Listen to Music and Dance Day
Don’t let the rain or snow stop you from being active. Put on a lively tape and dance around the house today. Show the children some traditional dance moves from your country!

Tea Party Day

Mix up some warm cocoa or milk and invite the dolls or stuffed animals for a tea party

Art Day
Make today an art day – try drawing, painting, creating with glue or clay.

Make a necklace today– use a licorice “shoelace” (the really long thin ones) and cereal for young children and then they can eat the whole thing. For something less sticky, use string instead of the licorice.

Puzzle Day

Do a puzzle or make one of your own. Find a fun picture in a magazine and glue it to lightweight cardboard. Cut into shapes.

Make a Pie

Pies are popular every day and are easy to make if you buy a prepared crust in the freezer or dairy section of the grocery store. Try this easy recipe;

Chocolate Pie

Purchase pre-made pie shell and Jell-O instant chocolate pudding. Prepare pie shell per directions. Let cool. Prepare pudding, pour into pie shell, let set for an hour and voila! Dessert is served!

Stamping
Rubber stamps and stamp pads are fun, but for a change try sponge and some kitchen utensils or cut shapes into a potato, apple, or orange. You could even let the child dip his or her hand into some water-based paint to make great pictures.

Treasure Hunt!
Pretend you are all on a desert island looking for treasure. Make a map or place clues around the house leading the children through the hunt. This can be done with pictures for non-readers – draw a picture of the television, then at the television place a picture of the stove. At the stove place a picture of a bed, and so on to the end. The “treasure” can be a treat to eat, or a new game to play. Read books about pirates to add to the fun.

Make a fort today

Use blankets and couch cushions to make a fort and play inside. Don’t forge to put everything away!

Make a picture frame
Glue 4 Popsicle sticks (available in craft departments) in a square to make a frame. Decorate the frame with glitter, lace, yarn, feathers, stickers, confetti or whatever you have on hand. Mount a picture from the back and be sure to date it! You can also
glue a magnet on from the back so that the picture can hang on the refrigerator. (This activity is suitable for children 3 and older)

2011 Schedule of Weekend Classes (subject to change based on enrollment)

January 8-9, 2011 – TOEFL Review Course

January 8-9, 2011 – American Language and Culture,

January 22-23, 2011 – American Government and Personal Development

January 22-23, 2011 – Computer Software/Certification: Word (Non-lodging Course)

January 22-23 and March 12-13, 2011 – Interior Design Two Weekend Program

March 5-6, 2011 – American Culture and Tourism

March 5-6 and May 7-8, 2011 – Hospitality and Tourism Two Weekend Program

March 12-13, 2011 – American Language and Culture

March 12-13 and April 9-10, 2011 – Travel Spanish Two Weekend Course

March 12-13 and April 30-May 1, 2011 – English as a Second Language Two Weekend Course

March 12-13, 2011 – Computer Software/Certification: PowerPoint (Non-lodging Course)

March 12, 19, 26 – Art History (Non-lodging Course), Washington, D.C.

April 2-3, 2011 – Caring for Special Needs Children and American Culture

April 2-3 and June 11-12, 2011 – Child Care Two Weekend Program

April 9-10, 2011 – Understanding American Language Culture and Government

April 30 and May 1 – Volunteerism in America (Non-lodging Course)

May 7-8, 2011 – American Culture and Personal Development

May 7-8 and June 11-12, 2011 – Travel French Two Weekend Program

May 14, 21, 28 – Art History (Non-lodging Course), Washington, D.C.

To register visit our new website: www.weekendprogram.org

Please note the location of Weekend Courses:

The Conference Center at the Maritime Institute

692 Maritime Boulevard Linthicum, MD 21090-1952

(410)-859-5700 Front Desk ext 0

For questions call Angela Garnett, Program Coordinator at 301-213-2404 or email: info@weekendprogram.org

The next APIA Advantage UCLA Extension Class is set to start on March 29. Time is running out to register. There are still spaces available, but you need to act quickly to register.

American Studies Online is a 19-week media-rich, mostly self-paced online course of study. Designed specifically in cooperation with the American Institute For Foreign Study’s “Au Pair in America” program, UCLA Extension’s course offers successful participants 6 quarter units (4 semester units) and a certificate of completion from UCLA Extension. This class satisfies the whole education requirement for au pairs and half of the requirement for Educare companions. View the brochure here.

Participants will read lessons, engage in activities, write, share resources, network with one another, and even collaborate on special projects – all designed to further their understanding of US culture.

The Community Involvement segment of the program takes the au pairs into face-to-face contact with the community. Au pairs will relate these experiences to their academic coursework in American Studies Online.

The interdisciplinary course of study will include:
• US History
• Arts in the US
• US literature
• Career counseling
• English language study (optional)
• TOEFL preparation (optional)

Each group is assigned a “Course Manager” who acts as an “online concierge” to provide high levels of service to ensure a rewarding and trouble-free educational experience.

For course descriptions and current schedule, visit http://www.uclaextension.edu/aupairs
For further information call (310) 206-6671 or email online@uclaextension.edu

What is a Playseum?

Click Here PlayseumA children’s used bookstore in the venue of a cityspace with on-hands fun.

BE WITH ME Playseum is a one-stop shop of quality time for both parent and child with:

Used Books with Arts and Crafts for Purchase
Free Song and Story Times each day catered to specific Ages
Engaging Age Appropriate Adventures
Buzz Around Groups for Moms & Nannies
Daily Art and Science Activities
Holiday Celebrations that Bring Family and Community Together
Splash- Students Play & Learn after School Hours

The Playseum…
IS a year-round indoor facility mixing education and creative play in the venue of a cityscape.
OFFERS hands-on creative opportunities for children 9 months- 14 years old.
EXTENDSi itself with excellence for the parent’s comfort and child’s safety.
GUARANTEES quality time for both parent and child upon every visit.

In 2009, Borough of Manhattan Community College – City University of New York (BMCC-CUNY) began providing a new educational opportunity for students living in the metro New York City area through our Learning Across America courses. They recently announced an expansion of these courses to our area!

Courses are offered through BMCC-CUNY. The classroom sessions will be held at the George Mason University campus in Arlington, VA (a two minute walk from the Virginia Square/GMU metro stop.) The certificate of completion will be issued by BMCC-CUNY.

Course breakdown for DC area students (exactly the same as NYC area students):

Students register for a course on the BMCC-CUNY website.
Each course consists of 3 classroom sessions (10am – 4pm on 3 separate dates) and a mandatory tour (tour is included in tuition price) to the destination studied.
Outside work will be required of each student
Upon successful completion of the classroom sessions and tour, a certificate of completion will be issued showing 4.5 CEUs (or 45 hours) have been earned.

How much does the program cost?
Course fees (which include the tour) start at $379. Please see website for more information.

How many credits will I earn?
You will earn for 4.5 CEU’s (or 45 hours) for each course.
Certificate of completion will be issued by BMCC-CUNY.

How do I register?

Click Here
call (212) 346-8410

Au pairs from several clusters in Washington DC and in Maryland organized an International Culture Fair for host families and their friends. It was a very successful event and here are some photos.

Costa Rican Table

Chinese Table

Bolivian Dancers

Colombian Dance

Thai Dance

Thai Dance

Bolivian and Thai au pairs

Krystyna and Thai aupair

Bolivian Dance

Our Kids is a weekly e-newsletter providing a great calendar of events, activities, and entertainment for children and families.

OPEN GYMS AND PLAYROOMS

Interactions Learn & Play in Kensington. A spacious play area for little ones to play and discover. The items challenge the child both physically and mentally.  Cost: $12.00 per child—sibling 50% off, children ages 0-6 months FREE entry. This price allows you to stay all day if you like. Address: 3809 Farragut Avenue Kensington, MD 20895

MusiKids in Bethesda. Fun, creative, flexible and educational atmosphere for kids to play. Class participation is not required to enjoy Open Play. Cost: $6.00 per child. Address: 4900 Auburn Ave. Bethesda, MD 20814

Leland Community Center. Open Gym weekday mornings in the gymnasium for kids to run around and play with balls, etc. There is also a small playground outside. Address: 4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815. Cost: $35 per year.

FunFit Open Gym in Rockville is a great place for families to laugh and play! Bounce in the moon bounce, work out in the Circuit, run around, play & climb on the wedges, read some books, play with puzzles, cars & blocks, ride the kiddie-coaster & lots more! For Babies through about 13 yrs. Cost: $7/child, 8 mos. & older, $6/sibling. $20/month unlimited visits. Address: 17511 Redland Road Rockville, MD 20855

Marvatots & Teens Gymnastics in Rockville. Cost: $15 per child. Children under 3 1/2 require an adult. Address: 5636 Randolph Rd, Rockville, MD 20852

“SMALAND” The Magic Forest – IKEA playroom. Kids can test all the toys in the children’s department or have fun in the free supervised playroom while you shop. Height requirement: between 37-54inc. Children need to be potty trained.  The guardian must remain in the store while your child is Smaland. Playroom cost: Free. Max 1 hour. Address: 10100 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740

Mommy and Me and Daddies Too Kids Club in Congressional Plaza in Rockville every second Thursday of the month from April to September. Special morning with games, crafts and activities in different stores.

Play area in the Montgomery Mall 7101 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda MD 20817

Build-A-Bear Workshop. Create your very own Teddy Bear and other stuffed animals. You can choose, stuff, stitch, fluff and dress your new furry friend. Address: Westfield Montgomery, 7101 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda MD 20817, Prices start from $10.

Chuck E. Cheese’s. Chuck E. Cheese’s is a chain of family entertainment centers. The concept is a basic sit-down pizza restaurant, complemented by arcade games, small rides, animatronic characters, and other popular diversions for young children such as climbing equipment, tubes, and slides. Address:
5270 Randolph Road, Rockville, MD 20852.

SINGING AND DANCING TIME

Mr. Knick Knack is one of the area’s best-loved children’s musicians.  He performs at the White Flint Mall (Level One Centre Court), 11301 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, Maryland  20895.  Every second Wednesday of each Month from 11 to 11:45am

Isabelle Chester (aka Miss Belle) and her fun, folksy and always loving style are a joy to see in action. Ages: 0-6. Mayorga Coffee Factory: 8040 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD.

The Banjo Man performs lively and engaging folk, bluegrass and original music for kids

Lebanese Taverna  in Bethesda - the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. From 10:30 to11:30 Cost: FREE Address: 7141 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD 20814

Susan McNelis also known as Oh Susannah

STORY TIMES

STORYTIME AT THE BETHESDA JABBERÜ. Jabberü invites parents and children for a FREE storytime and sing-along every Tuesday morning at the Bethesda location.  Stories and songs will be presented in French and English by Emilie Moskal – a member of the JabberCrü.  Perfect for children up to 36 months.  Whether your child has had some exposure to French already or you are wanting to expose him or her to a second language, this is the perfect opportunity. Address:  4926 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, MD

Borders Bookstore at the White Flint Mall (11301 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, Maryland  20895).  Every Tuesday at 10:00am.

Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Bethesda (4801 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814) Sat at 11:00am

Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Rockville (12089 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852) Wed at 10:00am Sat at 11:00am.

LOCAL LIBRARIES

Story Times: For exact dates/times please click here

Bethesda Public Library, 7400 Arlington Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814: Story Time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10:30am

TRAIN TABLES

Barnes and Nobles Bookstores: 4801 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814;                                                       Tugooh ToysYiro: Best place to bring your child just to hang out; they have a play area and lots of toys for children to play with. 4827 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814
Toy Kingdom: 36 Maryland Ave # C, Rockville, MD 20850

PET STORES WITH PETS

Bethesda Pet Shoppe: 4939 Elm St, Bethesda, MD 20814

Just Puppies: 2004 Veirs Mill Rd, Rockville, MD 20851

PetSmart: 6800 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20815

PETCO: 1507 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852

POTTERY AND ART STUDIOS

All Fired Up Pottery Studio. Pick your pottery out, paint it in the shop, leave it behind to get fired and pick it up 7 days later all shiny and pretty. All ages are welcome. The price of a pottery piece starts from $2.00.  4923 Elm St., Bethesda, MD 20814.

ARTS AND CRAFTS STORES

Michael’s: Family friendly art and crafts store has many in-store fun family events where the kids can create their own art projects for free. Ages 5-12 welcome. Address:  1509 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852

A.C. Moore: An entire section of the store is devoted to kids’ crafts and art supplies. A. C. Moore also offers occasional Free Make and Take art workshops, and Kids Craft Classes. Address: 11840 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852

FARMS AND PETTING ZOOS

Clark’s Elioak Farm in Maryland offers a wide variety of animals–goats, sheep, donkeys, pigs, cows, horses, ponies, turkeys, ducks, chickens, bunnies, and turtles. You can feed the animals and visit our Barnyard area where you can touch and pet them. They also offer hay rides through the farm fields and a number of play areas for the children. Pony rides are available. Address: 10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, Maryland 21042. Admission: $4.50, hayrides and pony rides $2, children under 12 months free. Open: April – Nov Tuesday – Sunday 10 am to 4 pm

Reston Zoo – A Petting Zoo in Vienna, Virginia. Get “up close and personal” with the animals and feed them too! See alligators, camels, reptiles, zebras, antelope, bison, ostrich, and lots more. You can bottle-feed lambs and hand-feed goats, sheep and llamas. A hay ride is included in the price and pony rides are available for an extra fee.  Address: 1228 Hunter Mill Rd., Vienna, VA. Admission: $10.00 Adults, $8.00 Children (2–12 years), Children under 2 are free.

Claude Moore Colonial Farm in Virginia. The farm offers a glimpse into the world of an 18^th-century family living on a small, low-income farm in 1771, just prior to the Revolutionary War. Meet the farm family as they go about the tasks necessary to make their living from the land. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and to help the farm family with their chores (such as carding wool, mixing hoecake batter, weeding in the garden, hoeing in the fields). Resident animals include cattle, hogs, turkeys, chickens, geese, cats, and dogs. Cost: Adults $3; Children (3-12) $2. Address: 6310 Georgetown Pike, Mc Lean VA 22101

FOUNTAINS

Splash Playground South Germantown Recreational Park. Kids will have a great time playing under the massive waterfall, and trying to guess which tumbling bucket will tip over next. There’s also a rain tree, water tunnel, and a 36′ computer choreographed water maze with 280 ground-level jets, shooting 6,000 gallons of water per minute. It’s the ultimate in hot-weather relief! Lockers and cubbies, showers, dressing room, restrooms and a vending area are located nearby. Address: 18056 Central Park Circle, Boyds, MD 20841 Admission: $4.50 per person, ages 2 & up.

THEATERS

Puppetry The Puppet Co in Glen Echo Park. Tickets are $10.00 each for everyone 2 years old or older.

Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo Park They provide  fully staged live productions of fables, fairy tales, popular stories, musicals and children’s classics. 4 and up. Tickets:  $12 Child, $15 Adult, Free for children under 12 mos

Discovery Theater in Washington DC. Puppets, storytellers, dancers, actors, musicians, and mimes in performances that present classic stories for children, folk tales from all over the world, American history and cultures, and innovative theater techniques.  Admission:  Adult: $6, Child: $5. Address: The Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive Southwest, Washington, DC, 20560

Strathmore’s Backyard Theater 10701 Rockville Pike (Route 355), in North Bethesda, MD, immediately adjacent to the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station. Tickets are $6 for adults & children, ages 3 & up.

Wolf Trap  Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods Music, dance, storytelling, puppetry, and theater. All performances are recommended for children between Kindergarten and 6th grade. Tickets are required for all performances for adults and children ages 3 and up. Tickets are $5 each for one show or $8 for both shows on the same day. Address: 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, Virginia 22182

SWIMMING POOLS

Indoor Pools:

Montgomery Aquatic Center 5900 Executive Boulevard, N. Bethesda, MD 20852

YMCA Fitness Club has outside swimming pool 9401 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD (301) 530-3725

Outdoor Pools

Bethesda Pool, 6300 Little Falls Pkwy & Hillandale Road, Bethesda, MD

ICE RINKS

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink, 7th Street and Constitution, Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. View extraordinary art sculptures and gardens while ice skating on the National Mall. Admission: $7.00 adults, $6.00 children (age 12 and under)Skate rental: $3.00 (ID required).

Cabin John Ice Rink, 10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville, Maryland. (301)365-2246. Open year-round and offers public skating sessions and lessons.  Admission: Children ages 3-4 $3.50, ages 5-11 $5.25, adults $6.25.

CLIMBING WALLS

Earth Treks in Rockville. Climbing for all ability levels, from fun beginner climbs to fiercely technical sport climbs. Cost: Day Pass $18. Address: 725 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852

Rockville Civic Center Park. The indoor wall offers challenges for people of all ages and abilities – from beginners to even the most competent and skilled climbers. All Open Gym climbers must pass a competency test. Cost: $10 per climber.  603 Edmonston Dr., Rockville, Maryland 20850

City of Rockville Climbing wall. The gym features an indoor rock climbing wall. Cost: $20. Address: 805 Avery Rd, Rockville, Maryland 20850, Tel: (301) 217-0525

BOWLING CENTERS

Strike Bethesda offer stylish, glow-in-the-dark bowling with big screen video walls and a thumping sound system. It has fantastic 12′ projection TV’s over all of the lanes and during the day they often show cartoons or sporting events for the kids. Address: 5353 Westbard Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20816.

Bethesda Naval Bowling Center. Both open play and league bowling are offered year round for all ages. You can bring the whole family – there are even some lanes with automatic bumpers for young or inexperienced bowlers.  Address: 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bldg. 56, Bethesda, MD 20889

PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS

Audubon Naturalist Society Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase: 8940 Jones Mill Road Chevy Chase, MD 20815, family programs, children’s classes, a nature preschool, birthday parties and summer camps

Cabin John Regional Park: 7410 Tuckerman Lane, Rockville, MD Awesome playground with lots of climbing structures, slides, mazes, play houses, swings, Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage, airplane, and cars. Other features include miniature train, snack bar, rest rooms, hiking trails, picnic areas, indoor/outdoor tennis courts, ice skating rink

Wheaton Regional Park: 2000 Shorefield Road, Wheaton, MD Awesome playground – play equipment includes endless climbing structures, swings, giant slides, a sand castle and much more. Children especially like the old fashioned carousel and a train ride that goes through the park (only open in the summer).

Glen Echo Park: Glen Echo has always been an enchanting place for children. Activities for kids include puppet shows, children’s theater, exploring nature, making crafts, romping in the playground and of course, riding the famous Dentzel Carousel.

Great Falls Park: An 800-acre park located along the Potomac River, is one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in the Washington DC metropolitan area. You can view the falls from several observation areas. Great Falls Park is accessible from both sides of the Potomac River. The Virginia park is located at 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, Virginia The Maryland side is a part of the C & O Canal National Historic Park and is located off of Falls Road in Potomac (11710 MacArthur Boulevard). There is a $5.00 per vehicle entrance fee and a $3.00 fee for visitors entering the park on foot, horseback, bicycle, or motorcycle.

MORE PLAYGROUNDS

North Chevy Chase Park & Playground, 4105 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Leland Neighborhood Park, 4300 Elm Street, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

East-West Highway Neighborhood Conservation Area, 7101 Edgevale Street, Bethesda, MD 20814

Caroline-Freeland Urban Park, 7200 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD 20814

Chase Avenue Urban Park, 4701 Chase Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814

Elm Street Urban Park, 4600 Elm Street, Bethesda, MD 20815

Norwood Local Park, 4700 Norwood Road, Bethesda, MD 20815

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Holiday Lights at the National Zoo from Nov.-Dec.   Tickets are $12.00 per person and available online. 

Winter Garden Walk at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland. With live music most nights (6:30 – 8:30), the displays along this walk include over 600,000 lights.  Open most days in December, 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. (last admission 8:30) $15.00 per car (cash only).

Seneca Creek State Park Winter lights: This show features more than 380 illuminated vignettes and 65 animated displays in a 3.5 mile drive through beautiful Seneca Creek State Park. Theme areas include Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, North Pole, Toyland, and Penguin Cove. $10 per car – Cash Only.  Address: 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

AMUSEMENT AND WATER PARKS

Six Flags America in Mitchellville, Maryland This amusement park is located just 30 minutes from downtown Washington, DC and offers a full day of fun with more than 100 rides, shows and the largest water park in the Washington, DC area. Six Flags America is open April through October.  Admission $49.99,Junior Admission Under 54″ $34.99, 3 & Under FREE. Address: 13710 Central Ave. Mitchellville, Maryland.

Paramount’s King’s Dominion in Doswell, Virginia. A 400-acre amusement park that features more than 50 rides, seven roller coasters, live family entertainment and a 19-acre water park. Kings Dominion is known to have some of the best roller coasters in the east coast. The amusement park is about a 2 hour drive from Washington, DC and is open April through October. General Admission is $54.99 and includes a second day. Purchase your ticket online and get a discounted price of $44.99 for one day admission. Child’s (ages 3 and up) discounted ticket is $34.99. Address: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047.

MUSEUMS

Planetarium in Rock Creek Nature Center. Free tickets for the planetarium shows can be picked up at the information desk in the Nature Center. Address: 5200 Glover Road NW, Washington, DC 20015

The International Spy Museum - the only spy museum in the United States. The International Spy Museum showcases more than 200 gadgets, weapons, bugs, cameras, vehicles, and technologies used for espionage throughout the world. Address: 800 F Street, NW, between 8th and 9th Streets in Penn Quarter. $16 for adults (ages 12 – 64) and $13 for children ages five to 11. Children under five are admitted for free.

The National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall. In this museum, past and current expeditions, adventures, and scientific research come to life. A wide variety of changing exhibitions reflect the richness and diversity of our world. Address: The Society’s museum, 17th & M Streets N.W. Admission is free.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, in Rock Creek Park is home to more than 2,400 animals – mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Metro stop: Woodley Park/Zoo Admission: FREE

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing – US Dept. of the Treasury. Known as “The Money Factory,” this is a very popular attraction, especially for kids, who just seem to be amazed by being in the presence of so much money. You’ll see millions of dollars being printed during a tour of the BEP. The tour features the various steps of currency production, beginning with large, blank sheets of paper, and ending with wallet-ready bills. Address: 14th and C Streets, SW, south of the National Mall.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Washington DC. Hands-on exhibits feature George Washington’s inauguration, Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and the Watergate scandal. A replica of the Oval Office allows visitors to veto a bill, address the nation or simply put their feet up on the most powerful desk in the country. Other historical figures featured include Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Rosa Parks, Bob Woodward and J. Edgar Hoover. In the Glamour section, you can mingle with celebrities such as Will Smith, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez. In the Sports section, you can interact with lifelike sports idols such as Evander Holyfield and Tiger Woods. Address: 1025 F Street, NW, Washington DC Admission: $18 Adults, $13 Residents of DC, MD and VA, $13 Residents of DC, MD and VA, $12 for kids ages 12 and under, $9 Residents of DC, MD and VA, Children under the age of three are free

The National Museum of Natural History houses a national collection of more than 125 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts. Kids favorite displays include dinosaur skeletons, an enormous collection of natural gems and minerals, artifacts of early man, an insect zoo, a live coral reef and much more. IMAX movies. 10th Street and Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20560.

Washington Doll’s House and Toy Museum. This is a wonderful excursion for any child or adult enamored with miniature collectibles. Admission fee is $3 for adults, $2 for children under 14. Address: 5236 44th Street North West, Washington, DC.

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. Kids’ attentions will be maintained for longer in the rooms with interactive exhibits. How Things Fly teaches the principles of flight through live demonstrations, multimedia programs, and plentiful hands-on exhibits. Exploring the Planets also uses an interactive approach. Address: 6th Street and Independence Avenue, SW. Cost: Free

The Smithsonian’s National Aquarium in Washington DC. Buried in the basement of the Commerce building, The National Aquarium – located just one block from the Washington Monument – is perfect for small first-timers. Address: 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW.  Cost: General (11 and up) $7; Children (2-10) $3, (under 2) free; cash only

International Visions-the Gallery shows paintings, sculptures and other works by artists from different cultures. Address: 2629 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington D.C. 20008.

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The hallmark of the visitor center is its Science On a Sphere theater. The theater uses technology developed by NOAA to present advanced satellite data and other visual effects on a dramatic spherical screen, affording viewers a chance to experience planets and planetary science in a way that’s more natural to their actual appearance. Admission and parking are free.  8800 Greenbelt Rd, Greenbelt, Md 20771

National Aquarium in Baltimore Admission: Ages 12 to 59 — $21.95, Ages 3-11 — $12.95, Children under three admitted free. 501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21202

by Silga Vasilevsky and Melli Bennett

(Please note that these classes are not going to count towards the educational requirement, because they are taught by volunteers in different churches. It is a great way of improving English if you have time during the day, weekend or evening)

Washington Baptist Church (former Briggs Church). 5144 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD  20816. Tel. 301-229-7725.  The classes are Wednesdays, Thursdays, 9:30 am till 11:30 am and Sundays at 9:00 am till 9:50 am.

Christ Church, 3855 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington DC  20016. Wednesday 6-8 pm and Sunday from 4:00 pm till 8:00 pm. Classes start January 25. Global Neighborhood Center. 10 week course. Tuition $75 included textbook, materials, CD. Tel. 202-363-4090.

Fourth Presbyterian Church, 5500 River Road, Bethesda, MD  20816.  and will be on Tuesdays from 7:00 pm till 9:30 pm. Call the Church receptionist at 301-320-3600, or Margaret at 301-299-7385. Registration $10, books $20.

Our Lady Queen of the Americas Church, 2200 California Street, NW Washington DC  20008, 202-387-2222 www.languageetc.org.  Classes from Monday-Thursday, 7-9 pm. Tuesday and Thursday 10 am-1pm. Sunday and Saturday from 2-5pm, and Sunday 9am – 11:30 am. The classes cost $100 including books.

Lado School has also free English classes, which are run by Lado students who are studying to become English teachers. Classes are Wednesdays 7:00pm-9:00pm and Saturdays 2:00pm – 4:00pm, tel: 202-333-4222, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington DC 20007. This is another chance to practice English, but those classes don’t count for your educational requirement.