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 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).

Easter Egg Hunts & Celebrations in Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia

My daughter has been hopping a lot more these days, probably because we've been talking about the Easter bunny! We unfortunately did not win a lottery for the White House Easter Egg Roll, but grandma and grandpa came to the rescue with another Easter Egg Hunt event for her.

Here are some things you can do with your kids to celebrate Easter in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Bunnyland at Butler's Orchard, Germantown, MD
March 27 - April 3, April 5, 10 and 11, 9 am - 3 pm

Besides Easter Egg Hunt, enjoy a hayride down the bunny trail, try your skill at rubber ducky derby, ride the pedal tractor, swoosh down giant slides, get your face painted, do crafts and visit bunnies, lambs and chicks. Pony ride is available for a small extra fee. Food vendors will be offering hot dogs, veggie pitas, soup, popcorn, cookies and more. $8 for kids and $6 for adults. Call 301-972-3299 for more information.

The Butler's Orchard is located at 22222 Davis Mill Road in Germantown, Maryland (map it).

Bunny Business for Tiny Tots at the Puppet Company, Glen Echo, MD
Wednesday, March 24 and Saturday, March 27, 10 am - 10:30 am

Celebrate spring with bunnies, birds, flowers, a frog and a turtle. This puppet show is designed for kids up to 4 years old. Lights stay on, doors stay open and the show only lasts for 30 minutes. $5 per person, including babies. Get your tickets online or call 301-634-5380 for more information.

The Puppet Company is located at 7300 MacArthur Boulevard in Glen Echo, Maryland (map it).

FREE - Easter Bunny at Cox Farms, Centreville, VA
Saturday, April 3, 10 am - 2 pm

Come see the Easter Bunny at Cox Farms in Centreville, Virginia. Have fun with bunny games and egg coloring. Say hello to spring farm animals, including goats, chickens and bunnies. This event is held at the Centreville Market (corner of Braddock Road and Pleasant Valley Road), not at the Fall Festival grounds.

Cox Farms is located at in Centreville, Virginia (map it).

Easter Egg Hunt at Ida Lee Park, Leesburg, VA
Saturday, March 27, 12 pm - 4 pm

Easter Egg Hunt includes candy filled eggs, prizes, entertainment and more. Rain or shine. In addition to Easter Egg Hunt, there will be unlimited rides on a jumbo slide, rock climbing wall, obstacle courses and face painting. Food vendors will be on site, but you are also welcome to bring lunches and have a picnic at the park. $10 for kids in advance or $12 for kids at the gate. Free for parents and kids over the age of 7 who are not participating in Easter Egg Hunt. Register online or call 703-777-1368 for more information.

Ida Lee Park is located at 60 Ida Lee Dr NW in Leesburg, Virginia (map it). Parking is available in the front fields located off Rt. 15/North King Street. 

Easter Egg Hunt at Meadowland Park, Rockville, MD
Friday, April 2, 10 am - 2:30 pm

Hunt for eggs through the meadows, then dye and decorate the eggs that you find. $7 for kids ages 2 to 12. Register online or call 301-924-4141 for more information.

Meadowland Park is located at 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rock Creek Regional Park, Rockville, Maryland (map it).

Easter Egg Hunt at the Reston Zoo, Reston, VA
Saturday, April 3 and Sunday, April 4, 11:15 am, 1:15 pm and 3:15 pm

Find the golden egg and win an Easter basket prize! Free face painting, pictures with Easter Bunny and friends (chicks, lambs and bunnies). Bring your own Easter egg basket. There are three Egg Hunts available: 11:15 am, 1:15 pm and 3:15 pm. Limited one egg hunt per person per day. Free with general admissions: $12 for adults, $11 for seniors (65+), $9 for kids ages 2 to 12 and free for kids under 2 years old. Call 703-757-6222 for more information.

The Reston Zoo is located at 1228 Hunter Mill Road in Vienna, Virginia (map it).

Easter Egg Hunt at Turtle Park, Washington, DC
Monday, April 5, 3:30 pm

Have fun hunting for Easter eggs at Turtle Park in Washington, DC.

Turtle Park is located at 45th & Van Ness, NW, Washington DC (map it).

Easter Egg Hunt & Live Petting Zoo at Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro, Reston, VA
Sunday, April 4, 11 am - 3 pm

Enjoy a bountiful Easter brunch for the whole family. Entertainment for kids include a visit from the Easter Bunny, an Easter Egg Hunt and a live petting zoo, including bunnies and chicks, courtesy of Leesburg Animal Park. $40 for adults and $18 for kids under 12. Call 703-234-3550 for reservations.

Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro is located at the Westin at Reston Heights, 11750 Sunrise Valley Drive in Reston, Virginia (map it).

Easter Egg Roll at the White House
Monday, April 5, 7:45 am - 5:45 pm 

Besides Easter Egg Roll, enjoy other activities and entertainment that include live music, sports courts, cooking stations and storytelling. It's too late now to enter the lottery, so remember to enter next year's online lottery. More details.

Easter Lunch at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse in Tyson's Corner
Sunday, April 4, 12 - 5 pm

Family-friendly Easter celebration includes free face painting, balloon sculptures and ice cream for kids. Lunch is from 12 to 3 pm and dinner is from 4 to 9 pm. Kids entertainment is from 1 to 5 pm. Call 954-712-0580 to make your reservation.

Chima Brazilian Steakhouse is located at 8010 Towers Crescent Drive in Vienna, Virginia (map it).

Easter Messy Art at At Play Cafe, Reston, VA
Friday, April 2, 4:30 pm and Saturday, April 3, 11 am

Get messy with fun Easter art at At Play Cafe in Reston, Virginia. Grab some coffee and snacks in the cafe while your kids are having a fun time at the supervised play area right next to the cafe. Admissions: $8 for kids, $6 for siblings, free for babies under 8 months old.

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

FREE - Easter Monday: Celebrating the African American Family at the National Zoo
Monday, April 5, 10 am - 4 pm

A Washington DC multicultural tradition for many years, Easter Monday features a variety of special family activities and entertainment at the National Zoo in Washington, DC. There will be special opportunities to learn more about the animals at the zoo and an array of delicious food. Free admissions. Rain or shine. 

The National Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW in Washington, DC (map it and more details on parking/Metro)

FREE - Eggstravaganza at the Story Tellers, Occoquan, VA
Saturday, April 3, at 12 pm

Enjoy a special story time, participate in an Egg Hunt, a spring craft and other spring games at the Story Tellers in Occoquan, Virginia. Free for kids ages 8 and under.

Other Easter celebrations at the Story Tellers include Easter Egg Decorating on Monday, March 29, at 10:30 am and Egg Hunt and Spring Craft on Friday, April 2, at 10:30 am. Both events are free for kids ages 6 and under. Call 703-494-1994 for more information.

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

Eggstraordinary Easter Brunch at Lansdowne Resort, Lansdowne, VA
Sunday, April 4, 11 am - 3 pm

Enjoy a wonderful Easter brunch with your family at Lansdowne Resort in Lansdowne, Virginia. Kids' activities include Easter egg hunts, balloon artists and arts and crafts. $65 for adults, $15 for kids 6 to 12 and free for kids under 6. Call 703-729-8400 for reservations.

Lansdowne Resort is located at 44050 Woodridge Parkway in Lansdowne, Virginia (map it).

Eggstravaganza at the Tudor Place, Georgetown, Washington, DC
Saturday, April 3, 10 am - 12 pm

A popular Egg Hunt in Washington, DC, and a thrilling Egg Roll Contest. After the games, decorate festive eggs and build a spring basket. Easter Bunny is available for pictures all morning. Enjoy a self-guided tour of Tudor Place's 5.5 acres of glorious gardens. The Egg Hunt starts at 10:30 am and the Egg Roll follows at 10:45 am. Bring your own Easter Egg basket, spoon and one hard-boiled egg per child. $10 for kids, $7 for kids who are members and $3 for adults. Register online or call 202-965-0400 for more information.

The Tudor Place is located at 1644 31st Street, NW, in Washington, DC (map it).

PS: We're giving away an Easter dress or an Easter suit! See more details about this fun giveaway. Last day to enter for a chance to win is Wednesday, March 17.

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).

Top 5 Things to Do with Kids in Washington DC This Sunny Weekend: March 5 - 7, 2010

This weekend's forecast is 50 and sunny, woohoo! Here are top 5 things you can do with your kids this sunny weekend. 

1. FREE kids' activities - Chocolate Lovers Festival in Fairfax, Virginia
So fun and delicious! Have chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, see magic shows, enjoy storytimes, watch the chocolate caper mock trial, make crafts and journey to the jungle at the Chocolate Lovers Festival in the City of Fairfax, Virginia. Oh yeah, taste some chocolate, too! 

The festival is held on Saturday, March 6, and Sunday, March 7, but most of the kids' activities are held on Saturday. See schedule of events and more information.

2. See Justin Roberts perform at Jammin' Java in Vienna, Virginia
Indie singer Justin Roberts will be performing at Jammin' Java this weekend. Listen and dance to high-energy top kids' hits!

Showtimes are at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm at Jammin' Java this Saturday, March 6. The 10:30 am show is sold out, but you still can get tickets for the 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm shows. 

Tickets are $15 per person ($19 if you buy them online with the additional $4 convenience fee). Call 703-255-1566 for more information.

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

3. See Peter & the Wolf at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Maryland
See a lively theatrical version of this classic story in the Lerner Family Theater at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Maryland. Meet Peter and his friends, the starving Cat and the bickering Duck and Bird. See how they try to capture the Wolf to make the forest a safer place! Enjoy comedy, suspense and great music. Recommended for kids 5 and older. See review on the Washington Post.

Showtimes are at 11 am, 1:30 pm and 4 pm on Saturday, March 6, and 1:30 pm and 4 pm on Sunday, March 7.

Tickets range from $10 to $21 per person, depending on your seating area. Lap tickets are available for kids under 2 who do not take a seat for $5 per child. Get your tickets online or call 301-280-1660.

Imagination Stage is located at 4908 Auburn Ave in Bethesda, Maryland (map it). Free garage parking is available on Saturday and Sunday.

4. FREE - One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure at Albert Einstein Planetarium, National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Follow Sesame Street's Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from Zhima Jie, the Chinese co-production of Sesame Street. Show lasts 20 minutes.

Get your free tickets at the Planetarium box office. You can also order your tickets in advance by calling 202-633-4629 or 1-877-932-4629, but there is a $2 convenience fee per ticket if you order your tickets on the phone.

The National Air and Space Museum is located on Independence Avenue at 6th Street, NW, in Washington, DC (map it).

5. FREE - Continue celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday by enjoying a storytime at a local bookstore
Take your pick - there are several local bookstores with free storytimes this weekend.

Friday, March 5:
- 10:30 am: Barnes & Noble in Fairfax, Virginia
- 11:00 am: The Story Tellers in Occoquan, Virginia

Saturday, March 6:
- 10:00 am: Barnes & Noble in Arlington, Virginia
- 11:00 am: Barnes & Noble in Bethesda, Maryland (Dr. Seuss theme)
- 11:00 am: Barnes & Noble in Rockville, Maryland
- 11:15 am: The Story Tellers in Occoquan, Virginia

Have a wonderful weekend, enjoy the sunshine!

5 Free Things To Do With Kids in Washington, DC, Metro Today: President's Day, February 15, 2010

Happy President's Day! Check out 5 free things that you can do with your kids today, February 15, 2010.

1. Visit George Washington at his estate in Mount Vernon, Virginia
Free admissions today to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. Watch 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 at 10 am. Help surprise General Washington at 1:30 pm! Birthday cheers, a serenade and gifts are in order. This surprise is reminiscent of Washington's birthday in 1778.
Map it

2. Visit historic sites in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Free admissions today to several historic sites in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, in honor of George Washington:
Christ Church, 118 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia - map it. 703-549-1450. 11 am - 4 pm.
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street, Alexandria, Virginia - map it. 703-838-4242. 11 am - 4 pm.
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia - map it. 703-838-3852. 11 am - 4 pm.
Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco Street, Alexandria, Virginia - map it. 703-548-1789. 10 am - 3 pm.

3. Take a winter stroll and visit farm animals at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, Virginia
Free admissions. Take a leisurely stroll and visit farm animals at this historic park in Herndon, Virginia. See sheep, goats, cows, horses, turkeys, a peacock and pigs at this farm. Kids love to walk around and just watch the animals.
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4. Discover fossils and try on costumes at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC
Free admissions. The Discovery Room at the National Museum of Natural History is a hands-on room for families with children and students. Look at fossils, and skulls, try on costumers from around the world and more. Docents are available to assist and answer questions. Room is located on the 1st floor, East Wing, near African Voices.
Map it

5. Enjoy story time at the Story Tellers in Occoquan, Virginia
Free for kids 8 and under. Join the Story Tellers for a few stories and some snacks at 11 am. Call 703-494-1994 for more information.
Map it

Free Friday: Storytimes for Kids in Washington, DC, Metro

Do your kids love books? Mine does, and it's so cute when she "reads" to her dolls and stuffed animals. I'd like to take her to a storytime event one of these days, so I did some research on it. 

Check out these local bookstores in the Washington, DC, metro area, that offer free storytimes for kids on Fridays. Happy reading!

The Story Tellers
This children's bookstore in Occoquan, Virginia, was selected as the best bookstore in Washington, DC, by parents on Nickelodeon Parents Connect. Their storytime on Friday starts at 11 am and it's free for kids 8 and under. They'll have snacks during storytime as well.

308-D Poplar Alley
Occoquan, Virginia
Map it
703-494-1994

Hooray for Books!
This children's bookstore in Alexandria, Virginia, offers a storytime for kids 2 and under on Friday from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. If you can't come this Friday, they also have storytimes on Saturday, at 10:30 am for kids 2 and under, and at 11:30 am for kids ages 3 to 6.

1555 King St, Suite 101
Alexandria, VA 22314
Map it
703-548-4092

Barnes & Noble Fair Lakes
Storytime is at 10:30 am on Fridays at the Barnes & Noble Fair Lakes Promenade in Fairfax. This Friday, January 8th, they will be reading Pirate Girl.

Fair Lakes Promenade
12193 Fair Lakes Promenade Drive
Fairfax, VA 22033
Map it
703-278-0300