Amphibians, Gymnastics, Kid Koders and Mixed Media Sculptures are just some of the fun, kid-friendly things we’ve got going on along Route One this weekend! Check it out and share with a friend! 😃
☔🌞☔ Given the inclement / moody weather forecast for this weekend, please make sure to contact the event host ahead of heading out to the event! When possible, I will update this page if/when I hear of event cancellations.
FRIDAY
Mt. Rainier Nature Center
Check out some hands-on exhibits, live animals, educational displays, a play area and more at this fun, free, petite, local site. For a sneak peek, read about our time here! (Tip: Build in some time to check out The Waterhole in Mt. Rainier. Great, local organic juice spot. Kid-friendly, too!)
When: 9am-5pm
Where: Mt. Rainier Nature & Recreation Center, 4701 31st Place, Mt. Rainier
Cost: Free!
Family Fun: Migration (All Ages)
September is the start of Fall, and the beginning of migration season for many birds. Where do they come from, and where do they go? What challenges do they face along the way? Come learn about bird migration through hands-on games, activities and crafts. There is something for everyone! This is a drop-in program: come when you wish, and leave when you’re ready.
When: 10am-1pm
Where: National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel
Cost: Free!
Gymnastics Workshop / Open Gym at PG Sports & Learning Complex
This place is really great for 1-12 year olds! HUGE. Two climbing walls. Two foam pits. Tons of equipment for curious ones to explore and blow off some steam. Very clean. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Parents are required to be on the floor with the children (Maximum 3 child:1 adult). Check out my review here!
When: 4:30-5:30pm
Where: 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover
Cost: $7 per child
SATURDAY
Toddler Time @ Art Works Now
Open studio time for toddlers and their accompanying adults. Even the youngest children can explore a variety of age-appropriate art materials in a safe, fun environment. What to expect? Read my review of Toddler Time at Art Works Now. (New to the area? Pre-game Toddler Time with a delish morning coffee at Hyattsville’s Vigilante Coffee, walking distance to AWN and then to adjacent Pizzeria Paradiso for lunch!)
When: 10am-12pm
Where: Art Works Now, 4800 Rhode Island Ave, Hyattsville
Cost: $5
Kids play in indoor playground while yo enjoy some shopping or just relax/eat/peoplewatch at the restaurant upstairs. Kiddos must be potty trained and be 37” to 54” tall (so children typically b/w ages of 3-7). Tips: (1) Best to arrive earlier on in the day as day progresses, so do the entrances lines; & (2) Join Ikea Family & kids get extra 30 minutes to play (depending on capacity) & you get free mildly-decent coffee! (Tip: My kiddos enjoy this option best when they have a friend to play with, so perhaps try to coordinate a meet-up there with another family.)
When: 10:30am – 7pm
Where: 10100 Baltimore Avenue, College Park
Admission: Free!
Family Fun: Migration (All Ages)
September is the start of Fall, and the beginning of migration season for many birds. Where do they come from, and where do they go? What challenges do they face along the way? Come learn about bird migration through hands-on games, activities and crafts. There is something for everyone! This is a drop-in program: come when you wish, and leave when you’re ready. (The Patuxent Wildlife Refuge is a great, free way to keep the kiddos occupied. Lo-fi, lots of room to move around. Expect to spend 1 hour (more if weather is nice and you can explore the park! Our time here!)
When: 12:15-12:45pmWhen: 10am-1pm
Where: National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel
Cost: Free!
Owl Eyes
Meet the small and stealthy night hunter of the eastern forest. With silent flight, big eyes and a powerful grip, this little hunter is ready to catch mice who enter his territory. Call ahead to reserve your spot: 301.497.5887. (The Patuxent Wildlife Refuge is a great, free way to keep the kiddos occupied. Lo-fi, lots of room to move around. Expect to spend 1 hour (more if weather is nice and you can explore the park! Our time here!)
When: 12:15-12:45pm
Where: National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel
Cost: Free!
Kid Koders
Learn the basic of coding through game-based activities that will challenge creative and logical skills while teaching core concepts of computer science and programming. Ages 5-12. Read here about what’s to love at the Laurel Library!
When: 12-1pm & 1:15-2:15pm
Where: Laurel Library, 507 7th Street, Laurel
Cost: Free!
Engineering 101 (Ages 9+)
What does an engineer do? Learn what an engineer does and use the Engineering Design Process to complete a task or challenge. When: 2-4pm
Where: College Park Aviation Museum, College Park
Cost: $5
SUNDAY
Tiny Tots (Ages 18-48 months)
Learn about wildlife at the refuge through fun and interactive songs, stories and activities. Parent participation & registration required. (Easy, lo-fi way to keep the kiddo occupied! Check out our time at the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge here.)
When: 10:30-11:15am
Where: National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel
Cost: Free!
Mixed Media Sculpture – Make Your Own Objet d’art
College Park Arts Exchange comes to MilkBoy ArtHouse, sets up a table of crafts and supplies to keep little hands busy. Projects facilitated by arts specialist Aaron Springer. (Lovely way to spend a Sunday morning! Note that the area for crafting (by entryway) is small so I’d plan on buying a bit of brunch. That way, you’re then at a table, kiddo crafting while you enjoy a mimosa / coffee. Magic!)
When: 11am-1pm
Where: MilkBoy ArtHouse, College Park
Cost: Free! (Though feel free to indulge in some brunch at MilkBoy!)
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