Posted by Sarah at 1:18 PM

October 28, 2005

Weekend Watch

It's shaping up to be a spooky weekend in Washington, with Halloween parties and shoes on sale. Here are the highlights:

Saturday Morning: Halloween Festival at Turtle Park
10 a.m. to 12 noon @ the park, NW DC in the AU Park/Tenley neighborhood
Come in costume for the costume parade! Plenty of treats will be served for little ones and grownups alike.

Saturday: Halloween Family Night at the Reston Community Center
Strangely enough , this family night isn't at night at all -- It runs 12 noon to 2 p.m. For families with kids up to age eight. Carnival games and treats.

Saturday: Pentagon Row Halloween Fest
2 to 4 p.m. at Pentagon Row Plaza
Pumpkin painting contest, trick-or-treating, mask-making, entertainers.

Sunday: Costume Party at Rock Creek Nature Center
2 p.m., Rock Creek Park, NW DC
Wear your costume and get ready for face painting, games, and a costume contest. Appropriate for ages three to tweens.

While you're reveling in tricks and treats, don't forget to shop for SHOES! The Livie & Luca sale for DC BABY readers ends Sunday. You can save 10 percent on cute, cute shoes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers -- plus fun socks and hats -- by entering the VIP Lounge on the Livie & Luca website. Use log-in dc-baby (case sensitive) and password 10off (also case sensitive). I must report that I indulged in a pair of "Lula Sparkles" for Ava this week, and I can't wait for them to arrive. (She'll only be a little girl for a limited time, so I decided to pass up the practical and go for the sparkle, just this once! It's the "eat dessert first" school of parenting.) Thanks to DC-area mama and Livie & Luca rep Amie Garcia for extending this special offer to our readers.

Posted by Sarah at 9:57 PM

October 27, 2005

DC BABY is Full Term

It's official. I'm about to give birth to my second "child." The due date has arrived. DC BABY: A Handbook for Parenting In (& Around) the Capitol City will soon be hot off the printing press!

DC BABY retails for $19 (+95 cent sales tax for Virginia residents).

Coming soon to this website: Secure, online ordering and payment, plus e-book options.

DC BABY will also be available for purchase through Amazon.com and in select bookstores and children's boutiques throughout metro Washington.

Also in the works: A DC BABY SHOWER launch party. You're invited, so stay tuned for details!

In the meantime, you'll notice that the site has been updated with a sneak peak at the book's intro chapter -- and this preview of DC BABY's cover:

Posted by Sarah at 8:44 PM

National Children's Museum: Still Alive & Well!

As you're probably aware, the National Children's Museum is undergoing major expansion and renovation. The museum's physical location is closed to the public until sometime in 2008, when it will reopen new and improved. What you may not know is that the heart and soul of the museum is still going strong during the construction period. Here's an update:

Building Blocks, the National Children's Museum's early childhood program, has quickly become one of NCM's most popular offerings. Reservations for this program, geared for children ages two and three, are open, and several classes are close to being sold out. Building Blocks is offered through a partnership with the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop and requires advance registration and payment. Visit the Museum Without Walls page on the NCM website to learn how you can take part in the fun. To register for a class, call 202.675.4120.

NCM will also be at the Marine Corps Marathon on October 30. Join NCM this Sunday at the Marine Corps Marathon for a number of hands-on activities just for kids. Stop by the Finish Line Festival and solve a puzzle all about our organs and learn how they fit in our bodies, examine how your lungs are affected by smoking, and study a piece of a real human brain! At the Street Spectacular you can make your own art projects to take home.

Share Your Thoughts:
What do you want to see or do at the new National Children's Museum? This is your chance to help shape NCM's exhibits, activities, and programs. Your thoughts are important as the management continues to create the museum. Visit the homepage and click on the It's Your Museum link to share your ideas.

The National Children's Museum administrative offices are located at 955 L'Enfant Plaza North, SW DC, Suite 5100.

Posted by Sarah at 12:40 PM

October 26, 2005

More, More, More Halloween Treats

This Friday, October 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lake Marion Community Center in Montgomery Village, kids and parents will play games and create crafts at the Montgomery Village Foundation's annual "Spooktacular." The event includes a fortune teller, parade, and costume contest. Judges will award ribbons in four categories (funniest, scariest, most original and best overall), in two age groups (three to five and six to nine). Admission is $4 per child, or $3 per child with a donation of two canned goods to benefit Gaithersburg HELP.

This Saturday, October 29 starting at 10 a.m., check out the Fall Frolic at Glen Echo Park in Maryland. The event is FREE, runs all day and into the evening, and is open to the public. Includes puppet shows, children's crafts, a Halloween play in the Adventure Theatre, trick-or-treating from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., and a children's costume parade at 5 p.m. Pumpkin painting from 2 to 5 p.m. (Pumpkins $1 each.) Live music into the night.

Jonah's Treehouse in Glover Park, NW DC will host a FREE Halloween Open House for preschoolers (children age two to five) this Sunday, October 30 from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Kids may come in costume if they wish, and JT will be running mini-classes (10 minutes or so) throughout the Open House. This is a great way for parents to learn about the program for two-, three-, and four-year-old children, meet the teachers, and see JT's beautiful, custom studio first-hand. All are welcome! Visit the website for location, parking details, etc.

Posted by Sarah at 9:50 AM

October 25, 2005

Quick Clarification on Alexandria Event

An update re: my October 17 blog post:

I want to clarify that the Alexandria Jaycees "Goblin Games" event takes place at the Nannie J. Lee Memorial Rec Center.

(My previous post referred to the Lee Rec Center -- and since there are two such places with similar names, the distinction is very important!)

Here's the full press release on the program and its sponsors:

Jaycees Offer Goblin Games Lights-On Program for Kids Two to Seven

The Alexandria Jaycees and the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities are pleased to offer Alexandria children the Goblin Games Lights On Program -- Halloween-themed games and activities for kids aged two to seven. Parents and children can move through the games at their own pace. There is no cost, although donations are welcome. The games will take place at the Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314, on Saturday, October 29 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The Goblin Games consist of numerous Halloween-themed, age-appropriate games and activities such as Bowling for Bones, Pin the Wart on the Witch, Skeleton Toss, and a coloring station. Each child is given a goodie bag that he or she fills with small prizes and candy as he moves from activity to activity (while supplies last).

The Alexandria Jaycees is a leadership development organization dedicated to community service, personal growth, and fellowship for young adults aged 21-40. The Alexandria chapter has been serving the City of Alexandria since 1940. The chapter is best known for its Holiday Shopping Tour for underprivileged children and the countless hours of manpower it provides to organizations like The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria, Christmas in April, and the Red Cross Waterfront Festival. For more details about the Goblin Games or for membership information, call the Jaycees’ 24-hour recorded eventline at 703.866.7171 or see the website at www.alexjaycees.org.

Apologies for any confusion on this. Enjoy the Halloween fun!

Posted by Sarah at 10:38 PM

Free Wisdom for Parents

Two free presentations for parents this week:

Tomorrow evening, Wednesday, October 26
at 5:30 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m.
Kim West, "The Sleep Lady", a highly regarded sleep consultant out of Annapolis who has appeared on the Today Show and is recommended in my book, DC BABY, is speaking at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Silver Spring (at the corner of Colesville Rd. and Dale Dr.). Kim is the author of Good Night, Sleep Tight: The Sleep Lady's Guide to Helping Your Child Go to Sleep, Stay Asleep, and Wake Up Happy.

St. Luke church will serve dinner between the two sessions (free-will donation accepted), and they're also offering free childcare to those who call ahead. If you need childcare, please RSVP as soon as possible: 301.588.0818, ext. 235.

For future reference, St. Luke has a free monthly parenting seminar, normally held on the fourth Wednesday of each month. It is open to the community.

This Thursday, October 27 at 7 p.m.
It's Family Night in Old Town. Fran Herron will address the issue of over-scheduled children and over-scheduled parents at A Likely Story Children's Bookstore (1555 King St.) in Alexandria, two blocks from the King St. metro. The program will provide professional info and support, with plenty of time for discussion and Q&A.

Posted by Sarah at 2:04 PM

Mama Yoga

Yoga House on Georgia Ave. in NW DC, is hosting Mama & Baby Yoga on Fridays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and Prenatal Yoga on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more info, check out the website or call 202.285.1316.

Momease and George Washington University Hospital are also offering Prenatal Yoga on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The group will meet November 8, 15, and 22, and December 6. The hospital is located at 900 23rd St. NW. For more details, call 1.888.4GW.DOCS or visit the Momease website.

More about these classes:

Prenatal Yoga:
Join other Mothers in a gentle class which incorporates asana, breath work, movement and meditation. Ease into the changes of pregnancy. Practice relaxation techniques, while bonding with the soul growing inside you. Increase strength and flexibility in preparation for birth and beyond. Come and share birth or prenatal stories, breastfeeding and parenting information. Mamas from 0-40 weeks welcome. Doctor or midwife approval recommended

Mama & Baby Yoga:
This playful class, taught by mama Nikki Plaskett and son Noble (4 months), is filled with chants, song, and asanas. Postpartum, my midwife told me "don't lift anything heavier than your baby," so mamas will do just that. The relaxed pace encourages nursing and caring for baby. Bring a blanket for baby to lie on while you stretch and massage the babies, increasing their circulation and muscle tone. A three minute meditation will promote breast milk production, hormonal balance, stress relief and transition to motherhood. Open to mothers and babies 6 weeks postpartum. Doctor or midwife approval recommended.

More About the Instructor:
Nikki Plaskett, from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, took her first Hatha yoga class as a child when her parents forgot to pick her up from dance class. Since then her love affair with creative movement has blossomed and led to certification as a Vinyasa instructor. A beautiful pregnancy and graceful birth inspired Nikki to specialize in perinatal training; she holds certifications as a Khalsa Way Pregnancy Yoga Teacher and Perinatal Fitness Trainer. She says the birth of her son opened a channel of power she never knew existed: "It is the greatest meditation I have experienced, and I am honored to support other mamas on their journey to birth and beyond."

Enjoy, & namaste!

Posted by Sarah at 9:53 AM

October 23, 2005

For the Love of Shoes

Ever wanted to shut down your favorite store and shop like a rockstar after hours? Well, here's something even better.

Livie & Luca -- my new favorite shoe source for babies and toddlers --has extended an invitation exclusively to DC BABY folks to browse their shoes in a VIP Lounge. Here, all of Livie & Luca's products are marked down 10 percent for one week only.

Here's how to take advantage:

Monday, October 24 through Friday, October 28, go to www.livieandluca.com. Click on the "VIP Lounge" icon on the page's left side. The log-in is dc-baby (case sensitive), and the password is 10off (also case sensitive).

Thanks to DC mama and local Livie & Luca consultant Amie Garcia for extending this great offer to DC BABY readers.

Happy shoe shopping! Oh, the joy!

Posted by Sarah at 11:22 PM

October 22, 2005

Spooky Fun in Annandale, Takoma Park, & Arlington

Thanks to DC parents for sending in more Halloween alerts!

Children's Halloween Costume Parade in Annandale
Saturday, October 29 at 4 p.m. (canceled if inclement weather)
Starting point: 4804 Erie St. (near the corner of Erie and Newcastle)
The Ravensworth-Bristow Civic Association is sponsoring this Halloween costume event. Treats and punch will be provided at the end of the parade. FREE and open to the public. Call 703.354.5243 for more info.

Takoma Park Halloween Festival
at Piney Branch Elementary School, Saturday, October 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Community Halloween parade, costume contest, and party. FREE and open to the public. Call 301.891.7100 for more info.

Spooktacular Halloween at Cosmo Tots in Arlington
Saturday, October 29 from 2:30 to 5 p.m.
2729 Wilson Blvd.
Music, games, facepainting, and hayrides. FREE and open to the public. Call 703.812.8687 for more info.

Posted by Sarah at 6:36 PM

October 21, 2005

Weekend Watch

Washington's a little rainy and gray -- even on the chilly side -- but it feels like fall, at long last! Get out and enjoy the season. Here are a few of my favorite goings on this weekend:

On Saturday in Rockville, check out the Fun-Filled Safe Halloween event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Potomac Woods Plaza. The FREE gathering will feature a children's costume parade, face painting, pumpkin painting, balloon animals, street clowns, a moonbounce, trick-or-treating at the plaza's merchant stores, door prize or both kids and adults, and free ice cream.

On Saturday in NoVa, check out the Dad & Me storytime at A Likely Story on King St. in Old Town Alexandria. They'll supply the pumpkins, and you and your little one will do the painting! Also a seasonally-appropriate story... of course!

Also Saturday in NoVa, there's the Vienna Halloween Party at the Vienna Community Center's gym from 2 to 3:30 p.m. This event is geared toward ages four to 12 with an adult, and admission is FREE. Costumes are strongly encouraged!

Time is running out to catch the production of Charlotte's Web. at the Way Off Broadway Children's Theater in Frederick. Saturday performances are 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and Sunday at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. On November 5, the curtain closes.

Sunday in the District, stop by the huge Temple Micah Community-Wise Yard Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They're located at 2829 Wisconsin Ave. NW, between Fulton and Garfield. In additioon to lots of kids' clothing, toys, and gear for sale, they'll also have free performances at 10 and 11 a.m. by a magician, plus balloon animals, face painting, a moonbounce, and tasty eats.

As always, I encourage readers who want a truly comprehensive weekend calendar of events for families to subscribe to the Our Kids newsletter for a reasonable annual fee. You get an email every Tuesday with a full week's calendar. I'm a customer/subscriber myself, and it's worth every penny! I also suggest signing up for the Washington Post calendar -- Mostly oriented toward adult activities, but still worthwhile.

Have a great weekend!

Posted by Sarah at 10:14 AM

October 20, 2005

Four Things That Make My Day

1. Taking my daughter to Music Together this morning. I can't recommend instructor Angie Moran, director of Old Town Music Together, highly enough. Her energy, positivity, and sense of fun works so well with little ones, enhancing an already stellar, research-based "curriculum." Angie makes even ME feel like I can sing and shake a tamborine... which is quite an accomplishment. Ava has a blast, and I think we'll be taking Music Together for a long time to come.

2. Zutano baby and toddler clothes. I'm a bit slow, and only recently discovered my (and my daughter's) favorite playclothes. I love how soft, colorful, and functional they are, at prices that are competitive with most other children's lines. The mix-and-match pieces are easy-on/easy-off and can be layered for weather changes. My daughter gravitates to the Zutano outfits we've recently bought -- It's all she wants to wear. Getting dressed has been easier and happier since Zutano came to our house. In the District, you can find Zutano at Piccolo Piggies, Dawn Price Baby, Tree Top Kids, Full of Beans, and Wake Up Little Suzie. In NoVa, you can find Zutano at Why Not?, Rob-Cyns, Allyssa Bryn, and Baskets & Boughs. In suburban Maryland, try Classics for Kids, Piccolo Piggies (Bethesda location), The Cottage Monet, Full of Beans (Potomac location), Molly's Meanderings, Now & Then, and The Growing Up Shoppe.

3. In the grown-up pampering department, discovering Queen Bee Designs, the successful jewelry business of Alexandria mama Allison Priebe Brooks. Fabulous and fun. The website has thumbnails of many of Allison's pieces, and I get happy just looking at them!

4. Last but not least, another mild-weathered, lovely day to stroll and play outside with my little darling. Priceless.

Posted by Sarah at 1:40 PM

October 19, 2005

Trust Birth

Thanks to DC-area mama Doran Richards for letting me know about the very first Trust Birth event in Virginia.

Doran, the first Trust Birth facilitator in the state, will host the meeting in her Front Royal home on Thursday, November 10 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Attendance is FREE and open to women who choose birth in any setting and with any type of maternity care provider. The group will watch a must-see DVD at the first gathering.

So what is the Trust Birth Initiative, anyway? Go to www.trustbirth.com and find out!

If you are coming and need directions, please email Doran at danielanddoran at gmail dot com, or give her a ring at 540.295.2186.

Posted by Sarah at 7:21 PM

October 18, 2005

Birth Bulletin

If you're expecting, check out these opportunities for education and support:

Pain Management in Labor & Birth Class
Saturday October 22
1 to 5 p.m.
6161 Fuller Court, Alexandria
To register, contact Melody Kisor at: 703.217.8733

This is a one-day, four-hour pain management class for expectant mothers and their partners, taught by Melody Kisor of The Baby Duck. The class will cover many different ways to reduce or eliminate pain in labor, including breathing techniques, relaxation, massage, hot/cold therapy, hydrotherapy, position changes, birth ball, and other proven methods for non-medical pain relief. You'll also discuss the risks and benefits of medical pain management (analgesia and anesthesia). This class may be used as a refresher for "repeat" moms or as one part of a complete childbirth education plan for first-time moms.

Also...

Meeting of the NoVa Chapter of ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network)
Wednesday October 19
7 to 9:30 p.m.
(This event repeats on the third Wednesday of every month.)
Tysons Pimmit Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church

The International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) chapter of Northern Virginia is for those who are pregnant or have never birthed and for those needing support after a cesarean. ICAN's mission is "to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC." The group "strives to lower the rising cesarean rate through education, provide a forum where women and men can express their thoughts and concerns about birth, and provide a support network for women who are healing from past birth experiences." Newcomers are welcome and there's no charge to take part.

And finally... An opportunity to help doulas-in-training:

There will be an ALACE Labor Assistant/Birth Doula Training in Silver Spring this weekend. ALACE organizers need more pregnant mamas at the workshop to help the participants learn to palpate and listen to fetal heart tones.

If you will be 30 weeks+ pregnant at the time of the workshop (due between October 21 and Dec 31), ALACE needs you. They promise to respect the modesty of the volunteers and keep them comfortable. Foot rubs and shoulder massages are available!

Each pregnant mama will receive either a $20 gift certificate to the ALACE bookstore or a free subscription to Special Delivery magazine. Check out the ALACE bookstore. They have a lot of great titles available.

For more info, contact Liz Kaufman at 202.446.4400 or birthchedva at aol dot com.

Posted by Sarah at 8:10 PM

October 17, 2005

Itsy Bitsy Yoga

The Itsy Bitsy Yogi climbed up the . . . sticky mat. Or something like that!

Itsy Bitsy Yoga in Silver Spring is offering a registration bargain of $5 per class for a four-week session with instructor Alex Paraskevas. The session runs October 20 to November 10, and you must be able to take part in all four sessions to get the special price.

The class for newborns through crawlers (with a parent or caregiver, natch) meets Thursday mornings, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.

The class for comfortable crawlers through age 24 months meets Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The program is a fun -- and affordable, if I do say so myself -- way to connect with your little one through breath and movement.

Itsy Bitsy Yoga is located at 823 Arrington St. To register, send email to Autumn Wilson at autumn658 at hotmail dot com. Be sure to include your name, your baby's name and age, and his or her crawling ability. Or give Autumn a ring at 202.518.0707.

For more information on the philosophy of Itsy Bitsy Yoga and the program, go to the website.

Posted by Sarah at 9:34 PM

More Halloween Happenings in NoVa

Halloween Party in Alexandria
Saturday, October 22, 12 noon to 2 p.m.
Mt. Vernon Rec Center on Ft. Hunt Rd.
$6 admission, but kids two and under are free. You just pay for your own skate rental, if you wish to skate.

Ghost Train Ride, Burke Lake Park
Saturday, October 22 & Sunday, October 23, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days
Saturday, October 29 & Sunday, October 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days
$3 per person, but kids under two ride for free.
There is also a carousel kids can ride for an additional cost of $1.25

Alexandria Jaycees' Halloween "Goblin Games"
for ages two to seven
Saturday, October 29 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
at the Lee Rec Center, 1008 Jefferson St., Alexandria
Games and activities, facepainting, and more. No cost, though donations are welcome. Costumes encouraged, but not required.

The "Goblin Games" consist of numerous Halloween-themed, age-appropriate games and activities such as "Bowling for Bones," "Pin the Wart on the Witch," "Skeleton Toss," and a coloring station. Each child is given a goodie bag to fill with small prizes and candy while moving from one activity to another.

For more details about the event, call their 24-hour recorded info. line, 703.866.7171.

Posted by Sarah at 10:55 AM

October 16, 2005

Children's Music in Silver Spring

I just learned about a new, free children's music series in Silver Spring. Great for stay-at-home-moms or caregivers, especially on a cold or rainy day.

Moorenko's in downtown SS just got a glowing review in the Post, and they are woman-owned and family-friendly. On Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m. they feature children's musician Mister Don. On Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to noon, it's Miss Belle on her guitar. Both are popular with the local children's concert and birthday party circuits.

They don't have their sign up yet, but Moorenko's is located next door to the Mayorga Coffee Factory on Georgia Ave., near the metro train bridge. Their number is 301.588.5656.

Posted by Sarah at 1:45 PM

October 14, 2005

New Mamas Groups

If you're a new mother -- or soon to be -- you should know about two of DC's best support groups. Both have upcoming meetings, and newcomers are welcome:

Weekly New Moms Group
Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 19, 11 a.m. (and every Wednesday)
Georgetown University Hospital (3800 Reservoir Road, Washington DC), in the "family room" of the maternity/postnatal department, second floor of the main hospital building, north wing. Check in as a visitor at the nurses' station on the second floor maternity ward, and they can direct you to the room. FREE -- Absolutely no charge to participate!

About the group: Shelley, mama of a six-week-old daughter, has been working with Lactaction/Parenting Services at Georgetown University Hospital to kick off this new moms group. The group has alredy met three times and is looking for other new moms to join/drop in. Discussions have been held on issues related to breast- and bottle-feeding, the group watched the "Happiest Baby on the Block" video, and they've covered baby calming strategies. This week's discussion topic: strategies for middle of the night feedings and getting babies back to bed. They are a laid-back group who want to meet other new mamas! They also have the benefit of drawing upon the resources of the Georgetown Medical Center (future plans to have nutritionists, pediatricians, etc. as guest speakers/facilitators).

For more info., send email to shelley.ducker at digene dot com, or call Lactation/Parenting Services at Georgetown, 202.444.6455

DCJCC New Parents Group
Meets: Six Thursdays at 11 a.m. -- November 3, 10, 17, December 1, 8, 15 at the DC Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW.
Cost: $60/non-members and $45/members
Theme: "Starting Your Journey: Creating Family Traditions - A New Parents Group"

About the group: Facilitated by Sarah Gershman, a Jewish Education Associate at the DCJCC and a social worker. Bring your infant and meet other new parents for a warm and informal discussion group. Share the joys and struggles of being a new family, while exploring how to create traditions for holidays and every day.

For more info., contact Sarah Gershman: sarahg at dcjcc dot org or 202.777.3237.

Posted by Sarah at 7:35 PM

Weekend Watch

Plenty of family fun to be had this weekend:

Here comes the eighth annual Bethesda Row Arts Festival, this year benefiting a great cause -- The NIH Children's Charities. In addition to almost 200 artisan booths there will be live music, plenty of food, children's arts and crafts, and family entertainment.

Saturday's Alexandria Family Fall Festival runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Boothe Park, featuring entertainment, exhibits, family games and activities, and lots of food. There will be puppet theater, pony rides, a moonbounce, pumpkin painting, and scarecrow making.

Also on Saturday, check out the live concert by CANTARE at 6 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Silver Spring (10309 New Hampshire Ave.) The group is releasing their new CD, "Al Agua Pato: Latin American Music for Children." Tickets are $5 for ages 12+ and free for the under-12 set with an accompanying adult.

Last but not least, heads up for an event on Tuesday:

API-DC (Attachment Parenting International, DC Chapter) will host its monthly meeting on October 18 at 10:30 a.m. at 1801 Irving St. NW (Irving @ 18th St.), in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood. The meeting location is just four blocks from the Columbia Heights metro stop. The topic is "Simplifying Your Life: Learn About Maintaining Balance."

The group meets on the third Tuesday of each month, and newcomers are welcome. They also have an online community you can join and a weekly playgroup (contact Marika, marika at attachmentparentingdc dot com, for more info.)

Posted by Sarah at 10:05 AM

October 13, 2005

Events in Silver Spring & Takoma Park

This Saturday, October 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a GIANT (30+ family) yard sale benefiting the Spring Knoll Cooperative Early Learning Center. Lots of great kids, baby, family stuff, toys, housewares, clothes (including maternity), books, jogging and regular strollers, a glider, baby bassinet, and children's clothes from Gap and Gymboree. The sale takes place at Fairview Park near downtown Silver Spring, off Spring St. (between Georgia Ave. and Colesville Rd.).

Fun for the kids while you shop, too: Face painting, balloons, a terrific playground at the park, snow cones, and a bake sale.

For more information about the yard sale, contact Maryann at mkearns5 at comcast dot net.

Also this weekend: The Takoma Park Family Resource Center's Fourth Annual Preschool Fair will be held Sunday, October 16 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Long Branch Community Center. For anyone thinking about finding a preschool, this is a great opportunity to visit with parents and staff from many local schools.

Long Branch Community Center located at 8700 Piney Branch Rd. in Silver Spring, 301.431.5702.

The Holy Cross Birth Doula program holds monthly open houses for expectant mothers and their partners who plan to give birth at Holy Cross Hospital. The open houses are an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about the benefits of having a Holy Cross Birth Doula support you during pregnancy and labor. You'll have a chance to hear more about the program's structure, ask questions about the Birth Doula Program (and any other questions about giving birth at Holy Cross), and you'll get to meet several of the doulas.

Open houses are held the second Wednesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. and the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Check with the information desk to receive a visitors pass and be directed to the right room.

2005 Open House Dates:
Wednesday, October 12
Saturday October 15
Wednesday November 9
Saturday November 19
Wednesday December 13
Saturday December 17

2006 Open House Dates:
Wednesday, January 11
Saturday, January 21
Wednesday, February 8
Saturday, February 18

Posted by Sarah at 10:27 AM

October 12, 2005

Boo, Part 3

The Halloween plans are heating up all over town! This just in from the District:

Jonah's Treehouse will host a Halloween Open House for preschool-age children on Sunday, October 30 from 12 noon to 2 p.m.

Pumpkins, mazes, games, and special surprises will be on hand, as well as a glimpse of JT's movement program for three- and four-year-olds.

Jonah's Treehouse is located in Glover Park / Upper Georgetown, 2121 Wisconsin Ave., level C-1, next to the Georgetown Holiday Inn. Easy parking is available on 35th St.

Posted by Sarah at 9:20 PM

Boo, Part 2

For all you Arlington-area parents:

Baby-Toddler Halloween Costume Parade

Sunday, October 30, 3 p.m.

Westover Park, 1001 N. Kennebec St., Arlington, VA (betweeen the Ballston and East Falls Church metros, close to Rt 66)

Featuring children's singer/songwriter Don Bridges

The Westover Village Civic Association is sponsoring this candy-free event for little ones who are too small to trick-or-treat. Bring your baby/toddler in costume, and don't forget drums, rattles, and other music-making instruments to be part of the marching band.

For more info., email Rosemary at rmgarciaclarke at cs dot com.

Posted by Sarah at 2:33 PM

Boo!

More Halloween treats for you and yours. Can you believe it's just two weeks away?

Thanks to the mama who sent me this rec for online costume/accessory shopping: Halloween Express. They also have a retail store in NoVa, at Springfield Mall.

Word from the National Zoo: Boo at the Zoo 2005 is SOLD OUT. No more tickets available. (Sorry! Get in line EARLY next year. Or better yet, join FONZ and get first dibs on 2006 tix.)

The ninth annual Potomac West Halloween Parade in the DelRay neighborhood of Alexandria is set for Sunday, October 30 at 2 p.m. It begins at the corner of E. Bellefonte and Mt. Vernon Ave. (continuing down Mt. Vernon Ave.) Registration for costumed pets and decorated strollers begins at 1:30. Lots of prizes, including "Best Costumed Pet" and "Best Decorated Stroller." Over 3,500 people took part last year! Children are encouraged to come in costume. Refreshments and live music take place at 3 p.m. when the parade ends, at the intersection of Mt. Vernon Ave. and Commonwealth. It's all FREE!

Affiliated with the DelRay parade is a very special event for low-income kids who might not otherwise have a Halloween costume this year. Parade organizers are working with Community Partners for Chidlren, collecting and distributing costumes for kids. If you have a costume to donate, please drop it off at the Caboose Cafe, 2419 Mt. Vernon Ave., between now and October 28. Families can come by to "shop" (for free, of course) on Saturday, October 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Mt. Vernon Rec Center. For more info. or to volunteer, contact Gayle Reuter at 703.684.3535 or at gtrdelray at yahoo dot com.

Posted by Sarah at 1:55 PM

October 11, 2005

Odds & Ends

Thanks to the local mama who let me know about Dr. Kay Abrams'"Parenting with Confidence Coffeehouse," held the fourth Thursday of each month(September through May) in Bethesda. Each session is $20 per person or $30 per couple, and NO advance registration is required. Each session has plenty of Q&A time, so you can come prepared with your latest parenting conundrum! Check out the website for full details, and please note that the November session will be held on the 17th, due to the holidays.

Also, thanks to Amy from Our-Kids for getting the word out about a fun way to help children affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Your little ones can "Trick or Treat for UNICEF," a campaign that has helped children globally for half a century. This year UNICEF will direct a portion of its Halloween proceeds specifically to hurricane-affected American children. YOu can order your child's free Trick-or-Treat box at the website, where you'll also find full details on the program. This is a great idea for children who see hurricane coverage and want to know how they can help!

Speaking of Halloween, a shopping update: Buy Buy Baby (Rockville and Springfield) has gotten additional costume stock for babies and toddlers. They also have Halloween-related toys, Halloween bibs, t-shirts, and slippers -- you name it. I've checked around, and their prices are quite competitive. But don't rely on the website to see their stock -- What they carry in the stores is always more extensive. Also noticed this weekend that Michael's stores are carrying major Halloween goodies, great for make-it-yourself costumes and decorations.

Posted by Sarah at 10:02 AM

October 9, 2005

Local Help for PPD

Did you know that postpartum depression affects 20 percent of new mothers? That's 400,000 women each year.

The Women's and Children's Wellness Foundation, Inc.(WCWF) is a not-for-profit organization focused on helping mothers with postpartum depression. WCWF sponsors free peer support groups for women suffering from (and surviving) postpartum depression, as well as referrals for health care professionals who have experience treating women with postpartum depression.

Free peer support groups are scheduled for:

-- Wednesday mornings at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington; contact Adrienne Griffen at 703.243.2904 or griffens at comcast dot net

-- Wednesday evenings at St. David's Episcopal Church in Northwest DC;
contact Bonnie Hershberg at 703.533.9683 or bhersh3 at verizon dot net

-- Saturday mornings at Fairfax Inova; contact Benta Sims at
703.536.9469 or j-bsims at comcast.net

Health care referrals are available from Jennifer Sedlemeyer at the Northern Virginia Perinatal Council, 703.776.6782.

Help is available. You're not alone!

Posted by Sarah at 9:25 PM

Parents Only!

If you're like me, you want all the information and support you can get as you learn the ropes of child development and parenting. Fortunately, Washington has many good resources we can take advantage of. A few of the opportunities coming soon:

Jonah's Treehouse, the new children's enrichment center in Upper Georgetown/Glover Park, is offering yet another perk for its enrolled families. JT will host a lecture series starting this month (free to parents with a child enrolled in any JT class). Colleen Gerg, registered dietician, will present "Instilling Healthy Eating Habits in Your One- to Five-Year-Old" on Tuesday, October 18, 7 p.m. at the Whole Foods Cafe (in Glover Park, on Wisconsin Ave.) Colleen uses a Q&A format and invites parents to bring questions and thoughts on specific aspects of childhood nutrition that interest you. If you want to attend, send an email to vicki at jonahstreehouse dot com with "Speaker Series" in the subject line. [Also, take note that registration just opened for JT's winter session of kids' classes. Better get registered early, based on the overwhelming demand for classes this fall! Visit the website for more info. and to enroll.]

Dr. Maria Cohn (of Maria Cohn, PhD & Associates, 1230 31st St. NW, in Georgetown)is offering a Fall/Winter 2005 Parent Lecture Series. The fee for each session is $50 and a full schedule is viewable on the website. Sessions are held Thursday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Space is limited, so you must call them to reserve a spot in the session(s) you plan to attend.

Parenting Playgroups in Alexandria has scheduled several upcoming workshops for parents. These come highly recommended! The dates, times, and hourly topics are:
Saturday, October 22, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Common Issues (potty training, mealtimes, and sleep issues)
Saturday, December 3, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Preschool Academic Issues
Saturday, December 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Positive Discipline
Also offered: A four-week/two-hour Positive Discipline class scheduled for November 14, 21, 28, and December 5. For more information or to register, send an email to rene at parentingplaygroups dot com.

PEP (Parent Education Program) has several workshops for parents on the calendar, including:
Monday, November 7, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Kensington: "Motivating Children to Do Their Best" (appropriate for parents of children ages four to 18)
Wednesday, November 30 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Kensington: "Setting Limits with Extra-Challenging Children" (appropriate for parents of children ages four to 12)
And for couples: November 19 from 7 to 10 p.m. in Kensington: "Conflict Resolution in Intimate Relationships"
For more details about each event, presenters, fees, and registration, visit the website.

Posted by Sarah at 1:25 PM

October 7, 2005

Weekend Watch

Still a few spaces open in this weekend's Babies & Pets class, offered by The Baby Duck's Melody Kisor. The class meets Saturday, October 8 from 12:30 to 2 p.m., 6161 Fuller Ct. in Alexandria, and is designed for expectant couples -- or those who already have a new baby at home -- who want to make the adjustment as safe and positive as possible for pets and people alike. Families who have older children and are considering adopting a new pet are also welcome. For more info. or to register, contact Melody TODAY at 703.217.8733.

Lots going on this weekend! Here are a few of my favorites:

The Family Fall Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 8, 12 noon to 4 p.m.
@ Washington National Cathedral
The Cathedral Greenhouse will be the site of pumpkin painting for children (and carving for adults) -- with judging to be done in late October, and prizes to be awarded. Also refreshments and lots of fall plantings and items for sale, to benefit the National Cathedral. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to 202.537.6263.

Oktoberfest at the Kentlands
Sunday, October 9
@ Gaithersburg's Kentland Village Greens, 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Horse-drawn hayrides, scarecrow-making, lots of Bavarian/German food, live music, and dancing. Also a separate Family Stage featuring children's musicians and theatre troupes. Also for the kids: pony rides, a moonbounce, face painting, and pumpkin decorating. (Many activities are free, but some charge a small fee.) General admission and parking at the event are free.

Tot Trot
Sunday, October 9
@ the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, 2 p.m.
Appropriate for ages two to six (with a parent or caregiver). A park ranger will lead the little ones in a search for some of the amazing animals who live in Rock Creek Park.

On Monday, October 10 -- Columbus Day and a holiday for many in DC -- it's the final day to catch The Big Apple Circus at Dulles Town Center. Tickets are still available as of Friday morning, but they're going fast for the 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. shows. Big Apple Circus isn't your average circus, by any account. The nonprofit organization is a performing arts and community outreach group working with and for kids. The show features clowns, acrobats, jugglers, trapeze artists, performing dogs and horses, etc.

Happy Columbus Day Weekend!

Posted by Sarah at 9:53 AM

October 5, 2005

Pampering (& I'm Not Talkin' Diapers)

Supposedly mothers ought to be endlessly, relentlessly selfless. But I'm still not convinced that it's a good thing to wander around without a self. And since several items related to hard-earned Mama Pampering have made their way to my in-box this week, I'll take it as a sign from above.

Exhibit A:
If you are nursing (or plan to be nursing any time between now and eternity), you've got to check out Condessa online. Who knew there was ANY alternative to the standard-issue, industrial style breastfeeding bra? Had I been aware of Condessa when it mattered, it could've done wonders for my self-esteem and my love life. (Ah well, maybe next time around.) Great for "date night," or any old time you want to feel more like a woman than a moo-cow.

Exhibit B:
For anyone who has skin and also likes to feel good. . . Local mama Cecili Thompson Williams recently became a consultant for the ever-lucious Body Shop, and she tells me she's hosting a Holiday Preview Open House in Alexandria, Sunday, October 15 from 2 to 6 p.m. All the Body Shop at Home products, plus the home fragrances, will be there for the sampling, and she's also doing gift basket raffles. The Body Shop has fabulous products (as you surely know), and I really respect their business ethics and the causes the company supports. I hope you'll consider supporting a local mother in her new business venture, while also indulging in something nice for yourself. For more details or to RSVP, view Cecili's e-vite at: http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=OENLKPDPXCTGXMVADCSG&li=iq&src=email.

Exhibit C:
When's the last time you read anything frivolous, just for fun? Take 30 minutes to be utterly unproductive, even absurd. Close the office door and unplug the phone. If possible, pour yourself a nice glass of Shiraz. Enjoy the brain candy. No one has to know.

Hot Moms Club

Celebrity Baby Blog

Bringing Up Ben & Birdy: A Blog

Dot Moms Blog Circle

Dooce

Posted by Sarah at 8:57 PM

Lilly's Pad

I recently discovered yet another DC mama-owned and -operated business specializing in fun and beautiful things for babies and children. (I'm telling you, Washington women are amazing creatures.)

Susanne Seidman designs and sells handmade goodies through her small business, Lilly's Pad . She also carries unique accessory lines. Everything in her inventory is adorable and gift-worthy.

In anticipation of the holiday shopping season, Susanne will have booths at several events, where you can see her things and make a purchase:

October 15
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Holton Harvest
Holton-Arms School
7303 River Rd., Bethesda

November 3
Time TBA
Scottish Walk Kick-Off
The Campagna Center, Old Town Alexandria
418 S. Washington St.

November 11-13
Junior League of Washington's Capital Collection of Holiday Shops
November 11: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
November 12:10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
November 13: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

November 19
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Mary's Christmas Bazaar
St. Mary's School
400 Green St., Alexandria

December 1-3
Scottish Christmas Walk Marketplace
The Campagna Center, Old Town Alexandria
418 S. Washington St.
December 1: 12 noon to 5 p.m.
December 2: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December 3: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To find out more about Lilly's Pad, visit the website or send email to Susanne: shop at shoplillyspad dot com.

Posted by Sarah at 9:43 AM

October 3, 2005

Third Annual Alexandria Preschool Fair

Got the full scoop on this week's Preschool Fair hosted by the MOMS Club of Alexandria-NE:

Thursday, October 6
10 to 10:30 a.m. for MOMS Club members only
10:30 to 12 noon, FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

@ Fairlington United Methodist Church, 3900 King St., Alexandria

You will find representatives from -- and lots of information on -- preschools located in the following zip codes: 22301, 22302, 22305, and 22314.

From what I understand, other MOMS Club chapters in metro DC host similar events this time of year. So if you know of a preschool fair in another community, please email so I can post to the blog.

To find out more about MOMS Club or to locate a chapter in your neck of the woods, visit the national site: www.momsclub.org.

Posted by Sarah at 7:05 PM

October 2, 2005

Singin' at the Barn

The three Pottery Barn Kids stores in the DC area are now hosting free, low-key children's sing-alongs once a month, featuring local musicians. Just got the schedule:

WHITE FLINT
North Bethesda
Thursday, October 6 -- Oh Susannah!
Wednesday, November 9 -- Bill Wellington
Show Times: 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

FAIR OAKS MALL
Fairfax, VA
Wednesday, October 5 -- Oh Susannah!
Thursday, November 10 -- Sue Trainor
Show Times: 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

TYSONS CORNER
McLean, VA
Wednesday, October 12 -- Oh Susannah!
Tuesday, November 8 -- Sue Trainor
Show Times: 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

These same stores are also hosting free children's storytimes appropriate for older toddlers and preschoolers, every Tuesday from 10 to 10:30 a.m.

Posted by Sarah at 6:43 PM

Fall Flings

It's October already?

Annual Pumpkin Festival at Butler's Orchard
22200 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown
301.972.3299
Pick-your own pumpkins at this farm, which holds its annual Pumpkin Festival weekends in October. Tickets run approx. $7 and are free for children under age two. They have wooden play structures, a small corn maze, a hayloft for jumping, hayrides, a pedal-tractor track, farm animals, a straw maze, cut-outs for photos, a Cinderella's Pumpkin Coach, and Pumpkinland, made up of 20+ familiar children’s characters made from pumpkins, gourds, and squash. Pony rides are available for a fee, as well as face painting and kids' crafts. Live music is also a highlight. Pumpkin Harvest Days run some weekdays in October for approx. $5 per person. This includes a hayride, a small pumpkin, two apples, and several of the play areas. You can also book evening hayrides for groups.

Fall Festival at Burke Nursery
9401 Burke Rd., Burke
703.323.1188
The fall festival and pumpkin playground takes place daily from late September through early November, with special weekend events. Admission runs approx. $7 to $10, free for under-twos. Hayrides (wheelchair accessible), a fort, pirate- and Western-themed activities, storytellers, inflatables, slides, tumbling tubes, farm animals, and a sand hill with buried "treasure" are among the offerings. Weekend performers include musicians, dancers, clowns, and musicians, as well as face painting, pony rides, balloon animals, a moonbounce, and temporary tattoos for additional fees. Food and drinks are for sale.

Fall Festival at Homestead Gardens
743 W. Central Ave. (Routes 424 and 214), Davidsonville
301.261.4550
They host an annual fall festival Saturdays and Sundays in October, featuring hayrides, free and inexpensive kids' activities like pumpkin painting, pumpkin bowling, storytelling, and pony rides. There's also a lineup of live entertainment and demonstrations, and scarecrow-building workshops for kids. A straw maze is open daily and a llama barn during the mid-day hours.

Fall Harvest Festival at Cherry Hill Farm & Orchard
12309 Gallahan Rd. (near Ft. Washington)
301.292.1928 (recording with directions) or 301.292.4642
Pick-your-own apple orchards, plus the fall harvest festival on weekends during October. Admission approx. $6 per person. More than 400 scarecrow characters will delight the kids, plus hayrides, a fun barn, farm animals, scarecrow making on select dates, and clowns, magicians, stilt walkers, panning for gold, and karaoke on selected dates. Homemade baked goods for sale.

Family Festival at the Farm
Frederick County Office of Economic Development
5340 Spectrum Dr., Frederick
301.694.1058 or 800.248.2296
The Frederick County Office of Economic Development sponsors this annual free, self-guided tour of working farms, a vineyard, an orchard and a museum, usually during a weekend in mid-October. Animals, hayrides, pony rides, horse shows, scarecrow making, ice-cream making, and storytelling are aimed kids.

Fall Festival at Cox Farms
15621 Braddock Rd. (Pleasant Valley at Braddock), just west of Centreville
703.830.4121
Set on 50 acres of this huge farm, the Fall Festival includes hayrides, mountain slides, rope swings, farm animals (including petable bunnies and calves), goats to feed, face painting, entertainment, cider and apples, and a small pumpkin. There's also a smoking "Volcano Rumble Slide" and a walk-through replica of the Candyland board game. A special weekend features a "Pumpkin Madness Festival," where you can bring pumpkins to smash. Entry fees range from $7 to $10, depending on the date and the age, so call ahead or check the website. Kids under age two get in free. Lunch items and picnic tables are available.

Fantastic Fall Festival at Stadler Nursery
5504 Mount Zion Rd., Frederick
301.473.9042
The one-day festival features hayrides, a straw toss, face painting, live music, and corn mazes. Admission is free and kids receive a treat bag. Food is sold by local Girl Scouts.

Fall Harvest Family Days at Mt. Vernon
George Washington Memorial Pkwy. (southern end, past Old Town)
703.780.2000
Fall Harvest Family Days are typically held consecutively on a weekend at George Washington's home, Mt. Vernon. Admission runs between $25 and $30 for a family of four (two adults and two kids ages six to 11), with wagon trains, an appearance by "George Washington" a straw bale maze designed by Adrian Fisher, colonial demonstrations, farm animals, and eighteenth-century games. Baked goods, sandwiches, and drinks are available for purchase.

Krop's Crops
11110 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls
703.430.8955.
During October you can take a free tractor-pulled hayride to the produce market's pick-your-own pumpkin patch. They also have farm animals, a Pumpkin Patch play area for tots, and picnic tables.

Mazes & Pumpkin Patch at North Run Farm
1701 Green Spring Valley Rd., Stevenson
410.241.3392
Large corn maze (over one mile of pathways and six stations). Admission runs between $5 and $7, depending on age, with children under age four free and military discounts. Younger kids (under-six) can also go through the mini-maze constructed of straw bales and look at farm animals like piglets, lambs, miniature horses, and calves. They also have a pick-your-own pumpkin patch and a produce stand that sells yummy baked goods and cider.

Pumpkin Fantasyland at Rockville Flower & Garden Spot
Mid-Pike Shopping Center (behind Toys 'R Us)
11800 Rockville Pike, Rockville
301.984.3565
In October they host a free Pumpkin Fantasyland with stuffed cartoon characters. There are also cut-out boards for photos and scarecrow making contests on weekends. Cider and baked goods are for sale. For an admission of about $5, older kids can go through a haunted straw maze with lighting and sound effects.

Pumpkin Patch & Hayrides at Roha Farms
6009 Church Ln., Hydes
Opens Saturdays and Sundays in October. Free hayrides to a pick-your-own pumpkin patch - both are wheelchair accessible! Some other activities have a small fee - horse and pony rides, pumpkin painting, face painting, scarecrow making, a concession market, picnic tables, and animals for petting.

Pumpkin Trail at Pumphrey's Farm
8220 Veterans Hwy., Millersville
410.987.4290
Open daily during October, closed Thanksgiving to June. Hours during other months vary. A guided walk along the Pumpkin Trail costs about $5 per person and includes a small corn maze, farm animals for petting, and a small- to medium-sized pumpkin from the pick-your-own patch.

Pumpkinville at Leesburg Gardens & Animal Park
19270 James Monroe Hwy. (Route 15 S.), just outside Leesburg
703.779.2332
Open daily September and October. Pumpkinville includes entry into the Leesburg Animal Park, hayrides along a path with cut-out characters, a tot-sized hay maze, moonbounces, a small gift pumpkin, and apples and cider. Their three-acre play space has big slides and tunnels, a rope swing, straw mountains, mini-tractor rides, and a teepee. There's also a big inflatable slide shaped like a fire truck, with firefighter cut-outs. On weekends there's also live entertainment and pumpkin- and face painting. The final weekend of the event has pumpkin-smashing events for visitors. Admission runs approximately $5.50 to $10, depending on the day and age. Children under age two are free. Pony rides are about $3 and take place in the animal park every day. There's also a country store, picnic tables, and concession sales on weekends.

Boo at the Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
202.633.3034
This children's event at the National Zoo is an annual Halloween tradition for families. It runs three consecutive evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., typically the weekend before Halloween proper. Costumed volunteers hand out treats at more than 40 stations, and the animals are often active because of the later hour and cool temperatures. Boo at the Zoo also features holiday decorations, keeper talks, and haunted trails. It's safe – and fun for ages two to 12. It's even metro-accessible. Get off at Woodley Park or Cleveland Park. Ticket prices vary, but there are discounts for FONZ members and coupons available at Whole Foods and Rite Aid stores. Tots under age two get in free.

Posted by Sarah at 10:22 AM