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.

Our "With Kids" editor hosts 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: Okay, Moms, listen up. This is not the time to introduce your family to any new recipes like liver loaf. Mother’s Day is May 11. And if you haven’t been naughty -- I (Vicki) suspect that children, like Santa, keep a list – you just may wake up that Sunday to a dandelion bouquet, a breakfast of burnt toast and a homemade message in crayon-colored hearts and flowers.

Our Mother’s Day Guide has more ideas, the grown-up kind. Alexa has updated her Dining With Children feature; Maura has May museum comings and goings covered; and Lynette can send you packing (camping, anyone?). No event gets past Anne and Kate, and Matt gives us Dad expertise. So, what are your Mother’s Day plans?

Lanham, Md.: Where's a good place to rent or buy inexpensive kids bikes? We have no children, but have nieces who visit us, and want to have bikes around for them.

A and C Hamm
Lanham, MD

The Kids' Table: Hi A and C Hamm, How very thoughtful of you. Check this link Roll With It for a great feature by our very own Anne Kenderdine on places throughout the area that rent bicycles. If you choose to buy, Riverdale Cycle (301-864-4731) in Riverdale, MD sells new kids bikes starting at $75-$100. If that's too expensive, you might check with a local bicycling group like the Oxon Hill Bicycle and Trail Club to see if any of their members have outgrown bikes they'd like to sell. Hope this helps. Lynette

Silver Spring, Md.: Hi - this is a weird question. My two-year old has just learned to be potty-trained. (I'm sure there'll be accidents.) I'm looking for places to go with him where I'm sure there are bathrooms closeby and ones that are basically clean.

I know this is general - but thought if anyone knows, it would be you!

Thanks!

The Kids' Table: Hi, Silver Spring ... We'll send your question out to the Kids' Table and see what our potty-training parents have discovered. I (Vicki) think you need to think like a scout and always be prepared -- certainly with handiwipes and tissues. While there are bathrooms in theaters, museums -- even parks -- the clean factor is subject to constant change. And don't be shy (just polite, of course) about asking to go to the head of any line. Isn't it kind of understood, pregnant women and children first.

Anyone have a bathroom recommendation?

Arlington, Va.: Hi - Can you give me details about the carnival/fair I saw in the Crystal City area of Arlington? What are the hours and how long will it be running? Thank you

The Kids' Table: Hi Arlington, I'm (Lynette) sorry to say we don't seem to have any information on this one. Maybe one of our very knowledgeable chatters can help us fill in the details. The carnival/fair in the Crystal City area - can anyone share the 411 on this event? Thanks.

Washington, DC: For parents looking for something a little different for adventurous kids - there is VANS Skate Park - located near Potomac Mills in Virginia - a huge indoor skateboard and rollerblade park! A great place for kids to let off steam - and they even have chairs for parents to relax. My nephews love this place!

The Kids' Table: Hi Washington DC and thanks for the heads up! Van's Skate Park (703-491-1815) can be found at 2700 Potomac Mills Circle in Woodbridge, VA right by the mall. The park is open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. for skateboarders and in-line skaters seven days a week. Sessions run for two hours each and cost $14 per session. Participants must wear helmets and knee and elbow pads, which can be rented for $5.

For SS, MD with Newly Potty-Trained 2 Year Old...: 1 piece of advice that worked MIRACLES for me, and 1 piece of equipment I don't think any potty training parent can go without...

1. Advice: To minimize accidents, take your child to the restroom FREQUENTLY. Once when you leave the house, once when you reach your destination, every 30 minutes while you're there. That may seem excessive, but it cuts down on accidents.

2. Equipment: I found a plastic portable "potty seat" from Babies R Us that I take EVERYWHERE with my 3 year old. You use it in place of a seat liner and it's much more sanitary than any of those paper liners that can get wet. I LOVE mine and can't imagine public restrooms without it. THe one I'm referring to fold into 4 sections to it easily fits into a diaperbag or a larger woman's purse. It comes with a plastic bag "zip lock" for storage or carrying. Once you unfold it, it "locks" in place once you put it on the seat.

Hope this helps.

The Kids' Table: Silver Spring . . . if you're not in the bathroom with your 2-year-old, here's a helpful response.

Fairfax, Va.: Hi! I have a 20 month old and a 3 month old and a friend has a 25 month old and a 1 month old. We need to find fun things to do for the toddlers, the infants are still pleased by anything. However, it's tough to travel around with two double strollers. Any ideas on some toddler activities for two moms with lots to haul around and two toddlers to please? Anywhere in the DC area is fine.

The Kids' Table: You have my respect, Fairfax, I remember how much "luggage" comes along with one toddler! Sounds like you need room to negotiate, and if I were you, I'd become thee authority on nearby parks, petting farms and zoos -- -- I (Vicki) live close to Meadowbrooks Stables, and the horses always have wee visitors. How do you feel about the beach? It's a nice time of year for that outing, but it does mean additional gear like sand toys.

Washington, DC: Hi - My 3 year old son loves construction sites and trucks. Anyone know of anyplace we could take him to tour a construction and see the trucks up close?

The Kids' Table: Hi Washington DC and lucky you, Washington is currently full of building sites. I (Lynette) just this morning noticed a group of daycare kids and their grown-ups checking out some of the construction currently going on in Arlington's Clarendon neighborhood. Obviously safety factors are going to require a minimum distance, but the construction currently going on at the north end of the U.S. Capitol can be viewed through various openings in the safety walls. Work on the National Museum of the American Indian is fairly visible from the 1st and Canal Street area of the National Mall.

Rockville, Md.: I'm a dad with musical kids, and I'm always looking for opportunities to expose them to the arts at a reasonable price. This year I've discovered the University of Maryland College Park has a great music program at a beautiful new facility -- many of the performances are free or low cost. Here's the Web site -- http://www.music.umd.edu/

I'd be interested to hear of other University related music and theater opportunities in the D.C. area. Thanks.

The Kids' Table: Welcome Dad. This is a wonderful question and I invite all readers to chime in. I have a number of thoughts:

Not sure how old your kids are, but the new performing arts center at UMD is indeed a wonder, no matter what age you are. GMU also has a beautiful new facility with excellent family-friendly programs, though it's not exactly in your 'hood. Closer to you, in addition to College Park, is Howard University. On Monday, there was a traditional jazz band contest involving Maryland, Howard and (I think) GWU. It sounds like a gas: big, brassy, lively evening. Have you explored the community resources and classes at Dance Place? With music, comes movement. The Kennedy Center has a free performance every day at 6 on the Millennium Stage in their great hall. In the summertime, the Ken Cen sponsors an additional Millennium Stag on Capitol Hill. The Center's "Imagination Celebration" series has a $13 ticket price, but these performances sell out very quickly. Locally, the "Stages for All Ages" program (in part sponsored by The Washington Post company) offers first-class opportunities (mostly buy one, get one free) for musical and dramatic theater.

Does any other city of a similar size have the wealth of free summer concerts and theater that DC does? The traditional Memorial Day concert on the lawn of the Capitol traditionally takes place on the Sunday night. Do you know that your family is also welcome to picnic at their annual rehearsal the night before? Details will be available on our site. The same is true for the Fourth of July concert too. The Shakespeare "Free for All" in Rock Creek Park will be "Hamlet" this year (and starts May 29). Carter Barron Amphitheatre will also host a multitude of musical concerts too. Wolf Trap's children's festival (late August) and the Kennedy Center's Open House (Sept.) may seem a long way off, but mark your calendars now and build your schedules around them.

If your children are interested in watching other young musicians, the Levine School is not a bad place to start. If they dig seasoned classical musicians, then the Sunday night concert series at the National Gallery of Art might be good, if dry and a bit geezer. Of all the summer concert series, I'm the biggest fan of the early evening programs at the Smithsonian: free jazz at the Hirshhorn or classical Indian music at the Sackler. When our Summer Guide debuts on Monday, May 12, most of this information should be inside. -- Kate

Arlington, Va.: My 6 year old son LOVES farms. A few chats ago you listed a really cool website on working farms in the Amish Country (www.800padutch.com), but has anyone been to any of these? Any recommendations out there??

The Kids' Table: Thanks, Arlington, actually that subject came up in our March 19 chat and hopefully our friend from Falls Church who has booked a trip (April 2 chat) will soon give us a firsthand account. Are there any other farmhands out there?

Southern Maryland: What types of outings/trips would you recommend for a child between 12 and 18 months?

The Kids' Table: Hi Southern Maryland, On a day like today my first thought jumps to parks and the great outdoors. This link takes you to information for two Southern Maryland nature centers that will let you stroll along the shores of some freshwater ponds and the Chesapeake Bay. You and yours might also enjoy a trip to a petting zoo, like the Cider Mill Petting Farm (410-788-9595) in Elkridge. Kids ages 2-10 are welcome for two hours at a time. Or just find your closest neighborhood green space, spread out a blanket, bring a few snacks and just enjoy the day together.

For Potty Training Mom: When my daughter was smaller I purchased (from Toys R Us) a portable potty seat - it was basically shaped like the top of the comode but much smaller. I threw it in my back pack in a plastic bag. It pretty much eliminated the concerns of using Don's Johns!

The Kids' Table: More portable potty advice. Thank you!

Silver Spring, Md.: I have a 6 year old, a 5 year old and a 2 year old. I confess that as a working mother, I am not as competent at entertaining all three at once as I would be if I were at home with them full time. For the next month or two, I am going to be a "weekend widow" while my husband finishes up a home improvement project. I am desperate for suggestions of places I can take them where all three will be entertained, and I don't risk losing one of them in an instant of paying attention to another. Any ideas?

The Kids' Table: Hello Silver Spring,

Let's check off the obvious choices first: the National Zoo and the Air and Space Museum. The venues are free and have places to eat. The zoo is a good place to also have a picnic lunch. You walk a lot at the zoo, but I image the 2-year-old is still in a stroller much of the time.

And the Capital Children's Museum is open 10 to 5. It's at 800 Third St. NE.

If you want to go north, the Mall in Columbia has a Build-A-Bear Workshop (410-997-3505). The children get to pick a "skin" and then stuff and create their own bears (or other animal). Or, going south to Tysons Corner, you can hit the Build-A-Bear and the Rainforest Cafe in the same location.

If you want to travel to Baltimore, you can choose between the Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center or Port Discovery, which is a favorite of my daughters who were 9 and 7 the last time we visited.

Another northbound trip suggestion is Arundel Mills Mall (100 West from I-95). It has a Crayola Works at which children can do projects for a price. And the mall also has a Jillian's, which has video games, air hockey and more.

You might also want to check with your local bowling center to see if they offer bumper bowling. Even the 2-year-old might be able to roll the ball down the alley. On Georgia Avenue, I found Bowl America (301-585-6990) and Tuffy Leeman's Duck Pin Bowling ( 301-942-4200). White Oak Bowling Lanes are at 11207 New Hampshire Ave. (301-593-3000).

Good luck.

Brookeville, MD: For the question about clean restrooms for toddlers:

When my daughter was smaller, I used to joke about writing a guidebook called "Where to Pee in D.C."! Your question is making me revisit this. Until then, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales at area malls have lovely restrooms, often with quiet sitting areas where moms can breastfeed. All the national monuments on the Mall have restrooms, and they're suprisingly clean and well maintained. The Smithsonian's restrooms are also very clean as a rule.

On the flip side, the restrooms of Old Town Alexandria are surprisingly filthy for such an upscale place. They are often in disrepair as well. As for area discount stores--I hesitate to name them, but the problem seems to be across the board--I suggest you both hold it in.

The Kids' Table: Brookeville, get busy on that book. I (Vicki) think there's a market for it. You already have a great title!

Washington, DC: Hello! Would you guys have any info on the Cinco de Mayo fair at the Mo.Co. fairgrounds? I know there will be artists, food, rides but I haven't heard how much the tickets are. Any help? Oh, and kids under 10 are free. How much for the adults??

The Kids' Table: Hi Washington DC. The Latino Festival celebrating the Hispanic culture takes place at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds runs 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 4. Adult tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. And yes, children 10 and younger are free.

Temple Hills, MD: I'm a single parent of a 3 year old and we're on a tight budget. What are some good INEXPENSIVE things to do around the area this summer?

Thanks!
Emahni's Mom

The Kids' Table: Welcome! There are some marvelous public parks. I've recently checked out Green Springs (woodsy path, duck ponds), Accotink (long trail, geese and a small beach) and Frying Pan Parks (small working farm, excellent playground, horses) in Virginia. Closer to you is the lovely Oxon Hill Farm Park (small working farm, woodland trail, beautiful picnic meadows). All charge no admission and are open from dawn until dusk. Here are the 85 public parks we have listed for Maryland.

Have you been to visit the dairy at UMD? They make their own ice cream. Have a tour, pet some cows and share a sample.

It's been hard to imagine this spring, but it's about to get hot. There are well maintained pubic pools available to you and your child at a minimal cost. Admission is often less than $5. have you been to the pool in Kensington? It's a goodie. Here is a list of more than 70 public pools, there must be a least one for the two of you.

One of my favorite ways to save a little money is to use my local farmer's market. It's a trip you'd make together if you were going to Safeway, but tasting the fruits, talking to the farmers might be something you two would enjoy doing together. There's a well established farmer's market in Tacoma Park (go figure).

Emanhi may be a little young for most of the free outdoor films, but you might enjoy it (baby can always nap beside you). It's a way off, but here's the link to the NIH Film Fest.

I hope local rec centers might offer opportunities for the two of you to take a break and make new friends too. Here are 25 in Maryland. Also, our forthcoming summer guide (May 12) will list parades and neighborhood festivals, many of them inexpensive, lively times for you both. Thank so much for writing in. -- Kate

Re: Activities for 12 - 18 month olds...: My 15-month old loves the swings at our local playground and likes to practice walking on all the different kinds of ground cover (gravel, tarmac, grass, woodchips) but he gets tired pretty quickly (half-hour is about his limit) so we keep our outings short.

Duck ponds are good as are fountains.

Places where light coming through trees make pretty patterns on the ground are also fascinating.

He finds dogs and squirrels more entertaining than lions at the moment, you can get pretty close to dogs and squirrels after all.

The Kids' Table: Great suggestions -- love the walking on different textures -- don't forget mud's fun, too.

Hyattsville, Md.: Thanks for the information about Adventure Theatre. We didn't actually see a play yet, but we like the park and we will be back! Thanks again!

yvonne

The Kids' Table: Your welcome, Hyattsville. Carter Barron will be opening up its theater under the stars soon -- great for families -- as is Wolf Trap's lawn

Arlington, Va.: Hi-- I was looking to take my girlfriend's 5yo son out this weekend so he could do/make something special for Mother's Day. Any suggestions of places to go? He loves art and making crafts...

The Kids' Table: Hello Arlington,

I have two suggestions that just made in a previous response. There is a Build-A-Bear Workshop at Tysons Corner. Although the fun part would be making the bear with the mom.

And if you don't mind driving, the Crayola Works at Arundel Mills Mall (95 North to 100 West) has projects that include fabric markers to make your own designs on a T-shirt, making a basket and painting a flower pot.

Matt

Bathrooms for NYC visitors : There's a great book called "Where to go in NY"

Also, the B'klyn Children's Zoo has plenty of clean restrooms (but only if you're visiting soon, budget cuts may close this gem)

The Kids' Table: We're good to go in New York!

Alexandria, VA: We're looking for a good place (preferably within 3 hours' drive) to go camping with 2 toddlers. Mom prefers a place with toilet facilities, though it's not absolutely necessary. Any thoughts?

Also, is it too late to get a spot for Memorial Day weekend?

The Kids' Table: Hi Alexandria. Try Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville or Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton. Both of these offer well-kept, comfortable facilities for family camping. And, if you feel like going further out, here's a list of camping areas around the Ocean City area that offer a variety of options for family campers. If you act now, you should still be OK for Memorial Day. Don't wait too much longer though.

Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: What does a single person do with four kids ages 1, 3, 5 and 6 visiting on a weekend? Thank goodness the parents will be along and I live near the National Zoo; but I am hoping to offer something else that could be fun and unique. Any ideas?

The Kids' Table: Play Ball! Adams Morgan. Take the minors to a minor league game.

Falls Church, Va.: I checked out your Mother's Day guide. It looked nice, but didn't address my question. Where is a good spot to take 2 kids ages 3 and 6 on a picnic? I'd like somewhere where they can play while their dad and I can hold hands or have a conversation.

The Kids' Table: Okay, three places come recommended, Frying Pan Park, Burke Lake and my personal favorite, Rock Creek Park's Candy Cane City (those Meadowbrook Stables are a short walk away). And if you see someone walking a dog that looks like a Gremlin, that's me (Vicki). Be sure and wave. And be sure to come back for our next discussion Wednesday, May 14.

I'll be adding links (IOU lots), to our archived version of this chat, so come back for those, too. Bye and Happy Mother's Day!!

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