Tag Archives: Toddler Tuesdays

January 30, 2012 · 8:03 am

Where to Play on the Weekdays: January 30-February 3

Mesmerized by an aquarium full of fish in the Sant Ocean Hall at the Natural History Museum

Monday – Since I just wrote a big post about it, and because it’s one of DC’s best attractions for kids, visit the National Museum of Natural History. See if there’s an exhibit you have yet to explore.

Tuesday – Head to the National Children’s Museum Launch Zone for Toddler Tuesday. This week, toddlers ages 2-4 can drop in from 10:30am – 2:30pm to discover which animals hibernate and which animals can stand the cold. Activities may include stories, games, art, and movement for children and adults to experience together. Admission is free. The Launch Zone is located at the National Harbor.

Wednesday – Explore seasonal nature topics through stories, crafts, and activities at Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria. There are still spots available in the Nature Detective program for 3-5-year-olds. The class starts at 1:30pm. (A few spots are also open in the Thursday sessions.)

Thursday – See Mouse on the Move at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. The show about two adventurous mice ready to explore the world beyond their little mouse hole is recommended for ages 1-5. Showtimes are 10:30am and 11:45am, tickets are $10.

Friday – Boogie on down to the Atlas Performing Arts Center where Mr. Skip will be playing the Boogie Babes show at 10:30am. Admission is $5/child, free for siblings 6 months and under. The Atlas is located at 1333 H Street NE.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: December 13-16

Checking out a display at the at the National Museum of American History

We all deserve a break now and then. My husband and I just took a much-needed one and enjoyed a couple of kid-free days in NYC. And that’s a quick explanation of why Monday is missing from these suggestions for weekday fun. Enjoy the rest of your week!

Tuesday – “Winter Wonderland” is the theme of this week’s Toddler Tuesdays program at the National Children’s Museum Launch Zone. Drop in for a variety of winter-inspired activities from 10:30am – 2:30pm. The free series is designed for children ages 2-4.

Wednesday – See a show especially for little ones as The Puppet Co. Theatre presents Nutcracker Fantasy, the Tiny Tots production of the holiday season. The lights stay on and doors stay open during these performances for the youngest audiences. Showtime is 10am. Tickets are $5 for everyone, including babies.

Thursday – Show the kiddos relics from your own childhood at the National Museum of American History, where collections include some of the best toys and games of our days of yore. While you’re there, check out some of the other exhibits, like America on the Move, a history of transportation in the U.S. featuring some of the earliest automobiles, a train car, and an old street car that guests can actually climb aboard. The museum is open from 10am – 5:30pm. (Note the Spark!Lab is closed for renovations.)

Friday – Join the Boogie Babes for their last show of 2011. Bridgette with Dawn on Conga will bring their island beats to the Atlas Performing Arts Center at 10:30am. Admission is $5/child, free for siblings 6 months and under.

Launch into Fun with the National Children’s Museum

The National Children’s Museum isn’t a new mention here. I’ve long been recommending their programs for kids at the Launch Zone, their interim digs at the National Harbor until construction of the actual museum is completed in 2013. With a mission to “inspire children to care about and improve the world” and fun, free activities to help them execute it, the NCM is definitely worth checking out, whether you take part in one of their many special events or drop in any day for arts, crafts, and a variety of ways to play.

This new shout-out comes after a recent visit there with Sasha. We were invited to a bloggers’ lunch to learn about the NCM’s new programs, special events, and the upcoming relaunch of their website. I can tell you there is some good stuff happening, some of it already underway. Here are some of the highlights:

Toddler Tuesdays – These free, weekly drop-in programs are designed especially for children ages 2-4 and their parents. Themes vary by month: September is “The Sun and the Stars,” October is “Over the Rainbow,” and November is “Head, shoulders, knees, and toes.” Guests can drop-in anytime from 10:30am – 2pm to enjoy theme-inspired activities, which include stories, games, art, and movement.

Launch Zone Special Events – On just about any given weekend, families can enjoy events that are fun, educational, and entertaining. At the Launch Zone in the near future: Pirate Day, Better Breakfast Month, Kids Euro Festival performances, Holidays Around the World celebrations, and much more. And their events extend to locations beyond the National Harbor. Coming up is the 30th Annual Hispanic Festival at Lane Manor Park, the NCM Jump-Off at Watkins Regional Park, and the Worldwide Day of Play on the Ellipse. Download the September calendar for dates and more details on all them.

New NCM Website – The redesigned website will include tons of interactive fun for children, as well as ideas for activities that kids and parents can do at home. I’ll keep you posted on the launch.