Things to Do - 15 Cures for Summer Boredom

1. Giant unicorn pool float. Because unicorns. (Though I must warn you THIS THING IS HUGE, we can't even fit it in our car, it has to sit on the roof).

2. Flamingo pool float. To keep the unicorn company.

3. Ogosport Disc Game. Somehow this game is both tricky and addictive at the same time.

4. Tangle Art and Drawing Games for Kids - I read about this on Flash Bug Studio's blog and it sounded perfect for summer vacation.

5. Ms. Marvel, Volume 1. Just like Squirrel Girl, these books feature a female superhero (yay progress!) who is apparently awesome.

6. Car in a can. A remote control car for under $10? How cool is that?

7. Rad American Women A-Z. Because feminism.

8. Kan Jam - My kids play this at school and insist that it's crazy fun, so we bought our own set for the summer.



9. Sphero. Kids need to code. So let's make it fun.

10. Banish Boredom - My friend Rebecca, from Not-So-SAHM, wrote a book that sounds amazing, I can't wait to read it!!

11. Walkie Talkies. The only way to make children think it's cool that you know where they are.

12. Bunch of balloons. So many balloons so fast. Call their friends, it's time for battle.

13. The Ruth Badar Ginsburg coloring book. Because feminism.

14. Stratos Spheres Board Game - Three Dimensional tic-tac-toe. Awesomeness.

15. The Forest Feast for Kids - P keeps saying how she wants to learn to cook this summer, so this seemed like the perfect book (ha! I rhyme).

Things to Do - The Perfect Summer Playlist

Happy summer everyone!!

For our beach trip, one of our awesome dad friends asked everyone to contribute five good beach songs for a master playlist. And, I must admit, the result is pretty awesome. Check it out below and then login to spotify to follow!



Have a great weekend!

Things to Do/Places to Go - Summer Bucket List/ Countdown to Our Summer Roadtrip

My kids FINALLY have their last day of school this Friday - approximately a month later than most school districts.



During the school year, with all three kids gone for almost seven hours a day, I established a (sort of) routine to my days and I'm a little nervous that I'll become a disorganized, cranky mom when "my" daytime hours become "our" daytime hours.

So I created an activity list for the first two weeks of summer vacation (we'll be out of town the third week).

I'm often overly ambitious when I create lists of any sort, so I tried to keep this year's pretty mellow - leaving room for a lot of lazy days at the pool, but still assuring that we all wake up with something to look forward to.

Each activity will be a surprise for the kids - just like the Countdown to Christmas, they'll open a special envelope every morning.

This is my first year trying something like this, so we'll see how it works. Has anyone else succeeded at something similar?

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Day 1 (Sat) - Host a sleepover with your cousins

Day 2 (Sun) - Make lemonade (yes, with real lemons because F loves real lemon lemonade)

Day 3 (Mon) - Spend a day at the beach (Flag Ponds)

Day 4 (Tues) - Go to a movie

Day 5 (Wed) - Make popsicles

Day 6 (Thurs) - If you go to an art museum with me (the Hirschhorn), I'll take you to Menchies for ice cream

Day 7 (Fri) - Spend a morning at the zoo OR hiking at Potomac Overlook Park
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Day 8 (Sat) - Make ice cream (if Dad can find the ice cream maker :)

Day 9 (Sun) - Family picnic at Rocky Run

Day 10 (Mon) - Tie-Dye t-shirts

Day 11 (Tues) - Watch a movie in the planetarium at the Air & Space museum OR an Imax film at the Natural History Museum

Day 12 (Wed) - Lunch with Dan downtown

Day 13 (Thurs) - Go to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Day 14 (Fri) - Meet Dan after work for a picnic at Hains Point or Yards Park

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Day 15 (Sat) - Host a sleepover to say goodbye to your friends

Day 16 (Sun) - Leave for Asheville, NC; give kids the Book of Questions for the car ride

Places to Go - The No Monsters 2014 Summer Bucket List - 77 Places to Go with Your Kids This Summer!!!

It seemed time for a BIG list, one may say a bursting list. The "goal" if you choose to play along is to check off at least one activity from each category. Because other than 2 weeks of camp, our summer is wide open and there's just so MUCH TO EXPLORE!! So please, follow along with us, checking off categories as you go.

[Note - As my children become older, many of the activities I blog about are now geared towards older children. For those of you with preschool aged kids, this list from 2 years ago, might have more age appropriate activities (though, of course, the 2014 list still contains many ventures that the whole family can enjoy.]

I. GO FOR A HIKE!
1. Riverbend Park to Great Falls (McLean, VA) - Kidfriendly DC recently posted about this fantastic waterfront hike, which is approximately 4 miles there and back. Click here for the details. FREE!!
2. Turkey Run Loop (McLean, VA) - We really enjoy this short hike right on the Potomac River, especially because it involves a few stream crossings. Nothing like wet kids. Click here for our past post. FREE!!
3. Donaldson Run (Arlington, VA) - We visit Potomac Overlook Park all the time, usually to play at the playground and hang in the nature center, but a few weeks ago a friend mentioned an amazing hike that's right past the garden. The hike follows the stream and has a few river crossings. It eventually loops around and ends just down the hill from the parking lot. My kids LOVED this hike (and became very very muddy). Click here to see the map (you take the Brown Creeper Connector trail from Potomac Overlook to the Donaldson Run trail). FREE!!
4. Theodore Roosevelt Island (Washington D.C.) - Check out one REALLY large statute, feed the ducks, see wetlands, walk on a boardwalk, play in the fountains - all while you walk in a circle. A fantastic place. Plus it's relatively STROLLER FRIENDLY. Click here for our past post. FREE!!
5. Burke Lake Park (Fairfax Station, VA) - The American Hiking society considers this 4.7 mile lake-side walk one of the 10 best fitness trails in the nation. While you're there you can fish, play disc golf, ride a miniature train, and/or take a spin on the carousel. Click here for more info.
6. Mason Neck State Park (Lorton, VA) - This has been on my list of places to go for some time now - there's a lake (with a small, nonswimmable beach) and lots of forest to explore. Click here for more info. FREE!!
7. Prince William Forest Park (Triangle, VA) - Another great place with tons of trails that we need to check out (it's also rumored to have wonderful campgrounds). The 7.5 mile Pyrite Mine loop looks awesome. Click here for more info about the park.
8. Shenandoah National Park - It's pathetic how few times we've visited Shenandoah, but this summer is going to change all that. Click here for a trail map of the northern portion of the park.
9. MORE - The Hiking Along blog has tons of great suggestions on where to hike and camp locally with children.

II. ACT LIKE A TOURIST
10. The Washington Monument (Washington D.C.) - After YEARS of construction (and beautiful lighted scaffolding that I really loved), the monument is BACK IN ACTION. Click here to reserve your tickets.
11. Hop on Hop Off Double Decker Bus Tour (Washington D.C.) - I took the kids on one of these three years ago and every summer since then they've asked to go again. Parking in DC is such a pain (especially in the summer), so this is a great way to see the city you love and remember why you moved here (despite the crazy high real estate prices). Click here for our past post.
12. DC Ducks (Washington D.C.) - Okay, so I've never done one of these, but it's totally bucket list worthy. A bus that becomes a boat is sort of awe-inspiring. Plus, if you live within 50 miles of DC, you receive a FREE ticket for each adult ticket purchased. Pretty nifty. Click here for more info.
13. Spend a day at the Smithsonian Museums (Washington D.C.) - They're free. And you live here. And, if you're like us, you always plan on going, but then do something else instead. So this summer just do it. Leave the house at 9:30 am and spend all day on the mall. You know you want to. Click here for more info. (And don't forget, many of the museums stay open past 7 pm during the summer). Also, this year's Folklife festival runs from June 25- June 29 and July 2-6. The 2014 festival focuses on China and Kenya. Click here for more info. FREE!!

III. RIDE A CARNIVAL RIDE
14. Adventure Park USA (New Market, MD) - Sort of like Chuck E. Cheese meets the County Fair (an old school roller coaster, bumper boats, awful carnival rides, play tunnels inside). The kids loved it. And unlimited laser tag is pretty awesome, even when only 4 people play. Click here and scroll down for our past post.
15. The Arlington County Fair (Arlington, VA) - Mark your calendars - August 6-10. The fair epitomizes carnival cheesiness at a high price point, but every summer my kids list it as a highlight. Click here for our past post.

IV. LEARN ABOUT "THE OLD DAYS"
16. The 1960s Exhibit at the Smithsonian American History Museum (Washington D.C.) - In celebration of the museum's 50th anniversary, they're focusing on the 1960s (which my kids consider "the old days"). Click here for more info. FREE!!
17. Claude Moore Colonial Farm (McLean, VA) - Travel back in time to 1771 and see the world a different way. I especially recommend going on the weekend of a Market Fair (previously posted here) where you'll encounter puppet shows, three-legged races, wonderful bbque, tight-rope walkers, cheap beer, and crafts galore. So much fun.
18. The National Colonial Farm (Accokeek, MD) - We've never been here, but I really want to go. The farm is a living history museum that depicts life for an ordinary tobacco planting family in the 1770s. On weekends visitors may come across people spinning, dyeing, woodworking and playing colonial games. For more information, click here. FREE!
19. Mt Vernon (Alexandria, VA) - Previously posted here. George Washington's estate is a surprisingly kid-friendly destination. Lots of room for kids to run (the grounds are HUGE) plus farm animals to observe and windows to peak in. Skip the tour and play duck-duck-goose on the lawn instead, surrounded by beautiful vistas of the Potomac. A child-friendly cafeteria is on site. And in the summer, for a small extra fee, Mt. Vernon offers 45 minutes sightseeing cruises from its dock (click here and scroll down for our past post).
20. Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum (Sterling, VA)- This place is AWESOME and beautiful. It has a children's farm exhibit, a "general store", a play henhouse and milking cow, and a farm kitchen pre-WWI - most of the exhibits are interactive, my kids spent over an hour using the apple sorter alone. A hidden treasure of DC area museums, I HIGHLY suggest a visit. Click here for more information.
21. Baltimore Museum of Industry (Baltimore, MD) - We first visited here last year and I've already bought a Living Social deal to go again this summer - old printing presses and soda fountains combined with ships and tons of kid-friendly stuff to explore. My kids LOVE this place (plus parking is free and on-site), click here to read our past post.
22. Rosehill Manor & Children's Museum (Fredrick, MD) - We've never been before, so I'll rely on the the internet for info - "The 43-acre park includes a Children's Museum, Carriage Museum, and Farm Museum that focus on 19th century life. Children are able to play with early American toys and learn about tools of the era. The Park also offers annual spring and fall festivals featuring home style foods, steam engine demonstrations, farm animals, hay rides, music, antique tractor pulls, and much more. . . . Daily history tours are led by costumed Museum Interpreters who are trained in educational, historical, and age-appropriate information." Click here for the website and hours.

V. SWIM OUTSIDE (WITHOUT CHLORINE)
23. Calvert Cliffs State Park (Lusby, MD) - I've wanted to go here for over a year now. The park is located approximately 1.25 hours from DC (by car) and once you arrive there is a 1.8 mile walk/hike to the beach. According to the website, "fossil hunting, swimming, sunbathing and an open play space are common reasons people visit the beach. No lifeguard is present and swimming is at your own risk. This beach is located near the Calvert Cliffs." Click here for more info. FREE!!
24. North Beach, MD - 1 hour and you're at the ocean, you can't beat that equation. Click here for more info.
25. Cunningham Falls State Park (Thurmont, MD) - Swim in a lake. Or camp. Or both. Cunningham is only about an 1.25 hour from DC. Click here for our past post. And click here for more info.
26. Breezy Point Beach and Campgrounds (Chesapeake Beach, MD) - This place looks beautiful, plus I've heard the camping is top notch. Click here for more info.

VI. ZIPLINE!!
27. The Adventure Park at Sandy Springs (Sandy Spring, MD) - We LOVE this place. The park has zipline/climbing courses for children as young as 5 years old. Plus, their new Monkey Grove offers tree-climbing courses for preschool children. Click here for more info.
28. Ariel Adventure at Harpers Ferry (Harpers Ferry, WV) - We've never been here, but I'm hoping to go. Children must be at least 7 to participate. Click here for more info.
29. Beauvoir Playground at the National Cathedral (Washington D.C.) - If you want to practice on a smaller zipline before trying the real thing, the National Cathedral is rumored to have one of the best playgrounds in the area, including a zipline. Plus, it looks absolutely gorgeous, click here for more info. FREE!

VII. STAY ACTIVE ON A RAINY DAY
30. Ultrazone Laser Tag (Falls Church, VA) - There is something so enjoyable about losing yourself in a maze for 15 minutes or so. Especially when you must also protect home base. Click here for more information.
31. Rebounderz(Sterling, VA) - We've never been here, but I've heard great things. The whole family can bounce together on gigantic trampolines equipped with walls (to bounce off of) and foam pits. The price is steep $15.95 per person, per hour, but it looks like fun (click here to check out the Meanest Mama's review). If you tire of jumping, Rebounderz also has a video arcade, free wifi, and a snack bar. Click here to visit their website.
32. Sportrock Climbing Center (Alexandria, VA) - According to their website, "Climbing is the perfect sport for kids! It increases self-confidence, teaches trust and builds stronger, healthier bodies. Sportrock offers climbing programs for kids of all ages and abilities in a safe environment- including Birthday Parties." Click here for prices and additional info.
33. Ice Skating at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex (Arlington, VA) - Sometimes it feels good to put on a jacket and stocking hat during the hot days of summer, esp. as you glide in circles. Click here for more info and for open skate times.
34. MORE - Click here for our list of 57 Inside Places to take your kids in the DC area.

VIII. BERRY PICK
35. Great Country Farms (Bluemont, VA) - This is our go-to summer adventure - farm animals, a huge jumping pillow, tons of slides, and ALWAYS some sort of fruit or vegetable to pick. Really just an awesome place. Click here for our past post.
36. MORE - Click here for Kidfriendly DC's fabulous list of other you pick places in the area.

IX. PLAN A NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT (FOR FROGS, BUGS, FLOWERS, AND TREES)
37. Huntley Meadows (Alexandria, VA) - A stroller-friendly walk in the woods that ends at a boardwalk through wetlands. Look for birds, frogs, turtles, muskrats, ducks, geese, heron and more. One of our favorite places in the area. Great for kids, adults, birders, photographers, and all lovers of nature. Click here to read about our previous scavenger hunt there. FREE!
38. Winkler Botanical Preserve (Alexandria, VA) - We visited for the first time this fall and since then I've wanted to go back. There's a hobbit hole (where kids can find a "hidden" underground room), a lake, a waterfall and a lot of great places to walk and explore (plus it's not too large so if the kids get tired, the car isn't far away). Click here for more info. FREE!!
39. The National Arboretum (Washington D.C.) - Previously posted here. The arb is truly Washington's hidden treasure, bigger than NYC's Central Park you can spend a whole day here and not see everything. We're still exploring all the nooks and crannies. Grab a map and look around, you'll have a blast. I especially recommend a trip to the Capitol Columns and the nature play space (part of the Washington Youth Garden, previously posted here). FREE!
40. Meadowlark Gardens (Vienna, VA) - Previously posted here. A beautiful gazebo overlooks the lake and a wonderful children's garden includes a life-size tea set and sandbox. Stroller-friendly trails and sculptures surround the property. Walk through a forest. Check out the geese. Feed the fish. Smell the flowers. Gorgeous. Though be warned - the property resides on a large hill with the visitors center at top, so the walk back to the car can be a haul for small children. For more information, click here.
41. MORE - The Nature Capital has a list of all the DC area's nature centers, click here to check it out (we're partial to Long Branch, where my kids can spend HOURS a the center and on the trail).

X. TOUR A RAINFOREST
42. The National Zoo's Amazonia (Washington D.C.) - I love the National Zoo in summer - the lack of crowds combined with the misters make for a wonderful outing. And my favorite exhibit is probably Amazonia - huge fish plus little monkeys equals a winning combination. Click here for our past post. FREE!!
43. The National Aquarium (Baltimore, MD) - The top floor of the Baltimore Aquarium houses a huge rainforest (very similar to Amazonia), pretty cool. Plus their new Blacktip Reef exhibit looks awesome. Click here for more info.

XI. WATCH A MOVIE OUTSIDE
44. Penrose Square (Arlington, VA) - As a South Arlington mom who LOVES the new Columbia Pike (revitalize! revitalize!) I'm pretty excited for outdoor movies EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT - grab some of Menchie's frozen yogurt or pizza from Red Rocks or dessert from Society Fair and bring a lawn chair because this is all sorts of awesome. Click here for more info (and check the list carefully, only some of the movies are kidfriendly). FREE!!
45. MORE - Click here for a huge list of all the outdoor summer movies in the DC area (and, really, the list is quite huge).

XII. TRY SOME HAND-ON SCIENCE
46. The Smithsonian Natural History's Q?rius Exhibit (Washington D.C) - This new exhibit (intended for teens and tweens, but loved by all ages) contains microscopes, lots of curiosity filled drawers, and several other hands on experiments. Click here for more info. FREE!!
47. The Maryland Science Center (Baltimore, MD) - There's always something interactive going on at this science museum - from digging for fossils to making clouds. Great for kids of all ages. Click here for our past post.

XIII. VISIT A MANSION (OR PRETEND YOU LIVE THERE)
48. Dumbarton Oaks (Washington D.C.) - My kids love it here - the gardens, the pool, the old-school 1920s style elegance. So much beauty. Click here to read our past post.
49. The Mansion on O Street (Washington D.C.) - On a rainy (or hot) day this is the perfect place to explore - hidden doors and knick knacks/treasures everywhere you look. I've never seen anything else like it. Click here to read our review.
50. Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens (Washington D.C.) - We've never visited, but I've wanted to go for years. Who doesn't want to spend some time in fancy houses and beautiful gardens? The estate's kid-friendly French festival occurs this year (2014) on Saturday, July 12 - the perfect reason to visit. Click here for more info.

XIV. EAT DINNER WHILE YOUR KIDS GET WET
51. Rustico Spraypark/Fountain (Arlington, VA) - I love beer. My children love water. Combine these two passions and we can all have a wonderful family evening outdoors. I especially love Rustico's cheap and yummy children's menu. Click here for the past post. FREE!!
52. Penrose Square Splashpark/ Water Feature (Arlington, VA) - Who doesn't love Menchies? Or some wonderful sweets from Society Fair? Or pizza/pasta at Red Rocks? Have your meal outside while the kids run through the water. Wonderful. Click here for our past post. FREE!!

XV. GO AWAY FOR THE WEEKEND
53. Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library (Wilmington, DE) - This place has been on my bucket list for over a year now. The gardens look amazing, esp. the Enchanted Woods (which I know my kids will love). The mansion offers a special family tour, perfect for kids like mine (who might become a little antsy on adult-orientated tours). There's even a "touch it room" (LOVE!). But best of all, this summer you can see the COSTUMES OF DOWNTON ABBEY at Winterthur. We. need. to. go. now. Click here for the info. And while you're in the area, don't forget to check out the huge and beautiful Longwood Gardens, click here for our past posts.
54. Harpers Ferry, WV - Every year we plan on visiting here, but somehow we never find the time. This summer we need to finally make the trek - I really want to meander through the historic town and check out some of the nearby hikes. Click here for more info.
55. Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay (Cambridge, MD) - I've had two friends (who don't know each other) tell me that this hotel makes for the perfect weekend family getaway - pools, a beach, golf, spa, Hyatt's own wildlife refuge, etc. I want to go, like now. Click here for the info.
56. Snowshoe, WV - Everyone always thinks of Snowshoe as a ski destination, but it makes for a great summer trip as well - take the lift down to the lake and play on the beach for awhile. Or go for a hike/geocache. Or eurobungee to the sound of live music. Click here to see why we love Snowshoe.
57. Camping on Assateague Island National Seashore (Berlin, MD) - We had so much fun that we all want to go again. Click here to read about our last trip.
58. Long Island Gold Coast Mansions (New York) - Last year we channeled our inner Gatsby by visiting Coe Hall, which was gorgeous (click here for the post). Sweet Fine Day has reviews of several of the other estates as well, click here to learn more.
59. Great Wolf Lodge (Williamsburg, VA) - We visited this winter (click here to read our review) and since then my kids have begged constantly to return. The hotel opens an outdoor pool for the summer months, while the indoor waterpark stays open as well. While you're in Williamsburg you can check out the colonial town (click here to read about our past adventures there) or visit Busch Gardens.
60. NYC - Catch a Broadway show, check out Central Park zoo, walk the High Line, cruise to Ellis Island and/or Governors Island, visit MOMA, and/or play at South Street Seaport's Imagination Playground, the city is FULL of fun stuff to do. Click here to see some of our past adventures.
61. Philadelphia, PA - See the Liberty Bell, lose yourself in the Magic Gardens, visit an art or science museum, play in a birds' nest at Morris Arboretum, pretend you are Alice lost in Wonderland at the Please Touch Museum - there's just so much to do. Click here to see some of our past adventures.

XVI. FAWN OVER BABY ANIMALS
62. The National Zoo (Washington D.C.) - Giant panda cub Bao Bao is now on exhibit and the lions cubs are learning how to swim. Click here for more info. FREE!!
63. Great Country Farms (Bluemont, VA) - There are always some baby animals at Great Country Farms (esp. the bunnies, we love the bunnies). Click here to access their website.
64. Frying Pan Park (Herndon, VA) - Click here to see the birthing schedule. FREE!!

XVII. VISIT A KID-FRIENDLY WINERY
65. Barrel Oak Winery (Delaplane, VA) - We've never been here, but Wine Enthusiast Magazine named this the top family-friendly winery in the world (yay!!) beating out wineries in CA and France. According to the article, "Little ones are greeted with juice boxes, and fun photographs of dogs adorn the tasting room walls. Parents can sip the 2010 Bowhaus White, a gold medal winner of the 2010 Indy International Wine Competition, on one of their picnic tables as kids roam the hilly landscape." Sounds too good to be true. Click here to read the Washington Post article. And click here to go to the winery's website.
66. MORE - Novadog has a list of the area's dog-friendly wineries (most of which are kid-friendly too). Click here to check it out.

XVIII. BECOME AN ART CRITIC
67. Cassat/Degas and Andrew Wyeth at the National Gallery of Art (Washington D.C.) - The National Gallery is hosting two excellent temporary exhibitions this summer. If these alone aren't reason enough to go, then don't forget the gelato bar and lighted tunnel in the basement corridor. Add in the sculpture garden and fountains and you have an awesome kid-day on your hands. Plus, their Stories in Art program (for kids 4-7) continues this summer with a tour of Italy. Click here for more info. FREE!!
68. Fermata at the Artisphere (Arlington, VA) - Why not spend an afternoon chilling on beanbags and listening to "sound art"? After all, kids LOVE beanbags. Click here for the Wash Post review. FREE!!
69. Modern American Realism at the Smithsonian American Art Museum & American Cool at the National Portrait Gallery (Washington D.C.) - First of all, this exhibit looks awesome (click here for the info). But if you need more reason to go, we also love the huge indoor courtyard and the colorful modern art collection on the museum's top floor. The museum often hosts family days during the summer (click here to see some upcoming events). The American Art museum shares a building with the Portrait Gallery, where you can check out the fantastic American Cool exhibit (click here to read our review). FREE!!
70. Artscape (Baltimore, MD) - The nation's largest free art festival occurs July 18-20 in Baltimore. Seriously this is HUGE and the website makes it seem like a blast. Click here for more info. FREE!!
71. The Visionary Art Museum (Baltimore, MD) - This place has tons of stuff kids will love - including a welcome mat made out of toothbrushes, the 1000 pound braball, a flatulence machine, kinetic sculptures behind glass (press a button and watch it move), old Mardi Gras floats, a life-sized chess set, a totem pole of sixties' icons, and the best museum store ever. An outdoor sculpture contains an actual wooden "castle" and other fun things to explore. Click here for information on timing and pricing.

XVIX. READ NEW BOOKS
72. Arlington Public Libraries (Arlington, VA) - Every year the Arlington library system hosts a fantastic children's summer program, filled with reading incentives and events. Unfortunately, this year's schedule has not yet released, but click here to access the libraries' home page. FREE!!
73. Storyville (Rosedale, MD or Woodlawn, MD)- Baltimore libraries opened Storyville for children 0-5 in two locations, Rosedale and Woodlawn. In Storyville, they have created an incredibly well-designed mini-village, complete with a post office, grocery store, house, theatre, construction zone, and (of course) library (each area includes themed books available for check-out). ALL FOR FREE. For more information, click here. FREE!!
74. The Library of Congress National Book Festival (Washington D.C.) - The festival is August 30 of this year (2014) and full of new reads. FREE!!
75. MORE - We have some wonderful suggestions, click here to see them all.

XX. GEOCACHE
76. DC Street Mural Cache (Washington D.C.) - We've only tried geocaching once and while my kids liked it they didn't exactly beg to go again. But last weekend I saw Rebecca (otherwise known as Not-So-SAHM) and her kids could not stop talking about all the caches they hope to check out this summer (her son seemed appalled that we didn't yet have a team geocache name). Click here to read some of Not-So-SAHM's general advice on geocaching with kids. And click here to read about the gorgeous (and fun!) DC mural cache they did. FREE!!
77. MORE - Check out the official geocache website and start exploring. Seriously, these things are everywhere. FREE!!

Need more ideas? Click here for KFDC's Summer Guide. Then hurry up and do something!


(P at the Hirshhorn last summer).

Things to Do - The End of Summer (2013)

For some reason, the end of summer seems to always call for a summary post. Unlike the three other seasons, summer needs a conclusion. And I have to say, this year, I am somewhat sad to see the hot, lazy days come to an end (unlike last summer, which completely overwhelmed me). I usually am really frugal when it comes to camps (which really are SO expensive), but this July the girls and T attended three weeks of various camps, most of which they loved. And the structured days really did bring a sense of serenity to our lives, though I feel somewhat guilty about not being able to create such an atmosphere on my own. Then vacationing and lounging in August created the togetherness that I love about the that time of year (though I completely failed my at-home work out attempts and managed to gain 7 pounds).

Unlike previous years, this summer we didn't have a bucket list, except for F's random goals printing above, all but one of which we accomplished (we never did make it to a baseball game, as it's really expensive to bring all the kids, who ignore most of the game as they spend the night eyeing the cotton candy man making his way throughout the bleachers). But even without a list, we managed to see and do quite a bit.

In so many ways parenting really is getting easier - just the fact that I can now take all three kids to a museum and trust (perhaps naively) that they won't purposefully attack the art. But I guess every positive comes with some sense of loss - because seeing little T bounce his way into the last year of preschool last week made me into a big emotional mom mess. After almost 8 years of parenting, it's official, they're not babies anymore. None of them. And despite the fact that I gladly disposed of all the old diaper bags, as with strollers and naps and all the other large and time consuming commitments of the early years, I'm feeling oddly sentimental. Perhaps because all my children are so close in age, it just seemed to happen so fast. A blur of tantrums and toys that make annoyingly loud noises and shoes the size of playing cards. And so much neediness. But now they can all dress themselves and feed themselves and homework themselves and bathe themselves, which makes me so so happy. But, honestly, a little sad too.

So we adopted a puppy. I'll post some pics on Wednesday.

Happy Monday everyone!

Things to Make - Arcadia Farm's Scissor Salsa and Basil Walnut Bean Spread

Last week the girls attended farm camp through Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture, where they: picked soybeans, weeded the garden, fed chickens, ran around fields, made playgrounds out of old wood planks, spent the whole day outside (seriously, the WHOLE DAY), and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, learned how to cook. Yes, every week of farm camp has a different theme and, luckily, my kids showed up for the Small Chefs session. Each weekday afternoon they brought home fabulous recipes utilizing garden fresh ingredients. One of their absolute favorite recipes is for scissor salsa, which strikes me as incredible because before last week the girls would never even touch salsa and now they make and eat it THEMSELVES. Farm camp = magic.

ARCADIA FARM'S SCISSOR SALSA

Ingredients:
* Handful of cherry/grape tomatoes
* 2-3 small sweet peppers
* 8 sprigs of cilantro
* 1 ear of corn
* 1/2 onion [optional]
* 1 clove garlic
* juice of one lime
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:
* Remove the stem and seeds from the peppers, cut them into long slices.
* Use scissors to cut the tomatoes, cilantro, and onion.
* Remove the corn from the cob with a knife.
* Add the garlic by crushing it in a garlic press or with a mortar and pestle.
* Add the olive oil, salt, and lime juice.
* Mix by crushing the tomatoes with a wooden spoon.
* Eat with tortilla chips.

(Adopted from a recipe by the D.C. non-profit, City Blossoms Inc.)



The girls also came home with this recipe for basil walnut bean spread, which wasn't their favorite food (P - "it's just okay"), but Dan and I find the spread addictive. And super easy to make.

ARCADIA FARM'S BASIL WALNUT BEAN SPREAD

Ingredients:
* 1 can garbanzo beans
* 1 cup walnuts (chopped)
* 1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 4 teaspoons lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:

* Puree all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Add more olive oil and lemon juice if needed. Garnish with basil or radishes. Eat with crackers or bread.

(Adopted from a recipe by the D.C. non-profit, City Blossoms Inc.)
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And if you're interested in Arcadia, they also host workshops and field trips throughout the year. Click here for more info.

Things to Make - Cucumber Salsa

I thought for this summer's "Things to Make" I'd have a ton of wonderful kids' art projects and activities. But, somewhat sadly, we're just not rolling craftily this summer. Lately the days seem fuller than ever (how is this possible? seriously how?) between camps, the pool, and constantly checking on whether the stinky flower has bloomed (which it FINALLY has), we're exhausted.

So I'm posting a recipe this week. Our CSA (through Great Country Farms) keeps giving us LOTS and LOTS of cucumbers and one can only eat so much tzatziki or raita. One can, however, eat bowl after bowl of cucumber salsa (or so I've learned). We've been snacking on the salsa with chips, but I think it would also taste wonderful with fish.

Happy summer everyone!!

CUCUMBER SALSA

Ingredients:

2 cups finely diced peeled cucumber
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1 jalapeño (with seeds), finely diced
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:

Mix first five ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir in lime juice and oil. Season to taste with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and more lime juice, if desired.


- recipe via Great Country Farms and 7Company Weight Loss & Wellness

Things to Do - Celebrate Summer's End

It seems somehow wrong to celebrate the end of summer, but the last few months have just exhausted me to the point that I'm more than ready to say goodbye to it all - heat, lazy days, pools (especially pools), etc.

Originally, I had planned on all three kids attending camp throughout June, but when T ended up on the waitlist I decided to keep everyone home all summer and use the money we set aside for camp to vacation and travel (camp is SO expensive). Logically, this decision still makes sense to me - I like my kids, I like to go new places, so why not spend a whole summer bonding like crazy? But I underestimated how much space and scheduling we all need. And I overestimated my own limits as a mother, just because you love three little people to the depths of your soul (whatever that means) doesn't mean you don't need some time away from them (or so I've learned).

Anyways, I'm tired. This summer made me tired. It was fun. And beautiful. We saw and did some amazing stuff. We visited with truly amazing people. We learned a lot about each other. We also fought and bickered and exhausted ourselves.

So i'm quite happy that fall has finally arrived, along with school and schedules and FOUR MORNINGS A WEEK to myself (that seems crazy just to write) and warm sweaters and crisp nights and apples and all of it. I'm happy for all of it right now.

SUMMER IN SUMMARY:

Regarding our summer, here are the stats (feel free to ignore this part, I just need lists of everything, it's a weird obsession i have).

*Approximate Number of Vacation Miles logged in the minivan: 3550

*States Traveled to: West Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, Washington DC

Number of Activities Accomplished Off My Summer List - 16 out of 18 categories (we didn't go camping - sadness - or to a waterpark (I'm okay with missing this one).

Where we did go (from the summer list):

I. Ride a carousel - The National Mall (Washington DC); Buffalo Zoo (NY); The Please Touch Museum (PA); The National Museum of Play (NY)

II - Play in a children's garden - US Botanic Gardens (Washington DC); Buffalo Botanic Gardens (NY)

III - Spend a day on the farm - Claude Moore Colonial Farm (VA); Butler's Orchard (MD)

IV - Hike to a waterfall - Niagara Falls (Canada) (not sure if this counts as "hiking" but I'm going with it)

V - Stay out late - Dusk at the CN Tower (Canada)

VI - Attend a free summer concert - Yards Park (Washington DC); Bon Jovi cover band at Pentagon City (Arlington)

VII - Ride on a paddleboat - Snowshoe, WV

VIII - Go camping - FAIL!!!

IX - Spend a day on the water - Georgetown Harbor Boat Ride (Washington DC); Mt Vernon Boat Ride (VA)

X - Learn something new - Fish on the Potomac at the NCM's Launch Zone (MD); Stories in Art at the National Gallery (Washington DC)

XI - Take a train ride - Sauder Village (Ohio); Centreville Amusement Park (Toronto)

XII - Frolic at a splashpark - Rustico Spraypark (Arlington); Millennium Park (Chicago)

XIII - Explore a new playground - Madison Manor (Arlington); Bluemont Park (Arlington); Chessie's Big Backyard (Franconia); Jones Point Park (Alexandria)

XIV - Get up early - Kennilworth Aquatic Gardens (Washington DC)

XV - Spend a day at a waterpark - FAIL!!!

XVI - Catch a game - Nats vs. Mets, we won 2 to 5 after a 2.5 hour rain delay

XVII - Visit a butterfly garden - National Zoo (Washington DC); Smithsonian Natural History Museum (Washington DC)

XVIII - See a movie - Brave; the Lorax; Diary of a Wimpy Kid Dog Days



F's wearing a sweater and P's wearing a sundress with sandals, so our fall begins . . .

Places to Go - 64 Things to Do (and Places to Go) as a Family This Summer

(P at Theodore Roosevelt Island, 2008)

18 categories, 64 ideas. My goal is to check off at least one activity in each category. Who wants to join me?

I. RIDE A CAROUSEL
1. The National Zoo - A new carousel is scheduled to arrive at the National Zoo this summer. Yay!! Click here for info on the carousel's layout and animals.
2. More - Go Out and Play! has a great list of area carousels, click here to check it out.


II. PLAY IN A CHILDREN'S GARDEN
3. River Farm (Alexandria, VA) - Previously posted here. A beautiful meadow and a great children's garden make this a wonderful place for an afternoon outside. Unfortunately, it's only open to the public on weekdays and Saturday mornings. Click here for more info. FREE!
4. Meadowlark Gardens (Vienna, VA) - Previously posted here. A beautiful gazebo overlooks the lake and a wonderful children's garden includes a life-size tea set and sandbox. Stroller-friendly trails and sculptures surround the property. Walk through a forest. Check out the geese. Feed the fish. Smell the flowers. Gorgeous. Though be warned - the property resides on a large hill with the visitors center at top, so the walk back to the car can be a haul for small children. For more information, click here.
5. United States Botanic Garden (Washington DC) - Previously posted here. - A fish fountain with a pump, various shovels and watering cans, a miniature house. So much fun. FREE!
6. Brookside Gardens (Wheaton, MD) - This place is huge, I don't think we've ever managed to see the whole thing in one day. Lots of gazebos and ponds and room to run. And a wonderful children's garden with a treehouse. In the summer the garden usually hosts an indoor butterfly exhibit (additional cost) which is quite spectacular (P is scared of butterflies, so we can never stay long). For more information, click here.


III. SPEND A DAY ON THE FARM
7. Oxon Hill Farm (Oxon Hill, MD) - Previously posted here. A great working farm, full of various farm animals. Lots of places to run. A barn full of old farm equipment that kids can sit and play on. The farm hosts several daily activities, but they're often canceled, so call ahead. The property is a very short drive from National Harbor, which has many good lunch places. FREE!
8. Great Country Farms (Bluemont, VA) - Previously posted here. Of everywhere on this list I think Great Country Farms is my favorite place. The farm always has something available for you-pick (from potatoes to strawberries to blackberries, check the website for information) and the grounds are full of wonderful kid-friendly activities - a HUGE bouncing pillow (sort of like a moon-bounce but better), slides, a petting zoo, rope swings, tire mountains, a corn crib, mini-tractors, sandboxes, a giant outdoor chess set, etc. So much fun. So much!!
9. Frying Pan Farm & Park (Herndon, VA) - Previously posted here. This working farm recreates a local farm from the 1920s to the 1950s. Lots of animals - pigs, horses, cows, goats, peacocks, chickens, etc - make it a great place for kids. Plus, the mini-tractors (great for photo opps) and the two playgrounds make for a wonderful day or afternoon. A trail around the park includes a short walk in the woods. Wagon rides and a country-store are on site (be careful in the store, as your kids are sure to want the toys they sell). FREE!
10. Claude Moore Colonial Farm (McLean, VA) - Travel back in time to 1771 and see the world a different way. I especially recommend going on the weekend of a Market Fair (previously posted here) where you'll encounter puppet shows, three-legged races, wonderful bbque, tight-rope walkers, cheap beer, and crafts galore. So much fun.
11. The National Colonial Farm (Accokeek, MD) - We've never been here, but I really want to go. The farm is a living history museum that depicts life for an ordinary tobacco planting family in the 1770s. On weekends visitors may come across people spinning, dyeing, woodworking and playing colonial games. For more information, click here.
12. More - Check out this fabulous KidFriendly DC post on pick-your-own strawberry farms in the region. Many of these farms offer other pick-your-own opportunities throughout the summer, check the websites for more information.


IV. "HIKE" TO A WATERFALL
13. Great Falls (Potomac, MD) - Previously posted here. A walking path next to the C&O canal leads to a boardwalk over smaller falls until you arrive at the Great Falls viewing platform. The walk is stroller friendly (though some of the trail is dirt, so be careful after rain). In the summer, for an extra fee the National Park service offers mule-drawn boat rides down the canal (be warned, the boat moves VERY slowly). A visitors center and concession stand are on site.
14. Great Falls (McLean, VA) - You can also see the falls from VA. Lots of easily-accessible viewing areas, concession stands, picnic tables, room to run, and a kid-friendly visitors' center. For more information, click here.
15. Scotts Run Nature Preserve (McLean, VA) - A 2.2 mile kid-friendly hike takes you to the falls. We haven't gone with the kids yet, but I really want to check it out. Click here to read the Meanest Mama's review. FREE!


V. STAY OUT LATE
16. The National Monuments at Night (Washington DC) - Have you seen the monuments at night? They're breathtaking. Really. Keep the kids up late and wander around for awhile. Marvel at Lincoln in his fully lit glory. FREE!
17. The National Zoo (Washington DC) - The grounds of the National Zoo are open until 8 pm during the summer. What kid doesn't want to see a zebra before bedtime? FREE!
18. Campfires at Long Branch and Gulf Branch Nature Centers (Arlington, VA) - Who doesn't love a campfire with marshmallows? Check out the snag to see the dates of the next few.
19. May 25-27 Sunset Celebration at Mt Vernon (Alexandria, VA) - previously reviewed here - cheesecake, wine, amazing views, and tons of candles. A great way to see the estate. Click here for tickets and information.


VI. ATTEND A FREE SUMMER CONCERT
20. Yards Park (Washington DC) - On Friday nights the Yards Park in DC (right by Nationals' Stadium) hosts free outdoor concerts - complete with beer garden and food trucks. The park has a spraypark for kids and beautiful views of the Potomac, click here to read Not-So-SAHM's review. And click here for the park's website. FREE!
21. Pentagon Row - Last summer we loved attending Pentagon Row's free summer concert series on Thursday nights. This summer the tribute bands look awesome (who doesn't love some Bon Jovi?). Click here for the schedule. FREE!
22. More - This website has a huge list of free summer concerts in DC, MD, and VA.


VII. RIDE ON A PADDLEBOAT
23. The Tidal Basin (Washington DC) - Click here to read Not-So-SAHM's review of the tidal basin paddle boats. The boats cost $12/hr for a 2-person boat and $19/hr for a 4-person boat. Until Labor Day, boats run 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (last boat out at 5 p.m.)
24. Inner Harbor (Baltimore, MD) - We still haven't rented one, but every time we visit National Harbor my kids beg to ride a dragon paddleboat. The boats cost $8 to $11 per half-hour for regular paddleboats, $15 per half-hour for Chessies (dragon boats). They're available Sunday to Thursday 11am to 9pm. Click here for more information.


>VIII. GO CAMPING
25. Cunningham Falls State Park (Thurmont, MD) - Previously posted here and here. Roast some marshmallows, sleep under the stars, and in the morning swim in the lake or hike to the waterfall. A wonderful night out.
26. Assateague Island National Lakeshore (Berlin, MD) - Spend the night on the beach and wake up to wild horses in the morning (be careful, they know how to open coolers - we learned this the hard way - so make sure to lock all of your food in the car). A gorgeous place to spend a night. Book early, sites fill up fast (especially on weekends). For more information click here.
27. Prince William Forest Park, Oakridge Campground (Triangle, VA) - We haven't been yet, but I've been told that Loop C has best sites. Make sure to reserve ahead of time. Click here for more information.
28. Sky Meadows State Park (White Post, VA) - We've never been, but my neighbors have GREAT things to say about this place (they took two kids - a 1 year old and a 3 year old). According to the website "Camping at Sky Meadows is available at the park's backcountry campground. The camping area is a 1-mile hike from the parking area. The area offers 15 individual campsites and 3 group sites. All sites feature level tent pads, fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern posts. There are also vault toilets and access to non-potable water. Reservations for campsites are required. Walk-in reservations for individual campsites are possible for one night only, subject to availability." Click here for more information.
29. Big Meadows Campground, Shenandoah National Park - "Big Meadows (mile 51.2), though secluded, is near many of the major facilities and popular hiking trails in the park. Three waterfalls are within walking distance; the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, lies within walking distance. $20 per night when on the reservation system and $17 per night during late spring and early fall. Generator-free and group sites are available." Click here for more information.


IX. SPEND A DAY ON THE WATER
30. The Water Taxi from Alexandria to National Harbor - Previously posted here. The boat leaves approximately every 1.5 hours from the Alexandria docks and the ride to National Harbor takes about thirty minutes. At National Harbor my kids love to eat ice cream from Ben & Jerry's and play on the Awakening statue. A great way to spend an afternoon. The water taxi company also offers pirate cruises on weekends, click here for information.
31. Mt Vernon (Alexandria, VA) - Potomac Riverboat Company offers 45 minute sightseeing cruises from the Mt. Vernon docks for an additional cost over admission. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children 6-12. Spend a day touring the estate and then enjoy some leisure time on the water. Click here for the schedule and additional information.
32. Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake (Annapolis, MD) - Previously posted here. Even my pirate-weary girls loved this boat ride - search for "hidden treasure", use your water cannon to knock "Pirate Pete" out of his boat, listen to various stories of pirate lore. Call ahead for reservations at least a month in advance, it's a busy boat.
33. The Baltimore Water Taxi (Baltimore, MD) - This boat cruises throughout Baltimore's Inner Harbor, with stops at the Science Museum, aquarium, Fells Point, Fort McHenry, and other destinations. Tickets are $12 per adult and $6 for children 3-10. Every Wednesday children ages 10 & under ride free (limit 2 children per paying adult), excluding holidays and special events (June 13th and July 4th). Click here for more information.


X. LEARN SOMETHING NEW
34. Living Classrooms Science + You Exhibit (Washington DC) - Living Classrooms has a hand-on interactive laboratory that provides children ages 3-8 "the opportunity to become scientists for a day". Located in the Yards Park (by Nationals Stadium) the exhibit is open from 12:30 to 4 pm Tuesday-Friday and 10 to 4 pm on the weekends. Click here to read KidFriendly DC's review (it sounds awesome). FREE!
35. Math Alive! at the Smithsonian's Ripley Center (Washington DC) - KidFriendly DC has great things to say about this interactive math exhibit for kids. Click here to read the review. And click here to go to the Smithsonian's website. The exhibit runs through June 3. FREE!
36. National Children's Museum Launch Zone (National Harbor, MD) - The Launch Zone hosts various kids' activities throughout the summer for FREE (fishes of the potomac, imagination playground, sunwise, etc. ). Not-So-SAHM reviewed their "toddler Tuesday" exhibit on dinosaurs and had good things to say. Click here to read her review. And click here to see the schedule of future exhibits. FREE!
37. The Children's Museum at Glen Echo Park (Glen Echo, MD) - From 10 am to 3pm on weekends, living classrooms opens its doors and invites participants to take short hikes to the creek, make arts-and-crafts projects to take home, and view LIVE animal encounters! Admission is $5 a per person. Click here for more info.
38. Dinosaur Park (Laurel, MD) - We've never been here, but I hope to go soon (it looks amazing). According to the website "[d]inosaur Park presents visitors a unique opportunity to experience the prehistoric past. The park features a small garden/entry area with interpretive signage about the Muirkirk Deposit, a unique geological formation with 110 million year old fossils, some of which are the remains of dinosaurs. The park also includes an intact portion of the Muirkirk Deposit surrounded by a fence. Access to the Muirkirk deposit is only allowed on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 12 noon to 4 pm, during this time kids can HELP ASSIST PALEONTOLOGISTS SEARCHING FOR FOSSILS (how cool is that?). School programs and group tours are offered weekdays by appointment. Click here for more info. FREE!
39. Stories in Art at the National Gallery (Washington DC) - previously posted here - For children 4-7, the summer series explores French art through a painting, story, and art project. Classes are on Sundays and Mondays. Click here for the schedule. FREE!


XI. TAKE A TRAIN RIDE
40. Walkersville Southern Railroad (Walkersville, MD) - (previously posted here) - This regional train operates on Saturdays through the summer, with departures at 11 am and 2 pm. On sunny days, you can choose to ride in the train's open air excursion car. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children over 3 (younger children are free). The train DOES NOT have bathrooms. Click here for more info.
41. B&O Railroad Museum (Baltimore, MD) - Train rides are offered Wednesday - Sunday through the summer for an additional cost over the admission price. Click here for information.
42. More - Go Out and Play! has a great list of kids' trains, click here to check it out. We're big fans of spending the day at the fantastic (shaded) playgrounds of Cabin John Regional Park (Rockville, MD) and cruising through the countryside on their train (click here for our post on Cabin John).


XII. FROLICK AT A SPLASHPARK
43. Rustico Restaurant (Arlington, VA) - (previously posted here) - The kids love running through the fountain/spraypark between Rustico and Buzz Bakery and I love drinking a glass of wine on the patio while they play. A win win. FREE!
44. Lee District's Harbor Spray Park - Alexandria just opened the Disneyworld of sprayparks - seriously, this is HUGE with a dragon fountain, water maze, water dumping crab basket, and custom crab boat, all of which are accessible for children of all abilities (i.e. handicap accessible). We haven't been yet, but Keeping Up with Cardin has some great pics. Admission is free but water shoes are required. The park is open from 11-7 on all days but Wednesday (Wednesday is 11-5). Click here for more info. FREE!
45. Georgetown Waterfront Park (Washington DC) - Is it a fountain? Is it a splashpark? I'm not sure, but it looks AWESOME!! Click here to check out Not-So-SAHM's pics and review. FREE!
46. More - check out this KidFriendly DC post from last year for a list of area splashparks (we really like Hayes in Arlington). FREE!


XIII. EXPLORE A NEW PLAYGROUND
47. The Meanest Mama's Playground Reviews - The Meanest Mama regularly reviews Metro DC and Arlington parks and playgrounds. Click here to check out her reviews. FREE!
48. The Playground Review - Also check out this blog for more playground reviews. FREE!
49. Cabin John Regional Park (Rockville, MD) - Previously posted here. If you haven't been yet, summer is a great time to check out this "superpark" - full of tons of play sculptures, SHADE, and a miniature train. Bring a picnic and make a day out of it. FREE!


XIV. GET UP EARLY
50. Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens (Washington DC) - In the morning thousands (if not millions) of water flowers fill the grounds. Plus the property includes a boardwalk through wetlands and a decently-fun visitor's center. Though not in DC's best neighborhood, the gardens themselves are safe, just make sure to bring a GPS for the drive, not a fun place to be lost (trust me on this one). For more information, click here. FREE!
51. The National Zoo (Washington DC) - The grounds of the zoo open at 6 am and in the morning the animals are often out and alert (before the heat of the day kicks in). Click here for more info. FREE!
52. Theodore Roosevelt Island (Washington DC) - This is one of our favorite morning hangouts in the summer - check out the ducks, watch for deer (we saw one once, long ago), run by the fountains. Bring a picnic and have breakfast on the boardwalk. FREE!


XV. SPEND A DAY AT A WATER PARK
53. Maryland Water Parks - Click here for a list of water parks in MD.
54. Virginia Water Parks - Click here for a list of water parks in VA.


XVI. CATCH A GAME
55. The Washington Nationals (Washington DC) - Summer isn't complete without a trip to the ballpark. Click here for the Nationals' schedule.
56. DC United (Washington DC) - Most of the games are at night, but if you don't mind keeping the kids up late, it's a great way to spend enjoy a summer evening. Click here for the schedule.
57. The Washington Mystics (Washington DC) - These games are fun for the whole family. My kids love going. Click here for the schedule.


XVII. VISIT A BUTTERFLY GARDEN
58. The National Zoo (Washington DC) - I love walking through the National Zoo's small but still magical butterfly garden (located at the end of the invertebrate exhibit), especially because it's free and not too overwhelming. Click here for more info. FREE!
59. The Smithsonian Natural Museum of Natural History (Washington DC) - We've never visited, but I've heard good things. Tuesdays are free (but timed-entry tickets are required), every other day of the week the exhibit costs $6 for adults and $5 for children (2-12). Click here for information on the hours and to buy tickets.
60. Brookside Gardens (Wheaton, MD) - The "Wings of Fancy" butterfly exhibit is truly mesmerizing (we try to visit once a year). It runs from May 5 through September 16, 2012 and is open daily from 10:00 am to 4 pm. Cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children 3-12. Click here for more information.


XIII. SEE A MOVIE
61. Summer Movie Express through Regal Cinemas (various locations) - "Moviegoers of all ages can climb aboard the Summer Movie Express to enjoy a great selection of films. During this 9-week festival, participating Regal Cinemas, United Artists and Edwards Theatres will offer selected G or PG rated movies for only a dollar on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:00. A portion of proceeds from the Summer Movie Express will be donated to the Will Rogers Institute." Click here for the schedule and a list of participating theaters.
62. Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (Arlington, VA) - Every Monday at 4:30 the drafthouse shows a family movie for only $1 per person. Food and beverages (including alcohol) are available for purchase. A great way to beat the heat on hot summer afternoons. Plus our favorite bakery (Senor Pan) is right around the corner from the drafthouse. Click here for the schedule.
63. National Harbor (National Harbor, MD) - "During the summer months National Harbor, Maryland, the waterfront development on the Potomac River, presents free classic movies on the Plaza’s big screen. Seating is not provided, so attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Coolers and outside food and beverages are not allowed. Fridays are DATE NIGHT Movies. Sundays are FAMILY Movies. Films begin at dusk, usually around 8:30 p.m." Click here for the schedule. FREE!
64. More - Click here for a list of other locations offering free outdoor movies at night.
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So what did I forget? Comment or email me and I'll add it to the list!

Things to Do - The Baby Pool

We bought the baby pool during a heat wave, about four years ago. It was the only one left on the shelf. Holes formed almost immediately, and the side stopped inflating. Every year we promise ourselves we'll buy a new one, but we always procrastinate until the hottest days arrive and by then most stores have sold out. So we return to our old standby. Plus, I keep thinking the kids will outgrow it soon, but when heat indexes climb above 110, the whole family craves the pool, especially me.

Hope you're all having a good summer!!

RANDOM LINKS:

*10 Cheap Ways to Beat the Heat - a really great list.

*This may be the best kitchen remodel I've ever seen.

*Favorite Cooks Books for Kids - yay!! I've been looking for good children's cook books for awhile now.

*I LOVE these necklaces.

Things to Do - Ice Toys

Ice toys - another one of our go-to summer projects, which I learned about here. We use old yogurt containers to freeze small toys, most of which we "discover" while searching the bottom of toy bins and various other hiding places throughout the house (so nice to see these discarded treasures finally get some use). Then, the next morning, the kids break open their toys. I thought they'd try using various tools to facilitate toy escape but instead all the kids usually throw the frozen toys against the back deck until the ice breaks. Not very original, but the kids really love doing it. And it's so easy we often have a "batch" in the freezer. Plus, on a hot day the ice feels good against your skin.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! What are your plans for beating the heat?


Usually they throw them to break the ice, but when it gets really hot, sometimes they lick them too (like a popsicle).

WEEKEND LINKS:

*This recipe for watermelon/feta salad looks so good, the perfect summer treat.

*Sleepytime Gal has a great post on the disconnect between blogs and reality. Personally, I tend to prefer "happy" mom blogs to more negative blogs, but I hate blogs where everything just seems too perfect or where people spend the whole time bragging about their kids' accomplishments, but that's just me. What do you look for in a blog?

*Before and after wedding photos - a good reminder that I need to get better at creating wonderful Lightroom presets. Any suggestions on how to get presets this good?

*Flavorwire's 15 Apartments on Film That We Wished We Owned - great eye candy.


T views ice toys with a mix of confusion and excitement, as if he's thinking "but why would we freeze my car?" Um, well, that's a good question T.