Friday, February 29, 2008

Zoos and aquariums across the country are celebrating the official start of "The Year of the Frog" with activities Friday (Leap Day).

At the National Geographic Museum's "Frogs! A Chorus of Colors" exhibit, featuring more than 150 live frogs, the museum's frog wrangler will conduct demonstrations at 11 and 1, and leaping contests at 11:30 and 1:30. The documentary "The Last Frog," about the decline of the global frog population, will be screened at 10, 11, noon and 1, and "Fearsome Frogs," about the impact of the predatory North American bullfrog, will be screened at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 and 1:30. At 17th and M streets NW. 202-857-7588 or http://www.nationalgeographic.com/museum. FREE

At the National Zoo, a program in the Visitor Center auditorium at 11 focuses on the importance of frogs, toads and salamanders in the world's ecosystem. At 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-633-4800 or http://nationalzoo.si.edu. FREE

At the National Aquarium in Baltimore, contests, storytelling, face painting and other activities are scheduled Friday through Sunday from 10 to 4. Aquarium admission, which can vary, starts at $21.95, seniors $20.95, ages 3 to 11 $12.95. At 501 E. Pratt St. 410-576-3800 or http://www.aqua.org.