| Got Plans? With Kids
With the Entertainment Guide Staff
washingtonpost.com
Wednesday, March 5, 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: Is it a nice day or am I (Vicki) grading on the curve these days? I think I see the light at the end of this heavy-duty winter. Spring is (dare I say it?) in the air and activities -- like kite festivals -- are on the calendar. We may have to wait till Monday for word on the arrival of the pink, but the wearing of the green is right on schedule (actually, the Old Town Alexandria Parade had to be rescheduled for this Saturday on account of -- I’m not even going to say the four-letter "s" word anymore). Besides, it’s your turn to have a say. Behaving themselves at the Kids’ Table this afternoon and eager to pass the questions and share ideas are Kate, Anne, Matt, Alexa, Lynette and our very own museum expert, Maura McCarthy.
Montgomery Village, Md. Mom: Has anyone been to the Maryland Science Center Kids room? Is it appropriate for a one-year-old and three-year-old? Does it get really crowded so that the kids won't be able to do the activities? Any other suggestions (since that is a trek for me) for intoducing children that young to museums (including Smithsonian). I work full time but would love to encourage my family day care provider to take more field trips like this (instead of the mall and Chuckie Cheese, admittedly my kids fave places!) Any ideas for weekend jaunts? Thanks. The Kids' Table: Hi Montgomery Village, Mom. I (Lynette) can give all parts of the Maryland Science Center an enthusiastic thumbs up. It is very hands-on and kid-friendly. The kids room is a definite yes for your 3-year-old, and a probably for your 1-year-old as long as an adult is along to help out. Crowding however, can be a problem. Mondays are reserved for families (no school groups allowed), so first thing Monday morning (they open at 10) is probably the least crowded time to go. Do keep in mind that the kids room closes an hour before the rest of the museum, at 4 p.m. Other museums good for that age group, according to our museum expert Maura, are the Smithsonian's National Air and Space and Natural History museums.
College Park Aviation Museum, Md.: Happy Centennial of Flight, Kid's Table! The College Park Aviation Museum is celebrating this momentous anniversary throughout this year by hosting fun, family-oriented event. This Saturday, 3/8, we have a Model-Making Workshop from noon to 4 p.m., which is great for kids 8 and up. In two weeks, on 3/22, we are hosting a musical theater production called "Right Place, Right Time, Wright Brothers" about Orville and Wilbur Wright. Call the museum at 301-864-6029 for more information -- we'd be happy to answer any questions. The Kids' Table: Thanks, College Park. For more information on the College Park Aviation Museum click here. Centennial of flight activities will continue through 2003. -- Maura
Arlington, Va.: My husband and I have a daughter who is 19-months-old. Over the past few months we have tried to find some form of indoor physical activity on the weekends. So far, we are aware of only one indoor playground (Fun Company on Leesburg Pike) in our area and the play area at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax. Can you offer any other suggestions? The Kids' Table:
Hi, Arlington. There are a variety of activities offered by the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department that might work for you. There's are swimming classes for tots, including one 9:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Wakefield Pool and one 1:30 to 2 p.m Sunday at Washington and Lee Pool. They have a variety of gymnastics and other movement-related classes available as well, including a gymnastics class at 2 p.m. Sundays at Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center. There are more classes available during weekdays, if you can find a way to fit them into your schedule. Hope this helps. Thanks, Lynette.
Alexandria, Va.: Hello -- Any thoughts on how much fun an 18 month old might have at the Capital Children's Museum? The Kids' Table: Hi Alexandria. An 18-month-old is a bit young for many of the Capital Children's Museum's hands on activities. I might turn to bigger, brighter displays to capture the tot's fancy. The afore-mentioned Air and Space, Natural History and the zoo might be better bets, but maybe some parents out there can share their experiences? -- Maura
Falls Church, Va.: Hello - My sister and her family are coming to D.C. to visit this weekend, including my nephews, ages 2 and 4. I have no idea how to entertain them here as I do not have children myself. The one time they were here before, we did the Air and Space Museum and the Zoo so I am reluctant to bring them there again. What is there around the area that could be entertaining for both adults and children alike? Any help would be greatly appreciated (particularly by my brother-in-law, I'm sure!). Thanks! The Kids' Table: I bet that kids at that age dig any ultra-sensory experience. Give them an earful at Saturday's Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade. Because it's been rescheduled from last week, the parade performers will be down by half, but the dog and car show are still going on as planned, so there are lots of things to touch. For the rest of the week, I'd suggest a return to the Mall. In addition to Air and Space, there are many more museums with exhibits ideal for kids. If you're feeling that spring is still too far away, step into a room full of live butterflies at the Arts and Industries Building. Across the way is the Natural History Museum, where any animal-loving tyke will be impressed with creatures like the giant squid and the African elephant that greet you. -- Anne
Bethesda, Maryland: Hi Gurus! This chat is a great resource, and this time I wanted to throw one out there. We'd like to find something fun and creative to do with our son - and perhaps one or two friends - when he turns 8 in a few weeks. He isn't into sports yet, so something along that line wouldn't be an option - but he loves dinosaurs, things having to do with space, Disney, etc. And he's already done the museums on the Mall. I was looking for something different. Any ideas? Thanks! The Kids' Table: Hello Bethesda.
You asked for something different, fun and creative. I think I may have the answer.
Have you heard of Crayola Works: The Creativity Studio and Store? The first of its kind recently opened at Arundel Mills, which isn't too far from Bethesda (just go up 95 to 100 East).
My 8-year-old daughter just had her birthday party there. You get a private room and a party person who guides them through a few different crafts. It was 90 minutes, included a cupcake, juice box, party and ranged from $11 to $14 a child, depending on the craft.
There might be a minimum for a party. If so, you can just take the few friends and go. There are some free things to do. And then you can purchase a certain craft to do. They have plenty of tables and work areas.
We then went to Jillian's for dinner. It's one of those places with games, air hockey, etc.
The phone number for Crayola Works is 410-799-0400. The Web site is crayolaworks.com.
If you decide to go, some warnings. It's a big mall and parking this past weekend was a nightmare, especially with the large piles of snow. Give yourself plenty of time to find a parking spot.
We had a 90-minute wait for a table at Jillian's after the 4:30 party. It really didn't matter since the children had fun playing games. But you have to keep "recharging" their cards with more money.
I'd suggest maybe going to Jillian's between lunch and dinner time, and then hitting Crayola.
Good luck -- Matt.
Arlington, Va.: Hi - I am getting ready to plan a May birthday party for my soon to be 3 year old daughter. I am looking for Disney characters who look authentic to come to the party (Cinderella, Belle, etc.) Do you know where I can call to hire such people? Thanks, Dane The Kids' Table: Hi, Arlington, we all put our heads together for this one. Maura has a friend who tried this very thing, and she cautions that you probably won't be able to get an actual Disney costume, because of copyright issues that even a fairy godmother can't solve. But you could get an adult costume that looks *something* like the character you want. Lynette found a company with a "Miss Mouse" (not Minnie) costume. I'd think you could also go to a local costume shop and get a generic princess costume and just tell the kids you're Cinderella.
Washington, D.C.: I've never been to the St Pats parade in Old Town. How crowded does it get - are there places along the curb to sit? Also, since you mentioned that half of the participants have cancelled, about how long will it last? thanks! The Kids' Table: Hello Washington. All the Old Town parades tend to blend together in my mind. But I think it mostly depends on the weather and whether or not all those huge mounds of snow have gone completely. Usually those things draw a big crowd and last an hour or so. -- Alexa
Bowie, Md.: Taking family (2 kids-7 and 3) to Wizards game on Friday. Any recommendations for a kid-friendly, pre-game dinner? The Kids' Table: Hello Bowie. Around the MCI you have a few family-friendly spots. My best bet might be the Austin Grill -- always good and colorful. There's also Fuddruckers, of course. And doesn't Hooters call themselves a family restaurant?! -- Alexa
Baltimore for Kids: Looking to do something a 2 year old would like this Saturday. I always like the B&O Railroad museum, but they are closed for a while due to the roof collapse. Anything else appropriate for that age? I am looking to avoid the Aquarium as we have all been there. The Kids' Table: Such sad news about the B&O Railroad Museum, but hopefully they'll be back at full steam soon. Other options might be the Maryland Science Center or Port Discovery. A little farther up the road in Lutherville, check out the Fire Museum. -- Maura
Reston, VA: Hi! I'm looking for suggestions for something to do wtih my 8 year old sister who will be staying with me this weekend. She is athletic, an animal lover, an art lover and all around great little girl! Last time she spent the weekend we went horseback riding on Saturday and spent Sunday painting landscapes (and my kitchen floor. oops!). We're in VA but can venture out for the right activity! Thanks in advance! The Kids' Table: Hi Reston and you're very welcome. Sounds like your great little sister has a great big sister too! You live in the midst of outdoor opportunities. Click here for a list of area trails and nature centers. If you want to go horseback riding again, Greenway Stables in Loudoun County is fairly close. For an art class or other activity you might check with the Fairfax County Parks Authority to see if any of their activities interest you and your little sister. Thanks.
cabin fever big time: Any advice or comments on Luray caverns for a 6 year old and 3 year old - we all need to stretch our legs and this sounds like a weather proof outing The Kids' Table: Hello from my cabin to yours . . . the drive should be nice (take along some car activities) and if this is your children's first experience with the caverns, it should be wow-worthy. You could turn your plans and the car around and head for Maryland's Crystal Grottoes Caverns -- a child's intro to caves. -- Vicki
Germantown, MD: We are in the process of planning our son's 1st birthday party in May. We'd like to have it outdoors if possible where we can bring our own food. Do you have any suggestions for places that would be appropriate for about 50 people, half of them kids ranging from infants to school age? The Kids' Table: Hi Germantown, Sounds like it's going to be a great first birthday party. Right in your own back yard is the Southern Germantown Recreational Park, which has four picnic shelters that can be reserved for a non-refundable fee of $110 and a $125 refundable security deposit. This gives you a sheltered area for eating and cooking (they have grills) and each shelter holds about 40 people, so you might want to spread out and get two. Facilities include an adventure playground for the young kids and a volleyball court and horseshoe pits for the older folks as well as a restroom and parking for 100 cars.
Germantown, Md.: Any ideas on free thing I can do with 7 & 11 year old boys during their spring break from school that they will find fun and/or exciting and that I will find free?
The Kids' Table: Hi, Germantown, we're not sure when your spring break is, with all the snow-day change-a-roos. But here are some tools to help you find free things to do on any day. At the top right-hand side of the page is our calendar box -- if you click on that, you can find all the events happening on any given day. Also, we have a page full of free (and cheap) things to do. If your break is in April, I'd take advantage of warm weather to let them burn off some cooped-up energy. An 8-year-old boy I know especially loves the gross-out aspects of nature, like finding worms, and spring is perfect for that. How about biking or hiking at Seneca Creek State Park or exploring a local nature center? Our colleague Rhome has fond boyhood memories of hiking Sugarloaf Mountain. -- Anne
Vienna, Va.: For the person who is going to the MCI Center, you can always try Chinatown for a good family meal before the game. For the person looking for something artsie to do with her 12 year old sister, try Clay Cafe Studios, in both Falls Church and Chantilly. My daughter and I went to the Falls Church location on that very rainy Saturday and we both had a blast. It's also a great place for a birthday party, and reasonable. The Kids' Table: Thank you, Vienna. I (Vicki) wanted to get your suggestions in before the chat winds down.
Springfield, Va.: Ok, arguably not KIDS, but two suggestions are needed here..my KIDS will turn both 16 and 18 this year and I'd like to do something special and age appropriate. That being said, my 18 yr old would like the experience of clubbing (although I'm not sold on DC venuesand would like something in the NOVA suburbs)....my 16 year old is up for anything. I had thought about a limo ride for her and her friends, but to what destination? Again, I'm aversed to the whole DC scene with young women under my control... Thanks
A harried Mom The Kids' Table: Hello, Springfield. This is Fritz, the Bars and Clubs editor, making a special guest appearance. You might want to look into The Planet Club in Chantilly, which has Saturday night dances targeted at the 16-20 crowd. (As in, you have to be 16-20 to get in.) This is far from your Rec Center Teen Mixer; it's inside the Planet Play amusement center, and they have banks of strobe lights, multiple dance floors, DJs, local radio personalities -- and chaperones and police officers are always present. It's not Platinum or Home (your younger daughter couldn't get into either of those, anyway) but it's the coolest under-18 night going, and they can have up to 1,000 teens show up on a weekend.
The Kids' Table: Time to sign off and do the dishes. A reminder to those looking for a side order of indoor warmth with their fun: National Theatre has its wonderful Saturday Morning programs for kids through April. Also, the Environmental Film Festival begins March 13. (Look for Saturday Kids in the Weekend section, it's a feature on the festival’s films for kids. Thanks for the pleasure of your company and your terrific questions and ideas. Hope you’ll be back with us Wednesday, March 19 – if you’re not too busy flying a kite.
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