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: Brrrr, everybody. If it doesn’t dry up and warm up soon, our wizards and witches, magicians and counts are going to need their rain-repelling capes with the zip-in fleece linings. Your brides and princesses will be dancing to doors in rubber boots.

Hope by now you’ve all pored over our Halloween Guide with all its treats (don’t make me -– Vicki –- have to turn you into pumpkins) and are ready for the start of the social season. But if All Hallows Eve isn’t on your mind, tell us (Kate, Matt, Maura, Alexa, Lynette and me) what is ...

Dupont: My friends are coming back to town--with a 3 yr old and 1 yr old. We went to Buca di Beppo last time and everyone loved it. Can you recommend another restaurant in the Dupont area that is family oriented for a fairly large group? gurus are great.

The Kids' Table: Dupont, Buca might have been your best bet, though we have taken youngsters to the Daily Grill and the staff didn't seem too phased. -- Alexa

Train Mom in Silver Spring: I keep posting too late to the discussion, so I'm posting early. You've got to stop telling moms of train-obsessed kids that there's a train exhibit in the Smithsonian Museum of American History.

It's closed until next fall, when a new exhibit on transportation will open. No one could tell me how much emphasis there will be on trains.

In the meantime, the Transit exhibit at the National Building museum is a nice substitute. There are mock ups of trolly interiors, model trolleys, lots of neat historical films--and best of all-- your very own chance to DRIVE A METRO TRAIN! My little engineer just loved it.

The Kids' Table: Thanks, TMISS, we'll let everyone know that the train display at American History, 1401 Locomotive and all, is closed.

But, you've got to stop telling people to go to the National Building Museum for the Transit show. It closed last Sunday. Sorry for the bad news. -- Maura

Trains for Kids: I read the transcript from a couple of weeks ago and a parent wrote in about where to find "train" things to do with her little boy.

I live in Silver Spring, near Aspen Hill and have a great recommendation. In the Northgate shopping center in Aspen Hill on Georgia (with the Michael's and SuperFresh) in the corner, there's a storefront without a store. A group called RailRunners or Trainrunners or something has set up shop there while the owners are looking for a tenant.

This is a huge place and they've set up all their model trains with great detail and they've put a lot of work into it. My two-year old loves it. There's also a small kids' section where kids can push buttons to make the trains go or make train noises.

It is free and staffed by volunteers but is only open on the weekends. I do suggest you put a dollar or so in their jug up front every time you go - as a thank you for the work they do.

The Kids' Table: Let's hope this puts some train lovers back on track. Thanks. -- Maura

Washington, D.C.: What are the best hiking/wandering places within 2-3 hours to take 6 - 8 year olds? We've just moved here and I'd love to show my daughter the great outdoors, but don't know where to start. Caves? Waterfalls? Great leaves? Great views, etc.

The Kids' Table: Hi Washington, there are plenty of all of the above within your drive time. Check this link for a list of caves. Except for the Dixie Caverns (about four hours away) all are within a two-to-three hour drive. This second link will take you to our (very popular) feature on area waterfalls. Consider your family's fitness and hiking experience levels before trying any trails with a higher than one-sneaker rating. And here's a feature listing the area's foliage viewing opportunities. And here, just to round things out, is a list of area parks and nature centers. Enjoy. Lynette

Falls Church, Va.: Has anyone heard from the Vienna Chapter of the Holtorf Pumpkin Carving Association? Are they displaying this year?

The Kids' Table: Hi Falls Church, Lynette here. I'm going to throw this one out to the rest of the group to see if anyone else knows about this. I can't find any information relating to this group. If you're interested in pumpkin carving in general, I'm afraid you may have to wait for next year. All the events that included cutting up a pumpkin seem to have taken place last Saturday. But maybe another chatter can help us out. Anybody?

NW Washington: The Multicultural Book Fest sounds great -- but what is the appropriate age for attendance? Will there be opportunity to move or is it a sit and be quiet type of event?

The Kids' Table: Of all of the Kennedy Center's festivals, I (Kate) think the Children's Multicultural Book Festival is second only to the center's Open House in scale and family friendliness.

The daylong event is intended for reader (and listeners) ages 2 to 13 and their parents, teachers too. It starts at noon and runs to 5 with plenty of time built in for leg stretching as each reading is only 20 minutes. Take the elevator to the top for snacks and a race around the roof. There are illustration- and poetry-crafting workshops, too, as well as a book sale and free bookmarks. Among the children's book authors and illustrators are Lawrence Yep ("Dragon Wings" -- wildly exciting stuff for 9-12 reader) and Eloise Greenfield ("Me and Nessie," "Sister"). Also on hand will be rapper Doug E. Fresh and Spike Lee and his wife, all authors, too. The emphasis is on storytelling traditions among African, African American, Asian American, Latino and Native American peoples. And the event is free.

Washington, D.C.: Is Tuna Christmas a kid friendly show? Is it a good show in general?

The Kids' Table: D.C. is taking us to the holidays with this question; and I took the question to my-hostess-with-the-mostest friend (who is also a wonderful grandmother). Here's her answer: "I have seen ALL the Greater Tuna shows and they are the funniest things I've ever seen. I especially liked the "Tuna Christmas." I took Cristina to see it when she was pretty young and she loved it. It's a bit hard to follow for young kids...but it is sooooo silly, I think it's wonderful for any age. I say, YES to "A Tuna Christmas." And wish I could see it again...it would be my Christmas tradition if I could see it every year."

Reston, VA: I'm taking 4 teenage girls (ages 13-15) to the MCI Center Sunday night to see American Idol. Is there anyplace close they might like to eat dinner?

The Kids' Table: Reston, I think I'll suggest the Austin Grill for those girls. It's bright and tasty and doesn't take itself too seriously. -- Alexa

Train Mom Again: Train Runners in Aspen Hill is moving their location from the hard-to-see corner to an adjacent store front. There will be less space, but that shouldn't make a big difference.

I'd recommend giving them a week or two to get set up. They're a real friendly group of folks and the plaza could sure use some traffic. It was hard hit during the sniper incident-- site of Michaels Craft Store.

Thanks for the Building Museum info. I'll stop giving recommendations on it.

The Kids' Table: Good to know, Train Mom. Thanks again. -- Conductor Maura

Washington DC: Looks like the link to your Halloween Guide is not working, is there another URL to try?

The Kids' Table: Sorry, here's the Halloween Guide link.

Fairfax, Va.: For my daughter's first Halloween, we've been planning to go to the pumpkin patch. But due to the sniper and rain for the last couple of days, we unfortunely had to put it off. Are there any events tomorrow between 2-6 p.m.? She is only 9 months old, so I don't want to take her outside too much and she loves other children. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

The Kids' Table: Hi Fairfax,
The forecast I (Lynette) saw this morning promised more rain and cold tomorrow, so a pumpkin patch might not work out this year. Here is a list of area patches if you still want to go, however. This is another one other chatters may have suggestions for. The public events in your area were canceled due to the sniper, so my next best suggestion for an indoor fun thing to do with a 9-month-old who likes other kids would be a library event. Unfortunately the Fairfax libraries don't have anything listed for tomorrow, and the kids events at the Arlington libraries take place in the mornings (10 a.m.-ish) and are geared toward two-years-old and older. I feel your pain, Fairfax. So everybody, what can a parent and a nine-month-old do to celebrate the season in comfortable style these days? We're actively seeking your suggestions.

Rockville, MD: On November 15 & 16, at 8 p.m., or Nov. 17, 2 p.m., come and see "Amahl and the Night Visitors," an opera by Gian Carlo Menotti, presented by the Catholic University of America, at the Ward Recital Hall.

A one-hour opera in English, “Amahl” appeals to all ages and musical backgrounds. Kids easily relate to a crippled shepherd boy, with a head full of dreams, who receives a surprise visit by the 3 Wise Men. It is an inspiring story of how faith, charity, unselfish love and good deeds can work miracles.

The boy playing "Amahl" lives in the D.C. area. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and $5 for students. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 202/319-4000.

The Kids' Table: Thanks, Rockville, for the info. This holiday idea and others should be showing up in our Holiday Guide, ETA Nov. 11. In the meantime, if you want to give us details to share at the Kids' Table or on the site, here's another direction to take to reach us. -- Vicki

Suitland, MD: I'm new to the area and I'd like to know how I can find out the trick-or-treat schedules for PG County.

The Kids' Table: Dear Suitland,

From everything I've read, Halloween will go on as planned in most neighborhoods in the county. Times are usually 6 to 8 p.m.

Suitland will have a Halloween Party 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday for ages 3-10, which includes games, magic, a “pumpkin cave” and trick-or-treating at William Beanes Community Center, 5108 Diana Dr. Admission is $1 ($2 for out of county). Call 301/568-7719 for more information. -- Matt

National Museum of American History: Wonderful chat! Two things: first of all, it's true that the transportation exhibit here at NMAH is closed for re-installation until November 2003, so the 1401 locomotive is off-view. However, kids can still see the John Bull, the oldest operating steam locomotive in the US, which will remain on view until the new exhibition America on the Move opens.

Second, this weekend we're having a special bilingual OurStory: History through Children's Literature program celebrating Day of the Dead/ Dia de los Muertos. At 10:30 and 1, children's author Barbara Joosse will be reading her book Ghost Wings and talking about Day of the Dead. Families will then be able to decorate their own traditional sugar skulls and make a memory box to take home. Reservations are recommended for this program, which is targeted for elementary-age children and their adult companions. For reservations, or more information, call 202-633-6752. Also, at 3 pm, the Latin Steps Dance Company will present a festive Day of the Dead performance. No tickets or reservations required. Everything is free!
(NMAH is located at 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW)
Thanks again!

The Kids' Table: Even without trains, NMAH always has great family programs. A good reminder.

Clifton, Va.: In response to the train question, I have a suggestion that I've been doing with my children for several years. We hop on a Metro train and ride it to Union Station where we usually have lunch and look at more trains. Pre 9/11, we would take the metro to Reagan National Airport and watch planes. My 5 and 3 year still love to ride the trains as a day of fun - especially when we get to transfer and run to the next train "like they do in the movies."

The Kids' Table: An easy and fun idea, Clifton. Thanks.

Capitol Hill, D.C.: I had plans to take a group of kids out to Oxon Hill Farm on Saturday but with the weather forcast I need some (cheap/free) alternatives but not another trip to Air and Space or the Museum of Natural History!

The Kids' Table: Hi Capitol Hill,
I (Lynette) am assuming that since this is for Saturday you're not necessarily interested in Halloween events. Indoor alternatives for kids for the weekend (ages? interests? boys or girls?) include Adventure Theatre's production of "Bunnicula" with a reasonable ticket price of $6 each. This is a kids-oriented comedy about a rabbit who may or may not be a vampire. Then there's the Children's Multicultural Book Festival at the Kennedy Center noon to 5 p.m. Saturday where you and the kids can here a variety of authors (for free), including Spike Lee. If your kids are between the ages of 8 to 12 and like to draw, there's a Sketching the Human Figure workshop at the Kreeger Museum 10 a.m. to noon for $10. Advance registration is required. Or there's the Pioneer Day Festival at Gulf Branch Nature Center in Arlington from noon to 4 p.m. for a mere $3 each. Hope this helps.

Chevy Chase, Maryland: A friend and her family are coming to stay with me this weekend and early next week. She is attending an engineering meeting. Do you have any unusual suggestions for engineering and science related activities this weekend oriented to families, other than the usual (Air and Space, Natural History)?

The Kids' Table: Hi Chevy Chase. I really enjoyed the civil engineering show at the National Building Museum, "Me, Myself and Infrastructure." For me, the non-engineer, it was quite fun. Have fun. -- Maura

Herndon, VA: Hi! Any ideas for outdoor activities for the little ones (2-3 yr old) in the Herndon/Reston/Sterling/Loudoun area? We've done Cox Pumpkin patch and the Reston Animal Park, and would like to know about any other ideas in this area while the weather is still reasonably decent (okay, maybe not today!!)

Also, sort of off the subject-- but does anyone know about playgroups in this area? We haven't been successful in finding either out here. Thanks!

The Kids' Table: Hi, Herndon, Anne here. The Reston/Herndon area I hear prides itself on its abundant parks. At Lake Fairfax Park (703/471-5415) you can take a walk along the 18-acre lake or check out the playground or carousel. Also the grounds of Sully Historic site are always open dawn to dusk for romping, and they offer frequent programs for kids -- like the one on textiles, coming up on Nov. 10.
Chatters, what can you share about playgroups for Herndon?

The Kids' Table: While this muggle still has a pumpkin to turn into a jack-o’-lantern, and some spider webbing to wrap up the front door (the ghoul family just doesn’t get many visitors, you see), I’m ready to think colorful trees and family and friends gathering for Thanksgiving. Join us in two weeks, please, at noon Wednesday, Nov. 13; we’re at work on a special gift for our Kids’ Table friends – a birthday party package that’s full of imagination and adventure. See you then.

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