Washington International Horse Show--Free For Kids Before 5pm

The Verizon Center hosts the Washington International Horse Show this weekend, a fun family-friendly event that is free for kids 13 and under before 5pm. Located in a tent outside Verizon Center on Saturday, October 30, from 10 AM - 2 PM, Kids Day offers free pony rides, a horse grooming station, a chance to meet Bubbles, a miniature horse, a book nook and arts and crafts. There will be photo opportunities with Dr. Bear from Children’s National Medical Center and Major, the WIHS mascot. Klinger, the Caisson Platoon horse, who has his own book, will be on hand as well as Pinkie-Pie from "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic" on The Hub

Visit HERE for more info

Free Pasta for the Family on World Pasta Day- Oct. 25

Never heard of World Pasta Day? Me Neither, but, hey, if free spaghetti is part of the celebration, pencil me in. You can visit here to learn more about World Pasta Day and click here to read where you can catch some spots in the DC area that are offering free pasta meals Enjoy! Oh, yeah, and happy World Pasta Day!

USA Science and Engineering Festival This Weekend-- FREE

Imagine chatting with Albert Einstein, building an underwater robot, lunching with a Nobel Laureate, or managing cargo in the space shuttle within a virtual reality environment. These are just a few of the many activities planned for the first USA Science & Engineering Festival. Organizers hope to have a million people join in across the nation, and the best part—IT’S ALL FREE.

 Highlights of the USA Science & Engineering Festival include:

• More than 350 of the nation’s leading science and engineering organizations are partners including colleges and universities, corporations, federal agencies, museums and science centers, and professional engineering and science societies.

• More than 750 hands-on, interactive exhibits spanning aerospace, green energy, medicine, biotechnology, climatology, robotics, nanotechnology, botany, neuroscience, genetics, and many other scientific disciplines.

• Satellite events across the country held by universities, student science clubs, national laboratories, and a wide array of other organizations.

• Contests for schools and their students with cash prizes. Entries are being accepted for a “You CAN Do the Rubik's Cube Tournament” for K-12 teams in the greater Washington, D.C. area and a Video Contest challenging students to explore "Why Science is Cool."

Inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers is a big reason for hosting a giant science party on America’s front lawn. A new report by the National Science Board says that in 2007 foreign students on temporary visas earned 50 percent or more of all doctoral degrees awarded in engineering, physics, mathematics, and the computer sciences. Global security company Lockheed Martin, which employs approximately 71,000 engineers, is the festival host and has a strategic purpose for its support.

A free event for all ages; no tickets required; rain or shine
Locations: National Mall between 1st and 7th Streets; Freedom Plaza, Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 12th and 14th Streets; Woodrow Wilson Plaza, Mellon Auditorium, National Museum of Natural History
Closest Metro Stops: Smithsonian and Federal Triangle

View Map
Plan Your Day
Click here for more information

DC This Week Offers FREE Tix to Washington National Opera Look-In @ Kennedy Center

We already hipped you to the fantastic $10 ticket deal on the flyer below, but the blog DC This Week is offering a pair of free tickets to readers who jump on the opportunity and shoot an email to them with "Opera Look In" in the subject. Read more on the DC This Week blog HERE.

KinderFest Turns 30!

Kinderfest is this Sunday, Oct. 3!

Families from all around the Washington metropolitan area are invited to participate in Kinderfest – a day focused on children featuring festivities, programs, and entertainment for the whole family. This annual fall festival for children is held at Watkins Regional Park on the first Sunday in October.

First held in 1981 as an "Octoberfest" for youth and their families and friends, Kinderfest has grown bigger and better every year. The population of Prince George's County was just over 665,000 in 1981. Nearly 3,000 residents and guests came to Watkins Regional Park that year to enjoy roving clowns, costumed characters, a magician, dancers, singers, carnival games, the Watkins Park carousel and miniature train, pony rides, scarecrow workshops, hay rides, and lots of sweets and savory refreshments. Department of Parks and Recreation employees and more than 50 community volunteers planned and conducted the first Kinderfest.

These traditions continue today.

Our family loves this event and take our 7 year-old each year. It's free but be sure to take cash to spend on games and food. The activities are plentiful and event staff are always cordial.

at Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Drive,
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774
Information: 301-218-6700; TTY 301-218-6768

Free admission; fee for some activities and food concessions. No pets allowed
http://www.pgparks.com/Kinderfest.htm

Wizards Fans Will Love Fan Fest This Weekend

Wizards fans looking for a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon? Then come on out to Fan Fest on Sunday, October 3rd at the Patriot Center on the campus of George Mason University.
Enjoy lots of fan-friendly activities - including an interactive zone, skills & drills area, face painters, balloon artists, stilt walkers and a caricature artist.

• Meet the Wizard Girls and G-Wiz
• Music by DJ Jealousy
• G-Man Dunk Show
• Meet and Greet with legendary Washington Bullets alumni
• T-shirts, giveaways and much more!
• Concessions will be open

Highlights from the event also include a youth camps and clinics area and interactive zone for kids which will be held outside of Patriot Center beginning at 11am. Fans can then see the Wizards close out their 2010 training camp with open scrimmage which will begin at 12:30pm. Come on out and see the Wizards as they prepare for the 2010-11 season!

Visit http://www.nba.com/wizards/fans/camp_fan_events_100916.html for more info

Hop on a Tram @ The National Arboretum

While folks know DC for its National Mall area, crammed with tourist goodies ranging from free Smithsonian Museums to the National momument, few think of DC when it comes to natural scenery. You'd be missing out if you didn't pay at least one visit with the kids to the US National Arboretum. Voted as the Best Enviro-friendly Place in DC by ParentsConnect.com, the US National Arboretum is located in northeast DC and bordered on the east by the banks of the Anacostia River. This 446 acre hotspot is a wonderful place for kids to romp and learn about nature. And make sure to have some change with you, as feeding the koi behind the administration building is one of children's favorite activities here.

The Arboretum grounds have retained most of the natural woods, including beeches, oaks, and tulip poplars, which stood on the grounds when the land was purchased. The exhibition areas are located either along the roadways or on pebbled paths off the roadside. Their design varies from the formal landscaping of the Gotelli Dwarf Conifer Collection on the north shoulder of Hickey Road to the natural planting of crabapples along Hickey Hill Road. Fern Valley is limited to ferns and other plants native to eastern North America. Oh, and don't leave without taking a tram ride!

The tram is a professionally driven, taped tour, which highlights the 446 acres of the U.S. National Arboretum’s gardens, collections and natural areas. Our 48-passenger open air tram is equipped to accommodate two wheelchair users. It also features a convenient storage bay for strollers and other carry-on items.

Public Tram Tours Information

Tour Hours:	10:30 a.m. (Only available if not previously reserved.  Please call prior if you are planning to take this tour.) 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
Tickets:	On sale at the ticket kiosk located in the parking lot near the R Street Gate. Tickets must be purchased the day of the tour. Gift Certificates are available.
Ticket Prices:	Adults FONA & NBF members and Seniors Children aged 4-16 Children under 4	$4.00 $3.00 $2.00 Free (must share a seat with adult if tram is full).

*** Refunds are not given unless the U.S. National Arboretum cancels the tour. 

Visit http://www.usna.usda.gov/ for more info

Celebrate 120 Years with Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park turns 120 yrs old!

Celebrate the 120th anniversary of Rock Creek Park at its birthday celebration this weekend. The Nature Center on Glover Road hosts activities for the whole family, including a puppet show, animal encounters and rock climbing. I absolutely love this park. I grew up visiting this park. From the planetarium to horse back riding, my family and I visited this park regularly as I grew up. I loved it when my mom drove our car through the little fort and we got out to play in the shallow creek.

Learn more about the history of DC's park and how we can preserve it for future generations.

 Here is what is slated to be there!

Programs are free and open to the public!
Programs and schedule subject to change

• 11:00 AM Puppet Show: Lights Out on the Bunny Brothers Join us for this performance by the Blue Sky Puppet Theatre and learn about energy conservation. All ages.
• 12:00 PM Wildlife Emergency, a program by the Wildlife Conservancy of Virginia Join us for a discussion about the mission of the conservancy and hear about some of their most interesting cases. All ages.
• 1:00 PM  Backyards Alive, a program by Reptiles Alive!  Explore the lives of the animals hidden in your own backyard! Learn what to do when you encounter wild animals and how to help wildlife in your own neighborhood. You might meet a box turtle, snapping turtle, gray tree frog, snake and more! All ages.
• 2:00 PM Wild Virginia, a program by the Wildlife Conservancy of Virginia Join us for a presentation about the unique environmental problems facing wildlife in the state. Ages 10 and up.
• 3:00 PM  Raptor Conservancy of Virginia Come meet some amazing birds! All ages.
• 4:00 PM Backyards Alive  See description for 1:00 PM program

Cupcakes for a Cause

Georgetown Cupcake was founded by sisters Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMontagne.

Who doesn't love cupcakes? Well, enjoy cupcakes with your kids while helping a cause. Bakeries nationwide, including Georgetown Cupcake locations, are selling specially-marked cupcakes and donating a portion of sales to CancerCare for Kids. See the website for additional bakeries.

You can also send a free e-cupcake to friends and family, and the charity receives a $1 donation from presenting sponsor göt2b.

Georgetown Cupcake, founded by sisters Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMontagne, inspires cupcake madness in ordinary people, as evidenced by the crazy long lines seen outside the store, as people wait for such delights as chocolate coconut, salted caramel, red velvet, and lemon blossom - not to mention all the seasonal flavors. Cupcakes can also be ordered online, either for in-store pickup or delivery.

The 6th Annual Family Museum Day

Everybody loves a freebie and this Saturday, September 25, marks Smithsonian magazine's 6th Annual Museum Day, when more than 1,500 museum and cultural venues across the United States will honor Smithsonian.com's special get-in-free ticket for two. Get yours today!

Click here for more information

Raspberry Picking at Butler's Farm

Butler’s Orchard, located at 22200 Davis Mill Road, has been “providing good, green fun and local produce for 60 years.” George and Shirley Butler purchased 37 acres of farmland shortly after graduating from the University of Maryland, and raised their four children in a log cabin. They grew peaches and sold them to local grocery stores and in their own farmer’s market. Now run by three of the four children, the farm comprises 300 acres, produces more than 25 varieties of fruits, vegetables and flowers, and hosts annual community events like the Pumpkin Festival, Bunnyland, and Strawberry Blossom Tours.  Read more by DC Parenting Examiner Maura Mahoney

Washington National Opera Gets Kid-Friendly

What happens when four kids end up lost in an opera house?
They discover the wonders of lights, scenery, costumes, music and more!
This behind-the-scenes intro to the world of opera is perfect for kids 6-12 years-old!

What: Washington National Opera Family Look-In
Where: The Kennedy Center
When: Saturday, October 16 at 2:00PM www.dc-opera.org
Tickets Just $10 with a source code---> Email us at FamilyFunDC@gmail.com for the source code 

Free & Cheap Ways to Get Into the Green Fest This Year

Green Festival's mission is to inspire and inform as many people as possible to help make our world just and sustainable.  Think of Green Festival® as a walk through a sustainable community. It begins with finding solutions to help make our lives healthier—socially, economically and environmentally. Individuals along with business and community leaders come together to discuss critical issues that impact us at home and abroad. Organizations and businesses showcase programs and products that restore the planet and all that inhabit it. Neighbor-to-neighbor connections are formed, and skills are shared to empower people to create positive change in the world. Kids love the Green Fest! Check out how you can get in for free or cheaply this year for the Green Fest which is Oct 23-24!

Green America Members get in FREE!   Global Exchange Members get in FREE!   Green Festival volunteers Get in FREE!   Youth Under 18 get in FREE!   Ford Hybrid Visit your DC Metro Ford Dealer for complimentary Green Festival pass!   Recycle a cell phone Bring yopur mobile phone to recycle and T-Mobile will get you in FREE!   Complimentary Admission Campaign Receive FREE admission to GreenFest with a purchase of $25 or more at MOM's Organic Market in October. Other Benefits of Attending! ODE and Natural Solutions Magazines Ticket Price includes a 1 year subscription to ODE Magazine AND Natural Solutions! Visit the Green Festival's website here

Hurry! ICE!™ “Early Bird” Discount Tickets @ The National Harbor

photo by Ben Dawson

There's always something going on at Gaylord National Hotel @ the National Harbor!

Don’t miss out! Get your ICE! tickets now at the "Early-Bird" discount price - $19 for Adults ($5 off), and $12 for Juniors ages 4-12 ($1 off) - if you purchase by October 1, 2010.

Purchase online now and select any Monday through Thursday date between Nov. 18 and Dec. 16, 2010 to get the discounted price. ICE! will be open 12pm-7pm on these days. Prices will increase to $24-29 for Adults and $13-18 for Juniors for all tickets purchased after October 1, 2010.

The Washington National Opera Offers Discounted Tickets to Kennedy Center Event

Kids can go backstage at the upcoming Washington National Opera Look-See

The Opera Look-In program has been charming young audiences in the greater DC area for over ten years. 

Students visit the Kennedy Center Opera House to learn about the behind-the-scenes magic of opera, including lighting design, scene changes, stage tricks, musical themes, and much more. 

Opera is a naturally multi-dimensional and multimedia art form, and by presenting its many facets, the Look-In creates a dynamic experience for students from 3^rd to 6^th grade.

Designed specifically to academically and creatively engage children through a variety of opera repertoire, this experience leaves students charmed and singing for more! 

The Opera Look-In is much more than just a day at the Opera House.

Email us at familyfundc@gmail.com for more information!