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).

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).

Rainy Day Activities in Washington, DC Metro Today, June 9, 2010

Where did the sun go this morning? No worries! You can still have fun with the kids on this rainy day. Here are several open play times in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland that you can go to today.

At Play Cafe - Reston, VA
Open play time at At Play Cafe today is from 9:30 am to 7 pm. Fees: $8 for the first child and $6 for each additional sibling. Babies under 8 months are free. Read my review of At Play Cafe.

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

The Family Room - Washington, DC
Open play time at the Family Room today is from 9 am to 6 pm. Fees: $10 for the first child and $5 for each additional sibling. If you stop by after 3 pm, fee is $5 per child. Call 202-640-1865 for more information.

The Family Room is located at 411 8th St SE, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC (map it).

FunFit Family Fitness - Rockville, MD
Open play time at FunFit Family Fitness today is from 10 am to 2 pm. Fees for members: $7 per child, $6 for each additional sibling and $15 per family maximum. Fees for non-members: $9 per child, $8 for each additional sibling and $20 per family maximum.

FunFit Family Fitness is located at 17511 Redland Rd , Rockville, Maryland (map it).

JW Tumbles - Arlington, VA
Open play time at JW Tumbles of Arlington today is from 9 am to 1 pm. Fees: $6 for members enrolled in a class, $8 for members not enrolled in a class and $10 for non-members. Call 703-531-1471 for more information.

JW Tumbles of Arlington is located at 2499 N. Harrison St, Arlington, Virginia (map it).

MoBu Kids - Falls Church, VA
Open play time at MoBu Kids today is from 12:30 pm to 5 pm. Call 703-241-PLAY for more information.

MoBu Kids is located at 442 South Washington St, Falls Church, Virginia (map it).

Pump It Up - Leesburg, VA
Pop in play time at Pump It Up today is from 1 pm to 2:30 pm. Fees: $10 per child. For kids ages 2 to 12. Call 703-443-1400 for more information.

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

Sport Bounce of Loudoun - Ashburn, VA
There are two open gym times at Sport Bounce of Loudoun today: from 10 am to 11:30 am (for kids 18 months to 6 years) and from 12 pm to 1:30 pm (for kids 18 months and older). Fees: $10 for the first child (2 and older), $8 for each additional sibling (2 and older), $6 for kids ages 18 to 24 months. Call 703-729-9522 for more information.

Sport Bounce of Loudoun is located at 44710 Cape Ct., Suite #116, Ashburn, Virginia (map it).

Open Play Times for Rainy Days in Washington, DC, Metro

What a weather we've been having! Storm and hail on Friday, beautiful sunny days this past weekend and now rain for the next few days.

If you're looking for things to do with your kids during rainy days, here are several places with open play times in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia this week. Your kids will get to use up their energy and then perhaps they'll actually nap ;-)

At Play Cafe - Reston, VA
Monday - Saturday: 9:30 am to 7 pm
Sunday: 12 pm to 3 pm 

They have a supervised play area right next to a cafe, so you can relax at the cafe and sip your latte while surfing the Internet or read that book that you have been meaning to read. Or go in the play area to join in on the fun with your kids. They also have Mom's Morning Out daily from 9:30 am to 12 pm, where you can drop off your kids while you run errands (or go to a spa for that well-deserved mani pedi session). Mom's Morning Out is for kids ages 2 to 6. Read my review of At Play Cafe.

Fees for regular open play times are $8 for the first child, $6 for each additional sibling and free for babies under 8 months. Fee for Mom's Morning Out is $25 per child. The Mom's Morning Out session is limited to 8 kids, so call 703-391-6131 to reserve your spot. 

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

Be with Me Playseum - Bethesda, MD
Monday - Saturday: 9:30 am to 6 pm

Participate out hands-on creative activities at this playseum in Bethesday. Fees are $5 per person. Call 301-807-8028 for more information.

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

Jonah's Tree House - Washington, DC
Tuesday, May 18th: 4 pm to 5:30 pm
Thursday, May 20th: 4 pm to 5:30 pm
Saturday, May 22nd: 8:45 am to 9:45 am

Get ready for your babies, toddlers and preschoolers to move and climb! Bridges, cylinders, tunnels, obstacle courses and more. Fees are $5 for kids who are enrolled in a class and $10 for kids who are not enrolled in a class. Call 301-807-8028 for more information.

Jonah's Tree House is located at 2121 Wisconsin Ave, C1 Level, Washington, DC (map it).

JW Tumbles - Arlington, VA
Monday, May 17th: 9 am to 1 pm

It's a parent-supervised play time, so you'll get to be active with your kids. Fees are $6 for members currently enrolled in a class, $8 for members currently not enrolled in a class and $10 for non-members. Call 703-531-1470 for more information.

JW Tumbles is located at 2499 N. Harrison Street, Arlington, Virginia (map it).

JW Tumbles - Herndon, VA
Monday, May 17th: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

The play time at JW Tumbles of Herndon is also a parent-supervised play time. Free for members who are currently enrolled in a class, $6 for members currently not enrolled in a class and $8 for non-members. Call 703-481-2990 for more information and read my review of JW Tumbles of Herndon.

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

Jumping Jack Sports - Ashburn, VA
Monday, May 17th: 9:30 am to 11 am and 2:45 pm to 4:15 pm
Wednesday, May 19th: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Thursday, May 20th: 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Friday, May 21st: 11 am to 12:30 pm

Race through an inflatable obstacle course, traverse a rock wall, climb on a cargo net and more. Drop offs are available for kids 7 years and older, with maximum of 90 minutes. For kids 6 years and younger, parents or guardians need to stay to supervise their kids. Fees are $10 per child, $8 per sibling, $6 for kids who are 18 months to 2 years. Call 703-858-9901 for more information.

Jumping Jack Sports is located at 44710 Cape Court, Suite 128, Ashburn, Virginia (map it).

musiKids - Bethesda, MD
Tuesday, May 18th: 4 pm to 5:30 pm

Play music and climb! Recommended for kids who are crawling through the age of 4. Fees are $6 per child. Call 301-215-7946 for more information.

musKids is located at 4900 Auburn Ave. Bethesda, Maryland (map it).

Sport Bounce of Loudoun - Ashburn, VA
Monday, May 17th: 12:30 pm to 2 pm and 4 pm to 5:30 pm
Tuesday, May 18th: 10 am to 11:30 am
Wednesday, May 19th: 10 am to 11:30 am and 12 pm to 1:30 pm
Thursday, May 20th: 10 am to 11:30 am and 6 pm to 8 pm
Friday, May 21st: 9:30 am to 11 am and 11:30 am to 1 pm

Bounce on giant inflatables in this 10,000+ square feet indoor facility! Fees are $10 for kids ages 2 and up, $8 for each additional sibling, $6 for kids ages 18 to 24 months and free for parents. Yup, you get to go up and down the giant slides, too. Call 703-729-9522 for more information.

Sport Bounce of Loudoun is located at 44710 Cape Ct., Suite 116, Ashburn, Virginia (map it).

Half Off Monthly & Season Passes to At Play Cafe in Reston, Virginia

Hey moms, give yourselves a break! Take your kids to At Play Cafe in Reston, Virginia, where they can play in a supervised play area while you enjoy your latte nearby.

Even better, they have a Mother's Day special this weekend: Save 50% on a monthly pass or a season pass to At Play Cafe! 

This offer is good until Sunday, May 9th. The monthly pass is usually $60, so it's all yours for just $30; the season pass is usually $150 for 3 months and you can get it for $75. The monthly and season passes give your kid unlimited visits for the period. They will come super handy during rainy days and super hot summer days. 

To get your discount, just call 703-391-6131 or email info@atplaycafe.com.

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).

Rainy Days: Open Play Times at JW Tumbles of Arlington

Rain, rain go away!

If your kids need to run around and use up their energy during the rainy days this week, head to JW Tumbles of Arlington. They have open play times from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm on Monday, April 26th and Tuesday, April 27th.

What?
Open play times! Your kids get to climb, tumble, jump, slide and swing. If you've never been to JW Tumbles before, check out my review on JW Tumbles of Herndon.

When?
Monday, April 26th and Tuesday, April 27th, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Where?
JW Tumbles of Arlington is located at 2499 N. Harrison Street, Arlington, Virginia (map it).

How much?
$6 for members enrolled in class, $8 for members not enrolled in class and $10 for non-members. Call 703-531-1470 for more information.

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 Passes to Sport Bounce of Loudoun in Ashburn, Virginia

Get your kids to bounce, jump and slide! This week's fun giveaway is for free passes to Sport Bounce of Loudoun in Ashburn, Virginia.

Sport Bounce of Loudoun is a 10,000 square foot indoor facility with six super fun, giant inflatables, including moon bounces and slides. Your kids will love going down the slides and going through an obstacle course. Bonus: parent participation is encouraged, so go up and down the slides with your kids!

In addition to the giant inflatables, they also have two play rooms for your kids. They can play mini basketball, hop on the Circle Cycle (so cute, your kids get to pedal stationary bikes in a circle), crawl under a caterpillar, or watch a kids' show on TV in between bounces.

For special events, you can host birthday parties and fundraising events at Sport Bounce. There is a large area in the middle of the huge room with tables and chairs, perfect for snacks, drinks and cake. They can order food and cake for you as well if you'd like for your kid's birthday party.

In addition to parties, Sport Bounce also offers open gym for kids 18 months and older. No reservations are required, just stop by Sport Bounce during one of their open gym times.

My daughter had such a great time at Sport Bounce, so I asked if they'd be kind enough to donate several passes to my readers as a giveaway. And yes, they're very kind and now we have two free passes to give away!

To enter this giveaway, either send me an email at funthingstodowithkids@gmail.com with subject line "Fun Giveaway: Sport Bounce April 2010" or leave a comment on this blog post until midnight Sunday, April 11.

One winner will be randomly selected and will receive two open bounce passes to Sport Bounce of Loudoun. I will announce the winner by midnight Monday, April 12, on my blog, Facebook page and/or Twitter page.

Giveaway Rules
Three winners 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.

Updated Monday, April 12: Congrats to Kristen McRae for winning the passes to Sport Bounce!