Playseum in Bethesda, Maryland

The Playseum is a wonderful new place that just opened up in Bethesda, Maryland. In only a short amount of time, the word has gotten out about this place and every room had tons of children engaged in wonderful activities. The Playseum is a great place to take children ranging from 1-8 years old. The owner was friendly and accommodating in making sure that all of the customers were happy and in the hour and a half that we were there, I did not hear a single child crying. Additionally, there were so many different rooms, toys, and crafts to interact with that children never seemed to be fighting over one particular toy.

The list of rooms included a small radio studio set up by WTOP so that children can be weathermen, a science room (with different activities led by staff), a construction/building room, a creation room with all sorts of art supplies, a kitchen for cooking, a Safeway sponsored grocery store, an animal room, and much, much, more. My 3 year old son enjoyed getting to hold a bunny rabbit, make his own bouncy ball in the science room with staff members teaching a class, and using the pulley system to lift blocks to the ceiling in the bucket that he had filled up.

Another area where he had fun included the music area where a group of children were playing different instruments. One girl was on the piano, my son picked up the guitar, and another girl was playing with the cymbals to form an incredibly cute little band. He also had fun in the puppet show booth, the costume area, and at the train table as well.

This place was affordable at only five dollars per person, and while we had to get home after playing for an hour and a half, we could have spent 3-4 hours there. Also, one of the most important aspects of making any place successful is having a friendly and knowledgeable staff. All of the staff members were smiling, patient, friendly, and outgoing with both the children and the adults. My only complaint is that the place is very small and narrow. The hallways were very crowded and it would be helpful if there were chairs in each room for parents to sit. However, due to the size of the place, there wouldn't have been a place to put them. Additionally, it was slightly aggravating that there was only metered parking one block away. With that said though, we are definitely planning to come back soon.

http://www.playseum.com/
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Explore and More in Gettysburg, PA.

We happened across, what I think, is a best kept secret. It's a place called Explore and More in Gettysburg, PA. Before you gasp, for those of you who live near Silver Spring, MD, it's only 1 1/2 hours away - just long enough for the kids to watch a movie in full on the DVD player. We came across it on a weekend away last summer. It's a lovely little rowhouse that two former preschool teachers transformed into a children's place. It's inexpensive and rarely crowded. Sometimes they are busy with field trips or birthday parties. But you can always call ahead and check on the day you want to go and if none of the above are happening, you practically have the place to yourself! The place is small enough that the children can roam from 1st floor to 2nd floor and back, doing science experiments, creating in the art room, constructing in the building room, being inside a bubble (always a favorite), searching for fossils...there is even a housekeeping area set up with a Civil War time period. There is no fear of losing them or having to follow them every second because of the size and layout of the place. After 3 hours (or more!), they are moaning NOT to go home and need to stay longer. They also have a wonderful big backyard with a huge sandbox and other activities (my husband couldn't stop playing with the digger!). Bring your own snacks or lunch and enjoy eating in the backyard. Metered parking is on the street, never had a problem getting a spot. We love it and the kids do too (even my 11 year old)! http://www.exploreandmore.com/ .
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Sharps Farm in Brookeville Maryland

Sharp’s Farm may not be well known, but it has a lot to offer. Located in Brookville, Maryland, it is only a few minutes past Olney. While it may not look fancy when you first get there, it has many educational programs involving agriculture, pilgrim life, animals and an array of nature related activities.

I participated in the Pilgrim history with my class. In order to learn about the Native Americans and Pilgrims, they set up a variety of stations for us to participate in. We learned about the lives of the Pilgrims and Native Americans and the students loved seeing them act in character. After the Thanksgiving stations, we had the option of a hayride or to pick corn. We chose to pick corn; however, the hayride is a popular choice as long as the weather permits.

Sharp’s Farm has seasonal hours, so be sure to check the website before going. I highly recommend picking an activity that your family will be interested in. It is great for group activities or for individual families, so gather some friends and enjoy an inexpensive, but educational experience! This farm is geared towards children of elementary school age but can be enjoyed by children slightly younger as well.

http://www.sharpfarm.com 

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