Our Library, Circa 2012

Libraries have been an amazing resource and source of inspiration since their inception. However, I have only recently become aware of the amazing online resources available for kids.

The tumblepad books on the Takoma Park library site are a major upgrade from traditional TV as they narrate animated versions of e-books at a pace much better for language development. Recent research shows fast paced shows such as Spongebob Squarepants reduce reading scores.

The library also has bilingual tumblebooks in Spanish, French and Chinese. The Little Pim online software features very basic language videos in about 10 languages that our girl loves. The many tumblebooks also feature accompanying games that complement well after reading that same book. There are even iPad tailored games to increase the interactiveness.


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Bixee Box at Hill Center, D.C.

The Bixee Box class at the Hill Center is a fun and educational activity that makes for a rich morning.  The duo who runs the class, Amy and Eric, have years of teaching experience for this age level, and drive the class with their great energy and welcoming encouragement.  It's difficult to find an activity paced for the 2-3 year ages, but the Saturday morning class we attended was paced perfectly.  The class starts and ends with songs, dancing and a parachute activity to get the kids warmed up.  The class itself consists of different themed tables in which the kids create and investigate in 5-10 minute segments and then rotate on - keeping them focused and engaged.  Our class featured a shape lacing activity, a "magic wand" magnetic experiment and a letter bowling game.  The curriculum is always expanding on the backbone of the great experience of the instructors.  You are encouraged to bring your class activities home to reinforce what you learned.  Highly recommended.  There is also a 4/5 year old class. 

For more info:  http://www.bixeebox.com/

Age 2/3 registration

http://activenet19.active.com/hillcenterdc/servlet/registrationmain.sdi?source=adet.sdi&activity_id=114

Age 4/5 registration http://activenet19.active.com/hillcenterdc/servlet/registrationmain.sdi?source=adet.sdi&activity_id=115

The Hill Center itself is an impressive space that has recently been renovated.  It looks great with manicured grounds, floor to ceiling windows and preserved hard-wood floors.  There is interesting art on every wall of the space and it is wide open and bright.  It is a new asset to the neighborhood.

For a previous post:

http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7972319120696628346&postID=5675014513769927757




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Hill Center in D.C.

This is a recommendation from through the website.  I have not been yet but they recomend the following: Hill Center www.hillcenterdc.org. Hill Center offers a wide assortment of classes, programs and camps for children.

Hill Center's address is 921 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Some of the programs for children are listed here:
http://hillcenterdc.org/home//programs/categories/children%2C-teen%2C-and-family

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at sarah@hillcenterdc.org


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Color Me Mine, Downtown Silver Spring

This is why I created this blog:  Color Me Mine has been open for 8 years, I've lived here for a year and a half 5 minutes away from it - yet only last week stumbled upon it while going for a slice of Z-Pizza next door!

It's a great resource to have in town.  For a $7 studio fee for your child, and a purchase of a sculpture (plate, mug, statue) ranging  from $10-$20 you can have at it with a custom selected palette of paints and a space you are allowed to get messy.  We had a great time and came away with a classy Santa mug.  You need to leave your wares for about another week for a firing in the trusty kiln.


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Ice Skating at Veteran's Plaza, Downtown Silver Spring

The outdoor rink is covered with a great cooling system allowing skating when it's hot and/or raining.  They provide buckets for kids as little as 2 years to lean on while skating.  We tried a fun sit on the bucket and Dad pushes maneuver which was quickly in high demand by our little girl.  Adults skate for $8, kids for $7, rentals are $3.


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National Electronics Museum, Linthicum MD

The NEM features a great "fundamentals" section with lots of switches and knobs that make noises, lights and various sparks.  Our 2.5 year old had a great time with these.  I only wish there were more interactive displays, but the target audience is not necessarily solely toddlers, and in between there were plenty of model planes, ships and of course robots to keep me and Shea happy.   As an electrical engineering undergrad, I had a great time seeing the displays on the development of computers, satellite communication, and aviation electronics.  There are some cute robots to buy at the gift shop - we went with a $10 box-robot that we put together when we got home. The museum is not gigantic, so only provides an hour or so of entertainment while the drive from Takoma Park is over 30 minutes without traffic.  But kids under 5 are free and it's 3 dollars for adult admission.  And there is a chik-fil-a on the way in Hanover off of 295, which is my favorite highway in the region - it reminds of New York's Palisades Parkway along the Hudson.


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National Gallery of Art Children's Education Center

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The children's lessons are only available on week-ends, in a classroom tucked into the southeast corner of the building.   When we went they had a Jackson Pollack lesson involving swirling a paint covered marble over a paper taped to the bottom of a Tupperware bin.  Brilliant, and Shea loved it!  The lessons rotate, with an Einstein exhibit opening in the coming weeks.

Baltimore Aquarium, Blue Moon Cafe and Captain James Landing

The aquarium in Baltimore is not a cheap day as each adult will be over $20. Still, it's a beautiful building with hours of fun activities. Have fun practicing your child carrying skills on the low-railed bridge across the shark tank - it never fails to freak me out a little. Really ,has no one ever fallen in there? http://www.aqua.com/

There actually is not much "child-friendly" about Blue Moon except for the Cap'n Crunch french toast and the fact that you, the parent, will be happy with your amazing food and coffee. It's typically extremely crowded so get there early because they don't take reservations. http://www.bluemoonbaltimore.com/

Captain James Landing: The boat-shaped building is alot of fun. The space is wide open and kid-friendly with helpful and attentive service. It was not too crowded when we went for Sunday brunch. Across the street they have a crab deck on the water that was closed when we were there. There is a large parking lot across the street. http://captainjameslanding.com/



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National Air and Space Museum D.C.

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There are some great planeterium shows for kids here, with Sesame Street characters and others. There is plenty to see on any given day including climbing on board planes of different eras. And of course, it's free!
http://www.nasm.si.edu/


Related activities include the National Air and Space Museum Hangar in Dulles (same link) and the Maryland Aviation Museum in College Park http://www.marylandaviationmuseum.org/

MLK Pool with Lazy River, Long Branch Pool with Slide, Piney Branch Elementary Pool, and Takoma Community Center Pool

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Long Branch has a kiddie pool with a cool whale sculpture though I have never seen it's fountain turned on.  The medium pool low-end is good for toddlers and there are 2 slides that my 2 year old has braved with and without me going down with her.  If you go down with your kid watch you don't pin back their ankles - our ped says going down slides with their parents is the most common way kids fracture ankles.

PBES Community Center Pool is a great rainy day activity.  If you have to hold your kid, admission is free for them.  Call to schedule a swim lesson with Tony.

Rock Creek Horse Stable and Nature Center w/ Planeterium

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The people seem to be pretty cool about picking some hay off the ground and feeding the horses.  You can pet most of the horses but if they point there ears back that means they are freaking out so take it easy.  the nature center and planeterium is great and will bail you out on a rainy day.

Franklin's General and Bladensburg Waterfront Park

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Great pulled pork in Carolina and Texas style, one is tomato based, the other is vinegar based. The General Store attached to the restaurant has great toys and an amazing beer collection. Grab a growler for refills! Hyatsville gets a little cooler each day:

www.franklinsbrewery.com

I recommend coupling a trip here to the Bladensburg Waterpark for a boatride or to play on the antique train. All this and the playground have great views of the Anacostia River. The bird art is a welcome decoration to the ample covered picnic space. Boat rentals are affordable and include paddle, kayak, and group pontoon boats with tour:

http://www.pgparks.com/Things_To_Do/Nature/Bladensburg_Waterfront_Park.htm

Pilot Map with Glen Echo Park and Volcano Island Water Park

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Glen Echo is an amazing park with a carousel, art-deco carnival booths and puppet theatre, great folk-festival, living museum and beautiful nature scenes.

Volcano Island is a great way to spend a day.  Slides of all sizes to thrill babies and parents alike.  The snack bar is not too expensive ($5 burgers).