In case you haven’t heard, there’s this rally thing happening on the Mall tomorrow. It’s supposed to be a pretty big deal and, word has it, thousands of people will be attending. If you don’t plan to be among them and want to avoid the crowds and clogged metro in that part of town while you hang with the kids, here are some suggestions for family fun off the rally route.
Justin Roberts at National Geographic Live
When I first heard about this event, I thought I wasn’t familiar with Justin Roberts’ music. But as I listened to a few of his tunes, I realized the kids and I had been rocking out to some of his songs for years via the kids’ Sirius Radio station we listen to often. So, I feel okay about recommending the National Geographic Live! show he’s playing tomorrow, October 30. Seats are still available for both the 12pm and 3pm shows. Tickets are $16, $12/kids 12 and under and can be purchased through the National Geographic website or at the door. (And PS – While you’re there, check out the Geckos and Wild Music exhibits!)
Kids Euro Festival
There’s just a little over a week left to catch some performances of Kids Euro Fest, the month-long showcase of European art and culture for children. This weekend you and the kids can take in shadow puppetry from Poland and stage performances from Germany and Slovakia. Check the schedule for times and note that some of the shows require reservations, though admission is free for all.
KIDS: Room to Play – Build Your Own Infrastructure
I’m going to avoid a bad Ikea joke and just give you the description straight from the website about the KIDS: Room to Play exhibit taking place at House of Sweden through December 5: ‘Build a skyscraper, construct a highway, launch a ship and play in Pippi Longstocking’s house. We provide the building blocks, vehicles, toys, etc – you provide the imagination. Kids of all ages are invited to House of Sweden to build their own world of tomorrow!’ The exhibit will be open Saturdays 11am – 4pm and Sundays: 12pm to 5pm.
Smithsonian Sans Crowds
Needless to say, it might be best to leave the museum-going on the Mall to another weekend. But you can still enjoy a Smithsonian kids’ fave – the National Zoo is far enough up town, and with splendid fall weather in the weekend forecast, it’ll be a great time to pay the animals a visit. Don’t miss the recently opened Elephant Trail and be sure to check the daily schedule to see what’s going on when you visit.
Fall on the Farm
Whether you’re still looking for the perfect pumpkin or just want to visit a farm that sounds like something out of a storybook, head to Clark’s Elioak Farm in Ellicott City, Maryland. While the kids and I have yet to visit ourselves (we’re heading there today on the day off from school), you can read a nice description of the farm here. Admission if $5/person, and hayrides, pony rides, and the cow train are $2/each. Open 10am – 5:30pm (last admission is 4pm) seven days a week through November 7.
Haunted Hill
The newly formed Walking Shtick Tours is offering a kids version of their Haunted Hill tour on Sunday, October 31, at 1pm. The hour-long walk around Capitol Hill is geared for kids ages 8 and up, but younger children tagging along with siblings will fare fine. The tour meets at Eastern Market Metro near the Barracks Row historical sign. Cost for the special kids tour is $20/family (regular tours are $15/person) and reservations are requested but not required. Visit the Walking Shtick Tours website to make a reservation and learn more about the tours.
