ML Interest Tag: percussion-instruments

7 Best Parks with Fun, Unique Activities

by Bonnie Taylor

Not all parks are created equal—these parks in San Diego are hiding some of the best kid-friendly activities and we’re spilling the beans

Playgrounds and parks can quickly run their course which is why we’re dishing about these 7 parks with hidden gems around San Diego where your kids can up the ante on playtime. From a musical garden with real xylophones to volcano hiking and nature scavenger hunts, here’s where you can discover new adventures for kids both big and small.

1. Musical Garden at Briercrest Park in La Mesa

Bring music to your ears during a visit to this sensory park at Briercrest Park. You’ll find four mallet percussion instruments that have the sound quality worthy of an orchestra. This park also has a cute mosaic butterfly labyrinth for kids to follow, an herb garden, frog and lizard sculptures to climb on, and our favorites: the bridges and gently rolling grassy hills to run on.

9001 Wakarusa St.
La Mesa
Online: cityoflamesa.com

2. Volcano Hiking at Lake Calavera in Carlsbad

If you’re looking for a little more adventure, take a hike on a volcano. Don’t worry though, it’s considered extinct as it last erupted over 20 million years ago. There are lots of easy and well-maintained trails crisscrossing all over this volcano. The loop trail up and around the lake and over the dam is almost 2 miles, but getting up to the top might be a bit too much for little legs to do on their own. Consider an out-and-back trip that starts on the easy flat foothills. The main entrance is on Tamarack where the bathrooms are and quick access to take the trail over the dam.

Secret Tip: If you get to the top, you’ll see a chain link fence, and just beyond that is a really cool rock labyrinth and other rock art that others have left behind.

Tamarack Ave. near Strata Dr.
Carlsbad
Online: carlsbadca.gov

3. Pump Track at Pacific Highlands in Carmel Valley

Pump it up at this rad pump track. It’s open to all wheels, so bring scooters, skateboards, and bikes to roll over these bumps. Don't forget the helmets and pads! There are two tracks, the one on the right is a bit easier for littles or beginners since the one on the left has slightly deeper dips to get up and over. Both tracks have a one-way route that is clearly marked so everyone rolls in the same direction. Bathrooms are about a 5-minute walk across the soccer fields, so plan ahead.

Good to know: It’s a little tricky to find once you’re at the rec center. Park in the smaller lot closer to the main street on Village Center Loop Road. Walk towards the left of the soccer fields where you’ll find the exercise stations, then walk all the way down towards the bike park.

5977 Village Loop Rd.
Carmel Valley
Online: sandiego.gov

4. Fishing at Santee Lakes

You don’t need a boat to take the kids fishing here. There are seven different lakes to choose from but most fish from the shoreline. You’ll need to buy a fishing permit from the Gatehouse as you enter or from outside park staff. No fishing permits are needed for children under 7, but they must be with an adult who has one. Check the website for details about other ages and permits, as well as fishing limits and catch & release rules.

9310 Fanita Pkwy.
Santee
Online: santeelakes.com

5. Skateboarding at Linda Vista Skate Park

Grab the boards and your little skaters and head to the skate park. There are so many skate parks in San Diego that I’m sure you’ll find one in your neighborhood. The Linda Vista Skate Park is the largest and one of the newest in San Diego. There are plenty of areas for all skill levels to practice tricks or just to learn how to ride.

Good To Know: Helmets and knee & elbow pads are required at all skate parks. Some have a nominal entry fee, while others are free.

7064 Levant St.
Linda Vista
Online: sandiego.gov

6. Splash at the Waterfront Park in Downtown San Diego

Splish splash the day away at the always fun Waterfront Park downtown. Kids love to frolic through the fountains as they spray into the pool area. This is great for littles because it has a zero entry and the depth is just a couple of inches. There’s a playground just behind the splash area and a large grassy field for kids to run around. Sometimes the snack shop is open and there are bathrooms closer to the playground. There's no shade so bring your own tents or pop-ups as there’s plenty of grassy areas to set them up.

Insider’s Tip: There are actually two splash areas. The main one is in front of the playground on the South side of the County Administration Building, but if you walk North of the building you’ll find another large splash park that’s usually less crowded.

1600 Pacific Highway
Downtown
Online: sdparks.org

7. Nature Scavenger Hunts at San Dieguito County Park in Del Mar

Just one more reason to love San Dieguito County Park are all the interactive self-guided kids programs they have. Once you pass the entry ranger station, look just beyond the booth and you’ll find a little information stand. It’s filled with pamphlets to grab for Scavenger Hunts, Nature Hide & Seek and a Sensory Challenge. You’ll find this cute Butterfly Garden to the right of the entry ranger booth next to the bathrooms. When you’ve found everything on your scavenger hunt, head over to Activity Hill where you’ll find the most amazing swinging bridges, climbing walls and staircase lookouts.

1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr.
Del Mar
Online: sdparks.org

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19 Festivals That’ll Put Some ‘Spring’ in Your Step

by rtveronicahughes

Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, sometimes closures occur at the last minute due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the spread of Covid-19. We highly recommend that you call ahead before you pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe!

Jump into DC’s rich culture by experiencing the festival scene!  Now that spring is around the corner, so are some of the area’s favorite outdoor festivals, from vintage cars to blooming cherry blossoms.The best part? Most of this fun is free! Read on for the best spring festivals in DC.

bubble festival, party, birthday, summer
photo:Trust “Tru” Katsande via Unsplash  

MARCH

National Cherry Blossom Festival
The most popular way to welcome spring, the National Cherry Blossom Festival centers around the blooming of DC’s breathtaking Cherry Blossom trees, and the gift of enduring friendship their spectacular beauty represents. Signature events include the Blossom Kite Festival on March 28th, the Festival Parade on April 4th featuring lavish floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands and more and live music and fireworks at Petalpalooza on April 11th. Most events are free and open to the public.

When: Mar. 20-April 12
Where: Various locations
Online:nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

APRIL

Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival
As the largest one-day celebration of Japanese culture in the country, this festival brings music, food, dance, art, and language-learning to the Cherry Blossom Festival. Listen to Japanese rock music (performed in traditional kimono and hakama); feast on hibachi, sushi, miso soup, and soba noodles; learn about aikido and classical Japanese martial arts; and enjoy contemporary compositions that use taiko, fue (bamboo flute), and other narimono (percussion instruments). You had us at soba noodles.

When: April 4, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Between 3rd & 7th St., NW
Online: sakuramatsuri.org

Anacostia River Festival
This fun festival marks the end of the National Cherry Blossom Festival and celebrates the Anacostia River with canoe rides, a bike parade, lawn games and art displays. Put on your rubber boots, grab an oar, and come enjoy a day full of river fun.

When: April 5, 1-5 p.m.
Where: Corner of Good Hope Rd. SE and Anacostia Dr. SE, Anacostia
Online: bbardc.org

Arlington Arts Festival
Clarendon, Virginia’s hotspot of fun, blossoms with true visual inspiration as over 100 artists showcase their works, including glass, mixed media, paintings, jewelry, and pottery. The kids can take care of their Mother’s Day gifts while you casually point out your favorite pieces. Make a day of it by saving room for lunch and romping at a local playground. Free admission.

When: April 25-26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where:3003 Washington Blvd. in Arlington, VA
Online: artfestival.com

Cherry Hill Ice Cream Social 
Cherry Hill celebrates the start of its open house season with some family fun! Enjoy yard games, tours and ice cream. Try your hand at churning old fashioned ice cream with a machine that dates back to the 1860’s.

When: April 4, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Cherry Hill Farmhouse 312 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA
Online: cherryhillfallschurch.org

Bluebells at The Bend
Celebrate the Virginia Bluebells that carpet the early spring forest at Riverbend Park. Witness the mass bloom of thousands of bluebells and spring wildflowers across the Potomac River, and enjoy fun-filled activities for the whole family, including Wildflower Walks, live music,  face painting, live animals and much more! Pre-sale tickets are $7 online until April 10. Regular tickets are $9 at the gate.

When: April 11, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Where: Riverbend Park in Great Falls, VA
Online: fairfaxcounty.gov

Reston Founder’s Day Festival
Celebrate Reston and its founder Robert E. Simon Jr. during this special day full of fun family friendly activities and entertainment.

When: April 18, Noon-4:00 p.m.
Where: Lake Anne Plaza, 1609 Washington Plaza W, Reston, VA
Online: restonmuseum.org

Georgetown French Market
For little Francophiles dreaming of a trip to Paris, satisfy their wanderlust at the Georgetown French Market where a “je ne sais quio” – or perhaps the scent of chocolat croissants – will capture their attention. Open air shopping, flowers, bicyclettes, pastries for days, and more await mini Parisans, while strolling musicians, mimes and other performers keep little ones dazzled between bites of those aforementioned pain au chocolat.

When: April 24-26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Wisconsin Avenue, From O St. to Reservoir Rd., Georgetown
Online: georgetowndc.com

MAY

National Cathedral Spring Flower Mart
Nothing says spring like a rainbow of flower blossoms, and the National Cathedral’s flower mart will help your kids appreciate the colorful array of flora our area has to offer. The mart has close to 80 exhibitors showing floral designs, gardening products, jewelry and more. But flowers aren’t the only thing your kids will love about this festival. It also features All Hallows Guild’s antique carousel, one of two surviving carousels dating from 1890.

When: May 1-2
Where: National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Cathedral Heights
Online: allhallowsguild.org

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
This year’s Bethesda Fine Arts festival features 130 artists in various genres including live rock, jazz and reggae music. Walk through the festival and peruse unique jewelry, clothing and furniture on display. Then stop by local restaurants to enjoy pizza, barbecue, sandwiches and ice cream.

When: May 9, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; May 10, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Where: Woodmont Triangle; along Norfolk, Auburn and Del Ray Ave.., Bethesda, MD
Online: bethesda.org

Quarterfest
Enjoy a festival showcasing the diversity of Arlington’s food scene as Taste of Arlington becomes Quarterfest. This festival transforms Wilson Blvd. into a vibrant dining, shopping and family-fun festival for all ages. Experience a restaurant crawl showcasing eateries of the neighborhood and an extended two-day outdoor concert and pop-up street pub.

When: May 16, Noon-8:00 p.m.
Where: Wilson Blvd., between N. Taylor and N. Quincy Sts., Arlington, VA
Online: quarterfestballston.org

photo: Scott Webb via Unsplash 

ViVa! Vienna!
The Rotary Club of Vienna sponsors the ViVa! Vienna! event, which celebrates the unity and strength of the Vienna community and honors Memorial Day. This event, a time of family fun and pleasure, serves as a major fund raising opportunity for the Rotary Club so that it may, in turn, provide support for charitable, educational, and community groups the following year. Rides, food and lots of family fun!

When: May 23-May 25, 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Where: 245 Maple Ave. W., Vienna, VA
Online: vivavienna.org

City of Falls Church 39th Annual Memorial Day Festival & Parade
Join over 10,000 visitors to City Hall grounds to enjoy the Don Beyer Fun Run; Veterans’ Ceremony; children’s activities; food, civic, and retail vendors; and of course – the parade!

When: May 25, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Where: City of Falls Church City Hall, 300 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA
Online: fallschurchva.gov

Herndon Festival
The Herndon Festival takes place in historic downtown Herndon and attracts an average of 80,000 people each year. This outdoor festival provides a fun-filled experience by combining the joy of an outdoor concert with the thrill of a summertime carnival. There’s something for everyone.

When: May 28-May 31
Where: Northwest Federal Credit Union, 200 Spring St., Herndon, VA
Online: herndonfestival.net

Charles Village Festival
The Charles Village Festival brings together the entire Greater Charles Village community for a two-day festival that includes a block party with live music, a garden walk tour, and a 5k and 1k kids fun run. All proceeds raised from the event benefit local non-profit organizations.

When: May 30 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; May 31, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Where: Wyman Park Dell; 29th and Charles St., Baltimore, MD
Online: charlesvillagefestival.net

photo: John Cayetano via Unsplash

Washington Folk Festival
The Washington Folk Festival showcases the diversity of traditional music in the Washington area. All musicians, storytellers, dancers, and crafts people live in the greater Washington metropolitan area and volunteer their talents to put on the festival.

When: May 30-May 31, Noon- 7:00 p.m.
Where: Glen Echo Park; 7300 Macarthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD
Online: fsgw.org

JUNE

Old Town Festival of Speed and Style
The lower three blocks of King Street will be blocked off and vintage cars from the 50s, 60s, 70s and select luxury race cars will be on view. Join special fashion events and pop-ups around Old Town that make the event great for everyone. All proceeds will benefit charity partner ACT for Alexandria, a community foundation focused on increasing charitable investment and community engagement.

When: June 7
Where: 100 – 300 Blocks of King Street, Old Town Alexandria, VA
Online: festivalspeedstylealex.com

Celebrate Fairfax!
This annual festival features concerts on various stages, a comedy hypnotist and fireworks! Other fun experiences includes a petting zoo, carnival rides, a 5K race, karaoke competition and even a donut eating contest!

When: June 5-June 7
Where: 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax, VA
Online:celebratefairfax.com

Imagination Bethesda
Celebrate children, art, and all things fun at Imagination Bethesda. Activity tents line the streets, face painters bring butterflies and pirates to life, a stage of live entertainment will have the whole street dancing and more!

When: June 6, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.  
Where: Woodmont Ave. & Elm St., Bethesda, MD
Online: bethesda.org
––Veronica Hughes, Guiomar Ochoa, Jamy Bond and Katie Brown
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Press Play: Why Music Is Beneficial to Your Kid’s Development

By Edward Cota

How many times have you seen Youtube videos of little boys and girls dancing to latest pop or hip hop video? And they never miss a beat! I’m an adult and I have a still have a hard time not looking silly on the dance floor!

Yes, we are fascinated by this mastery of rhythm and singing in the youngest ones and that is because music is an essential stimulus in them: it transforms them, entertains them and teaches them many things. Let’s take a look at all of the positive effects that music can have on children:

1. Music Fosters Creativity

Music stimulates the right side of the brain – the creative side. Music helps mold or visualization, visualization capabilities, and creativity. Music helps a child’s imagination travel through a diversity of different worlds, living experiences and emotions that enrich their mind.

One of the best instruments to practice creativity is the drums. With them, kids can learn to keep the rhythm and tempo of song (and dance onbeat J Surely many would love to have a drum set at home. But I learned this the hard way, for your own sanity, try to go for an electrical one or invest in some quality good headphones.

2. Music enhances Concentration

Listening to music helps your child focus his attention on the different sounds and tones of the song, enhancing his concentration. Instruments such as the guitar, piano and violin are the best options after your kid is at least 5 years old.

Their constant practice will make them develop a greater capacity of memory, concentration and coordination. All this will be reflected in an increase in their self-esteem and self-worth, as they may for example get to play along their favorite song, while beginning to understand the importance of being perseverant.

3. Improved motor skills

Dancing makes children follow the rhythm of music finding a new way of expressing themselves through their body. Arms and legs begin to move harmoniously, coordinating their movements -or at least, trying to do so- and improving their motor development.

Both dance and movement will increase your physical performance, facilitating sleep and reducing stress. And I’m all for anything that helps my little one fall asleep faster.

4. Better Auditory Perception

The different notes, low and high, help your ears begin to differentiate the different tones of melodies. Your eardrums begin to mature –  recognizing the different sounds, improving your overall hearing and understanding of music.

I played the piano, saxophone, and clarinet as a kid. To this day, I am able to hear and appreciate music better than most of the people around me. Regardless of the genre, friends of mine who grew up either playing or producing music have a much better awareness and understanding of the melodies and harmonies that underpin some of our favorite songs.

5. Reinforces language

Children like repetition and imitation, singing pieces that they know will enhance and refine their language and help them communicate their feelings in a different way, as well as helping them to memorize more effectively. That said, if I hear the Gummy song one more time, my head may explode.

6. Sociability

Music helps children socialize. Thanks to music, groups are created where children begin to communicate with each other. Good instruments to play in a group setting are percussion instruments such as the maracas, the triangle, drums or the congas.

Musical work strengthens cooperative work, respect for oneself and others, toleration of (inevitable) mistakes of others, solidarity and being more open to criticism. In short, children are emotional beings and sound has a powerful effect on affectivity.

Music is essential for children from the earliest ages. Logically it is one of those things that is at the last level of the priorities of these families since we’re focused on things like housing, education, health – the basics. And many school programs are cutting back on the arts unfortunately as they face a shortage of funding. Collectively, we need to ensure that music remains in our schools.

I have seen the joy in countless children’s faces as they sing their favorite songs, gleefully dancing along to the music with other parents and friends.

For me, music instills a childhood with all the positive effects of perseverance, teamwork and creativity. So please don’t stop the music.

Im a lover of all things food and drink and can offer tips on the best cookware, restaurants and recipes that you'll be sure to love.

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15 Museums Kids Love to Visit in the Winter

by rtvictoriamason

The weather outside has been downright frightful. Keep those mittens and scarves at the ready and keep cozy this winter by visiting these entertaining and educating exhibits at the Districts finest and funnest museums. Funnest is totally a word, right? Venture out of your four walls and find fun with the kiddos today. Stay warm DC!

National Building Museum

The National Building Museum explores architecture through design, construction, and engineering. There are two distinct areas where children can experience the process first-hand. The Building Zone — geared towards kids 2 to 6 years of age — lets little ones stack and balance faux bricks, drive a miniaturized bulldozer, and romp around a “green” playhouse for up to 45 minutes (This area is included in the cost of admission, but you can opt to skip the other exhibits and pay just $3 per child). The other — Play Work Build — has foam blocks of varying sizes allowing adults and children alike to build and demolish their own creations.

Open: Monday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm; Sunday, 11 am-5 pm
Cost: $10/adults, $7/kids (3 and up)

401 F St., NW
202-272-2448
Online: nbm.org

Hirschorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Hirshorn Museum

The preschool set can fight the chill and take part in the Hirshorn’s library and art pop up program on any given Saturday this winter. It’s easy peasey to do too. Grab a parent’s hand and find a gallery cart full of fun kits with real finds. Each kit combines a special theme with adventures in reading, suggested artwork to view and real hands-on art materials to help little ones create their own masterpieces.

Cost: Free

Independence Ave., SW & 7th St., SW 
202-633-1000
Online: hirshorn.si.edu

College Park Aviation Museum

If the little ones in your brood love airplanes, the College Park Aviation Museum is a must-see. Ten full-sized airplanes fill the space—some let kids crawl in and play around, while others are hung high above your head. But before you hit the cockpit, make sure to grab a pilot’s jacket and helmet. Swing by the museum on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month for Peter Pan Club, a meet up for preschoolers that features aviation story time and craft workshops.

Cost: $4/adult; $2/kids

1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr. (College Park, Md)
301-864-6029
Online: collegeparkaviationmuseum.com

Playseum

From dress up, to grocery shopping, and a president’s corner, you might just have to spend the entire day here. With more than a dozen themed play areas, you and your tots won’t have time to get bored. Buy Playseum Dollars from the front desk so that the kiddos can use them to decorate a cookie, paint a ceramic plate, or create candy lip balm! And check out their weekly happenings, like Moms are Free Mondays and Five Dollar Fridays.

Cost: $9/person

7000 Wisconsin Ave. (Bethesda, Md)
(301) 807-8028
Online: playseum.com

National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery

Explore! With the National Portrait Gallery this winter. Tiny tots ages 18 months up to eight years will love the kid-friendly space designed just for them. The Explore! Exhibit will teach little ones about portraiture by asking them questions like, “What is a portrait?” “How does my face show emotions to other people? and “How do I see myself?” This is a place for noise, touching and all the things tiny hands and mouth like to do but can’t when in the usual portrait gallery.

Cost: Free
Eighth and F Sts., NW
Online: npg.si.edu

National Museum of the American Indian

On the third level of the National Museum of the American Indian, you’ll find the imagiNATIONS Activity Center, where kids learn how to interact with the environment around them. They’ll weave baskets from different material, see different types of houses made from wood or mud, and even learn to walk in snowshoes! Snuggle up in a cornerwith a book about Native cultures or make some noise with the percussion instruments scattered around.

Cost: Free

4th St. and Independence Ave., SW (L’Enfant Plaza)
202-633-1000
Online: nmai.si.edu

Children's Museum of Richmond

This museum may be a day trip away, but it’s totally worth it! Little ones stay busy playing with solar powered Sun Tubes, fixing a car, picking play-apples from an apple tree, and creating their own masterpieces in the Art Studio. When the weather is warm explore the Backyard, which features waterworks, a sandbox, and good ol’ green grass. Don’t forget to hop on the $2/ride carousel. Bonus: If you have older kids in your crew, split up with grown-ups and let them check out the Science Museum of Richmond that’s just next door.

Cost: $9

2626 West Broad St. (Richmond, Va)
804-474-7000
Online: c-mor.org

National Postal Museum

If you’ve never checked out the National Postal Museum (or didn’t even know it existed), you’re not alone–many locals overlook this NoMa gem for its flashier counterparts on the National Mall. But, for kids, this free Smithsonian Institution is a slam dunk since the museum encourages visitors to feel, climb into, sit in, and throw–yes, throw!–many of its exhibits. In addition to a ridiculously extensive stamp collection (little stamp lovers will be in heaven), read on to find out some of the museum’s other kid-approved features.

Cost: Free

2 Massachusetts Ave., NE (Union Station)
Hours: Daily, 10 am-5:30 pm
202-633-5555
Online: postalmuseum.si.edu

B&O Railroad Museum

Train loving kids will likely lose their marbles at this historic landmark. The museum invites little ones (and their grown-ups to see, touch, hear and explore one of the largest railroad collections in the country. For the under-eight set, the museum’sChoo Choo Blue Kid Zone is a must visit. On weekends there are story and activity times, and there’s always a train table or two for kiddos to tinker with.

Cost: $18/adults; $12/kids

901 W. Pratt St. (Baltimore)
410-752-2490
Online: borail.org/

National Museum of American History

The collection of Smithsonian museums are a treasure trove of exploration, but for hands-on, interactive fun make a bee-line for the National Museum of American History, which has features interactive learning experiences for newborns to middle schoolers. Wegman’s Wonderplace is designed for the youngest visitors (0 to 6) with plenty of opportunity to explore pint-sized versions of the Smithsonian’s most popular exhibits, from a kid-sized version of Julia’s kitchen to a smaller version of The Castle. Spark!Lab — for ages of 6 and 12 — lets visitors explore the invention process from start to finish.

Open: Daily, 10 am-5:30 pm
Cost: Free

14th St and Constitution Aves., NW
Online:
americanhistory.si.edu

Loudoun Heritage Farm Museums

This hidden gem (tucked in Claude Moore Park) offers a unique, historic experience. Kids can play with authentic artifacts, like the antique cash register in the Waxpool General Store or make-believe they are cooking dinner in Grandma’s Kitchen (complete with a rocking chair on the front porch). The Children’s Farm has a faux egg collecting station, a cow to milk, life-sized stuffed animals, a puppet theater, and a plethora of books about farms and animals.

Cost: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors/military, $3 for children 2-12

21668 Heritage Farm Ln. (Sterling, Va)
Online: loudounmuseum.com

National Museum of Natural History

For the 10 and under set, the exhibit space Q?rius (housed inside the Natural History museum) offers drawers brimming with curiosities. Your pint-sized explores will enjoy digging through drawers filled with rocks, minerals, insects and more. When your kids are done exploring the natural world, they can explore the cultures of the world in the same space! There are also drawers filled with clothing and dolls from other countries.

Cost: Free

10th Street and Constitution Aves., NW
Online: naturalhistory.si.edu

Port Discovery Children’s Museum

This museum often tops the "best of" in nationwide lists. And for good reason! The three-story climbing-maze-treehouse alone is worth the visit! Kids can explore a 1950s diner, an Egyptian tomb, an indoor soccer stadium (complete with a score board), The third Friday of every month is just $2 from 4 pm to close.

Cost: $14.95 general admission (2 and up)

35 Market Place (Baltimore, Md)
Online:
portdiscovery.org

Children’s Science Center

In case you haven’t heard, a whopping 50,000 square foot science museum is slated to open at Kincora in the Dulles in 2019. But in the meantime, you’ll find a scaled-down version aptly named “The Lab” in Fair Oaks Mall. Kids 2 and up can experience science through four distinct areas - the Experiment Bar, the Inspiration Hub, the Tinker Hub and the Discovery Zone. a water play area and more.

When: Open, 10:00 am-8:00 pm
Cost: $12 general admission; 2 and under are free

11948 Fair Oaks Mall (Fairfax, Va)
Online: childsci.org

Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum

This small, super-interactive museum features three floors and a roof top terrace full of fun for the 1 to 12 set. Some of the new exhibits include a real ambulance with lights and hands on tools to role play a rescue and a full size triceratops bone structure and a paleontology bone digging area. The roof-top terrace has a life-size checkers game, shade pavilion, and gardens.

Cost: $8; Free/kids under 2

16 W. Cork St. (Winchester, Va)
Online: discoverymuseum.net

Which museum does your tot like to hang out at? Tell us in the comments section below.

—Victoria Mason and Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Photos courtesy of Playseum via Facebook, Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Children’s Museum of Richmond via Facebook, National Building Museum via Facebook, College Park Aviation Museum via Facebook, Elvert Barnes via Creative Commons, B&O Railroad Museum via Facebook

 

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Bore-Proof Ways to Spend the Day at the Museum

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Just Opened: OMSI’s Mazes

by Kelley Gardiner

You’ve played Mouse Trap and even tackled Bella Organic’s annual fall corn maze. Take your brood’s love of games, puzzles and everything brain-teasing to the next level at Mazes, the brand new exhibit at OMSI that gives a whole new meaning to family game night. Now through May 6, this highly interactive exhibit will have you lost (and found!) in a real winding maze, and solving mind boggling illusions and puzzles. Read on to find out what you’re bound to get yourself twisted up in.

photo: Kelley Gardiner

Mazes
The focal points of the exhibits, that take up the most real estate and will probably get your little explorers most excited, are the two mazes to wind through. The first, and largest, is the Maze of Illusions. As you make your way through the maze, you’ll find plenty of optical illusions to solve or just enjoy. As you encounter each illusions, make sure you pay attention because you’ll need to remember them in order to find your way back out of the maze. Volunteers monitor the maze, and emergency exits are available on each end just in case anyone starts to lose their nerve. Expect to spend 10-15 minutes winding your way through.

The Junior Maze is shorter, both in height and distance, for younger problem-solvers. They’ll find percussion instruments along the way to jingle, bang, and beat, so expect a little bit of volume. If your child is old enough to stand up, they can enjoy bead races and turning wheels with marbles.

Good to know: The Maze of Illusions and Junior Maze are not accessible by wheelchair, motorized scooter, or strollers. 


Puzzles
In addition to those mazes, there are plenty of puzzles and activities to keep your family entertained. Several patterned floor mazes (like the colored path maze, and headlong maze) near the entrance encourage problem-solving, and trial and error, as kids enter the maze and figure out the solution with their feet and brains. A rope course is tricky enough to keep older kids thinking as they try to scramble up, around and through without getting tangled in the “intricate web of ropes.”

photo: Kelley Gardiner

Hands-On Activities
If you’ve still got brainpower after solving puzzles and triumphantly exiting the maze, OMSI’s new exhibit has plenty to do. Build your own marble race, draw a maze and display your masterpiece for all to see, try balancing on a balance board with an embedded marble, and learn about the history of mazes. At the far end of the exhibit, your family is encouraged to “Make a Maze” with long soft blocks, getting kids of all ages (even toddlers) in on the fun.

photo: Kelley Gardiner

The Scoop:
Mazes is included with a regular OMSI admission, which gives visitors access to all other exhibit halls (Earth Hall, Life Hall, Turbine Hall, Science Labs, and Science Playground), $13 adult, $9.50 3-13, and members get in for free.

OMSI
1945 SE Water Ave.
503-797-4000
Online: omsi.edu

Have you visited this new exhibit at OMSI yet? What did your family think? Let us know in the comments!

—Kelley Gardiner

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House Call: Classes That Come To You

by kim orchen cooper

You can customize your coffee (we know you like your half-caf, almond milk, extra hot, wet cappuccino), your burger, your cold-pressed juice and your workout. But what about kids classes?  They’re always at the wrong time, for the wrong age and on the wrong side of town. With these classes that come to you, you can ditch the drive and have it just the way you like it.

photo credit: smallSHOP

Artsy-Fartsy Fun

TuneLittle
Crafty kids mix it up with candle making, bubble painting and a myriad of materials, courtesy of the creative mind of local teacher Lonnie Martinez. Miss Lonnie will come to your home with everything you need. 1-hour lessons start at $150 for a group, $75 for individuals, and all and any ages are welcome. She also teaches song-writing and gives guitar lessons, so you can maximize your culture with a minimum of stress.

Website: tunelittle.com
Email: tunelittle@yahoo.com

smallSHOP
Ready to venture beyond finger painting and crayons? The working artists of smallSHOP encourage mini-Manets and pint-sized Picassos to express themselves with a variety of media, depending upon the ages and interests of the group. 60-minutes lessons for up to 4 kids (including materials) begin at $150; check with smallSHOP for options and times. Perfect for parties or recurring lessons.

Website: smallshopathome.com
Phone: 310-815-1669

 

Dance Till You Drop

Funky Divas & Dudes
Get a groove going with Funky Divas & Dudes, who bring all the accouterments and accessories for a myriad of movement classes, including cheerleading, breakdancing, fairytale acting, ballet and Broadway. Peewee personalities shine in the theme of your choice, while building coordination and self-confidence.

Website: funkydivasanddudes.com
Phone: 310-838-8387

photo credit: The BeatBuds

March To The Beat of Your Own Drum

The BeatBuds
The BeatBuds bring home the basics in ‘jam sessions’ designed for your own mix of mini musicians aged 6 months to 6 years. Using a combo of real percussion instruments, vocal technique and rhythm-making props, the band of pros give high-energy hands-on experience during 4- or 6-week sessions with a minimum of 8 kids.

Website: thebeatbuds.com
Phone: 818-642-7279

Kickin’ It In the Kitchen

Kitchen Kid
Concocting a meal is one of childhood’s purest forms of creativity. The culinary coaches at Kitchen Kid will help take it to the next delicious level, while sneaking in age-appropriate and super-fun science and math skills. Their thematic culinary adventures include ‘Books for Cooks’ and ‘Mom’s Night Off’, with countless possibilities depending upon the age and interests of the group.

Website: kitchenkid.com
Phone: 310-450-3462

photo credit: Kitchen Kid

The Sporting Life

Head Above Water
Head Above Water takes the stress out of learning to swim. Their roster of super-experienced instructors are known for their nurturing approach to teaching even the tiniest tadpole to float. Individual lessons or group options are available, with pool owners offered a discount for hosting. Prices for a 6-lesson Parent & Me session starts at $195 per person for 2 kiddos; contact Head Above Water to get specifics about group classes.

Website: headabovewater.net
Phone: 310-867-9282

photo credit: Super Soccer Stars facebook page

Super Soccer Stars
Kickin’ it with your best buddies is an awesome way to run off energy while learning cooperation and sportsmanship. The kid-friendly coaches at Super Soccer Stars bring it on at the time and place of your choosing, indoors or outdoors. Groups can be organized per coach, with a maximum number of kiddos, starting as young as 2. Or put together a tiny ‘team’ of at least 4 tots; rates depend upon age and each participant pays a set rate per class. See Super Soccer Stars’ website for full details.

Website: la.supersoccerstars.com
Phone: 310-998-0010

– Kim Orchen Cooper

Do you have a favorite class that caters to your kids and schedule?  Let us know!

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