ICE! and Christmas on the Potomac

Filling up on Ogre pops and Ogre milk with other bloggers and their families before getting started!

Have you been to ICE! yet? Thanks to this little 'ole blog, our family had the incredible opportunity to attend for free this year and we had a BLAST! In past years we've participated in different aspects of Christmas on the Potomac, but we hadn't ever been to ICE! Now that we have experienced ICE! I can promise it won't be our last time!

It's not too late for you to make Christmas on the Potomac a new family tradition, too! It continues through January 6!

As you may have heard, it's really, really cold inside ICE! -- 9 degrees to be exact. We bundled up in our warmest clothes and happily donned the bright blue loaner parkas but were still just a bit chilly. Actually, Abel passed on the parka touting the cold rating of his winter coat. Um, he regretted that decision!

The sculptures themselves were truly incredible. The kids (as a 6 and 2yo are wont to do) were trying to race to the next thing and so I had to keep up with them, but I could have lingered a lot longer to really take in and appreciate the sculptures. In fact, I recommended ICE! to friends with an 18mo but suggested they get a sitter and make it a date night.

Nathaniel LOVES Puss in Boots so this was his favorite! I mean look at those details -- incredible, right?

We all gave the ice slides a go. I, however, was really, really bad at it! I guess I assumed since it was ice I'd slide right down and so I didn't really get my legs up in the air (as instructed!) so I kind of scooted down. Abel got a good laugh at that one!

By the last room, the boys were cold and ready to be done. But I could have spent a lot of time here. This nativity scene was truly breath taking!

One of my favorite parts of the Gaylord is just being at National Harbor. After ICE! we (literally in this case!) rolled around the grounds for a bit!

Then we went back inside, met Gingy and decorated a gingerbread train!

Then rolled around a little more!

By then Nathaniel was pooped. Plus, he's kind of terrified of costumed people (including Santa!) so Lucas and I had some bonding time with the character meet and greet. Lucas is just the perfect age for this -- his smile got bigger and bigger with each character!

ICE! -- definitely a new holiday tradition for our family!

I was provided free tickets for my family to attend these events but all opinions are my own! ICE! and Christmas on the Potomac are open until January 6, 2013.

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Where to Buy Local this Holiday Season

Illustration by Ray Vella via

Are you thinking of buying local this holiday season? Here are three awesome opportunities to support local Prince George's County enterprises!



Community Forklift

Community Forklift is celebrating Green Friday and Small Business Saturday with a store wide sale, free workshops, hot cider and cookies! November 23-25all regularly-priced items at the Forklift and in the Salvage Arts Department are 20% off!! What a perfect opportunity to find something special for that impossible-to-buy for person on your list! Or, purchase what you need to make your dreams of a DYI Holiday come true!


Franklin's Restaurant Brewery and General Store

Franklin's is celebrating Small Business Saturday and their 20th Anniversary on Saturday, November 24 by having a Sooper Dooper Saturday Sale and Celebration. EVERYTHING in the General Store will be 20% off from 10am until 10pm. This is one of our absolute favorite places to find cool and unique gifts for everyone on our list!


Cheverly Community Market 

The Cheverly Community Market will host an extra-special Holiday Market on Saturday, December 8 from 9am until 1pm. Their Thanksgiving Market was jam packed with incredible local vendors and artisans and the Holiday Market is sure to be even better. What a great opportunity to talk with and meet the farmers, producers, bakers and artists behind special gifts for your loved ones.

How, when and where are you buying local this holiday season?

 

 



Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Activities for Easter Monday

Didn't win tickets to the White House Easter Egg Roll lottery? Yeah, me either. But, there are still plenty of family-friendly events to check out on Easter Monday. Here are just a few.

Easter Monday at the National Zoo
A Washington-area tradition going back 100 years, Easter Monday is traditionally known as African American Family Day at the National Zoo in Washington, DC. (But of course all families are welcome!). The event takes place on Monday, April 25, from 10am-4pm. Admission is free, as usual, but there also dozens of free family events--an Easter egg hunt, organized field games, crafts, activities, demonstrations and fabulous music. And last, but certainly not least, the Easter Panda will be on hand throughout the day!! Of course fantastic food and more will be on sale. Click here for a full schedule of events and entertainment.

Additional Details:

National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008
http://www.nationalzoo.si.edu/


Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Extravaganza
Also on Monday, April 25, from 11am-Noon, Snow Hill Manor in Laurel is hosting their annual outdoor egg hunt with entertainment on the manor grounds. Note: pre-registration is required by calling 301-725-6037 but the cost is only $1 per person.

Additional Details:

Snow Hill Manor
13301 Laurel-Bowie Road
Laurel, MD 20780


Easter Monday Fun Day
Oxon Hill Manor in Oxon Hill, MD is hosting a fun day with games, prizes, face painting and an egg hunt on Easter Monday from 1pm-3pm. Admission is $2 per person.

Additional Details:

Oxon Hill Manor
6901 Oxon Hill Road
Oxon Hill, MD 20744



Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Easter and Spring Events this Weekend

There are some really fun and unique Easter and Spring events planned for this Saturday, April 23. Here are the details.

It's Sheep Shearing Day at the Old Maryland Farm at Watkins Park! From 10am-1pm you and your kids can see sheep and llama shearing demonstrations and displays of products made from wool and hair and more. Hayrides are only $1 and you can visit all the other animals as usual. Not to mention that the Old Maryland Farm is right next door to a fantastic playground and the amazing Watkins Nature Center.

Additional Details:

Old Maryland Farm @ Watkins Park
301 Watkins Park Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

www.pgparks.com/Things_To_Do/Nature/Old_Maryland_Farm.htm

If you want to do something with eggs but don't need any more candy, Natural Egg Dying at the Mt. Rainier Nature Center may be the thing for you! This Saturday, April 23, from Noon until 3pm you can enjoy the folk art of natural egg dying--be sure to bring your own eggs! It's only $2 for children ages 3-16 but all ages are welcome!

Additional Details:

Mt. Rainier Nature Center
4701 31st Street
Mt. Rainier, MD
www.pgparks.com/places/nature/rainier.html



And if you're looking for a good old Easter Egg Hunt featuring candy, the big bunny himself and more, then be sure to head to one of these events....

Cheverly Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 23, 11am
Photos with the Easter Bunny and Easter Egg Hunt -- bring your own basket
Cheverly Town Park, 6401 Forest Road, Cheverly
Free!

Capitol Hill Easter Eggstravaganza
Sponsored by National Community Church
Saturday, April 23, 10am-2pm
HUGE Easter event for the kids including an egg hunt and tons of activities
Lincoln Park, East Capitol Street, SE, between 11th and 13th Streets, SE
Free!



Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Easter Events this Weekend

Easter is right around the corner and the area's many Easter events are starting! Two fun events are happening this weekend, the Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex and Magic Eggsravaganza, both on Saturday, April 16.

Admission is $3 per person at the Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex Annual Easter Egg Hunt, which takes place from 12:30-3pm. Bring your own basket to hunt for eggs then enjoy arts and crafts, games and more. The Easter Bunny is available for photos (nominal charge).

Additional Details:
Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex
8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD 20785

Another great option on Saturday is Magic Eggsravaganza from 12-2pm at the Langley Park Community Center in Hyattsville. Admission is $2 for Prince George's County Residents and $3 for others. There will be a magic show, the chance to meet the Easter Bunny (whew, he's a busy guy!) and games. Bring your own basket for the egg hunt!

Additional Details:
Langley Park Community Center
1500 Merrimac Drive
Hyattsville, MD 20783

I don't know about you, but we're going to have a hard time deciding which to check out!

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Children's Events during the National Cherry Blossom Festival March 26 - April 10

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most exciting times be in Washington, DC. Tourists by the thousands flock to the city to see the beautiful blossoms, sometimes causing natives (or transplants!) to stay away. Sure, the Tidal Basin is PACKED, but there is so much more to the National Cherry Blossom Festival than a shoulder to shoulder stroll under Jefferson's watch.

Check out the National Cherry Blossom Festival website for a ton of wonderful activities for children!

(And my insider hint: if you really want to enjoy the blossoms, head over to the National Arboretum! They have the same trees, the same beautiful blossoms and a fraction of the crowds!)

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Dress as Kings and Queens to Celebrate Purim at the National Children's Museum Launch Zone

I am sorry to admit that I don't know much about the Jewish holiday of Purim but I did write a paper (an exegesis for any nerds out there!) on a passage in the Book of Esther in college, the book in which the story of Purim is told. I've always loved the gumption of Esther!

The National Children's Museum has been celebrating holidays around the world and this weekend's celebration is Purim. It sounds like a wonderful celebration and a great way for your child to learn more about their own religion or to explore another one.

Children are encouraged to come dressed as kings or queens, you know your little princesses out there will love that! The story of Purim will be read at 11:30am (Saturday only), 1pm and 2pm (both days). Children can make noise makers and enjoy other activities. In honor of the Jewish tradition of mishloach manot, or sending portions, all are encouraged to bring a canned good to donate to the Capitol Area Food Bank.

Here are all the details:

Celebrate Holidays Around the World: Purim
National Children's Museum Launch Zone
112 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD
Saturday, March 19, 11am-4pm
Sunday, March 20, 12:00-4pm
Free! No registration required



Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Darnall's Chance House Museum Gingerbread House Contest and Show

2008 Child and Adult winners--they're edible and gorgeous!

I can't wait to oooh, aaah and drool over the amazing gingerbread house creations at the 11th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Show at Darnall's Chance House Museum. It's the first "outing" on our Advent Activity Calendar.

You, too, can check out the houses and cast your vote for the Viewer's Choice Award Thursday, December 2nd through Sunday, December 5th and again December 9th through 12th from 12-5pm each day. Admission is $1 per person.


Darnall's Chance House Museum
14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive
Upper Marlboro
301.952.8010

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Advent Activity Calendar

via Martha Stewart

Inspired by Amy at Teach Mama and Jordan at Oh Happy Day, I've put together an Advent Activity Calendar for our family this year. Each day, December 1 through December 25, when Lucas opens that day's drawer on our first-ever advent calendar he'll find a fun activity for that day.

Several of the activities are things we already planned to do or attend: the town Christmas Tree lighting, a visit with Santa, his nursery school's Christmas program and our parents' group holiday party. Other things are easy and fun things we would have done anyway: shop for our giving tree gifts, dance to holiday music, make paper snowflakes, write a letter to Santa, watch a Christmas movie, deliver treats to friends, bake cookies.

A few things are easy but will blow his mind: camp out on the living room floor under the Christmas Tree, drink hot cocoa with marshmallows for breakfast.

And, several more are local holiday activities which I'll be writing about over the next few days.


{So sorry for my very long absence. I undertook a big venture over the past eight or so months that didn't leave much time for blogging. But, I'm now back, hopefully regularly.}


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!

ICE! At Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor

Photo from here.

Have you been to ICE! at National Harbor yet? I'll admit that we haven't gotten there but it is still on my must-do list this holiday season. And, lucky for all of us who are, um, slightly behind in our holiday preparations, it is open until January 10!

I really can't wrap my brain around what this attraction must be like in real life. I mean, 15,000 square feet, 2 million pounds of ice and 1,400 specially designed LED tube lights: it must be incredible! And, it's right here in Prince George's County!

ICE! has gotten rave reviews from the Washington Post, but even more trust-worthy, in my opinion, is the rave review it got from Jessica over at A Parent in Silver Spring (read about her family's visit here.)

If you are one of the thousands of visitors who has already experienced ICE! I'd love to hear about it--please leave a comment!

Additional Details:

Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street

National Harbor, MD

ICE! is open daily through Sunday, January 10, including holidays.

Children ages 3 and under are admitted free of charge with adult ticket purchase. Walk-up ticket sales will be available during the attraction's regular operating hours. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance, as many days are expected to sell out.

Tickets range from $14-$24.50 per person.

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Holiday Break Camps

Are you having trouble finding childcare coverage for your kids while they are off from school but you still have to work? Or, do you know that you'll all go stir-crazy at home for so many days after Christmas?

The M-NCPPC Department of Parks & Recreation is coming to your rescue! They are offering more than 30 different Holiday Break Camps this year.

Finding the camps is a little challenging but persistence on the website will pay off. To find programs you have to go to www.pgparks.com, click on the SMARTlink logo, select your language, click on the word browse, then click on Day Camp. You can also call the Help Desk at 301-699-CALL(2255).

Here are just three examples of the types of camps being offered:

Tennis Camp at the Watkins Tennis Bubble
Ages 6-12, $90 for residents of Prince George's or Montgomery Counties
Meets December 28, 29 and 30 from 9am-4pm

Figure Skating Camp: Freestyle
Herbert W. Wells Ice Rink
Ages 6-17, $90 for residents of Prince George's or Montgomery Counties
Meets December 28, 29 and 30 from 7am-6pm

Also, many of the community centers throughout the county are offering camps for kids to enjoy "games, crafts and holiday fun." For example, South Bowie is offering a 1-day camp on December 28 from 9am-4pm for ages 5-12. It's only $20 for residents.


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Holiday Train Displays

Growing up, my siblings and I loved running my dad's old Lionel model train around the Christmas tree and now Lucas has fallen in love with The Polar Express. So trains = holiday magic in our family! There are some lovely train displays in Prince George's County, DC and Baltimore this year. Here are the details for several.

College Park Aviation Museum Holiday Planes and Trains
December 19 - 26, 10am-5pm

During the holiday season, the College Park Aviation Museum gets ready for festivities as miniature trains, villages, tunnels, and depots spark the imagination and bring history to life. The National Capital Trackers bring a fascinating and constantly moving display of model railroads to the Museum. All ages. FREE with museum admission

Click here to read more about why we love the College Park Aviation Museum.


Union Station Norwegian Christmas Model Train Display
Mondays-Saturdays 10am-7pm, Sundays 10am-6pm

Enjoy the giant Norwegian model train display and the 32-foot Norwegian Christmas tree at Union Station in Washington, DC.

Free!


U.S. Botanic Garden Holiday Magic
Daily through January 10, 2010
Conservatory East Gallery and Garden Court

This amazing display of trains, Washington, DC landmarks and storybook gardens is a Washington tradition. It gets better each year!

Free!



B&O Railroad Museum Holiday Festival of Trains

The annual Holiday Festival of Trains at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore takes place through Sunday, January 10, 2010 (except Christmas Eve & Day and New Year’s Day). It features weekend train rides with Santa and Frosty the Snowman, different model railroad exhibits each week, holiday photos (packages start at $13), train ornament craft projects ($1 each) and a Santa's Secret Shop for children (items range from $0.25 to $12). Regular museum admission applies but you can click here to print a $1 off coupon.

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights

Last week I raved about the National Zoo's ZooLights in conjunction with my giveaway of a family pack of tickets. But, did you know there's another amazing light show right here in Prince George's County?


This is the 23rd year for the Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights! A very nice aspect of this wonderful display is that it is a drive through event. You and your family can enjoy it in the rain or snow or freezing temps from the cozy comfort of your own vehicle. (And, if you're like me, with Christmas music blasting!) As you slowly drive through the park, you drive under light displays and will have a lot of fun spotting them on all sides of the road. This year's display features more than one million twinkling lights as well as new displays like Santa flying a helicopter and driving a fire truck.

The Festival of Lights is open nightly from 5-9:30pm through Sunday, January 3.

Additional Details

Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights

301 Watkins Park Drive/Rte. 193
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

Admission Fees:
$5/car or van
$10/multi-visit, transferable pass for car and vans (3 visits)
$15/mini-bus or limo
$25/bus
Multi-visit passes on sale nightly at the gate
FREE! On December 25

Please note: canned goods are accepted nightly as donations to local food banks.


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Giveaway! Tickets to ZooLights at the National Zoo on Saturday, December 12

Congratulations to Anna Lovejoy and her family! Random.org selected Anna's response as the winner. Thanks to all who entered!

Tickets to ZooLights are only $5 for members and $8 for non-members. And, active duty members of the miltary and their families get in free on Military Nights simply by showing their military ID at the entrance!


Do you love the National Zoo?

Do you love Tai Shan (the baby panda)?

Are you looking for something fun to do with your family this Saturday, December 12?

Then ZooLights ZOOTRITION Night is for you!

This is the 3rd year for the National Zoo’s annual winter celebration featuring dazzling light sculptures, keeper talks, strolling musicians, costumed characters, and performances. ZooLights is taking place Friday and Saturday nights through December 13 and every night December 18-January 2 (except Dec. 24, 25, and 31) from 6-8:30 p.m.

This Saturday, December 12, is ZOOTRITION Night, sponsored by Giant Food. You and your family can enjoy a Zoo-wide scavenger hunt for kids, delicious giveaways, hands-on demonstrations by the Zoo’s commissary (that’s like a grocery store for the animals), and tons of live entertainment. The scavenger hunt is designed to be a fun way to get kids thinking about healthy eating for both animal and humans.

You may have heard that Tai Shan, the Zoo’s beloved baby panda, will be returning to China in early 2010. Fortunately, the Zoo tells me that the Panda House will be open for extended hours throughout ZooLights so that we can all can bid farewell to Tai Shan.

Bring a canned good and receive discounts at the gift shop. Tickets are only $5 for Friends of the National Zoo members and $8 for nonmembers. On select Military Nights, tickets are free for military families. Proceeds support the National Zoo. Visit www.fonz.org/zoolights.htm for tickets and details.

OR enter below to win tickets for your family to attend ZooLights ZOOTRITION this Saturday from 6-8:30pm! This is a very quick contest--you must enter by Thursday, December 10 at 4pm. Enter by filling out and submitting the form below. The winner will be randomly selected from among all eligible entries and will be notified on Thursday evening. Good luck!





Disclosure: I was offered a free pack of family tickets to keep or to giveaway to a lucky reader. I decided to give them away and was not compensated in any other way for this post.

Thanks for reading Out by Ten!

Holiday Events This Weekend

Many wonderful holiday events are taking place at special locations throughout Prince George's County this weekend. Here's a list of several that look very nice.


Darnall's Chance House Museum Gingerbread House Contest and Show
December 10-13, Noon - 5pm

Vote for your favorite kid and adult entries at this wonderful display of Gingerbread Houses!

Darnall's Chance House Museum
14800 Gov. Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro
$1 per person

Montpelier Mansion Hands-on History Day
Saturday, December 12, 10am - Noon

Children can make crafts, play games and enjoy holiday treats from the traditions of Maryland's earliest immigrants from Europe, Africa, and Central and South America.

Montpelier Mansion
9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel

$7 per child

Belair Mansion "Kids Kandelight"
Saturday, December 12, 4pm - 7pm

A special holiday evening for kids; they'll make a take-home craft.

Belair Mansion
12207 Tulip Grove Drive, Bowie
Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Bowie Food Bank.

Once Upon a Time
Saturday, December 12, 5pm - 7:30pm

The Marietta's House Museum's rooms have been transformed into scenes from beloved fairy tales, nursery rhymes and children's stories.

Marietta House Museum
5626 Bell Station Road, Glenn Dale
$5 per person



Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Birthday Party Ideas

Lucas's birthday is just a few days before Christmas and so the poor guy is doomed to have his birthday coincide with frantic Christmas preparations, holiday travel and, most years, no in-school cupcakes on his actual birthday. Thus far in his short little life, we've never even been home for his birthday! His birthday celebrations have been lovely affairs but also have been very low-key with guest lists comprised of grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles.

This year one of the items on my "To Do Before Baby" list is "throw Lucas a real birthday party with his friends." The only problems are that by the time his birthday rolls around, I'll be a solid 8 months pregnant, it will be very cold outside, and our not-very-large house will (hopefully!) already be decorated for Christmas. (Christmas tree + lots of preschoolers = trouble.) All these factors combined with the fact that his grandmothers completely funded birthdays #1, #2 and #3 have led me to want to splurge for birthday #4. We're going to throw Lucas's party at a fun location in Prince George's County!

Here are some local out-of-the-house birthday party options I've discovered in my research. After the big par-tay I'll let you know which one we chose and how it went.

College Park Aviation Museum
I've already professed my love of the College Park Aviation Museum. Hopefully you've taken my advice to visit. But, did you know they offer birthday party packages as well? Packages include access to the museum and party room, aviation carnival games, gift bags, a t-shirt for the birthday boy or girl and a craft. Click here for all the details.


Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex
You know how much I love the open gymnastics at the Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex but they have so much more to offer, including a leisure pool. You can host a birthday party there for kids ages 3-12. Features include a one-hour open swim and additional hour in the party room. They provide invitations, tablecloths, plates, cups, silverware and napkins. However, based on their website information, it appears that you can not supply your own homemade food. Food must be prepared by a "licensed food service manager." Click here for all the details.


Pump It Up!

Lucas and I had a blast at the Lanham-Bowie location's Pump it Up Pop In Playtime last winter and I imagine this would be a really fun place to have a birthday party. They have several birthday party packages with weekday parties being cheaper than weekend parties. All packages include plenty of time with the inflatables and the use of a private party room. Additional amenities include free full color invitations, complimentary paper products, party set up and clean-up. Click here to see the package options.


Watkins Park Nature Center
Watkins Park would be our top pick for a summer birthday party. We'd have a picnic and then take the kids on a carousel and miniature train ride. But, those just aren't options during the winter. Luckily, the indoor Watkins Park Nature Center offers a great winter (and year round!) destination for a birthday party. Their "Wild Things" birthday package includes a 30-minute animal show, private use of the workshop room for the party and a coloring book for each guest. Of course guests can also enjoy the public Nature Center exhibits. Click here (and scroll down) for all the details.


Please help me make this a great resource for other parents! Tell us where have you celebrated your child(ren)'s birthdays. Where have you attended fun birthday parties hosted by others?

Original post by Smiling Mama at Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Publick Playhouse: Buy Tickets Now for Upcoming Shows

The Prince George's Publick Playhouse for the Performing Arts is a true gem! They have several wonderful shows coming up. Because the Publick Playhouse is a favorite for local preschool and elementary school groups, it's never too early to buy your tickets: Call the box office today at 301-277-1710. There is a $3 service fee per order so order tickets for several shows at once to save on additional fees.


Seussical -- almost sold out!
Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday, October 28, 12:15am and 12 Noon
Recommended for grades Pre-K through 4
$6 per person

The Cat in the Hat is the host and emcee (and all-around mischief maker) in this romp through Seuss classics. Adapted from the Broadway version, Theatreworks USA's show presents Dr. Seuss's best-loved stories in a musical caper.


The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon
Wednesday, November 4, 10:15am and 12 Noon
Recommended for grades Pre-K through 3
$6 per person

Enchantment Theatre's production of this beloved story will take you on a wild ride as Harold jets to Mars, joins a circus, and meets a king in an enchanted garden.


Mooseltoe
Tuesday, December 1 and Wednesday, December 2, 10:15am and 12 Noon
Recommended for all ages
$6 per person

Loveable, 12-foot-tall, costumed characters sing and dance through the story of Mooseltoe's plan to fly with Santa's reindeer.


Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration
Tuesday, December 10, 10:15-11:30am
Recommended for all ages
$5 per person

The African Heritage Dancers and Drummers will lead a pre-Kwanzaa lecture/demonstration featuring the history of Kwanzaa, dancing and drumming.


The Shoemaker and the Elves
Tuesday, December 15, 10:15am and 12 Noon
Recommended for grades K through 5
$6 per person

A heartwarming, holiday musical! Theatre IV puts a yuletide spin on this classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Delight in the magical story of a poor shoemaker and the magical elves who show him the true meaning of Christmas.


Season's Greetings
Thursday, December 17, 10:15am and 12 Noon
Recommended for grades Pre-K through 5
$6 per person

Celebrate the holiday season with this fun-filled magic show presented by Theatreworks USA. This spectacular performance features a magic elf, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, upbeat music, toy soldiers, and magically appearing white doves--all set in a winter wonderland.


Additional Information:

Prince George's Public Playhouse
5445 Landover Road
Cheverly, MD 20784
Box Office 301-277-1710; TTY 301-277-0312


Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Halloween Activities: Cheverly

As always, the Cheverly is planning some great Halloween fun! Here's the schedule of events.


Special Halloween Playgroup sponsored by CPRC
Friday, October 30th, 9:30am-11:30am
Community Center gym

Kids can put on their Halloween costumes for this special Halloween playgroup. Bring something yummy to share.


Halloween Parade and Party sponsored by the Cheverly Recreation Council
Saturday, October 31, 3:45-6pm

The annual parade and party sponsored by the Cheverly Recreation Council is tons of fun for kids and parents alike. Kids (and adults!) can put on their costumes and meet at Gast Park around 3:30pm. The parade begins (never promptly!) at 3:45 and proceeds down Park Way then up Forest Road to the Town Hall for some fun activities from 4:00-6:00pm. This year the Recreation Council will be serving dinner so the kids aren't trick or treating on an empty stomach.

This annual event is enjoyed by kids of all ages but is a must for kids who are too young to go out trick-or-treating later in the evening. Personally, I think it would be a blast if town residents lined the parade route to cheer on the Cheverly ghosts and goblins (or, more likely, the Cheverly princesses, animals, fire fighters and Thomas the Trains)!


Trick-or-Treating
Saturday, October 31, 6pm-8pm

Trick-or-Treating will take place in Cheverly from 6-8pm on Saturday, October 31. Children up to age 13 or 8th grade are welcome to participate. Residents who want kids to come to their homes will turn on their porch lights. Please do not visit homes without lights on.



Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Halloween Activities: National Building Museum and Madame Tussauds

Many of the museums in DC are getting into the spirit of Halloween. Here are two fun-sounding events for older kids.

Haunted Halloween at the National Building Museum
Saturday, October 24, 10am-Noon and 2pm-4pm
$10 members/$15 non-members (adults are free)

Celebrate the spirit of Halloween as you build and design your very own haunted house. Fun for the whole family, the festivities include crafts, treats, and ghosts stories (more silly than spooky!) about the Museum. Ages 6+. Pre-registration required by Friday October 23.

Spooky Move Nights at Madame Tussauds
October 29 and October 30, 5:30pm-9pm
$10 per person (this special deal gets you admission to the museum and the movie!)

Children and families are invited to explore Madame Tussauds and enjoy a special sceening of The Addams Family (October 29) and Monster House (October 30). Children (and adults!) are encouraged to wear their costumes. Concessions and other ghoulish treats will be available for children and children-at-heart. Arrive early because visitors will also be able to explore the attraction and take photos with all of its historical and pop-culture wax figures. The movies will begin promptly at 7:00pm.

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!