The Dancing Princesses

We're going to give this a look see. It runs until May 30 2010. Here's the description from their web site: "Set in the Roaring ‘20’s, the show is a new musical take on the old Grimm’s tale. After the death of his beloved Queen, a grief-stricken King banishes dance from all the land, much to the distress of his people, including his two daughters, Lara and Lena. But the girls find their way to a magical world where jazz music, the Charleston and their mother’s indomitable spirit are alive and well. Finally, the girls, his loyal lieutenant and a muckraking newspaper man bring the King to his senses. He lifts the ban and everyone rediscovers the joy of living."

Butler's Orchard Bunny Land

Butler's Orchard is holding it's 15th annual Bunny Land Eggstravaganza. It runs April 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 and 11.

National Capital Trolley Museum

Now, here's a treat kids should love: a trolley car museum. Was that a yawn? Well, not only do you get to see exhibits of the trolley car era gone by, but you get to actually ride different vintaged models! There's also a miniature working trolley model on display in the museum. And, they've recently renovated their facilities. From the pictures, it seems their facilities have vastly improved over what they were since I was there last. Oh, and don't forget to bring cash for the gift shop. No trip to a museum is complete without a stop there!

A Day Out With Thomas

Thomas the Tank Engine returns to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore Friday through Sunday, April 23 - 25 and April 30 - May 2, 2010. I'd buy tickets as soon as you can! These events always seem to fill up fast. Tickets are $18.00 each and are required for guests ages two and up. Advance purchase is recommended. For more information about the Day Out With Thomas™ event, call the B&O Railroad Museum at 410-752-2490 or go to the official website.

National Air and Space Museum

The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is a must see. Even if you don't have kids! The wonder of this place brings flight and science to life. They have two locations that I know of:

National Air and Space Museum
601 Independence Avenue Southwest
Washington, DC 20472
(202) 357-1387

and

Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Air & Space Museum Parkway
Fairfax, VA 20151
(703) 572-4118

And, if you're a Star Trek fan like me, this alone, is worth the trip! Pictured below is the model of the USS Enterprise used in the production of the original series!

Smithsonian Butterfly Garden

"The butterfly garden at the Smithsonian is located on the Ninth Street side of the National Museum of Natural History building. Four distinct habitats -- wetland, meadow, wood's edge and urban garden -- encourage visitors to observe the partnerships between plants and butterflies. The garden is a joint project of the Horticulture Services Division and the Museum with partial funding from the Smithsonian Women's Committee. The garden, on view at all times, is a perfect complement to a visit to the O. Orkin Insect Zoo on the second floor of the Museum."

Russian American Kids Circus

There is an upcoming performance of the Russian American Kids Circus at the Maryland Hall in Annapolis, Maryland: "A fully-staged professional production whose stars are all children between the ages of six and sixteen, the Russian American Kids Circus showcases artful juggling, precision acts of balancing, magic of black lights and more. These kids bring their professional performing skills to the stage to dazzle and entertain audiences of all ages. The circus has been featured on Good Morning America, Cosby, MTV and commercials for CVS/Pharmacies, Coca-Cola and Target stores. Don’t miss the show Newsday Magazine says “has to be seen to be believed.”"

Visit the Russian American Kids Circus Website

The Bremen Musicians

The Bremen Musicians is yet another classic folktale production from the Classika theatre. The story is about a group of mistreated animals who run away in search of happiness doing what they love most; making music. This Classika offering is a musical for kids five (5) years old and up. Click here for ticket information or call (703) 824-6200 for more details. The last day of this production is Sunday March 9. So, you better get cracking.

Frogs!!!

The National Geographic Museum is hosting an exhibit on frogs. Yes, frogs. This should be interesting as kids seem to love these creatures. The exhibit runs from January 5, 2008 to May 11, 2008. Admission is free!

Kids' Theatr

There can never be enough fun and interesting things to do with your child. I just got an e-flier from the Elf Theatre. They have two productions coming in December 2007:



The Princess and the Pea
Puppet Play
December 1 - 30, 2007, Saturday 11 AM; Sundays 2 PM
Puppets and Directed by Ksenya Litvak
Breathtaking marionettes, costumes and sets create a sumptuous production, accompanied by classical music and a witty script that provides our young audience with a memorable afternoon at the theater.

and

This Old Fairy Tale
Children's production
December 1 - 30, 2007, Saturday 2 PM; Sundays 11 AM
Directed by Ksenya Litvak

The theatre is located at:
(map)
The Arts Barn
311 Kent Square Rd
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Tickets: (301) 258-6394

The National Aquarium

A great place to visit is the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. There are many different varieties of fish and other aquatic wildlife. They even offer a dolphin show that lasts about thirty (30) minutes. Now, admission can be pretty steep. Currently, admission for adults is $21.95 and children 3 to 11 years of age is $12.95. If you plan to visit more than once a year, this can get expensive. That's why I suggest getting a yearly family membership. You can go as many times as you like during the year. And, an added membership bonus; no lines!! Aja and I were there today and the lines where tremendous in the 95 degree heat. We just walked past that delay and headed right in.

Kids' Theatre

The Classika Theatre offers puppet theatre productions for kids 3 years of age and older. Show times are ideal and their durations are usually no more than an hour. These productions, in my opinion, are a great alternative to television, videos and movies as imagination is the prime conduit. And, children gain an appreciation for theater at an early age. The theater is located at:

Classika Theatre
South 28th Street
Arlington, VA 22206
(map)