{"id":1092,"date":"2009-11-28T17:19:10","date_gmt":"2009-11-28T22:19:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.aupairinamerica.com\/dca\/?p=74"},"modified":"2009-11-28T17:19:10","modified_gmt":"2009-11-28T22:19:10","slug":"things-to-do-with-the-children-in-washington-dc-area","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.aupairinamerica.com\/dca\/2009\/11\/28\/things-to-do-with-the-children-in-washington-dc-area\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do with The Children in Washington DC area"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Laying<\/p>\n

Our Kids<\/strong><\/a> <\/span><\/strong>is a weekly e-newsletter providing a great calendar of events, activities, and entertainment for children and families. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

OPEN GYMS AND PLAYROOMS<\/span><\/h2>\n

Interactions Learn & Play in Kensington<\/a><\/strong>. A spacious play area for little ones to play and discover. The items challenge the child both physically and mentally.\u00a0 Cost: $12.00 per child\u2014sibling 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<\/p>\n

MusiKids in <\/strong>Bethesda<\/strong><\/a>. 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<\/p>\n

Leland<\/strong> <\/strong>Community Center<\/strong><\/span><\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

FunFit Open Gym in Rockville<\/a><\/strong> 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<\/p>\n

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

\u201cSMALAND\u201d The <\/strong>Magic<\/strong> <\/strong>Forest<\/strong><\/span> \u2013 IKEA playroom<\/span>. <\/strong><\/span>Kids can test all the toys in the children\u2019s department or have fun in the free supervised playroom while you shop. Height requirement: between 37-54inc. Children need to be potty trained.\u00a0 The guardian must remain in the store while your child is\u00a0Smaland. Playroom cost: Free. Max 1 hour. Address: 10100 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740<\/p>\n

Mommy and Me and Daddies Too Kids Club<\/span> <\/strong><\/span>in Congressional Plaza in Rockville<\/span> every second Thursday of the month from April to September. Special morning with games, crafts and activities in different stores.<\/p>\n

Play area in the<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/strong>Montgomery Mall<\/span><\/span> <\/strong>7101 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda MD 20817<\/p>\n

Build-A-Bear Workshop.<\/strong> <\/a>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.<\/p>\n

Chuck E. Cheese\u2019s<\/a>.<\/strong> Chuck E. Cheese\u2019s 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:
\n5270 Randolph Road, Rockville, MD 20852.<\/p>\n

SINGING AND DANCING TIME<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"dace\"<\/span><\/h2>\n

Mr. Knick Knack<\/strong> <\/a>is one of the area\u2019s best-loved children\u2019s musicians.\u00a0 He performs at the White Flint Mall (Level One Centre Court), 11301 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, Maryland\u00a0 20895.\u00a0 Every second Wednesday of each Month from 11 to 11:45am<\/p>\n

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

The Banjo Man<\/strong> <\/a>performs lively and engaging folk, bluegrass and original music for kids<\/p>\n

Lebanese Taverna\u00a0 in <\/span>Bethesda<\/span><\/strong> <\/a>– the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. From 10:30 to11:30 Cost: FREE Address: 7141 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD 20814<\/p>\n

Susan McNelis<\/strong> <\/a>also known as Oh Susannah<\/p>\n

STORY TIMES<\/span> <\/span><\/h2>\n

\"read\"<\/h2>\n

STORYTIME AT THE <\/strong>BETHESDA<\/strong> JABBER\u00dc<\/strong><\/a>. Jabber\u00fc invites parents and children for a FREE storytime and sing-along every Tuesday morning at the Bethesda location.\u00a0 Stories and songs will be presented in French and English by Emilie Moskal \u2013 a member of the JabberCr\u00fc.\u00a0 Perfect for children up to 36 months.\u00a0 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:\u00a0 4926 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, MD<\/p>\n

Borders Bookstore at the White Flint Mall<\/strong> <\/span><\/span>(11301 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, Maryland\u00a0 20895). \u00a0Every Tuesday at 10:00am.<\/p>\n

Barnes & Noble Bookstore in <\/strong>Bethesda<\/strong><\/span> <\/span>(4801 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814) Sat at 11:00am<\/p>\n

Barnes & Noble Bookstore in <\/strong>Rockville<\/strong><\/span> <\/span>(12089 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852) Wed at 10:00am Sat at 11:00am.<\/p>\n

LOCAL LIBRARIES<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"library\"<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Story Times<\/strong><\/span><\/span>: For exact dates\/times please click here<\/a><\/p>\n

Bethesda<\/strong> Public Library<\/strong><\/span>, 7400 Arlington Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814: Story Time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10:30am<\/p>\n

TRAIN TABLES<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"train\"<\/span><\/h2>\n

Barnes and Nobles Bookstores<\/span><\/strong>: 4801 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tugooh ToysYiro<\/span>: <\/strong>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
\nToy<\/strong> <\/strong>Kingdom<\/strong><\/span>:<\/strong> 36 Maryland Ave # C, Rockville, MD 20850 <\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

PET STORES WITH PETS<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"pets\"<\/span><\/h2>\n

Bethesda<\/span><\/span><\/strong> Pet Shoppe<\/span><\/span>:<\/strong> 4939 Elm St, Bethesda, MD 20814<\/p>\n

Just Puppies<\/a><\/strong>: 2004 Veirs Mill Rd, Rockville, MD 20851<\/p>\n

PetSmart<\/span><\/span>: <\/strong>6800 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20815<\/p>\n

PETCO<\/span><\/span>: <\/strong>1507 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852<\/p>\n

POTTERY AND ART STUDIOS<\/span><\/h2>\n

<\/span> \"paint1\"<\/h2>\n

All Fired Up Pottery Studio<\/a><\/span><\/strong>. 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.\u00a0 4923 Elm St., Bethesda, MD 20814.<\/p>\n

ARTS AND CRAFTS STORES<\/span><\/h2>\n

Michael\u2019s<\/a>:<\/strong> 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:\u00a0 1509 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852<\/p>\n

A.C. <\/strong>Moore<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> An entire section of the store is devoted to kids\u2019 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<\/p>\n

FARMS AND PETTING ZOOS<\/span> <\/span><\/h2>\n

\"lamb\"<\/span><\/h2>\n

Clark\u2019s Elioak Farm in Maryland<\/strong> <\/a>offers a wide variety of animals\u2013goats, 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,\u00a0Ellicott City, Maryland 21042. Admission: $4.50, hayrides and pony rides $2, children under 12 months free. Open: April \u2013 Nov Tuesday \u2013 Sunday 10 am to 4 pm<\/p>\n

Reston<\/strong> Zoo \u2013 A Petting Zoo in <\/strong>Vienna<\/strong>, <\/strong>Virginia<\/strong><\/a>. Get \u201cup close and personal\u201d 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.\u00a0 Address: 1228 Hunter Mill Rd., Vienna, VA. Admission: $10.00 Adults, $8.00 Children (2\u201312 years), Children under 2 are free.<\/p>\n

Claude Moore Colonial Farm in <\/strong>Virginia<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> The farm offers a glimpse into the world of an 18th<\/sup>-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<\/p>\n

FOUNTAINS<\/span><\/h2>\n

Splash Playground South <\/strong>Germantown<\/strong><\/span><\/span> Recreational Park<\/span><\/span>. <\/strong>Kids will have a great time playing under the massive waterfall, and trying to guess which tumbling bucket will tip over next. There\u2019s also a rain tree, water tunnel, and a 36\u2032 computer choreographed water maze with 280 ground-level jets, shooting 6,000 gallons of water per minute. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

THEATERS<\/span> <\/span><\/h2>\n

\"puppet\"<\/span><\/h2>\n

Puppetry The Puppet Co in <\/strong>Glen<\/strong> <\/strong>Echo<\/strong> <\/strong>Park<\/strong><\/a>. Tickets are $10.00 each for everyone 2 years old or older.<\/p>\n

Adventure Theatre<\/strong> in Glen Echo Park<\/strong> <\/a>They provide\u00a0 fully staged live productions of fables, fairy tales, popular stories, musicals and children\u2019s classics. 4 and up. Tickets:\u00a0 $12 Child, $15 Adult, Free for children under 12 mos<\/p>\n

Discovery Theater in <\/strong>Washington<\/strong> <\/strong>DC<\/strong><\/a>. 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.\u00a0 Admission:\u00a0 Adult: $6, Child: $5. Address: The Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive Southwest, Washington, DC, 20560<\/p>\n

Strathmore\u2019s Backyard Theater<\/strong> <\/a>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.<\/p>\n

Wolf Trap\u00a0 Children\u2019s Theatre-in-the-Woods <\/a><\/strong> Music, dance, storytelling, puppetry, and theater. All performances are recommended for children between Kindergarten and 6th grade. <\/strong> 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<\/p>\n

SWIMMING POOLS<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"pool\"<\/span><\/h2>\n

Indoor Pools:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Montgomery<\/strong> <\/strong>Aquatic<\/strong> <\/strong>Center<\/strong><\/span><\/a> <\/a><\/strong> 5900 Executive Boulevard, N. Bethesda, MD 20852<\/p>\n

YMCA<\/strong> Fitness Club<\/strong> <\/span><\/a>has outside swimming pool\u00a09401 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD (301) 530-3725 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Outdoor Pools<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Bethesda<\/span><\/span><\/strong> Pool<\/span><\/span>,<\/strong> 6300 Little Falls Pkwy & Hillandale Road, Bethesda, MD<\/p>\n

ICE RINKS<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"skate\"<\/span><\/h2>\n

National Gallery of <\/strong>Art<\/strong> <\/strong>Sculpture<\/strong> <\/strong>Garden<\/strong> Ice Rink<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, 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).<\/p>\n

Cabin John Ice Rink<\/span><\/a>,<\/strong> 10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville, Maryland. (301)365-2246. Open year-round and offers public skating sessions and lessons.\u00a0 Admission: Children ages 3-4 $3.50, ages 5-11 $5.25, adults $6.25.<\/p>\n

CLIMBING WALLS<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Earth Treks in <\/strong>Rockville<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> 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<\/p>\n

Rockville<\/strong> Civic <\/strong>Center<\/strong> <\/strong>Park<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> The indoor wall offers challenges for people of all ages and abilities \u2013 from beginners to even the most competent and skilled climbers. All Open Gym climbers must pass a competency test. Cost: $10 per climber.\u00a0 603 Edmonston Dr., Rockville, Maryland 20850<\/p>\n

City of <\/strong>Rockville Climbing<\/strong> wall<\/strong><\/span><\/a>. The gym features an indoor rock climbing wall. Cost: $20. Address: 805 Avery Rd, Rockville, Maryland 20850, Tel: (301) 217-0525<\/p>\n

BOWLING CENTERS<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"bowling\"<\/span><\/h2>\n

Strike Bethesda<\/strong> <\/a>offer stylish, glow-in-the-dark bowling with big screen video walls and a thumping sound system. It has fantastic 12\u2032 projection TV\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Bethesda<\/strong> Naval <\/strong>Bowling<\/strong> <\/strong>Center<\/strong><\/a>. Both open play and league bowling are offered year round for all ages. You can bring the whole family \u2013 there are even some lanes with automatic bumpers for young or inexperienced bowlers.\u00a0 Address: 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bldg. 56, Bethesda, MD 20889<\/p>\n

PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"playground\"<\/span><\/h2>\n

Audubon Naturalist Society Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase<\/a><\/strong>: 8940 Jones Mill Road Chevy Chase, MD 20815, family programs, children\u2019s classes, a nature preschool, birthday parties and summer camps<\/p>\n

Cabin John Regional Park<\/strong><\/a>: 7410 Tuckerman Lane, Rockville, MD Awesome playground with lots of climbing structures, slides, mazes, play houses, swings, Cinderella\u2019s 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<\/p>\n

Wheaton Regional Park<\/strong><\/a>: 2000 Shorefield Road, Wheaton, MD Awesome playground \u2013 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).<\/p>\n

Glen<\/strong> <\/strong>Echo<\/strong> <\/strong>Park<\/strong><\/a>: <\/strong>Glen Echo has always been an enchanting place for children. Activities for kids include puppet shows, children\u2019s theater, exploring nature, making crafts, romping in the playground and of course, riding the famous Dentzel Carousel<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Great Falls<\/strong> <\/strong>Park<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> 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<\/a> The Maryland side is a part of the C & O Canal National Historic Park<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

MORE PLAYGROUNDS<\/span><\/h2>\n

North Chevy Chase Park & Playground<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, 4105 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815<\/p>\n

Leland<\/strong> <\/strong>Neighborhood<\/strong> <\/strong>Park<\/strong><\/span><\/span>,<\/strong> 4300 Elm Street, Chevy Chase, MD 20815<\/p>\n

East-West Highway<\/strong><\/span> Neighborhood<\/strong> <\/span><\/span>Conservation Area, 7101 Edgevale Street, Bethesda, MD 20814<\/p>\n

Caroline-Freeland Urban Park<\/span><\/span>,<\/strong> 7200 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD 20814<\/p>\n

Chase Avenue<\/span><\/span><\/strong> Urban Park<\/span><\/span>,<\/strong> 4701 Chase Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814<\/p>\n

Elm Street Urban Park<\/span><\/span>,<\/strong> 4600 Elm Street, Bethesda, MD 20815<\/p>\n

Norwood<\/strong> <\/strong>Local<\/strong> <\/strong>Park<\/strong><\/span><\/span>,<\/strong> 4700 Norwood Road, Bethesda, MD 20815<\/p>\n

HOLIDAY LIGHTS<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"lights\"<\/span><\/h2>\n

Holiday<\/span><\/strong> Lights at the National\u00a0Zoo<\/span> <\/strong><\/span>from Nov.-Dec.\u00a0\u00a0 Tickets are $12.00 per person and available online.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Winter Garden Walk at <\/strong>Brookside<\/strong> <\/strong>Gardens<\/strong><\/span><\/a> <\/a>in <\/strong>Wheaton<\/strong>, <\/strong>Maryland<\/strong>.<\/strong> With live music most nights (6:30 \u2013 8:30), the displays along this walk include over 600,000 lights.\u00a0 Open most days in December, 5:30 \u2013 9:00 p.m. (last admission 8:30) $15.00 per car (cash only).<\/p>\n

Seneca Creek State Park<\/strong><\/a> Winter lights:<\/strong> 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 \u2013 Cash Only.\u00a0 Address: 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878<\/p>\n

AMUSEMENT AND WATER PARKS<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"am<\/span><\/h2>\n

Six Flags America<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>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.\u00a0 Admission $49.99,Junior Admission Under 54\u2033 $34.99, 3 & Under FREE. Address: 13710 Central Ave. Mitchellville, Maryland.<\/p>\n

Paramount\u2019s King\u2019s Dominion<\/strong><\/a> in Doswell, Virginia. <\/strong>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<\/a> and get a discounted price of $44.99 for one day admission. Child\u2019s (ages 3 and up) discounted ticket is $34.99. Address: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047.<\/p>\n

MUSEUMS<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"museum\"<\/span><\/h2>\n

Planetarium in <\/strong>Rock<\/strong> <\/strong>Creek<\/strong> <\/strong>Nature<\/strong> <\/strong>Center<\/strong><\/span><\/a>. 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<\/p>\n

The <\/strong>International<\/strong> <\/strong>Spy<\/strong> <\/strong>Museum<\/strong> <\/a>– 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 \u2013 64) and $13 for children ages five to 11. Children under five are admitted for free.<\/p>\n

The National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall<\/a>.<\/strong> 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\u2019s museum, 17th & M Streets N.W. Admission is free.<\/p>\n

The Smithsonian\u2019s National Zoological Park<\/a><\/strong>, in Rock Creek Park is home to more than 2,400 animals \u2013 mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Metro stop: Woodley Park\/Zoo Admission: FREE<\/p>\n

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing \u2013 US Dept. of the\u00a0Treasury<\/a>. <\/strong>Known as \u201cThe Money Factory,\u201d 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\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n

Madame<\/strong> <\/strong>Tussauds<\/strong> <\/strong>Wax Museum<\/strong> in <\/strong>Washington<\/strong> <\/strong>DC<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> Hands-on exhibits feature George Washington\u2019s inauguration, Abraham Lincoln\u2019s 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<\/p>\n

The National Museum of Natural History<\/strong> <\/a>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.<\/p>\n

Washington<\/strong> Doll\u2019s House and <\/strong>Toy<\/strong> <\/strong>Museum<\/strong><\/span><\/span>.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

The Smithsonian\u2019s National Air and <\/strong>Space<\/strong> <\/strong>Museum<\/strong>.<\/a> Kids\u2019 attentions will be maintained for longer in the rooms with interactive exhibits<\/strong>. How Things Fly<\/em> teaches the principles of flight through live demonstrations, multimedia programs, and plentiful hands-on exhibits. Exploring the Planets<\/em> also uses an interactive approach. Address: 6th Street and Independence Avenue, SW. Cost: Free<\/p>\n

The Smithsonian\u2019s National Aquarium in <\/strong>Washington<\/strong> <\/strong>DC<\/strong><\/a>. Buried in the basement of the Commerce building, The National Aquarium<\/em> \u2013 located just one block from the Washington Monument<\/a> \u2013 is perfect for small first-timers. Address: 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW.\u00a0\u00a0Cost: General (11 and up) $7; Children (2-10) $3, (under 2) free; cash only<\/p>\n

International Visions-the Gallery<\/strong> <\/a>shows paintings, sculptures and other works by artists from different cultures. Address: 2629 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington D.C. 20008.<\/p>\n

NASA\u2019s <\/strong>Goddard<\/strong> <\/strong>Space<\/strong> <\/strong>Flight<\/strong> <\/strong>Center<\/strong><\/a>. 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\u2019s more natural to their actual appearance. Admission and parking are free.\u00a0 8800 Greenbelt Rd, Greenbelt, Md 20771<\/p>\n

National Aquarium in Baltimore<\/strong> <\/a> Admission: Ages 12 to 59 \u2014 $21.95, Ages 3-11 \u2014 $12.95, Children under three admitted free. 501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21202<\/p>\n

by Silga Vasilevsky and Melli Bennett<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Our Kids<\/a> 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>. A spacious play area for little ones to play and discover. The items challenge the child both physically and mentally.\u00a0 Cost: $12.00 per child\u2014sibling Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,3],"tags":[38,55,81,103,134,175],"class_list":["post-1092","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-au-pair-tips","category-blog","tag-children","tag-dc","tag-fun","tag-kid-friendly","tag-places","tag-washington"],"yoast_head":"\nThings to Do with The Children in Washington DC area - Judit & Michelle's Au Pair In America Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Things to Do with The Children in Washington DC area - Judit & Michelle's Au Pair In America Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Our Kids is a weekly e-newsletter providing a great calendar of events, activities, and entertainment for children and families. 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