Artomatic opens tonight, May 18, at 6pm. Artomatic 2012 is a month-long art festival in the DC area that is “by artists, for everyone,” with no charge for admission or workshops.
This year’s event is a Crystal City office building scheduled to be demolished, featuring 10 floors of art by more than 1,000 artists. of every medium. Visual art, music, performance, film, fashion, and more are highlighted. Workshops, tours, seminars and other events are held all month long.
Special events for kids – click the links for full description and to RSVP/reserve your child’s spot for these completely free programs:
My IRL friend Jean, writer of the pee-your-pants funny blog Stimeyland, has a son who plays hockey for a unique team for kids with developmental disabilities, the Montgomery Cheetahs. Jean says of the Cheetahs, “It means everything to us.”
Jean has three kids. I have three kids. The scheduling and driving and commitment required of us parents for our kids’ extracurricular activities is daunting. Admittedly, I would rather ditch the whole process and go play soccer as a family in the backyard, or take the kids along to a wine festival to play in the gravel while I savor a Sauvignon Blanc. Of course I don’t do that. Just like you parents out there, I sign up, pay for and drive my kids to multiple activities each which enrich their development, confidence and joy.
But when you hear the words, “It means everything to us,” from a fellow mom who willingly gets up on weekend mornings before the sun for games and practices, invests in oodles of expensive hockey gear, and oh yeah, has two other sons with their own interests and activities you know this local activity provider must completely rock.
So my family and I are definitely hitting this fabulous fundraiser and family skate event on Saturday May 12 from 5-7 pm at the Rockville Ice Arena. People can come out and skate for a couple hours, or cheer the skaters on and eat snacks from the rink restaurant (what Alice and I will be doing as Chris/Dad, Charlie and Eve get their skate on). We can all also participate in a raffle for Disney tickets, Nintendo 3DS systems, and more prizes aimed at the family demographic, and donate to the Cheetahs if you are so inclined. I am so inclined.
You can register for the event in advance. 100% of the money raised will fund ice expenses for the Cheetah program. If you pony up $50 at their donation site (a very fair price for a night out for your family) you can send a shout out to your favorite Cheetah (Go Jack!) and get a Cheetahs t-shirt.
Having just turned 37, I myself look forward to wearing a cheetah tee while doing errands around town. (Oh wait, it’s the cougar that is the wild cat symbol of a hot older woman. Hmm, maybe I can start a new pop culture name that a cheetah is a not-overly-worked-out-but-takes-care-of-herself professional woman and mother who gets sh*t done?? Do you think that will catch on??)
The Montgomery Cheetahs are a non-profit organization offering an adapted ice hockey program for young people with developmental disabilities, such as autism and Down syndrome. More than 100 youth have participated in the program since its founding in 2006.
You see, I grew up visiting Disneyland in California every couple years with my family, but that was a day trip or an overnight visit at the most. And us McFaddens are well-versed in traveling to the beach for a week or making ourselves at home in an urban hotel and exploring a city.
But spending multiple days at theme park Mecca is — to quote Aladdin and Peabo Bryson — a whole new world.
As participants in the conference, there will be some planned events for my family and me. There will be social media learning for the bloggers/social media participants (without the kids or spouse) as well as family celebrations.
But for a good deal of time, we will be on our own with thousands of the happiest acres on earth to conquer.
I have been a little overwhelmed with all of the organizational and planning websites out there advising parents on how best to “do” Disneyworld with kids. The downloadable planning spreadsheets, the hiring of professional planning services, the warnings about making meal reservations months ahead of time all bring on more anxiety than I had expected for a kid-centric vacation.
Thankfully, the Disneyworld website is full of helpful info, and fellow parents and bloggers’ tips have been useful (and calming!). Here is some great advice I have received so far or found online:
“At the Magic Kingdom, you will see lots of little girls in princess dresses and dolled up from the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. But if you want to save some cash, you can just stick a princess costume you have at home in your bag in case Eve yearns for the glamour.” – The practical, fellow mother of a girl Sandie of Urban Mama and editor of The DC Moms
“At Disneyhollywood Studios, if Charlie and Eve would like to experience the Jedi Training Academy, head there to sign up first thing on the day you visit with your children to obtain a time for them. You must register in person with all of your participating children in tow. If you don’t have your kids with you, they will not let you sign up!” – My friend Kristin who visited last year with her Star Wars fans
“Just-for-Disney homemade autograph books are a quickie, inexpensive activity that (I think!) will add a bit of excitement to our trip, will get our kids super-excited to meet their favorite Disney characters, and will give them a real hand in memory-making!” — Amy Mascott of TeachMama
“Download the Undercover Tourist App! Now! I reviewed this app on Cool Mom Tech and it’s a lifesaver. Also, free. It’s great for knowing wait times in real time, parade times, and helping you find the best, closest restaurants when your kid is having a blood sugar meltdown.” – Liz of Cool Mom Tech and Mom 101
“Bring a stroller with you…stroller rentals are expensive and you can’t take them back to your hotel.” — Michelle of the Glass Slipper Concierge blog
“Purchase the PhotoPass CD ahead of time. You get a significant amount of money off of the purchase price and it’s nice to have the photographs that include your whole group. You can ask the photographers to take multiple shots…and if you’re going with another family, go in together on the price of the CD and then combine all of your photopass numbers on one account. There is no limit to the number of photos you have taken and once you buy the CD you own the rights to the photos.” — Blogger and professional photographer Amie Adams of Mamma Loves
What about you Disneyworld experts out there: What insider tips do you recommend?
Disclaimer: As an invitee of the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration 2012, my family and I are receiving a highly reduced rate on accommodations, attractions, some meals, and access to special events we would not have otherwise. The conference fee and transportation costs were paid for by me. All opinions expressed are my own.
Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm and 4pm through May 26 (the show extended through Memorial Day!), 4908 Auburn Avenue in Bethesda. (Special days: Princess Parade after 4:00 show on April 28, and a Wig Out Dance Party on May 18 after 7:00pm show– Get your wildest wig or wackiest hairstyle and boogie.)
Show your Tangled-loving kids the story of Rapunzel on the live stage, with lots of interesting twists that differ from both the Disney retelling and the Brothers Grimm classic. The Imagination Stage brings to life the book by Friends creators (yup, the Chandler-Monica-Rachel Friends) David Crane and Marta Kauffman, using four accomplished actors who sing and bring the colorful characters to life.
Actor Felicia Curry, a veteran of musicals such as Les Miserables at the Signature Theatre, is receiving glowing reviews for her portayal of Rapunzel. Curry is African American, and she tells The Washington Post, “It’s not what a princess usually looks like. Or sounds like. Or acts like. That’s a really new take on it, and it’s going to be a reminder to the kids that a princess can be anybody . . . whoever your prince may be.”
Tickets are $10-22 and available online. Rapunzel is recommended for children 4 and up.
Here’s a video sneak peek of the show!
International Day of the Book Festival in Kensington
Sunday April 22nd 2012, 11am-4pm, rain or shine
Howard Avenue, Old Town Kensington, Md
This street festival celebrates reading and community. Children’s activities include storytelling, art projects, a kids’ scavenger hunt, nature discoveries, free books and more. For the adults, there is live music, author events, readings….check out the whole lineup.
Visit a National Park for Free
Save a few bucks and visit a nearby national park for free. During National Park Week, April 21-29, 397 national parks offer free admission, all week long!
Trout Fishing in America at Black Rock Center of the Arts
Saturday, April 21 at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM Trout Fishing in America, a beloved folk/rock duo in a concert for children and families, is playing BlackRock Center for the Arts‘ final family matinee concert of it’s 10th Anniversary Season. The eclectic folk/rock duo of Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet has won multiple Parents’ Choice and Indie awards and nominated for four Grammy Awards. But don’t let the whimsically-titled songs (“My Hair had a Party Last Night,” and “Hello, My Chicken Thinks He’s a Dog”) fool you: these very talented musicians have been hailed “a sublimely musical band” by the Boston Herald.
The performance is recommended for ages 4 and up.12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, MD. Tickets are $12. Purchase at the box office 240 -912-1058 or online at www.blackrockcenter.org
Spring break activities for families in the Washington, DC area are plentiful, but often hard to track down.
Rather than send you hunting through Google (who has the time?) I have compiled some solid options for you in one easy place.
Here are my top recommended weekday activities for you and your children to enjoy, whether your Spring Break is this week April 2 – 6, or next week April 9 – 13. I have broken the suggestions into four categories: free activities, practically free events (admission price less than $10), performances and special staycation treat events.
And you will be rewarded for leaving a comment with YOUR best recommendation for spring break fun with kids: All comments are entered into a drawing for TWO free tickets to see the Washington Ballet’s Alice in Wonderland at the Kennedy Center on opening night, April 11! Read on for details.
FREE ACTIVITIES
National Portrait Gallery Spring Break Special Programs Monday April 2 – Friday April 6, 1 – 4 p.m.
Experience the National Portrait Gallery’s Portrait Story program, in which young visitors, accompanied by adults, drop in to listen to a story about or written by a famous person from history. Afterward, they create a special piece of art. Children can also check out a Portrait Discovery Kit and learn about famous Americans by doing some or all of the activities included in the kit.
Free Performances on the Outdoor Stage by the Washington Monument Daily beginning at noon through April 15.
12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Washington Monument grounds – Independence Avenue & Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW (map)
Spring break may have missed peak cherry blossom time, but it coincides with the ongoing National Cherry Blossom Festival. Check out the daily line-up of musical and dance performances at the Canon Performance Stage at Sylvan Theater. (And for goodness sakes, take the Metro!)
Meadowside Nature Center 40th Anniversary Celebration Friday April 6 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Explore the world of owls, hawks and eagles through raptor-themed activities, science activities (owl pellet dissection), games (kids will “migrate?!”), crafts and refreshments (owl cupcake decorating – wash your hands after the owl pellet dissection!). Visit the living resident birds of prey and meat the mascot Otus the Owl. There is a huge listing of free activities for all ages, it’s an event not to be missed!
Cabin John and Wheaton Regional Trains, Carousel at Wheaton Open for Spring Break! Saturday, March 31 through Sunday, April 8, from 10am to 6pm each day
Tickets: $1.75 per person, and a book of 10 tickets is $15.75 (buy 9, get the 10th ticket free!). Children age 2 and younger ride free with a paying adult.
The minature train at both Cabin John and Wheaton Regional Park and the Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel at Wheaton, too will be up and running during Montgomery County Public Schools’ Spring Break. They cannot run the trains when the tracks are wet, so please check their Facebook page for scheduling updates.
Clark’s Elioak Farm and the Enchanted Forest are Now Open! Open Sunday April 1 through Monday April 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday April 10 -Sunday April 15 from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Tickets: $5.00 per person, no charge for Infants under 12 months. Show your AAA Card and pay $4.50 for all visitors entering the farm with you. Hayrides, pony rides and the cow train are each $2 extra per person.
My family and I love this place. Read my full review.
Claude Moore Colonial Farm is Now Open! Wednesdays – Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (April 2 – December 9) Admission: Children under 3 are free, Adults $3, Children & Seniors $2.
Children of all ages enjoy learning at the Farm. Older children imagine themselves back in time, while helping with farm chores such as carding wool, mixing Johnnycake batter, weeding in the garden, or hoeing in the fields. Toddlers take in the sights and sounds and love to splash their hands in the wash tub, watch the chickens, or gaze into the hearth fire. Children of all ages look forward to seeing the farm animals. Remember not to pet or feed the livestock!
Preschool Songs and Stories at the Arts Barn Theatre in Gaithersburg Thursday April 5 11-11:45 a.m. (as well as EVERY first and third Thursday of the month through June 2012).
Preschool Songs and Stories gives three to five year olds and their parents or guardians the opportunity to explore the arts through singing, dancing and active listening to story books. Admission is just $3 per child per session, no fee for adults. Payment may be made at the door. The Arts Barn is located at 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg. For more information call 301-258-6394 or visit online at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/artsbarn.
Paper Airplane Day at the College Park Aviation Museum Friday, April 6, 12 noon-4 pm
Build your own paper airplane and compete in our annual Paper Airplane Derby at 3 pm. Prizes will be awarded! FREE with museum admission: $2/ages 18 & under; $4/adult; $3/seniors ages 60 & up.College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park 20740, 301-864-6029.
The world premiere of Septime Webre’s ALICE (in Wonderland). Never before has The Washington Ballet combined such forces to create a new full-length ballet. From Mr. Webre’s revolutionary vision, designer Liz Vandal (Cirque du Soleil’s OVO) and composer Matthew Pierce, comes a spectacularly re-imagined take on Lewis Carroll’s classic. Enter the magical world of Alice’s misadventures, splendidly costumed and gloriously danced…an unforgettable journey down the rabbit hole and the season’s grandest production!
Leave a comment on this post with YOUR best recommendation to other parents for spring break fun and you will be entered to win TWO tickets to the April 11 opening night performance of Alice.
The winner will be randomly drawn from all entries on Thursday April 5.
Rapunzel at Imagination Stage Wednesday April 4 – Sunday May 20; various times (daily showtimes) Tickets: $10-22
Rapunzel is a typical 16-year-old girl, with a couple small exceptions: she was stolen from her real parents by a wicked witch who pretends to be her mother, and her home is a high-security tower in the middle of nowhere. Recommended for Ages 4+
Rapunzel and Tiny Tots at The Puppet Co. Tiny Tots: Bunny Business Wednesday April 4 and Saturday April 7 at 10 a.m.
Rapunzel: Thursday April 5 & Friday April 6, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m, Saturday April 7, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
A “bewitching” telling of the Grimm’s fairytale Rapunzel. The Puppet Co. uses “coloring-book” charm and the simplicity of hand puppets for this production to delight its younger audiences, aimed at PreK-Grade 4. Bunny Business features Bob Brown’s sweet, accessible puppets for ages baby – preschool.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day at Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Tueday April 3 – Saturday April 7 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday April 9 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (closed Sunday April 8). Tickets: $18 per person.
See it before it closes on Monday April 9! If you miss it, you’ll feel worse than waking up with gum in your hair or having to watch kissing on TV. You might just have to move to Australia.
Kids Shows at Jammin’ Java at 10:30 a.m. (only $5 per person) Mondays: The Great Zucchini, Tuesdays: Ryan Buckle and Friends, Wednesdays: Rocknoceros, Thursdays: Oh Susannah!, Fridays: Banjo Man and Friends.
Also, during spring break there are two additional performances: A Rocknoceros Family Happy Hour at 7 p.m. on Friday April 6 and Saturday April 7 at 10:30 a.m. with Banjo Man and Friends (tickets are $10 for those two special events).
SPECIAL STAYCATION TREAT EVENTS
Spring Break Fun at Port Discovery April 2 – 9 with Spring Break Extended Hours! Monday – Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.Monday 4/9: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: $13.95 per person, children under 2 are free.
Join Port Discovery this spring break for a week- long, jam packed adventure through the world of STEM! (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) featuring hands-on experiments activities and performances.
Teddy Bear Tea at Strathmore Tuesday, April 3 and Wednesday April 4, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Strathmore Mansion
Tickets: $28 per person (Stars Price $25.20). Reservations are currently OPEN. Call (301) 581-5108.
Scheduled during spring break, the Teddy Bear Tea is perfect for you, a special child in your life and his or her favorite bear. Enjoy a kid-friendly menu, story time and children’s music. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Note: vegetarian meals are not available
Spring Tea and Chocolate Workshop at Tudor Place, Especially for Children Age 5 + and Families Tuesday, April 3 and Thursday April 5, 2 – 3:30 p.m
Member Child: $20; Non-Member Child: $25; Accompanying Adult: $10. To register, contact Alexis Miller: amiller@tudorplace.org; (202) 964-0400 ext. 108.
Enjoy a festive spring tea, complete with tempting treats, and an intriguing lesson to go with it on the history of pouring tea in America. Learn first-hand how Federalists preferred their sugar, why the mistress locked the tea chest, and what not-so-nice surprises an alert servant might find among the tea leaves. Following the tea service, children will learn the basics of chocolate – where it comes from, how it’s made, and how it was appreciated – while creating their own three-dimensional chocolate eggs to take home.
Tidal Basin Paddle Boat Rentals Daily until April 27, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (on the hour) with advance registration, until 6 p.m. (last boat rental at 5 p.m.) for walk-up business. Admission: $12/hour for a 2 passenger boat, $19/hour for a 4 passenger boat.
Is there a better way to view the cherry blossoms and D.C.’s breathtaking monuments than from an iconic paddle boat? Weather permitting.
Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Bounce at Pump It Up! Friday April 6. Session 1: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Session 2: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m; Session 3: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tickets: $16.65/child, $5.55/adult (all adults must have a ticket to enter). Advance tickets recommended.
Grab the kiddos and hop on down to Pump It Up for an inflatably great Easter Egg Hunt! Search for Easter Eggs hidden in and around our huge inflatable arenas. Who will find the Golden Prize eggs this year? Maybe you’ll see an Easter bunny too.
Pop In Playtime at Pump It Up Gaithersburg Monday April 2 – Friday April 6, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Monday April 9 – Friday April 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. (EXCEPT on Tuesday when the second session ends at 1 p.m. in order to prepare for Family Jump Time at 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
Admission: $11/child. Bounce house open gym heaven. Note for Pump It Up: At times, parties or special events can be scheduled that overlap with Pop In Playtime hours. Please call ahead at (301) 977-1400 to confirm Pop In Playtime availability. Children under 24 months of age (2 years) are NOT permitted in or on the equipment for any reason (even if accompanied by an adult). Children over 24 months must meet the 34” general height requirement for safety purposes. Socks are required to play on the inflatables.
Remember to leave a comment on this post with YOUR best recommendation to other parents for spring break fun and you will be entered to win TWO tickets to the April 11 opening night performance of Alice.
Artomatic opens tonight, May 18, at 6pm. Artomatic 2012 is a month-long art festival in the DC area that is “by artists, for everyone,” with no charge for admission or workshops.
My IRL friend Jean, writer of the pee-your-pants funny blog 
You see, I grew up visiting Disneyland in California every couple years with my family, but that was a day trip or an overnight visit at the most. And us McFaddens are well-versed in traveling to the beach for a week or making ourselves at home in an urban hotel and exploring a city.
will be on our own with thousands of the happiest acres on earth to conquer.
Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm and 4pm through May 26 (the show extended through Memorial Day!), 4908 Auburn Avenue in Bethesda. (Special days: Princess Parade after 4:00 show on April 28, and a Wig Out Dance Party on May 18 after 7:00pm show– Get your wildest wig or wackiest hairstyle and boogie.)
