Washingtonpost.com: Live Online

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.

A different staffer will host 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: Come in out of the rain to the Kids’ Table. You need to bring your own refreshments, but we’ll all share ideas that entertain our ducklings. I (Vicki) am thinking books, board games, puzzles, crafts, movies -– the contents of that basket of toys and activities that come out only on rainy days.

In between raindrops we need to be ready to run. Here to help us with directions to take are Maura (museums), Alexa (restaurants), Matt (movies), Lynette (sports and recreation) and our keepers of events, Kate and Anne. So, where will our questions and ideas take us today?

College Park, Md.: Just wanted to let you know that the College Park Aviation Museum's 4th annual Halloween Flight Night will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 7-9 p.m. inside the museum. We encourage people to come in costume, and we will have crafts, treats, and spooky decorations. It's a lot of fun!

The Kids' Table: We've got it and plenty more family-friendly Halloween events in our Halloween Guide. -- Kate

Washington, D.C.: I just happened to read the comments that was in the last session in reference to Generous George. I actually had my daughter's 3-year-old party there two weeks ago and it was wonderful. If anyone is looking for something out of the norm from Chuck E. Cheese, then this is the place I recommend. The service was wonderful and the kids had the whole lower level to themselves. Not to mention the pizza was delicious indeed. I am planning on going out there again this weekend with my daughter for a follow up.

Generous George Rocks!

The Kids' Table: Thanks, Washington, for your feedback. Is Generous George entertaining our younger set these days, and who is his competition? Anyone else have a favorite sticky-little-fingers party place? -- Vicki

Garrett Park, Md.: Hi.

I'm sure you get questions from people asking about tix to the always sold-out-in-advance Boo at the (National) Zoo. By the time the ad gets in The Post, the three-night event is already sold out. That's one of the reasons I joined FONZ, so I can get early (and half-price) dibs on tickets.

But there are 2 Zoo Boo alternatives: the Catoctin Zoo and the Baltimore Zoo.

The Catoctin one (near Thurmont) is this Friday and Saturday and next in the evening. Admission is $10 each and I don't see where they ask for reservations. Bring a flashlight though, as it's very wooded.

The Baltimore Zoo does theirs in the daytime, 10-4, I believe this weekend and next. Admission again is $10 per person.

I wish The Post would print Halloween events earlier than they do because some (like haunted houses) started last weekend. But the haunted houses will continue until even Nov. 1, joined by haunted hayrides (like the one at Potomac Horse Center).

The Kids' Table: Thanks for sharing, Garrett Park, and you're right. The FONZ (Friends of the National Zoo) is a great source of activities for kids and their parents. They do sell out fast so it's good to hear about the alternatives. The Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo is at 13019 Catoctin Furnace Rd. in Thurmont, MD and their "Boo-in-the-Zoo" takes place 6 to 8:15 p.m. Oct. 17-19 and 24-26. Admission is $10 if you want to trick or treat, or $8 if you don't. Just remember to bring a flashlight. As for the Baltimore Zoo, its event is free and lasts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19-20 and 26-27. -- Lynette

Silver Spring, Md.: My 2-year-old son loves trains. What can we do around the area? I understand there is a trolley museum close by. Could you give me more information on that as well?

The Kids' Table: The National Capital Trolley Museum is right nearby. A little farther away, the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore has an impressive collection of trains. -- Maura

Somewhere, USA: Does anyone have any experience with the Cox Farms pumpkin patch in Vienna? Thought we'd try it for the first time this year with our toddler and would like some stories from "the field" (ha ha).

Also, have any of the local malls (N VA) stated if/when they are going to do trick or treating for the kids this year?

The Kids' Table: Hi, this is Anne. I went to the Cox Farms patch last year, and it's one of the biggies, so there are activities for a range of ages. Toddlers will probably enjoy climbing on haybales, maybe going down a slide on your lap, and taking the more-giggles-than-ghouls hayride to the pumpkin patch. There are all kinds of food, apple cider, caramel apples and other seasonal treats. On your way out, you can pick out your own small pumpkin. To your second question, Fair Oaks Shopping Center is hosting a trick-or-treat from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 31. Stores will hand out candy and kids can get bags and Halloween activity books on the lower level near the customer service area.

Washington, D.C.: Hope you can help me out. My fiance's brother is coming to D.C. next Wednesday with a group of 8th graders from Indianapolis. They'll be in town for a few days and we're trying to think of a couple of evening activities for them. I think their days are pretty booked, but not evenings. Any thoughts? Thanks so much in advance!

The Kids' Table: If I had a gaggle of eighth graders, I might entertain them with a nighttime tour of the monuments and dinner at the cook-your-own Flat Top Grill, or a big table at Cactus Cantina.

I imagine they will be touring the Capital and the Smithsonian during the day. Would they like to walk around Georgetown's mall? If they've got the energy for a good scare, how 'bout a haunted house? -- Kate

Washington, D.C.: My little sister is coming to spend the weekend with me in celebration of her upcoming 10th birthday. I'm new to the area and could use some ideas. I would like to take her out to dinner somewhere fun where they will make a big deal on her behalf (must be Metro accessible).

Also, I was thinking of taking her to Clarendon for their fall fun festival on Saturday; will it be age appropriate?

The Kids' Table: Hello Washington, have a look at our Dining out with Kids list. Of these, I'd say old Generous George would certainly throw on a good time, though he isn't very handy for Metro. Magic of New Orleans in Silver Spring has magicians on the weekends. Of course, there's always the Cheesecake Factory for monster desserts. Let's ask the group to let us know any tips. Group? -- Alexa

Vienna, Va.: i'm desperately seeking some cool, new ideas for a birthday party for an 11-year-old girl who has had or been to the standard faire of bowling, pizza party, gymnastic, build-a-bear, etc. etc. type parties in the past. help!!!

The Kids' Table: What about manicures at your local strip mall salon? These little girls might enjoy the experience. Or, having their hair washed and styled (not cut!). Most salons would be willing to work a deal, for say, five wash and curls and five manicures if you were in by 2:30 and out by four.

Anyone else have a suggestion? -- Kate

Silver Spring: What Oktoberfest celebrations would be good for children ages 8 and 2?
Love this chat!

The Kids' Table: Guten Tag, Silver Spring! Our resident Oktoberfest expert, Fritz Hahn, suggests this event this Saturday at the University of Maryland. He also suggests Blob's Park for its October celebrations. Arrive early and leave when the children grow oom-pah-pah weary. -- Vicki

College Park, MD: I have a 2 year old. What are some good long-weekend activity-centered vacation spots for the Fall and winter months.

The Kids' Table: Hi College Park, Lynette here. A lot depends of course on how mobile you and your two-year-old are and how far afield you want to go. With that in mind, why not try Belvedere Plantation in Fredericksburg, Va.? The historic plantation, which sits along the Rappahannock River, has a jungle-themed maze, clues to find, music and other activities. If you need a break, take a sit and just enjoy your surroundings. Or there's Virginia Beach, which is extremely affordable during the cooler part of the year but has the Virginia Marine Science Museum, chock full of hands-on activities guaranteed to thrill kids of any age. You can even pet a manta ray there. Another thing to consider are your own interests. Children pick up on adult cues very quickly. If you're fascinated by a given place or event, your child will pick up on that. Go to the places you're most interested in and share that. Your child may only take in so much information at one time right now, but it will give you a place to build shared interests that can enhance your relationship years from now.

Garrett Park: GP again.

Speaking from experience, those trick-or-treat deals at the local malls are not always a good idea. I took my then 3-year old to the White Flint one. It was absolutely packed and when they blow the whistle/ring the bell, there's a stampede to as many stores as possible before the candy runs out in about 7 minutes. It's mostly cheap, hard candy anyway and the fuss is pretty ridiculous. Little kids either get caught up in (& possibly hurt by) the mad trample, or they miss most of the candy, thanks to the older kids.

Also, has the mother in Vienna looking for a different kind of birthday party checked out a local horse stable? Some have packages. What about the local roller skating or ice skating rinks? The local pottery studios for "paint-your-own pottery"? Even the local indoor pools have packages.

The Kids' Table: Garrett Park is one voice of experience on trick-or-treating at malls. Any more?

Thanks, too, for party ideas. If anyone is partying before the pumpkin-carving season is over, a trip to Great Country Farms would happily fill an afternoon. For instance, there's a pumpkin-carving contest on the 26th. -- Vicki

Vienna, VA: The Cox Farms in Vienna is not the one with the big pumpkin patch with hayrides, etc. The Vienna location is just a nursery/produce stand with a few climbing toys and bales of hay.

The Kids' Table: Sorry Vienna, Anne has an appointment so you'll have to talk to me (Kate). There are two Cox Farms: The farm stand in Vienna and the farm farm in Centreville. The pumpkin patch here is elaborate: 15621 Braddock Road, Centreville, Va. The number is 703/830-4121. If that's too far for you and your pumpkin, perhaps you'll consider the gentler activities on offer at the Halloween Hoe Down at Reston Town Center on the 19th. Here is The Post's list of pumpkin patches.

For Somewhere USA: Although Cox Farms has a stand in Vienna, the Cox Farms pumpkin patch is at the intersection of Pleasant Valley and Braddock Roads in Centerville. Just wanted to clarify, since the questioner made it sound like it was in Vienna.

Having said that, I'd add that I just took my 22-month old with a big group of her friends and they LOVED it. The kids ranged from 8 months to three years in our group and everyone seemed to have a fabulous time! Since all of the schools have canceled their outings, it's an especially good time to go with teeny ones as it's not very crowded.

The Kids' Table: Thanks -- are you still there, Vienna?

gaithersburg, MD: i'm unable to get through....

The Kids' Table: How did this happen G'burg? Please try again.

The Kids' Table: Hopefully, Gaithersburg and all of you (and your family and friends) will join us in two weeks at the Kids' Table, at noon Oct. 30 -- if you're not too busy putting the finishing touches on the world's best costumes. Thanks for your time today. Stay warm and dry.

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