On manic Mondays, sometimes the kids and I head over to Rockville Pike’s Congressional Plaza.
One of the kids might need a haircut by Debbye at Cartoon Cuts ($2 off coupon if you click “special promotions,”) I’ll use one of our 20% off coupons at Buy Buy Baby (if you don’t get those in the mail, you can join the email list) or we’ll have another errand at one of the family-focused bank account drains located in this shopping center.

To turn the drudgery of Monday errands into magic, we’ll hop into Barston’s Child’s Play. With free face painting on Mondays for kids from 11-11:30am, a quick stop inside this stimulating toy and children’s book store makes the day special. There are train tables and doll houses for interactive play, a hollow “tree” for crawling through in the center of the store and friendly staff that doesn’t mind if kids try out the toys. There are bins of wind ups and novelties in the 50 cent – $4 range right by the cash register, if you find it impossible to leave without a little something. If you have an especially good boy or girl deserving of a bigger reward, Barston’s selection of toys, books, costumes, craft items, CDs and DVDs is magnificent.

Barston’s also offers free storytime for kids aged 0-6 years on Tuesdays at 10:30am and Saturdays at 9:30am. All events are in the APISS calendar.

Barston’s Child’s Play
1661 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD in the Congressional Plaza shopping center
301.230.9040