| Got Plans? With Kids
With the Entertainment Guide Staff
washingtonpost.com
Wednesday, May 1, 2002; Noon EDT 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. The transcript follows. 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: Great to have you back! This is Kate and I've got Alexa, Ann, Anne, Lynette, Maura and Vicki here. We've been out and about and have some good ideas for plans with kids. Vicki thinks she's going to be at the Audubon Nature Fair. Maura thinks the new show at the National Postal Museum that focuses on letters written by interned Japanese Americans will resonate with parents and school-aged kids. Anne is excited about hitching a ride on the antique carosel at the National Cathedral's Flower Mart. If I were in town, I'd take the child I tutor to the Cinco de Mayo fiesta. You've given us got lots of good questions, and it looks like there are a lot of parents looking for playgroups. Anyone have a great local resource they'd like to share?
Kensington, Md.: Hi, Help! Need restaurant for tonight! We have a family tradition of taking the kids for a nice dinner to celebrate their birthdays (four days apart). In past years, we have gone to Benihana. The kids love the chefs putting on the show and they actually like the food. OK, I know not a gourmet treat, but decent. Last year, we decided after our dinner that Benihana had really gotten seedy and it was time to move on. Any idea for a similar venue in the Bethesda/Rockville/Silver Spring area? My daughter's 13th birthday is today and son's 12th was last Saturday. And, please don't say Dave & Busters. We celebrate my birthday too, and I don't think I could stand the noise. The Kids' Table: Kensington, I'm wondering about The Magic of New Orleans for you and the birthday gang. I (Alexa) haven't been there in person, but I've heard a few nice things and strolling magicians might be a nice twist. Like the sound?
Annandale, Va., Mom: I wanted to suggest the park at Haines Point. I take my 2-year- old son there all the time. There is a big playground and a little playground, a lot of grass to run in, you can look at the water, the boats and all the airplanes that fly into National. You can even try to fish there, if you are so daring. It is also a hop skip and jump from the D.C. wharf where you can grab lunch or head down to Eastern Market for some shopping and browsing when you are done. It makes a great day and you both are entertained! The Kids' Table: Hi Annandale, Ann here. You're right, Hains Point is a real hidden gem for people of all ages. I'm a fan of the statue "The Awakening" - adults can appreciate the artistry, and kids can climb all over the guy's face. Plus, the park is hardly ever crowded so there's plenty of room to toss a frisbee, fly a kite, play croquet or just spread out a blanket and relax. And - a bonus in the city - there's always plenty of parking!
Waldorf, Md.: I am always looking for kid-friendly events and fun places in Southern Maryland. Borders Books in Waldorf has a great kids section, and on Friday nights we like to go there with our (5-year-old) daughter. We enjoy the music played in the cafe while she plays (quietly) with old and new friends in the kids section. There's snacks in the cafe for all of us, too. The Kids' Table: Good tip! So glad that the Borders in Waldorf fits your bill.
Nervous Aunt: Our nephew will turn 2 soon. A few months later, he will have a new sibling. My husband and I would like to start taking our nephew out for the occassional outing. We would like to have him start to see us as the "fun" aunt and uncle, not just relatives who show up and talk to his parents for hours. We also think that the parents might need a break with a new baby in the house. The problem: We don't know what a two year old would like to do outside the house. We are not completely ignorant of kids - when we are at his house we play with his toys with him and we read him stories. Any suggestions in the MD/DC area? I would prefer something outdoorsy as their parents are totally not into anything that involves fresh air and we definetly are. I would like to get a plan together before I approach the parents. The Kids' Table: Hi, Nervous Aunt, there's no need to be . . . I (Vicki) think as soon as you talk to Mom and Dad you will be the Most-Popular Aunt. Sounds like you already have a comfortable relationship with the Big Brother and he no doubt will love and look forward to your special time together. If he's hesitant to leave home once the baby arrives, have him bring along a favorite toy for the outing (of course, you have the awesome responsibility of safeguarding both). I'd start with a park and a picnic -- animals to pet is a plus. Give him space to run; but bring along a book to read on a blanket. As long as you have "transportation" (a stroller) for when his little legs tire and refreshments for a growling tummy, I think he'll be willing to adventure to your favorite places. Just be ready to leave when he is -- if he's not as keen or his good mood fades or he "misses" home. Your trips will get longer. Soon you'll be begging him to leave the zoo -- and all its new babies. Bet Mom and Dad will have some good ideas, too.
Washington, D.C.: What are good daytrips for toddlers? Also, what are the best museums to take toddlers to? The Kids' Table: Hi Washington. Maura here. There are lots of good day trips for toddlers in the area and museums are a great place to start. I loved the hands-on displays set up for the shortest set at Natural History's Beatrix Potter exhibition. You can't go wrong with trains and planes, so check out Air and Space, the College Park Aviation Museum, B & O Railroad Museum and the 1401 Locomotive at American History. The Capital Children's Museum and Discovery Creek Children's Museum are also great for hands-on activities. You could do a day trip to Baltimore with the B & O Railroad Museum, National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center. I'm about to check out Sesame Place (it opens May 11) with my tiny tot friend Katie, but maybe some posters have ideas.
Arlington, Va.: My 3-year-old goddaughter wants a ride on the Metro (where she loves the escalators also) and we're taking her down to the Natural History to see the Peter Rabbit exhibit. Is there anything else that you'd recommend that would interest a toddler that isn't out in Glen Echo? The Kids' Table: Arlington, if she loves escalators and the Metro, then she might really enjoy National Airport -- moving sidewalks, great view of the planes, and you can get there by Metro.
Pajama Party: Do you know of any pottery making places in the D.C. area where I can hold a small party for my daughter and freinds? The Kids' Table: Hey Pajama-jammy-jam, Ann here, and I assume you know about the places like Made by You, which has a few branches throughout the area? They do pottery painting, not pottery making. If you want to actually make pottery, perhaps a local studio, like Hinckley in Adams Morgan, offers classes?
Kensington, Md.: That sounds perfect. I checked out the review and called. I had no idea they were there. I'll let you know how it is. Thanks so much. The Kids' Table: Glad you sound happy, Kensington. And yes, please do let me know how it is.
Arlington, Va.: Any festival-type events going on this weekend that would be entertaining for adults in their 30s and children: two 9-month-olds and one 2-year-old. My sister-in-law and brother are visting with their little girl and my sister and I (with the other children) want to do something fun. The Kids' Table: Hi, Arlington, this is Anne, and I'm very excited about the Cathedral Flower Mart this weekend -- one of my favorite events of the year. There are so many sensory wonders that I think it's perfect for very little ones, even if they're happiest just tumbling on the lawn. You can point out some gargoyles, watch a stone-laying demonstration, smell the herbs for sale and listen to the bells ringing. The flower and plant sale is full of colors and garden-starters. The cathedral also has lots of kids' crafts activities set up at tables outside on the front lawn and inside the nave. This weekend is full of many other festivals, though, including the Cinco de Mayo Festival, the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival and the Audubon Nature Fair, just to name a few.
Montgomery Village, Maryland: As to playgroups, I suggest posting notices at local supermarkets or possibly going to local library story times --get to know the other parents and suggest starting a playgroup. I found my playgroup through a new moms group offered through my local hospital (Shady Grove Adventist). We met once a week for nine weeks after our babies were born two years ago and we still meet at least once a month. It's great because several of us have gone on to having second children and the playgroup is really great for support for us as well as fun for the kids. The Kids' Table: Great ideas, MV. Also keep tabs on the listings in the back of your local Extra section, which often mentions events for moms and little ones.
Pajama Party: Hello, Next weekend we are hosting a PJ party for about 12 girls. They will be coming around 1 p.m. We are scratching our heads for what can we do with 12 girls from 1 p.m. until it's time for them to put on their pjs (which is approximatley about seven hours). Something that is fairly cheap but yet entertaining. Also something that we can possibly do at home. Any suggestions? BTW, the girls are all about 10-11ish. The Kids' Table: Hi PJ Party. Maura again. Sounds like fun -- and quite an undertaking. You probably need a few activities to keep them busy. A trip to the video store wouldn't hurt, but a few creative projects could keep them busy as well. Take a trip to a shop like Beadazzled and gather the makings for create-your-own jewelry. Alexa likes bread baking for another activity. Yum. I think we have a fellow chatter with more ideas...
Gaithersburg, MD: Hello, first I have to tell you that I love this chat! I've had success with two activies, one for my girl scout troop (5th grade) and one for my daughter's 11th birthday. I took my troop to a local beauty school and for $15 a piece, each girl got their hair done (blow dry or french braids) plus each girl got a manicure. Second, for my daughter's birthday we rented a karaoke machine. It cost about $100 plus I believe it costs about $10 to rent a whole notebook full of CDs. I think the machine came with two microphones. We hooked the machine up to an small portable tv. The girls absolutely loved it and I have to admit that even my husband and I could not resist singing a few tunes!. The girls had a talent contest and we videotaped each girl singing and dancing and the next morning at breakafast, the girls got a big kick out of watching the video. To offset the cost of renting the machine, we did not give out "goody bags" at the party, however, the kids did not seem to mind. The Kids' Table: Thanks, Gaithersburg! I love the karaoke idea.
The Kids' Table: Hello, Montgomery Village, Md: I (Vicki) would like to extend an invitation to play in my home town -- Candy Cane City off Beach Drive (off East West Highway in Rock Creek Park). Not only will you have plenty of space and activities (and other moms to meet and greet), you'll also have a creek with its duck inhabitants and, nearby, stables with grazing horses. Of course, this is dog heaven, too, and you know how eager they can be to say hello.
Washington, D.C.: Where to go horse-back riding with kids? Thanks! The Kids' Table: Hi Washington, Lynette here. There are plenty of places in the area to go horseback riding, especially if you have your own horse. The C & O Canal National Historical Park, and Rock Creek National Park both have trails that allow horses. If you don't have your own horse, the Rock Creek Park Horse Center offers guided 10 to 15 minute pony rides for children under 12 (and over 30-inches tall) for $15 each. They also have guided hour-long horseback walking tours for people over 12 for $25. In both cases they provide hard hats and all other required equipment. Reservations are required and the tours do fill up quickly, so center staff recommend that you call at least two weeks in advance for either activity.
Silver Spring, Md.: I have a 1-year-old boy and a 3-year old girl. I am looking for ideas for Saturday activities that they would both enjoy? They both seem to love music. Are there any kid-friendly concerts coming up at Wolf Trap this summer? The Kids' Table: Hi Silver Spring, Anne here. Wolf Trap does have a children's series this summer, with music and theater performances starting June 25. Local favorites Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer sing in early July. Summer is an easy time to find shows, because many outdoor summer concert series are free. Millennium Stage, the 6 p.m. daily free program at the Kennedy Center is also ideal for families. Like outdoor performances, it's easy to walk away if a child is bored or cranky.
The Kids' Table:
Donating my 2 cents to Gaithersburg, I (Ann) can say that my all-time favorite girl scout field trip was to the local beauty school, where they made my hair look far too stunning for a 12-year-old. That trip even surpassed the one to the local Frito-Lay plant, where we got free freshly baked cookies and chips, so I would bet that your girls will remember this for years to come!
And applause all around for your inventive karaoke birthday party. Who else has a unique idea for a memorable birthday party?
Capital Heights, Md.: Is there a Christian Summer Enrichment Program that provide both, help in academics and summer fun activities in the same day? For example, the first part of the morning, the children get help academically, (Reading or Math) and the second half, they do their fun activities? Mount Calvary School, in Forestville, Md., offered this type of program last year. I could not find any other programs of this type. Please help. The Kids' Table: Kate here, C.H. and I'm afraid I'm stumped. As I'm not sure how old your kids are (elementary or junior high), I imagine you could call Christian schools and churches in your zip code and ask for day camp recs.
Pajama Party: I love all those suggestions...that's a great
idea about the bead-making jewelry and the
bread-making (in my case it may be chocolate
chip cookies)...Also one chatter mentioned
renting a Kareoke machine....where can a
person rent one of those machines.
The Kids' Table: Are you still there, Gaithersburg?
Montgomery Village, Maryland: Hi, I just had my second baby (nine weeks old now) and I am looking for more places to take my two year old where she can run around and burn off lots of energy so that she is ready for her nap. I work full time so I am looking for places that are not too crowded on weekends and places where I can also bring my baby. We love the Zoo but need more choices. I have heard rumors of a big playground adventureland type places in Germantown but don't know where it is. Any suggestions?
The Kids' Table: Montgomery Village, MD: Whoops, my answer (see above) got away from your question. Just want to add that Wheaton Regional Park offers plenty of alternatives and chances to find space even in a crowd.
Washington, DC: May I suggest the DAR Museum at 1776 D Street, NW? The museum's current exhibition is "The Stuff of Childhood" which includes hands-on areas for children to dress up and dress a baby in 18th century style, as well as antique toys and costume to entertain adults. The museum is open 9:30-4:00 M-F and 1-5 on Sundays (until June 1, when it will be closed Sundays but open 9-5 on Saturdays) The exhibition will run through August 31. The Kids' Table: Thanks, Washington. There are lots of museums off the Mall for kids as well. Good reminder.
Takoma Park, MD: My sister is visiting me this weekend with her two teenagers who love to eat. I'd like to take them to a nice Sunday Brunch buffet. Can you recommend someplace in the Takoma Park/Silver Spring area?
Thank you! The Kids' Table: Takoma, I'm afraid I'm throwing this one out to the group because I'm not coming up with much of a brunch buffet in that area. Can anyone else help us out?
Baltimore, Md.: I mentor a 10-year-old girl through Big Brothers Big Sisters and wanted to ask for some ideas for fun, educational and cheap ideas for us to do together. Some input on the questions you put out -- a great activity for girls along the lines of a "do touch" policy is Beadazzled, where you can play with different beads, make necklaces, etc. The Kids' Table: Hi Baltimore, how thoughtful of you to give your time to someone that way. You don't say whether your mentee is in Baltimore or closer to Washington, but in any town, I (Ann) think it's always nice to learn more about your surroundings. How about putting together a casual walking tour of a historic neighborhood, maybe one she's never paid much attention to before? You can coordinate it with a well-timed stop at a restaurant or an ice cream shop midway through.
Who else has ideas for our mentor?
Fairfax, Va.: Are there any circuses in or around town (up to one- or two-hour drive) that I can take my 2-year-old to? The Kids' Table: Hey, Fairfax, March and April are usually the big months for traveling circuses to hit the D.C. area, it seems. This is Anne, and one of my favorites comes a bit later: UniverSoul Circus sets up shop in Landover on May 21. That's sooner than Ringling Bros. or Big Apple will get back to our area. In the meantime, visit the National Zoo and its baby animals. Newly named baby gorilla Kojo often is under Mother's close watch -- see if you can spot him!
The Kids' Table: This is Kate and I wanted to share another online community resouce with the local parents looking for summer camps. Click to "www.washingtonparent.com" and go to their summer camp guide. I can't speak to its accuracy, but they have a lot -- might be a good place to collect info and phone numbers.
Falls Church, Va.: Are there any activites that parents can share with infants (less than 1 year old, but old enough to be somewhat attentive) in the Metro area? The Kids' Table: Falls Church, I (Alexa) think my advice to you is really to do anything -- take that baby to the park, spread out a blanket and look up at the leaves; trundle him/her around a local farmers market, etc. Isn't it all interesting at that age? Or perhaps my little boy was bored stiff, and just couldn't tell me?
Wash DC: I am babysitting my very hyper-active 8 year old neice on Saturday. Any suggestions for keeping an 8 year occupied all day? I'd like to stay in one central locationand we've done the zoo and all the museums. Thanks! The Kids' Table: Hi, D.C. Anne here, and I'm just a big fan of Flower Mart at the Cathedral (see more details above) for you too, because there are so many activities. If your charge is ready to switch to something different, walk behind the plant sale area toward 34th Street -- there's several groupings of playground equipment and big fields for romping in. For a change of scenery, ride the bus south on Wisconsin Avenue to R Street, and walk to the left to go to Dumbarton Oaks. The park has a shiny new playground with challenging monkey bars and the softest ground surface I've ever felt. Plus, nearby the playground are a small maze of hedges -- perfect for hide and seek. When she's getting tuckered out, stop by the Georgetown Library -- it's on the corner of R and Wisconsin. You could wind up with a treat at Thomas Sweet Ice Cream, a few blocks walk down to P Street.
Rockville, Md.: I am working mother with two young children (ages 2 and 4) and I have no family members or other support networks in this area. I am wondering if you can recommend fun places to take young children during late afternoon/ evening hours. I am also trying to find out the best places in the area for young children to have fun. And finally I would like to find out about support groups for working parents in this area. I always see support groups listed for "stay-at-home" moms, but none for working parents. It would be fantastic to find some resources that could assist me in this foreign town. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. The Kids' Table: It's Kate, Rockville. And I admire your pluck. Again, "www.washingtonparent.com" might hold some answers for you, but so will exploring your 'hood. By doing the things you enjoy together, you and your dots will find yourselves a network of friends.
Have you ever checked out the facilities at the Jewish Community Center of Great Washington? It's a sports and rec complex with child care facilities and a pool, etc. Take a tour and consider a short-term membership. With the summer will come NIH's family-friendly outdoor movie series. And next Friday Gifford's opens its new ice cream parlor in Bethesda. I suggest checking it out as soon as possible -- and working through their seasonal flavors. If you're really nuts about ice cream (I am), take a field trip to the creamery at the U of Maryland. What grass become milk and milk become ice cream and ice cream become a mess.
As for the everyday, Kensington, Md, boasts my favorite community swimming pool, and it's close to you too. A month from now, going for a paddle (and the occasional cone at Gifford's) in the late afternoon could become addictive. This weekend head to the Audubon Nature Fair. They always have a great do-touch area.
Germantown, Md.: The DAR Museum in D.C. has two unique summer day camps. My kids have attended quilt camp for several years and loved it. You learn to make a small quilt and then they are hung in an exhibition in the museum or another cool location. Colonial camp is new and I hear it was successful if your kid likes to dress up in costume and learn to throw a hatchet, learn to fence and learn to waltz! Live in 18th century life for a week or so. The Kids' Table: But only for a week or so. Have you seen "Frontier House" on PBS?
Temple Hills, Md.: Not a question but a response to several chatters. For those in close proximity to Prince Georges county, the county's Parks & rRcreation department offers many free and low cost (to bi-county residents - meaning P.G. or Montgomery) activities for children of all ages. Check out their site at www.pgparks.com for a complete monthly listing which includes sports classes, dance classes, and info about offerings at the local parks. For the people looking for activities for toddlers, Watkins Regional Park off of Central Avenue near Six Flags America has an excellent toddler playground and directly across the street is Old Maryland Farm with pony rides on Saturdays ($2), a miniature train that circles the farm($1), hayrides ($1), a carousel ($1) and miniature golf, and animal feedings etc. I had Davon's (my son) 5th birthday party there and it was such a success that we're celebrating his 7th there this summer. Also another venue for free music during the summer is the Ft. Dupont summer concert series which usually begins the end of July and runs through the end of August. Check them out at www.nps.gov
Just get there early to camp out your spot on the lawn. Davon and I have been going for the last three years and have never had any problems. Also consider Oxon Hill Farm, which is right off of the Beltway exit for Rt. 210 Indian Head Highway. This is another working farm with many activities and exhibits that will interest young children. Davon and I also regularly attend family story time at our local library. Check the PG county library website to see if your local library offers a storytime. I know they do it at the Oxon Hill, Clinton and Bowie libraries. www.prge.lib.md.us/ Hope this helps. By the way, Sesame Place is the best amusement park for younger children because everything is geared toward that audience - from the main street parade of your favorite Sesame Street characters to the rides. The Kids' Table: Wow, Temple Hills, you're a whiz! And thanks to everyone who's been so forthcoming this afternoon. We'll be back two weeks from now. Let's talk about family-friendly movies, shall we? That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion. Stay tuned to Live Online: "The Frontier House" Executive Producer at 1 p.m. EDT
Tim Page: Classical Music Forum at 2 p.m. EDT
"Lilo and Stitch" Director/Writer and Producer at 3 p.m. EDT Did you know that you can follow more than one Live Online discussion at the same time? Just open another browser window and toggle back and forth between discussions! And, if you miss one, catch up with the Live Online transcripts. Keep up with the latest in news, sports, politics and entertainment with washingtonpost.com e-mail newsletters.
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