by Micaela Williamson Throughout the past few years, "Dinosaur Train" has remained one of my kids' favorite PBS KIDS television shows. With science and dinosaur facts, charming characters, and sweet story lines, the show show transcends generations and appeals to a variety of children. As PBS KIDS kicks-off its annual Explore the Outdoors initiative, a new "Dinosaur Train" DVD from PBS Distribution is now available, and we're giving away five copies! Here are the details: “Dinosaur Train: Explore Outdoors!” Run Time: Approx. 100 Minutes SRP: $12.99 The DVD features eight, "dino-mite" adventures, including:
For fun ideas about engaging the whole family in outdoor exploration, check out all the great suggestions at pbskids.org/outdoors. Enter to win a copy of the "Dinosaur Train" DVD just by leaving a comment below. Five winners will be selected on Friday, May 15, 2015. Good luck! I am a PBSKIDS VIP insider. I sometimes receive special products and PBSKIDS perks for sharing information on my blog. For this blog, I received a complimentary "Dinosaur Train" DVD for my family. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own. by Micaela WilliamsonChocolate Lovers Festival
February 7 & 8, 2015 Fairfax, VA The Chocolate Lovers Festival in the City of Fairfax keeps getting better each year. The two-day festival includes the Taste of Chocolate, the Chocolate Challenge, a Sweet History Walking Tour, the ever-popular Kiwanis Chocolate Chip Pancake Breakfast, open houses at historic buildings and much more. View the entire schedule online here. Be My VALentine Fest at the Village at Leesburg February 13, 2015 Leesburg, VA Come celebrate VALentines Day with the Village at Leesburg! Bring your sweetheart and enjoy evening horse drawn carriage rides, strolling musicians, VALentines characters and more! Chocolate Festival February 14, 2015 Herndon, VA This event includes great food (chocolate) and fun for the whole family. There will be games, activities, entertainment, face pairing, inflatables, a silent auction and more. All proceeds benefit Help Hungry Kids Valentine's Tea and Garden Valentines at Green Spring Gardens February 14, 2015 Alexandria, VA Register online for one of these fun events. The Valentine's Tea and Dance includes dancing, sampling of different teas, sweets, and a valentine craft. At Garden Sprout: Garden Valentines, explore our glasshouse to spot Valentine hearts in nature. Create a Valentine from pressed flowers for a favorite person. Sample the first strawberries of the season and learn the Native American story behind this Valentine berry. Afternoon Tea at Oatlands Historic House and Gardens February 14, 2015 Leesburg, VA Afternoon tea at the Oatlands is an iconic tradition. Dine on assorted sandwiches, scones with preserves & cream and delicious sweets in the historic Carriage House. Then take advantage of a discounted rate to tour the mansion. (Reservations required.) Valentine's Card Crafts at the American Girl Doll Store February 14, 2015 Tysons Corner, VA Inspire your girl to give something extra-special to her Valentine: a cute handmade card and matching envelope! She’ll use stickers and decorative paper to make a one-of-a-kind card, then add a sweet message on the inside. Free! Valentine's Day Campfire (Daytime) February 14, 2015 Black Hill Nature Center Boyds, MD Head to the Visitor Center to enjoy a cozy fire, activities, hot cocoa, and nature crafts to give that you can make for someone you love. Drop in anytime during program hours. No registration required. Fee is $2 per person Family Fun Cooking Class Valentine's Day Treats February 14, 2015 Sur La Table Alexandria, VA Get the family together to make decadent sweet treats like Valentine Kiss Cookies, Pink Chocolate-Dipped Krispy Pops and Heart Shaped Chocolate Cupcakes. SteveSongs Valentine's Day Concert Jammin' Java Vienna, VA Come jam with the award-winning SteveSongs, one of the most popular and fun children's artists in the nation. Plus, Jammin' Java is a special place to enjoy a sweet treat and for parents to sip on a specialty coffee drink. Two shows: 10:30 and 12:30 PM. Tickets available online. ImaginAsia: Love in Every Language February 14 & 15, 2015 Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Washington DC View a digital slideshow of images of love in Asian art from the Freer|Sackler collections. In the classroom, use prints that say “love” in more than a dozen Asian languages and create a Valentine’s Day card to take home, Also, learn how to fold heart-shaped origami. All ages welcome. Portrait Story Days: Abigail Adams and Valentines February 14 & 15, 2015 National Portrait Gallery Washington DC Drop in to hear a special story about First Lady Abigail Adams and create a Valentine’s card for someone special. The story will be read at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. on Saturday and at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. on Sunday. The Chocolate Tour of Washington DC (ongoing, Saturday's and Sundays) Georgetown, Washington DC Come join your expert tour guide for a delightful stroll through some of the Washington's most decadent dessert boutiques and chocolatiers in the charming neighborhood of Georgetown. Tour includes stops and tastings at Sprinkles, Godiva, Thomas Sweet, Olivia Macaron, Dean & Deluca and Pie Sisters. Save up to 60% off by using this current Groupon. Do you know of a local family-friendly Valentine's Day event to add? Please email us at info@gokidtrips.com, and we will consider it for publication. by Micaela WilliamsonSituated in the northern portion of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, the City of Winchester is a destination for all seasons. Winchester hosts its signature, huge Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in the spring and a festive Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in December. But, throughout the year the city is rich in history, shopping, dining and plenty of attractions for the whole family. What to see: Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum 19 W. Cork St. Winchester, VA 22601 This discovery museum for all children is packed with tons of hands-on exhibits focusing on the arts, science, pretend play, math, engineering, history and more. The museum also hosts lots of special programs and events for families too. Parents are encouraged to learn, create and explore alongside their children. Don't miss signature exhibits like creating tracks in Roller Coaster Alley, pretending to be an EMT in the life-sized ambulance, stepping inside a Powhatan home on the Moccasin Trail, getting a bird's eye view of the city from the Observation Deck and much, much more!
Where to eat and shop: The downtown mall or Loudoun Street Mall in Old Town Winchester is packed with many great restaurants and shops. Its an attraction within itself. No matter what your taste is, there is cuisine for everyone. This is hands-down the best place to stay in Old Town Winchester. Is location is walking distance to the downtown area pedestrian mall and many attractions. Plus, the luscious, Roman spa-like indoor pool is a favorite for families. On-site dining includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Dancing Goat restaurant and if you can slip away, the cocktail menu at the gorgeous Half Note Lounge is to die for! Choose between standard king and queen rooms or posh suites for an unforgettable stay.
For more suggestions of family-friendly fun in the Shenandoah Valley Region, check out the Shenandoah Valley Kids Trail. Disclosure: I was invited on a media trip with the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Shenandoah Valley Kids' Trail and experienced many of these attractions for free. No other compensation was given. All opinions are my own, and I adore Old Town Winchester as a great place for family fun. by Micaela WilliamsonHidden amongst the suburban sprawl of Northern Virginia, the lush wetlands of Huntley Meadows Park is one of the best places for wildlife watching. The 1500-acre nature preserve boasts animals such as beavers, frogs, snakes, ducks, turtles, dragonflies, and over 200 species of birds. With its 1/2 mile boardwalk trail, Huntley Meadows Park is a perfect place for families to get out into nature without tiring little legs. Be sure to climb the observation tower to get a bird's eye view of the beautiful surroundings. For those wanting to walk a little more, there is a two-mile interpretive trail system. Since each season brings something new to Huntley Meadows, families will want to visit again and again. Please note that "netting" is not allowed in the park and no wildlife should be captured for observation. After hiking, be sure to stop in the Visitor Center on the way back to the parking lot. The Visitor Center includes interactive exhibits about wetlands, a few small animals, restrooms, a gift shop, auditorium and an information desk with maps and Fairfax County parks literature. Special programs are held in the Visitor Center throughout the year.
Huntley Meadows Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk but please check their website or call ahead for Visitor Center hours. by Micaela WilliamsonGet ready for fall family fun at Pumpkin Village Fall Festival (formerly Pumpkinville) at the Leesburg Animal Park now open daily from September 20th-November 4th, 2014. This not to be missed event has something for the whole family including: • Giant Hill Slides • Hay Wagon Rides • Moon Bounces • Pet & Feed LIVE Animals • Free Apple & Cider Snack • Free Mini-Pumpkin to take home • Kid's Maze•Miniature "Pumpkin Village" • Spider Web Crawl • Giant Pumpkin Bounce • Pirate Play Ship • Pony Rides* • Live Entertainment, Face Painting, and camel rides on weekends Plus, save off weekday admission with this coupon!by Micaela WilliamsonIn the spirit of the many free Smithsonian museums and facilities in the Washington DC region, Smithsonian Magazine is celebrating its tenth annual Museum Day! on September 27, 2014. During this one day, more than 1,500 museums across the United Staes will offer free admission to those who download a Museum Day Live! ticket. Each ticket grants the ticket holder (plus one guest) free access to any of the participating museums on September 27th.
To see the current list of museums, please visit Smithsonian.com/museumday/venues. “Museum Day Live! embodies Smithsonian’s commitment to make learning and the spread of knowledge accessible to everyone,” says Stephen Giannetti, VP Advertising Sales and Marketing at Smithsonian Media. “For a decade, we’ve partnered with a wonderful array of museums – from the small and niche, to world-renowned institutions – and are looking forward to welcoming more guests this year than ever before.” For more information, please visit: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/ by Micaela Williamson Do you have an idol? My kids have two...Martin and Chris...the Wild Kratts. For the past couple of years, my kids have been obsessed with the Wild Kratts. In fact, they are hoping the Wild Kratts retire in 20 years so they can take over their show and call it "Wild Williamsons." When I found out the all new theatrical stage show Wild Kratts Live! featuring the Kratt brothers is beginning its tour in the U.S. and Canda, I felt like I had stumbled upon a goldmine. About the show: WILD KRATTS – LIVE! is an all new theatrical stage show based on the hit animated television series Wild Kratts. Martin and Chris Kratt, stars of the Emmy-nominated Wild Kratts step out LIVE ON STAGE to engage the audience in a classic Wild Kratts storyline. First, they start off in their "Tortuga" headquarters and receive word that an animal is in trouble. The brothers put on their Creature power vests and gloves and go off on the Creature Rescue. The show also features Wild Kratts characters, Aviva, the intelligent and level-headed inventor who always helps out the Kratt brothers, and the comical villian Zach and his robots. Along with the storyline, expect some "Wow Facts" about animals and multimedia video footages as Martin and Chris rescue the animal and return it to “live free and in the wild!” Wild Kratts Live US Tour Datesby Micaela WilliamsonThe Northern Virginia area is filled with many wonderful fall events, but sometimes the admission prices for the whole family can get hefty. For those looking to have some fall fun on a budget, check out one of these upcoming FREE Fall Festivals:
Fall Lakes FallFest September 27, 2014 1 PM-4 PM Fair Lakes Circle, Fairfax, VA Free! Families will love this festival, packed with a live animal show, musical and dance groups, a free train ride, community booths, giant inflatables, carnival games and more! Fairfax County fire and police vehicles will be on display. Plus, tasty food and artisan crafts will be for sale. View the full schedule of entertainment online here. Clarendon Day September 27, 2014 11 AM-5 PM Clarendon, VA Free Lots of talented artisans and yummy local restaurants will be at Clarendon Day. Kids can climb, play, bounce, and have a blast in the special Kids' Zone. There is also face-painting, storytelling, kids' performers, and few surprises. Everyone can take advantage of the live entertainment too! c Manassas Fall Jubilee October 4, 2014 10 AM-5 PM Old Town Manassas Free! Now in its 32nd year, this year’s Jubilee will include an assortment of live entertainment for both kids and adults. With over 100 crafter and community booths, live music and entertainment, wine tastings, farmer’s market, children’s rides and activities and a pumpkin patch (sponsored by Wegmans Food Markets) you are sure to find something for everyone in the family! Fall for Fairfax October 4 & 5, 2014 10 AM-7 PM (Sat,) 10 AM-5PM (Sun) Free This is a massive festival that is free to attend. All entertainment and most programs are also free of charge. Some activities have a minimal fee to participants, which are indicated within their activity descriptions. The festival includes amazing train displays by the National Capital Trackers, a free ride on the trackless train, a petting zoo, rides, community booths, hands-on kids' crafts, and top notch entertainment such as The Great Zucchini, Mad Science, Wildlife Ambassadors and many more. This is a fun event geared towards toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school aged children. Art on the Avenue October 4, 2014 10 AM-6 PM Mount Vernon Avenue (Del Ray,) Alexandria Free Here visitors can experience over 300 artisans, taste amazing gourmet food and be entertained with live music and children’s activities. Artist will be displaying and selling handmade items such as glassware, baskets, jewelry, hats, tiles, paintings, and much more. Kids will enjoy the Kids’ Art corner with over a dozen activities hands on activities. The whole event is jam packed with live entertainment, and the special children’s stage features dance and musical groups, a magic act, and a puppet show. SterlingFest October 11, 2014 Sterling Park, VA Free SterlingFest is a free admission community event filled with a variety of foods, crafts, businesses, community booths, and vendors. Children will love interactive activities and rides, and local entertainers, such as the Sterling Playmakers, will charm the whole crowd. Clifton Day October 12, 2014 9 AM- 5PM Clifton, VA Free Visit quaint and historic Clifton for a festival packed with artisans, unique products, antiques, children's activities, and entertainment. For added fun, ride the VRE train from Burke or Manassas. Merrifield Fall Festival October 18, 2014 11 AM- 6 PM Mosaic District Free This year the festival will feature: food vendors, a pumpkin patch, a beer garden, musical entertainment, craft vendors, local artists, and children’s activities and rides at the fun Mosaic District. Air and Scare-Smithsonian Air & Space October 25, 2014 2 PM-7 PM Udvar-Hazy Museum, Chantilly, VA (Must pay for parking,) Free admission Dress up in your costume for this fun, safe, indoor trick or treating option. The event includes kids' crafts, science themed activities, characters from Star Wars & Ghostbusters, storytelling and more. Plus, all the great regular museum exhibits are also open. Father – Son Road Trip: A review of the Frontier Culture Museum and Natural Bridge Park, VA9/4/2014 by Jay WilliamsonShe left us.
Alone. For the weekend. And not just any weekend, but Labor Day weekend – marking the end of summer and the start of school, possibly the longest of the long weekends. The boys have already done many of the things on Kid Trips’ list of 100 things for Kids to Do in Northern Virginia this summer. I hate traffic, bridges, tolls, tunnels, and any highway ending with a “5.” I need a plan, something epic and worthy of the weekend. A place that will leave them too tired to notice 4 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in a row. I sit down at my computer and open my saved pages to Virginia.org’s list of 11 Award-Winning Virginia Craft Breweries. I think to myself that this may be the most important list I’ll read all month. Reading further I discover the Virginia has four craft beer trails. Devils Backbone Brewing Company and Blue Mountain Brewery both seem like great destinations for a father-son road trip. Unfortunately, while my boys aren’t old enough to drink, they are also too young to drive me home. I need to focus and find something fast, before they wake up. Staring at the map I see my opportunity in the mountains, just off Route 81. by Micaela Williamson This past spring, my children and I went to Busch Gardens Williamsburg to check out the new London Rocks show and spend the day going on some of our favorite rides. My 4 1/2 year old was so excited, but when it was time to get measured, he received the dreaded striped bracelet. Yes, he was 41 inches...just one inch under the 42 inches requirement to go on a lot of the "big kid" rides. I was alone with my kids so there was no way to "divide and conquer" with my spouse. Luckily, Busch Gardens Williamsburg has some great ride options for the whole family to enjoy together. There's no need for older siblings to be bored! Here are our top five favorite ones: Elephant RunLocated in Festa Italia, this ride is actually pretty fast and fun. Note, it changes names to "Reindeer Run" during Christmas Town. Everyone will be laughing out loud! Rider Requirements: Must be 38" to ride alone; Walking to 38" must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Hand-held infants are not permitted to ride. Le ScootThis classic log flume ride is thrilling with a couple of big drops but still safe and fun for younger children seeking a little more adventure. Insider tip: the front of the boat gets wetter than the back! This ride is only open in during the spring and summer seasons. Rider requirements: Walking to 46" can ride with a supervising adult. Grover's Alpine ExpressWhen we were there, we saw teenagers riding this! Even though it's located in the Sesame Street area, this is a great beginner roller coaster that still picks up enough speed for older children to enjoy. My kids wanted to go on it multiple times in a row! Rider requirements: Children 38" and taller may ride with a supervising companion ages 14 and older, and children 41" and taller may ride alone. Der WirbelwindSoar above the park and reach some serious height! Der Wirbelwind boasts special double swings where a parent and smaller child can sit together. The smaller child is secure with an extra harness, similar to a child's car seat. If you are not afraid of heights, this is a great one to try. Rider requirements: Children 40"-48" must be accompanied by a supervising companion and ride in the double swing; 48" or taller can ride alone. Le Catapult Looking like you may crash into the wall is part of the fun! Riders are jolted around on this take on an amusement park classic. Definitely expect a lot of giggles! Rider requirements: Children walking to 46" must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Those 48" or taller can ride alone. There are many more rides, attractions, and shows at Busch Gardens Williamsburg for those not tall enough for or those not interested in the thrill rides. This list is just a sampling of rides older and younger kids may enjoy experiencing together. For more information, please visit the official Busch Gardens Williamsburg website. Disclosure: I am an official blogger and ambassador with Busch Gardens Williamsburg. My family receives free admission and special perks for sharing our experiences. All opinions are my own. |
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