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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 Hanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa events. If you bring up New Year’s family events, you are far too organized for your own good (and will, without a doubt, appreciate our totally organized Holiday Events page, inside our orderly and organized Holiday Guide).

Organized and somewhat orderly at the Kids' Table today: Matt, Kate, Lynette, Maura and your host, Vicki.

Takoma Park, Md.: Hi Guys!

I'd just like to suggest a family outing to the 4th Annual Takoma Park Gift Fair Sunday, Dec. 8 from 12-4 p.m. at the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church. Kids and parents can "shop" by making donations (large and small) to worthy local, national, and international nonprofit. What better way to truly celebrate the spirit of the season?

The Kids' Table: Hi Takoma Park . . . thanks for your suggestion, and I'm going to borrow this space as well to try to give you all a good link to "Kids to the Rescue" -- looks like I need some help this afternoon. -- Vicki

Washington, D.C.: Did you hear about the Winterfest celebration at Washington Harbour on Dec. 8 from 4-6 p.m? They are having Santa, a choir, a balloon maker, card making, hot chocolate, cookies, and the best view for the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.

The event is totally free, and guests who bring a gift for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program get a chance to win a $2000 Shopping Spree in Georgetown. The restaurants in Washington Harbour are offering special children's menus starting at 6 p.m. right after the parade.

The Kids' Table: Hi Washington and yes thanks, this sounds like a great event. Here's our record of the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights that begins at 5 p.m., and Washington Harbour will definitely give you a great view of the event. Afterward you can slip into the Harbour Club Restaurant for hot coffee or tea and dessert or grab a burger at the Georgetown Chadwick's. You may have time to check out Corey Whitehead and Michael Bard for free at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage after the boat parade as well. -- Lynette.

Montgomery Village Mom: Any suggestions for cold weather activities for a one year old and three year old?

The Kids' Table: Mo' Village, I can tout two recent successes with tykes of your type: the National Air and Space Museum -- even the 1-year-old was enamored -- and a trip inside National Airport (rather than chilly Gravelly Point) to watch those planes in action. Maybe some readers can share more. -- Maura

Arlington, VA: Hope this isn't too far from the subject. My nearly 7-year-old will be getting a Game Boy from Santa this year. Does anyone have any suggestions on how he can enjoy it without becoming a zombie? Are there some rules that should be imposed? Many thanks.

The Kids' Table: Hi Arlington.

Getting a game system is always a tough decision. And it seems like "everyone else" has one. We finally got our 9-year-old a Game Boy Advance a year ago and our 7-year-old a Game Boy Color this year. I have two daughters.

As far as rules, we simply use it the same way we do television: They have to ask to use it. Of course, all homework and chores must be done ahead of time.

You might want to keep it in a certain place like the family room so your child doesn't disappear to the bedroom for hours.

I read a column online in which a mother said her son likes sports video games and has learned the rules for many sports by playing. The key here is then to get the child to actually go out and play the sport and interact with other children.

My children own only a few games, which aren't violent. You should become familiar with video-game ratings and reviews. If your child likes a friend's game, perhaps you can have your child borrow it first so you can get a look at it.

I don't know if your child is a good traveler, but the hand-held games have turned out great for us on trips and even on vacation.

Good luck -- Matt

Bethesda, MD: My toddler loves the play area at the Lake Forest Mall (which is now closed for the Santa display). Are there any other similar play areas available?

The Kids' Table: Hi Bethesda . . . I (Vicki) knew just where to go for shopping help -- across the aisle to our expert, Janet. Her suggestion: any mall with an IKEA will keep both you and your toddler happily amused. Don't forget, holiday shoppers, that Springfield Mall offers a ride on a full-size carousel. Anyone else have a favorite mall to play in?

Washington, DC: Hi Guys,

Taking my kids to the tree lighting tomorrow night (weather permitting)...

Can you suggest a low-key, inexpensive place to grab a bite to eat with the kids (that won't be too crowded) by the Ellipse? I know that a lot of the "low key" places in the Ellipse area close when the working day is done, but didn't know if there's just a burger joint or something in that area.

Thanks!

The Kids' Table: Washington, I think you're bound for a bit of a walk from the Ellipse. Not a joint per se, but Old Ebbitt certainly offers burgers. ESPN Zone is not too far, nor is M & S Grill. Hope that helps. -- Maura

Washington, DC: We have a 6 year old child and would like to do something fun with her for new years eve. Do you have any suggestions?

The Kids' Table: In our ever-expanding Holiday Guide is this list of family-friendly New Year's Eve events. While D.C.'s "first night" equivalent has yet to be detailed, do take a look at Alexandria's plans. -- Kate

Nani, Texas: Rummaging through an old trunk, I found the "autograph blouse" Mother made for my sister and I when we graduated from elementary school to junior high. During the last week of school, all the children brought autograph books for their school chums to sign. Instead of autograph books, Mother bought us each a white cotton tailored blouse with collar and sleeves (a Ship and Shore shirt she called it) and a black ink pen. Our classmates and teachers signed their names in ink on our blouses, front and back, collar, sleeves, etc. Then Mother embroidered each signature in different brightly colored threads. We wore them on the last day of school and how everyone oohed and ahhed over those shirts! We felt so special and proud of Mother. She always did special things that no one else's Mom did. Today, the blouse is almost thin as tissue, but the embroidered signatures are still, well, almost like new.

The Kids' Table: Sounds like you were searching for holiday decorations and were distracted by a real find, Nani, Texas. What a large and loving assignment your mom took on. Ever think about displaying it, cradled in tissue and box -- like a freshly opened gift -- on a coffee table or side table? At least every season or so -- this one's as good as any -- it really should be given a life outside of that trunk. -- Vicki

MoCo, MD: My 9 month old niece loves music!! She doesn't talk yet (of course) but she loves to bounce up and down in her seat when there's music on.

What kind of music "classes" are in the area for babies that young, and where can I take her to see classical music? Anywhere?

Thanks.

The Kids' Table: You're not in the market for a formal classical concert, are you? How 'bout the free entertainment offered in shopping malls and hotel lobbies -- if you can bear to hear "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" ad nauseum as trains whiz around plastic trees and mechanical animals dance? Many malls feature the occasional children's elementary school choir or a classical guitarist: That's what I'm thinking of. She'll probably delight in so much to see.

If you are after a class, check out your local YMCA or the DCJCC. When last I looked, both offered myriad programs for bouncy babies. -- Kate

Fairfax, VA: Please help! My 2 yr-old nephew is coming from ICELAND next week, but I only get to spend one day with him (next Tuesday). I looked at your holiday calendar and didn't see anything for that day- is it possible that we've overlooked something? Would love to do something fun and holiday related with him and my daughter who is also 2. He doesn't travel too well in the car, so the closer to central Fairfax, the better.

Thanks so much for any help you can give!!

The Kids' Table: Hi Fairfax, Lynette here. Your local library has story times for pre-schoolers at all of their branches. And your nephew and daughter may be just old enough to enjoy the Disney movie "Treasure Planet," which got two green lights from Post reviewers. It's showing at United Artists Fairfax Towne Center 10 and Cineplex Odeon Tysons Fairfax Square. But if you only get to see your nephew for one day, why not stay home, clear out the furniture in one big room, throw down a blanket and your daughter's favorite toys and just have a big play day together? Fill a box with old clothes for playing dress-up or "let's pretend." Construction paper and a box of crayons can keep two kids busy for quite a while. Have an art contest. Or throw a blanket over a couple of chairs to create a play fort (or house, or whatever their imaginations decide). Then afterward it's cookies and hot chocolate for everyone! Or some other appropriate snack. Are they mobile enough for a game of hide-and-seek or tag? Hide something and let them find it. If you don't mind cleaning up the mess afterward, let them help make the cookies by stirring the dough (or putting the pre-made dough on the cookie sheet before you put it in the oven). Have fun!

Ellipse Dinner: Try the Exchange... they've changed a lot over the years, and its a pretty good place to stop for a quick burger. And its closer than some of the other restaurants you suggested, and the burgers are fantastic.

The Kids' Table: Well done.

The Kids' Table: Tickets are mandatory for tomorrow's tree-lighting event, and all tickets were distributed in early November. None are required, of course, to visit the National Christmas Tree and the Pageant of Peace any other evening through Jan. 1.

If you're looking for a holiday concert with pomp to spare this weekend, check out the U.S. Air Force Band's annual "Hometown Holiday" (one show Friday, two shows Saturday and an encore on Sunday -- free same day tickets are available at DAR Constitution Hall's box office). -- Kate

Arlington, VA: What's a good Christmas present for a boy in 2nd grade? I don't know him or his interests very well. He's my cousin, but I'm 30 and live here in DC, and he lives in CT, and I've only seen him a few times in his life, but I drew his name in our family "gift exchange." HELP? Thanks. . .

The Kids' Table: Our shopping guru Janet suggests games at Imaginarium and we like the shop at Air and Space. Staff members at Whirligigs and Whimsies and Why Not are always a big help.

Washington, DC - Ellipse: Thanks for the advice! I'll let you know how it worked out!

The Kids' Table: Yes, please do. Enjoy your evening.

Nani Texas Again: For MoCo, MD, BAck in the 40s, Walt Disney produced an animated film called Make Mine Music, which is available today on video. It includes music from Fantasia, Peter and the Wolf and my favorite, The Whale Who Wanted to Sing at the Met. There's lots of other classical music on this video, and some great jazz too. My granddaughters love this video and ask to see it each time they visit.

The Kids' Table: Lovely idea. Thanks, Nani.

Arlington, VA: Another for MoCo, MD: Check out local offerings of Music Together classes, usually from birth-4years old. I have taken them through Arlington County (http://www.co.arlington.va.us/prcr/scripts/classes/classes.asp) and have seem them offered through other Community Centers. You may want to search on Google.

The Kids' Table: On behalf of MoCo and all of us, Arlington, thanks for helping. -- Vicki

Vienna, VA: My 5 year old wants a robot that can talk, walk on his foot and on his head for Christmas. The one made by Lego (MindStorm?) sounds interesting, but may be too sophisticated for a 5 year old. Does anyone have any suggestions as what kind and where to buy one? Thanks a lot.

The Kids' Table: Dear Vienna,

Yes, I would say MindStorm is a bit sophisticated. According to LEGO, "A first-time user with basic PC skills can design, program, and build a simple robot within one hour." I saw it listed for ages 12 and up.

How about one of those robotic dogs or cats like Tekno, Poo-Chi, Meow-Chi or even a Furby? A Poo-Chi "barks, sits, sings and dances up and down. Each pet sings six unique songs and reacts to light, sound, touch and his special dog bone." And you don't have to clean up after them!

I'm sure they are available at any toy store or department store. A search on the Web would also bring up some online sellers. -- Matt

The Kids' Table: Helping just comes so naturally to all of you, I (Vicki) just know you'll put Kids to the Rescue to good use. Thanks again for your time today, questions and great advice. See you again -- 14 shopping days from now -- at noon, Dec. 18. And should it snow ('tis the season), take it Ice 'n' Easy.

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