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!

Free: Baysox Free Family FunFest

The Bowie Baysox will host their 12th Annual Free Family FunFest on Saturday, March 26 from 10am until 2pm rain or shine.

Highlights include free rides, games, inflatables, music, games and face painting. Louie, the Oriole Bird, and Dora will join in the fun as will the Prince George's County Fire/EMS department with vehicles on display.

Details:

Bowie Baysox Free Family FunFest
Saturday, March 26
10am-3pm
Prince George's Stadium
4101 Crain Highway
Bowie, MD 20716



Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!

Don't Miss the Pachyderm Parade on Tuesday, March 22 @ 2pm

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is on its way to DC and that can mean only one thing...The Elephant Walk is coming to Captitol Hill!

KidFriendly DC has the scoop on the route and details. Find all the info you'll need to enjoy this free parade here.


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!

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!