For years I have heard about the benefits of Girls on the Run.  My daughter is finally eligible to join, but before signing up I did some research to find out more about the program.  I was excited to find out that Girls on the Run goes far beyond a youth running club.

First and foremost, I wanted my daughter to embrace physical activity.  It will serve her well in life.  Not only will it make her healthier in the short-term, but also hopefully it will create a healthy habit that will stay with her through adulthood. Running for me has always been about more than exercise.  In my 20s and 30s I also experienced the therapeutic aspect of exercise.  Nothing seems quite as bad after a good run or workout.  In addition, with the pressures on today's youth, children need a vehicle to unleash their energy, angst and frustrations.  There is also no doubt that exercise can empower the bodies and minds of our little girls and future leaders.

We were thrilled to attend the Big Apple Circus's newest show, Metamorphosis, at Dulles Town Center.  The show featured some amazing acts that left us on the edge of our seats.  We like to support the Big Apple Circus because it is a non-profit organization rooted in many community based programs such as visits to children's hospitals, running an after school program, and distributing free tickets to schools and non-profits serving low-income families.  

One of the stars of the show is Francesco the clown, who is not a "scary clown." He performs musical and magic tricks and picks volunteers from the audience for many of his acts.  

Other spectacular acts include:

• The Anastasini Family with their slick skills with diabolo (“Chinese yoyos”), Risley (foot juggling — each other!), and an aerial space act that made me hold my breath the whole time!
  
• Ring master, John Kennedy Kane, entertaining and leading the show
• Keeping up with the insanely quick change with Vladimir and Olga Smirnov  as they change from one outrageously spectacular costume to another in just the blink of an eye.
• The Aniskin Troupe transporting the audience to new heights, showcasing some of the best twists and turns of the century on their trampoline and flying trapeze!
  
•  Tatevik Seyranyan and Odbayasakh Dorjoo  who swivel and bend with amazing flexibility in a contortion in a cube act and Tatevik defies the laws of gravity in a breath taking balancing Rolla Bolla act too! 
  

Finally, one reason many people, myself included,  avoid the circus is because of the use of exotic animals.  The Big Apple Circus does not use exotic animals, but rather farm animals such as dogs, goats, and ponies.  The particular show we attended mentioned that the animals came from a farm in upstate New York.  The animals are not forced to perform, receive positive reinforcement, and do not do anything crazy tricks. We liked that the Big Apple Circus is completely transparent in their animal care policies.  Read more about their animal care here or email them if you have a specific question. 

 The performance time is around 2 hours, including a 15 minute intermission.  Refreshments such as candy, popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels and drinks are for sale. At our particular performance, bathroom facilities were port-a-potties. The big top is extremely comfortable and is air-conditioned/heated depending on the season. We greatly enjoyed Metamorphosis and recommend it for people of all ages. 
Learn more at: http://bigapplecircus.org


Photo credits: The Big Apple Circus Pressroom


We received complimentary tickets for doing a review of this show. All opinions are our own. 

Get 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

In 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!” 

Another birthday party is in the books.  We just celebrated my daughter’s 9th birthday at Rebounderz Sterling Indoor Trampoline Arena.  For this review I decided to keep it to just the facts with some pictures to show the wonderful offering at Rebounderz of Sterling.   In addition to my review, I also asked my daughter to give her unbiased opinion of Rebounderz of Sterling.

Charlottesville 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. 

We went to see the Marvel Universe Live! Show at the Patriot Center on Friday evening, September 12th.

The show was fabulous!  The plot was simple, but kept the interest of adults and children alike.  My boys are 8 and 5 years old, so I was a bit concerned that the complexity of the plot – as narrated by Jarvis, Iron Man’s computer system – would be over their heads. My worries were unfounded, though; the action was fast-paced, the plot well-explained and easy to follow, and seeing their favorite Marvel characters come to life right in front of their eyes was simply amazing.

My husband and I were thoroughly engrossed in the story, as well! 

My 5 year old son kept his hands over his ears, as the show was pretty loud.  The characters were lip-syncing and their voices boomed out over the microphone system, and there were periodic loud explosions – complete with fireworks! – to convey the intensity of the battle scenes.Not too scary for 5 year olds, but pretty intense nonetheless. 

Many stunts were performed, including Captain America riding a motorcycle over jumps –and even doing a back flip on his motorcycle, which was extremely impressive!  The fight scenes between the good guys and the bad guys were pretty realistic –punches thrown and many acrobatics performed.  Overall, my whole family loved the show, and seeing Hulk, Thor, Spiderman, Iron Man, and Wolverine in person was an experience we will never forget. 

Remaining Showtimes:

·      Sunday, September 14 at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM

·      Friday, September 19 at 7:00 PM

·      Saturday, September 20 at 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM

·      Sunday, September 21 at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM

Ticket Information: All seats are reserved. Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000, via www.ticketmaster.com, and at Patriot Center box offices.


The writers at Kid Trips LLC are Feld Family Ambassadors. In exchange for our time and efforts in attending shows, reporting my opinion within our blog, and keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. All opinions are our own. .

The 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.