Fun Things To Do With Kids: Washington, DC

Top 5 Things to Do with Kids in Washington, DC, This Weekend: July 17 - 18, 2010

Get ready for another hot summer weekend! Check out top 5 things to do with kids this weekend in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland.

FREE: Rocknoceros Concert - Reston, VA
Saturday, July 17: 11 am - 11:45 am

Washington, DC area's award-winning kid band will be performing for free at Reston Town Center. Listen to fun songs that teach even the youngest music fans! The band won the 2009 Washington Area Music Association's "Children's Music Artist of the Year" award. Free admissions.

Reston Town Center is located at 11900 Market St, Reston, Virginia (map it).

The Grandsons, Jr. Concert - Vienna, VA
Saturday, July 17: 10:30 am - 11:30 am

The Grandsons, Jr. is the kids band version of DC-area roots rock superstars The Grandsons. Dance to the upbeat mix of rock, swing, New Orleans R&B, country and latin music. Tickets are $8 per person (12 months and older). Get your tickets online.

The Grandsons, Jr. will be performing at Jammin' Java, located at 227 Maple Ave E, Vienna, Virginia (map it).

Bob the Builder at Port Discovery - Baltimore, MD
Saturday, July 17: 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, July 18: 12 pm - 5 pm

Check out Bob the Builder exhibit at Port Discovery in Baltimore this weekend. Your kids can participate in kid-smart activities to build up their Can-Do attitudes and encourage them to be active.. Install new parts to sinks in Bob the Builder's mobile home, learn about water conservation, build the vehicle shelter and much more. Admissions are $12.95 for anyone 2 and up. Get your tickets online.

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

FREE: Artscape - Baltimore, MD
Saturday, July 17: 12 pm - 10 pm
Sunday, July 18: 12 pm - 8 pm

This art festival in Baltimore has events just for families! At the Target Family Art Park, kids can paint, make crafts, play with instruments, learn to dance and more. Pre-registration to participate in this family event is required since space is limited. You can pre-register your kids at the Kids Art Workshop Tent beginning at 11 am each day of the festival. See map of the festival. Free admissions.

Artscape is held at Mount Royal Avenue and Cathedral Street/Charles Street. Use directions to the Lyric Opera House to get there, located at 140 West Mt. Royal Ave, Baltimore, Maryland (map it).

Blackberry Picking at Homestead Farm - Poolesville, MD
Saturday, July 17 - Sunday, July 18: 9 am - 6 pm

Pick your own blackberries at Homestead Farm in Maryland! Call them first before you leave to check on their availabilities (301-977-3761). Say hello to farm animals while you're there and check out their produce market.

Homestead Farm is located at 15604 Sugarland Road  Poolesville, Maryland (map it).

Top 10 Free Things to Do This 4th of July Weekend in Washington DC Metro and Baltimore

Happy Independence Day! There are so many fireworks shows in Washington, DC and Baltimore metro areas this weekend, all you have to do is take your pick. 

Here are 10 free and fun activities that you can do with your family this weekend. Yes, many of them are fireworks show, but many places also hold free concerts and/or street festivals during the day. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

FREE: A Signature Event at the White House Visitor Center - Washington, DC
Sunday, July 4: 9 am - 3 pm

Stop by the White House Visitor Center on 4th of July to experience what it would be like to be a signer of the Declaration of Independence for a day. Events for the day (9 am to 3 pm) include games, crafts and activities for kids. At 11 am and 2 pm, you can play a role as a delegate to the Continental Congress and represent your colony. Sign a giant sized copy of the Declaration of Independence with your quill pen, ring a Liberty Bell and receive a copy of the Declaration of Independence as a keepsake.

The White House Visitor Center at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, is between 14th and 15th Streets, Washington, DC (map it).

FREE: Concerts at Reston Town Center - Reston, VA
Saturday, July 3: 11 am - 11:45 am and 7:30 pm - 10 pm
Monday, July 5: 10:30 am - 11:15 am

Check out several free outdoor concerts going on at Reston Town Center this weekend. Sing along with award-winning children's musician Mister Don on Saturday at 11 am as a part of Reston Town Center's Family Fun Series. Enjoy motion songs, sing alongs and rhythm instruments at this fun event for your entire family. On Saturday evening starting at 7:30 pm, bring your lawn chair to the town center's pavilion and enjoy performance by swing/big band jazz Upper East Side Big Band. On Monday at 10:30 am, enjoy performance by Mr. Knick Knack.

Reston Town Center is located at 11900 Market St, Reston, Virginia (map it).

FREE: Smithsonian Folklife Festival - Washington, DC
Friday, July 2: 11 am - 9 pm
Saturday, July 3: 11 am - 8 pm
Sunday, July 4: 11 am - 5:30 pm
Monday, July 5: 11 am - 5:30 pm

Live entertainment, arts and crafts, festival food and more at this street festival. Learn about cultures from various parts of the world and taste food from Asia and Mexico. Free admissions.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival is held on the National Mall between the Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC (map it). Download festival map.

FREE: National Mall Independence Day Celebration - Washington, DC
Sunday, July 4: 9:10 pm - 9:27 pm

Enjoy fireworks at the National Mall in Washington, DC. Free admissions. Take public transportation because traffic will be jammed after the fireworks. It is best to view the fireworks at a distance from the launch site (Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool), such as Lincoln Memorial, National Mall between 14th Street and 3rd Street, U.S. Marine Corp War Memorial/Iwo Jima and Thomas Jefferson Memorial. More on directions to National Mall.

FREE: Ports America Chesapeake 4th of July Celebration - Baltimore, MD
Sunday, July 4: 2 pm - 10 pm

Enjoy live performances at Baltimore Inner Harbor by jazz band Lovecraft at 2 pm and the Naval Academy's Electric Brigade band at 4 pm. Fireworks show starts at 9:30 pm. See the show from Harbor East, Federal Hill, Fell's Point, Canton and beyond.

Ports America Chesapeake 4th of July Celebration is held at Baltimore Inner Harbor, Maryland (map it).

FREE: Frederick's 4th - Frederick, MD
Sunday, July 4: 12 - 9 pm

Live entertainment, chili cook-off competition, festival food, kids activities and fireworks display. Activities at Kids Zones start at 12:30 and end at 7:30 pm, and they include inflatable amusements, pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, remote control cars, mural painting and scavenger hunt. Live entertainment starts at 12:45. Free admissions. Many of the Kids Zones activities are also free; activities that require fees are inflatable amusements ($10 unlimited play), pony rides ($4 per ride) and face painting ($5 to $10). 

Frederick's 4th is held at Baker Park, Frederick, Maryland (map it). Free parking decks are available on Church St, Court St, W. Patrick St and Carroll Creek. Parking is also available at Frederick High School for $4 to benefit Frederick High School Sports Boosters. More on parking and directions.

FREE: July 4th Celebration and Fireworks Show - Vienna, VA
Sunday, July 4: 11 am - 4:30 pm with fireworks at 9:15 pm

Check out classic cars, grab a bite to eat at chili cook-off, participate in arts and crafts, have fun with family games and enjoy live music performances. Fireworks start at 9:15 pm at Southside Park in Vienna, Virginia. Free admissions.

Celebration is held on Vienna Community Center grounds, located at 20 Cherry St, SE, Vienna, Virginia (map it). Download map of the festival.

FREE: Herndon 4th of July Celebration - Herndon, VA
Sunday, July 4: 5 pm - 10 pm

Games, relay races, arts and crafts, bounce houses, small rides, bingo, festival food and more. Fireworks start at 9:30 pm. Free admissions; small rides and bounce houses have a charge per use. Parking is available at Herndon Middle School and Herndon Community Center. 

Festival takes place at Herndon Community Center, located at 814 Ferndale Ave, Herndon, Virginia (map it).

FREE: Independence Day Celebration - Rockville, MD
Sunday, July 4: 7 pm - 10 pm

Enjoy band performances starting at 7 pm at Montgomery College - Rockville campus. Fireworks show starts at 9:30 pm.

Montgomery College - Rockville campus is located at 51 Mannakee St, Rockville, Maryland (map it).

FREE: Fourth of July Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony - Annapolis, MD
Sunday, July 4: 9:30 am - 2 pm

Celebrate Independence Day at the home of Declaration of Independence signer William Paca. Naturalization ceremony starts at 9:30 am, then family events start at 10 am. Activities include tours of the Pacas' home, live musical performances, a Revolutionary War encampment, patriotic crafts for kids and signing the Declaration of Independence with a quill pen. Free admissions.

Fourth of July Celebration is held at William Paca House and Garden, 186 Prince George St, Annapolis, Maryland (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).

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).

FREE - Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival in Reston, VA: May 15 - 16, 2010

My daughter and I went to the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival at Reston Town Center yesterday. Between people watching and dog watching, we squeezed in some shopping and art making.

We headed down first to the Children's Art Tent, where we started with painting using magnets and finished with making an art with some play-doh like material.

We also checked out the community mural and couldn't resist to contribute.

We then walked around the festival to visit the various artists there. We did a little shopping, but what made it more fun was that my daughter got to see the various forms of arts at the festival, such as digital photography, oil painting, mixed media arts, metal sculptures and ceramic sculptures. I think I lost count on how many times I said,"Just look, no touching."

We checked out the food vendors at the festival, too, but we ended up eating dinner outside at one of the many restaurants at Reston Town Center. What a nice way to end the day!

This street festival is still going on today, Sunday, May 16th, from 10 am to 6 pm. Admissions and parking are free. So check it out with your family - dogs are welcome, too!

Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival is held at Reston Town Center. The Children's Art Tent is at the intersection of St. Francis Street and Town Square Street in Reston, Virginia (map it).

Top 10 Things to Do with Kids This Weekend: May 15 - 16, 2010

I'm glad that the storm and hail went away, because we're ready for a sunny weekend! Check out top 10 fun things to do with kids this weekend in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia: May 15 - 16, 2010.

FREE: Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival at Reston Town Center - Reston, VA
Saturday, May 15 and 16: 10 am - 6 pm

Experience art and enjoy live entertainment at the 19th Annual Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, a street festival that's fun for the entire family. There is a special Children's Art Tent where kids get to discover and create wonderful arts, from contributing to a community mural to learning the science behind paint.

Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival is held at Reston Town Center. The Children's Art Tent is at the intersection of St. Francis Street and Town Square Street in Reston, Virginia (map it).

Mini Golf at Fairfax County Parks - Fairfax County, VA

Take your kids out for some mini golf fun - no $400 putter needed! Here are several Fairfax County parks that offer miniature golf: Oak-Marr Mini Golf, Burke Lake Park Mini Golf, Lucky Duck Miniature Golf Course at Accotink Lake Park and Jefferson Falls Mini Golf at Jefferson District Park. 

Fees vary by location, but they are typically between $4 and $6 per person.

Oak-Marr is located at 3200 Jermantown Rd in Oakton, Virginia (map it)
Burke Lake Park is located at 7315 Ox Road in Fairfax Station, Virginia (map it)
Accotink Lake Park is located at 7500 Accotink Park Rd in Springfield, Virginia (map it)
Jefferson District Park is located at 7900 Lee Highway in Falls Church, Virginia (map it)

FREE: Gaithersburg Book Festival - Gaithersburg, MD
Saturday, May 15: 10 am - 6 pm

Meet and greet kids' favorite authors, enjoy a story time and participate in fun workshops and an art project for kids at Gaithersburg Book Festival in Gaithersburg this Saturday. Storytelling is scheduled for 12:30 pm, art project is between 10 am and 1 pm as well as between 2pm and 4:30 pm and workshops are scheduled throughout the day. Free admissions and free parking.

Gaithersburg Book Festival is held at Gaithersburg City Hall Grounds located at 31 S. Summit Ave in Gaithersburg, Maryland (map it).

The Red Balloon at Adventure Theatre - Glen Echo, MD
Saturday, May 15: 11 am, 1:30 pm and 4 pm
Sunday, May 16: 11 am and 1:30 pm

Based on the 1956 film and book Le Ballon Rouge by Albert Lamorisse, this play is about a young boy who discovers a stray balloon and then wonders through the streets of Paris with the balloon. Both parents and kids will be delighted with this classic story. Recommended for kids ages 4 and up. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for kids ages 12 and under. Get your tickets online.

The Red Balloon is held at the Adventure Theatre in historic Glen Echo Park, located at 7300 MacArthur Blvd in Glen Echo (map it).

FREE: Family Activities & Storytime at National Museum of American Indian - Washington, DC
Saturday, May 15: 1 pm - 3:30 pm

Learn about the culture of American Indians through hands-on activities, such as beading, weaving, twining or creating a paper star quilt pattern from 1 to 3 pm. Storytimes are at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm.

National Museum of American Indian is located at Independence Avenue Southwest & 4th St SW in Washington, DC (map it).

The Great Zucchini Magic Show - Vienna, VA
Saturday, May 15: 10:30 am

See the Great Zucchini, Washington's magical preschool and kidergarten entertainer, performs a fun magic show at Jammin' Java in Vienna, Virginia. Your kid even gets to learn a magic trick! Tickets are $8 for everyone 12 months and older. Get your tickets online.

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

Curious George: Let's Get Curious! at Port Discovery - Baltimore, MD
Saturday, May 15: 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, May 16: 12 pm - 5 pm

Your kid will enjoy interactive math, science and engineering in his or her adventure with Curious George at Port Discovery. Tickets are $12.95 for adults, $12.95 for kids ages 2 to 12 and free for kids younger than 2. Get your tickets online.

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

FREE: Taste of Arlington - Arlington, VA
Sunday, May 16: 12 - 5 pm

Enjoy this lively street festival, where you and your family get to see live entertainment from local artists and fun kids' activities as well as sample delicious food from over 40 restaurants in Ballston area of Arlington, Virginia. Kids' activities include live entertainment and moon bounces. Free admissions, but tickets are required for food and drinks. Get your food tickets online.

Taste of Arlington is held on Wilson Blvd, in front of Ballston Common Mall in Arlington, Virginia (map it.

Open Gym Time at Jumping Jack Sports - Ashburn, VA
Saturday, May 15: 7 pm - 9 pm

Climb on cargo net, go through an inflatable obstacle course, traverse on a rock wall and other activities that will get your kids active through the whole time. Open gym time is for all ages, but kids 6 years and under must be supervised by parents. Fees are $10 for kids 2 years and older, $8 for siblings and $6 for kids ages 18 months to 2 years. Call 703-858-9901 for more information.

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

FREE: Kids Yoga on National Mall (DC Yoga Week) - Washington, DC
Saturday, May 15: 1 pm

Bring your yoga mat, snacks, drinks and your kid for a kids yoga session during DC Yoga Week by the Washington Monument. Free admissions.

Kids Yoga on National Mall takes at place at the northeast corner of the Washington Monument, near the intersection of 15th St. and Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC (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).

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.

Take a Walk to Help Give All Babies a Healthy Start: March for Babies in Washington, DC, Maryland & Virginia

In April and May, 1 million people will be walking with their families or co-workers to help give all babies a healthy start.

March for Babies, a March of Dimes event, will be held in more than 900 communities, including Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. You can start a team or join a team in your company or community to participate in this walk. 

Your kids can also participate in the walk! Bring a stroller in case they get tired since it's a 4-mile walk. They'll also have shuttle buses to take people to the finish line in case you're not able to finish the walk.

If you are not able to participate in this event, but you would like to help, you can donate to a participating walker. Your donation will help March of Dimes achieve its mission of improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For every dollar that you donate to the March of Dimes, 76 cents will go into research and programs that help babies begin healthy live. See how your donation helps babies. 

I will be walking with the Network Solutions team on Sunday, April 18th. You can help support my walk by making a small donation. Any amount is appreciated, no donation is too small!

Donations are tax deductible, and you'll receive a receipt via email.

Thanks again for your support - I hope you participate in this great event and help give all babies a healthy start!