Fun Things To Do With Kids: Washington, DC

Top 10 Things to Do with Kids This Weekend: June 25 - 27, 2010

It doesn't look like we'll be getting a break from the heat in the next few days. So for this weekend's top 10 fun things to do with kids, I've included a few indoor activities so you and your family can stay cool. If you go to some of the street festivals that are going on this weekend, remember to pack your hat and sunblock!

FREE: Friday Night Live! Herndon Rocks - Herndon, VA
Friday, June 24: 6:30 pm

Enjoy live performance by Kristen and The Noise this Friday night in Historic Downtown Herndon, Virginia. Don't forget your blanket or lawn chairs, but leave your pet at home. Get there early since seating is first-come, first-served. Food and beverage vendors are available on site. Free admissions.

Friday Night Live! concert is held at the Town Green, located behind the new Municipal Building at 777 Lynn St, Herndon, Virginia (map it).

FREE: Sounds of Summer - Lansdowne, VA
Friday, June 24: 7 pm - 10 pm

Go see rock band JunkFood at Lansdowne Resort in Virginia this Friday night. Bring a blanket for lawn seating (first-come, first-served). You can also purchase picnic basket snacks, special drinks, grilled foods, fresh salads and Loudoun County wines at the concert. Free admissions.

Sounds of Summer concert is held at Lansdowne Resort, located at 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Lansdowne, Virginia (map it).

FREE: Smithsonian Folklife Festival - Washington, DC
Festival is held daily from Thursday, June 24, to Monday, July 5. Hours this weekend:
Friday, June 25 - Sunday, June 27: 11 am - 5:30 pm with evening concerts from 5:30 pm to 8 pm.

Learn about cultural traditions from around the world at Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC. Enjoy live entertainment, check out arts, view cooking demonstrations and try traditional food from around the world. This weekend's special activities for kids include pinball painting, Japanese doll-making, kids' games from Mexico, Burmese ball sport of Chinlone, Thai calligraphy and tortilla making. See the complete schedule of events. Free admissions.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival is held at the National Mall in Washington, DC. Parking is limited, so it is best to take the Metro to Smithsonian station (Mall exit). Download festival map.

How I Became a Pirate at Imagination Stage - Bethesda, MD
Friday, June 24: 10:30 am
Saturday, June 25: 1:30 pm, 4 pm and 7 pm
Sunday, June 26: 1:30 pm and 4 pm 

Arr! Join the journey of Jeremy Jacob as he becomes a pirate in this spirited musical adventure. Recommended for kids ages 3 and up. Tickets range from $9.25 to $27, depending on seating area. Get your tickets online.

Imagination Stage is located at 4908 Auburn Ave, Bethesda, Maryland (map it).

Occoquan River Festival - Occoquan, VA
Saturday, June 26: 12 pm - 7 pm

View craft demonstrations, check out sidewalk sales, enjoy live music and say hello to costumed historical reenactors at Occoquan River Festival. There is also a petting zoo and pony rides for the kids. The festival also includes Taste of Occoquan with nine participating local restaurants.

Occoquan River Festival is held at the historic Town of Occoquan in Virginia (map it).

FREE: Grand Re-Opening Open House of the Story Tellers - Occoquan, VA
Saturday, June 26: 11 am - 5 pm

Join the Story Tellers for the grand re-opening open house of their boutique bokstore before you check out the Occoquan River Festival. Open house starts at 11 am and activities include a scavenger hunt, hourly prize giveaways and face painting. Refreshments are also available. Call 703-494-1994 for more information.

The Story Tellers is located at 304 Mill St, Occoquan, Virginia (map it).

Farmer Jason at Jammin' Java - Vienna, VA
Saturday, June 26: 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Dance and sing along to country rock music by Farmer Jason at Jammin' Java in Vienna. Farmer Jason won Parents Choice Gold Award for Rockin' in the Forest with Farmer Jason and an Emmy for It's a Farmer Jason PBS video interstitial program. Tickets are $8 for those who are 12 months and older. Get your tickets online.

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

Bob the Builder at Port Discovery Children's Museum - Baltimore, MD
Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26: 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, June 27: 12 pm - 5 pm

Join the Bob the Builder and the rest of the Can-Do Crew at Port Discovery Children's Museum. Your kids can experiment with tools in Bob's building workshop, install new parts in Bob the Builder's mobile home, learn about water conservation and participate in other fun activities. Tickets are $12.95 for those 2 years and older, and free for kids under 2. Get your tickets online.

Port Discovery Children's Museum is located at 35 Market Place, Baltimore, Maryland (map it).

Glow-in-the-Dark Bowling at Strike Bethesda - Bethesda, MD
Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26: 11 am - 2 am
Sunday, June 27: 11 am - 11 pm
(No admittance for anyone under 21 years old after 9 pm)

Hit the lanes with your kids this weekend at Strike Bethesda. It's not just any bowling alley; your kids will have fun with the bright color bowling balls, glow-in-the-dark lanes, fun music, big screen video walls and yummy food. Recommended for kids ages 4 and up.

Strike Bethesda is located at 5353 Westbard Ave, Bethesda, Maryland (map it).

Sunday Fun Skate at Skate-N-Fun Zone - Manassas, VA
Sunday, June 27: 12 pm - 4 pm

Stay active and have fun with your kids at Skate-N-Fun Zone. From 12 to pm on Sunday, they have Sunday Fun Skate for families. Admissions are $6.50 per person and skate rentals are $4.25. You can also get the Fun Pak, which includes 4 admissions, 4 skate rentals and 20 game tokens for $37.99. 

Skate-N-Fun Zone is located at 7878 Sudley Rd, Manassas, Virginia (map it).

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).

Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Washington, DC, This Weekend: June 4 - 6, 2010

Does this weekend seem so short to you, or is it because we had a 3-day weekend last week? Anyway, happy weekend! Check out top 10 things to do with kids in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia this weekend: June 4 - 6, 2010. 

FREE: Herndon Festival - Herndon, VA
Thursday, June 3: 6 pm - 10 pm
Friday, June 4: 5 pm - 11 pm
Saturday, June 5: 10 am - 11 pm
Sunday, June 6: 11 am - 6 pm

Check out live family-friendly entertainment, children's hands-on art activities, carnival rides, festival food and more fun activities to keep your kids entertained at Herndon Festival. Bike to the festival and get a valet service for free, or drive to either Worldgate Center or Herndon High School and take a free shuttle bus to the festival. Admissions are free, and carnival rides start at $1 per ticket or $15 per day on Thursday and Saturday for an all-day access to all rides.

Herndon Festival is held at downtown Herndon, Virginia. More on directions and see festival map.

Great Country Farms - Bluemont, VA
Open daily: 9 am - 6 pm

Play in a 5-acre farm play area, which includes four mazes, three 60-foot tube slides, 2,800-square-feet jumping pillow, rope swings and a tractor tire mountain. Other activities that your family can enjoy at the farms include 18-hole cow pie putt-putt course, farm animals, antique tractors and an imagination village. Admissions are $8 per person and free for kids ages 2 and younger.

Great Country Farms are located at 18780 Foggy Bottom Road  Bluemont, Virginia (map it).

Curious George, Let's Get Curious! at Port Discovery - Baltimore, MD
Friday, June 4: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday, June 5: 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, June 6: 12 pm - 5 pm

Curious George: Let's Get Curious! is a special exhibit at Port Discovery, a children's museum in Baltimore, Maryland. Have fun with this interactive adventure that are based on math, science and engineering. Admission fees are $12.95 per person and free for kids ages 2 and younger.

Port Discovery is located at 35 Market Place, Baltimore, Maryland (map it).

FREE: Planetarium at Rock Creek Park - Washington, DC
Saturday, June 5 - Sunday, June 6: 1 pm and 4 pm

Visit the only planetarium in the National Park System. There are two shows this weekend at the planetarium at Rock Creek Park. The 1 pm show (Spring Night Sky: When I Wish Upon a Star) is recommended for kids ages 5 and older, where they get to view the season's brightest stars, planets and constellations. The 4 pm show (Exploring the Universe) is recommended for kids ages 7 and older, where they get to explore the sun, moon, stars and planets. Admissions are free; get your tickets 30 minutes before the show starts.

The Nature Center/Planetarium at Rock Creek Park is located at 5200 Glover Road NW, Washington, DC (map it).

Things That Roll - Gaithersburg, MD
Saturday, June 5: 10 am - 12 pm

Your preschooler gets to take his or her scooter, Big Wheels, or anything else that can roll for a fun time at the Skate Park. Helmets are required! A limited supply of Big Wheels, scooters, helmets and safety gears are available, so it's best to bring your own equipment. Admissions are $3 per resident child, $5 per non-resident child and free for parents. No pre-registration is necessary, simply register at the gate. Call 301-258-6350, extension 168 for more information.

The Skate Park is located at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, Maryland (map it).

Hullabaloo Band - Vienna, VA
Saturday, June 5: 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Hullabaloo Band is an award-winning band that features farm-fresh, free-range, organic kid-folk music. Admissions are $8 per person and free for babies younger than 12 months old. Get your tickets online.

Hullabaloo Band's performance is held at Jammin' Java, located at 227 Maple Ave E, Vienna, Virginia (map it). 

Imagination Bethesda - Bethesda, MD
Saturday, June 5: 11 am - 4 pm

The 17th annual Imagination Bethesda is a fun street festival geared towards kids ages 12 and under. Activities and entertainment include face painting, hands-on creative activities, balloonists and family-friendly performers. 

The festival is held on Woodmont Avenue between Bethesda Avenue and Elm Street in downtown Bethesda, Maryland. More on directions and parking.

FREE: Occoquan Craft Show - Occoquan, VA
Saturday, June 5: 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday, June 6: 10 am - 5 pm

Get your holiday shopping done early! The Occoquan Craft Show features local merchants, crafters, food vendors and live entertainment. Admissions are free. 

The craft show is located in the historic Town of Occoquan, Virginia. Shuttle bus is available at designated parking lots for $4 per person or free for kids under the age of 12. More on directions and parking.

Virginia Renaissance Faire: Pirate Invasion - Spotsylvania, VA
Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6: 10 am - 5 pm

Visit an English country village and meet nobles, merchants, artisans and the queen herself. Children's activities include arts and crafts, puppetry and interactive fairy tales. This weekend's theme is pirate invasion, where you get to meet pirates and privateers. Admissions are $8 per person and free for kids 5 and under.

Virginia Renaissance Festival is held at 5621 Courthouse Rd, Spotsylvania, Virginia (map it).

FREE: Love Your Body, Northern Virginia Yoga and Wellness Day - Reston, VA
Sunday, June 6: 10 am - 4 pm

Try a yoga class, learn about holistic wellness, sample drinks and snacks and get a massage. Kid yoga is scheduled from 12:20 pm to 12:40 pm and teen yoga is scheduled from 12:45 pm to 1:10 pm.

Northern Virginia Yoga and Wellness Day is held at Reston Town Center Pavilion, located at 11900 Market Street, Reston, Virginia (map it).

Fun Giveaway: Free Tickets to See Farmer Jason at Jammin' Java: June 26, 2010

What do you do when you're in a band and your daughters miss you when you're away on tours? Write songs for them, of course! And before you know it, your album becomes a top family album and wins awards. Okay, so maybe this is not your story, but that's the story of Jason Ringenberg's from Jason and the Scorchers, also known as Farmer Jason. 

Farmer Jason combines rock and country music with lyrics about ecology, nature and lessons that little kids like to sing along to. He has won Parents Choice Gold Award for Rockin’ in the Forest with Farmer Jason and an Emmy for It's a Farmer Jason PBS video interstitial program. Listen to his music.

He will be performing at Jammin' Java in Vienna on Saturday, June 26th, at 10:30 am. Tickets are only $8 per person or free if you're under 12 months old. Get your tickets online.

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

Enter for a chance to win two tickets to see Farmer Jason!
To enter for a chance to win two tickets to see Farmer Jason at Jammin' Java on June 26th, just add your comment to this post or email me at funthingstodowithkids@gmail.com by Saturday, June 12th. One winner will be selected randomly by June 15th. No purchase necessary to enter or to win. This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 years and older, void where prohibited. See official rules.

Update: Congratulations to Jared S. for winning the two tickets!

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).

Birthday Fun with The Laurie Berkner Band! Live Birthday Party Concert in Baltimore, MD

The Laurie Berkner Band was in town this past weekend, so my family planned a fun Baltimore outing for the entire weekend!

It was a birthday party concert, so the stage was decorated with birthday presents and balloons. Many kids came with birthday party hats, ready to party with the band! Other parents bought their kids birthday party hats at the concert. I ran out of my birthday party hat supply, so I brought several blowouts for my daughter instead.

The band started off with Victor Vito, which got the kids and parents to dance around. As the band continued singing more songs, such as I'm Gonna Catch You, Boots, Rocketship Run and Five Days Old, many kids got out of their seats and danced or jumped around on the aisle.

At one point, Laurie actually invited the kids to dance by the stage, so many kids took advantage and ran up to get closer to the band. There were several empty seats by our seats (we had second row seats), so some parents sat down on the unoccupied seats or stood on the side to keep an eye on their kids.

Throughout the concert, the band members gave each other birthday presents, from fun stuffed animals for all of the band members (just in time for Pig on Her Head!) to an electric guitar just for Laurie. Many kids took their favorite stuffed animals to the concert, too, so they could play along to Pig on Her Head. 

The band pretty much sang all of the kids' favorites, including I Know a Chicken, Fast and Slow (The Rabbit and The Turtle), The Goldfish, Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz) and Family. But uh oh, they left the stage without singing the biggest song of all. So they ran back to the stage and finished the concert with We Are the Dinosaurs.

My daughter had such a fun time at the concert. We got her an aisle seat since we weren't sure how she would do in a large concert venue, but she sat on he chair for probably about 20 minutes during the 1.5-hour concert. She mostly danced and jumped around on the aisle to her favorite songs. Well, she did pretend to fall asleep when the band got to the tired part of Five Days Old, so cute!

Check out some more pictures from the concert on our Facebook page.

PS: I just saw a message on The Laurie Berkner Band's Facebook page that they're looking for Josh, who dressed like Superman and happened to sit right in front of us on the first row. He wrote a nice note to the band, but with no contact information, so now Laurie and the band are looking for him! So if you're Josh, or you know Josh, write them back :)

Fun Kiddie Concerts in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia in May

Check out fun kiddie concerts in Washington, DC; Baltimore, Maryland and Northern Virginia in May. If you've never taken your kids to a concert before, start with concerts in smaller or outdoor venues. And if you're concerned about your kids not behaving in a concert, don't worry too much about it. It's a kiddy concert, after all!

The Laurie Berkner Band - Baltimore, MD
Saturday, May 1: 2 pm - 3:25 pm

Bring your party hat because this concert is a birthday party concert! Sing along and dance to your favorite tunes with Laurie, Susie, Adam and Bob. Tickets start from $20 (lawn seats) to $50. Free for your kid if he/she sits on your lap. Get your tickets online.

The Laurie Berkner Band will be performing at Pier Six Pavilion, 731 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, Maryland (map it).

Science You Can Sing To! - Vienna, VA
Saturday, May 1: 10:30 am

Check out the launch of Science You Can Sing To! live concert, featuring songs from Swamp Stomp Boogie. USA Today rated Swamp Stomp Boogie as well-produced with fun and quirky songwriting. Even more fun, Curiosity Zone will have hands-on science stations for your kids. Tickets are $10; kids 12 months and under are free. Get your tickets online or enter our fun giveaway for a chance to win tickets!

Science You Can Sing To! concert will be held at Jammin' Java, 227 Maple Ave E, Vienna, Virginia (map it).

Curious George Live! - Baltimore, MD
Friday, April 30: 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 1: 10:30 am and 2:30 pm
Sunday, May 2: 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm

Join George and embark on a musical journey that takes you across the world to Rome, Italy. Learn about friendship and travel with George and his friend, the Man With the Yellow Hat. Tickets are $12 to $38. You can also get a monkey seats package for $60, which includes a front row seat and a pre-show meet and greet with George. Get your tickets online.

See Curious George Live! at the Lyric Opera House, located at 140 West Mount Royal Ave, Baltimore, Maryland (map it).

Dan Zanes and Friends - Bethesda, MD
Sunday, May 2: 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm

Join Grammy-award winners Dan Zanes and Friends as they perform spirited family songs at this special concert, featuring the WPAS Children of the Gospel Choir. Dan Zanes has been dubbed by People Magazine as the Crown Prince of contemporary kids music. Get your tickets online.

See Dan Zanes and Friends at Music Center at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland (map it).

FREE - Jammin' Juniors! featuring Patricia Shih - McLean, VA
Wednesday, May 5: 12:30 pm

Patricia Shih is an award-winning singer/songwriter. Get ready to sing along and participate in this interactive concert! This concert is a part of a free lunchtime concert series in McLean Central Park and recommended for kids ages to 2 to 5. Call 703-790-0123 for more information.

This free concert will be held in the McLean Central Park Gazebo, located at Route 123 and Old Dominion in McLean, Virginia. Free parking is available at McLean Community Center, located at 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, Virginia (map it).

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

See this award-winning children's band perform songs that blend an energetic and eclectic mix of original world music with insightful lyrics. Tickets are $10; kids 12 months and under are free. Get your tickets online.

Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band will perform at Jammin' Java, 227 Maple Ave E, Vienna, Virginia (map it).

National Symphony Orchestra Family Concert: The Composer is Dead - Washington, DC
Sunday, May 9: 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm

Attend this special family concert, where acclaimed composer Nathaniel Stookey will bring his collaboration with best-selling children's writer Lemony Snicket. Join the inspector as he interrogates the entire symphonic arrangement regarding their whereabouts at the time of the crime.

Come an hour early before the concert starts for the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo, where your kids can get up close with the musical instruments, such as violins, trumpets, oboes, trombones and percussion. Stay after the 3 pm concert for a Kids' Chat, where your kids will get to ask questions to the concert artists.

This National Symphony Orchestra Family Concert will be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, located at 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC (map it).

FREE - Jammin' Juniors! Featuring Two of a Kind - McLean, VA
Wednesday, May 12: 12:30 pm

Enjoy music, humor and audience participation with David and Jenny Heitler-Klevans of Two of a Kind. This award-winning husband and wife duo presents songs, puppets, movement and stories. This concert is a part of a free lunchtime concert series in McLean Central Park and recommended for kids ages to 2 to 5. Call 703-790-0123 for more information.

This free concert will be held in the McLean Central Park Gazebo, located at Route 123 and Old Dominion in McLean, Virginia. Free parking is available at McLean Community Center, located at 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, Virginia (map it).

FREE - Jammin Juniors! Featuring Milkshake - McLean, VA
Wednesday, May 19: 12:30 pm

Enjoy rock music with your kids! With their authentic rock and roll spirit, Milkshake has created new songs and videos for PBS Kids and Discovery Kids. Their fourth CD was nominated for 2010 Grammy Award for Best Musical Album for Children. This concert is a part of a free lunchtime concert series in McLean Central Park and recommended for kids ages to 2 to 5. Call 703-790-0123 for more information.

This free concert will be held in the McLean Central Park Gazebo, located at Route 123 and Old Dominion in McLean, Virginia. Free parking is available at McLean Community Center, located at 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, Virginia (map it).

Ellis Paul "Dragonfly Races" - Vienna, VA
Saturday, May 22: 10:30 am

See Ellis Paul perform at this special family concert, where he'll sing songs from his children's CD Dragonfly Races. Tickets are $10 per person; kids 12 months and under are free. Get your tickets online.

Ellis Paul will perform at Jammin' Java, located at 227 Maple Ave E, Vienna, Virginia (map it).

Rock the Farm Family Festival - Frederick, MD
Saturday, May 22: 10 am - 5 pm

Get ready to rock with your kids! Visit Crumland Farms on May 22nd and see three live bands perform: Grammy-nominated duo Cathy and Marcy, Grammy-nominated band Milkshake and The Dirty Sock Funtime Band, as seen on Nick Jr. There will also be a second stage with music from Kidsinger Jim and Friends and magic by Frank Culler. Other activities at the festival include strolling entertainment, face painting, balloon twisting, moon bounces and a Guitar Hero challenge. Food and drink will be available for purchase. 

Tickets are $15 each for kids 2 and older. You can also get a VIP ticket for $30, which includes a meet and greet with performing artists as well as reserved viewing area. This festival will benefit the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, a national charity that benefits our soldiers. Get your tickets at Frederick County My Bank branch locations. Call 240-566-5653 for more information.

Crumland Farm is located at 7612 Willow Road, Frederick, Maryland (map it).

Fun Giveaway: Free Tickets to Science You Can Sing To Concert - May 1, 2010

If you're obsessed with educational toys or if you always try to squeeze in some learnings when playing with your kids, this is THE concert for your family!

Get ready to mix science and fun at Science You Can Sing To live concert, featuring songs from Swamp Stomp Boogie. USA Today rated Swamp Stomp Boogie as "well-produced and the songwritiing is fun and quirky."

Songs were produced with Grammy Award-winning producers and musicians and Wammie Award-winning rock star Shane Hines. Each of the songs was inspired by the curriculum developed by Curiosity Zone, an award-winning hands-on science center for kids. The songs highlight discoveries kids can make at the zoo, inspiring them to ask questions like: Ever wonder how birds can fly? What shadows are? Where crocodiles live?

In addition, the concert will feature fun hands-on science experiments from Curiosity Zone (see our review of a fun birthday party celebration there).

Science You Can Sing To concert will be held on Saturday, May 1st at 10:30 am at Jammin' Java, located at 227 Maple Ave E, Vienna, Virginia (map it).

Enter for a chance to win two tickets to the show! 
Just send me an email at funthingstodowithkids@gmail.com - the first person who emails me will win four tickets. One winner will be selected randomly. No purchase necessary to enter or to win. This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 years and older, void where prohibited. See official rules.

If you missed your chance, don't fret! You can still get your tickets online for $10 each (kids 12 months and under are free) or get your tickets for free when you register for summer camp registration at Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Virginia.

Updated April 27, 2010: Congratulations to Jeannie C. for winning the tickets!

Rockin' Out with Ralph's World at Jammin' Java in Vienna, VA

Our countdown to Ralph's World concert is finally over. My husband and I took our daughter to see Ralph's World on Saturday at Jammin' Java in Vienna, Virginia. 

First of all, what a nice guy! Ralph Covert was out by the bar (don't worry, Jammin' Java has kid-friendly food and juice, too) to greet his young fans when we first got there. So we said hello, took pictures with him and told him that we couldn't wait to see his performance.

We didn't get there early enough, so we sat in the back, but then I plopped down on the floor by the stage with my daughter before the concert started. My husband and I took turns throughout the concert hanging out on the floor to watch my daughter.

The kids really enjoyed the show - most kids got up close to the stage and danced around. The older toddlers followed the dance instructions, from pretending to surf on an ocean wave to walking like crabs. The younger ones simply jumped around, enjoying the music. Us parents were getting a kick out of watching our kids being fascinated with Ralph and his band.

Ralph's World entertained the adults as well, from singing The Coffee Song ("I love my kid, I love my kid, gosh I love my kid ... but I need ... C-O-F-F-E-E ... I want a latte, a cappuccino, and tonight I think I'll have a little vino") to getting a few parents, including myself, up on the stage with the band to act out to Abby's Alphabet Soup.

There was a birthday party when we were there, so Ralph made sure to say happy birthday to the birthday kid and sang Happy Not My Birthday.

At the end of the concert, Ralph asked all of the kids to come up stage with him to sing and dance to the last song. The kids had fun dancing on the stage and us parents had fun watching our kids up on the stage with Ralph's World. After the concert was over, he came out again to say hello to his young fans. 

It was a fun concert, we can't wait to see Ralph's World again!