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November 29, 2007
Weekend Watch: Chanukah Wonderland in Gaithersburg
The annual Chanukah Wonderland in upper Montgomery County, MD begins this Saturday, December 1, through December 9 at a new, larger location: The Muddy Branch Shopping Center in Gaithersburg (373 Muddy Branch Rd.).
Sponsored by Chabad of Upper Montgomery County, the nine nights of fun are geared toward children and families, with a play area, games and crafts, tasty treats, a gift shop, storytimes, and live entertainment.
Happy holiday!
Posted by Sarah at 7:52 PM
November 28, 2007
Ice skating & caroling at the National Gallery
The ice skating rink at the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden is now open!
Even if your little one is still too little for a spin on the ice, it's a nice outing for people-watching, cocoa, and holiday music. You might even want to schedule your visit for one of the sing-along holiday caroling events in the National Gallery's West Building Rotunda, set for the afternoons of December 15, 16, 22, and 23.
Posted by Sarah at 7:39 PM
Parent Child U. offers free demo days
Parent Child University is offering FREE demo classes next month, on December 1, 8, and 15th, combining the best of Kindermusik, Signing Smart, ABC Music & Me, Playground Diplomacy, and parenting tips.
Parents and children are welcome to attend one free demo, or all three. For more details or to register, visit the website or send email to: misstracey-at-parentchildu-dot-com.
Posted by Sarah at 10:33 AM
November 26, 2007
Farewell to A Likely Story
It's with real sadness that I share this news about my own neighborhood institution and one of the best independent businesses serving families in the DC area for the past 20 years...
As of last Wednesday, November 21, A Likely Story children's bookstore in Old Town Alexandria has closed for good. I can't even begin to say how much they will be missed - by me and my daughter, our neighbors and friends, and so many of you who have been customers over the years.
Former A Likely Story owner (and new mom) Dinah Paul made one last appearance on local public radio's annual "Winter Reading" program before Thanksgiving. To hear the program or get a transcript with Dinah's recommendations for children's and family reading this season, click here.
THANK YOU to Dinah and the ALS staff for bringing storytimes, friendly faces, and great books into our lives - We miss you already!
Parents: As tempting as Amazon.com and other big-chain corporate booksellers may be, if you value local bricks-and-mortar independent bookstores and what they uniquely contribute to children's lives, please consider supporting these businesses with your holiday shopping. For children's and young adult books, I particularly recommend Aladdin's Lamp in Falls Church (2499 N Harrison St., in the lower level/basement space of the strip center mall next to Harris Teeter); Politics & Prose in upper NW/Chevy Chase, DC; and any of the area Olsson's locations.
Posted by Sarah at 11:49 AM
November 21, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving weekend!
After you've watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and eaten all the turkey (or tofurkey, as the case may be), the winter holiday season will officially be underway... and there's plenty going on this weekend for families.
The fabulous walk-thru Garden of Lights is open at Brookside Gardens in Maryland! For Our Kids' review, click here. And, also in Maryland, the drive-thru Symphony of Lights is underway.
In the District, take in two FREE sights: The winter model train display at Union Station and holiday display (also featuring a train) at the Botanic Garden on the National Mall.
For comprehensive listings of all the kid-friendly holiday events in DC, Maryland, and NoVa, you can't beat the Our Kids website and subscription newsletter.
Posted by Sarah at 6:21 PM
November 19, 2007
Shopping buzz: Apple Seed online & Tax-free in DC
Good news for the time-strapped: The lovely Apple Seed maternity and baby boutique, with locations in Old Town Alexandria and The Kentlands, Gaithersburg, has opened its newest storefront... online. You can shop their website now for maternity and gift items. Baby/children's items are coming soon.
Also... The holiday shopping season officially commences this Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, coinciding with the District's Tax-Free Shopping period. November 23 to December 2, you pay no sales tax on all clothing, shoes, and accessory items whose individual price tags are under $100.
Posted by Sarah at 11:15 AM
November 16, 2007
Weekend Watch: TG Parade in Silver Spring, + free classes at Wee Play in Herndon
Montgomery County's 10th Annual Thanksgiving Parade in Silver Spring is this weekend: Saturday, kicking off at 9:30 a.m. downtown (at Georgia Ave. & Sligo, continuing one mile to Ellsworth Dr.), and broadcast on local News Channel 8. We're talking marching bands, 12-ft.-high turkeys, and an appearance by Santa Claus. Little ones will love it.
Also, heads up: Wee Play in Herndon is offering FREE preview classes this coming Monday, November 19. The free toddler preview class (age 12-20 months) takes place at 10:15 a.m. For ages 20 months to young 2s, it's 9:15 a.m. And for ages 2-4, 11:15 a.m. Although there's no cost to take part, space is limited and you need to call them to RSVP for your spot: 703.870.7400, or send email with "Preview Class" in the subject line to: kathy-at-weeplayinfo-dot-com, including your name, and your child's name and age. You'll receive a confirmation email in return.
Posted by Sarah at 12:00 PM
November 15, 2007
Get your shopping done early: Capital Collection begins Friday in DC
A great way to jumpstart the holiday shopping, to benefit worthy causes: The Junior League of Washington's annual Capital Collection of Holiday Shops opens tomorrow, Friday the 16th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and runs through the weekend at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in NW DC (2660 Woodley Rd., near the red line Woodley Park metro stop).
This year a stroller check will be available, and strollers will be permitted on the show floor FRIDAY from noon to 5 p.m. only, for a donation of $2 per stroller.
Among the many goodies on hand from boutiques and artisans: Monogrammed keepsakes, unique toys and baby/children's clothing, as well as art and decor, jewelry... you name it.
Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
General shopping tickets can be purchased at www.jlw.org. Happy shopping!
Posted by Sarah at 9:50 PM
November 12, 2007
This Wednesday: Free Class at My Gym Potomac
My Gym's Potomac, MD location is offering a FREE class this Wednesday, November 14, from 1:15 to 2 p.m.
Geared toward the youngest babies, ages six weeks to six months, the group includes fun, age-appropriate songs and activities (plenty of swinging, bouncing, etc.), plus discussion time for attending parents to share tips and support.
Although this class is free, you need to call to RSVP and reserve a spot: 301.983.5300. My Gym Potomac is located in Cabin John Mall (11325 Seven Locks Rd.)
Posted by Sarah at 11:30 AM
November 9, 2007
Weekend Watch: Milkshake concert, Free parenting workshop
It's a Milkshake concert at Jammin' Java in Vienna this Saturday at 11 a.m. If you watch PBS children's programming at your house, you'll recognize this kids' musical duo (the one with the auburn-haired lead singer wearing a funky tutu). Tix are $10 online or $12 at the door.
For those of you with preschoolers and/or school-aged kids: A FREE parenting workshop this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon in Alexandria, presented by Dr. Rene Hackney, founder of Parenting Playgroups. The workshop will cover the benefits of parental involvement during the preschool and school-age years, ways to be involved, ways to build academic motivation, and managing parent-teacher conferences. No cost to attend, but do email Dr. Hackney to RSVP: rene-at-parentingplaygroups.com.
Now that the weather is getting chilly, you should also know that Parenting Playgroups opens its indoor playspace every Friday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Your first hour of play is a FREE trial. You don't need to make reservations and can show up any time between 9 and noon. Their space has a sand table and science shelf, wall easel and play-doh table, block area, reading center, housekeeping, puzzles, and manipulative toys. Parenting Playgroups is located at 6161 Fuller Court, 22310.
Posted by Sarah at 12:25 PM
November 6, 2007
French-speaking playgroup in NW DC
A great French-speaking playgroup in DC has organized its own winter session of indoor play at Jonah's Treehouse on Wisconsin Ave. in Glover Park, NW. Nine+ families are meeting every Monday from 4 to 5 p.m., and they have room for newcomers!
The Jonah's Treehouse group started last week and runs through January 28 (no gatherings on December 24 or 31). Price is $222 per family, which translates to about $18.50 per week. For more info, contact participating parent Autumn Wilson: autumn658-at-hotmail-dot-com.
This friendly group of francophone families also meets at least twice a week near Dupont Circle and does lots of fun activities and outings. Newcomers are welcome to join the group, even if you can't take part in the Jonah's Treehouse session. Contact Autumn to get on their mailing list and find out more details.
Posted by Sarah at 10:52 AM
November 2, 2007
Weekend Watch: Arthur at White Flint & Fancy Nancy in Potomac
Two weekend events I cannot resist sharing, since my own daughter is such a fan of both the Fancy Nancy books and the PBS characters from Arthur:
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Cabin John Mall in Potomac (at Seven Locks Rd. & Tuckerman Ln.), it's a Fancy Nancy Costume Party! Hosted by Ballet Petite, kids are invited to dress in their finest: "The more fancy, the better." (And that means silly fancy, folks. This is not the time to be conservative with your accessorizing!) There will be a runway fancy show open to all, an interactive reading of the original Fancy Nancy book, activities, and refreshments.
And TODAY, Friday, from 3 to 5 p.m. at White Flint Mall's Center Court in Rockville, characters from the PBS children's show Arthur will be on hand to perform a song from their upcoming show at the Strathmore, greet children, and pose for pictures with their fans. Arthur, DW, and Buster will be on hand.
Posted by Sarah at 9:59 AM