Tag Archives: July 2022

 

Happy Weekend!

Links to keep handy for local fun and recreation ideas:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Swim Spots
* On the Water
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Bike Rides
* The Great Indoors
* Peaceful Places

Smithsonian Nighttime Adventures
Where: National Museum of Natural History | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, 7-11pm
Admission: $70-85
Hang in Natural History after hours!  Kids ages 8-14 and their adult chaperones can join other night owls in this unique experience held on Friday evenings through August 12.  Wander through the museum’s galleries to explore the Earth’s past, discover the wonders of the ocean, and more, all guided by the fun and challenging “Adaptation Game” filled with activities to complete.  Cost is per person (adults, too) and includes exclusive access and activities in the museum, interactive exploration, and a pre-packaged individually wrapped snack.

Movies in the Park
Where: Virginia Highlands Park | National Landing, VA
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Free
The National Landing BID will host its first Movies in the Park of the season, with a showing of The First Lego Movie. Arrive anytime after 6pm to grab a bite to eat at the food trucks or pack a picnic! The movie begins at 7pm.

SAAM Arcade
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DCa
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 7pm
Admission: Free
The annual SAAM Arcade is back! The museum’s Kogod Courtyard will be full of new games from indie developers, classic arcade games, and more. Join the celebration of Color, Line, and Form and the ways these essential art elements show up in video games and interactives. Test out some new games and replay some of the beloved older ones. A special scavenger hunt that connects video games and SAAM’s collections will also be available. See more about the American Art Museum in this KFDC post.

Nats vs. Cards
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are back home and hosting the Cardinals this weekend. Catch them on Friday and Saturday evenings (7:05pm) and Sunday afternoon (1:05pm). There’s a new Kids Eat Free summer promo, and kids can run the bases after the Sunday game. Before you go, get some KFDC tips on doing Nats game without breaking the bank.

‘Tis the Season
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Make the most of quintessential summer activities around DC!  Enjoy an open air concert at one of the many series in the area. Hit the beach.  See a movie under the stars. Enjoy a special museum program. Get wet at an outdoor pool, sprayground, or waterpark. Feast on crabs. Ride mini trains and carousels at local parks. And so much more.  More info for all of these pursuits is in the KFDC Summer Guide.

Serve Up Some Tennis Fun
Where: William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center | Rock Creek, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, gates open at 9am
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Enjoy the on-court excitement along with some special events as the annual Citi Open Tennis Tournament returns to DC and swings into action this weekend. Saturday is the first day of qualifying rounds, and they’ll continue on Sunday. Among the many great players this year are Andy Murray, Nick Kyrgios, and the legendary Venus Williams!

The Office Experience
Where: Woodies Building | Downtown DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $35-42
Take a tour of Dunder Mifflin…a re-created version of it, anyway. The just opened The Office Experience immerses you in the world of Michael Scott, Jim & Pam, Dwight, Angela, and the rest of their colleagues and friends. Explore re-created sets loaded with authentic, fun details; recall so many funny moments from the show; play actual games and put yourself into iconic scenes for both awesome photo ops and great laughs. The kids and I got a sneak peek of it, and we all thought it was a hoot! If your crew are Office fans, they’ll love it, too.

Otakon
Where: Washington Convention Center | Downtown DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Starts at $40, free/ages 8 & under
This weekend-long convention is a celebration of Asian pop culture — think anime, mange, video games, etc. — and its fandom. There are tons of fun opportunities for all ages. Pore over all kinds of manga, see some amazing costumes (and where one yourself), play video games, check out other kids of games and battles, join a dance party, bring little ones to the Ota-chan area where there are activities just for them… and so much more!

Out and About
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
The forecast indicates that this weekend’s weather is making up big time for last, so take advantage and enjoy some adventures outside. The round-up of The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids has ideas galore for doing just that.

All Ages Dueling Pianos
Where: Bobby McKey’s | National Harbor, MD
When: Saturday, 3:30-6pm (doors open at 2pm)
Admission: $27.50 – $32.50
The whole crew can enjoy an afternoon of music and fun at this dueling piano shows. The two hours of all-request live music paired with a lunch buffet is a great way to stay cool on a hot summer day. And this is a performance where kids are encouraged to wiggle in their seats, dance in the aisles, and sing along!

Last Call for Laurie Anderson: The Weather
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
This weekend is the last chance to check out the fantastic Laurie Anderson: The Weather exhibit at the Hirshhorn. The collection of multimedia works includes beautiful abstract paintings, captivating stories, interesting photography, original instruments, spoken word video sculptures, and much more. Most striking of them all is an entire black and white gallery hand painted by Anderson with sketches, quotes, poems, and passages — and you’ll want to examine all of them.

See the Sunflowers
Where: McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area | Poolesville, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Relatively cooler weather this weekend will make it a good time to see  the sunflower bloom at McKee-Beshers. Nine fields showcase 30 acres of flowers — and it’s such a happy scene. Read more about it and see pics from a previous bloom here and view some from 2020 here.  Sunscreen, hat, bug repellent, and water highly recommended. KFDC Tip: If you plan to go, pair it with a PYO blackberries outing at Homestead Farms, which is just minutes away. Or stop by Rocklands Farm Winery, also nearby.

Take a Hike
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
The milder weather will make it a great time to hit the trail.  And while there’s a link up top for a round-up of local hikes,  specific recs are also helpful: Fountainhead Regional Park in Lorton, VA (paddling ops, too!); Turkey Run Park in McLean, VA; Riverbend Park also in McLean, VA;  Prince William Forest Park  in Triangle, VA;  Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, MD (more padling ops!); and Patapsco Valley State Park near Baltimore, MD (swimming ops too!).

Toy Story in Concert
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 8pm
Admission: $28
The National Symphony Orchestra brings Toy Story in Concert to Wolf Trap, featuring the Oscar and Grammy-winning score by Randy Newman as the full feature film is projected in HD onto screen in-house and on the lawn. Ever wonder what toys do when people aren’t around? Toy Story answers that question with a fun-filled journey through the eyes of two rival toys—Woody and Buzz Lightyear. Bring along a picnic dinner or plan to purchase food there.

Special Art-Making Event
Where: KID Museum | Bethesda, MD
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: $15
Guatemalan artist Ubaldo Sanchez will make one last visit to KID Museum to demonstrate the colorful practice of sawdust carpet making (Alfombra de Aserrín). Sanchez will guide visitors through the steps of sawdust carpet art, from design to completion. (Check out a time-lapse video that shows the process.) At the end of his visit, kids and adults will experience the ephemeral aspect of this artwork by destroying the sawdust carpet together.This all takes place at KID Museum’s brand new space at Bethesda Metro Center. Other activities, including Robot Tech Arena, Big Build Maze, Wonder Forest of Lights Exhibit, and much more will also be accessible. Tickets are timed entry, and advance online purchase is recommended.

Mr. Poppers Penguins
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Through August 7
Tickets: $14
Mr. Popper’s Penguins have waddled onto Imagination Stage, delighting audiences as only these loveable creatures can. The whimsical tale about dreaming as big as an Antarctic adventure, even in bleak times, sends a timely message to kids and adults alike. Recommended for ages 3-10.  Read a full review of the show here.

Fantastagirl and the Math Monster
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Through August 21
Tickets: $25 
On stage at Adventure Theatre….   Fantastagirl, a second-grade superhero who uses words to save the day, comes face to face with her worst nightmare: the Math Monster! When confronted with problems too big for words alone to solve, Fantastagirl must accept help from her friendly, furry, fraction-loving foe. While Fantastagirl and Math Monster use words and numbers to help her friends and scientist moms, something far more sinister than Math brews on the horizon.

Cinderella
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: Through August 28
Tickets: $15 (look for discount)
Rod puppets convey the classic tale of rags to riches, love at first sight (twice!), and getting what we all deserve. Don’t miss this fan favorite production, or your magical midnight curfew! Recommended for ages 5+. Run time is approximately 45 minutes.

Six
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Through September 4
Tickets: $65-150 (look for discount)
From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an exuberant celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over.

United vs. Orlando 
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Sunday, 5pm
Admission: Tickets start at $29
DC United is home this weekend with a match against Orlando FC on Sunday. I recommend taking public transportation as parking can be difficult. Or park in the Navy Yard neighborhood and walk from there. Plan to grab dinner after the match— El Bebe, All Purpose Pizza, The Salt Line, and Dacha are very convenient and my top recs for family-friendly spots to eat there. Purchase match tickets here.

Plan Ahead: Music & Stamps Family Day
Where: National Postal Museum | Union Station Area, DC
When: Saturday, August 6, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Save the date for an in-person program at the National Postal Museum! Celebrate artist Rafael Lopez’s new Mariachi stamps with a Family Day next weekend. Music, crafts, stories, stamps, and more will be available throughout the day. If anyone needs to step away from the festivities, a Take-A-Break space will be available throughout the program. Recommended for ages 0-10 (though anyone can join), no advanced registration is required. Read more about the National Postal Museum here.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Since this Round-Up is out early, here’s something for Thursday evening:  A Quiet Place 2 will be the featured film at Movies on the Pitch, the free summer series at Audi Field. Starts at 7pm, reserve tix in advance.
* AdMo Vibe, a series of free, outdoor concerts, will feature local artists in Kalorama Park on Columbia Road, NW on Wednesday evenings throughout August (excluding August 17) from 6-7:30pm.
* Check out the newest resident in the National Statuary Hall at the Capitol.
* Just finished reading and loved Crying in H-Mart and now starting on this much recommended book this much recommended book.
* This salad looks perfect for summer and tomato season.
* Love some light, flowy pants for summer — like these.
* Hahaha…relatable!
* We just kicked off a couple of weeks vacay in Greece if you want to see pics and follow along!
 

 

Happy Weekend!

Quick links to posts with loads of ideas for local fun:
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Swim Spots
* On the Water
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Bike Rides
* The Great Indoors
* Peaceful Places

Stay Cool at the Pool
Where: Select Public Pools in DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
With a heat wave on the way, Mayor Bowser and DC DPR are extending hours at some of the District’s public pools, one in every ward. The pools will be open from 10am – 8pm all weekend. See the locations where you can swim into the evening here.

The Great Indoors
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
This list of over 100 ideas for adventures around the area that take place indoors is always a good one to keep handy in the summer (or any time of year, really), but especially this weekend as temps soar. Many are well known attractions, but sometimes we need reminders about even the most obvious spots. You’ll likely find lots of nice surprises listed, too!

Friday Night Fishing
Where: Diamond Teague Docks | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 5-8pm
Admission: Free
Join Anacostia Riverkeeper for their summer Friday fishing program — all ages are welcome! All essentials are provided: rods, reels, bait, and lessons for first time fishers. Staff are there to answer any questions and help with casting, tips, and tricks. Be sure to register and fill out a waiver if you plan to go. When you’re done, head right down the boardwalk to Yards Park for the Friday Night Concert or get a bite to eat at one of the many nearby restaurants.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert
Where: Wolf TRap | Vienna, VA
When: Friday, 8pm
Admission: $37-67
Relive the magic of year six in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in concert. With this film, based on the sixth installment of J.K. Rowling’s classic saga, fans of all ages can now experience the thrilling tale of Harry’s obsession with a mysterious potions book accompanied by the music of a live symphony orchestra as Harry soars across the big screen in HD!

Free Theatre: Much Ado About Nothing
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: Friday & Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy a PG-rated free performances of Much Ado About Nothing on Olney THeatre’s Root Family Stage… War has ended and soldiers return home to forget their sorrows. It looks like love is in the air, except between Beatrice and Benedick, who are determined not to fall in love and get married. Their friends Hero and Claudio along with others conspire to set them up whether they like it or not, but ill intentions may threaten to break up more than one couple in this play. Tricks, mistaken identity, and a clueless night watchman are on the horizon in this “will they/won’t they” comedy that features one of Shakespeare’s wittiest couples. Reserve free tickets here.

Alethia Tanner Day
Where: Alethia Tanner Park | NoMa, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate NoMa’s beautiful new(ish) Alethia Tanner Park and the remarkable legacy of the park’s namesake.Alethia Tanner was enslaved woman who purchased her freedom and dozens of other’s with money she earned by selling produce at outdoor markets. She continued to help the Black community and became a champion of education for Blacks in the District. This day-long event will honor Alethia’s spirit of entrepreneurialism with the inclusion of a pop-up outdoor market, Neighbors DC, featuring all women of color-vendors and makers. Other festivities include a DJ and live music, Double Dutch lessons and demos, a poetry writing workshop, vegetable planting activities Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Seize the Summer Days
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Summer is zooming by, so seize the season while you can with activities that only occur this time of year. From outdoor concerts and movies to water-inspired fun to special exhibits to tasty feasts, there are so many ways to enjoy the season.  Get details about all of these summer diversions and even more in the 2022 Summer Guide.

Swim in Nature
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
If you want enjoy the outdoors, but still stay cool, head to a swimming spot in nature instead of the pool. This round-up of places to swim around the area inclues beaches on the Bay (and even Atlantic), lakes and rivers, and swimming holes and creeks — all that welcome the public to take a dip.

Lotus and Water Lily Festival
Where: Kenilworth Aquatic Garden | Northeast DC
When: Daily, 8am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The  lotus flower and water lily bloom is peaking at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, and I can assure you it is spectacular.  Along with the flowers, there will be activities to celebrate the bloom, including garden tours, ranger talks, a live animal show, reptile adventures, and mariachi music.   See scenes from a past bloom here and learn about a great way to combine a visit with another activity here.   And this post has more general info and background on Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

Sea of Sunflowers
Where: McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area | Poolesville, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Get your cameras ready for one eye-popping bloom! The sunflowers at McKee-Beshers are reaching their peak, and visitors are welcome to take in the happy scene. Nine fields showcase 30 acres of flowers — and they should be blooming for at least couple of weeks. Read more about it and see pics from a previous bloom here and view some from last year’s here.  Sunscreen, hat, bug repellent, and water highly recommended. KFDC Tip: If you plan to go, pair it with a PYO blackberries outing at Homestead Farms, which is just minutes away. Or stop by Rocklands Farm Winery, also nearby.

Music & Water Play
Where: Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 7-9pm
Admission: Free
There are only two more chances to enjoy live music by the river at The Yards Friday night concert series.  Broad Sound, a local pop/rock/RnB band will be providing the entertainment. Plan for dinner there — food and drinks will be available for purchase, there are lots of dining options nearby, or you can BYO picnic.  Go early to let the kids play in the water features (and dip your feet to stay cool, too) or let them splash around while the music plays — you can still hear it from that part of the park!

Insectival
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Admission: $8
Buzz on down to Calvert County as Annmarie Sculpture Garden celebrates and investigates insects through educational and artsy activities, crafts, demos, challenges, and fun photo ops. Be sure to explore the rest of the gardens and art center while you’re there — artistic delights and play abound! Read more about Annmarie here and view scenes from a visit here.

Montgomery County Farm Tour
Where: Area Farms | Montgomery County, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Learn about agricultural heritage, see local farms, and indulge in seasonally fresh food as Montgomery County celebrates its Farm Tour and Harvest Sale. Activities will vary from farm to farm, but fruit, veggies, and flower picking;  animals to visit; farm made brews and cider to purchase are just some that will be offered. There are 19 participating farms, but not all will be open both days, so be sure to check the brochure for schedules before you go.

The Outdoors Inside
Where: US Botanic Garden | Capitol Area, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Going to the US Botanic Garden during extreme heat is kind of like pulling a fast one on the weather gods — you can experience the outdoors without breaking a sweat.  Explore the different plant collections as you walk amid woodland flora, desert areas, and tropical rainforest (one of the the most stunning spaces in DC). And the current Cultivate: Growing Food in a Changing World exhibit has interesting interactive elements that all ages will enjoy. Read more about the  USBG here and here.

Nature Calling
Where: Nature centers around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
For another way to get a dose of the outside world in the cool comfort of the indoors, head to a nature center. There are several great ones around the area that offer engaging exhibits, including live creatures. Rock Creek Nature Center in DC,  Buddie Ford in Alexandria (Saturday only), Watkins in Upper Marlboro, Potomac Overlook in Arlington, Long Branch in Arlington, and Brookside in Silver Spring all make for a great outing.

The Playhouse
Where: National Building Museum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $10/adult, $7/age 3-17
The Building Museum’s annual Summer Block Party features The Playhouse , an Elizabethan-inspired festival stage in the cool comfort of the museum’s Great Hall. Along with marveling at the installation (and the rest of the museum), you can enjoy Shakespearean activities like stage combat demos and hands-on fun during the day, and in the evenings, there will be performances of the enchanting A Midsummer Night’s Dream from the Folger Shakespeare Theatre (look for a discount on tickets for the play). And PS: If you think Shakespeare and kids don’t mix, think again! Read about some of our experiences with it here and here.

Time for a Tour
Where: Old Post Office Tower | Downtown DC
When: Daily, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free
See the city from a new vantage point at the Old Post Office Tower. Located within the Waldorf Astoria at 12th & Pennsylvania, NW, it’s free to visit and go up to the observation deck of one of the tallest structures in DC. This new post about a recent visit has info for visiting, and be sure to read it for details on accessing the entrance.

Super, Awesome, & Amazing Fun
Where: The St. James | Springfield, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday (see hours below)
Admission: See below
If the kids have a lot of energy to burn, but you don’t want to endure the heat, take them to play at the St. James. The Super, Awesome, and Amazing (that’s the actual name of it) activity center is filled with all kinds of climbing structures, trampolines, and obstacle courses. Kids can don harnesses and clip onto wires to climb, rappel, navigate walkways 20 feet above the ground, plus bounce, flip, swing, and execute acrobatic moves. There’s also an indoor waterpark where they can splash and slide and play out of the sun — and it’s just as super awesome. The activity center is open 9am – 8pm, admission is $15/hour, $27/two hours. The waterpark is open 10am – 6pm, admission is $20/two hours.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Where: Synetic Theater | Crystal City, VA
When:  Through July 24
Tickets: $20-60
This weekend is the last chance to catch this show at Synetic Theater, the home of American Physical Theater…  This playful adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless comedy — a fantastical, darkly playful game of love, mistaken identity, and the supernatural — was honored with nine Helen Hayes Award Nominations when it was first produced in 2010, taking home the award for Outstanding Ensemble and Outstanding Resident Play.  Side note: I’m excited to see this —  Synetic’s shows are always wonderful!

UniverSoul Circus
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Through July 24
Admission: $27.50+ (look for discount)
Only a few more days to  experience this  world-class, live entertainment attraction  at National Harbor.  The production celebrates the unique and familiar aspects of global cultures and ethnicities, blending circus arts, theater, and music — a fresh, cool, and hip approach to live family entertainment!

Shakespeare in the Park
Where: Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park | Ellicott City, MD
When: Through July 24
Admission: $54/adult, $27/age 19-25, free/kids
See a Shakespeare play in the park! The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company is bringing back its annual Shakespeare in the Ruins at the picturesque Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park. This summer, see Much Ado About Nothing under the stars. Note that one kid is free with every adult.  Bring along a picnic to enjoy as you watch the play — there are no food vendors, but you can BYO fare, beer, and wine.

Mr. Poppers Penguins
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Through August 7
Tickets: $14
Mr. Popper’s Penguins have waddled onto Imagination Stage, delighting audiences as only these loveable creatures can. The whimsical tale about dreaming as big as an Antarctic adventure, even in bleak times, sends a timely message to kids and adults alike. Recommended for ages 3-10.  Read a full review of the show here.

Fantastagirl and the Math Monster
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Through August 21
Tickets: $25 
On stage at Adventure Theatre….   Fantastagirl, a second-grade superhero who uses words to save the day, comes face to face with her worst nightmare: the Math Monster! When confronted with problems too big for words alone to solve, Fantastagirl must accept help from her friendly, furry, fraction-loving foe. While Fantastagirl and Math Monster use words and numbers to help her friends and scientist moms, something far more sinister than Math brews on the horizon.

Cinderella
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: Through August 28
Tickets: $15 (look for discount)
Rod puppets convey the classic tale of rags to riches, love at first sight (twice!), and getting what we all deserve. Don’t miss this fan favorite production, or your magical midnight curfew! Recommended for ages 5+. Run time is approximately 45 minutes.

Six
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Through September 4
Tickets: $65-150 (look for discount)
From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an exuberant celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over.

Vamos United!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 8pm
Admission: Tickets start at $29
DC United is home this weekend with a match against Montreal — and it’s in the evening, so it won’t be under the blazing sun. I recommend taking public transportation as parking can be difficult. Or park in the Navy Yard neighborhood and plan to walk from there. You can even grab dinner first — El Bebe, All Purpose Pizza, The Salt Line, and Dacha are very convenient and my top recs for family-friendly spots to eat there. Purchase match tickets here.

Kidz Bop Live 2022
Where: Jiffy Lube Live | Bristow, VA
When: Sunday, 4pm
Tickets: $25 (look for discount)
Kidz Bop Live 2022 is back and bigger than ever! The ultimate pop concert for kids (and grown ups, too!) is coming, and it’s all new for 2022. Sing and dance along with the Kidz Bop Kids as they perform today’s biggest hits, live on stage, including “Good 4 U” and “Dance Monkey.”

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Tips for staying cool and safe in a heat wave.
* These no cook recipes will help, too.
* Tickets are still available for Hamilton, coming to the Kennedy Center in August — and you might be able to find a discount for them.
* In case you missed the hearing Thursday.  (Watch the whole thing here.)
* Family travel experiences that cater to kids’ obsessions.
* Talking to teens about birth control.
*A funny Countdown.