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).

FREE - Kid Fest in Silver Spring, Maryland

Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 2nd. From noon to 4 pm, enjoy a free family event that includes games, activities, face painting, finger painting, live entertainment and clowns. Food is available for sale.

Kid Fest will be held at East County Community Center, located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way in Silver Spring, Maryland (map it).

Call 240-777-6821 or visit http://montgomerycountymd.gov/rec for more information.

 

2010 Spring Break Camps in Maryland

Still need to find Spring Break camps for your kids? Here are some day camps in Maryland. Also see Spring Break camps in Fairfax County, Virginia, Loudoun County, Virginia and Washington, DC.

Acting and Dance Camps at Imagination Stage, Bethesda, MD
What? Kids get to explore the worlds of theatre, film and dance. Programs include creative drama, theatre, jazz, hip-hop and fundamentals of acting. 

When? Three sessions are available: March 29 - April 1, 9 am to 3:30 pm for kids in grades 2 to 4. March 29 - April 1, 9 am to 3:30 pm for kids in grades 5 - 8.

Where? Imagination Stage is located at 4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814 (map it)

How much? $180 for a full week of either morning or afternoon and $330 for a full week of both morning and afternoon sessions ($320 for members). $70 extra for after care. Register online or call 301-280-1660 for more information.

Club Holiday Camp, Potomac and Germantown, MD
What? Age appropriate sports, games, arts and crafts, directed by a Cruise Director. The cruise will feature organized activities and special events. For kids ages 3 to 12.

When? March 29 to April 2, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (kids ages 3 to 5) or from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm (kids ages 6 to 12).

Where? Camp will be held at two locations: Potomac Community Center at 11315 Falls Road, Potomac, Maryland (map it) and Germantown Recreation Center at 18905 Kingsview Road, Germantown, Maryland (map it).

How much? $106 for Montgomery County residents, $1116 for non-residents (9:30 am - 12:30 pm). $169 for Montgomery County residents, $179 for non-residents (9:30 am - 3:30 pm). Register online or call 301-983-2690 for more information.

Foreign Language Camp at Lango, Silver Spring, MD
What? Learn Spanish, Mandarin and French. For kids ages 4 to 10.

When? March 29 to April 2, from 9 am to 12 pm.

Where? Camp will be held at 925 Wayne Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland (map it).

How much? $249 for the week. $40 material fees for first-time students. Register online or call 1-888-445-2646 for more information.

Multi-Sport Camp by Headfirst, Bethesda, MD
What? Your kids will enjoy playing baseball, street hockey, flag football, basketball, European team handball, soccer and lacrosse. On rainy days, sports will be played indoors except for lacrosse and baseball. For kids ages 5 to 12. Five-year-old campers will play t-ball instead of baseball and will not participate in lacrosse.

When? March 29 to April 2, from 9 am to 3 pm. Extended care available from 7:30 am until 6 pm.

Where? Camp will be held at Mater Dei School, located at 9600 Seven Locks Road in Bethesda, Maryland (map it).

How much? $375. Register online or call for more information.

Riding Camp at Columbia Horse Center, Laurel, MD
What? Your kids will ride horses twice a day and help with barn duties, such as feeding, turnout, treatments and grooming. They'll also play games, go on a trail ride, participate in a costume contest, play with the ponies and more. For kids ages 5 to 15.

When? April 5 to 9, from 9 am to 4 pm. Extended care is available from 8 am to 6 pm.

Where? Columbia Horse Center is located at Laurel, Maryland (map it).

How much? $395 for the full week or $85 per day. Before and after care is $55 for the week or $15 per day.

Sports Camp at Rockville SportsPlex, Rockville, MD
What? Learn and play various sports, such as flag football, soccer, wiffleball, volleyball, basketball, kickball, team handball and more. Subway lunch and a t-shirt included. For kids ages 6 to 12.

When? March 29 to April 2, half day is from 9 am to 2 pm and full day is from 8 am to 6 pm.

Where? Rockville SportsPlex is located at 60 Southlawn Court in Rockville, Maryland (map it).

How much? $195 for the week (9 am - 2 pm), $295 for the week (8 am - 6 pm, $45 per half day (9 am - 2 pm) and $65 per full day (8 am - 6 pm). Register online or call 301-838-4455 for more information.

Springtime Story Ballets at Ballet Petite, Bethesda, MD
What? Learn ballet with different themes based on favorite stories each day, such as Guess How Much I Love You, the Golden Egg and A Tale for Easter. Snacks, customized craft activities, costumes and props are included. For kids ages 3 to 4.

When? March 29 to April 2, from 9:30 am to 12 pm.

Where? Ballet Petite is located at 4701 Sangamore Road in Bethesda, Maryland (map it).

How much? $225 for the full week or $50 per day. Download registration form or call 301-229-6882 for more information.

Springtime Story Ballets at Ballet Petite, Gaithersburg, MD
What? Learn ballet with different themes based on favorite stories each day, such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit and The Magic Hill. Lively music, colorful tutus and props. Enjoy a te party snack and fun crafts. For kids ages 3 to 7.

When? March 22 to 26 and March 29 to April 2, from 9 am to 12 pm and 12 pm to 3 pm. 

Where? Ballet Petite is located at the Kentlands, 367 Main Street, Suite 100, Gaithersburg, Maryland (map it).

How much? $150 for the full week or $30 per day. Download registration form or call 301-229-6882 for more information.

More spring break camps in Maryland:
Montgomery County Recreation Department
Our Kids
Washington Parents 

National Pancake Day = Free Pancakes!

Who doesn't like pancakes? Who doesn't like FREE pancakes? Yep, I said free.

Just swing by a participating IHOP restaurant between 7 am and 10 pm today, February 23rd, and you'll get a free short stack (three) of their buttermilk pancakes. As you're enjoying your delicious pancakes, consider making a donation to support local children's hospitals through Children's Miracle Network or other local charities.

Before you go to your nearest IHOP, call them first to see if they participate in this fun day. If you don't know where the nearest IHOP is, check out their restaurant locator. Note that this is for dine-in only and there's a limit of one free short stack per guest.

Happy pancake day!

Snowmageddon Day 3 - What's Open in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland?

The federal government is closed today, which means many companies and schools are also closed. Public schools in Fairfax County, Montgomery County, Loudoun County, Prince George's County and Washington, DC are all closed.

This also means that many museums, attractions and restaurants in the area are also closed. Don't fret! Here are several family-friendly attractions and restaurants in Washington, DC, metro that are open today, Monday, February 8th. Call them first in case they change their operating hours today.

Museums & Attractions
At Play Cafe
Open today from 11 am to 7 pm. 2254B Hunters Woods Plaza, Reston, Virginia. 703-391-6131.

International Spy Museum
Open today from 10 am to 6 pm. 800 F St, NW, Washington, DC. 202-393-7798.

National Geographic Museum
Open today from 9 am to 5 pm. 17th & M Streets NW, Washington, DC. 202-857-7588

The Newseum
Open today from 9 am to 5 pm. 555 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC. 1-888-639-7386.

Sport Bounce of Loudoun
Open bounce time today from 2:30 to 4 pm. 44710 Cape Ct, Suite #116, Ashburn, Virginia. 703-729-9522.

Restaurants
Austin Grill
Most locations are open until 9:30 or 10:30 pm:
801 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia. 703-684-8969.
7278 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, Maryland. 301-656-1366.
36 Maryland Avenue, Unit A, Rockville, Maryland. 301-838-4281.
919 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland. 240-247-8969.
750 E Street, NW, Washington, DC. 202-393-3776.
8430-A Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, Virginia. 703-644-3111.

Chinatown Coffee Co
Open today until 6 pm. 475 H Street, NW, Washington, DC. Just 2 blocks from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro Station, at the corner of 5th and H. 202-559-7656.

Clyde's
All locations are open today. Here are a few of their locations listed, see their website for a full list of locations:
Clyde's of Chevy Chase, 5441 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Maryland. 301-951-9600. Open from 11 am to 10:30 pm. 
Clyde's of Georgetown, 3236 M Street, NW, Washington, DC. 202-333-9180. Open from 11 am to 10:30 pm.
Clydes of Reston, 11905 Market Street, Reston, Virginia (Reston Town Center). 703-787-6601. Open from 11 am to 10 pm.
Clyde's of Tysons Corner, 8332 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Virginia. 703-734-1901. Open from 11 am to 10 pm.

HomeMade Pizza Co.
All locations are open today from 3 to 7 pm:
5632 Connecticut NW, Washington, DC (Chevy Chase neighborhood). 202-806-8888.
4514 Lee Hwy, Arlington, Virginia (Lee Heights Shops). 703-527-6556.
13300 Franklin Farm Rd, Herndon, Virginia (Franklin Farm Village Center). 571-203-9898.

Peregrine Espresso
Open today from 7 am to 9 pm. 660 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, Washington DC. 202-629-4381.

Know more places that are open today? Tweet us @kidsthingstodo or post on our Facebook page!

Our Favorite Cupcakes

What is it with kids and cupcakes? Is it the frosting on each cupcake? Or is it the messiness when kids eat them that makes them fun?

My daughter always eats the frosting first and then slowly, the rest of her cupcake. Knowing how much she loves cupcakes, we ordered custom cupcakes for her last birthday from a great little cupcake company in Northern Virginia called Free For All Cupcakes.

Their cupcakes are so delicious and beautifully decorated, our family can't get enough of them! We ordered from them again for a holiday party and for my in-law's birthday. They never disappoint!

The What
Free For All Cupcakes specializes in baking nut-free, custom cupcakes made from all-natural ingredients. Their kitchen is certified by Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) as a completely nut-free facility.

In addition to offering nut-free cupcakes, they also have gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan cupcakes.

Their cupcakes are delicious and beautiful. My favorite flavors from them are red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese icing and chocolate cupcakes with peppermint icing. Yum! We've also had their vanilla, strawberry and lemon cupcakes -- all are very tasty.

For decorations, we've done sports, Dora (I had to buy the Dora cupcake toppers for licensing reasons), floral and winter themes. Check out their cupcake gallery for more examples, such as baby, animal and prince/princess themes.

I've ordered their cupcakes for my daughter's birthday party at school as well since her school has a strict no peanut policy. The school directors loved the cupcakes, of course, and they also appreciated that the cupcake ingredients were clearly listed on the delivery boxes.

The Who
Free For All Cupcakes was started by two sisters in Northern Virginia. One sister has kids with severe food allergies that she ended up having to make everything herself. So she decided to start the cupcake business instead.

The Where
Check out their cupcake menu and how to order cupcakes on their website. If your order is $75 or more, they'll deliver for free to the Washington, DC, metro area. They'll need at least 48 hours to prepare your cupcakes.

Have fun at your next party with the delicious and beautiful cupcakes!

Today's Menu for Family Dinner: Eat Out! Kids Eat Free Tuesday in Washington DC Metro

It's the second day of the year for back to school and work for many families. I don't know about you, but I'm still adjusting to my normal, pre-holiday schedule. 

If you don't feel like cooking and you don't feel like spending too much on dinner tonight, here's a list of restaurants in the Washington, DC, area that offer kids eat free on Tuesdays. 

As always, call the restaurant first before you go to triple check on the kids eat free requirements in case they've changed since last time I checked. Bon appétit!

AUSTIN GRILL

Type of food
Tex Mex

Kids eat free details
Two kids ten and under eat free off the kids menu with purchase of an adult entrée, all day. Dine in only. More on their specials here.

Locations
Alexandria, Virginia
801 King Street 
Alexandria, VA 
703-684-8969

Annapolis, Maryland
2002 Annapolis Mall 
Annapolis, MD 21404
410-571-6688

Baltimore, Maryland
The Can Company 
2400 Boston St. 
Baltimore, MD 21224
410-534-0606

Bethesda, Maryland
7278 Woodmont Ave
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-656-1366

Penn Quarter, Washington, DC
750 E Street, NW 
Washington, DC 20004 
202-393-3776

Rockville, Maryland
36 Maryland Avenue, Unit A
Rockville, MD 20850 
301-838-4281

Silver Spring, Maryland
919 Ellsworth Drive Silver Spring, MD 20910 
240-247-8969

Springfield, Virginia
8430-A Old Keene Mill Road 
Springfield, VA 22152 703-644-3111

CHAMPPS AMERICANA

 

Kids eat free details
Kids eat free all day. The Fair Oaks location also features Harley the Magician.

Locations
Fairfax, Virginia (Fair Oaks)
11724 Fair Oaks
Fairfax, VA 22033
703-383-1200

Reston, Virginia
11694 Plaza America Drive
Reston, VA 20190
703-318-7600

LEDO PIZZA

 

Type of food
Besides pizza, they also have salad, pasta, sandwiches, calzones and stromboli.

Kids eat free details
One free kids meal per adult entrée purchased or two free kids meal per large pizza. For kids 12 and younger, dinner only.

Locations
Ashburn, Virginia
42920 Piccadilly Plaza
Ashburn, Virginia 20147
703-723-3030

Lorton, Virginia 
8971 Ox Road
Lorton, Virginia 22079
703-493-8888