Pinkalicious can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor's office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe - a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament. We sent a local mom and her four year old daughter to review the show, and here is what they had to say: The musical is a must see for any Pinkalicious book fan out there. The songs were wonderfully entertaining. The set and lighting were so magical that my daughter let out an audible gasp when we walked in. When the show started and Pinkalicious came out, my daughter turned to me and said "this is amazing!" The musical stayed very true to the book (with a few minor additions) which kept my Pinkalicious fan very happy and engaged. The overall running time of the show is about an hour long. If you haven't been to Adventure Theatre before, please know that it is on the smaller side and seats are first come, first serve. We highly recommend attending this gorgeous, family-friendly show this summer! Other things to know: * They had princess wands and tiaras for sale $3 each. Pinkalicious books were also available for $7 each, as well as some really cool light up fairy wings. * Kids have the opportunity to play dress up ( with pink clothes!) before the show. * Pink cupcakes, pink cookies and pink lemonade are for sale ($3 each) before and after the show. (We got the pink lemonade and cupcake and had a little treat after the show which made our day just a little bit more special!) * While at Glen Echo park, be sure to ride on the historical carousel! PINKALICIOUS
Adventure Theatre MTC 7300 Macarthur Blvd Glen Echo, Maryland 20812 Showing from June 20 – August 31, 2014 Based on the book Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann & Elizabeth Kann Music by John Gregor Lyrics by John Gregor, Elizabeth Kann & Victoria Kann Directed by Carl Menninger Starring Carolyn Agan Recommended for All Ages Buy tickets online here.
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by Jay WilliamsonIf you have a toddler, you understand the reference. They may sit through their daily commute in a gray minivan affectionately renamed Gordon, and visit their grandparents on a plane, but no mode of transportation captures children’s attention the way trains can. Maybe it is the scale and power, or astute marketing, however if you have a young child you’ll eventually:
This post compiles a list of train museums and train-related events within driving distance of the DC metro area. I admit that I haven’t been to all of them, and the list is not comprehensive, so feel free to include tips and suggestions in the comments below. Main Stations: The Train Museums B&O Railroad Museum 901 West Pratt Street Baltimore, MD http://www.borail.org/default.aspx Just a short drive away, the B&O Railroad Museum features an impressive collection of locomotives and rolling stock. The museum bills itself as “the oldest, most comprehensive American railroad collection in the world” and it delivers on that promise. Its collection includes a number of cars – including a caboose – which you can go inside of. It also features many locomotives from earlier eras that enable children to encounter history and see how trains have changed over time. Many of the trains are housed in a roundhouse that fascinates kids with its gigantic scale and a turntable that is just like (!!!) the one they play with. Train rides are also available (extra charge), however the view is, on occasion, closer to The Wire than to the Island of Sodor. Regardless, the museum a great day trip and easily combined with an early dinner at the Inner Harbor. Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
300 Gap Road Ronks, PA 17572 http://www.rrmuseumpa.org/index.shtml Strasburg Rail Road 301 Gap Road Ronks, PA 17572 http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/ While the Railroad Museum and Strasburg Rail Road are separate institutions, they are directly across the street from one another, and offer a train-filled day in an idyllic countryside setting. Imagine Sodor without the accidents. Or, more specifically, train accidents. The Strasburg Rail Road offers multiple trains throughout the day that bring visitors on a 45 minute journey through Lancaster PA farmland. The engine and car types vary and enable you to tailor your experience to your family’s budget and interest level. The Rail Road also offers a variety of special events, such as an Easter Train, Days out with Thomas, Wine & Cheese Trains, and Christmas themed trains that are sure to be a hit. The Railroad Museum displays a diverse collection of over 100 locomotives and rail cars in its exhibit hall and restoration yard. The locomotives and rail cars are well displayed and visitors are permitted inside several of them, including a beautifully restored caboose. Ronks is approximately 3 hours from Washington D.C. While the trip can be done in a day, consider staying overnight at the Fulton Steamboat Inn, a wonderfully fun hotel that looks like a steamboat inside and out and lets you borrow a pet goldfish for the night. Equally important, the hotel has a great playground and pool. If you’re interesting in sticking with the train theme, consider The Red Caboose Motel. By Amy SuskiLast weekend my family returned to Adventure Park at Sandy Springs Friends School to test our courage and see what fun new features have been added. We last visited in 2012 and had a blast. [To read that review click here.] What I absolutely love about this place is that its an experience the whole family can really bond over. From my 7-year-old daughter to her 70 year-old-grandad, everyone in our family was able to have fun, help each other along, and achieve more than they ever thought they could. Located just a short drive from the capital beltway, Adventure Park is a the largest man-made outdoor climbing experience in the world. There are three main areas in the park: Adventure Forest plus two brand-new areas, The Monkey Grove and The Labyrinth. Adventure Forest consists of 190 platforms high in the trees connected by ropes, bridges, climbing obstacles, and zip lines. Each of the 13 trails are ranked according to difficulty from purple (easiest) - yellow - green - blue - black - double black (hardest). To climb, children must be at least 5 years old and capable of independently using their safety lines. 5-6 year olds must be accompanied by an adult when climbing, and there are additional age and supervision requirements for children depending on the difficulty of the course. I climbed together with my 7-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son. We'd climbed before so the purple and yellow courses were pretty easy and no problem. Although plenty of school-aged kids were traveling through the green course with great confidence, the green course "Fern Gully," was pretty challenging for us. In some cases, I encouraged my kids along only to reach the obstacle myself and hesitate. Then it was their turn to coach ME along. (This is where the family bonding comes in.) At one point, I was so nervous about crossing a trapeze line that I froze in my tracks…the smell of fear radiating from my armpits. Really, the only reason I made it across was that my kids had already made it to the other side and my 'mother-bear' instincts simply wouldn't let me abandon them. Of course, the challenge was purely mental -- physically we were safe and always able to do the obstacles. So when we finally completed the course, we were both relieved AND exhilarated at having conquered our fears. My 12-year old son, husband and father-in-law, faced much bigger challenges on the blue and black trails -- and loved it. These courses provide a rare opportunity for teens and tweens to take risks while being safe. And being able to do that alongside Dad and a remarkably agile Grandad is something special. (Note: this would be a GREAT Father's Day outing!) If you have adventurous kids, tweens, or teens, Adventure Park is hands-down one of the best family experiences in the area. Not sure whether your younger kids are ready for Adventure Forest? A good place to start for anyone would be the newly added Labyrinth. This structure offers climbers as young as 5 & 6 the chance to climb along with older kids and adults on a variety of fun elements. The Labyrinth is open to the public Friday & Saturday afternoons and is available by private reservation for birthday parties and groups. Another cool new addition to Adventure Park is the Monkey Grove -- 10 trees with rigging similar to a rock-climbing wall that allows climbers to scale the heights of a tree and safely rappel down. For both the Monkey Grove and the Labyrinth, limited spots are available so tickets should be purchased online in advance. Adventure Park at Sandy Springs is located at 16701 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring, Maryland, 20860. For more information please visit their website at www.sandyspringadventurepark.org or call (240) 389-4386. Tickets also make a great gift idea! _Upcoming Events at Adventure Parkby Jay WilliamsonChesapeake Bay Maritime Museum http://www.cbmm.org St. Michaels, Maryland $15.00 Adults (ages 17-61) $12.00 Seniors over 62 & Students age 17+ with college ID $6.00 Kids (ages 6-17) Under 6 is free! Open year round, check website for times. Winter is over, warmer weather is here, and the water beckons. Did the cold winter make you a pale version of your parenting self? Do you need to get outside? Do you need to get away? We understand. Unfortunately you might not have the time or money to schedule a lengthy trip, which is why the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is so ideal. In the spring or fall, the museum is a manageable two hour drive from Northern Virginia, but be mindful of bridge traffic in the summer. The waterside museum offers wonderful scenery, plenty of space to run, and boats to climb on and in. While there are a wide variety of exhibits, our boys especially enjoy climbing to the top of the Hooper Strait Lighthouse to see views of St. Michael’s harbor and the boatyard, climbing into the oyster harvesting skipjack the E.C. Collier, and learning about the bay. The museum offers boat rides (additional charges) that, circumstances permitting, may include chances to steer. In addition, they offer a variety of educational programs and special events – such as Tall Ships in May, the Antique and Classic Boat Festival in June and an Oyster Fest in October. There is a gazebo in the middle of the boat yard and several other places to enjoy a low-key picnic lunch. Alternatively, the shops, restaurants, and ice-cream stores of St. Michaels are just a short, dock-walk from the museum (http://www.stmichaelsmd.org/). If you need a chance to get away, rediscover the sun, and family members’ sunny dispositions then consider the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum as a perfect day trip. The Jungle Book at Adventure Theatre-MTC is a pure delight for the senses. The show tells the classic story of young Mowgli, the man-cub based on the stories by Rudyard Kipling and director Shirley Serotsky adapts the fable in this exciting, engaging performance for families. Orphaned in the jungle as an infant and adopted by a wolf pack, young Mowgli the man-cub is taught the Laws of the Jungle by Baloo, the bear, and Bagheera, the panther. As Mowgli discovers himself and his place as a human, the jungle’s greatest menace, the Bengal Tiger Shere Khan, prepares to finish the kill he abandoned years ago. (Official Press Release) We were thoroughly impressed by the animated, entertaining cast that constantly had the audience laughing and interested. The set was colorful, sound effects were authentic, and the costumes were great. I enjoyed the talented, multi-ethnic cast and crew and found the overall story to be very well told. My kids loved the humor of the silly monkeys, lovable Mowgli, wise wolves, the vibrant Baloo the bear and enticing Kaa the snake. Although Shere Khan is killed at the end by a stampede, it is appropriately done for young audiences. All the audience hears is stomping and then Shere Khan's hat is left on the stage to symbolize his dead body. To be honest, the fact that he was actually killed went over my 4 year old's head. I would recommend this show for ages 4 and up, but we did see some younger toddlers in the audience that seemed to be engaged throughout the entire 55 minute performance. Parents know their children best. Show details: The Jungle Book April 4-May 25, 2014 www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org Tickets are $19 each, with group and field trip rates available. (Children under the age of 1 are free.) ***All performances will take place at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD, 20812 in the historic Glen Echo Park. Photos by Bruce Douglas
Check out Imagination's Stage's newest production and world premiere of Cinderella: The Remix, complete with music, dancing, and girl power! Cinderella lives in the basement of her step-mama's house and longs to DJ, but only boys can do DJ in her town of Hip-Hop Hollywood. Cinderella disguises herself as a boy and auditions for the super famous "jam" thrown by the J-Prince and gets the gig. With some help from her Fairy Godmother Hope-rah, Cinderella DJs the Jam (at least until midnight). Will she ever be allowed to spin as her true self? Or will Cinderella be convicted of frontin’ and sentenced to solitary confinement with only the music of Kenny G for company? SHOW DETAILS:
Cinderella: The Remix at Imagination Stage Best for ages 5-10, April 9-May 25, 2014 (Public performances on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., with occasional 11:00 a.m. performances (April 19, May 3, May 10, and May 24) Tickets start at $10, and may be purchased online at www.imaginationstage.org, at the Imagination Stage box office, or via phone at 301-280-1660. Group rates are available. SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES $10 Preview tickets (applies to most seats) April 12 at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Sensory-friendly performance: April 27 at 11:00 a.m ASL-interpreted performance: April 27 at 4:00 p.m. The Children’s Ball: May 10 at 4:30 p.m. Friday night performance and dance party: May 16 at 7:00 p.m. Imagination Stage 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD Parking: Metered parking in the adjacent public parking garage; parking is FREE on weekends Metro: Red Line / Bethesda Station by Micaela Williamson Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, approximately 12 miles south of the town of Cambridge. Boasting over 27,000 acres rich with marsh land, ponds, and forests, the refuge is a great place to check out wildlife and enjoy serene natural scenery. Blackwater is also host to one of the largest breeding populations of American bald eagles on the east coast, and contains the largest remaining natural population of the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel. During certain times of the year, it is a haven for migration of geese, ducks, and the peregrine falcon. We started our visit at the beautiful Visitor Center, where we were able to get maps and information from Blackwater staff. Then we continued down to the Wildlife Drive, which is about a 7-mile loop and takes visitors in cars, on bicycles, or on foot past some of the most scenic marshes, forests, and fields at Blackwater. During the drive, we stopped our car many times to take short hikes on trails and view wildlife. On our journey, we were able to spot a some American bald eagles, the Delmarva fox squirrel, an osprey nest, turkey vultures, and common ducks, frogs, and geese. Check out our gallery below, and click on the images to enlarge: Besides the Wildlife Drive and hiking, visitors can also find three paddling trails, miles of cycling roads, hunting/fishing/crabbing opportunities, and adventures and programs in environmental education. For more specific details, visit the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge FAQ page. Information about boating trails & rentals can be found here. Where to eat? While the refuge hosts a few picnic areas, we opted to try the local gem Old Salty's, located about 20 minutes from the refuge on the traditional Chesapeake waterman community of Hooper's Island. Old Salty's This is a no-frills, old school seafood restaurant with beautiful views and honestly some of the most delicious seafood and crab dishes we have ever tasted. More info at: www.oldsaltys.com. Where to stay? The most beautiful, luxurious Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay is a short distance away. The hotel is in the historic town of Cambridge, MD and boasts many amenities and attractions. Check out my review of the resort in this blog post here. More information: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge 2145 Key Wallace Drive Cambridge, Maryland 21613 http://www.fws.gov/blackwater/ I received a free stay at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay for my family in return for writing articles that highlight the beautiful Eastern Shore Region. No additional compensation was received. All opinions are my own.
The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa, and Marina is the perfect weekend getaway from the DC Metro/Northern Virginia area. The resort features:
We loved the clean spacious rooms and stayed in a family suite with a king sized bed and bunk beds for the kids. For dinner, we enjoyed an incredible meal at Blue Point Provision, just a 5-10 minute walk down a shelled path from the hotel. The atmosphere was fun, and the menu was filled with delicious, local food. We sampled the Choptank Oysters on the half-shell, which were sweet and fresh, loved the cocktail menu, and took advantage of being in Maryland with crab and fresh fish specialities. For breakfast, we at inside the main hotel at the Water's Edge Grill, which has a great breakfast buffet and specialities such as a crab omelet. Since the weather was still too cool for the outdoor pool and beach, we took advantage of the beautiful and large indoor pool, played some mini-golf, and when the sun went down, we enjoyed roasting some s'mores by the outdoor fire. While at the Hyatt, here are some great things to do around Cambridge: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge boasts 27,000 acres of woodland, rich tidal marsh, freshwater ponds and managed cropland. It's a great for viewing wildlife, cycling, hiking, and paddling. Read our blog post for more information about visiting the refuge. Choptank River Lighthouse: The Choptank River Lighthouse is open for free, self-guided tours by appointment from November through April. To make an appointment, call 410.228.4031. From May through October, the lighthouse is open regular hours for touring. Admission is free, but donations are welcome! Harriet Tubman Museum: Underground Railroad 'conductor' Harriet Tubman was born in Dorchester County probably in the 1820s. The museum is part of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, a self-guided, scenic driving tour with more than 30 sites related to freedom seekers. For more information and an audio guide, stop by the Dorchester Visitor Center, 2 Rose HIll Place; Cambridge, MD. Richardson Maritime Museum: A unique collection of vessels and a museum dedicated to the region's maritime history. I received a complimentary stay, breakfast, and snacks at the hotel for my honest review. I also met with a regional tourism specialist to hear more about the great features the region has to offer for families. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.
Blackwater NWR 14th Annual Eagle Festival Saturday, March 15, 2014 9:00am - 4:00pm One of the largest largest breeding populations of bald eagles in the United States is close to home: Blackwater Refuge on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Bring the family and spend the day at the Refuge learning about bald eagles, spotting them in the wild, and having a great day packed with fun! This unique event is a must for nature lovers! The family-friendly schedule of events includes talks with experts, tours, live programs, exhibits, entertainment, and a ton of kids' activities such as crafts, science and nature explorations, a puppet show, and more. Blackwater Refuge is located 12 miles south of Cambridge and is filled with 27,000 acres of woodland, rich tidal marsh, freshwater ponds and managed cropland—great for birdwatching, cycling, hiking, and paddling. The refuge features a full service Visitor Center with a bookstore, restrooms, butterfly garden, and observatory, and a 4-mile Wildlife Drive with walking trails and a photo blind. While you are in the region, please check out the Dorchester County, Maryland Tourism website for other activity suggestions and great places to stay and eat. Look for more Kid Trips posts about this region in the near future! Disclosure: My family is working with tourism and program specialists in the Dorchester County, Maryland region and will be receiving free travel perks for upcoming articles that highlight family-friendly attractions and accommodations in the region. All opinions are my own.
by Claudine and MicaelaThere is nothing like a January snowfall to remind us that winter is far from over! And while the charm of the snow can be enchanting, the reality is the cold weather can catch up with the young and old alike and make for a less than comfortable family-friendly day. After you have built your snowman, spent hours sledding and have thrown a few snowballs, it might be time to find some more climate friendly activities for your crew.
And we have tons of options for you! To start, the Kid Trips Northern Virginia book lists many local museums and hidden gems in Northern Virginia as well as Washington DC. Check out some of our Top Ideas to Discover Winter Fun in DC and Beyond below: |
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