|
Got Plans? With Kids
With KidsPost's John Kelly and Entertainment Guide Staff
washingtonpost.com
Wednesday, April 17, 2002; 12 p.m. EST
Every other Wednesday at noon, local experts from KidsPost and 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.
Submit your question now!
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.
A different staffer will host each discussion, but the entire group will be sitting at the kid's 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:
Greetings seekers of fun! We’re all gathered ‘round the cyber-table once
again for another episode of Got Plans With Kids, ready to lob ideas to
and fro about the best activities for the young and the young at
heart.
Joining us today is John Kelly, the editor of KidsPost, as well as the
usual suspects: Kate, Anne, Maura, Vicki, Lynette, Alexa, and I’m Ann,
skipper of the SS Fun.
How ‘bout that heat? How do you plan on staying cool this weekend? Send
us your ideas; we’ll pick the best one and surprise you with something
from our treasure trove.
Let’s sail away!
Rockville:
I am looking for ideas on day trips during the summer with a very active two year old. I would like to plan some fun things, that would be fun, interesting and stimulating for him, and for my husband and me also. We don't mind traveling a little bit, or even venturing as far as two or three hours and making it an overnight trip. Does anyone know of any parks that cater to the little ones? I remember a place called the Enchanted Forest in Ellicot City, but it has closed down. Do you know of any others?
The Kids' Table: Hi. John here. Not a lot of parks are especially aimed at little kids, but here are some suggestions. Close in to D.C. (in fact, in) is Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens: 12 acres, 40 ponds and lots of water lilies for discerning grown-ups. But it’s the animals that live there that might interest a toddler: frogs, turtles, snakes. If Junior isn’t tired enough at the end of it, you can tromp around the National Arboretum nearby.
You can also find animals, of the domesticated sort, at the Old Maryland Farm section of Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro: Goats! Sheep! Peafowl! And the park itself has a carousel and a miniature train ride, both of which 2-year-olds love.
A real amusement park is Sesame Place in Pennsylvania. It’s a little under 4 hours from DC and, with its Children's Television Workshop connection, is the best amusement park for toddlers, especially those weaned on Big Bird, Elmo and Co.
Now, none of these is guaranteed to be overly interesting for mom or dad, but for that, why don’t you get a responsible sitter or grandparent and leave the kid at home? Then you and your husband can find something stimulating to do.
Rosslyn, Va.:
I'm a 20-something who doesn't pay much attention to "kid-friendliness" when going out, but I'll be hosting my 5-year-old nephew and his parents in a few weeks and need help! I was thinking of hitting the Capital Children's Museum, and maybe the Arboretum. Any suggestions for daytime outings or restaurants? We did the zoo and the Air and Space Museum last year. Thanks!
The Kids' Table: Hi Rosslyn. The Arboretum and Capital Children's Museum are great ideas. Your nephew might enjoy the exhibition on Japan at the latter. Also downtown you could try the Orkin Insect Zoo and Beatrix Potter at Natural History or the Postal Museum. For more ideas you can type "kids" into our entertainment guide search box and you'll find this. As for restaurants...
The Kids' Table: Hi Ross. Alexa. Concerning the food part of your question, if your heading to the Mall area, you might like the Pavilion Cafe in the National Gallery's Sculpture Garden. The cafe's nice and laid back. Only trouble is they won't let you clamber on the sculpture, and that always feels like a shame to me. Alternatively you could take that little boy to the Austin Grill where the colors are bright and crayons are provided. If the Children's Museum is it, why not go to Union Station's food court (Johnny Rockets etc.)? That's fun for kids.
Washington, dc:
HELP!!! i need a good, not very expensive summer camps for a 4 year old girl, co-ed is fine and in the city. thanks!
The Kids' Table: Hi DC, this is Ann, and I would imagine you're not the only one looking for such a camp. Who has tips to help DC?
National Museum of American History:
Thanks for the wonderful chat! I just wanted to get a plug in for a great program we run down here called "Our Story: History through Children's Literature." It's a series of free programs featuring kids' authors, museum experiences, and hands-on activities. We have a program next Saturday called "Mail by the Pail" which is about the Great Lakes and how mail gets to people working on boats. More information is available at 202-633-6752. Thanks!
The Kids' Table: Thanks for sharing what's going on at your end of the Mall. If you're nearby and not wondering through a wonderful exhibit during your lunch, I (Vicki) have a question -- okay make that three:
Is there a recommended age for participating?
Is it a regularly scheduled program (every Saturday, once a month)?
Do you need to make a reservation?
For this and any other info, folks, you may need to keep that number handy.
Vienna, Va.:
Just found a great Kid's class I'd like to share. Orchid Pagoda in Merrifield area of Fairfax is offering a really fun Kid's Yoga class. My girls are not into soccer and it is so nice to have an alternative. Their number is 703-207-9120.
The Kids' Table: Hi Vienna, Lynette here. Thanks for the heads up on the yoga class. The cover story for the Post's April 26 weekend section will have an overview of area yoga classes or you can check out our
Survival Guide to Yoga for area schools. Not everyone offers a class for children, so be sure to call ahead.
Restaurants for kids::
I will be taking my 6 year old nephew and 3 year old niece to the zoo Saturday morning. Where is a great, kid friendly, place to do brunch or lunch? I'm looking for places from Dupont to Van Ness. Thanks!
The Kids' Table: After the zoo, I (Alexa) suggest you buzz up to the Cathedral area and take your pick from Cafe Deluxe, 2 Amys or Cactus Cantina, all of whom seem to smile on a young face.
Washington, D.C.:
I'm looking for a fun, semi-educational activity to do with eight high school girls on a Saturday morning. We have gone to several of the Smithsonian museums. Something walking distance from the Metro Center/Federal triangle area would be ideal.
The Kids' Table: Hi Washington. Maura here. Have you done the National Museum of Women in the Arts? It's right at Metro Center and I think their current show -- In Response to Place -- could really be enjoyed by teens. Arrive early and you could also try and get tickets to Jackie Kennedy at the Corcoran. Maybe someone else has a few ideas?
Washington, D.C.:
My fiancee and I are looking for things to do to commemorate the season and spurt of warm weather, possibly this Friday/Saturday. We've always gone to Great Falls or Glen Echo. What other things can you recommend for that same playful relaxing atmosphere that brings out the young at heart. I was thinking of going out on the Tidal Basin or down to the waterfront. Recommend any activities?
Thanks.
Fun in the Sun
The Kids' Table: Hi, FitS, this is Anne. In this heat wave, you need the Adult Swim. May I gently steer you to our weekly Got Plans discussion, every Thursday at 1? We like to keep this discussion separate for the kiddie pool audience, those who are making plans for the truly young and not merely young at heart.
Bowie, Md.:
I am looking for good spots to have picnics with young children in the Maryland area. Parks with playgrounds would be nice. I would also like to take the children fishing.
Any ideas?
Thank you.
The Kids' Table: John’s reply: I really like Patuxent River Park in PG County. Though there aren’t playground amenities like slides and swings, there are hiking trails through a wetland, some on raised wooden walkways that keep you out of the muck and provide nice views. There’s also a building filled with old tools and another that shows how people lived Way Back When. Both are kind of dusty and uninviting, which is nice way to make kids feel glad that they live now.
There is limited fishing there as well. If you go, let us know what you think.
Ellicott City, Md.:
Now that April is upon us, do you know of any kite-flying exhibitions or festivals in the upcoming weeks? Preferably something that also allows spectators to participate as well as observe the "pros" in action!
The Kids' Table: Hi Ellicott City, Ann here, and as someone with kites stashed in her trunk at all times, I share your enthusiasm. You're a bit late for the Smithsonian Kite festival, which was back in March, but there is a kite workshop tomorrow at the College Park Community Center for kids ages 6-12. Registration required, so give them a call at 301-441-2647, and they can help you out, and let you know of future events too. Happy flying!
Washington, DC:
A while back, you featured a list of kid-friendly/family restaurants. Would you happen to know where I can find that list? Thanks.
The Kids' Table: Washington, I (Alexa) hate to think of you feeling sad because you can't find something on the site. Sometimes it is as simple as typing the word "kid" into the search box. I bet it is this you remember. But your homework today is to try the "kid" thing, with no help from mum and dad.
Upstate New York:
Hi,
We'll be visiting the D.C. area this weekend, and were hoping to take the kids to the Museum of Natural History on Saturday. But now I hear that there is a big multi-purpose rally going on this weekend. Should we avoid going to the museum? What about the zoo on Friday?
The Kids' Table: Hi Upstate and welcome to Washington. Maura again. I think you'll be fine on Friday at the zoo. Enjoy those zoo babies. The metro will certainly be crowded on Saturday and there will be greater crowds, but I seem to think they'll be centered less around the Mall than downtown. Maybe you can go Sunday? Any one else out there considering altering their plans?
Garrett Park:
Two weeks ago people asked about birthday parties. My 5-year-old daughter really enjoyed her "tea party" at the Washinton Doll House and Toy Museum in Chevy Chase. Tour, scavenger hunt, antique toy demo, cupcakes, ice cream & drink in a pretty setting for $13.50 per person. These parties are very popular so you must reserve in advance.
As a backup, I would highly recommend a duckpins party. They all have packages and bumper bowling. Duckpins are in Glenmont, White Oak, Falls Church, College Park, Frederick, Bowie and possibly Suitland. Duckpins are great fun for little kids.
The Kids' Table: Thanks, Garrett Park, for covering both ends of the spectrum - subdued and dainty, as well as active and projectile-oriented. Who else has great ideas for birthday parties?
Silver Spring, Md.:
Are you aware of any petting zoos in the D.C. area? I'd like to hear about one within an hour or so if it exists. Thanks!
The Kids' Table: Hi, Silver Spring
These are two ideas from Weekend's Carousel feature:
Leesburg Animal Park -- 19270 James Monroe Hwy. -- offers a chance to feed domestic and exotic animals Thursday through Sunday (weather permitting -- I'm [Vicki] guessing the animals have the good sense to stay out of the rain, snow, sleet, etc.)
Claude Moore Colonial Farm in McLean offers a chance to mingle with the animals and history.
And another chance to sneak in a friendly pat is at the Oxon Hill Farm, offering demonstrations and tours.
Enjoy getting back to basics.
Rosslyn again:
Thanks for the suggestions for my nephew. For the high school girls, how about the Albert Einstein Planetarium, or the Building Museum?
The Kids' Table: Hi Rosslyn. Nice to know you're a giver too. I (Maura) enjoyed the new planetarium show (more than the new IMAX space show, actually). I'd say it's not for the youngest set, so maybe the high school girls would enjoy it. The Building Museum is a goody too. Depends on their interests.
Washington, D.C.:
I babysit a 2-year-old and 2-month-old for about six hours on Saturdays or Sundays. Any ideas on good places to go to help pass the time in the Arlington/McLean/Tysons/Falls Church area. I typically have access to a car, so I guess distance isn't much of a problem. Thanks!
The Kids' Table: John sez: One of the great mistakes parents make is attempting to do "educational" things with kids who are just too young to benefit from them. You have no reason to fall victim to that. As a babysitter all you have to do is turn over the kids in no worse condition than when you received them.
I think a 2-year-old and a 2-month-old just want someplace they can toddle and crawl around, like a safe toddler plaground or a big expanse of grass. Try Tuckahoe Park in Arlington (though it's best for kids who've graduated to climbing). None of this may help you survive 6 hours with kids barely older than a fine cheese.
Middletown, MD:
How can I get tickets to go to the top of the Washington Monument? Also, is it still possible to tour the White House, or not anymore?
The Kids' Table: Hey, Middletown, Anne here. Tours of the White House are currently only open to school groups, though last weekend's Garden Tour offered visitors a chance to peek around the grounds. Stay tuned to us for info on the Fall White House Garden Tour and other public events there. For information on the presidential mansion or Washington Monument, just type their names into our search box. You can get advance reservations (1.50/ticket) to tour the Washington Monument by calling 800/967-2283 x1 x2 and through the Web site http://reservations.nps.gov. Or, you can stand in line at the monument for same-day tickets.
While you're in the city for the Monument/White House, check out some other presidential memorials.
Re: Summer Camps:
Check out the Office of Historic Alexandria in Old Town. They offer four or five camps with a historic bent that are really fun, not terribly expensive and educational to boot! My son went to the Gadsby's Tavern Camp last year and is attending the Civil War camp at Fort Ward this summer! Their number is (703) 838-4554.
The Kids' Table: That sounds like a good option for kids into history. Thanks!
Burke, Va.:
Hi, I have 2-year-old twins and I am hoping to get some leads on on some parks in Northern Virginia where kids would have fun. Ones that have at least a carousel ride, train ride and a lake to swim. Any ideas?
The Kids' Table: John in response: Burke Lake and Lake Accotink both, enticingly, have "lake" in their names, though you're not allowed to swim at either. They do both have carousels, however, but they don't open till the first week in May. (It only feels like that now.) They open weekends first, then daily after Memorial Day.
Burke Lake and Lake Fairfax also have miniature trains, but they're on a similar schedule. This weather does make one think that it's summer!
Springfield, Va.:
How about profiling some kid- and dog-friendly places? We just got a new beagle from a rescue group and it's our kids' first dog. They'd bring this dog with them everywhere if we could only find places that liked kids AND dogs!
In Chicago, where we're from originally, there were several "restaurants" where you could find both people and puppy food. They were great fun for kids, adults, and dogs alike. If there is someplace like this in our area I would LOVE to hear about it!
The Kids' Table: Springfield. Sadly, I (Alexa) suspect this might be pushing it. Restaurants don't usually welcome dogs (though some let you tie them up on an outdoor patio). Picnics and walks might be your best bet. Roosevelt Island lets you walk a dog on a leash (no bathrooms, remember). Or Great Falls where there are picnic tables and possibly barbecue grills.
Re: Restaurants for kids:
When I take my 3-year-old to the zoo, she likes to eat at Desert Moon in Cleveland Park. They have a great kids menu. Some of our friends like to go to Uno's in the same shopping strip. You can walk there from the zoo. A 3-year-old may not be able to sit through Cafe Deluxe or 2 Amys: mine can't.
The Kids' Table: Thanks for the input.
Silver Spring, MD:
Are there any DC area movie theaters that cater to parents with infants by providing a baby room, where parents can watch the movie while their child plays, sleeps, cries, etc.? My brother in NYC says that these are available in the NY suburbs so that parents with babies can see a movie and not disturb other moviegoers.
The Kids' Table: Kate here, Silver Spring. Ann was just saying "that's a good idea that hasn't caught on yet." Muvico Egyptian 24 has a kids playroom (admission to the playroom is the price of a ticket) but that's about it. I know cinemas in the S.F. Bay area have encouraged parents with babies to come to the early evening screens every Monday night. Everyone in the audience has either a baby (or a diaper bag) and singletons like me, know to stay away. I don't know if the Landmark Theater opening May 3 in Bethesda might have such a program, but given its family-friendly neighborhood, it could be a success.
Chevy Chase, Md.:
Regarding restaurants. I love both Cafe Deluxe and Cactus Cantina, but they have hour-plus waits if you get there past 6. Just an FYI!
The Kids' Table: Good point, CC. Thanks for making it.
Arlington, VA:
Not a question, just a plug for a set of travel books we've been using written specifically for parents travelling with kids from Mars Publishing, Parent's Guide Press (www.marspub.com). They are great guides (none for DC yet unfortunately), we just got the latest one for Boston and it's filled with really good ideas/places for kids and insider tips on keeping costs down.
The Kids' Table: John gives shameless plug: I've not seen these books. I co-wrote something that The Post published called "Kid-o-Rama" that many people (okay, my mother) call the single most important guide to D.C. family sites. However, it's 4 years old, so is in need of updating. But if you see it, snatch it up. It's also useful for steadying the jack when changing a flat tire on your minivan.
In fairness, Fodor's, Frommer's and other travel giants have also gotten into the act, with guides for parents. And the Green Acres School in Rockville regularly publishes something called "Going Places With Children."
The Kids' Table: Maure here. Piping in with another tip for Springfield. Not a restaurant, although there's some food: Try your local Barnes and Noble. I know the one in Bethesda allows dogs. There's no sign that says so, but your (well-behaved) pooch is more than welcome. Anyone in Virginia see this too?
The Kids' Table: Hello, Springfield, we have an update on the bathroom situation at Theodore Roosevelt Island. The bathrooms are seasonal (who knew?) and as of last weekend, they're now open. Have a happy -- and comfortable -- visit.
Chevy Chase, Md.:
Hi I hope you can offer some suggestions. My 15-year-old brother is coming to visit in July. He has already been to the Mall, Smithsonian and Camden Yards. Do you have any suggestions for fun activities for teenagers? Thanks.
The Kids' Table: Hi, Chevy Chase. This is Anne and I have some capital ideas for you, all roughly in the same area. Though he's been to the Smithsonian, he may not have seen some of the latest IMAX movies: Everest at Natural History or Adventures in Wild California at the Air and Space Museum. If he's a sports fan, he might enjoy ESPNzone restaurant, where you can play virtual skateboarding, hockey and football games. The FBI Building, not too far away, is scheduled to expand its tours in the summer.
The Kids' Table: Another thought for Chevy Chase and the 15-year-old, from John: I've been dying to recommend the Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, but it's not a place for 2 year olds. It's filled with what's known as "outsider art," art by people we might once have called "crazy." It can be a scary place (when these people are moved to paint or sculpt something, it's often because a voice is ordering them to do it), but you won't find rawer, more vibrant artistic expression anywhere. I suspect that a 15-year-old (filled with typical teenage angst) would really connect with it. And it has a really cool gift shop.
Nani/Texas:
My grand young-uns say they love coming to my house because "We don't have to go anywhere!" We bake cookies, play charades, look at old family photos, plant flowers (they have their own little garden plot), read books, watch old black/white movies, take walks in the neighborhood, talk about "olden times", do crossword puzzles, paint pictures and play with play-dough, etc.
The Kids' Table: Oh, Nani, I (Vicki) want to come to your house, too. All I'd add to your special time and activities with your grandchildren is a journal, a diary -- and maybe an inexpensive throw-away camera to add to their treasured memories of time lovingly spent.
The Kids' Table: From John, to Nani/Texas: My kids are the same way at my mother's. They like looking through her art picture books, pulling out her interesting cooking implements, helping to water her plants, playing with the art supplies she keeps handy. Their favorite activity: She always buys celery before we visit, hands them each a stalk, takes one for herself, and has a "celery fight," where the three of them whack each other with the vegetables. It's painless, fun and I believe they soak up some vitamins through their palms by osmosis.
re: miniature trains:
The Lake Fairfax Park train is closed for good. The only one I know of in Northern Virginia is Burke Lake.
The Kids' Table: Thanks for the tip. We'll adjust our records.
Alexandria:
Regarding carousels, there is one at Springfield Mall. That's the only one I know of in Northern Virginia that is open during the winter.
A suggestion for those with school age kids (or preschoolers who are coordinated) is mini-golf. Fairfax County has a nice new course at Jefferson Falls that's open now for weekends and after school. The course at Lake Accotink was just refurbished recently, although I don't know if it is open yet this spring. And there's a course at Cameron Run Regional Park in Alexandria.
The Kids' Table: Good idea, Alexandria. Miniature golf is a good idea for miniature humans, though they don't immediately understand that you're not supposed to smack at the ball as if it was a snake.
B&O Railroad Museum:
Great place for kids and adults alike. Right near the Inner Harbor in Baltimore.
The Kids' Table: When can we go?
Middletown, MD:
There are numerous outdoor parks and nature centers in Montgomery County. My kids' favorites are Lake Needwood/Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville, Wheaton Regional, Cabin John in Bethesda, the planeterium off MacArthur Blvd and Seneca Creek and Black Hills Regional Parks in Germantown and Clarksburg. The best thing is that most of them are free. If you're willing to come out of the city and drive a little ways, you'll be glad you did.
The Kids' Table: Good tips. I (John) like Seneca Creek. There's one trail that winds through tall grass, along a stream, then through a forest and back to the nature center that I've done with both my daughters. And the girls are getting more proficient at tossing Frisbees, so I'm thinking of going back for their disc golf course.
John's Wife:
Whoa on the celery! I think you needed to point out that your mom lets the celery WILT before you all whack each other with it.
The Kids' Table: Yeah, honey, you CAN do it that way, I suppose. Less chance of a lawsuit.
Annapolis, Md.:
Cabin John Park has a really super deluxe playground area, and I think they have other fun things there, too.
The Kids' Table: Hello, Annapolis . . . what a great place you are to discover on a sunny Saturday or Sunday as well. You're ever so right about Cabin John Park. Here's what we have to share on our site, on the park and from "Kid O-Rama"
Columbia, MD:
Wow, how have I missed this chat? I have an almost-3-year-old son. Sesame Place was a great hit last summer, and being on the mailing list, he's gotten several "letters" from his friends. Last weekend at the National Gallery's Sculpture Garden was also fun. We also love to go to pick-your-own produce farms.
I am wondering about safe water parks we can go to--he loves the water and I'm teaching him to swim but he's almost too enthusiastic. He also has just become an insane "Bob the Builder" fan--where can we see some big trucks? And finally, we went to the Dr. Seuss exhibit at the Maryland Science Center this winter and he misses it. Any suggestions? Thanks!!!! I will keep tuning in!
The Kids' Table: Hi, Columbia, thanks for your ideas. Here's some waterparks we like; also, Six Flags America's waterpark Paradise Island is open 10:30-6 on weekends this month. If you use your imagination, you may see the inspiration for Seussian creatures at the National Zoo, at this weekend's Old Dominion Dog show or the upcoming Sheep and Wool Festival.
Annandale, Va.:
There's a relatively new mini golf at Oak Marr Rec center, too -- and a new driving range as well. And the rec center itself has indoor swimming, raquetball, etc.
The Kids' Table: Sounds like Oak Marr has everything you could want for a day of fun. If you can't make it to the shore this weekend, it looks like they have a beach, too.
The Kids' Table:
Well clicksters, it's time to bring the SS Fun back into the harbor. Have no fear, though, we'll return again in two weeks.
In the meantime, stay cool with a frosty treat from an area ice cream parlor -- just be sure to lick it before it licks you!
This week's prize goes to the parent suggesting the Alexandria Historical Society camps. E-mail kate.gibbs@wpni.com to claim your prize.
Until next time... which is Wednesday, May 1, when we'll see you here at noon.
| |
© Copyright 2002 The Washington Post Company | 
