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 pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe!
Make room on your calendar because we’ve got Peppa Pig at the LA Zoo, caterpillar adoptions at Kidspace, dancing with Debbie Allen and oh-so much more. Read on for all the details!
"Onward" at El Capitan Theatre
Mar. 5-Mar. 22. For two weeks in March, Pixar's latest movie, Onward, will be playing at Hollywood's historic El Capitan Theatre. There will be pre-show photo ops in front of the Onward mural wall in the lobby, plus a chance to meet a real-life version of Guinevere, the groovy purple van (aka mighty steed) in the movie. Event details.
Sun., March 8. Join Emmy Award-winner Debbie Allen and instructors from Debbie Allen Dance Academy for the 5th season of outdoor dancing for the whole family! The free event takes place at The Wallis's Promenade Terrace and this month will feature salsa with Debbie Allen, a live band and more. Event details.
Sun., March 8. Join thousands of Los Angeles Marathon runners and their supporters for an afternoon of free music, games, giveaways and more at the official Finish Festival on the Third Street Promenade. The festival is FREE and open to the public. Come down and party! Event details.
Butterfly Celebration at Kidspace
Courtesy of Kidspace
Sat. & Sun., March 14-15. Help Kidspace launch the 2020 Butterfly Season—and caterpillar adoption bonanza! Enjoy themed activities around the museum, catch our roaming butterflies Dot and Spot, and also learn how to attract butterflies to your yard at a Pollinator Garden Family Workshop. Event details.
Fairytale Weekend at Santa Barbara Zoo
Courtesy of Santa Barbara Zoo
Sat. & Sun., March 14-15. Up for a quick road trip? Take the kiddos to the Santa Barbara Zoo, just 90 miles north of LA for this special event, honoring the world’s many and varied frogs and amphibians. Little ones can meet Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and more, plus participate in frog-inspired crafts and games. Event details.
LA Camp Fair at UCLA
istock
Sun., March 15. Over 50 summer camps and programs will be on display at the UCLA Los Angeles Summer Camp Fair. You will be able to go booth-to-booth meeting camp counselors, directors, and staff from over 100 participating camps and learn about their programs. There will also be games, prizes, raffles, and animals to play with for the kids, not to mention delicious food and an all-around good time. Event details.
Sat., March 14. Celebrate spring with your favorite animal friends after hours aboard Noah’s Ark. Adults and kids, wear your PJs and play with puppets, tell stories, enjoy dinner together, make new friends, and have loads of fun! Event details.
Peppa Pig Meet & Greet at LA Zoo
Jamie Pham for LA Zoo
Sat. & Sun., March 14-15. For one weekend, the LA Zoo will make room for a very special little piglet. Bring the kids to meet sassy, Brit pig Peppa Pig and enjoy a full day of Peppa-themed activities, including story time, crafts, a kids’ dance party and much more! Event details.
St. Patrick’s Day Community March and Celebration
istock
Tues., March 17. We wouldn't forget St. Paddy's Day now would we? While the kids may not be up for a pub crawl (green beer and all), the whole fam can march in this fun-filled parade. Afterwards, there will be live music, giveaways, food and dancing.Event details.
Sat., March 21. Over 4.1 miles of Long Beach streets will be completely closed to traffic and filled with safe and exciting activities for all ages. Along the route, there will be numerous stops bustling with music, games, vendors, food, and much more. All forms of non-motorized transit are welcome—including bikes, strollers, scooters and hoofers! Event details.
International Children's Day Festival
Courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific
Sat. & Sun, March 28-29. Celebrate the children in your life at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s International Children’s Day Festival. The event features performances by kids, including songs and dances from Native American, African, Mexican, Pacific Islander, and Asian cultures. Kids of all ages can participate in an international percussion circle, along with children’s crafts and games. Event details.
Peacock Live! at Universal Studios
Mimi O'Connor
Sat. & Sun., March 28-29. Get ready for the first-ever Peacock Live! on the historic backlot at Universal Studios Hollywood. Be among the first to experience DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls World Tour, plus meet beloved characters Poppy, Branch and Guy Diamond, and transform into a Troll yourself with a once-in-a-Trolls time photo experience. But wait—there's more! You can also step into an interactive Minions experience, get up close and snap a selfie with life-size Jurassic World and so much more!Event details.
In a world with Netflix and Disney+, it’s hard to beat the comfort of your own couch and freshly buttered air-popped corn. Unless you’ve been cooped up in your own living room for far too long. Escape the confines of your home with a trip to one of these family-friendly theaters where kids are welcome and you don’t have to worry about who gets the “best” space on the sofa because all of the seats have a good view (and, if you’re lucky, they recline). Read on for the best places to escape your abode for a family flick.
Alamo Cinema This dinner-and-a-movie concept (available in Ashburn and Woodbridge) showcases kids and family events with a full page of tyke friendly fun like Alamo for All, sensory friendly, all-ages screenings where the lights are kept on low, and nobody has to swap diaper changes for scene changes as you can duck in and out anytime. Check out Victory Vanguard, a film club and discounts just for teens, or PBS kids T.V. show screenings where the admission price benefits your local station.
Ashburn:
20575 Easthampton Plaza
Ashburn, VA 20147
571-293-6808
Woodbridge:
15200 Potomac Town Place, Suite 100
Woodbridge, VA 22191
571-260-4413 Online: drafthouse.com
American Film Institute Silver Theatre and Cultural Arts Center Typically catering to adult film fans, this cultural hub Imakes room for the occasional kid-friendly feature and series in their landmark theatre in downtown Silver Spring. Look out for runs like the Holiday Classic Series now playing, and special Silver Babies with first run showtimes on Friday mornings at an admission price of just $10 for parent and baby.
AMC Theaters Most of AMC’s DMV locations now offer premium seating where everyone gets to put their feet up, as well as the traditional daytime discount for little people‘s favorite movie showtime—before 4 p.m. Also consider joining the chain’s loyalty program—AMC Stubs—and take advantage of $5 Ticket Tuesdays when you purchase at the box office.
Angelika What’s that you say? Junior has been a bit of crybaby today? You said it, not us. But not to worry, this indie mecca with two locations in Northern Virginia, and the ultra-chic pop-up at Union Market, has you covered. Bring the babe to the movies for a mid-day Crybaby Matinee on Wednesdays in DC and Mondays in Farifax. Check under the Programs and Events tabs for the latest showings.
Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse Offering Monday discounts, Saturday morning birthday party opportunities, and special events like a Christmas movie marathon, this longtime neighborhood favorite is a go-to place for families. In addition to cinematic offerings, comedy nights feature live comics from Mad TV, Comedy Central and more. And have we mentioned the pub style food, or the adult bevvies?
Old Greenbelt Theater This lively old fashioned spot in the heart of Old Greenbelt, itself declared a National Historic District in 1997, shows both first run and arthouse movies, and hosts film and other programs for all ages, including a bi-weekly Monday morning Storytime on Screen, free to the community, and an eclectic Family Series with a broad variety of performances film fest screenings for kids.
The Avalon Tops on the list at this Chevy Chase Circle favorite is the Weekend Family Matineeseries which features singing, magic actsand more, including occasional family-friendly films screened in front of an old fashioned stage. Under an art deco gilded painted ceiling, the Avalon’s foreign and domesticarthouse selections make for a great date night, or perhaps brunch at the nearby Bread and Chocolate.
Cinema Arts Theatre Located in a Fairfax strip mall, this theater offers a great matinee price ($6.50/person) and on weekdays, crowds are super small. That makes it the perfect time to take your kiddo for their first movie, or if they don’t like crowds or you simply want them to have freedom to be themselves. They’ve also got a great selection of tasty concessions, and plenty of places for a meal before or after the movie, too.
Cinemark Fairfax Corner 14 and XD National chain Cinemark offers Reel Family Time/Family Day at Cinemark every Mon. Enjoy $1.25 discount on ticket prices when you have three or more people in your group. You can also check out their Early Bird program, which gives you an extra discount on matinee prices for the first matinee of the day before 1 P.M. There’s also Wednesday when they offer $5 tickets. Don’t forget Front Row Joe, the program that lets your kiddo celebrate their birthday with a private movie screening and a Movie Snack Pack of traditional movie treats.
11900 Palace Way Fairfax, VA 22030
703-378-6550 Online: www.cinemark.com
Regal National Chain Regal offers a couple of kid-friendly options. The second and fourth Saturday of each month at 10:30 A.M. is their My Way Matinee, a sensory friendly movie with the lights turned up and the sound turned down. Let your kiddo wander, talk, or do whatever else they like. During the summer months, don’t miss their Summer Movie Express, two movies a week that are family-friendly with steeply discounted tickets.
701 Seventh St. NW
Penn Quarter
844-462-7342
Online: www.regmovies.com
Cobb Village 14 Cinemas Cobb Village 14 offers sensory-friendly films once a month where your kiddos can enjoy a great movie with brighter lights, lower volume, and no pressure to be still or quiet. They also have Cobbster’s Kitchen & Bar, a family-friendly full-dining service that allows you to take your food to enjoy during the movie or at the lobby tables.
1600 Village Market Blvd. SE Leesburg, VA 20175
571-291-9462
Online: www.cobbtheaters.com
The Miracle Theater This former vaudeville theater offers lots of kid-friendly entertainment, going above and beyond just movies. For example, they have a Polar Express Pajama Party in Dec., along with plenty of other family-friendly movies. Year-round, they have the Boogie Babes every Thursday, an interactive musical experience for kids.
Are you stuck in a gift-giving rut? Don’t reach for that gift card just yet. Jazz up your gift-giving prowess with some of the hottest toy trends for 2019. We’ve rounded up the best birthday gifts to give this year, all of which are guaranteed to make you the most popular parent on the party circuit. Scroll down to see them all.
Pretend Play
Budsies Custom Stuffed Animal
Budsies
Let imaginations soar beyond belief with this amazing stuffie made from your child's own artwork! Designed to look just like your own artwork or photo, they are all hand-sewn and hypoallergenic.
No place to play outside? Host a campout in your living room. These awesome teepees give little campers plenty of room to pack up their gear and some snacks for an indoor adventure. Available in six different designs for both boys and girls, you can find a style to suit every personality. We love that these teepees are made with canvas so they don't get as hot as traditional play tents and they come with a convenient carrying case to pack it up easily after play.
If your imaginative tots love to build forts, but you're short on space or energy, check out The Door Fort, which turns any doorway in your home into a playspace. The play tent comes in a few themes, including a castle and firehouse.
Need something fun to do when friends come over? Give the gift of a Playdate In A Box. These kits, which come in five different themes including Pirates, Rock Star and Super Powers, include costumes accessories and supplies for an imaginative playdate for two.
Got a budding botanist in your midst? Let them grow! This delightful garden kit from AeroGarden is their first designed specifically for kids (6 and up) and takes them on an indoor gardening adventure in 12 weeks: from seed to pizza party! Herbie comes with a 32-page activity book that explains the magic of hydroponic gardening and includes 18 different fun and educational activities. The kit contains everything you need to get started: there's no soil involved so it's low mess and the LED lights are safe for children. Kids can even grow in their room!
Simply by tapping the Specdrums rings on colors, music-loving kids can turn into mix master DJs. Using the Specdrums Mix app, the ring can be tapped on anything colorful, from clothes to kitchen utensils, or simply the Specdrums pad, to create sounds and beats that can be mixed into a song. STEAM lovers will not only develop tech skills, they will also learn about music fundamentals.
Ages: 7 and up.
Available at Sphero and Apple stores, starting at $64.99.
Artie 3000 Coding Robot
Educational Insights
Meet Artie 3000, the robot you can code to create art! Its interface works with any mobile device or computer using its built-in WIFI server (no WIFI connection needed). Younger kids can learn with simple, pre-loaded designs, and kids as old as their teens can try their hand at more complex artistic creations using code. Boost those left-brain skills with concepts like geometry, math and coding and feed the right-brain with design and artistic expression. Win-win.
Get those creative gears turning with actual gears. Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! FlightGears is a 44 piece set of gears that young engineers can tinker with to build different vehicles.
Foster a love of STEM and robots from an early age with the Educational Insights Design & Drill SparkleBot. Using plastic bolts and a kid-safe screwdriver, kids as young as three can customize their own mini bot.
Design friendship bracelets in a flash with Spin Master's Cool Maker KumiKreator that comes with 88 premium spools and the ability to create 8 to 12 strand bracelets.
Winner of the 2019 Game of the Year the Disney Villainous Game by Wonder Forge lets you play the role of your favorite Disney villain as you try to get to your objective before your evil counterparts in this fun, family board game.
The traditional UNO game the whole family loves gets flipped around, literally. UNO Flip is the latest version that turns the game upside down when players hit on a flip card that causes the entire deck to be turned around revealing different numbers and colors on the other side.
11. LEGO has a lot of exciting sets including an augmented reality line coming later in 2019, but while you wait you can take the magic of The LEGO Movie 2 off the big screen and into your play room with several kits inspired by the sequel.
Rubrik's Briks add a new dimension of building to traditional plastic bricks with pieces that interlock on all sides. The brick sets allow kids to construct 3D buildings, animals and vehicles.
The clever folks behind the Plus Plus construction kits have a new way to build and play with the Plus Plus Big Picture Puzzles. The kits come with 60 pieces and seven different puzzle mats, and kids can also use the same pieces for creative building.
The latest addition to the Fingerling family is the absolute cutest. These Fingerlings Narwhals will melt young hearts with their new features unlike any of their predecessors, including a flapping tail and special mood horn that will light up different colors in reaction to interaction.
If smashing toy trucks is up your little one's alley, then they'll love Smash Crashers. Crash the truck and reveal a hidden collectible inside. There are 12 trucks total each with three hidden surprises inside.
The latest collectible from Pikmi Pops features a scrumptious, colorful line of donuts known as the Pikmi Pops DoughMis. Each scented plush toy comes with a carrying case that can be clipped on to a backpack, as well as little surprises like rings, stickers, notebooks and more.
Now you don't have to give up your own Bluetooth speaker when your tween wants to jam out to Taylor Swift. The new JBL JR POP speaker offers the same sound quality of JBL that you trust in a body that comes in a rainbow of candy colors and that is both durable and IPX7 waterproof-rated so you don't have to worry.
Drones are a coveted toy, but they can be harder to play with than kids expect. The Sky Viper Dash Nano Drone is the perfect starter set that so small and compact you can even fly it indoors.
The JIMU Robot Mythical Series: UnicornBot Kit is guaranteed to get kids excited about coding and robotics. You can program UnicornBot's movements and actions using an app which also provides augmented reality functions for creative play.
The PAW Patrol Ultimate Rescue Fire Truck by Spin Master & Nickelodeon comes with a two-foot extendable ladder, plenty of lights and sounds and an adorable mini fire cart for hours of play.
Make your little princess's dreams come true with the Disney Princess Enchanted Collection subscription box. Each magical box features a different princess and includes an authentic Disney Store costume, a Read-Along Storybook and CD, princess stickers, surprises and other activities. You can order one box at a time or set up bi-monthly delivery for six months to a year.
Why spend just one month learning about Black History when this inspiring subscription box keeps the fun going all year long? The Because of Them We Can Box comes packed with toys, clothes and educational activities that celebrate a past or present Black leader or hero. You can order one box at a time or set up monthly delivery for up to a year.
The Little Global Citizens subscription box takes kids on a new adventure around the world each month. The boxes contain books, activities, crafts and toys all themed around the specific culture of a different country. The boxes arrive bi-monthly and you can subscribe for a single delivery, three months or six.
With every one of Cuddle + Kind's adorable hand-knit dolls purchased, 10 meals are donated to hungry children in need. Cuddle + Kind partners with World Food Program USA and Children’s Hunger Fund, and to date have given away over 5 million meals.
Step up your sidewalk chalk game with this incredible set of out-of-this-world chalk that also helps the world. Twee Mason’s Planets Sidewalk Chalk Set features the nine planets made out of chalk complete with multiple colorful layers representing each planet's out crust down to the core. Not only is the chalk beautiful, but it gives back with $2 from each set donated to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to support Autism research.
Hit the field for a game while giving other kids a chance to play too. For every One World Play Project Soccer Ball that's purchased for young kickers, play equipment is provided to communities in need. Oh, and did we mention it's unpoppable?
Skip the gifts and just for cash. The “fiver party” is a simple solution for both attendees and hosts when it comes to the big birthday gift dilemma. Instead of gifts, guests are simply asked to bring five dollars for the birthday kid. With a dozen or more kids in attendance, those “fivers” will quickly add up to a decent sum which can be used towards one big gift.
All ages.
Goalsetter
Goalsetter allows family and friends to contribute to kids’ goals, such as saving for college, a brand new bicycle, or an experience of some sort. Kid 13 and under can create a free FDIC-insured savings account used to set earning goals in three different categories, including saving for the future, like college tuition, giving back to charitable causes of their choice or spending on meaningful gifts like expensive gear or experiences. Friends and family can purchase a digital GoalCard in any amount.
All Ages.
Create an account or purchase GoalCards at Goalsetter.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
Featured photo: iStock
All images courtesy retailers unless otherwise noted.
When it comes to pampering, the petite set doesn’t like to be left out. That’s the idea behind the latest trend in kid spas, which are going mobile with party buses parking it and featuring age-appropriate treatments for tots through teens. Check out these spas-on-wheels where your darling diva can experience all the indulgences she or he demands, and have a whole lot of fun at the same time.
Photo: All About a Girl Spa
All About a Girl The name says it all for this Bristow, Va mobile spa that aims to bring out the inner beauty in young girls, and make them feel wonderful about themselves in a safe, relaxing, and luxurious environment surrounded by friends and family. Adverse to pink (lots of it), fluffy seating, or glitter? Steer clear!
Glitz and Glam
This kid-fiendly spa party company meets you where you’re at. Set up the shindig at home, hotel, or community center with cake and treats and they’ll bring the nail painting, foot soak, DIY custom lip balm, makeup application, glitter tattoos, and/or honey and yogurt facials. When booking with Glitz and Glam, the more the merrier–parties of 10 or more get a 10 percent discount.
Sassy Princess Spa Primp, pamper and play. That’s the idea behind the Sassy Princess Spa, a mobile spa party with the mission to provide amazing fun for girls ages 3-13. Mobile spa themes include Mommy and Me Tea Party, Mommy and Me Spa Day, and Pajama Party. They also feature day camps with hands on activities such as jewelry making and clothing design, along with workshops that teach young girls the importance of healthy eating and skincare.
Spoiled Rotten Kids Spa Party Bus It’s not just about indulging decadent divas at this full-service salon. Spoiled Rotten Kids believes in promoting emotional and physical wellbeing through creative and inspired pampering. Featuring odorless, non-toxic, paraben-free, gluten-free, water-based products, clients can receive an array of hair, skin and nail packages, along with private and mobile spa parties, boy parties and fashion shows.
When it comes to glam, you need look no further than celebrity baby showers! Nothing like a little disposable income to turn your aunt’s baby shower into an exclusive fête not to be missed. Despite most of these parties being out of our financial reach, they are still majorly fun to look out—and maybe inspire you with some ideas for your own shower.
Keep scrolling to see some over-the-top celebrity baby showers to see what we mean.
The Fixer Uppermom of five had a book-themed baby shower thrown by friends and we are thoroughly jealous. Giant balloons and oversized books were the centerpiece of this down to earth mother’s celebration.
Baby number three’s shower was all girly, with tons of florals and lace. The singer and actress also may have revealed her choice of name and we are in love.
Khloé’s pink-themed baby shower for True was almost too much to take in. The pink florals, balloons, elephants topiaries, and circular dining setup was definitely celeb-worthy.
When it comes to fabulous, look no further than Nicky Hilton Rotchschild’s shower. For her second baby, the heiress’ winter soiree was over to the top shiny, decadent and everything we’d expect from a Hilton-Rothschild.
Twin sister Tia held a gorgeous, Bohemian affair to celebrate their first baby girl. The co-ed shower had glowing lights, rustic decor and a beautiful muted color palette.
Dubbed “The Carter Push Party,” Bey’s baby shower for their twins was a sight to behold. The singer was in full African-themed regalia, including an eye popping piece of belly artwork.
While the world didn’t find out Kylie Jenner was even pregnant until baby Stormi was born, that doesn’t mean she didn’t party in style at her baby shower. The Kardashian sis celebrated in silk at her own pajama party.
Model Candace Swanepoel celebrate her first son Anacã with an adorably sweet animal-themed party. Simple greenery and stuffed animals kept the party festive, but with all eyes on mama.
Blake’s autumn-themed baby shower proves the weather has nothing on a mama-to-be. The actress enjoyed candied apples, a gorgeous outdoor venue with onesies strung up as a garland and of course, that amazing cake.
We can always count on tennis superstar Serena Williams to keep it real. The 50’s-themed baby shower meant tons of celeb friends like Eva Longoria and Kelly Rowland were spied rocking their best poodle skirt look and celebrating baby Olympia.
The library is the standard location for story time, but sometimes a new local adventure is on the books. From the oldest independent bookstore to one of the most serene surroundings in the city, check out our list of where to drop-in, relax and listen to a great book with the little ones.
For story time that's more than just reading books, bring the little explorers to the Bay Area Discovery Museum where stories are brought to life using puppets and props. With rotating themes including Bug Life, Count it Out!, Big Green Monsters and Childhood Classics, it's all about an interactive experience.
Good to know: Since story time is free with admission, go ahead and explore the rest of the museum!
When: Various days and times dependent on age and location. Check the website for details.
With 11 locations all over the Bay Area from San Francisco to Santa Clara, Books, Inc. is the oldest independent bookstore since opening back in 1851. Story time sessions range in themes and ages from the Pajama Party for the 3-6 year old set to the Tidbits for the under 3 years old.
Good to know: No story times on Mon., Tues. & Fri.
When: First and third Sun. of every month at 10:30 a.m. followed by a family garden walk that departs at 11 a.m.
Here's one for the nature lovers that want to learn more about plants, animals and natural history. Tucked in the cozy children's book nook, kids aged 4-8 can enjoy fun stories followed by a special garden walk that bring the stories to life.
Good to know: On beautiful SF afternoons, bring a picnic lunch to the gardens and enjoy the picturesque surroundings after story time.
1199 9th Avenue at Lincoln Way Golden Gate Park San Francisco, CA 94122
When: Pre-K, Tues. and Thurs. at 11 a.m; babies & toddlers on Wed. at 11 a.m; newborns on Fri. at 11 a.m; all ages on Sat. at 11 a.m.
This independent family-owned bookstore is so adorable you might not want to leave. Designed to look like an enchanted forest with toadstool and leaf seating, story times take place in the back where your little ones can sing, listen and laugh through books.
Good to know: Sunday storytime is for the 3 & up crowd and includes fun (and free) crafts.
With a variety of books from the tried and true classics to the fresh-off-the-press new favorites, this bookstore has about every book you could possibly want to read. Story time is fun and casual, and recommended for the 5 & under set.
Good to know: The bookstore is located in a shopping center with a farmers market, café and even a yoga studio. It's a great spot for some afternoon shopping and lunch!
Marin Country Mart 2419 Larkspur Landing Circle Larkspur, CA 94939
With locations in San Francisco, Mill Valley and Palo Alto, this carefully curated childrens store comes with a side of shopping. The SF location has teamed up with JAMaROO for stories ranging from fables to fairytales with the fun addition of puppets and even dance for the 2-5 set.
Good to know: Drop-in classes are $15/child or $20 for sibilings. Cash preferred as there is a $2 credit card processing fee.
When: Various days and times dependent on age. Check the website for details.
With several story times held throughout the week, kids as young as three can get a dose of culture at this amazing museum. Stories for the 7 & up is themed to the main exhibit while those 5 & up can partake in an extra activity session with an Elements of Art Explorer Pack. Story time is free with museum admission and kids 12 & under are always free.
Good to know: Head to the museum on the first Sunday of the month for their Target First Free Sundays!
What’s cuter than your kids? Your kids interacting with animals, that’s what! Lucky for your photo-taking addiction, the Washington, D.C. area offers plenty of opportunities to get your fill of adorable. Whether you want to see your kids feed a baby goat a bottle, go nose to nose with a dolphin or get tickled by a butterfly flapping its wings on their arm, we have the places for you. Here are 14 animal encounters to check out.
Photo: Smithsonian National Zoo
Tried and True
Smithsonian’s National Zoo Sure, you can look at animals from afar at D.C.’s famous zoo, but on the Kids’ Farm, you can look and touch. There are cows, alpacas, hogs, donkeys, goats, chickens and fish. Of course, how willing they are to get up close and personal at any given time is up to, well, the animals.
Cost: Free Where: 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW When: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (5 p.m. Oct. 1 to March 14) Online: nationalzoo.si.edu
Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium While you’re picking up hiking info, brochures and maps, and learning about the park’s flora and fauna, check out the live turtles, fish, snakes and beehive. There’s also a bird observation deck and water garden. Bonus: Stop by the Rock Creek Horse Center for a look at the animals or to take riding lessons, which are open to children and adults based on weight requirements.
Butterfly Pavilion at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Walk through an indoor garden teeming with colorful butterflies, flowers and plants. The types of butterflies on display include banded orange, bat wing and Luna moth, Mexican purplewing and monarch. Check out the museum’s other – and free – exhibits while you’re here, especially Q?rius jr, a discovery room that puts little hands in touch with fossils, skulls, shells and minerals.
Cost: $6/adults; $5/children 2 to 12; group rates available Where: 5200 Glover Rd., NW When: 10:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Online: naturalhistory.si.edu
Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly and Caterpillar Exhibit Located at Brookside Gardens, the exhibit is home to hundreds of butterflies from North America, Costa Rica, Africa and Asia. “Visitors can learn about their amazing metamorphosis, the important role butterflies play in having healthy ecosystems, and how to ensure these beautiful insects thrive in our own gardens,” according to the website. Note: Strollers aren’t allowed in the exhibit, although it is wheelchair-accessible.
Cost: $8/ages 13 and up; $5/ages 3 to 12, free/2 and under Where: 1500 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., daily from May through mid-September Online: old.montgomeryparks.org
Frying Pan Farm Park More Fairfax County nature centers follow, but this one deserves its own listing because it offers up-close looks at horses, cows, pigs, chickens, rabbits and other animals as part of the Kidwell Farm. Try your hand at milking a cow or attend a Putting the Animals to Bed event to learn how farm animals get ready to snooze. Bonus: There’s a wagon ride and carousel available for nominal fees.
Meadowside Nature Center Exhibits here include the Raptor Walkway, which houses injured, unreleasable birds of prey such as an American bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, barred owl and turkey vulture. Or look for fish and migratory birds at Lake Frank.
Cost: Some programs have fees Where: 5100 Meadowside Ln. (Rockville, Md) When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday Online: montgomeryparks.org
Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center More than 30 animals live at the center – and more in the 50-acre onsite park – giving kiddos and grown-ups the chance to see turtles, snakes, lizards and toads. There’s also the MicroEYE Interactive Exhibit, which gives visitors a change to magnify items by two to 40 times and see the results on an HD TV screen.
Cost: Free Where: 5750 Sanger Ave. (Alexandria, Va) When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday; 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Sunday in April through October; closed Monday and Tuesday Online: alexandriava.gov
Fairfax County nature centers The county’s six nature centers offer myriad nature programs, including many that give even the littlest kiddos a chance to reach out and touch wildlife under the watchful eye of a trained expert. Hidden Oaks Nature Center, for example, offers programs such as Animal Pajama Party ($6 for county residents, $8 for outsiders), while Hidden Pond has live animal displays in the building.
Cost: Some programs have fees Where: See website for locations When: See website for times Online: fairfaxcounty.gov
Potomac Overlook Regional Park Events here include feeding Northern Water Snakes; animal encounters at Wednesday Wonders, during which children ages 2 through 5 can hear a story, see a live animal and make a craft; and feeding kingsnakes and box turtles.
Cost: Programs have fees Where: 2845 N. Marcey Rd. (Arlington, Va) When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Sundays; closed Mondays Online: novaparks.com
Photo: National Aquarium
Something Fishy
Dolphin Encounter at the National Aquarium
Michael Phelps may have raced a (simulated) shark, but if you’re 8 or older, you can pal around with a real dolphin. Spend two hours learning how aquarium workers care for the mammals and interact with them yourself. The experience includes a souvenir T-shirt – and major bragging rights.
Cost: $225; $195 for aquarium members Where: 501 E. Pratt St. (Baltimore, Md) When: See website for dates and times Online: aqua.org
Glen Echo Park Aquarium The best part of this small aquarium inside Glen Echo Park is the touch tank, where experts are constantly introducing its inhabitants to anyone who will listen. Watch a horseshoe crab enjoy a snack, find out why Chesapeake blue crabs are blue, coax a giant sea snail out of its shell, and be mesmerized by fish and turtles gliding around their tanks.
Cost: $6; free/24 months and younger Where: 7300 MacArthur Blvd. (Glen Echo, Md) When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday through Friday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday Online: gepaquarium.org
Photo: Roer’s Zoofari
The Big Time
Roer’s Zoofari The petting zoo is a highlight here. For an extra fee, visitors can get milk bottles and animal feed to give goats, pigs, sheep, llamas, rabbits and parakeets. There’s also the Giraffe or Camel Meet & Feed, during which the creature will eat out of your hand while you learn more about the animal. Take a wagon ride to see the free-roaming zebra, buffalo and emus. They’re not usually shy about coming up to say hello – or snag a snack.
Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 2 to 12; season passes available Where: 1228 Hunter Mill Rd. (Vienna, Va) When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Online: roerszoofari.com
Leesburg Animal Park Animal petting and feeding, and pony and camel rides mean loads of opportunities for amazing animal encounters. There are also live animal shows three times a day, wagon rides and exotic-animal exhibits, including lemurs, sloths, white-handed gibbons and African serval cats.
Cost: $12.95/adults; $9.95/children ages 2 to 12 Where: 19270 James Monroe Hwy. (Leesburg, Va) When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday Online: leesburganimalpark.com
Luray Zoo Take a Discovery Tour at this rescue zoo with one of the owners. You’ll get hands-on interactions and feed the animals – experiences not included with regular admission fees.
Cost: $25/adult for Discovery Tour; $15/child for Discovery Tour; $12/adult (13 and up) admission, $6/kids ages 3 to 12, free/kids 2 and younger Where: 1087 US Hwy. 211 West (Luray, Va) When: See website for tour times Online: lurayzoo.com
Where does your animal-loving crew go to see their four-legged friends?
Shy, slow and cute, sloths remind us of our little munchkins on a school morning. Along with their unique appearance, these amazing creatures are full of patience, joy, respect and tenderness. We rounded up the cutest videos for Sloth Day, so grab your mini-me and watch the videos below. Which sloth is most like your kiddo?
Bath time is just sloth speak for “Going to the spa.”
This is the only pajama party you need (and want) to be invited to.
When it comes to getting dressed, our wiggle worms could learn a thing or two about going with the flow from this tiny sloth.
Curious about what kind of sound sloths make? This video will delight you.
Chewbacca the Sloth represents all moms after the kids have gone to bed.
The public library sure ain’t what it used to be–and that’s a good thing. Libraries are now catering to modern kids like never before, offering live performances, story times, CD & DVD collections, and play areas in addition to, well, books. So whether your kiddo likes to snuggle up with a good read or prefers a more interactive learning experience, there’s a library out there that fits the bill. With the warm summer months coming up, we’re always in the mood for a place to spend an air-conditioned morning – and if it expands the mind, all the better! We’ve scoured the city to bring you the best in children’s libraries—reading optional. (But highly encouraged, of course.)
Los Angeles Public Library Central Branch
A far cry from the tiny “kiddie corners” that some libraries offer, the massive and beautiful Los Angeles Public Library’s Central branch has its own Children’s Literature Department. Kiddies can browse special collections including the Mother Goose collection and the International Picture Book collection while admiring murals depicting early California history. The Children’s Literature Department hosts a slew of activities for children, including story times, puppet shows, and music. As parking Downtown can be a challenge (read: pain), consider taking the Red Line subway to Pershing Square or 7th Street.
Santa Monica Library
It’s easy to make a day out of a trip to the Santa Monica Library. Kiddies getting hungry? Have a bite at the café. Need some time to stretch your legs? Enjoy some outdoor time in the courtyard. And if you’d like your kids to do some actual reading, head to the fantastic kids’ section of the library, which offers a plethora of books and resources, as well as a large activity room where kids can enjoy story times, author readings, and even a LEGO Block party!
Silver Lake Public Library
Eastsiders flock to this small but charming library, which makes up in imagination what it lacks in size. The toddler area offers a wide selection of books (including many in Spanish), stuffed animals, and even a kitchen set. Have a budding author on your hands? The nearby section for older kids has a table where your little Jane Austen can create her own book, which the library will stamp with a barcode and put in circulation for patrons to borrow. Throw in a weekly themed pajama party story time and prizes for book reviews and you’ve got a library to entice even the most book-phobic kid.
West Hollywood Library
The first thing your kids may notice about the West Hollywood Library is that it’s within sprinting distance of West Hollywood Park, home to two (count ‘em) playgrounds: one for big kids, and one that’s fenced in for little escape artists. If you can get them inside the library, you’ll find a bright, open space with a sizable children’s section that includes an impressive DVD collection, mini tables and chairs, and even toys for the little-littles. There’s also a separate, enclosed children’s room for story time and special performance events.
South Pasadena Public Library
The South Pasadena Public Library offers a wide selection of dogs for your kids to enjoy. That’s right, dogs. The monthly Barks and Books program allows kids between five and ten to read animal-related short stories to dogs from the Pasadena Humane Society Companion Animal Program. Rotating events for kids include theater classes, Lego building, and art contests. And weekly story times are divided by age group so that your five-year-old, who knows exactly where Thumbkin is, needn’t be bothered with such trivialities.
Beverly Hills Public Library
After a yearlong renovation, the Children’s Library is now open, and it was well worth the wait. In fact, we were so impressed, we visited when it opened and got the scoop straight from both kids and parents of what they love most about the make-over. You can find out what they said, over here.
