It’s all happening at the zoo. In honor of American Zoo Day on Jul. 1, The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) wants to bring the zoo home to you. Zoo and aquarium fans can visit their favorite animals at AZA-accredited facilities around the country by “walking” through AZA’s YouTube playlist.
Hear from zookeepers, view up close footage of your favorite animals, and go behind the scenes to learn more about each species. YouTube playlists play automatically, so kids, big and small, can learn and be entertained while in quarantine.
Visit aza.org for more information and take a “walk” through a zoo virtually, while learning more about the importance of conservation.
We’ve been getting our fix of all things DC with these books and virtual tours. But nothing beats the real deal. If we’re being honest, we long for the halls of the Kennedy Center, the ding-ding of King Street’s trolley and literally every. single. playground in the DMV! Here are 10 things we desperately miss in DC—and look forward to doing again soon.
Taking a Spin on the Conservation Carousel
Devin Murphy for Smithsonian's National Zoo
We can't wait to hop a ride on the National Zoo's Conservation Carousel. We miss the sweet faces of the endangered animals; it's the best ride in town! We also miss the Me & Bee Playground, the talented face painters, Ambika the elephant (sniff, sniff) and all of the animal exhibits. Right now, we're getting our zoo-fix with animal webcams and at-home educational activities.
Hangin' with the Pigeon at the KC
Angelica Lynne Kajiwara
Oh, Mo Willems, how we miss you! We miss the hands-on cartoon workshops at Moonshot Studios. We miss roaming the halls of the Kennedy Center with the Pigeon. And, most of all, we miss the live performances written by Mo himself! We've been keeping ourselves busy with Mo's Lunch Doodles. These virtual classes are now over (sigh), but if you missed them, you can watch them here.
Shhh! Come close. Can we tell you a secret? We love our kids, but we miss kid-free nights on the town. And our favorite place to go for a special occasion? The Dabney! You can order a prix fixed menu that includes an app, dinner and dessert for $45; it's delish, but not the same as sitting in the intimate space enjoying the open kitchen. Sigh!
We love the (free!) Smithsonians. We love the National Mall. But our first stop post-pandemic? The National Museum of the American Indian. We can't wait to get hands-on in the ImagiNation exhibit, to play eye spy with the Native dolls exhibit or to grab a snack at Mitsitam Cafe (they have the best guac in the city!). We look forward to live performances, but in the meantime, we are enjoying these digital lessons.
Hitching a Free Ride on the King St. Trolley
R. Kennedy via Visit Alexandria
Let's face it, the King Street Trolley is literally the highlight of Old Town Alexandria for those 6 & under. A trip down to the waterfront followed by a scoop at Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream is pretty much the perfect weekend day. The Trolley is not currently running, but if you need a lift, check out the abbreviated bus schedule here.
Going to Playgrounds. Period.
Beauvoir, the National Cathedral's Elementary School may have the most picture-perfect playground, but honestly, we'd be happy to hop onto any slide right now. We can't wait to swing, jump and play at one of these 17 playgrounds in and around DC!
We miss perusing the stacks at Kramer Books while we wait for a table at Afterwords. If your kids are missing their mac & cheese, don't fret. You can order Afterwords to-go with a fresh side of books, courtesy of Postmates.
Exploring a New Museum
Meghan Yudes Meyers
The National Children's Museum had barely opened their doors when they had to close them again. We haven't gotten nearly enough of their crafting room, hands-on exhibits or reading nook. We miss exploring this new museum! You can still get your STEAM work on with daily Facebook prompts (here).
Who needs a playground when you can run and play (all day!) at the National Arboretum. We can't wait to stretch our legs on the 10+ miles of trail that cover almost 450 acres of these protected lands. We'll see you soon, National Capitol Columns!
Looking for new ways to spice up your homeschool science curriculum? Even though the Kennedy Space Center is temporarily closed, they are offering a new roster of free online content for children from elementary school to high school. This educational resource will continue to be available throughout May 2020.
Many of the topics also include an interactive at-home activity to keep kids excited and engaged.
Following is the new schedule of featured topics for upcoming virtual lessons:
Just because schools are closed and families are staying indoors for the foreseeable future doesn’t mean your family can’t take a trip to the zoo. So why not visit one of the most famous zoos in the world? The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park have tons of ways your kiddos can see animals and enjoy wild adventures, all virtually. From live wildlife cams to learning about plants and animals, here’s a look at how your kiddos can enjoy the Zoo from the comfort of your own home.
Wildlife Cams Catch all the action on the San Diego Zoo’s 10 Wildlife Live Cams. Each camera features animals at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. These live streaming cams will help your little explorers feel like they’re right there among the polar bears as they watch the wildlife explore, eat, swing, roll, pounce, groom and play through their day.
Watch any of San Diego Zoo Global’s wildlife cams here:
San Diego Zoo Kids Kids can jump right into the world of wildlife with every visit to San Diego Zoo Kids. This family-friendly website is packed with videos about animals, fun stories, hands-on activities and games. You’ll also find information about how to be a superhero to help save species. Don’t forget to also check out the San Diego Zoo Kids Channel. This channel has tons of videos with “wild and cute” content.
ZOONOOZ Online Many readers are familiar with the print edition of San Diego Zoo Global’s magazine. But ZOONOOZ online includes even more fascinating stories about wildlife and ongoing conservation projects around the world. New articles are posted on the website each week, so be sure to visit often and check out the latest content.
San Diego Zoo Animals and Plants Did you know the slender-snouted crocodile is an avid tree climber? Or an ocelot has different markings on each side? From the African giant pouched rat to the zebra, and from cactuses to trees, they’re all on the San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants website. This awesome online site has detailed information, fun trivia, and a user-friendly A-to-Z guide about the most-asked-about species, many of which call the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park home.
Science Blog Middle and high school students can dig into science on the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research science blog. The engaging posts here cover the latest “flap” from the alala education program in Hawaii.
Help Track Wildlife from the Comfort of Home Anyone can become a “citizen scientist” and contribute valuable data to conservation researchers by helping to count, identify and track burrowing owls, giraffes and other wildlife online. Participants in San Diego Zoo Global’s Wildwatch Burrowing Owl and Wildwatch Kenya can view and classify wildlife images that were taken by remote trail cameras.
While life has been put on hold in many ways, it’s business as usual for the animals of San Diego Zoo Global and the crew of wildlife care specialists that are looking out for them. Be sure to virtually visit them soon!
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 or check a park’s website before you pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe!
With shops and restaurants closed through April, chances are you’re craving an opportunity to get out-and-about (while keeping a safe six feet distance). Blooming flowers and warmer weather beg to be enjoyed with long walks. The only thing holding us back–or slowing us down–is our bambino’s stroller. If you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself dead-lifting it up-and-down stairs, lugging it through bumpy gravel, or pumping the brakes down hills. You can take a breath of fresh, spring air–we’ve found a handful of smooth and scenic paths perfect for you and the kid-in-stroller.
Kenwood The Kenwood neighborhood is a great place to take a stroll with your stroller. Well known for the thousands of Yoshino cherry trees that line its streets, this is not an area that should solely be visited during cherry blossom season. This is a wonderful neighborhood, with wide streets, to explore anytime of the year. Creeks and grassy knolls are scattered throughout and the architecture of the houses will take your breath away. The Capital Crescent trail cuts through Kenwood or you can park on the many streets and just walk at your own pace.
Intersection of Little Falls Pkwy. and River Rd., Bethesda, MD
Theodore Roosevelt Island From Rosslyn Circle,start off your adventure by crossingthe pedestrian bridge to the island over the Potomac River. The island is a 91-acre wilderness preserve that serves as a memorial to President Roosevelt, honoring his contributions to conservation of nature. The island has over two miles of foot trails where you can observe a variety of flora and fauna. Need a little history?? In the center of the island, is a bronze statue of Roosevelt along with fountains and granite tablets inscribed with the former president’s conservation values. A variety of trails are available for walking, jogging or running. The Swamp Trail (1½ miles) is mostly flat with a boardwalk section while the Woods (2/3 mile)and Upland (¾ mile )Trails are surfaced with pea-sized gravel. If your little ones decide to ditch the stroller and walk, they can use this online journal to keep track of the miles they hike.
George Washington Memorial Pkwy northbound lanes between Roosevelt Bridge and Key Bridge, Arlington, VA
Online: nps.gov
Georgetown Waterfront Park Enjoy wide paths with beautiful views of the Potomac River, and DCskyline. Not only do you get idyllicpanoramasbut you can also enjoy the serenity of walking along the water’s edge. Stroll along the riverfront promenade, or walk along the paved paths that crisscross the park. From labyrinths to rain gardens to beautiful trees and flowers, there is something for everyone at the Georgetown Waterfront Park.
Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD Trail) Built on the roadbed of the former Washington & Old Dominion Railroad, the W&OD Trail runs 45 miles from Shirlington to Purcellville in Northern Virginia. There are numerous access points with parking, or users can simply walk on or off at a point of their choosing.You can catch it at different points throughout NOVA including Vienna, Reston, Leesburg and Ashburn. It’s fun because you make your way through cities and towns, over creeks and waterways.
I-395 to the Shirlington exit and turn left on South Four Mile Run Dr.
Online: nvrpa.org
Glen Echo Glen Echo Park is a great place to take a leisurely walk. There’s lots of land to cover and the gorgeous Art Deco décor is aesthetically beautiful to see. In the 1890s, it began as a Chautauqua retreat and soon became the premier DC area amusement park, until 1968. The government acquired the land and the National Park Service teamed up with artists and arts organizations to create robust arts programming on the park grounds.
Worth-The-Drive: Cool Spring at Shenandoah University River Campus
If you prefer more than a six feet of buffer space, take a quick 45-minute drive to Loudoun County where wide open (paved) paths are ready for a stroller-stroll. Cool Springs is the site of a former golf course transformed into an outdoor classroom by Shenandoah University. The public is invited to explore the paths that wind along 195 acres of land. Bikes, scooters and four-legged friends are all welcome.
The Smithsonian has released the following statement in regards to the Annual Museum Day: “Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day 2020 will not take place on April 4. As a public health precaution, the Smithsonian is postponing or canceling all public events, programming and gatherings through May 3. We appreciate your understanding.”
Original coverage continues below:
April 4, 2020 is the 16th Annual Museum Day! Designated by Smithsonian Magazine, this annual event invites museums all across the United States to open their doors for free to those who download a branded ticket.
This year is extra special, as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of Smithsonian Magazine. Museums, zoos and cultural centers from all 50 states will offer free admission, an emulation of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, D.C.-based facilities, where you can enter for free every day.
This year, museums in all 50 states have signed up to participate in Smithsonian Magazine’s 2020 Museum Day. In all, more than 1,200 museums are anticipated to be a part of the event.
The theme for this year’s event is Earth Optimism, which is described as “a vision, a set of events, and a movement, to showcase a change in focus from the problem to solution, from a sense of loss to one of hope, in the dialogue about conservation and sustainability.”
If you’d like to take advantage of Museum Day 2020, you can can visit Smithsonianmag.com/museumday to learn more and download a ticket. Each ticket allows the ticket holder and one guest free access to any participating museum on Apr. 4, 2020, and there is a limit of one ticket per email address. To see the full list of participating museums, visit smithsonianmag.com/museumday/search.
Are you planning your next family vaycay? Budget Direct Travel wants to help. Using TripAdvisor reviews, the site created a map of the world’s highest rated places for kids to visit.
Budget Direct looked at TripAdvisor data from August and September 2019, searching each country’s best things to do page. The travel pros then applied the “Good for Kids” filter to further refine the results.
So where are the best places to travel with your kiddos? The top picks in North America include Green Iguana Conservation Project in Belize, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and Varadero Beach in Cuba.
Europe’s best attractions include the War Childhood Museum in Sarajevo, the medieval town square in Krakow, Poland and much more!
When it comes to the best places to visit with kids in Africa, Budget Direct’s data suggests Ranch Yassmina Djerba La Douce on the Tunisian island of Djerba and Bab’s Dock in Benin.
If you’re traveling to Asia, some of the top-rate choices include South Korea’s Spirited Garden and the Living Land Company in Laos.
Travelers to South America may want to check out Mi Teleferico cable car in La Paz, Bolivia and families ready to trek across the globe should visit, according to the data, Tamworth Marsupial Park.
The Crocodile Hunter loved all kinds of animals, but if there’s one his name is obviously most synonymous with it’s crocodiles. Steve Irwin’s son Robert just recreated a photo his dad took with the same crocodile and the resemblance is uncanny.
Robert Irwin shared a photo on Instagram standing in an identical pose and outfit and with the same crocodile as his dad 15 years ago. “Dad and me feeding Murray… same place, same croc – two photos 15 years apart.” Robert wrote in the caption that accompanied the side-by-side comparison shots. In each photo father and son are feeding the gaping croc as the crowd watches.
Robert and his sister Bindi have clearly inherited their dad’s love of animals and its not hard to see why as Irwin clearly included the entire family in his passion and animal adventures. Both kids along with their mom, Terri, have continued Irwin’s legacy by running the Australia Zoo and working tirelessly for animal conservation.
A family trip to South Africa ended up changing the life of nine-year-old Kate Gilman Williams in ways she couldn’t imagine. When she learned about the many threats that wildlife face like poaching, Williams returned home with a passion to help animals that come to harm at the hands of humans.
With the help of South African professional wildlife guide, Michelle Campbell, Williams turned her passion into a children’s book, Let’s Go On Safari. The book, which comes out May 6, encourages children all over the globe to be an advocate for wild animals.
Williams is not only making her mark with peers her own age, she’s also caught the eye of other big-name celebrities in the wildlife field. Recently, she’s come to the attention of Dr. Jane Goodall of the Goodall Institute, Angela Sheldrick of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Brian Sheth, Chairman of the Global Wildlife Conservation, The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund and even Ryan Seacrest!
When asked what the main theme she wants her readers to take away, Williams states “that saving African animals and not poaching is important––and I want to tell kids they can make a difference, too.”
You can purchase your copy of Let’s Go on Safari starting May 6 from Crickhollow Books.
Barbie is getting ready to add a few inspiring new jobs to her already full resume. Mattel has just announced a new line of National Geographic Barbie dolls focusing on conservation and STEM related fields.
Mattel and National Geographic have partnered up to release a new line of Barbie dolls and play sets that highlight jobs in which women are underrepresented, including Wildlife Conservationist, Astrophysicist, Polar Marine Biologist, Wildlife Photojournalist and Entomologist. The entire line will be authenticated by an advisory council comprised of female National Geographic Explorers, as well as National Geographic magazine editor in chief Susan Goldberg.
“Barbie allows girls to try on new roles through storytelling by showing them they can be anything and, through our partnership with National Geographic, girls can now imagine themselves as an Astrophysicist, Polar Marine Biologist and more,” said Lisa McKnight, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Barbie in a statement. “Barbie and National Geographic represent a powerhouse combination and our joint creative efforts allow kids to explore the world and different career fields right in their own homes.”
The new line will start rolling out in stores starting in Fall 2019, with dolls and play sets ranging in price from $14.99 to $29.99. Leading up to the launch, related content will be rolling out on the Barbie YouTube channel.
“Helping people understand the world is, and always has been, the core purpose of National Geographic,” said Susan Goldberg, editor in chief of National Geographic magazine and editorial director of National Geographic Partners. “Through our partnership with Barbie, we are excited to reach kids in a new way, using the power of play to inspire our next generation of explorers, scientists and photographers.”
