| Got Plans? With Kids
With the Entertainment Guide Staff
washingtonpost.com
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2003; Noon ET 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. The transcript follows. 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. 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. 
The Kids' Table: When last we gathered 'round the Kids Table (somebody, cue the organ for this week's episode), I (Vicki) tried to add a little warmth to your winter days by reminding you that this is also the season to sign up for all those popular summer programs -- whether they're outdoors and overnight or onstage for a few weeks at the Shakespeare Theatre. Tell us what you've found.
Of course, you can always bask in winter and camp, be traditional and ski or defy it -- pull up your three pairs of socks, fill the Thermos with hot chocolate and go to a nearby beach. I've just returned from St. Michaels Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and loved that the gulls outnumbered the tourists - the four of us and a few other happy wanderers. Just recently in KidsPost, our own sports and recreation expert, Lynette, took us whale watching in Virginia.
But where we go during this time together, table mateys, is totally up to you. Your crew: Kate, Matt, Maura, Alexa, Lynette and Vicki.
Centreville, Va.: We just moved here from a more urban setting (Oakland, CA) which had lots of playgrounds, "little kid" friendly parks and very interactive museums (Bay Area Discovery Museum) for the kids. We're having trouble finding the equivalents on the west side of town. We've been to the Children's Museum, but it's pretty far to drive. Besides the mall, where do all the other parents take their under 5s to run off steam? The Kids' Table: Hi Centreville,
You're actually surrounded by several large parks and nature areas, including the Civil War memorial Manassas National Battlefield Park, which has trails, picnic areas, self-guided tours (and tours led by a ranger during the summer months). The nearby Manassas Museum seeks to show the varying perspectives of owners, slaves and other pre-Civil War residents. Also close by is the 660-acre Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, which has a nature center with education programs, hiking trails, birding opportunities, picnic tables and a variety of sports fields. Bull Run Regional Park is south of Centreville off Highway 66. Bull Run has everything from camping and hiking opportunities to a children's playground, miniature golf or frisbee and a shooting center. You might also enjoy the nearby Sully Historic Site. Hope this helps. -- Lynette.
Springfield, Va.: I took a group of six children, ages 7 to 11, to the National Air & Space Museum specifically to see an IMAX movie - we absolutely loved the 3D "Space Station"! Wow! Letters forming out of the air, debris flying at us, the light headed feeling of floating. With the use of the large 3D glasses, it made the journey comfortable, and easy to watch. We especially liked the ending as one of the astronauts tossed an orange at us - we were all trying to catch it! We also watched "Helicopters", which was very educational, and I found myself holding onto the armrest at times. "Lewis & Clark", at the Natural Museum, was a wonderful field trip for the whole fourth grade class to see. Since they are covering it in school, visualizing it on screen just concretes the verbal classroom sessions. IMAX is GREAT!! My question is, as a single mother of three, where can I take my children to see some local theater at a REASONABLE PRICE?? We've done the local High Schools (a great start); The West End isn't too costly for the matinee, and they do a great job; I want to try glen Echo. . . But Classika and others that cater to youths are not in my price range. I try to keep in tune with the Washington Post's recommendations. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated, so the theatrical exposure can continue for my enthusiastic children. Thanks!! Ellen The Kids' Table: Hi, Springfield. If you want to try more IMAX, keep in mind "The Lion King" is showing at the Maryland Science Center. As for theater, have you tried the Discovery Theater at Arts and Industries? Ticket prices are $4 for children, even less if you're a member of the Smithsonian. Click here for upcoming shows. Maybe some readers out there have more ideas? -- Maura
Hyattsville, Md.: Silver Stars Gymnastics is a great place to take active toddlers from as early as 18 months. They are located in Silver Spring and Wheaton, Maryland. Are there any other "active" places to take toddlers from 18 months to 3 years of age during the week? The Kids' Table: Hi, Hyattsville. Thanks for the great tip. Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center provides gymnastics opportunities for all ages on the Virginia side of town. You might also check into aquatics programs at the Martin Luther King Jr. Swim Center in Silver Spring or other area pools. Does anyone else have suggestions for active activities for toddlers? -- Lynette.
Germantown, Md.: No question today, just a tip. The new Black Rock Center for the Arts in Germantown has lots of stuff for kids. Notable is a family matinee every Saturday at 1 p.m. Also lots of classes (for kids and adults) -- music, dance, drama, etc. The Kids' Table: Thanks Germantown. This weekend the family matinee at the Black Rock Arts Center is "Hot Soup," a string of parodies geared for the whole family. If you check it out, let us know what you think. -- Maura
College Park Aviation Museum: We're back with our self-promotion! 2003 is the Centennial of Flight, and the College Park Aviation Museum is celebrating all year long! We have many great family programs, and lots of interesting temporary exhibits planned for the whole year. On Saturday (Jan. 25) we are hosting The Science Show with John Hadfield. This is an annual program at the museum, and has sold out in the past. We have already sold out the 3 pm show. We also have a temporary exhibit that is up through Jan. 31. It's called "From Kites to Kitty Hawk" and shows the connections between kites and powered flight. We also have launched our website at www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.com, and our calendar of events is online. The Kids' Table: Thanks, College Park.
Foggy Bottom: I'm looking for various types of classes to take with my baby, specifically an aquababies class in or near to the District. Any ideas?! Thank you so much! Love these chats. The Kids' Table: It's cold outside, Foggy. I'm happy to let you know you two don't have to travel very far from home to enjoy the pool. The National Capitol YMCA offers half-hour swimming classes for parent and baby once a week (usually Saturday mornings). Fees run from $74-$94. There are classes for tinies who are 6-12 months, 13-18 months and 24-36 months. All are designed to make sure both "swimmers" are having fun in the water while baby is introduced to basic concepts: kicking, breathing, floating. The winter sessions started last Saturday, but I'm sure you can catch up.
If you'd like to shop around and compare prices and class availability, call Arlington County's Sports and Rec Dept. (703-228-3323). I'm not overly familiar with the facilities, but I remember they were state of the art compared with D.C.'s, and clean and well maintained. -- Kate
Fairfax, Va.: I think perhaps Centreville might have been looking for some place INSIDE to take her kids -- all of the places you mentioned are convenient to her, but not the greatest at this time of year. What about Adventure Challenge Indoor Playground in Manassas, on Liberia Avenue? It's not far from Centreville at all -- right down 28 in fact. It has the added advantage of admitting parents for free with their kids. Just a thought ... I've never been but have a friend who lives in Chantilly who really enjoyed it. The Kids' Table: Hi Fairfax, you're right, it is cold out there. But Ellanor C. Lawrence has a nature center (indoor) with classes for children and Manassas Museum also has indoor areas. And thanks for the great tip about the Adventure Challenge Indoor Playground. They have gymnastics programs as well as a play area for children. Their address is 9890 Liberia Ave., Manassas, Va. 20111 and the phone number is 703-361-4966. There is a charge for entrance, $1 plus the age of the child up to $5.95. There are no age limits to participate and parents must supervise their children.
Summer Camp Options: We just signed up my 8-year-old son for the George Washington University camp -- "Curious Minds Rock." He went last year (its first year), and it was the first camp he ever came home from saying couldn't wait to go to again! In previous years, we had run the gamut of County camps, School camps, and other activities-based camps, all of which he despised, and I was beginning to think our case desperate. Therefore, we were thrilled to find a camp with the combination of sports (like skateboarding and snorkling) and activities (such as Slimy snacks and producing a radio show) he likes! The fact that the counselors are college students (as opposed to high-school) also helps. The Kids' Table: Hi. It seems like you found a great summer camp. I know this is something parents often struggle with each year.
We've been happy the past few years with the University of Maryland women's soccer camp. I have two daughters who play the sport, and it's nice to have them taught by these talented college women. They are great role models on many levels. For one session, a Freedom player attended from D.C.'s professional team.
For parents who haven't thought about the sports route before, this area has many colleges that offer week-long camps in many sports. I have younger children, so we drop them off and pick them up. But many of the camps are overnight as well.
Thanks for your tip, which also has made me think ahead to summer during a cold winter day. -- Matt
Arlington County Parks and Recreation -: The phone number I recently used to register for swimming lessons was
703-228-4747. OR, check out the Web page at http://www.co.arlington.va.us/prcr The Kids' Table: Thanks for the info . . . Nice time to take lessons and be ready to get in the swim of things come summer. (Yes, Virginia -- and Maryland and D.C. -- there will be a summer.) -- Vicki
Arlington VA: My son will be turning one in a few weeks and I'm ashamed to say I have not taken advantage of the cultural opportunities here. Can someone recommend the most child-friendly art, music or animal-related events or museums to try? He really seems to enjoy music but is perhaps too young to attend a live performance. Any advice appreciated. The Kids' Table: I don't think one is too young -- as long as the program is short enough and free. You two should be able to leave at any time without regretting the price of admission. Have you been to the story hour at your local library? I've just been to the main branch's Web site and I can see several story hours (one specifically for toddlers next Monday at 10). Take a look. As your fellow enjoys music, perhaps taking him to a free concert on the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage would be fun. While not children's performers, the Grandsons make a terrific noise (you can dance to it!) and put on a lively show. They appear next Tuesday at 6 p.m. Many museums -- like National Museum of American History and the National Geographic Society -- host family days at least once a month. Getting on their calendars can occasionally require a small annual donation, but there are perks. FONZ (Friends of the National Zoo) offers benefits like free parking and invitations to summer picnics, boo at the zoo, etc. -- Kate
The Kids' Table: Another summer camp option I (Lynette) found is available from Rock Creek Park's Horse Center. They offer day summer camps for boys and girls ages 8 to 14 interested in learning to ride and care for horses. Each camp is two weeks long, costs $600 and runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Registration begins in February and must be done in person.
Washington, D.C.: Any ideas of where to take a group of visiting college students for a night on the town? No bars or clubs, please. In particular, I'd love to know if there are any special events happening the weekend of March 7-9? Thanks! The Kids' Table: Washington, check out our calendar for what might be of interest for those students. If you're thinking theater, maybe "Book of Days" at Arena Stage or the early works of Edward Albee at the Studio Theater. Good luck. -- Maura
Fairfax, Va.: The whale watching link you gave above isn't working The Kids' Table: Thanks, Fairfax. This should take you to those beautiful creatures.
Summer camp scam - : Ok, it isn't really a scam, but as a working parent, I have noticed that 'reasonably priced' camps usually only run 4-6 hours, then you have to pay extra for the 'after hours' portion, just so you can get a full day's work in. I don't know about the rest of you, but aren't the majority of the folks looking for summer camp options in need of a full day's commitment and safe/nurturing place for their children? The Kids' Table: Keen observation, yes, and you're right that many parents and caregivers need that full-day option and all need (most definitely) a safe and nurturing place. But remember, too, that summer programs are intended for children, whose attention spans and stamina only last so long. After a 4-6 hour program, everybody may be anxious to go home -- and paying for the after-hours portion may keep "relaxed" parents a little more mindful of the time: There will be no dinner for two on the camp's time. Just a thought. -- Vicki
montgomery village mom: A lot of local D.C. theaters have pay what you can previews. Of course not all shows are suitable for kids but some are and are worth trying. The Kids' Table: Thanks for the tip, montgomery village mom.
Fairfax, Va.: Any ideas on where I could host a birthday party for my 3-year-old twins? Indoors. Some place that kids can involved in activities or play. We've already done chuckee cheese ! The Kids' Table: Oh, Fairfax Mom, you take a nap whenever those 3-year-olds do, you hear?! So you have the energey to celebrate. See if there's a party for you in this neighborhood parks and nature centers close to home. Also, bookmark this link; its to Weekends Carousel, a weekly roundup of family places and activities - including, at the end of the column, those wonderful fill-in-with-stories library programs. See you next time, please Wednesday, Feb. 5, a wonderful opportunity to make hearts and flowers and plans for our little sweethearts. Thanks for coming to the Kids' Table.
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