| Got Plans? With Kids
With the Entertainment Guide Staff
washingtonpost.com
Wednesday, May 14, 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: Pull out your calendars, tablemateys; in fact, you may want to use them as placemats. With Memorial Day weekend, the summer season is unofficially upon us. (Look for Weekend's annual beach guide on Friday.) I (Vicki) like to think of this season as a coming-out party for another generation of fine diners and art and music aficionados. Test table manners at outdoor restaurants and sitting-time at a concert where your seat is on the lawn. What are your plans? We (Alexa, Maura, Lynette, Matt and Anne) will tell you ours if you tell us yours.
Fairfax, Va.: Posting early due to unavoidable lunch meeting. Will read transcripts as always... I enjoy taking my kids to farmers markets with me to see the wide range of fresh produce. When will The Post be publishing its annual guide to the local farmer's markets? The Kids' Table: Hi Fairfax, We're actually waiting to find out when the Post's guide will come out ourselves (hopefully soon.) This Friday's Weekend section will include a story on farms where you can pick your own berries in its "On The Move" feature. Also, these two links list farmers markets in Northern Virginia and Washington. Thanks, Lynette
DC: What kind of places do you suggest for a one year old? He has a pretty short attention span and hates to be strapped into his stroller for too long, but my husband and I would really love to take advantage some of the great places in town. The Kids' Table: DC, you might try some of the standard fare for your 1-year-old: Air and Space, Natural History and the zoo provide plenty of entertainment. Any chatters with more ideas? -- Maura
DC: Any recommendations for a venue for a first birthday party in June? I really want it to be fun for the kids! most of the kids will be really young (1 or so) but there will be a few up to the age of 3 or 4. The Kids' Table: Lots of community centers can be rented for an afternoon party. Many of them have a playground or grassy area outside, perfect for little ones to toddle around. Parents of older kids, check these ideas for adventurous birthday parties. -- Anne
Washington, D.C.: HELP! I have a ton of family and friends coming into town this weekend. There will be about 30 people total and 1/2 of that is kids ranging from 4 - 10. We need to find somewhere to go for dinner Sat. night?!! I know totally last minute, but I hope you can help. Thanks! The Kids' Table: I'm not a huge fan of Maggiano's, Washington, but sometimes (in your case, for instance) they can be handy. Big space, private rooms, and friendly to kids. Otherwise, what about somewhere like the Austin Grill, Cactus Cantina? Both informal, roomy. -- Alexa
K Street: We went to brunch this weekend for Mother's Day and it was quite exhausting (food on the floor and all), but at least ok because cafe deluxe is pretty accommodating to kids. Do you have any recommendations for restaurants in the District that are new and fun, and also can accommmodate youngsters around 1? Even Bethesda is fine - I'm just looking for some nice restaurant where we can sit on a sidewalk table in Bethesda or DC and have a nice (yet early!) dinner. The Kids' Table: You might like Chef Geoff's that has a great big patio, and an informal air. -- Alexa
Germantown, Md.: Where can I find a good park with nice
swings so that I can sit with my
6-month-old daughter and swing with
her? She loves to be outside and feel the
wind on her face. The Kids' Table: Hi Germantown, That sounds like great fun, especially as the weather warms up. Cabin John Regional Park in Rockville has one of the largest playgrounds in your area, including swings and places for crawling and other fun. Also close to you is Seneca Creek State Park , which has several playgrounds situated around Clopper Lake. -- Lynette
Wash DC: Hello all -- Thanks for this great forum. Tomorrow is a half-day for Montgomery County school students. I've got a trio of 4th grade boys (ages 9 and 10) to entertain. Any ideas? Thanks! The Kids' Table: Hi, Washington. I (Maura) think the boys might be the perfect age for Infinity Express at Air and Space's planetarium. You can check and see if the Spy Museum has same-day tix -- it's open until 8 p.m. tomorrow (and every day). And the latest exhibit at National Geographic's Explorers Hall focuses on Sir Edmund Hillary -- Everest and beyond.
Places for a One-Year-Old: As the parent of a very active 25-month-old, I have some suggestions for the parents of a 1-year-old on where to take their child. On rainy days we go to National Airport where he can run around on mosaic floors and look at planes. We've also gone to Tyson's Mall (he's fasicinated with the mechanical animals at the Rain Forest Cafe) and White Flint Mall (where he likes to climb in and out and in and out of their free red car strollers). On sunny days, he loves to run around the FDR memorial (lots of water to look at!) or the park and waterfront area of Old Town. We've also taken him to outdoor dog shows (there's usually a rare breed dog show on the Mall every spring/summer, and there's a huge one in Leesburg every fall and spring). I'd avoid the Children's Museum (hardly anything there, and set up for much older children) but seek out any street fairs with performers. Small kids seem to love the hub bub and the singing. All these ideas get old after a while for us, but he doesn't mind going to the same fountain, grass, and pebbles time and time again! The Kids' Table: Thank you, thank you. You may get the gold star for table manners this week!
Washington, D.C.: What age do you need to start paying for a movie ticket? The Kids' Table: Hello Washington,
In general, most movie theaters in this area require a ticket for children 2 to 3 years old.
Some theaters list their children's prices at ages 2-12 and others 3-12.
-- Matt
Waldorf, Md.: The Boston grand girls (3 1/2 years old and 18 months) are taking me to the zoo this Friday along with their parents. Is there some restaurant nearby that would accept a little well behaved figeting for an early dinner, say 5 or 6 p.m.? Alternately near their hotel on H Street downtown? The Kids' Table: A short drive away, Waldo, is 2 Amys that is very accomodating to children. It serves pizza, great pizza. Also, right in that same block are Cafe Deluxe and Cactus Cantina. Kids galore. Please do have a look at our list, for more details.
For the Crowd of 30: How about Generous Georges? The can handle a big crowd and certainly cater to kids. The food is not 5 star, but it's good pizza & pasta. The Kids' Table: There seems to be support for Generous George in the house.
Re: Family coming town with kids.: I would recommend Generous George's The Kids' Table: George, you rule.
Arlington, Va.: My goddaughter wants to see The Lion King at the National Theatre so I bought tickets to take her. I did notice on the National web site that kids under four aren't admitted. Goddaughter is a very small four. Do they enforce this rule and ask her for ID? The Kids' Table: Hi, this is Jen, doing a special cameo appearance. I'm assuming that you mean "Beauty and the Beast"? As far as I know, "Lion King" isn't scheduled at the National right now. If "Beauty" is indeed the show you plan to see, I was just told by the manager at the National that, as long as your goddaughter is four and you verify it, she should have no problem being admitted. (They won't ask for a birth certificate or anything.) However, she did note that the musical is a little scarier than the movie and that Disney doesn't recommend it for children under 6. If your goddaughter is a particularly mature 4-year-old, she may not have a problem with it, but do keep that in mind. Hope this helps.
Springfield, VA: I saw in an archive of The Kids' Table that going to see fountains was a fun activity for 12-18 month olds. I have a 16 month old and was wondering where some fun fountains were in the Northern Virginia Area. The Kids' Table: Neat question, Springfield. The first ones that come to mind are at shopping centers, like Reston Town Center and the Clarendon Market Common. Parks are a good idea, too -- Meadowlark Botanical Gardens has many small lakes. Are you willing to expand your circle? L'Enfant carefully planned D.C. with many circles surrounding a fountain. I've doused friends in the fountain in front of the Capitol before. The regular crowd was sunning in Dupont Circle last Sunday when I walked through: twenty-somethings on their way to brunch, sweethearts giggling and people-watching, chess zealots, cyclists taking a water break, and -- here's the part you'll like -- a family with a little girl squealing at the sight of a dog splashing in the fountain. Readers, what fountains float your boat? -- Anne
College Park: Are there any restaurants in the area that have trains as their main theme? Train museums that are spectacular? I have a 3-year-old that loves trains. We watch the MARC train frequently. The Kids' Table: Clyde's is the place for you. A model train and booths that look like Orient Express. Also, the American City Diner has a model train -- and fab milkshakes to boot. Anyone else know anything? -- Alexa
Falls Church, Va.: We're looking for car camping places within 3 hours of D.C. to take our toddlers (3 and almost 2) for their first camping trip. We'd prefer a place that takes reservations. Any suggestions? The Kids' Table: Hi Fairfax. Just within your three-hour limit (assuming few traffic delays) are the beaches of Delaware, including Delaware Seashore State Park, which has nice family-oriented campsites with showers and bathrooms. Much closer to home are two more campgrounds set up with families in mind. These are Northern Virginia's Bull Run Regional Park and Pohick Bay Regional Park. All three require reservations. You might also try Catoctin Mountain Park in Maryland as well.
Ashburn, Va.: One of the best fountains in the area is in Silver Spring. It's a wave fountain that you can hear from a half-block away. For little kids (and adults) who aren't near the ocean, this one is a don't-miss luncheon spot. The Kids' Table: Thanks, Ashburn, for your favorite fountain.
Bethesda, md: I am planning a birthday party for my 7 year old, who will turn 8 in late June. She is only inviting girls. Do you have any suggestions for entertainment? I don't want to pay someone to come and entertain as I have a very limited budget. She tells me she is not a 'baby' any more not to plan a baby birthday party. Please help. Thank you, Mimi The Kids' Table: Hi, Mimi. We're thinking these elegant gatherings will be the cup of tea for your little sophisticate. The Dolls' House and Toy Museum also hosts a tea party just for kids. For an alternate and supercheap idea, go to a pick-your-own farm. Strawberry season is fast upon us; watch our site for an upcoming list of farms. You'd only pay for gas to drive there, and what you pick. Afterward, you could make something with the berries -- even something simple like sliced over vanilla ice cream. -- Anne
Train Mom!: In the little shopping plaza off of Aspen Hill Road, there's Trainrunners. Free of charge, full of model trains and friendly folk. Perfect for a 3 yr. old. Although rather expensive, Balto's B&O Museum is like a mecca for trainfans. Gotta go at least once this year. Expensive, but your 3-yr-old will spend HOURS there. Trust me. My then 2-yr-old spent half a day there running around. They have events periodically, celebrating B&O's 150th anniversary. Check their website--Google Search B&O Museum. Also in Balto-- the zoo has a little train. The zoo's a bit pricey, though. Closer to home, Wheaton Regional Park has the best little train around. Long, nice trip through woods, including a bridge and a tunnel at the end. Hope it's in running condition this summer. About a buck or so to ride. Cheaper for kids. We like watching the Marc train too. The conductors are extremely friendly to kids standing on the platforms. The Kids' Table: Okay, we have some competition for this week's gold star. Thank you for getting us all aboard the train question.
Alexandria, VA: Hi! Wolf Trap's summer season begins next week. We've gone without the kids for many summers and are thinking about taking our preschoolers to a show or two. Would the Swamp Romp or Jazz & Blues matinee be good for 2 and 3 year olds? Any other show that you'd recommend? Anyone out there taken their kids to Wolf Trap and have some secrets of success to share? Thanks. The Kids' Table: If it's music you like, you can bet there will be other parents who feel the same way you do, and will want to bring the kids. Maybe you can put your blanket nearby other youngsters. Lawn seats at Wolf Trap are a fine family outing -- a picnic with great music. The daytime shows you mention are a good bets for little ones. Readers, do you have advice to share? -- Anne
Wolftrap: we took a 6 month old niece and a 4 year old nephew to see Harry Belafonte. They both LOVED it. they loved being outside, dancing, eating, and listening to music with their family. If HB is playing i recommend it - but there are plenty of other family-friendly music that can be introduced to youngsters - like Peter Paul & Mary or the Beach Boys. btw - the 4-year old (who is now 8) still talks about it. The Kids' Table: More Wolf Trap from the voice of experience. And from my (Vicki) voice of experience with a Peter, Paul and Mary show at Wolf Trap last year, you can invite the grandparents, too. It's a singalong, start practicing: "Puff the Magic Dragon lived by the sea . . ."
Silver Spring, Md.: Any cool museum plays, shows or films that I can take my 11 year-old nephew and 8 year-old niece to for the weekends? They're cool kids and very well behaved. BTW, I'm looking for something indoors. Thanks The Kids' Table: Silver Spring, try out Sharks: Predator/Prey at the National Aquarium. This week's Saturday's Child feature has more info. -- Maura
Alexandria: Trying to plan 3-day weekends this summer for family with 2 toddlers. Are the beaches too crowded or doable? What state parks or other camping sites are nearby? Would toddlers be able to do a day of amusement parks (Hershey Park, Sesame Place, etc.)? I've heard about water parks? Are preschoolers old enough for them? The Kids' Table: Hi Alexandria. For state parks and camping sites, check out my (Lynette's) answer to Falls Church above. Many beaches will be very crowded in mid-to-late summer. Less-crowded options are the beaches of Assateague and Chincoteague as long as you avoid the week of July 30, when Chincoteague has its world-famous wild pony run. Sesame Place is perfect for toddlers. That's the age group they aim for. Instead of Hershey Park, though, you might prefer Dutch Wonderland. Waterparks vary, but you might check out this feature for help in deciding where to go. Have fun!
WolfTrap for Kids : Wolf Trap actually has something called Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods http://www.wolftrap.org/performances/woods.html The Kids' Table: And more on Wolf Trap's Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods: This outdoor venue's program features free family entertainment in July and August (call for current dates). Clowns, mimes, dancers, puppets and plays are some typical offerings, and workshops for ages 4 and up give tykes a chance to work closely with the performers. Reservations can be made starting in June, and the series usually is filled by the time the shows begin.
Washington DC: Hello, I am the father of a 3 year old. My s/o and I were taking her to Sesame place, but have also heard good things about Hershey Park. Neither one of us does roller coasters, but love the other rides. My 3 year old went to the fair a few weeks ago. It was her first time being able to ride the rides by herself and she had a ball. Which do you recommend for child and family fun - Hershey Park or Sesame Place? The Kids' Table: Hi Washington,
It seems that if you are interested in only the 3-year-old having a good time, the best bet would be Sesame Place. I've never been, but my understanding is that it's really geared to younger children. Hersheypark has rides for all ages.
What I've read, Sesame Place has a lot of water rides, so you might want to check the weather forecast before you go. They also have moon bounce and climbing-type activities, but not really a lot of rides.
Now, if price is a consideration, Sesame Place is $36.95 a person; twilight admission is $20.95.
Hersheypark is similar at $35.95 for adults, but ages 3-8 are $19.95. Sunset plans are $20.95 and $17.95.
Hersheypark has plenty of rides, a short ride through a "fake" chocolate factory and a free zoo, which is small. On the weekend, ride lines are long. So, if you or your s/o wants to go on a ride while the other watches the 3-year-old, your time apart could add up.
Now, if you're willing to drive a few hours north, a hidden treasure is Knoebels. Here is the Web site. I used to go there as a child and now take my children every year we vacation in the Poconos.
It's in the mountains, parking is free and there is NO admission price. You can get a ride-all-day wristband. But you can also pay per ride. So, with a 3-year-old, it could be inexpensive. There is also a pool there and camping facilities. During the week, the lines are short.
They have shows throughout the day, a old-fashioned carousel where you can reach for the golden ring (my daughter could finally reach the rings at age 9), a little train that rides though the woods and miniature golf.
I assume you've been to Six Flags park in suburban Maryland that has a Looney Tunes area for children and a water park.
Have fun -- Matt. <
20817, MD: Where can we view trains? My 2-year-old is now infatuated with Thomas. Does Union Station have a viewing platform? Also, is there a park near National for viewing airplanes taking off and landing? The Kids' Table: Hi, Some of our previous chatters also asked about trains, so you might look at those answers. Union Station doesn't have a viewing platform that I know of and only passengers can enter the area around the trains. But, from Arlington Memorial Bridge you can see trains crossing the Potomac on the train bridge. To watch the planes at National, the best views are from Hains Point and Gravelly Point Park . Thanks.
The Kids' Table: Thanks to all of you for your great questions and answers. Now all we need is outstanding weather to enjoy our concerts on the lawn, outdoor dining and strawberry-picking birthday parties. Don't want to forget to remind you to have a look at our Readers' Choice 2003 contest. This is the nomination phase; so have your opinion count. Besides, It's always nice for a parent to be heard. See you next time, Wednesday, May 28, at noon.
Automatically Update Page | Get New Responses | Submit Question
© Copyright 2003 The Washington Post Company | 
