Fun Things To Do With Kids: Washington, DC

Top 5 Free Things to Do with Kids In Washington, DC, This Father's Day Weekend 2010

Happy Father's Day, dads! Check out these 5 free things to do with your kids in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia this special weekend.

FREE: Father's Day Open House at Friendship Firehouse - Alexandria, VA
Friday, June 18: 10 am - 4 pm
Saturday, June 19: 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday, June 20: 1 pm - 4 pm

Go on a special tour of Friendship Firehouse Museum in Alexandria, Virginia, where every dad gets to be an honorary Chief of the Friendship Fire company Bucket Brigade. He and his kids get to ring the fire bell, receive a certificate and get a picture taken with the Friendship fire engine. Admission is free.

Friendship Firehouse is located at 107 S. Alfred St, Alexandria, Virginia (map it).

FREE: Herndon Rocks! Friday Night Live - Herndon, VA
Friday, June 18: 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

This Friday night, bring your kids and lawn chairs to go see Dr. FU, a rock cover band. Admission is free.

Herndon Rocks! Friday Night Live is held at 777 Lynn Street, Herndon, Virginia (map it).

FREE: Become a Pilot: Family Day at National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center - Chantilly, VA
Saturday, June 19: 10 am - 3 pm

During Family Day this Saturday, you and your family can check out over 50 vintage, recreational, military and homebuilt aircraft; talk to pilots to learn more about skills needed to fly and test your piloting skills in flight simulators. The museum also has story time and hands-on activities for kids. Admission to the museum is free, but parking is $15 per car.

National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located at 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway Chantilly, Virginia (map it).

FREE: Festa Italiana - Washington, DC
Sunday, June 20: 11:30 am - 5:30 pm

Come join the 12th annual Italian street festival this Sunday in Washington, DC. This festival is presented by the Italian Cultural Society and the Holy Rosary Church. Enjoy live music, learn Italian folk dance, learn to cook Italian dishes in cooking lessons, eat delicious dishes created by Italian chefs, get free travel information for Molise, check out a display of famous Italian cars (Lamborghini, Ferrari and Maserati) and enter for a chance to win a trip for two to Italy. Activities for kids include arts, crafts, a magic show, a juggling lesson and performance by a family circus. See schedule of events. Admission is free.

Festa Italiana is held at 3rd and F Streets, NW, Washington, DC (map it).

FREE: Revels Sunfest - Silver Spring, MD
Sunday, June 20: 1 pm - 5 pm

Attend this multi-cultural performing arts festival to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Check out solstice celebrations from around the world, such as Bolivia, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Nepal, Peru, South Africa and West Africa. Parade, Raising the Sun ceremony, dance performances and arts and crafts for kids. Admission is free.

Revels Sunfest is held in downtown Silver Spring, on Ellsworth St, between Fenton Ave and Georgia Ave (map it).

Kids Night Out at JW Tumbles of Alexandria, Virginia, This Friday

Take your partner out for a nice pre-Father's day date this Friday night!

You can drop off your kids (ages 3 to 7 and potty trained) at JW Tumbles in Alexandria, Virginia from 4 to 8 pm. Activities for your kids include relay races, gym games, arts and crafts, a pizza party and a G-rated movie.

Member fees are $35 for the first child, 10% off for the second child and free for the third child. Non-member fees are $40 for the first child, 10% off for the second child and free for the third child.

Space is limited, so call 703-212-9430 or email alexandria@jwtumbles.com to reserve your spot. Include the names of your kids in your email or message.

JW Tumbles of Alexandria is located at 3223-B Duke St, Upper Level, Alexandria, Virginia (map it).

Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Washington, DC, This Memorial Day Weekend: May 29 - 31, 2010

This weekend marks the start of summer for many families as well as a very important reminder to honor the men and women who have served our country. Here are fun activities that you can do with your kids this Memorial Day Weekend.

FREE: Monuments and Memorials - Washington, DC

Take the time to pay tribute to those who have served our country by visiting the various monuments and memorials in Washington, DC. Go early before it gets too hot and so you can find good parking spots if you prefer to drive. Start with Washington Monument, walk to National WWII Memorial, then pass the reflecting pool and keep going to Lincoln Memorial. On your walk back to Washington Monument, stop by Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Washington Monument is located at 2 15st NW, Washington, DC‎ (map it).

FREE: Viva Vienna - Vienna, VA
Saturday, May 29 - Sunday, May 30: 10 am - 10 pm
Monday, May 31: 10 am - 6 pm

Go on fun amusement rides, check out retail vendors and grab a bite to eat from various food vendors at Viva Vienna. They also have a children's stage on Sunday and Monday from 1 pm to 4:45 pm. Admissions are free. See festival schedule.

Viva Vienna is held at 245 Maple Ave W, Vienna, Virginia (map it).

FREE: Hometown Holidays - Rockville, MD
Saturday, May 29 - Sunday, May 30: 1 pm - 10 pm
Monday, May 31: 9 am - 1 pm

Enjoy free live entertainment, arts, crafts and kids activities at Hometown Holidays in Rockville, Maryland. Fun activities for kids include moonbounces, a rock climbing wall, a swing ride, a spin ride and more. Kids activities are available on Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm to 10 pm.

Also check out kids' stage on Saturday at 2, 4 and 5:30 pm and on Sunday at 2, 4 and 6 pm. Monday's events include a band performance, a ceremony and a parade. Admissions to the event and live entertainment are free, but not all of the kids activities are free.

Hometown Holidays are held at Rockville Town Square in Rockville, Maryland (map it). See map of event.

Newseum - Washington, DC
Saturday, May 28 - Monday, May 31: 9 am - 5 pm

Visit this interactive museum in Washington, DC, where you can see the Berlin Wall Gallery, 9/11 Gallery, an Elvis exhibit, Presidential Pets exhibit and more. Your kids will have fun pretending to be a TV reporter, too.

Admission fees are $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors (65+), $17.95 for military with a valid military ID, $17.95 for students with a valid student ID, $12.95 for kids 7 to 18 and free for kids 6 and younger. Get your tickets online to save 10% or download a coupon to save 25%. The 25% off offer is valid during Memorial Day weekend only.

Newseum is located at 555 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC (map it).

FREE for Military Personnel: WaterWorks at Kings Dominion - Doswell, VA
Sunday, May 29 - Monday, May 31: 12 pm

WaterWorks is a 20-acre waterpark at Kings Dominion. Check out tidal waves, rafting, giant waves, tubing, water slides and more. Private cabanas are also available for rent. Admissions are free with Kings Dominion park admission. Stay late and enjoy firework displays at 10 pm at the park.

Admission fees are $33.99 per person if you buy your tickets online. Kids 2 and under are free. Active duty and retired military personnel can get free admissions on Sunday, May 30th and Monday, May 31st. Just show a valid military ID or discharge papers.

Kings Dominion is located at 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, Virginia (map it).

Splash Down Waterpark - Manassas, VA
Sunday, May 29 - Monday, May 31: 11 am - 6 pm

Splash Down Waterpark is Northern's Virginia largest waterpark. At this 13-acre park, you'll find a lazy river, cannon ball slides, 4-story water slides, a lap pool and more. Admission fees are $14.95 for those 48" and taller, $10.95 for those under 48" and free for kids 2 and under. Get your tickets online.

Splash Down Waterpark is located at 7500 Ben Lomond Park Drive, Manassas, Virginia (map it).

Strawberry Festival - Delaplane, VA
Sunday, May 29 - Monday, May 31: 10 am - 5 pm

Take a drive to Strawberry Festival in Delaplane, Virginia, to enjoy music, crafts, field games for kids, hay rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, puppet shows and plenty of ripe strawberries, of course! Fees for 1 day passes: $20 per car or $10 per motorcycle. Bus with more than 15 passengers is $5 per person.

The Strawberry Festival is held at Sky Meadows State Park, located at 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, Virginia (map it).

Sunset Celebration at Mount Vernon - Mount Vernon, VA
Saturday, May 28 - Monday, May 31: 6 pm - 9 pm

Take evening tours and enjoy wine and desserts, 18th-century music, dancing, games and wagon rides. Say hello to Lady Washington and her granddaughter Nelly. Fees: $18 for adults, $12 for kids 6 to 11 and free for kids under 5. Get your tickets online.

George Washington's Mount Vernon is located at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Virginia (map it).

FREE: PBS National Memorial Concert - Washington, DC
Sunday, May 30: 8 pm - 9:30 pm

Free concert to the public on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol - no tickets are needed. Concert starts at 8 pm, but gates open at 5 pm. Taking public transportation is strongly recommended due to limited parking, street closings and high volume of traffic. You can take the Metro to Capitol South, Federal Center SW, or Union Station.

Access to concert is from Southwest area of the Capitol grounds. See map of the Capitol.

FREE: National Memorial Day Parade - Washington, DC
Monday, May 31: 2 pm

The National Memorial Day Parade is brought to you by the American Veterans Center. You can take the Metro to Archives/Navy Memorial, Smithsonian and Federal Triangle.

The parade will start at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW. See parade route.

Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Washington, DC, Metro This Mother's Day Weekend: May 7 - 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day, fellow moms!

I hope you get to pamper yourself and relax a little this weekend. When you're all done with your spa appointment, check out these fun things to do with your kids in Washington, DC, Baltimore and Northern Virginia this Mother's Day weekend. Or get your partner to take your kids out this weekend so you can extend your spa stay!

FREE - Friday Night Live - Herndon, VA
Friday, May 7: 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Enjoy this free concert with your family in Herndon, Virginia. It's a part of a summer concert series, with the season kicking off this Friday, May 7th, with 2U - The U2 Tribute Band. Free admissions. Call 703-481-6133 for more information. 

Friday Night Live! concert is held at 777 Lynn Street in Herndon, Virginia (map it).

Kids Night Out at JW Tumbles - Herndon, VA
Friday, May 7: 5:30 - 8:30 pm

Drop off your kids at JW Tumbles of Herndon for games, a mother's day craft, pizza party and a G-rated movie. For kids ages 3 to 7; kids must be potty trained. Fees: $25 for members, $30 for non-members, 2nd child is 20% off and 3rd child is free. Pre-register online or call 703-481-2990 for more information.

JW Tumbles of Herndon is located at 12950 Highland Crossing Drive, Upper Level in Herndon, Virginia (map it).

At Play Cafe - Reston, VA
Friday, May 7: 9:30 am - 7 pm
Saturday, May 8: 9:30 am - 7 pm
Sunday, May 9: 12 pm - 3 pm

Your kids will have fun playing in the supervised play area while you sip on a latte nearby. Oh yeah, they have free wireless Internet! Read review of At Play Cafe. Fees: $8 per child, $6 for sibilings.

By the way, here's a great Mother's Day present: give that special mom a monthly pass to At Play Cafe, available for 50% off from May 2nd to May 9th! The monthly pass normally costs $60, but you can get it for only $30 up until Mother's Day.

At Play Cafe is located at 2254B Hunters Woods Plaza in Reston, Virginia (map it).

FREE - Washingtonian Center Summer Concert - Gaithersburg, MD
Saturday, May 8: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Take a walk with your kids around the Washingtonian lake and enjoy the outdoor summer concert starting at 6:30 pm on Saturday, May 8th. This Saturday, 8 ohms, a funk and soul band from Annapolis, will be performing on the Lakefront Plaza (between Uncle Julio's and Joe's Crab Shack). Free.

Washingtonian Center is located at 9811 Washingtonian Boulevard in Gaithersburg, Maryland (map it).

FREE - Bethesda Fine Arts - Bethesda, MD
Saturday, May 8: 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday, May 9: 10 am - 5 pm

Check out and shop for fine arts and crafts from more than 140 artists at Bethesda Fine Arts. See various performances, from Junkyard Saints performing New Orleans-style party music to Georgetown Quintet.

Bethesda Fine Arts will be held at Bethesda's Woodmont Triangle: Del Ray, Auburn and Norfolk Avenues (map it).

Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band - Vienna, VA
Saturday, May 8: 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Watch this award-winning kids' band perform at Jammin' Java in Vienna, Virginia. Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band performs energetic songs with a mix of original world music and inspiring lyrics. Admission fees: $10 for anyone over 12 months old. Get your tickets online.

Jammin' Java is located 227 Maple Ave E in Vienna, Virginia (map it).

Space Day at Maryland Science Center - Baltimore, MD
Saturday, May 8: 12 pm - 4 pm

Explore out of this world activities at Maryland Science Center this Saturday. Learn about rockets, our solar system, hands-on activities and giveaways. Meet space scientists and special guests from Goddard Space Flight Center, Space Telescope Institute, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and model rocket clubs. Admission fees: $14.95 for adults, $11.95 for kids ages 3 to 12, $13.95 for seniors (60+), free for kids under 3 and free for members.

Maryland Science Center is located at 601 Light Street in Baltimore, Maryland (map it).

Mom Prom and Family Affair at Gaylord National - National Harbor, MD
Saturday, May 8: 7 pm - 10 pm

Take a mini vacation this Mother's Day weekend at Gaylor National Hotel for an extra special Mother's Day weekend. The hotel is hosting a dance party for the entire family on Saturday night. This special event includes special mother-son and father-daughter dance moments. Then go the Mother's Day reception from 8 to 9 am on Sunday morning. Book online.

Gaylord National is located at 201 Waterfront Street in National Harbor, Maryland (map it).

FREE for Moms - Tour Historic Houses - Alexandria, VA
Sunday, May 29: 1 - 5 pm

Free tours on Mother's Day for moms! Tour Gadsby's Tavern Museum, Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and the Lee-Fendall House in Old Town Alexandria. Fees: free for moms, $5 for all other adults, $3 for kids ages 5 to 12 and free for kids under 5. Call 703-746-4242 for more information.

Gadsby's Museum and Tavern is located at 134 North Royal Street in Alexandria, Virginia (map it).
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is located at 105-107 South Fairfax Street in Alexandria,Virginia (map it).
Lee-Fendall House is located at 614 Oronoco Street in Alexandria, Virginia (map it).

FREE - Fiesta Asia Planet Family at the National Zoo - Washington, DC
Sunday, May 9: 1 pm - 3 pm

Enjoy eight different performances from various Asian cultures at the National Zoo's Lion/Tiger Hill Stage. Watch the lion dance, drumming and martial arts; learn the bamboo dance, the Bollywood dance, Okinawan drumming and the panda dance! Free admissions.

The National Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW, in Washington, DC (map it).

Kid-Friendly St. Patrick's Day Celebration in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia

So you may not want to take your kids to Shamrock Fest to celebrate St. Patrick's Day (although kids ages 12 and under are free). Don't fret, there are family-friendly activities that you and your kids can enjoy to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Go to one of the St. Patrick's Day parades in Washington, DC, Alexandria, Baltimore and Gaithersburg. You can also check out several local places that will be holding St. Patrick's Day special events. 

St. Patrick's Day Kids' Night Out at JW Tumbles of Herndon, VA
Drop off your kids at JW Tumbles of Herndon, Virginia, this Friday, March 12, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Your kids get to enjoy fun activities such as shamrock rock, treasure hunts, crafts, games, pizza party and a g-rated movie. For kids ages 3 to 7, kids must be potty-trained.

Fees: $25 for members, $30 for non-members, 2nd child gets 20% off and 3rd child is free. Pre-register online or call 703-481-2990. Drop-in space may be available on Friday.

JW Tumbles of Herndon is located at 12950 Highland Crossing Drive in Herndon, Virginia (map it).

FREE - Shamrock Marble Painting and Potato Stamping at the Story Tellers, Occoquan, VA
A special storytime at the Story Tellers, a bookstore in Occoquan, Virginia, at 10:30 am on Monday, March 15. Your kids will get to participate in special shamrock craft activities after storytime. Free for kids ages 6 and under.

The Story Tellers is located at 308-D Poplar Alley in Occoquan, Virginia (map it).

St. Patrick's Day at Be with Me Playseum, Besthesda, MD
Special crafts and storytime in honor of Saint Patrick at Be with Me Playseum in Bethesda, Maryland, on Wednesday, March 17. All day, from 9:30 am to 6 pm. Fee is $5 per child. Call 301-807-8028 for more information.

Be with Me Playseum is located at 7000 Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda, Maryland (map it).

St. Patrick's Day Bounce at Pump It Up, Leesburg, VA
Bounce non-stop at Pump It Up in Leesburg, Virginia, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm on March 17. Fee: $15 per child; wear green and get $2 off! Reservations are required, call 703-443-1400.

Pump It Up is located at 73 Lawson Road SE in Leesburg, Virginia (map it).

St. Patrick's Day Parades in Washington DC Metro

St. Patrick's Day is Wednesday, March 17, 2010. Take your kids to enjoy a parade or two to celebrate this Irish holiday. It's free to enjoy the parades, of course!

Check out other kid-friendly St. Patrick's Day activities as well.

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Alexandria, Virginia
Saturday, March 6, 2010, starting at 12:30 pm at King Street and West Street. Come early to see classic car competition at 10 am along King Street and the Fun Dog Show in Market Square at 10:30 am. See the Parade route.  

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Washington, DC
Saturday, March 14, 2010, starting at 12 pm on Constitution Avenue at 7th Street. Parade continues to 17th Street. Grandstand tickets are available for $10 per person. See parade route and more information.

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Baltimore, Maryland
Saturday, March 14, 2010, starting at 2 pm at Washington Monument in Baltimore, Maryland. Parade continues to Pratt Street and Market Place. See parade route. 

Parade Champagne Brunch will be held at the Camden Club in the B&O Warehouse, next to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, from 11 am to 1:30 pm. Tickets are limited, so reserve your tickets in advance. Brunch is $30 per person, $14 for kids ages 3 to 14. Call 410-467-4147 or email paradebrunch@gmail.com to make a reservation.

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Gaithersburg, Maryland
Saturday, March 14, 2010, starting at 10 am at the Rio/Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland. See Celtic dancers, bagpipe bands, clowns, fire trucks and more. After the parade ends at noon, there will be live music by the Martin Family Band and family activities in the plaza area until 1 pm. More information.

Ready, Set, Go! White House Easter Egg Roll 2010 Lottery Information

Get ready for this year's White House Easter Egg Roll! Scheduled for Monday, April 5, 2010, this fun event is designed for kids 12 and under.

Besides Easter egg rolling, of course, this event will feature live music, sports courts, cooking stations and storytelling. Activities will be held at the White House South Lawn.

To get your free tickets, you'll need to enter an online lottery. Entries are accepted from 12:01 am ET on Thursday, February 25, to 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, February 28, at recreation.gov. Lottery results are available at recreation.gov starting on Thursday, March 4.

You have 5 options for the time slots and you can rank your preference in the online lottery form:
Group A: 7:45 am - 9:45 am
Group B: 9:45 am - 11:45 am
Group C: 11:45 am - 1:45 pm
Group D: 1:45 pm - 3:45 pm
Group E: 3:45 pm - 5:45 pm

Each person can request up to 6 tickets, but you can't pick and choose how many children and adults you are requesting the tickets for. The options are pre-set in the online lottery form:
1 child and 2 adults
2 children and 1 adult
2 children and 2 adults
3 children and 1 adult
3 children and 2 adults
1 child and 1 adult
4 children and 1 adult
4 children and 2 adults

Last year, over 30,000 tickets to the White House Easter Egg Roll were distributed. Check out this video from the White House on last year's event. 

Good luck with the lottery, I hope you get a chance to experience this fun White House tradition!

Chinese New Year Celebrations in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia

Did you know that Valentine's Day this year is the same day as Chinese New Year? The year of the tiger starts on February 14th this year. Check out several places where you can celebrate this Chinese holiday with your kids in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Chinese New Year Parade and Lunar Year Festival in Chinatown, Washington, DC
At the parade, watch a traditional lion dance, enjoy live music, watch kung fu demonstrations and see a giant firecracker set off. At the festival, enjoy live martial art performances, watch art performances and participate in hands-on crafts projects.

When: February 21st. Lunar Year Festival is from 12 pm to 5 pm and parade is from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Where: Parade will start on H Street, NW, between 6th and 8th Streets, Washington, DC. Festival will be held at Chinatown Community Cultural Center on 616 H Street, Washington, DC.

How much: Free admissions.

Chinese New Year Festival in Falls Church, Virginia
This festival is sponsored by Asian Community Service Center. Watch cultural performances, including dragon and lion dances, enjoy Asian foods, participate in Chinese cooking and language workshops and enjoy kids' activities. See their schedule of events for more information.

When: February 13th, from 10 am to 7 pm, and February 14th, from 11 am to 7 pm. 

Where: Festival will be held at Luther Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road,  Falls Church, Virginia.

How much: Free admissions.

Celebrate the Lunar Year in Fairfax, Virginia
See live performances, such as music, dance, kung fu demonstrations, a lantern festival and more. 

When: February 13th and 14th, from 1 pm to 5 pm.

Where: Fair Oaks Mall, 11570 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, Virginia. Festival will be held in Grand Court.

How much: Free admissions.

Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration in Gaithersburg, Maryland
See a special exhibit "The Great Teacher & Philosopher: Confucius," see displays of Chinese art and culture, watch martial arts demonstrations and more. Opening ceremony is on the 13th, featuring a traditional lion dance at noon. Call 301-840-5840 for more information.

When: Saturdays and Sundays from February 13th to 21st, from 12 pm to 5 pm.

Where: Lake Forest Mall, 701 Russell Avenue Gaithersburg, Maryland. Celebration will be held at the Center Court.

How much: Free admissions.

Celebrate the Lunar Year in Rockville, Maryland
Watch demonstrations and performances, practice Chinese character writing and enjoy delicious Asian foods supplied by local restaurants. Call 240-314-8316 for more information.

When: February 20th, from 12 pm to 2:30 pm.

Where: F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre and Social Hall at Rockville Civic Center Park, 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, Maryland.

How much: Free admissions.

Top 5 Kids' Valentine's Day Activities in Washington, DC, Metro and Baltimore

This year, make Valentine's Day a fun event for the entire family! Check out these top 5 Valentine's Day activities for you and your kids in Washington, DC, metro and Baltimore.

1. Chocolate Lovers Festival
Enjoy chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast and plenty of free kids' activities at Chocolate Lovers Festival. See magic shows and a fire truck, listen to storytellers (chocolate-covered fairy tale is a must!), make crafts and journey to the jungle, where your kids will meet wild animals and learn how we depend on rain forests for various products, including chocolate, of course.

Dates: Saturday, March 6th to Sunday, March 7th.

Location: Fairfax City, Virginia

Fees: Many kids' activities are free.

2. The Power of Chocolate
Enjoy a colorful festival of culture, music, dance, art, science and food at the Power of Chocolate in Washington, DC. Check out food demonstrations, watch spectacular Peruvian scissor dancers compete, learn how Kuna textile artists make their beautiful molas and participate in hands-on activities.

Dates: Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th. Schedule of events.

Location: National Museum of the American Indian, Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC

Fees: Free admissions. Print this 10% off coupon for lunch at the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe.

3. Littles Day - Will U B My Valentine?
Listen to the Kindersinger, jump around on a moonbounce, enjoy a magic show and balloon sculpting and get your face painted at this special event at Port Discovery Children's Museum.

Date: Saturday, February 13th, from 10 am to 4:30 pm. See Port Discovery's website for schedule of events.

Location: Port Discovery Children's Museum, 35 Market Place, Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Fees: $12.95 per person, kids under 2 are free. Get tickets online.

4. Kids' Valentine Cookie Class
Drop off your kids at Market Salamander in Middleburg, Virginia, where they will decorate chocolate sweetheart cakes to take home. How cute! While your kids are busy decorating their yummy cakes, go downstairs to their cafe for a nice Valentine's Day lunch.

Date: Sunday, February 14th, 1 pm.

Location: Market Salamander, 200 West Washington Street, Middleburg, Virginia 20118.

Fees: $19.50 per child (event is for kids 5 and older). Call 540-687-8011 for reservations.

5. Sweets for Your Sweetie Dessert Class
Learn to make Valentine's treats, such as sugar cookies, mini cupcakes and heart-shaped brownies at Just Cakes in downtown Bethesda. Older kids (ages 7 to 11) can attend the Saturday event and younger kids (ages 3 to 5) along with their parents can attend the Sunday event for a mommy/daddy and me cooking class.

Dates: Saturday, February 13th, 4 pm to 6 pm, for kids ages 7 to 11. Sunday, February 14th, 1 pm to 2:30 pm, for kids ages 3 to 5 and their parents.

Location: Just Cakes, 4849 Rugby Ave, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

Fees: $70 per pair. Call 301-718-5111 to register.

Celebrate President's Day at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens in Virginia

What better way to celebrate George Washington's 278th birthday than to visit his former home?

Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens in Mount Vernon, Virginia, will be holding special events from February 13th to 15th in celebration of President's Day. 

Admissions to the Estate are FREE on Monday, February 15th. You can buy your tickets online for Saturday and Sunday on their website: $15 for adults, $14 for seniors (62+), $7 for kids ages 6 to 11 and free for kids 5 and under.

Check out the schedule of events below.

Saturday, 2/13 and Sunday, 2/14
9:00 am - 12:00 pm: Have Washington's favorite morning meal for breakfast/brunch, hoecakes swimming in butter and honey, cooked over an open fire. Better get there early, they'll serve this special meal while supplies last.

9:00 am - 4:00 pm: Find General Washington near the Mansion throughout the day. You'll get to experience an 18th-century military encampment by the Second North Carolina Regiment as well.

1:30 pm: Help surprise General Washington! Birthday cheers, a serenade and gifts are in order. This surprise is reminiscent of Washington's birthday in 1778. Also on Sunday.

Monday, 2/15
10:00 am: Ceremony at Washington's tomb.

10:15 am: Patriotic Salute on the Bowling Green along with demonstration by U.S. Army Military District of Washington, featuring the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry, the Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps and the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard.

1:30 pm: Help surprise General Washington! Birthday cheers, a serenade and gifts are in order. This surprise is reminiscent of Washington's birthday in 1778. Also on Friday and Saturday.

Map and Directions

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