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Got Plans? With Kids
With the Entertainment Guide Staff
washingtonpost.com
Wednesday, May 15, 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.
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 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:
This is meterologist Vicki (actually, I don't even play one on TV, but I did look at the weather forecast and there are some rain clouds in our future (Friday and Saturday). This may be the weekend to hide away in a museum; be sure to ask Maura for her suggestions. No doubt she'll tell you to be quick like a bunny and see Peter Rabbit's Garden at Natural History - the little scamp soon will be packing up his blue jacket and carrots and moving on. With two big movies in town ("Stars Wars" and "Spider-Man"), you may have the Children's Museum all to yourself (yeah, right).
But maybe you have this weekend covered and are thinking ahead to the Memorial Day holiday. Whatever your questions, ask away. Kate, Anne, Alexa, Lynette and Ann are also here to help. And, please don't be selfish - share your good ideas, too.
Gaithersburg, Md.:
My nephew is coming to visit in mid-June and would like to visit the White House. His last visit was soon after Sept. 11 and he was VERY disappointed that he was unable to go on a tour. Is the White House open again to the public? How can I go about getting tickets?
The Kids' Table: Hi Gaithersburg. I (Maura) am afraid it's not good news for your nephew. The White House is still closed to public tours, with the exception of scheduled school groups. On the bright side, the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol have reopened since he last came to town. And if it makes him feel any better, I think those tours are more fun anyway.
Laurel, Md.:
I live in Prince Georges County and I am looking for something different that does not require me to go into the city. What do you recommend as far as jazz and comedy?
The Kids' Table: Laurel, Md.: Hello, Laurel, you don't mention any children or their ages in your plans. If you're free to be a grown-up, you should tune in to "Got Plans?" at 1 tomorrow (and every Thursday) for some advice from our music and nightlife experts. (A mother [Vicki] can never pass up an opportunity to give direction.)
Arlington, Va.:
My friend from Argentina is visiting with her two 2-year-old twin boys. I am looking for activities a 2-year-old would be interested in despite short attention spans.
Maryland-Virginia-D.C. We wanted to go to the enchanted forest in Ellicott City but it is defunct. Any ideas for weekend amusement for this age?
Thanks!
The Kids' Table: Hi Arlington, this is Ann, twin 2-year-olds sounds like a handful indeed. Would they be interested in the Andrews Air Show? Loud planes flying overhead, lots of people to watch and amusements both on land and in sky. You also might consider the McLean Day festival, which happens on Saturday at the McLean Community Center, or the Beltsville Festival on Sunday at the Beltsville Community Center. Or, when in doubt, take advantage of what promises to be great weather on Sunday and take a ball or a frisbee or a kite to the Mall, and let them run around until they fall asleep.
Fairfax, VA:
Got a very active and physical ten month old. Likes to crawl, stand, and tumble around. I don't like staying in all the time and my schedule is too chaotic for something like Gymboree. Walks around the mall frustrate him because he wants to crawl rather than ride the stroller. The Fun Factory in Skyline used to have a separate padded area for the wee ones to climb on foam blocks. They replaced it with a merry go round. I know most parents dread Chuck E. Cheese and the like, but I would love to take him some place with an indoor area we can play in and we can both be around other people. Any ideas?
The Kids' Table: Hello Fairfax, it's Alexa. Have you been to Jeeper's Jr. in the Fairfax Toys R Us World (703/222-6620). I haven't been either, but I've some friends who go regularly and it might be just the thing. If you are in the market for some furniture as well as ways to entertain that babe, the new Ikea (!) is a blast.
Bethesda:
Can you start an archive of these chats? Several time I've wanted to go back and read one of the chats, and don't know how to find it.
The Kids' Table: Bethesda, Md.: I (Vicki) love when a question is easily answered (all sorts of good ideas come after our time online is up). Here's the link for our archive, and thanks for asking.
Gaithersburg, MD:
This weekend at the events taking place in Purcellville, are there enough fun activities for children ages 10-14? And will there be rides for this age group, as well?
The Kids' Table: Hello Gaithersburg. For those not in the know, Saturday is Purcellville Heritage Day. Not sure what your 10 and 14 year olds are into and I (Maura) have never been, but it seems some of the planned activities skew a little young. They might still enjoy the dunk tank and vintage car display. If they've got energy to burn, there's a fun run 5K n the morning. I don't see mention of any rides, but check out the Heritage Day website for more details.
Herndon, VA:
My brother-in-law saw an ad in the Weekend section last week for Thomas the Tank Engine somewhere in the area. Is this true and if so, where, when and how much? Thank you.
The Kids' Table: Hi, Herndon, this is Anne. Yes, Thomas the Tank Engine is coming to the B&O Railroad Museum from June 22-30. You can buy timed-entry tickets ($14, free for those under age 2) to ride in Thomas's caboose by calling 410-752-2446 or via the museum's Web site. The ride is 45 minutes long and circles the perimeter of the museum's 48-acre lot. Other activities include storytelling, face-painting and kids' games.
Montgomery County, MD:
Thanks you guys! I read your suggestion about the College Park Aviation Museum in the last chat, and took my family there. Everyone had a great time -- there are so many activities for kids and interesting history and airplanes for adults. It's also right next door to the 94th Aero Squadron restaurant, so we didn't have to go far to eat afterwards. Great advice!
The Kids' Table: Hi MoCo. Maura here. Glad you enjoyed it. For those who have yet to make it, the College Park Aviation Museum and 94th Aero Squadron restaurant -- during daylight hours -- are great spots for family fun. Let's hear some other good outings.
Fairfax, VA:
Called Toys R Us Kidsworld in Fairfax. He said they took the Jeeper's Jr. out in 1998. I will probably try Jeeper's Rockville next time we are in Maryland visiting Grandma. I think he and are heading for the dreaded Mr. Cheese. I will never know what any of these places are like until I try. Thanks for the info though!
The Kids' Table: Oh dear Fairfax. Silly me. Those friends must have been going to Rockville. Readers, please take note.
Washington DC:
Hello folks -- Thanks so much for this chat. I get great ideas from it. Here's my question: I've got two kids, 11 and 8, who loved golfing (putting) with grandparents recently in Florida. Grandparents are coming this weekend to our home in Takoma Park. Any ideas for places in nearby Maryland to take kids to do a bit of (very easy) golfing -- putting, etc.? We'll also go to a miniature golf course, but there is great interest in doing the "real thing" as well. Thanks!
The Kids' Table: What fun, D.C. This is Kate and I think that you can all have a good time at local golf course -- pick one that's closest to you in Maryland. Sounds like Rock Creek Park's putting green might work. For the sheer thrill of the view (planes landing at National) I enjoy the double-decker driving range and green at Hains Point -- almost as much as I fear their hot dogs.
Gaithersburg, MD:
Thanks for the information on The White House.
Do you need special arrangements to tour the Capitol? I clicked on the ling in the last response and my computer would not make the link.
The Kids' Table: Hi Gaithersburg. The most important thing to do in planning a visit to the U.S. Capitol is to first call 202/225-6827 and check the Capitol Web site to make sure it's open on the day you plan to go. Security is tight and the list of items you CANNOT take with you is growing as we speak. Banned items include all liquids and oversized bags, so this may not be the best place to go for anyone who needs to carry a diaper bag and snacks. I (Lynette) wouldn't recommend this for kids under age six, as you'll also have to stand in line for tickets.
Tickets are required for everyone who takes the tour, regardless of age (even infants). Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 8:15 a.m. on the day of the tour. (Advance tickets are not available).
Currently the ticket line forms on the East Lawn on the sidewalk next to the security screening facility, across from the Library of Congress. People with accessibility needs can ask the security guards at the screening facility for help. On Monday, May 20, the ticket station will move to the West Lawn, due to construction on the Capitol Visitors Center. There will be no tours available tomorrow, (Thursday) but the Capitol is normally open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Germantown, MD:
My 8-month-old daughter has been invited to her first birthday party at Jeepers. The birthday girl is turning 4. We are going, but want to know, will there be anything our daughter can really enjoy there at her age?
The Kids' Table: I think I (Alexa) have shown myself to be no expert on Jeeper's. But I think it's fine for a 4-year-old. There are slide-y climbing frames, some low-impact amusement rides and a mini diner. We'll look into it. But in the meantime, the Rockville telephone number is 301/340-3308.
Reston VA:
Hi, I have a birthday party to plan for my soon-to-be 11 yr old daughter. We're tired of the skating rink and are looking for new ideas for a small group (5-7 guests). Any suggestions? Thanks!
The Kids' Table: Hi, Reston, I (Vicki) think you should ask the birthday girl if she would like to be the guest of honor at a tea party. Two terrific places come to mind -- and, hopefully, you won't mind traveling a bit. One is the Tea Cosy in Alexandria and the other is the tea/birthday party hosted at the Washington Dolls' House and Museum.
But be sure and please the birthday girl; it's her day.
Thanks to everyone who gathered around the kids' table with us today, and please join us again in two weeks, May 29, when summer fun should be on everyone's mind. In the meantime, enjoy the sunshine -- but bring along that umbrella. And don't forget, grown-ups, to participate in our first Washington Best Bets contest. Good luck at winning the prize.
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