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Got Plans? With Kids
With the Entertainment Guide Staff
washingtonpost.com
Wednesday, May 29, 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.
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.
The Kids' Table:
Hello again . . . hope your holiday weekend was a picture-perfect one
(for the album) for every member of your family, from the youngest to the oldest. It's
a well-known fact, once we celebrate Memorial Day,
there's no stopping summer. So stock up on heavy-duty sunscreen and
bottled water, check who needs new flip-flops or bathing suits and start
filling up June, July and August with plans.
One quick and easy place to look for ideas is our Summer
Guide. From all but one (Bars/Clubs) of our section fronts, you can
click on "more with kids" (in the yellow "with kids" box) and you'll
find plenty of directions to take; here's an example.
The Post's Weekend
section is a valuable calendar for kids of all ages; but pay
particular attention to Saturday's
Child and Carousel.
Of course, we can always take the heat and humidity one day at a time.
Here today to help with any day you want to plan "with kids" are Matt --
a pedestal dad to two girls -- Kate, our
Entertainment Guide editor, our Ann from the Metro section and our
Events editor Anne. Let's see where our ideas, questions, concernstake us.
Alexandria, Va.:
This question/comment is from an 11-year-old: (with help from mom of course)
There is a wonderful beach an hour from Washington that is just like going to the ocean only its on the bay. It has a beach to play on, a bay to swim in, a boardwalk to walk on, sharks teeth to find, places to park and food to eat. Its called North Beach and its in Calvert County, Md. Its a great place to spend a Saturday or Sunday. Its in trouble. My mom and me have been going to North Beach in Maryland to swim, find shark's teeth on the beach, picnic on the beach and just have fun almost every weekend in the summer for over nine years (since I was two years old). It was one of the things we looked forward to all year. When the beach made improvements I was glad to see it (but there aren't as many sharks teeth as there used to be). What I am not happy about is the boat slips. Boats put out oil, gas and other awful things in the water and the slips are right next to the beach where I swim. My mom has told me we will not go there anymore once the boats are in. I think many other parents will not let their children swim there either once the boats start coming. That will make all those nice things you did to that beach worthless because no one will go there.
I know this isn't an editorial part of your paper but if enough people know about it, maybe they won't put the boats in. Thank you.
The Kids' Table: It's nice to find an 11-year-old ready to "do something" to make a difference. A beach close to home is a summer treasure; what can we do to help? This Post story on "surf close to turf" shares a few more finds to keep in mind -- and keep pristine.
The Kids' Table:
Hello again . . . hope your holiday weekend was a picture-perfect one
(for the album) for every member of your family, from the youngest to the oldest. It's
a well-known fact, once we celebrate Memorial Day,
there's no stopping summer. So stock up on heavy-duty sunscreen and
bottled water, check who needs new flip-flops or bathing suits and start
filling up June, July and August with plans.
One quick and easy place to look for ideas is our Summer
Guide. From all but one (Bars/Clubs) of our section fronts, you can
click on "more with kids" (in the yellow "with kids" box) and you'll
find plenty of directions to take; here's an example.
The Post's Weekend
section is a valuable calendar for kids of all ages; but pay
particular attention to Saturday's
Child and Carousel.
Of course, we can always take the heat and humidity one day at a time.
Here today to help with any day you want to plan "with kids" are Matt --
a pedestal dad to two girls -- Kate, our
Entertainment Guide editor, our Ann from the Metro section and our
Events editor Anne. Let's see where our ideas, questions, concernstake us.
Rockville, Md.:
I'm looking for something fun and free (or really inexpensive) to do this weekend with my four-year-old in the Rockville area. Anyone have ideas? It's not that I'm opposed to going downtown, but we do that a lot already. He's into fairs, trains and animals, if that helps! Thanks.
The Kids' Table: The weather is suppose to be nice this weekend. Gaithersburg's water park at Bohrer Park has a splash pool for children 5 and younger. It's open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Monday at 510 S. Frederick Ave. Price is $4 for Gaithersburg residents; $6, nonresidents; $3, children ($4 nonresidents). 301/258-6445. Bohrer also has a miniature golf course.
The "Jeb Stuart Comes to Rockville" event reenacts Maj. J.E.B. Stuart's raid on Rockville, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. And it's free! It features role-playing vignettes, music, exhibits and walking tours based on the history of Rockville as well as the Battle of Gettysburg and the outcome of the Civil War.
Also, at Rock Creek Park's Lake Needwood, 20-minute tours aboard the Needwood Queen, a 20-person pontoon boat, focus on the park's wildlife, including beavers, turtles, deer and several water birds. For info, call 301/762-1888.
Maryland:
My six-year-old wants to go camping. I promised we would to celebrate the end of the school year. Do you know of any location within an hour? Rustic cabins would be nice.
We do not have any equipment. I guess we would have to rent it. I am not crazy about wilderness. It would have to be close to civilizaton.
Thank you
The Kids' Table: Hi, Maryland, this is Anne. I think that's really generous that you're supporting your six-year-old's wish, and it's sensible too to keep it a very controlled camping experience and test the waters for your first trip. I'm not sure what part of Maryland you're in, but Cunningham Falls and Gambrill state parks in Maryland rent cabins you can sleep in. Check that link to make reservations. At minimum, you'd probably need a sleeping bag. A camping goods store or the park where you stay can offer some basic camping recommendations and safety tips. And if you want to cook too (and not just sleep out), I'd recommend a lighter, aluminum foil and some metal rods you could spear a hotdog or marshmallow with. Have fun!
Washington, D.C.:
What type of activities/work are available for a 13-year-old (male) to get involved in doing the summer months? Most camps that I am aware of are for ages 12 and under and you can work a summer job at age 14. What's a poor 13-year-old to do?
The Kids' Table: Hi Washington. Three words come to my mind that work for really big kids (read adults) as well: Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer. I (Vicki) think he should follow his interests to where they lead him and offer (with your okay) his services. Can't imagine his help would be turned down.
If he's good with younger children, he might be able to help at some of those camps he's "outgrown" (you know how younger kids love to be around the older ones). A colleague also suggests contacting the Boys and Girls Club. But let's also look for answers from our online friends.
Silver Spring, MD:
The Glenmont public pool is just wonderful. The recent renovations are really remarkable! Check out the slides!
The Kids' Table: Thanks for the tip, Silver Spring! I (Anne) was just out with a 7-year-old at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg a few weeks ago, and that giant waterslide looks great too. Check our list for more area pools.
Alexandria, Va.:
My 12-year-old nephew will be visiting the first two weeks of August. He's done most of the big tourist things here, and I'm looking for new ideas. I thought we'd try the U.S. Mint/Bureau of Engraving to see dollar bills being made, maybe the Spy Tour? Would that be interesting for a 12-year-old? Six Flags out in Maryland, and that's what I've come up with so far. Any ideas for a boy that age? Within about 1 1/2 hours of the city. Thanks so much!
The Kids' Table: What a great planner you are, Alexandria. Kate here. The Mint is a good time, if a short time, for someone who's 12. If he's a mature 12 then a short trip to the Holocaust Memorial Museum might be appropriate. There is an area for children, "Daniel's Story" that requires neither reservations nor payment. I think the Spy Tour is a bit sophisticated, the real thrills are reserved for people who remember the "duck and cover" Cold War days. The good news is that the forthcoming Spy Museum will be open and you could combine that with a tour of the crabs with a mallet or make his own pizza at Generous George (may be too little kiddee). I'd take Six Flags over the drive to King's Dominion any day. A day trip to Baltimore: aquarium and/or Orioles game is a sure fire winner too.
If you'd like to review special events in the first two weeks of August click on our calendar and use the forward arrow to move three months ahead. That time of year traditionally has the first county fairs, D.C. United soccer games, outdoor movies and NSO concerts, and much more. Have at!
Washington, D.C.:
PLEASE tell everyone who sees the "Party Animals" around town they they are NOT for sitting on!
Over the weekend I was horrified to see parents lifting up their children to sit on the elephants and donkeys, and some grown-ups who sat on them. too!
Some of the animals are already damaged, with stains and tears.
The Kids' Table: There, Washington, you've said it well yourself. Remember, folks, these animals have to party until the fall -- and there are many of us who haven't spotted them. Plus, those herds are someone's work of art -- they just don't fit on the refrigerator door.
Rockville MD:
What do you all know about Sesamse street place in PA? Is it a good place for our four and two year olds? Price seems high. Is there anything comparable around here?
The Kids' Table: Hi, Rockville, Anne here. I definitely enjoyed Sesame Place when I went, but I must admit, that was two decades ago? The price definitely looks high. You could get the thrills of some of the former attractions I remember in other places for free: Big Bird's Nest of rope ladders you could find at an area playground; Alexa has recommended a visit to Ikea for the giant ball pit, and other closer amuseument parks like Six Flags in Largo have kids' rides. Let's hear from other readers. Can you tell them if they should go, if they should go to Sesame Place?
RE: Maryland:
You may wish to try any state park. We went to Smallwood State Park over the weekend and they rent cabins with electricity or you can pitch a tent. You can camp, fish, picnic and even rent a canoe or paddle boat.
The Kids' Table: Nice suggestion, thanks.
Rockville MD:
Not sure if you got this question earlier? Do you all recomend Sesame Street place? Worth the drive and expense? (Almost $150 for a family of four) I have two boys: 4 and 2. Thanks.
The Kids' Table: Hi, Rockville, think Anne's got an answer (above) to your question as well.
Wheaton, Md.:
Dear Gurus,
Just wanted to pass along that the time of year is right for Wheaton Regional Park to go with kids. Huge slides, plenty of walking trails, a lake, carousel and mini-train ride through the woods for not a lot of money. Plenty of shady picnic areas too. The reserved canopies can be hard to come by but the area is great for kids and adults alike! Let your chatters know about this gem in Wheaton.
Thanks!
The Kids' Table: You just did, Wheaton, and thanks for sharing.
Vienna, Va.:
I think it is OUTRAGEOUS that Glen Echo and Marshall Hall amusement parks (both here in the local area) have sat idle so long without restoration and re-opening. If my memory is right, both were shut down around 30 years ago (needlessly, I might add). I don't see where money is the big issue with either park because both operated for many years without serious financial problems. In fact, having local parks re-open here in this area might help both ways, by adding local competition to the parks further south at King's Dominion and Busch Gardens, and causing every park to keep their prices down to attract customers.
The Kids' Table: Interesting concern Vienna. I wonder if there aren't questions about ownership involved in the case of Glen Echo and Marshall Hall. These are historical endeavors standing on extremely attractive properties.
This is Kate and I'm not sure if more competition would encourage the largey-bargey amusement parks like K.D. and B.G. to lower their prices. Their's is a short business season with million dollar additions and serve as permanent advertising for consumer product, film and network franchises. Is the best way to encourage prices down is not to go?
Washington, D.C.:
A general question for you: We were in Pennsylvania this weekend and took our daughter, 16 months, to an amusement park for the first time. We were very disappointed to find that all but one of the "little kid" rides required either that our daughter ride alone or ride with another child who was old enough to act as her companion-guardian but small enough not to exceed the 56" height limit. =In other words, an adult was not allowed to accompany her. =And clearly she's not old enough to ride alone. = After having spent $20 each on admission, we were saved from a no-ride doom only by the fact that my nephew had come along with us -- and he is both responsible and just under 56" tall. In the past, I've watched many an adult ride with a small toddler on little cars, spinning bears, etc. Please tell me this park's policy isn't standard these days! If so, we'll have to recruit my nephew on every trip we take this summer!
The Kids' Table: From county fairs and my days working near Hershey Park in Pennsylvania, I (Anne) remember that most rides have a height requirement -- sometimes you must be taller than a certain height, and sometimes you must be shorter. It seems like your solution -- to plan for another height-appropriate but responsible child to ride along -- is an ideal one. Readers, have you tips to share for ensuring children have a safe and enjoyable ride?
Falls Church, VA:
My 36 yr old sister-in-law and her 8 year old son are coming for a week long visit (they live in Portland). We want to show him around, his mom has been here a few times, but I am at a loss of what to do with an 8 year old in DC. All of our out of town guests have always been adults. Any suggestions for an 8yr old who like to read and takes Karate?
The Kids' Table: Falls Church, this is Matt reporting. You can't go wrong with the Air and Space Museum as well as the Museum of Natural History. They both have IMAX theaters, too. (you must pay for the films). While you are at the mall, you can head up to the top of the Washington Monument. Remember, you must get tickets in advance.
The National Zoo is also an obvious stop. The pandas are always worth the trip.
Capital Children's Museum at 800 Third St. NE is open 10-5 Tuesday through Sunday. (202/675-4120).
I don't know when the visit is planned, but the fabulous Uptown Theater on Connecticut Avenue is still showing "Episode II: Attack of the Clones" on its huge screen.
And if you want to go out to eat one night, the Rainforest Cafι at Tysons Corner Center is fun for all (703/821-1900), but it can have a long wait on the weekends. If features moving animals, tropical sounds and a big souvenir shop.
If you don't mind driving up I-95, Baltimore also has a zoo, the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, Port Discovery and the Orioles.
Silver Spring, MD:
What is there to do in the city with a three year old girl? I am looking for classes at a community center or something of the sort.
The Kids' Table: It's Kate, thanks for writing in. Have you checked out the listings at Long Branch Community Center? It's in Silver Spring and they have a great gymnasium and art room. Does your daughter like the water? There are some programs that introduce swimming at an early age. You might enjoy this too. By the by, the YMCA of Silver Spring has two pools (indoor and outdoor) and offers babysitting while you exercise!
Round Hill, VA:
Good afternoon. More of a comment really than a question. Actually, a word of warning to those out there with youngsters longing to see "Spirit." As a friend of mine noted, the "G" rating must have been for guns. This was a very violent film, and while it may have been historically accurate, it frightened my mature four-year-old to the point of crying at least four times during the movie. We offered her the option to leave, but we're glad we stayed because she could see that in the end Spirit survived. I'm all for "tellin' it like it is," but this movie deserved a rating for a more mature audience.
Thanks for letting me get that off my chest!
The Kids' Table: Not surprised, Round Hill, actually the Family Filmgoer cautioned that it's not appropriate for under ages 7 or 8 -- and older if the child (or adult!!) is sensitive.
Northern Virginia:
Hi there!
Is there a list somewhere of all the parks in Northern Virginia with playgrounds? In particular the ones with toddler bucket seat swings? I guess it's too specific of a question, huh?
Thanks!
The Kids' Table: Hi, NoVa, this is a wonderful chance to plug the blue search box. I did go to the Sports/Rec page of our Entertainment Guide, typed in local/parks for Virginia and got this list. Lots of places to pick and choose from and, of course, explore.
Kensington, MD:
Hi there,
Last month you recommended the Magic of New Orleans for a family birthday dinner. I just wanted to report that it was very successful birthday dinner. The food was good, atmosphere festive, and the service was also very good. There was enough selection on the menu to make everyone happy.
Thanks again.
The Kids' Table: Hello, Kensington, thanks for reporting back. It's always nice to have up-to-the-last-minute feedback. Did you leave a reader review? Please do.
The Kids' Table:
Wow, you guys are good at this! Thanks for your questions and all of your wonderful ideas and feedback. We'll be back "for more" in two weeks -- June 5 at noon. Take care and stay cool.
That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the
discussion.
Stay tuned to Live Online:
Author
Laura Zigman on Washington Fashion at 2 p.m. EDT
Tim
Page: Classical Music Forum at 2 p.m. EDT
Dirda
on Books at 2 p.m. EDT
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