Washingtonpost.com: Live Online

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.

The Kids' Table: What did you do this summer? Our kids will probably come up with a few more answers besides the predictable ones:
A. Stuff.
B. Nothing.
C. I forget.
D. Ummmmmmmmm.

But we (Alexa, Maura, Lynette, Kate, Anne and Vicki) are here to help end selective-memory syndrome and come up with an end to summer vacation that's memorable -- the more recent, the easier to remember, right? And the more exciting, the better. I (Vicki) am thinking camping, white water (hopefully there's enough water!!) rafting, sailing away for the day. If you have tykes in tow, build one more sand castle at a nearby beach; or take in a baseball game if fireworks are included. Together we'll put an end to "Ummmmmmmmmm."

Garrett Park: Hi. We recently returned from Central PA (Altoona area), where we took our 5-year old daughter to 2 old-fashioned, vintage amusement parks - DelGrosso's and Lakemont.

I wasn't sure if your readers were aware that there are several such parks in Pennsylvania, some only a 2-hour drive away. These are not huge, crowded, $40 theme parks. These are 80-100 year old amusement parks, often in wooded areas, where you can bring in a picnic, the food sold there is cheap anyway, sometimes admission is free and you buy a ride pass or single ride tickets, trees provide much-needed shade, and long lines for rides just don't exist. Some parks offer rides you don't often see anymore, like funhouses & wooden roller coasters.
Some parks are open late April, May, September & October, on the weekends.

Besides the 2 above, we've been to Williams Grove near Harrisburg, Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, and our favorite so far, Idlewild on the way to Pittsburgh.
We still want to visit Kennywood in Pittsburgh, Dorney Park near Allentown, & Knoebel's NE of Harrisburg.

I just wanted to let your readers know about these wonderful places that harken back to yesteryear. They may lack the huge steel "thrill rides" that the teens like, but they have plenty of rides geared for small kids, and sometimes concerts and live shows or a waterpark. And with admission or a ride pass for $9-20, it would appeal to parents who face shelling out $30-40 per person, plus parking fees, for 6 Flags, King's Dominion & Sesame Place.

For info, see www.pathrills.com, under amusement parks.

The Kids' Table: Hi Garrett Park. Thanks for getting us off to a good start. What good neighbors both you and Pennsylvania are! -- Vicki

Upper Marlboro, Md.: Looking for something fun to do with a 15-year-old boy this week.

Mom in Upper Marlboro!

The Kids' Table: Hi, Upper Marlboro Mom, Lynette here. Of course a lot depends on your particular 15-year-old's interests and what you yourself are willing to put up with, but there's a lot happening in your neighborhood this weekend. If he enjoys stand-up, why not try the
Teen Talent Show at the Jokes on Us Comedy Club in Laurel Sunday afternoon? If he's the outdoors type, there's an evening canoe trip, the Full Moon Paddle Adventure, at Janes Island State Park Saturday night. If music is more his thing, there are a very few $26 lawn tickets left for the
Goo Goo Dolls concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia (but you'll need to act fast for this one). For the sports buff, Cal Ripken's minor league baseball team, the Aberdeen Ironbirds, are up against the Auburn Doubledays in Ripken Stadium, also this Saturday. Some other options include the Maryland Renaissance Festival in Annapolis, Greenberg's Train Show at Prince George's County Equestrian Center and the Maryland State Fair in Timonium. Hope this helps!

Leesburg, Va.: I'm a teenager. Is there a safe place where me and my friends can have fun and be safe, without my parents worrying?

The Kids' Table: Hi, Leesburg. This is Anne. I can suggest some places where you and your friends might want to hang out, but since safety is a matter of personal opinion, you or your parents or other readers may not feel comfortable there. Like anything, the more familiar you are with a place, the easier it is to feel safe there. (For example, I feel driving through Seven Corners is hazardous because I haven't done it much.) The first step in putting your folks at ease is to let them know where you are. Here are some ideas from Fritz on places to go if you're under 21. Near you, I might suggest taking a gang to drive at Allsports Grand Prix or dancing at the Planet Club. Some chain bookstores stay open late, and they offer readings, concerts and cushy chairs for lounging and gabbing with your friends.

Washington, D.C.: I have family coming in town with two kids. What are our best bets for dining?

The Kids' Table: Hello, Washington, you aren't specific about your needs, so I think I'll send you this. It's a list of places that are fit for tots. Get back to me (Alexa) if you need more.

Sterling, Va.: My 2-year-old son loves to watch airplanes fly overhead. What is the name of the park along the Potomac near National Airport where the planes fly close to the ground? Also, do you know of a spot near Dulles Airport that will give us a similar effect?

The Kids' Table: You're thinking of Gravelly Point Park, Sterling. I (Anne) am not familiar with a place to view planes near Dulles. Readers, can you help?

Geeta in Potomac: Got plans this labour day weekend to go to WV with kids ranging from 2 to 10. We'll camp around Hancock and want to visit Cacapon. Any must do's, see's with kids in that area? Thanks.

The Kids' Table: Hi Geeta, sounds like your family's the outdoorsy type, so let me (Lynette) suggest fishing and floating along the Cacapon River, or, if your youngest isn't quite up to those sorts of activities yet, there's Cacapon Resort State Park, which offers everything from walking and horseback riding to swimming and picnic areas.

Capitol Hill: Thanks for the chat.

We have friends coming in with their 2 kids (ages 7 and 9) this weekend. They've been here a few times before, so we've done the monuments, zoo, etc. We may hit the Spy Museum, but not sure if the kids would have fun. Anyone out there take kids, yet? Any other suggestions that don't require a lot of time in the car?

Thanks!

The Kids' Table: Hi Capitol Hill. The kids may enjoy the gadgets on display and hands-on activities, but there are more text-heavy sections of the museum that might be tough. Not to mention a section that simulates -- with flashing lights and a shaking floor -- a nuclear explosion. I'd scurry through that room myself. Other ideas? The College Park Aviation Museum, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, a local planetarium or an IMAX flick. -- Maura

Rockville, Md: Do you think 5-years-old is too young for a trail ride? I suppose different barns might have different policies -- any suggestions?

Thanks!

The Kids' Table: Hi, Rockville, Anne here. Yes, most stables will have age restrictions. Rock Creek Horse Center, however, offers pony rides for tykes at least 30 months old and 30 inches tall. Call 202/362-0117.

Fairfax, Va.: Hi gang! My daughter is turning three soon and I am planning a birthday party for her and a few of her friends, about five her age and five between six months to one year. Would you please suggest a few places in Nothern Virginia where we can have a party for her? Gymboree and Harmonia are out since her friends just had their birthday parties there. Thank you for your great and helpful chats. I always look forward to your suggestions.

The Kids' Table: Hi Fairfax, Gymboree and Harmonia are popular for their value and their proximity and because all three-year olds know just what to do when you get there.

I (Kate) do have a several suggestions for you: "Animal Ambassadors" (540/822-4443) will bring up to five cuddly animals (including bunnies and chinchillas) to your house and allow you to host a mini petting zoo. Take the furniture out of the livingroom, cover the carpet, pop an "Animal Planet" video in the VCR (sound off) and let these little girls host their own zoo. Cost for 45 minutes is about $200 -- Gymboree is looking better and better, no?

Generous George's in Annandale, Springfield or Alexandria would be a terrific place for a birthday lunch: Loaded with toys and a bright interior, this low-key reasonably priced pizza place is terrific for little ladies. Occasionally they have special guests, like a clown who makes balloon animals, so call ahead.

Call your local library and book a story hour; call the Friendship Firehouse in Old Town and take a tour of this historic firehouse. I think the current shows at the Adventure Theater in Glen Echo Park may be too involved for threes, but a picnic and a ride (or two) on the antique carousel is a pleasure for all guests.

Greenbelt, Md.: I am looking for a resturant that is upscale and family friendly. Any ideas?

The Kids' Table: Hi, Greenbelt . . . I (Vicki) am going to borrow a recent answer from Post restaurant critic Tom Sietsema. A Florida family (ranging in age from 4 to 80) wanted a suggestion for a birthday celebration for great-grandma. He took them to Virginia. Artie's in Fairfax and ("Yup-scale") Colvin Run Tavern in McLean.

Other ideas -- especially from personal experience -- from the table?

Montgomery Village Mom: Has anyone been to Adventureland in Germantown? I have a 2 1/2 year old and almost six month old. Can I go on my own or would it be best to have another adult to hold the baby? Also any suggestions for a good cookbook for toddlers, my daughter is really starting to become interested in food and preparing it.

The Kids' Table: Readers, can you help? I (Anne) am partial to the Star Wars cookbooks, though I think they're geared to the tween/teen age group. But maybe you can find some safe steps in these Food section recipes. Kids can help with easy steps on food they like to eat -- little ones can put raisins on celery/peanut butter logs, or break a banana into small pieces that you drop in the blender for a smoothie. My sister and I always got to help flatten the dough when my grandma made pizza with us.

Rockville, Md.: Hi, is there a children's museum in downtown DC? I heard of it, but don't know where it is and how to get to it.

The Kids' Table: Hi, Rockville. You're thinking of the Capital Children's Museum at H and 3rd streets NE. See the query below for more. -- Maura

College Park, Md.: My sister is visiting with her 3-year-old girl and her 19-month-old boy next Thursday during the day. Does the Capital Children's museum have enough that kids this young will enjoy? I remember going when I was in the 7-10 range. Any other ideas that come to mind quickly? I've read through the chats and the kids-based pages, but few of the things are for kids that young (walking and words, but too much for the younger one). We've done the zoo and Union Station before.

The Kids' Table: College Park, I think the CCM has plenty to keep the 3-year-olds tiny hands busy, but it might be a little harder on the 19-month-old. Their show on Mexico and Japan Through the Eyes of a Child" exhibit have plenty of hands-on fun. And their new "Teasers for Tots" show might have just what you're looking for. -- Maura

D.C.: Any suggestions for a one-year niece visiting from out of town? I was thinking the zoo might be enjoyable, however, that is very dependant upon how hot it is outside. Any indoor suggestions?

The Kids' Table: DC, here's what I always recommend: a trip to the terminal at National Airport. The reason it's good for 1-year-olds is the floor that is inlaid with huge colorful circular mosaics. Then, of course, there are the planes, not to mention some pretty okay dining options (Legal Seafoods, a sushi bar, etc.) And the Metro ride to get there. This was a fun spot for my boy, still is. Otherwise, dare I suggest some kind of shopping mall? Or the colored-ball-filled play areas at the new IKEA?!

Montgomery Village, Md.: My son loves trains and planes and pretty much anything that moves. We had to miss the Thomas the Tank Engine event at the B&O Train Museum this summer, and he was heartbroken. Are there any other events like that?

The Kids' Table: While I (Kate) have no record of more "Thomas"-style events in the near future, perhaps some of the ongoing planes, trains and automobiles activities will keep your junior engineer happy.

Greenberg's Model Train Shows are on now through the end of the month at the Equestrian Center in P.G. County.

Have you explored D.C. on the D.C. Duck? It's the tour bus that becomes a boat so you get a ride and a float all for one price (which, I must tell you, does not include paper bag with eye holes for you).

Have you "ridden" the newest IMAX at the Air and Space Museum? It's a 3D trip to the International Space Station (good for six and ups). The next film (on helicopters) debuts mid-September.

The B&O Train Museum has two special events on its calendar worth noting: "All Aboard Days" (Sept. 21-22) and a fall foilage ride Oct. 19 in conjunction with MARC.

Washington, D.C.: Hi! I took next week off to spend some time with my 4 year old daughter before school starts...any suggestions for activites...I already have the children's museum and a pony ride at Rock Creek Park....anything you can think of outdoors...she likes to garden. I'll take all suggestions to fill a week.

The Kids' Table: Hi Washington DC, What fun. There is, of course, the zoo; and if she like gardening, she might just be old enough to appreciate visiting any of these gardens. Here's another list of outdoor concerts that might work for both of you as well. And you can always make your own fun: Fly a kite in the local park or set up the water sprinkler and run through it. Have fun!

The Kids' Table: So, what are your plans for today, tomorrow, next week, Labor Day weekend? And "Ummmmmmmmm" is not an acceptable answer. Remember: Think grand finale. Whatever you do . . . be sure and come back to the Kids' Table at noon Wednesday, Sept. 4.

Automatically Update Page | Get New Responses | Submit Question