Butlers Orchard, Germantown, MD

Today was the perfect day to trek out to Butlers Orchard in Germantown, MD. This farm is open, and most busy during the summer months, but if you call ahead, they will let you know which times of day are less crowded and which fruits or vegetables are available for picking based on the season. They have a big parking lot in the fields, and staff members use hayride tractors to bring people back and forth from the fields every ten minutes. The tractor ride and the actual picking was great fun for all of us as looking for the best berries was a great challenge. You can bring your own baskets or purchase buckets when you arrive at the farm. Depending on the season, picking options include strawberries, sweet peas, blueberries, cherries, flowers, blackberries, red raspberries, apples, and pumpkins.
When not picking fruits or vegetables, they also have a small playground area which has a wooden train, and wooden boat. My son also really loved going on the large slides that were built into the hill near the playground. They keep a bin of burlap sacks that kids can take to the top of the slide and use to slide down. Be sure to check the website or call ahead as the hours vary depending on the day and season. All and all, this was a very inexpensive and fun trip as the prices for fruit were slightly less than in the stores and allowed us to enjoy a warm day outside. 

Website: http://www.butlersorchard.com/

To return to the homepage and find more great places for kids, click here 

Cost/Value

Customer Service

Imagination Stage, Bethesda, MD

Imagination Stage is a  little theater nestled in the heart of Bethesda. Tickets are easy to purchase online and the lines at the pickup counter were very manageable. The website does a good job of stating appropriate ages for each show and the actors kept my four year old's attention for the full hour and a half show. The actors move through the theater and are very animated. There are no bad seats in the house and tickets are affordable, ranging from $10-$22. They also have an intermission for a 2 minute stretch break so the kids don't get restless. In addition to the plays that are performed, they also have Sunday Fun-Day which is $10 for interactive lessons and themed play based on a variety of different books. The book varies each week and can be found on their website. However, the interactive lessons are much shorter sessions and seemed rushed. There is metered parking both on the street and in a parking garage 2 blocks away.

http://imaginationstage.org/
To return to the homepage and find more great places for kids, click here

Cost/Value

Customer Service

Claude Moore Colonial Farm, McLean, VA

Claude Moore Colonial Farm is located in Virginia very close to CIA headquarters. (Just make sure you don't accidentally turn in the wrong place). The farm is preserved to look like it did back in 1771. It has
a small smattering of animals including geese, pigs, and cattle. There is also a small barn where tobacco is cured. (Don't worry, the tobacco fields are so far removed from modern day cigarettes no kids will make
the connection unless you tell them).
The highlight of the farm of course is the house where modern day actors live in a recreated 1771 lifestyle. They prepare and eat authentic meals, wear period clothing, use period correct dishes and utensils, and have chickens and roosters running around. They're happy to talk to visitors and will also introduce your children to some of the period games they have. the farm is fairly small so it won't take you too long to see the whole thing, and they also have special events which you can find out about on their website at www.1771.org

Picture from: http://globallearning.pwnet.org/HSS/HSS.VUS.2.php
To return to the homepage and find more great places for kids, click here

Cost/Value

Customer Service

Reston Zoo, Reston, Virginia

A couple of Sundays ago we went with a friend and his kids to the Reston Zoo. However, the word "zoo" is a little misleading. While the Reston Zoo does have animals to look at, but that is only one of the highlights.  Almost all of the animals are free-range and you can pet, feed, and take pictures with them as well. A Buffalo even licked my son with its long black tongue. Prices vary depending on what you decide to do, but entry fees range from $9-$12 dollars, with additional fees for feeding the animals. A wagon ride is included in the price of admission and is the best way to meet a lot of the animals. Want to pet a camel? or feed that buffalo? Hop on the wagon! There is very little shelter, so remember to bring hats, appropriate shoes, lots of water and sunscreen.
When you have all your feed and you're ready to go meet the animals, the first place you're most likely to go is the barn with the sheep, goats, and lambs. Give the kids a cup of feed and let them have fun with the animals. This is a great learning opportunity for the kids on sharing the feed, how animals eat, not to be afraid of domestic farm animals, and how to ration the feed so they don't run out. The reptile house also excites with an anaconda the size of a car, and several other less-than-cute, and not-so-cuddly, but very interesting reptiles. Then head over to the kangaroo pens, chicken coops, and rooster area.
After that, head over to the waiting area for the wagon ride. This is one of the few areas with shade, so it provided a nice break in the heat. When on the wagon, you can feed and pet all the animals except the zebras. The wagon ride takes you around the animal park to see all the animals, stopping here and there so you can take pictures and pet and feed the animals (they come right up to you - they're expecting you to feed them, so they are very friendly). If you don't have any food left, don't worry, just stick out your hand to pet them and they'll come over because that's what they've come to expect, and they'll lick your hand - just don't freak out over the size of those tongues!! After the wagon ride, we strolled around a bit; my son fed the Egyptian geese (very friendly) but not the Canadian geese (very unfriendly), fed some rabbits in cages, looked at some chicks hatching, and some tortoises stomping around.
The Reston Zoo is a nice way to spend some family time, and for a mid-range priced activity it offers a lot for the money. For more information, including hours, which vary by season, how to purchase a season pass or book a group or birthday party, visit www.restonzoo.com .

To return to the homepage and find more great places for kids, click here
 

Cost/Value

Customer Service

Pine Lake in Wheaton, Maryland

Pine lake is a cute little lake, located right behind the Wheaton Ice Rink. It is not well marked, and therefore not overly populated, but this lake is just big enough to come and enjoy nature in a relaxed environment. Every year the lake is stocked with trout for fishing, but there are also many little sunfish for the little anglers as well. We started taking our 4 year old and he has caught several little fish with great delight. Additionally, he enjoys walking on the path around the lake, as well as seeing the turtles and frogs that peak above water level. There are also several spots for picnicking and shaded benches along the way. If you are looking for a peaceful and serene nature spot, this is quite enjoyable. (picture is from M-NCPPC website)
Website:http://www.montgomeryparks.org/park_of_the_day/oct/parkday_oct10.shtm
To return to the homepage and find more great places for kids, click here
 

Cost/Value

Customer Service