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/
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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 Amy SuskiCharlottesville will always have a special place in my heart because my husband and I started dating there when we were both students at the University of Virginia (UVA). At just over a 2-hour drive from Washington, D.C., Charlottesville is also a perfect weekend getaway destination-- with or without the kids. Before we had kids, we'd stay at one of the lovely Inns or B&Bs, visit a nearby vineyard such as Barboursville, browse the bookstores and antique shops, and enjoy a cozy dinner at the C&O Restaurant. Once we started bringing the kids, the itinerary changed, but the visits are just as much fun.
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 Heather Lataille Imagine a circus that is easy to get to, ample free parking, and everyone has the same ringside view. The Flying Circus Aerodrome and Air Show in Bealton, VA is just such a place. It offers a wonderful day of family fun every Sunday from May through October. It’s a relaxing 90 minute car ride away going west on 66 from the District line (use “5114 Ritchie Road” in the GPS). The show starts at 2:20pm, lasts about 90 minutes, and you won’t want miss any part of it. On our arrival just after the start of the show, we were greeted by a boy offering to guide us to the appropriate ticket window. Tickets cost $15/adult, $7.00 /child aged 5-12, and children 5 & under are free. As we rolled down the window, the car was filled with the smell of pasture. We were quickly distracted by the first plane to take off. We - mom, dad, big brother (4) and little brother (1 ½) - hurried to gather our things for the short walk to the airfield: the stroller; plenty of water; hats; sunglasses; sunscreen; camera; phones; chairs; and snacks. Bring cash for Fifi’s Cafe if you want to re-live the Hawaiian honeymoon with shave ice. We moved quickly to the main event. The spectators lined chairs along the wooden cow fence that divided them from the airfield. The experienced ones had umbrellas to shade them from the summer sun. Others occupied the wooden bleachers provided by the Circus. Several biplanes parked on the field about the size of two football fields. Others had their engines on and propellers spinning. The master of ceremonies fit the part. At times I felt that I was living in the Midwest in the 1950s watching pilots that were my neighbors. This show was authentic, and unlike other circuses I’ve been to, I didn’t feel like I ever needed to cover my children’s eyes or ears. The depth of information made the show feel like a visit to a museum but was as enjoyable as a day at a theme park With each act, there was something new. A parachutist opened the show as we all sang the national anthem. My children loved watching the biplanes compete to see which of them could pop more balloons with their propellers. Acrobatic flying was my favorite part of the show and Scott Francis is definitely as good or better on the stick than the “Blue Angels.” On the day we went, it was also the first day of a hot air balloon festival, which was an added bonus. It was completely awesome to watch the individual balloon teams inflate their balloons and take off. The scene was out of the “Wizard of Oz” and made me feel like a kid again. During the show, the M.C. passed off the mic to one of the captains of the teams and we learned the history of hot air ballooning and how it works. Don’t miss the chance to meet all of the pilots after the show. Ask them questions they have probably heard a million times because you don’t know the answers. It feels so much better than asking Google, and think of the example you are giving your kids. The miniature plane ride (picture a tractor pulling child-sized bi-planes) only costs $1.00 and is great for younger children. Before you leave, make sure to climb on the gigantic mound of turned earth on the south side of the airfield. We didn’t purchase tickets for the individual plane rides ($50-$140) before or after the show, but we definitely will plan to take the kids to do that when they are older. Children 5 and up will love this show. If you want to make this trip even more memorable, check out a few aviation-themed books from the library a couple weeks before you plan to go. Both of these books: “Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic” and “To Fly: The Story of the Wright Brothers” fit the theme. You could also download Little Mammoth Media’s “The Big Air Show” to get a preview of what lies ahead. The Flying Circus in Bealton, Virginia allows you to get closer to the action than many of the larger shows, and is an outing you and your family are not going to forget. About the Author: Heather Lataille is training to be a Montessori Guide for children from birth to 3. She runs Planes Child Care from her home in Falls Church by Claudine Kurp The Getaway It has been a hectic summer with a busy 9-year-old and an active toddler. With my husband’s work schedule and a young child that seems to be allergic to travel, I threw my hands up at the idea of an extended vacation. Still, this was my 10-year wedding anniversary and I wanted to do something special for this milestone occasion.
When I secured a sitter for an overnight trip, I started looking into local options for a quick getaway. I considered Annapolis, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and the beautiful Virginia countryside. Through some friends, I discovered a gorgeous destination, Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, VA. After doing some research on the resort, I was a little surprised that this jewel wasn’t more widely known. With my due diligence complete on hotel options, I booked a room and planned for a dreamy, albeit quick, visit to Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, Virginia. By Amy SuskiWhen your vacation starts with dragging 3 kids out of bed at 4:30 a.m. to make a mad dash to the airport, one of them is car-sick, and you use up your whole trip’s worth of handiwipes cleaning vomit off your luggage even before you check-in, you know you’re in for a special kind of trip. And our trip to The Big Island of Hawaii didn’t disappoint. From that moment forward there were plenty of ups and downs, from which I draw the following hard-earned travel lessons:
1) Dramamine is your friend. 2) Handiwipes are your friend. 3) However frustrated you may be with an airline after a flight is cancelled for the second time, the lady at the counter is your friend. If you and your kids look pathetic enough she just might take pity on you, bump the nasty guy in pointy leather shoes, and get all five members of your family on the next flight. (Thank you, thank you nice lady!!) 4) The hotel mini-fridge is your friend (and so is Costco). Stunned by the high price of restaurant dining in Hawaii, we alleviated some of the sting by stocking our trusty mini-fridge with breakfast food and snacks from the local Costco. 5) Don't attempt to check a laptop computer, however well-cushioned it may seem. Baggage handlers are not known for their gentleness. (The screen cracked on mine.) 6) Make sure your rental car is in tip-top shape (i.e. all 4 tires have air) before driving off into the night tired, disoriented, and with 3 jet lagged kids. 7) Don't buy swimsuits with pockets. Our 11-year-old “forgot” his ipod touch was in his swimsuit pocket when he jumped in the hot tub. 8) Seriously consider not checking your emails at all. As a result of stupid curiosity both my husband and I got entangled with disputes with our house contractor and problems at work that sucked valuable time away from the trip and left us pretty aggravated. 9) DO make your children eat Hawaiian poi. It’s disgusting and if they get unruly you can threaten them with it for the rest of trip. 10) Don’t bring children to an unmarked, off-the trail crater in the ground with a name like “Devil’s Throat.” It appears suddenly, has a 165 drop, and has no barriers. It’s dangerous. (And is not on any of the official guide maps for a good reason.) 11) Ask the nice people at the hotel which beaches are ok and which are not. The surf is treacherous at some beaches and certain remote spots are better left to the locals. 12) Don’t leave your luggage in a rental car for any extended period. If leaving valuables in your car is unavoidable, we found that a child's semi-circle of vomit around the car is 100% effective in deterring break-ins. by Micaela Williamson In 2013, New York City brought in a record number of tourists at over 54 million visitors, but continues to be among one of the most expensive cities for visitors in the world. However, the Big Apple offers many unique and affordable adventures that go beyond the typical tourist traps. Here are some fun suggestions:
This is a sponsored post by JP Teaches Photo. We were compensated for sharing this information. We love traveling to NYC and all opinions are our own. On the northern tip of Loudoun County, VA, near Harpers Ferry, WV sits a breathtaking place for families to engage in exciting adventures. Whether you are looking for a day trip or a mini-vacation, Harpers Ferry Adventure Center offers tons of family-fun for a variety of levels and ages such as: Adventure Park: a three-level high challenge course with over 50 cable and rope bridges and ziplines, a low level for kids 5-12 who are at least 36" tall, and middle and upper levels for those 10 and older who are at least 48” tall. White Water Rafting: (must be at least 5 yrs old & 50 lbs.) An awesome half day trip offered for beginners on a beautiful 7 mile stretch of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. Enjoy Class I-III rapids, get active, and view some wildlife. All trips include: the raft, a guide, PFD (Personal Flotation Device), helmet, paddle, beverage during the trip, and shuttle to and from the river. Water Tubing: Choose from Flat Water Tubing (must be at least 5 years old & 50 lbs,) White Water Tubing (ages 12 plus) or do a combo of both. Water tubing is one of Harpers Ferry Adventure Center's signature activities and the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day! Kayaking: Kayak on the white water on an inflatable kayak dubbed a "Duckie" (must be 10 years and older) or paddle at your own pace on the flat water (ages 12 and up.) Canoeing: Paddle on the Potomac River alongside the historic C&O Canal towpath, Half and full day trips are offered, participants must be at least 5 yrs old and 50 lbs. Zip Line Tours: Play in the treetops and experience the best zip lining in WV! Tours include 7 ziplines and a skybridge. Must be 6 years old and 60 lbs to participate. Special rates offered for kids. Off Road Segway Tours: Teens and adults will love testing their balance and coordination in this fun tour complete with an obstacle course and mountain trip. Plus, Segways are less damaging to natural terrain than hiking boats, so the beautiful ride is also eco friendly! Camping: Extend your adventure by staying at one of the premium riverside camp sites Cabin Rentals: Prefer not to stay in a tent, try staying in a scenic mountainside cabin. Other family friendly activities offered include horseback riding, the giant jumping pillow, hiking, rock-climbing and fishing. We love that Harpers Ferry Adventure Center is just an hour from DC, rates are affordable, and the facilities are award-winning and top-notch. Plus, they are located just 1/4 mile from the river which cuts transportation time down to a minimum. Harpers Ferry Adventure Center 37291 Jefferson Pike Purcellville, VA 20132 540-668-9007 http://harpersferryadventurecenter.com Pictures are courtesy of Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, All rights reserved.
Harpers Ferry Adventure Center is a sponsor of our website. All opinions are our own. We frequently get emails from fans on a budget asking what are the best FREE things to do with kids in the Northern Virginia area this summer. We channeled our inner David Letterman and created this exclusive top ten list. Enjoy!
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