PBS KIDS is encouraging kids to Explore the Outdoors!

The two things my boys love most in the world are playing outside and watching TV so when I heard that PBS KIDS was partnering with the National Recreation and Parks Association (of which my dad is a 30+ year member!) I was intrigued to learn more.

Through April 20, PBS will present four weeks of themed on-air programming and online content designed to inspire kids and families to get outside and discover nature.  Locally, National Recreation and Park Association member parks, along with local PBS member stations, will be hosting events where kids are invited to experience the environment with fun and educational activities from PBS KIDS. 

 

I feel pretty lucky to have a retired park ranger and recreation director for a dad and some of my best childhood memories are being outside with my family. My dad was constantly pointing out hawks, trees, snakes, plants (hello poison ivy!) and one time we encountered a super-cool beaver dam!

And I'm grateful that both our boys love being outside, too. All they need is a stick and some dirt or mud and they'll happily get filthy and entertain themselves for a long time!

As happy as they are to be outside, though, I'd be lying if I didn't mention how much my boys LOVE watching TV! PBS KIDS is our go-to station and so it's great to know that there will be shows encouraging them to actually turn off the TV and get outside to explore! 

Here are the details:

Explore the Outdoors Programming

Leading up to Earth Day, PBS KIDS will present four weeks of “Explore the Outdoors” themed programming from popular series including WILD KRATTS, DINOSAUR TRAIN, THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT!, and CURIOUS GEORGE. Premieres include new episodes from WILD KRATTS, THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT!, CURIOUS GEORGE and a new Earth Day themed episode of ARTHUR, airing Monday, April 16.  On Friday, April 20 (the Friday before Earth Day), PBS will also present a special line-up of environmentally-themed programs to gear kids up to celebrate Earth Day. Themed weeks include:

 

WILD KRATTS “Backyard Adventures Week” - March 26-30

This special week features five episodes all about venturing outside to explore the wonders that are as close as your own backyard. The week concludes with the premiere of a new episode, “Flight of the Pollinators,” on Friday, March 30, which explores the amazing delivery system of plants and their animal partners.

 

DINOSAUR TRAIN “Nature Trackers Week” - April 2-6

This encore presentation of four “Nature Trackers” episodes of DINOSAUR TRAIN includes “Stargazing on the Night Train/Get Into Nature!,” “Shiny and Snakes/Tiny Flowers,” “Buddy Explores the Tyrannosaurs/Rainy Day Fight” and “That’s Not a Dinosaur/Tiny’s Garden.” The storylines follow Buddy, Shiny, Tiny and Don as they make their own discoveries in nature.

The episodes encourage kids to get outside, get into nature and make their own discoveries.

 

THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT! “Nature’s Know-How Week” - April 9-13

The Cat, Nick and Sally go on a variety of outdoor adventures this week, including journeys to Drippety Dry Desert and Splishy Splashy Pond.  Two new episodes premiere: “Super Cleaner Uppers/Itty Bitty Water” on Monday, April 9, and “Amazing Eyes/Water Walkers” on Thursday, April 12.

 

CURIOUS GEORGE “Explore Your World Week” - April 16-20

During this special week, everyone’s favorite monkey dabbles in a range of activities – from radio DJ-ing, to painting, to building a home for a squirrel.  The week includes three premiere episodes – “DJ George/Curious George Paints the Desert” on Monday, April 16, “No Knowing Gnocchi/Here Comes the Tide” on Wednesday, April 18, and a special Earth Day episode, “Junky Monkey/Jumpy Warms Up,” on Friday, April 20.

 

 

Online and Mobile Resources for Families

Kids can continue their environmental exploration online at PBSKIDS.org/outdoors  to find environmental and outdoor themed games, activities and videos and on mobile through the PBS KIDS Video App for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

 

PBS Parents will provide resources for parents to explore the outdoors with their own families on PBSParents.org/outdoors. The site will provide activities from the on-air episodes, listings for PBS KIDS Day in the Park events, and ideas and resources that families can use to explore the outdoors any time.

I was not compensated in any way for this post. We're just big fans of PBS KIDS and the National Recreation and Parks Society in our family so I am happy to pass along this great info!

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Jump Off! this weekend

Regular readers of this blog won't be surprised to know that my two absolute most favorite places for children in Prince George's County are Watkins Park and the National Children's Museum Launch Zone.


So can you imagine my excitement that the Launch Zone is hosting an event at Watkins Park?! It doesn't get any better than that, my friends!

Here is the scoop!

                  

The National Children's Museum will present the fourth annual Jump Off! at Watkins Regional Park on October 22, from noon until 4pm. This event is designed to inspire children to be physically active while having fun.

The afternoon will feature free, outdoor exhibition performances by nationally renowned Double Dutch jump rope teams along with numerous family friendly activities. Highlights include:

·         Stellar performances and workshops by Jump Off! veterans the Greenbelt S.I.T.Y. (Sensational, Inspiring, Talented, Youthful) Stars, Kangaroo Kids, and Youth Sports Jump Rope FX;
·         Special guest appearances by The Washington Mystics representatives, with an inflatable basketball challenge, and the WPGC 95.5 street team (1-2 p.m.) who will provide music and live entertainment, as well as giveaways and promos;
·         Frisbee decorating (while supplies last) and parachute play with NCM staff.

In addition, the Museum is welcoming six community exhibitors to Jump Off! Community exhibitors include:

• The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, bringing coloring books and handouts;
• RJ Smiles Inc., providing arts and crafts activities;
• Echoes of Nature, with animal artifacts and pelts, and a finger puppet craft;
• Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, giving away pens, pencils, and bookmarks;
• X-Treme Teens, in their Tahoe truck with handouts and interactive fun;
• M.O.M.I.E.’s TLC, hosting hands-on activities.

This year, Jump Off! turns into a festival with food vendors, hula-hooping, face painting, and all-day music, in addition to the community exhibitors and performances on the main stage. Also, don’t miss out on Watkins Regional Park’s Fall into Fun event from 1 to 4 p.m! Take a train ride around the park as you enjoy the fall foliage, or get into the seasonal spirit with a hayride and a trip to the Nature Center for fall-themed arts and crafts. 

Where:                
Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD


Details:

Free parking is available at Watkins Regional Park. All Jump Off! events are free of charge. There is a $5 admission fee for the Watkins Regional Park Fall into Fun event. For additional information or for a schedule of upcoming NCM programs, visit www.ncm.museum.

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Operation Firefly

Some of my fondest childhood memories include catching fireflies in the evenings.  Now that Lucas's summer bed time is a little later, observing and catching fireflies has become an almost-nightly ritual for him, too. Although my little lover-of-creatues-great-and-small was horrified to learn that when I was a little girl, I often pulled off the glowing part to make myself a diamond ring!

I imagine that the scientists behind Operation Firefly would be horrified as well. They are studying an important question: Are fireflies disappearing?

And they need your kids to become citizen scientists to help find the answer!

Head over to the site to learn more then register and start observing. And for my future grandkids' sake...I really hope the answer is NO!

Yeah, and it's probably a good idea, um, not to mention the, er, "diamond" ring idea to your kids. And let's not discuss the idea of "diamond" earrings either!


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Backyard Campout at the National Children's Museum

Photo via REI

Lucas and Abel, along with a friend, enjoyed their first back-yard campout last week and loved it. I expect lots more camping (both of the backyard and actual forest variety!) in our future.

I can't wait to take Lucas and Nathaniel to the National Children's Museum Launch Zone's latest hands-on experience for kids: Backyard Campout! They've teamed up with REI to help kids learn all about camping--from checking out camping equipment, crawling into and through tents to exploring deer and bear tracks thanks to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

This FREE event takes place July 11, 13, 15, 18, 20 and 22 from 11am-4pm and on July 16 and 23 from 11am-6pm.

No registration is necessary.

Are you going on your own outdoor adventure? Head over to REI and download a free Kids' Adventure Journal for some sneaky learning!


National Chlidren's Museum Launch Zone
112 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD 20745
Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens - Another great reason to visit!

Thanks to Our-Kids and Hiking Along for giving us another great reason to visit the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens this summer: The River Trail!

Outside of the National Arboretum, the Aquatic Gardens are definitely the least-known gem of Northeast DC! I highly recommend a visit!

Click here to get all the details on the River Trail, which Hiking Along says is perfect for toddlers, kids and strollers (with larger wheels!).


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Refuge System Birthday Bash, Saturday, March 12

Take your family to the Patuxent Research Refuge this Saturday, March 12 to celebrate the birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

It's impolite to ask what birthday, but I'll tell you that the National Wildlife Refuge has now been around for 108 years! Here are some fun facts:

*President Theodore Roosevelt designated Florida's Pelican Island as the first wildlife refuge in 1903.

*The system now inclues more than 150 milion acres, 553 national wildlife refuges (and other units) and 38 wetland management districts.

*Almost 41 million people visit national wildlife refuges each year, generating almost $1.7 billion for regional economies.

(Those fun facts and more can be found at www.fws.gov/refuges)

Maryland has five National Wildlife Refuges and Prince Georgian's are lucky to have one in our backyard: The Patuxent National Wildlife Refuge.

They'll be ringing in 108 years young with activites, crafts and live animals (performances by Reptile World!)--all free. Bring some money to enjoy the first guided tram tours of the seaon and, of course, food.

Details:

Refuge System Birthday Bash
Saturday, March 12, 2011
10am-3pm
Patuxent National Wildlife Refuge

10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop
Laurel, MD 20708

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Friends and Family Fun Day at the Washington Youth Garden

The National Arboretum is one of our favorite places. In fact, so many DC-ers don't even seem to know it is there, and it is so close to the Prince George's County line, that should just claim it for our own!

If you're looking for something fun to do this Saturday, July 24, head over to Friends and Family Day at the Washington Youth Garden at the National Arboretum. You can enjoy fresh, healthy snacks from the garden (perfect for Maryland's Buy Local Challenge this week!), meet honeybees, enjoy some kid-friendly gardening activities, listen to live music and tour the garden.

Additional Details:

Friends and Family Fun Day at the Washington Youth Garden
National Arboretum
Saturday, July 24 from 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm
For directions to the WYG inside the National Arboretum, click here.


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Beltsville Agricultural Research Center Field Day: Saturday, June 5

Have you ever driven by the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center on your way to Ikea and wondered what goes on there? Well, this Saturday is your chance to find out!

It is their 100th Anniversary and they are celebrating with fun for the whole family including hay rides; animal, farm machinery and research exhibits; and, hands on demonstrations. Best part? It's all free! (But, as usual at things like this, light refreshments will be for sale.) We haven't been to this in the past, but a quick perusal of their photo gallery of past field days make it look like it will be a really great event!

The event will take place rain or shine as they have large tents for the displays and exhibits.

Additional Details:

Beltsville Agricultural Reserach Center Field Day
Saturday, June 5, 2010
10am until 5pm

10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705
Click here for directions.

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Saturday, April 3: Childern's Day Adventures at The Accokeek Foundation at Piscataway Park

Whew! Try to say that title three times fast!

Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend that is outdoors and perhaps egg related but doesn't involve copious amounts of candy or kids running wild in search of plastic? Check out Children's Day at Piscataway Park sponsored by the Accokeek Foundation on Saturday, April 3.

The day begins at 9am with a Chicken and Egg Workshop at the Barnyard (bonus: children get to dye eggs with natural dye!). There's a "Wally the Water Bottle" puppet show and mini river clean-up at 11am; you can also take part in "Where's Ben?" a guided search around the farm at noon.

Learn more and check out all the details here.

Additional Information:

The Accokeek Foundation at Piscataway Park
3400 Bryan Point Road
Accokeek, MD 20607

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Mt. Rainier Nature/Recreation Center: Nature Club, Puppet Shows and Campfires

The Mt. Rainier Nature/Recreation Center (read a review here) is offering a pre-school Nature Club, puppet shows and campfires this spring. Here are the details and dates:

Nature Club

A nature club for pre-schoolers and their parents to experience nature through seasonal-themed activities such as stories, hikes/explorations, crafts, games or other activities.

Ages 1-4
11am-12pm
Free

Thursdays: March 4, March 18, April 1, April 15, April 29, May 13, May 27

Puppet Theater Show

Enjoy a puppet show and craft activity.

Ages 3 years and up
11:00am-11:45am
Free

Saturdays: March 20, April 17, May 15


Campfires

Enjoy nature tales and roasted marshmallows. Bring hot dogs if you like.

Ages 1 year and up
6:00-7:30pm
$2 per person

Saturdays: April 24, May 22


Additional Details:

Mt. Rainier Nature/Recreation Center
4701 31st Place
Mt. Rainier, MD 20712
Phone: 301-927-2163

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm (closed Sundays and Mondays)


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Birthday Party at the Watkins Nature Center

Hosting a fun kid's birthday party during the winter can be challenging, especially when you live in a smallish house. Lucas's birthday is just a few days before Christmas and with the birth of Nathaniel we have an early January birthday as well so I have years of doing some creative-thinking for birthday parties ahead of me!

Back in October, I wrote about several indoor birthday party venues in Prince George's County. Based on that research I decided to host Lucas's fourth birthday party at the Watkins Nature Center at Watkins Park. It was a fantastic success and the venue exceeded my high expectations.


Here are the details.

The birthday party rental fee is $100 for residents of Prince George's or Montgomery counties. You get exclusive use of the party room which includes tables, chairs, a sink and refrigerator for a total of 3 hours (that timeline must include set-up and clean-up). You and your guests can also enjoy non-exclusive use of the nature center itself (though on our party day no other visitors came and we did have it all to ourselves!). One of the best parts, though, is that one of the staff naturists leads a 30 minute "Wild Things Animal Show" in the classroom for you and your guests. They also provide Watkins Nature Center coloring books for each of your guests (which we used as the basis of our favor). You also get 15% off in their gift shop on the day you make your payment or your party day if you want to purchase additional favors for your guests (or gifts for the birthday child!). You can have up to 25 children and up to 50 people total--by far the largest number allowed at any of the locations I researched. All the details can be found here (scroll down to the bottom).

This is how we set-up and decorate the room. You can read more of the
specifics about the theme and decor I chose for Lucas's party here.

The naturist did a great job with our Wild Animal Show--she really kept
the children's attention and 30 minutes was just long enough.

Lucas loved touching the snake--he still talks about the "proper" way to pet a snake!

If you are looking for a great, indoor birthday party location, we'd definitely recommend the Watkins Nature Center! And, even if you're not looking for a party venue, don't forget that the Nature Center has awesome weekday and weekend educational programming for kids all year long!

Watkins Park Nature Center
301 Watkins Park Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

Disclaimer: We hosted and paid for this party with our own funds...the Nature Center had no idea I might blog about the event (and for all I know may never even discover this post!). I am just hoping this is helpful to other parents looking for indoor party venues or just a fun, educational activity for their kids.



Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Halloween Activities: Prince George's County

Welcome to another day featuring wonderful halloween activites in the area! Today I'm focusing on some of the many fantastic events happening in Prince George's County. (Don't forget to enter yesterday's giveaway for 4 tickets to Boo at the Zoo!)

Witches, Wizards and Wands at the National Children's Museum
Friday, October 23 and Friday, October 30, 3pm-5pm
Free!

Enter an imaginary world of witches, wizards, and most importantly, magic wands! Come to the NCM Launch Zone for special programming where kids ages 12 and under can make cool props to turn themselves into magical people. Activities will vary each week. Read more about why we love the National Children's Museum and National Harbor here.

The Great Jack 'o Lantern Campfire
Saturday, October 24, 7pm
Marietta House Museum, 5626 Bell Station Road, Glenn Dale
$2 per person

Enjoy the warmth of a fall campfire as we roast marshmallows and listen to The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Afterwards, kids can go on a pumpkin hunt to search for hidden jack-o’-lanterns. Find all the pumpkins and win a prize! Popcorn and hot cider provided.


Hands-On History: Edgar Allan Poe's Apprentice
Friday, October 30, 10am
Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park
$15 resident of Prince George's or Montgomery Counties, $18 non-resident

Children ages 10-14 will spend their day off from school engaged in writing, crafts and other activities inspired by author Edgar Allan Poe, who was born 200 years ago. This is a 5 hour program. Advance registration required by October 23.


Halloween Harvest at Watkins Nature Center
Saturday, October 31, 12-3pm
$3 per person, ages 2 and up (reservations not required)

Enjoy a special event featuring fall and Halloween themed crafts, animal and puppet shows. Costumes are optional.

Harvest Festival at Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex
Saturday, October 31, 1-4 pm
$7 ages 3 and older, free ages 2 and under

Enjoy an afternoon of harvest fun, filled with food, games, arts & craft activities, a hayride, ponies and a pumpkin patch. All ages welcome.

Flight Night at the College Park Aviation Museum
Saturday, October 31, 7-9pm
$4 per person

Wear your costumer and join in the Halloween fun at the annual Flight Night. Activities include arts, crafts, hayrides and spooky fun for kids of all ages! Read more about why we love the College Park Aviation Museum here.

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Watkins Nature Center

I've written before about our love of Watkins Park. Now, however, the carousel and miniature train are closed for the season and it is getting a bit too chilly to hang out at the playground or enjoy a picnic. But that doesn't mean that Watkins Park doesn't have great activities to offer you and your family! In fact, the Watkins Nature Center might just be the perfect place to visit if you're looking for a fun and easy indoor activity!

Lucas and I visited the Nature Center last week and he had a blast looking at the snakes, turtles, reptiles and owls. He even put on a little puppet show for me. Outside you can see several large birds of prey and look for frogs in the ponds. Visiting the Nature Center during regular hours is free!

If you're looking for a more structured activity, the Nature Center offers plenty of those as well at very reasonable prices. Here are some programs taking place through November. Please note that advanced registration is required for all of these programs.

Friday, October 16, 11am-12pm (SMARTLink #146193)
Campfire! Ages 2 and up will enjoy roasting marshmallows, hearing stories and seeing a live animal show. Parents/chaperons must also register.
$2 resident of Montgomery or Prince George's County, $3 non-resident

Saturday, October 24, 10-11am (SMARTLink #146180)
Nature Craft: Ages 2-10 will enjoy a story, meet a live animal and make a craft
$2 resident of Montgomery or Prince George's County, $3 non-resident

Friday, October 30, 10-11am (SMARTLink #146211)
Live Animal Show: Ages 2 and up will meet some of the center's animals up close. Parents/chaperons must also register for this program.
$1 resident of Montgomery or Prince George's County, $2 non-resident

Friday, November 6, 10-11am (SMARTLink #146190)
Small Fry Club: Ages 2-4 will enjoy stories, crafts, games and hikes around the theme of Down on the Farm.
$3 resident of Montgomery or Prince George's County, $4 non-resident

Saturday, November 7, 10-11am (SMARTLink #146173)
Family Discovery Hike: Ages 4 and up can join a naturalist and enjoy a seasonal hike while looking for wildlife and plant life. Parents/chaperons must also register for this program.
$1 resident of Montgomery or Prince George's County, $2 non-resident

Saturday, November 21, 10-11am (SMARTLink #146186)
Creature Feature: Raptors: Ages 2 and up will meet and learn about various birds of prey, including hawks and owls. Parents/chaperons must also register for this program.
$1 resident of Montgomery or Prince George's County, $2 non-resident

Wednesday, November 25, 1-2pm (SMARTLink #146184)
Puppet Show: Ages 2-10 can enjoy a seasonal themed puppet show and meet a live animal
$2 resident of Montgomery or Prince George's County, $3 non-resident

Saturday, November 28, 10-11am (SMARTLink #146212)
Live Animal Show: Ages 2 and up will meet some of the center's animals up close. Parents/chaperons must also register for this program.
$1 resident of Montgomery or Prince George's County, $2 non-resident

Additional Information:

Watkins Nature Center
301 Watkins Park Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

http://www.pgparks.com/
301-218-6702

Regular Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm; Sundays & Holidays: 11 am-4 pm

Visiting the center is free. Most programs cost a small fee and require advance registration.

To register for programs requiring advanced registration, you must have a SMARTLink account. There is no fee to set up the account but proof of residency and age verification is required. (This means a birth certificate for children.) You can set up an account at most MNCPPC public facilities such as community centers, sports center and the nature center.

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Upcoming Events: October 3 and 4

In addition to the Capital Book Fest, lots of great events are happening this weekend in Prince George's County!

Second Annual Jump Off!
Saturday, October 3, 11am - 4pm
National Harbor
Performances will take place on National Harbor’s Plaza Stage.
Jump rope making at the NCM Launch Zone
112 Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD 20745

If your kids have energy to burn then jump on over to National Harbor this Saturday! There will be exhibition performances by nationally recognized double Dutch jump rope teams, including the Greenbelt S.I.T.Y. (Sensational, Inspiring, Talented, Youthful) Stars, a world-wide award-winning jump rope team from Prince George’s County!

At the National Children's Museum Launch Zone, children can make their own custom jump ropes (while supplies last) and learn the latest moves, like the “heel exchange” or the “leg-over cross,” from the jumping performers.

Representatives from WPGC radio will be giving away prizes and other give-aways; and NCM friends and Harbor partners will offer discounts from NCM friends and partners at the Harbor. DC-area sports teams mascots will be making appearances and you can enjoy regional foods, crafts, fashion, and much more at American Market at National Harbor.

All that jumping make you hungry? You're in luck: National Harbor’s McCormick & Schmick’s will offer one free kids menu item for each adult entree purchased between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. during the festivities. (Limit one child ages 10 and under per adult [parent or guardian]; dine-in only.) CakeLove at National Harbor will give one free chocolate chip cookie to the first 100 kids ages 12 and under who “jump” with their new jump rope from the Launch Zone to the bakery. In addition, Aromi d'Italia Gelateria & Café will offer a free sampling of cookies at the Launch Zone (while supplies last) along with “buy one get one free” cookie coupons.

Doggie Dive-In

Saturday, October 3, 10am - 2pm

Ellen Linson Swimming Pool
5211 Paint Branch Parkway
College Park, MD 20740

The dog days of summer are official over. Or, are they? Area pools are closed for the summer so now it's time for your pooch to enjoy a dip! The Ellen Linson Swimming Pool is hosting a Doggie Dive-In on Saturday, October 3 from 10 am-2 pm.

Dogs must be friendly, social, and curbed before entering the pool. Proof of up-to-date vaccination must be shown at entry. Admission fee is $4/dog. Please note that a maximum of 2 dogs will be admitted per person. For more information call 301-277-3717.

Kinderfest @ Watkins Regional Park
Sunday, October 4, 12-5pm

We love Watkins Regional Park! If you've never been there before or if it is an old favorite, head on over this Sunday for Kinderfest. In addition to the usual train rides, carousel rides and live animals offered at the park you can enjoy midway games, onstage entertainment, roving entertainment, exhibits, an NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition and more. Admission is FREE although fees are charged for some activities and for food concessions. For more information 301-218-6700 or click here.

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Watkins Regional Park

We first discovered Watkins Regional Park through an article in the Washington Post several years ago about special parks in the region. I'm always on the lookout for great locals in Prince George's County and was pretty excited to see a Prince George's park listed among parks in Northern Virginia, DC and Montgomery County. Fast forward a few years and we've been to Watkins countless times. Lucas calls it the "big park" or "train park" but it is so much more than that. It truly is incredible. If you haven't been to Watkins before...GO!

Here are just a few highlights.





The Chesapeake Carousel

Who doesn't love taking a ride on a carousel? This beautiful, enclosed carousel was built in the early 1900s and has been at Watkins since 1977. The carousel runs Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-7pm. In September, it is open weekends only. It doesn't go too fast, but does offer a nice breeze on a sweltering summer day. Tickets are $1.25 (or $1 each if you purchase 10, a good bet because you use the same tickets for the carousel and the train).



The Miniature Train

Boy do we love the miniature train! The ride is a good length and takes you through the shaded forest, past the Old Maryland Farm where you'll spot goats, llamas, cows, chickens and all sorts of other animals. The good-natured conductors are happy to blow the whistle, to the delight of all on board.

The train runs Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-7 pm. It is open weekends only in September. Tickets are $1.25 (or $1 each if you purchase 10, a good bet because you use the same tickets for the carousel and the train).

The Old Maryland Farm

After you ride by the Old Maryland Farm on your train ride, you'll just have to walk over to visit the animals or to let the kids have a pony ride. The old Maryland farm is large enough for your kids to enjoy, but small enough to ensure the entire family doesn't get exhausted from walking.

The Old Maryland Farm is open Tuesday–Friday from 9am-4 pm and Saturday 9pm–4:30pm. Closed many holidays, see website for details.

Watkins Nature Center

The Watkins Nature center offers kids up close and personal views of live animals such as owls, hawks, reptiles and insects. There are indoor and outdoor ponds to explore and a Discovery Cottage which gives kids a taste of live as a naturalist (not to be confused with life as a nudist!!)

The Nature Center is open Monday–Saturday 8:30am-5pm; Sundays & Holidays 11am–4pm.


All this goodness and I haven't even mentioned the awesome playground, great walking/biking trails, tennis bubble and open spaces for picnics. Don't forget that Watkins was also featured on my list of free summer outdoor concerts. They offer free concerts every Thursday evening through August 13. No wonder Watkins Park is one of our favorite destinations!


Additional Details:

Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

General Information: 301-218-6700; TTY 301-218-6768

Website: http://www.pgparks.com/places/parks/watkins.html


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

The National Arboretum

Multiple choice quiz: Where was this photo taken?
a) Greece
b) Italy
c) Washington, DC


The answer is c, Washington DC!


The United States National Arboretum in Northeast, DC is one of our most favorite places in the city. Located off of New York and Bladensburg Avenues, just a few miles from the Maryland line, the National Arboretum is yet another natural treasure in the city. We've been dozens of times and still haven't explored all that the National Arboretum has to offer. Our favorite spots, so far, are the koi pond just outside the visitor's center (we're always dying to feed the fish but without fail the food is always gone!) and the surrounding areas including the National Capitol Columns (pictured above), bonsai exhibits and boxwood and herb gardens. We also love to hike (really with a 3yo in tow, this is more like a leisurely stroll!) along the many paths.

Koi, you always seem so desperately hungry yet the sign says when the food
is gone you've had enough to eat. So sorry!

Amazing bonsai specimens

There many wonderful picnic spots and most of the grounds are shaded. We've never run into a crowd at the National Arboretum and often find ourselves in spots without another person in sight. The National Arboretum is also a great place to view some really lovely cherry blossoms in the spring--minus the massive crowds at the Tidal Basin.

If you've never been to the National Arboretum or if you haven't been there in a while, plan to visit soon. You won't be disappointed!

Additional information:

Website: http://www.usna.usda.gov/

Hours: The Arboretum grounds are open every day of the year except December 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

For months, if not years, Abel tried to get me to go with him to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. On the drive between Cheverly and Capitol Hill (a drive we make often) you pass the sign for the Aquatic Gardens as you are passing, I'll be frank, what looks like a fairly downtrodden neighborhood. He finally got me to pull off and check it out one summer afternoon when Lucas was about 6 mos old.

To say the least, we were stunned by the beauty we encountered!

Less than four miles from our home, we found acres upon acres of marshes, wetlands and--most beautifully--ponds filled with lilly pads and lotus plants! It was incredibly beautiful and even more so because it was so unexpected.

I was reminded of how long it had been since we'd visited Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens on April 21 when I heard in the news that Bill Clinton, Michelle Obama and President Obama joined Americorps volunteers to plant a tree there in honor of Earth Day and the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act which will triple Americorps.

Photo from Daylife.

Lucas and I visited the Aquatic Gardens again this afternoon and had a great time! We basically had the entire place to ourselves.

After walking around the ponds and taking the long wooden bridge out to the marshlands we met one of the gardeners, Tony, who was incredibly friendly. My first question to him was: When do the lotus flowers and water lilies bloom? Mid-June. The second thing I asked was: Were is the tree that Michelle Obama planted? He directed me to the tree and also shared that it was a surprise visit and he happened to be the only gardener on duty that day! In fact, he's in the background of the photo above wearing the green hat. Lucky, lucky Tony!!

The Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are a true gem in Northeast DC--a great way to spend a quiet afternoon or to expose your child to nature. There is beauty to be found any time of the year, but be sure to visit during the summer to fully enjoy the blooming ponds.

Directions: From DC295 you will see signs for the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. From the southbound service road of Kenilworth Avenue south of Eastern Avenue, make a right onto Douglas Street. At the end of Douglas make another right onto Anacostia Avenue and go up about a block and a half to the entrance on the left. Detailed directions from 50, 395 or 495 can be found here. (BTW, how cool is it that they give directions for people coming via canoe?!)

Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving, December 25 and January 1.

Cost: Free!