from the heat... They love outside activities and have been to the zoo about 3 times now... They are ages 10, 8 and 2 and I am 28 so at least one of us is bound to get tired before the other three! Any inexpensive but fun ideas are most welcome?
thanks.
The Kids' Table: Hi Alexandria, You're in luck. There's lots to do right in your own neighborhood this weekend. Check out the free American Indian Festival at Market Square from 1 to 6 p.m. You can enjoy traditional dances, foods, arts and crafts and other activities. If that's not to your taste, there's always Bowl America on Pickett Street or the Great Waves Water Park with its wave pool and water slides at Cameron Run Regional Park on Eisenhower Avenue. Have fun.
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Vienna, Va.:
Any (uncrowded) interactive weekend ideas for a 15-month-old? All of the wonderful shows and crafting -- the Smithsonian/Wolftrap -- seem to be geared toward older kids, and he doesn't have the attention span to sit for long periods.
The Kids' Table: Hi Vienna, Unfortunately there aren't a lot of structured events geared toward that age and younger. (In about nine months you'll find you have a lot more options.) Right now, however, you can make your own fun. Vienna is showing a free, G-rated movie at Glyndon park at 8:45 p.m. Friday. (They haven't announced the title yet, but you can call 703-225-7842 later today to find out.) Take your blanket and some favorite toys and maybe you can intersperse movie watching with play time. Another option is the free concert presented by the Navy's Sea Chanters at 6:30 p.m. also on Friday at the Freeman House at 131 Church St. NE. Perhaps some of our other chatters have had experience with this situation and can share some ideas. Anyone?
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Richmond Va.:
My kids (9 & 5) and I are doing the day in DC in mid-September. Are there any of the Military shows in the fall, i.e. the twilight tattoo? I used to live in Alexandria and saw them all the time but that was bc (before children). Also, trip up I-95 makes trip somewhat unbearable now.
The Kids' Table: I wonder if your visit coincides with "Spirit of America," a patriotic military review (Sept. 18-21) at the MCI Center? This pageant spotlights multiple U.S. Army units like the Old Guard and the Drill Team. Tickets are free -- but must be reserved in advance.
Twilight tattoos are for the most part a summer business. Already the evening concerts on the Ellipse near the White House are finished and the Friday evening Marine Parades at Marine Barracks conclude Aug. 29. The almost daily (M-W, F) military band concerts on the Capitol Steps conclude Aug. 26. -- Kate
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Washington, DC:
What can be done to encourage local museums and the city in general to embrace young families, instead of making them feel unwelcome?
My wife and I have always thought the National Building Museum was a great location for going out with the kids. It has interactive displays, giant Legos, big open spaces to roam, and plenty of organized children's activities. Yet, the past two times we've visited, we've been told by museum docents that we need to put our children in a stroller or we weren't welcome in the exhibit spaces (even exhibits with toys out with which children can play).
The Kids' Table: Washington, it's always been my impression that the Building Museum welcomes families. Just check out their family programs. I wasn't there so I can't judge if your kids should have been in strollers, but understand their caution -- Those stairwells for one aren't blocked off and might be cause for extra concern.
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Garrett Park:
Hi.
With a few hot weeks left for swimming, I wasn't sure if your readers were familiar with a neat Web site called www.swimmingholes.org (I think it is). Lists different swimming holes & lakes not only in the Mid-Atlantic area, but across the country. Many places are free but hard to find. Makes you think back to the good old days when there were very few pools around to keep cool in...
The Kids' Table: Hi, Garrett Park, thanks for the great tip. Other chatters can click here to check out the swimming hole Web site. Ahhh, the good old days -- when summers were hot and sunny and the water was cool. And here's another link to one of the Washington Post's feature stories on nearby beaches for all of us who aren't quite ready to give up on summer. -- Lynette
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Arlington, Va.:
My brother has 3 kids -- 3, 8, and 10 years old. The 3-year-old is probably too young to enjoy D.C. How long should they wait before the youngest will get something out of the trip?
The Kids' Table: Depends what the expectations of the trip are, I suppose. Most 3-year-olds are definitely ready to enjoy the wonders of the National Zoo, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the majesty of the National Cathedral and major monuments. Three is too young to come away with a sense of D.C.'s role in national purpose.
The youngest will require (as in most circumstances) a helping hand -- this could be where you come in: take the older two children to the IMAX while your brother walks the Mall with the little fellow in a stroller, or vice versa. Divide and conquer. What say you, readers? -- Kate
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Waldorf, Md.:
My son's birthday is in February. All of the unique places for birthday parties seemed to be closed at this time of year. Any suggestions where I can have a fun but different party for a 2-year-old?
The Kids' Table: Hi, Waldorf . . . I (Vicki) am sending you and the birthday boy to Crayola Works. If you visit the Web site's party page, you'll see at least two options that are for your young man: Fingerpainting Fun and Wild Wheels.
I wouldn't worry so much about a "different" party for a 2-year-old. At that age, wherever you go, whatever you do -- as long as it isn't too long, too tiring and on an empty tummy -- will be a hit.
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Alexandria, Va.:
For those with train enthusiast kids! You can take your kids on Virginia Railway Express. They offer midday service on the Manassas Line (which runs to Old Town Alexandria and DC), which will fit most schedules. They also have a special "Santa Train" Dec. 13, 2003, where kids of all ages can ride the train and meet Santa. Information will be published on the Web site www.vre.org in November.
The Kids' Table: Isn't there just one time that it runs during the day? So if you miss it, you're out of luck. The Metro seems an easier way to have a train experience, and it's cheaper, too. The Santa train sounds like it would be a neat holiday event. If you are the event organizer, please e-mail me more information. -- Anne
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McLean, Va.:
Our 4-year-old son wants to go camping. However, I am a camping wimp and a little scared of the idea of being alone in the dark woods (lions and tigers and bears, oh my). Is there any camping place for cityfied camping wimps? My idea of ideal camping is some scenic place with security, running water, bathrooms, a lake and a campfire (and a short drive). Does such a place exist?
The Kids' Table: Hi Mclean, It certainly does. Try Northern Virginia's Bull Run Regional Park and Pohick Bay Regional Park. They require reservations but both of these are clean and well organized with bathrooms close at hand. Also, I (Lynette) camped at Shenandoah National Park last weekend. You can reserve a site at some campgrounds (and this time of year I would). There were people all around, bathrooms close at hand and park rangers patrolled regularly. The showers could use some work, though. That said, any of these locations are easy on those who don't care to rough it too much. Hope this helps.
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Clarksville, Md.:
The Building Musuem sounds like a great idea. I have a very active 2-year-old. Is he too young for those exhibits? If so, what else can you suggest for those types of activites. Thanks.
The Kids' Table: I think 2 might be a little on the young side for the National Building Museum. I'm not sure what "very active" implies, but if the wee one isn't willing to stay in the stroller, I'd say most museums are out. -- Maura
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Centreville, Va.:
I took my 4-year-old daughter to a swimming pool waterpark in Manassas, Va., yesterday and we had a blast! Signal Hill Park is hidden off Manassas Drive in Manassas Park. A waterpark ideal for 6 years and under, this waterpark has many slides (in different shapes), playtowers (in the middle of the pool), an obstacle course with logs and lily pads, and a lazy river (for adults and kids who can swim in deeper waters), among other treats. The big pool with all the amusements is shallow enough that you do not have to worry about toddlers' safety. (Although, of course, one should always closely supervise their child no matter how shallow the water at ANY pool.) The waterpark also has a concession stand that serves Papa John pizza, chicken tenders, PBJ sandwiches, ice cream, candy, soda and fruit punch to list most of the menu. Although there are only a few weekends left, this is definitely a park to visit while you can!
The Kids' Table: Hi, Centreville, and thanks for the great tip. Everyone seems to be in the mood for some fun in the water now that the temperatures have risen a little. Thanks! -- Lynette
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Arlington, Va.:
I plan to take my 2 1/2 year old out to Glen Echo Park this weekend. I've never been there before. Besides the Carousel, what else is available there for someone his age? For example, is there any playground equipment.
The Kids' Table: Hi Arlington, Glen Echo Park also has puppet shows and working artists you can stop and watch. If you run out of things to do there, you can always stroll along the C & O Canal or check out Discovery Creek Children's Museum right next door to Glen Echo Park. Activities at the museum do require reservations so it might not hurt to call ahead (202-364-3111) to find out what's going on.
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McLean, Va.:
Where can kids do free/cheap crafts?
The Kids' Table: Hi McLean . . . I would check what's happening at your neighborhood toy store; for you, that would be Tree Top Toys. Or give Once Upon a Time in Vienna a call. Early in the year, Weekend featured the Saturday crafts projects at Michael's. And Imaginarium has crafty days, too. Most of the programs in shops are just the cost of the kit. Of course, you should check out your library and community center. I (Vicki) know how nice they are!
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Birthday Advice (Washington, DC):
My stepson's birthday is in early September. He has too many toys that he doesn't play with and so we want to get him something different for his birthday. Specifically, I am interested in children's cooking classes. In addition to L'Academie, where else offers courses for children? Or, what suggestions do you have for gifts that are not material things?
The Kids' Table: In addition to L'Academie, Sur La Table in Pentagon Row offers cooking classes for children. In our list of cooking classes, there are a few marked "Children," I'm unfamiliar with these but Chef Joel Olson (301-215-7697) offers "party" packages. Worth a call.
What does your son enjoy? If your family has a "tradition" of Chinese food on Sunday, why not call Flora Yang and see if she couldn't tailor an introductory Chinese cookery lesson for this boy and a friend? Here's the list of area cooking classes, Ms.Yang's number is right at the top.
If he's an outgoing boy, he might enjoy a performing arts class. There are many local options, and first-rate ones too: Imagination Stage in Bethesda is the largest facility in the mid-Atlantic region dedicated to providing performances and instruction for young people. In the District, the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop offers some interesting programs too, but on a smaller scale. In South Arlington, Classika Theatre has children's programs and classes too.
There are wonderful, ongoing opportunities to teach your family how to volunteer (a great birthday present). Here are a few." -- Kate
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Washington DC:
Hello, suggestions for things to do in DC for a 12-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl visiting from overseas? I have thought of the Spy Museum and the Air and Space Museum but welcome other ideas. Thank you!
The Kids' Table: I had cousins the same age -- also from overseas -- in last year and the Air and Space Museum was obviously a big hit. The Spy Museum is a good bet as well, but order tickets in advance, if you can. The current Anne Frank show at the Holocaust Museum is a more somber, but no less significant, must-see. -- Maura
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Been there, Done That:
Next week I'll be home with the kids for the last week before school starts and I could really use some suggestions for new things to do. We love all the area museums, zoos, aquariums, monuments etc., but is there anything new that we should check out? Any festivals going on? Any children's theater or other such programs that we shouldn't miss? Thanks for your help.
The Kids' Table: The Maryland Renaissance Festival and the Maryland State Fair start this weekend. And the fair -- the closest state fair to D.C. -- will be less crowded if you go on a weekday. I recommend the horse shows, the milkshakes, all the animal barns, the heaviest tomato/pumpkin winner and the State Park of the Day. For children's theater, check out this list. -- Anne
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Mars sighting?:
Any local places that will be having observing nights in the coming weeks to see Mars?
The Kids' Table: Hi and yes. Click on this link. At the bottom of the story is a list of places where you can observe Mars and other celestial events in August. This feature lists most of the planetariums and observatories in the area that have public viewings.
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Falls Church, Va.:
It would be very helpful if washingtonpost.com had a Web search for kids activities by age range. Just a suggestion. We search washingtonpost.com every week for things to do with kids and find it a little difficult. Thank you.
The Kids' Table: Thank you for your suggestion, Falls Church. I'm always curious as to how to search our portion of washingtonpost.com. Currently we don't keyword events or location as "kids" or "teens," but it's an interesting idea. The more feedback we get, the more we tailor our database as best we can.
We try to provide as much information within the event record, information relevant to kids, teens, adults, seniors. It's part of our job to note that a particular restaurant (for example, Evening Star Cafe in Alexandria) is "despite a few caramelized-brandy-sauce and balsamic-vinegar pretensions, a family restaurant." You can do your part, too: Have you or your children been pleasantly surprised or disappointed by an event or a location (restaurant, movie theater, concert hall)? Post a reader review on the corresponding page. The more we share ideas on these pages, or here and now on Live Online, the better off we all are. Again, thank you for your thoughtful suggestion. Warmly, Kate
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Reston, Va.:
I, too, will have my niece (5) and nephew (2) over the weekend. I plan to take them to the Arlington County Fair. Any other good inexpensive places to take them this weekend? Thanks!
The Kids' Table: Sounds like the free American Indian Festival on Saturday in Alexandria would work well with your plans. And a walk along the river in Old Town has lots of boats to examine and parks to play in.
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Columbia, Md.:
Do you have any suggestions for a VERY ACTIVE 2-year-old closer to the Baltimore area, which isn't too expensive?
The Kids' Table: The Maryland Science Center lets kids be pretty active. Otherwise, take your tyke outside to a nearby park or the Baltimore Zoo. -- Maura
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U Street, DC:
Hi - Great chats!
I would love any suggestions you could give me for entertaining a 13-year-old nephew in DC. He's not interested in the Smithsonian or the zoo and has been to the monuments on previous visits.
Is there anything in town that will appeal to a surly, moody young guy? I can't think of anything off beat that he could get excited about seeing. I want him to have fun!
Thanks!!
The Kids' Table: Hmmm...you could take him to Anna Karenina and he might learn to be less surly. Seriously, theater is a possibility if he's in town for The Rivals at the Shakespeare Theater. Walk him through some neighborhoods and take him to a cool, grown-up lunch. Any more ideas, readers?
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montgomery village mom:
My 3 1/2 year old daughter will begin preschool (first year) next week. This weekend I want to do something special and fun for her and her 1 1/2 year old brother. (They have been in home daycare together and this will be a big change.) Any suggestions on fun things to do or tips to ease the way.
The Kids' Table: Okay, mvm . . . First of all, I (Vicki) think if you're relaxed and happily excited about preschool, your daughter will have a secure sense about it as well. Our little ones are so very good at reading us. You are okay about it, aren't you? Have you had a chance or two to visit the preschool as "guests"? And you can always play "pretend preschool" at home. How 'bout going shopping for a new "preschool supply" or outfit at Arundel Mills this Friday, and take in the Art-Rageous Adventure tour bus. We're almost out of time, but if anyone has a few suggestions to add, we'll "save" them for our next gathering.
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McLean, Va.:
The weather and biting bugs this summer have driven us indoors this summer. We need some indoor summer ideas for a 4-year-old boy. We have done the aquariums in DC, Baltimore and the DC museums; we have seen every Imax movie and "Finding Nemo"; weekly library programs and summer camp. We are running out of ideas. Any indoor ideas?
The Kids' Table: You've no doubt done indoor swimming pools and the Children's Museum? What about a fun little trip on Metro to National Airport, pottery painting at one of those paint your own places. Bowling? Lunch at the Rainforest Cafe at Tysons? Am I helping much? -- Alexa
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Silver Spring, Md.:
Hi Kids'Table--
Submitting early because of a lunch meeting. In anticipation of the school year starting soon, I'm thinking about extracurricular activities for my almost-7-year-old daughter. Does anyone know if there are mother-daughter martial arts classes out there, preferably in the evenings? Also, how do others solve the dilemma of transportation from after-school activities -- I usually get home from work around 6 p.m. but the after-school activities usually end by 4:30 or 4:45. Any ideas are welcome!
The Kids' Table: The Silver Spring YMCA offers Saturday karate classes for ages 5 and up, so that could solve your transportation problem. Montgomery County's recreation department has martial arts classes, too, in the evenings -- some starting at 7. -- Anne
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The Kids' Table:
Thanks everyone for your questions. We meet again at the Kids' Table AFTER
Labor Day, on Sept. 3 at noon -- my Labor Day baby's birthday (talk about
working on Labor Day). For those of you with shopping lists, take advantage of
summer clearances and have a good time at the annual Dog Days of August
Sidewalk Sale at 14th and
U streets this weekend.
(Canines and felines have a special invitation on Sunday.) Get your last sno-cone
of the season, too.
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Alexandria, Va.:
If anyone is in Alexandria on Saturday and would like to send a video message to a family or friend serving in the military away from home then come by the City dock behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center between Noon and 4pm. This is a free service through the Alexandria Red Cross where you can create a two-minute video and audio message for a service member. Just bring the service member's email address and an idea of what you'd like to say in the message. Kids are encouraged to participate!
The Kids' Table: P.S.
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Washington, D.C.:
For the surly 13-year-old ... how about the medical museum at Walter Reed? It's really gross and cool. It may be interesting enough and weird enough to be fun.
The Kids' Table: One more -- see you next time.
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