Welcome to our new Grab & Go Kids Planner. You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research to find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance.
Each week, we will be putting together a weekly calendar of five kid-friendly activities and new places to try out with children for the coming weekend.
We want you to help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips. Add them to the comment box or e-mail us. We want to hear from you!
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1. BLACK HISTORY MONTH TOURS of Josiah Henson Historic Site
Where: 11420 Old Georgetown Road, N. Bethesda, Md. 20852
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When: Saturdays, Feb. 12, 19 and 26, 12-3 p.m.
Why Go: The parks department is giving free guided tours of the Josiah Henson Historic Site during Black History Month. Reverend Josiah Henson was a working slave on the Isaac Riley plantation at this location. He ran away using the Underground Railroad to freedom in Canada. Later he wrote his autobiography, on which Harriet Beecher Stowe's based her famous novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Pricing: Free, Parking: Available ONLY at the Montgomery Aquatic Center, 5900 Executive Blvd.
For more information: 301-650-4373
2.
Where: Quince Orchard Library, 15831 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, Md. 20878
When: Saturday, Feb. 12, starting at 2 p.m.
Why Go: Watch Chinese lion dance, yo-yo demonstrations and Chinese arts and crafts presented by the Madison Chinese Dance Academy. The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc.
Pricing: Free
For more information: Michele Sellars, 240-777-0196
3.
Where: 36 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Md. 20850
When: Saturday, February 12, 2011 from 12-4 p.m.
Why Go: Check out the live Music, life-sized ice sculptures of your favorite characters, ice carving demonstrations, outdoor winter games, snow board simulator and a Mickey Mouse Moonbounce. Register to Win Family 4-Packs to Disney on Ice (Tickets will be given away every hour).
Pricing: Free
For more information: Call 301-998-8288
4. THE VELVETEEN RABBIT - PUPPET SHOW
Where: The Puppet Co., 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, Md. 20812
When: Friday, Feb. 11, 10 and 11:30 a.m.; Saturday, Feb. 12 and Sunday, Feb. 13, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Why Go: Applause Unlimited presents the classic story of how toys become real. Christopher Hudert uses puppets, song and storytelling to recreate the magic of a child's imagination. The show runs 45 minutes and is recommended for ages 3 1/2 years and older.
Pricing: $10 per ticket
For more information: Call the box office at 301-634-5380
5.
Where: Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, Md. 20852
When: Saturday, Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m.
Why Go: The opera and music of Mozart, which is the most accessible classical composer for children, features fanfare and singable melody. This performance includes Symphony No. 20 in D Major, Piano Concerto No. 26 in D Major “Coronation” and Mass in C Major “Coronation”.
Pricing: Children up to 17 years old get FREE tickets. Adult tickets are $32-$75.
For more information: Kids free tickets are not available online. Call the ticket office at 301-581-5100 for kids free tickets.