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