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Got Plans? With Kids
With the Entertainment Guide Staff
washingtonpost.com
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2002; Noon EDT
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.
Submit your questions either before or during the discussion.
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.
Kids' Table:
Hi, folks, have you noticed? The calendar says fall arrives Sept. 23. The real thing -- not the after-Labor Day, back-to-school version -- is just days away. It may not always be in the air (summer has a lazy and lovely way of lingering), but autumn is upon us. It's time to think about getting lost in corn mazes, taking a hayride into a pumpkin patch, picking apples and snipping sunflowers and zinnias -- all the while snapping photos for the album.
Where are your fall fancies taking you and your little ones? Pass those ideas -- and questions -- please. Ready and waiting to share at the Kids' Table are Matt, Kate, Maura, Lynette and Vicki.
Woodbridge, Va.:
I just moved into the area from Miami. I have a 12-year-old girl and 11-year-old boy. We just want to know what is there to do? What enjoyable places are there to go?
Kids' Table: Welcome Miami! This is Kate and while you've not given me very much to go on (likes, dislikes) let me throw out a few suggestions. Of course, if anyone has a sure-fire winner: please, send it in.
Take advantage of your new climate and visit a maize maze: I'm still delighted at the thought of Temple Hall Farm's pick-your-own pumpkin, hayride and maze combo. That's in Leesburg, not too far from you. D.C. is rich in living history lessons: tours of the Supreme Court, Mount Vernon, the Library of Congress, etc. are terrific ways of getting a prideful sense of where you live.
Your new home is rightly famous of the world-class and mostly free museums downtown. At the Sackler Freer, "The Adventures of Hamza" remains on display through the end of the month. Think of these magical paintings as the "Harry Potter" of the Persian court. This museum, like many others, enhances exhibits with rich family-friendly programs, notably hands-on arts and crafts and story telling. At the National Zoo on Sunday, "Fiesta Musical" is a free tribute to Hispanic Heritage month.
If you guys miss the waterparks, amusement parks and beaches, we've got them too.
C'mon Washington, what do you recommend for Woodbrige?
Upper Marlboro, MD:
What are the best resturants, Top 10, in DC for people with children?
Kids' Table: This is another good question for the group to share. But these restaurants all show up in a kid-friendly return. Our restaurant expert Alexa has put together this list of her faves. And in our first-ever Readers' Choice awards, Rainforest Cafe was voted "Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant." A lot depends on how old the wee diners are -- and how many crackers you have on your person. -- Vicki
Silver Spring, Maryland:
My kids love the Wiggles who come on the Disney Channel every morning. Do they ever have live shows in this area?
Kids' Table: Hi Silver Spring. The good news is the Wiggles start a U.S. tour this November. The bad news: The Baltimore show is sold out. Check out their list of upcoming concerts for more details and -- let's hope -- maybe some added concert dates. -- Maura
Falls Church, Va.:
We have some friends near Annapolis with whom we need to catch up desperately. They have two tykes, one probably a year into the walking and talking phase, the other another 4 or 5 years beyond that. (Does that give you any indication of how much I know about kids?)
Anyway, is there something or somewhere in that area that would prove interesting to their kids, not to uninteresting to us, and allow some catch up time this weekend (or in weekends to come).
Thanks
Kids' Table: Hello Falls Church. This is Matt, and I would guess by your descriptions that the children are in the 2-7 range.
My top recommendation would be the Maryland Renaissance Festival, which is right outside of Annapolis in Crownsville. It's on weekends only through Oct. 20. Children 6 and younger are free; adults are $16, but discount coupons can usually be found.
The area is huge, and there's plenty to keep children busy like the free childrens play area and pony rides. Shows take place all day (I'd recommend seeing the swordswallower). You can eat there as well. And while you're walking around, you can do your catching up. You can even rent costumes.
It can get hot. The jousting is usually out at a sunny field. So, take some water bottles along. And a stroller or wagon for the children is a good idea for when they get tired.
At this time of year, pumpkin patches are always fun (if the allergies aren't too bad). One such event is Harvest-Fest (Sept. 28-Oct. 27) at Horizon Organic Farm and Education Center, 100 Dairy Lane, Gambrills, 410/923-7600. Your friends might know of other places nearby.
I've pitched this before, but another fun place is the Build-A-Bear Workshop in the Annapolis Mall, 410/897-0828. Here the children and adults can stuff and name their own bears. It doesn't take that long, but you can take your time and talk.
The Baltimore Zoo isn't far from Annapolis. It has one of the best children's zoos in the country. There's plenty at the zoo to keep the kids occupied, including a train ride and carousel.
And finally, there are 90-minute boat tours from Annpolis. I found this Web site. The children will enjoy the ride while you and your friends sit and chat.
Good luck.
Bethesda, Md.:
I'd like to celebrate my daughter's 9th birthday with a conducted nature walk through a trail. There will be eight to 10 9-year-olds in the party with us along as the "old" parents. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Kids' Table: Hi Falls Church, Lynette here. Why don't you call Brookside Nature Center at Wheaton Regional Park. You can schedule a nature program led by a resident naturalist on insects, birds, reptiles or creatures that live in streams. The fee is $50 for a group of 20 or less, and $2.50 for each person over the limit. The park also has both nature trails and a formal garden.
Beltsville, MD:
I am looking for a place to take my daughter and a few of her friends for a tea party. My daughter will be turning 10. Any suggestions?
Kids' Table: One lump or two Beltsville? The Washington Dolls' House and Toy Museum in Friendship Heights (on the Bethesda line), Strathmore Hall has a tea -- it's early in the day, so you might avoid commuter traffic. Several area hotels offer teas for wees: the Four Seasons in Georgetown ($12/person includes small gift too)and the Ritz Carlton at Pentagon City (their Teddy Bear Tea is $15/person) are perhaps the best.
Up for a road trip? The English Tea Room in Leonardtown, Md. offers a princess tea for those 10 and under. At $8.95 per person it may be the best deal in our area: tiny sandwiches, scones, mini tarts, tea or lemonade(301/475-9300).
Indeed if tea party's prove a hit, buy your tickets now for the Washington Ballet's annual Nutcracker Tea Party taking place on Dec. 15 at the gilt-y Warner Theater. -- Kate
Washington D.C.:
Do you have any experience with the Kids Yoga programs that are being offered by some of the local area Yoga Studios? for example,
http://www.georgetownyoga.com/html/kids_yoga.htm
Thank you, David
Kids' Table: Hi David,
There aren't a lot of yoga classes out there designed for kids. There is, as you pointed out, the program at Georgetown Yoga and Willow Street Yoga Center of Takoma Park also has kids classes. Unfortunately, none of us here have personally been to either location. Perhaps some of our other readers would be willing to share their experiences. Guys?
Fairfax, VA:
My nieces (ages 2 and 4) will be in town in the fall...any ideas on where to take them? There parents do not want to zoo (don't even ask!) so my husband and I are kind of at a loss since we don't have kids...can you help?
Kids' Table: Hi Fairfax. You've got lots of options from museums like the Capital Children's Museum, B&O Railroad Museum and Air and Space to children's theater. Check out the search results above and see what might appeal to those tiny travelers. -- Maura
Kids' Table: As to the person asking about a guided nature walk, of course you're from Bethesda. I'm so sorry. (Falls Church indeed!)
20008:
I am looking for a condo in NW DDC and I want to be in walking distance from the playground. I checked with DC Dept. of Parks, who maintain those, but they were able to provide me only the list of big recreation centers. I am looking rather at a
small place, with swings, several apparatuses and not much. DO you guys have one for NW DC ? Or have any idea where to look for list of these small playgrounds. Thanks !
Kids' Table: Hi, 20008 . . . I (Vicki) used the drop-down menu from our Sports and Recreation page to find this list of local D.C. parks. See anything you like? My personal favorite is Candy Cane City in Rock Creek Park (Beach Drive and Leland), just where Maryland and D.C. play nice together.
Manassas, VA:
Need some ideas please for weekend activities for mother and son (13 yrs).
Kids' Table: Well Mom, fortunately there's lots to do around here. What are your son's interests? There are of course the museums, such as National Air and Space Museum. You can rent a boat at Thompson Boat Center and canoe the Potomac. In your own back yard is Manassas National Battlefield Park with hiking trails and horseback riding. Rangers offer half-hour guided tours through the end of September, so you still have a couple of weekends left to try one of those. Or you can always check out the Friday night football game at Stonewall Jackson High School.
Montgomery Village Mom:
Here's a great web site to find local playgrounds.
http://www.our-kids.com/playgrounds.htm
Kids' Table: Thanks Montgomery Village Mom . . . you have wonderful Kids' Table manners.
Garrett Park:
Hi. I took my 5-year old to the Greek festival held at St Theodore's in Greenbelt. Great food at low prices, but the best thing was the live music & dancing at night. My girl had a blast linking arms with everybody. There will be 1-2 other area Greek fests at local churches in the next few weeks. The next on will be at the church at 35th & Mass. Ave., near the Nat'l Cathedral. I think kids will enjoy it.
Kids' Table: Garrett Park is sharing a good idea, too. I (Vicki) think we're well covered when asked by those little voices, "what's there to do?"
Kids' Table:
And, of course, if you're like me (Vicki) and want to hold on to your sandals until there's frost on that perfect pumpkin, summer isn't over until the last outdoor concert, there's still a county fair to find and the invitation is out there to enjoy the Chesapeake. Thanks again to all who joined us at the Kids' Table. Please come back again at noon, Oct. 2.
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