DullesMoms.com

Review & Recommendation: PLAY WORK BUILD Exhibit at the National Building Museum

DullesMoms.com — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:25:20 +0000

We had a great afternoon at the new PLAY WORK BUILD exhibit at the National Building Museum! What a unique opportunity for any kid that likes to build, touch and play.

This new exhibit gives children the chance to use their imaginations and build anything they want using a variety of materials from big to small.

There is a large table with thousands of building pieces — and a large space dedictaed to building with hundreds of large ‘blocks’. But — don’t expect your normal, everyday square block — these building materials comes in dozens of shapes and sizes — to get kids thinking about possibilities when putting their ideas into action.

There is also a huge wall with a digital blocks projected on it., Step onto a special carpet and your figure is silhouetted in the digital screen and you can break down the virtual walls!

Additionally, there are interesting exhibits of construction toys and building sets from the past 130 years or so — dating back to the late 1800′s. Don’t worry Mom and Dad — they are in enclosed displays so kids can’t touch. Also, there is a section for kids to sit and play with Lincoln Logs and similar toy sets.

You cant beat the price — $8/adult and $5/child. Located on F Street in NW, The National Building Museum, next to the Government Accounting office, has Street parking with a 2 hour limit is abundant around the building.

I highly recommend the drive. It took us 35 minutes from the Greater Dulles Area and was worth it. I would recommend going during the week, as you can see — there were no crowds (the museum is open Monday through Sunday 10 am to 5 pm).

Kudos to the National Building Museum for placing this family-centric exhibit next to the restrooms and having antibacterial gel stations upon exit.

The exhibit is open until November 18, 2014.

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Via the National Building Museum website:

Research has shown how important play can be to a child’s development. But, play is not only for kids. Through this exhibition, visitors begin to see the connections between play, design, and the work of building professionals like architects and engineers.

Only at the National Building Museum can the concepts of PLAY, WORK, and BUILD be combined to create a new exhibition that will enthrall kids and adults alike. Conceived in partnership with the internationally renowned design firm the Rockwell Group, this exhibition combines a presentation of the Museum’s world-class Architectural Toy Collection, a hands-on block play area, and an original digital interactive that allows visitors to fill an entire wall of the exhibition with virtual blocks—and then knock them down.

After viewing a selection of construction toys from the Museum’s collection, from the familiar Tinker Toys and Lincoln Logs to the lesser-known Bumpalow House and Ringa-Majigs, visitors have the opportunity to reconfigure their environment and design their own course of play with individually-sized blocks. In the subsequent gallery, visitors are invited to work individually to reimagine their small-scale structures created into oversized structures using supersized foam blocks or to work in groups to design and build something entirely new. Whether visitors choose the tactile experience with the small or large blocks, the virtual block-play experience, or all of the activities, children and adults alike are encouraged to participate in unstructured, imaginative play that exercises muscles and minds.

Praise for PLAY WORK BUILD

“Parents and children may want to consider putting down the video games and picking up the building blocks. A new exhibit on playing with blocks has opened in Washington, D.C.”—USA TODAY

“PLAY WORK BUILD is both an extension and an elaboration on one of the museum’s primary missions, to introduce children to the building process. The second-floor gallery is now overrun by thousands of pieces of blue foam, some sized for building models and some sized to build forts.”—The Washington Post On Parenting

“Collaborative activity, physical movement, and no resemblance to a typical playground are the three major themes of this endeavor.”—Curbed DC

“The National Building Museum already hosts programs for teens interested in pursuing design as a career, but an upcoming exhibition intends to inspire a younger generation of architects, builders, and engineers.”—Residential Architect

The Atlantic Cities went behind the scenes to learn more about the “nation’s biggest architectural toy collection.”

Photo Review & Recommendation: Maryland Science Center

DullesMoms.com — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:18:25 +0000

Click to view slideshow.

Baltimore is a favorite destination for us. We’ve hit almost every family-friendly opportunity and place the Inner Harbor offers. We recently (and finally) visited, and became members of, the Maryland Science Center.

Not knowing what to expect — I figured it was just another hands-on museum of sorts geared towards kids and maybe adults. Children’s museums and centers are my ‘thing’. No matter what city we visit, we find their children’s museum and visit. The Maryland Science Center though was a huge treat because all the exhibits are truly science-based. And, the Center was geared toward the WHOLE family. Never mind my kids — I never got bored trailing behind them.

Walking into the impressive 3-story lobby you are immediately engaged. Not only are there incredible exhibits that are interesting to kids and parents, there we countless touch-friendly demonstrations and engagement stations that seemingly changed each time we left a certain area.

The Maryland Science Center is truly hands-on. You can touch, manipulate and explore almost everything. As you can see by the photo review, my children had a great time! My son’s favorites included the REAL table of nails he got to lay down on in the ‘Our Body, the Inside Story’ exhibit, learning about fossils and footprints in the ‘Dinosaur Mysteries’ exhibit and the giant pinwall in the ‘Kids Room’.

Current museum exhibits include:

Dinosaur Mysteries
TerraLink
Follow the Blue Crab
Your Body: The Inside Story
BodyLink
Cells: The Universe Inside Us
Newton’s Alley
Energy Efficient Car
SpaceLink
Kids Room
Life Beyond Earth

For the families with infants and toddlers the kids room is geared for the younger crowds, ages 0 to 8. giving them a smaller, more enclosed place to explore and play. The room, with a door that is staffed and closed to prevent wandering souls includes lots of great hands-on opportunities including a GIANT pinscreen, a large waterplay area and ‘even an area for kids under two—Room To Grow—where infants and toddlers can crawl around squishy waterbeds and play with big soft blocks.’ Note — the Kids Room closes an hour before the rest of the museum. We saved this for last, but we should have gone first.

We went during the week, so street parking was easy for us to find. But, the Center validates at two nearby garages. As far as food, they have a concession stand, Breakers Cafe, where we were able to buy snacks and drinks. Like Port Discovery, there is a dedicated place with tables and chairs for families to sit down and enjoy their food.

We didn’t get the chance to see the Planetarium or an IMAX movie — but with our membership we intend to go back and visit. Importantly– your Maryland Science Center membership reciprocates with other select museums. ‘The Maryland Science Center welcomes members from participating ASTC Passport Program institutions. Reciprocal admission through this program is an important benefit of membership. ‘

We hope you take the time to go too — as DullesMoms.com HIGHLY recommends the Maryland Science Center.

Maryland Science Center Museum hours are:

September 8th 2012, – March 24, 2013

Monday: closed

Tuesday-Friday: 10 am – 5 pm

Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm

Sunday: : 11 am – 5 pm

March 25, 2013 – June 23, 2013

Monday-Friday: 10 am – 5 pm

Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm

Sunday: : 11 am – 5 pm

Please visit them here for special holiday, summer, cafe and Kids Room hours.

Some of their Frequently Asked Questions, like:

What are your hours?
Can I bring in a stroller?
Can I eat in the building?
Can I just see an IMAX film or just go to the traveling exhibit?

Can be seen here.

Maryland Science Center is located on the Inner Harbor at 601 Light Street, Baltimore MD 21230. The main number is 410-685-2370. Learn more here.

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Via the Baltimore.org:

Serving more than half a million visitors per year, the Maryland Science Center is one of Baltimore Inner Harbor’s main attractions. Entertaining and educational to the young and old alike, it is undoubtedly one of the city’s most exciting places to visit. With hands-on exhibits and spectacular displays in the wonderful world of science and technology, the Maryland Science Center is a great way to gain hands on experience and first-hand knowledge.

One of the oldest scientific institutions in the United States, the Maryland Science Center Science Center, commonly referred to as the Science Museum, is a reputable learning center for all ages and was originally a meeting place for an amateur scientific society where members would discuss papers on a variety of natural science topics.

At the Maryland Science Center you’ll find three floors of demonstrations to exercise your imagination and challenge your mind. See exciting combustible reactions, eye-boggling optical illusions and learn about lasers. Hands-on exhibits include a voyage through the human body and learning how microbes work for us. Traveling exhibits abound, so there’s always something new see and learn.

IMAX Theater

The Science Center has become such a spectacular experience that it’s hard to believe it has been around since 1976. With a larger than life, five-story 3D IMAX Movie Theater, complete with surround sound and stadium seating, the objects seem to leap off the screen, looking real enough to touch and making you feel like you’re IN the movie! Just put on your 3D glasses and prepare for an incredible adventure to fantastic places like the land of dinosaurs, the Nile or the Bayou. The IMAX Theater offers a variety of changing shows and features.

Planetarium

Maryland Science Center’s Davis Planetarium features programs to explore the sky and discover space exploration. Travel the night sky to examine the sun and stars and learn astronomy to identify stars and constellations with the Sky Alive program or with friends from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Or travel to distant galaxies in Beyond the Nine while relaxing in total comfort.

Worth The Drive: Everyday Fun at Bethesda Playseum

DullesMoms.com — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 22:08:01 +0000

Looking for something to do today with the kiddos? We (4 kids ranged from 1 1/2 to 8) spent the day yesterday at the Playseum in Capital Hill (also a Bethesda location). Totally worth the 30-minute drive for the hours of fun that they had. The Playseum is divided into a bunch of differently-themed rooms (“cityshops“) where the kids can touch and play with everything. My daughter enjoyed making homemade lip balm and getting her nails painted and then spent an hour playing grocery store clerk in a great room stocked with hundreds of groceries, carts, and registers — and lots of eager “shoppers”! My son enjoyed decorating a cupcake and making a homemade milkshake! He then spent a huge amount of time in the art room painting pictures and using all the fun art accessories.

Take a peek at their Web site for pictures and descriptions, but trust me, worth every penny and the drive. Be warned though — parking is not easy at either location. So, if you have another adult with you, have them drop you off while they look for parking. Also, they allow you to bring lunch in (no peanut products please), so you really can make a day out of it!

The admission price is totally reasonable and I like the fact that they sell drinks and snacks for fair prices (NOT movie theater prices!). It made me feel as if they knew my needs as a mom with a kid who becomes thirsty the moment they went anywhere and weren’t trying to make an extra buck or three. The staff was great — very sweet to all my children — engaging them in friendly conversation. Also, there was always someone who was picking up toys and tidying the place up as the tornado of kids blew through each room. The best part — they had a smile on their face the whole time — no annoyed employees here!

From their Web site:

The Be with Me Playseum is here for the whole family, whatever the age. Admission is $6.00 per person- siblings under 10 months are free! Kids who love the Playseum most are those who have just learned to walk all the way up to 11 years old.

What’s a Playseum???
We are a children’s used bookstore in the design of a city, with hands-on fun! We want to bring family and community together under one roof in a great atmosphere, so parents and children can come in feeling good and leave feeling great!

There is never a dull moment here! Click on “cityshops” and view the various rooms within the playseum where you can read and play with your children!

Our ONE scheduled event each day is our story time. Story times run for about 15 minutes each Monday – Friday at 11am on Saturdays 11am, 2pm and 5pm and on Sundays at 2pm and 5pm.

Besides buying your favorite children’s book or the latest kid’s cookbook, purchase playseum money to do some of our “above and beyond” activities, and enjoy more interactive fun with your child! You can: create something new in the art room, paint a ceramic, make your own chapstick, have your nails painted, make homemade pasta (DC location only), toothpaste (Bethesda location only) whip up a strawberry smoothie or decorate a cupcake with yummy toppings, and so much more!

The best part? Is that you do not need to call ahead, no reservations needed nor memberships. Come in on your own time and spend as long as you would like. Your admission covers the whole day and with a wristband you can go out for lunch and come back in on the same day.

Review: Big Apple Circus LEGENDARIUM

DullesMoms.com — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:18:26 +0000

Click to view slideshow.

Our family had the pleasure of attending the Big Apple Circus LEGENDARIUM at the Dulles Town Center. Circuses have come a long way since the days of dusty tents, stereo-typical clowns and the such. This modern-day circus was multidimensional — engaging all your senses from live music, stunning costumes and acrobatics in every way you can imagine. I was thoroughly impressed by the range of acts and the athleticism of the performers. Their skills left you entertained, amazed and with the desire to go home and do a few sit ups of your own!

The theme of this years Big Apple Circus is LEGENDARIUM. The congenial ringmaster travel backs with the audience to when circus traditions were born. He not only introduces the audience to incredible acts, but give them fun facts about how the origins of the big tent circus became. Throughout the 2-hour performance we are also delighted by the Acrobuffos — a clown duo with endless energy, a penchant for physical comedy, and lovable personalities! Does your child have a fear of clowns? Well, Madame and Messieur, demonstrate to the audience how their wigs and masks come off — and underneath are 2 regular people! I thought it was a great family-friendly thing to do!

I highly recommend the Big Apple Circus LEGENDARIUM! At their Web site you can learn more about the cast, acts and talent that make up this one-ring circus. Also, there are no bad seats! The large tents hides the fact that you are never far from the entertainment — the setting is actually quite intimate.

The World Premiere of LEGENDARIUM began Thursday, September 20 and runs for 28 performances through Monday, October 8, 2012, under the Big Top at Dulles Town Center, 45630 Dulles Center Blvd. Tickets start at $25 and you can buy tickets online at www.bigapplecircus.org or by calling (888) 541-3750. The Circus Box Office at Dulles Town Center is open Tues–Fri, 10AM–8PM; Sat–Mon, 10AM–6PM.

Review and Recommendation: Louis the Magician

DullesMoms.com — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 19:48:52 +0000

Although the physical location for Childtime Magic is no more (per the old review below) — Louis the Magician is still entertaining DC area families! Check out today’s time-sensitive deal from Certifikid:

$175 for On-Location Deluxe Magic Show Performance by Louis The Magician of Childtime Magic (57% off – $400 value)

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** Please note this is an older review. We still think Louis the Magician is GREAT — but some of the party and location info below is out-of-date. Please always check their Web site for updated and accurate information. **

I’m always looking for fun things to do with the kids so we attended Family Day at ChildTime Magic to see Louis the Magician. The kids loved every minute of the show and as adults, we were pleasantly surprised and had smiles on our faces the whole time. Louis the Magician was well-prepared, had great child-friendly magic tricks, was wonderfully-paced and he interacted with the kids throughout his performance. I tend to think of my 5-year-old son as slightly disruptive as he has a very loud laugh and often tries to talk to performers during their shows. But, Louis the Magician didn’t seem bothered by his “enthusiasm” — he was very professional and obviously experienced with children. In fact, my son got to assist with one of the tricks and hasn’t stopped talking about it since! In fact, my husband and I have been comparing notes ever since trying to figure our some of the things he did! So not only child-friendly — adult-friendly too!

I was impressed reviewing their Web site beforehand to learn about all the different services ChildTime Magic offers. I highly encourage you to check them out and don’t forget to sign-up for their Birthday Club. It’s free to sign-up and you receive monthly emails that teach you magic and discounts on your birthday party magic show. Additionally, ChildTime Magic was Nickelodeon’s Winner for Best Party Entertainer in the Washington DC area for 2009!

Check out an informative video and photos here. From their Web site:

Your “one-stop” place for ALL of your birthday party entertainment.

ChildTime Magic has been the leader in birthday party entertainment for over 10 years! Our entertainers are the best performers in the Washington DC area. Louis the Magician, owner, has performed for thousands of birthday parties. We have now trained other magicians and entertainers to continue the ChildTime Magic service theme: We create happiness by providing the finest in Birthday Party Entertainment.

Kids birthday parties are our number one focus, so we have become the “experts” in this area. It doesn’t matter what kind of entertainers you need for your child’s birthday party. If you need a birthday party magician we have the best and busiest in the area. We have many clowns for your birthday party. We offer other birthday party entertainment too!

Face painters
Clowns
Magicians
Balloon artists

You can also find Louis the Magician on Facebook.

Beat the Heat at: Chibis Indoor Playground

DullesMoms.com — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 20:50:12 +0000

Review: Chibis Indoor Playground

Today, I had the great privilege of checking out Chibis Indoor Playground with my six-year-old son. Right off the bat — if they had this place years ago when my now 6- and 7-year old were younger I would have lived there! It was fantastic. I was skeptical at first because we have seen the concept of an indoor playground attempted before in the Northern Virginia market with just so-so results (think the now-closed At Play Cafe in Reston). Additionally, with so many playgrounds offered by places like Burger King and Chick-fil-a, how different could it be? Needless to say — those place don’t compare. I was more than pleasantly surprised by Chibis’ space, the attention to details, and the quality of the equipment and toys.

Chibis Indoor Playground, located in Ashburn, off Loudoun County parkway near Ashburn favorites Sport Bounce of Loudoun and Jumping Jack Sports, is an interactive indoor playground for children 4-months through age 6. Open 7-days a week, they offer 90-minute play sessions. Not only do they boast a multi-level play structure, they also have a dedicated toddler area (ages 3 and under), and 2 additional “toy” areas with a kiddie-kitchen set-up and train tables. It seems that it would appeal to the most energized children who want to run and climb to kids who just like to sit back and play.

Upon entry, after you fill out one-time paperwork, you can request a numbered bin to store your belongings. They stow it for you for safekeeping. If you don’t want a bin though, cubbies and coat hooks are abundant. Everyone is required to take their shoes off in the play areas, including adults, and socks are required for everyone. If you forget — don’t worry — they sell pairs for a dollar!

In addition to all the fun trains, puzzles, and sensory toys, they also have plenty of balls to play with, cars to ride on, and mini-structures to climb. While there, the management was busy picking up toys and washing them. I was super impressed with the attention to cleanliness — especially with the younger children and their desire to mouth anything! In fact, the whole establishment was bright, cheery, clean and spacious. They also have an area to sit, rest and grab a drink or snack. They offered a large selection of snacks for $0.25 and $0.50 each including mini-muffins, animal crackers, fruit snacks, fruit squeeze packs and more. For the mommas think coffee, water and soda. (Kudos to the management on the cute min-trays!)

Parents are encouraged to keep a steady eye on their children — but this is made easy with all the comfy couches and chairs throughout the facility. I saw lots of moms connecting and making new friends. I could easily see this as a hangout for a playgroup or moms club!

Overall, I HIGHLY recommend. Although, as glad as I am to have school-aged children, I am a touch jealous we’ll be aging out of this great option in 9 months and 21 days (but who’s counting). Perhaps we can convince the owners a Kid’s Night Out program for the big ones is in order (hint, hint Chibis!) .

Chibis Indoor Playground is located at 44675 Cape Ct., Ste. 175, Ashburn, VA 20147 and can be reached at (571) 918-0310. They don’t appear to have prominent signage yet, but they are in a red brick building directly next door to Great Falls Interior Design, Suite 171. You can learn more about Chibis Indoor Playground on the Web here. Also, find them on Facebook to become privy to deals, specials and updates.

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Written by DullesMoms.com a proud partner of Kid-Friendly VA (NOVA, PWC, LOCO). DullesMoms.com is your resource to children’s and family-friendly events and activities in the Greater Dulles area! Find DullesMoms.com on Facebook and Twitter!

Review and Recommendation: the Puppet Company

DullesMoms.com — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 12:55:00 +0000

Families in the Northern Virginia market are so lucky to have such a wealth of arts-related programs, shows and events available to our children! One of my favorites is the Puppet Company in Glen Echo, Maryland. The Puppet Company produces “critically acclaimed and award-winning puppet shows that incorporate hand puppets, rod puppets, marionettes (string puppets), masks, costume figures, and every trick in the book to entertain and amaze family audiences.”

Located in the heart of Glen Echo Park, just 20-ish minutes from the Greater Dulles area, they offer shows 5-days a week in an intimate theater that encourages children to sit up close to see the details and feel like part of the show! In fact, bench-style seats that surround the perimeter are intended for adults only — so kids have plenty of wiggle room on the floor and have the chance to sit only feet from the main stage. This set-up really lends itself to the kids feeling engaged and excited about the performance literally in front of them!

The Puppet Company features approximately 500 live performances every year, with programs for toddlers, school-aged children, teens, and adults. Currently showing is: Goldilocks On Trial! “There are two sides to every story, Goldilocks is being un-bear-able, and her housebreaking and dine-and-dashing could result in “grizzly” consequences. This tongue-in-cheek retelling of the old tale, tells the Bear Family’s side of the story, as well as Goldilocks’s, then lets the audience judge where the truth lies.”

With approximately 8 opportunities each week to see this show, DullesMoms.com highly recommends it! While my children, aged 6 and 8, sat captivated throughout the entire show — there were many toddlers and preschool aged children that enjoyed it too! The 40-minute show was perfectly timed and wonderfully produced. I was impressed thoroughly by the show quality and, once again, how engaged the children felt.

After the show, the puppeteers took pictures with the children and showed them how the rod puppets worked. My children were in awe of the mechanics of the puppets — something they actually had never seen before. I am really looking forward to seeing the combination of puppetry they use in the upcoming performance: Snow White and the 7 Dwarves which begins July 21st!

In addition to Goldilocks On Trial! on their Main Stage, the Puppet Company also offers a popular series called Tiny Tots with shows at 10 am on select Wednesday, Saturdays and Sundays. Designed just children ages 0 to 4 years old), Tiny Tots “offers a viewing atmosphere especially suited to small fry, their parents, and caregivers including shorter shows (about 30 minutes), no dark room, no loud noises and the theater doors stay open”. Tickets are also only $5 each!

You can certainly make a great day of visiting the Puppet Company. Located in the heart of Glen Echo Park, they are just steps away from a playground and picnic area, the Dentzel Carousel and a small cafe with family-friendly choices. There are also weekend nature programs at Living Classrooms Children’s Museum. Additionally, the
National Park Service offers “Just for Kids” Programs and Junior Ranger Programs through out the summer.

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Goldilocks On Trial! will run until July 15th. You can can see the full schedule and purchase tickets here. Located at 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo, MD, the Puppet Company is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, but offers many opportunities, including weekends throughout the rest of the week. You can find them on the Web, Facebook and Twitter.

This review was written by DullesMoms.com — your resource to children’s and family-friendly events and activities in the Greater Dulles area! You can find DullesMoms.com on the Web, Facebook and Twitter. you can also learn more about their partner site Kid-Friendly VA here.

Review: Chibis Indoor Playground

DullesMoms.com — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:47:54 +0000

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Photo Review: Free Kids Workshop at The Home Depot

DullesMoms.com — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:32:16 +0000

We love our Saturday mornings at Home Depot! They offer a FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 – 12 offered the 1st Saturday of every month at all The Home Depot stores between 9 a. – 12 pm. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.

We go quite often and always have fun. Although the age limit says 5, there were younger children there, with the help of parents having a good time. You do not need to pre-register for this event. Although the Web site says this is at all store, I would highly recommending calling to confirm your specific location. Today we made planter boxes. The girls got to assemble the boxes with wood glue and nails from kid-friendly instructions and then decorate them. They also had their choice of plants to complete their planters including peppers and tomatoes.

Learn more about their free kids workshops here. Find your nearest location here. Check out our morning at Home Depot:

Review: Wee Play

DullesMoms.com — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:43:29 +0000

I have a long history with Wee Play. My now elementary-aged children went there frequently for their Open Play Times and Special events. I often get updated on their schedule and yearn a little for the days when they were younger and we could attend. But, I had the opportunity recently to take my 3-year old neighbor Georgia to a Wee Play class. I knew I would like it — after all I got the chance to socialize and meet lots of great moms. Some of the moms I met in my Wee Play days are still part of my motherly support system. We all need one!

I knew Georgia would like it too. Upon entry you are welcomed into a colorful, roomy, clean environment with toys and themed sensory bins just waiting to be touched! Georgia had no qualms about walking up and diving into the fun. The toys and bins are carefully selected to enhance fine-motor skills through manipulative toys and provide a sensory-friendly experience. Often they reflect seasonal and holiday themes as well! Wee Play’s description that children are measuring, experimenting, discovering, creating, classifying, sorting, and imagining is really accurate.

After arrival and table/sensory-bin time we all sat in a circle — moms, caregivers and the children. Miss Kathy, Wee Play’s owner and our class leader, started off with a name song where each child was specially recognized! We then did poems and stories. All aspects of the circle time encouraged listening and participation. We practiced understanding “over” and “under” and counting! Now — don’t let this scare you off if you have a child that won’t sit still. More than one child wandered to the toys during this time. No one said anything — no one made a fuss about it — it was mutually understood and accepted that kids do what they do when they want.

After circle time we did a fun spring-time themed art project. The tables and chairs were all kid-sized and the supplies spread out through the middle of the tables so the kids could create at their own pace and style. Again, the art encouraged creativity and fine-motor skills as well as color and shape recognition.

After circle time came active play time! The kids got to go into the main studio area — an enclosed section of Wee Play with low walls and a door. The play area was filled with balls, ride-on toys, a mini-trampoline, and other fun toys. Everything was kid-touchable and safe. Miss Kathy played energetic music while the kids had free time and an occasional group “dance”. It gave the moms a great opportunity to talk one-on-one while the kids played with each other.

After play time we had a healthy snack and said our goodbyes. Georgia has a GREAT time — I had a GREAT time. As always, I was impressed by how Wee Play is designed just for our little ones. I loved how the class was broken into different increments to keep the attention of the kids. And, the content of each increment was engaging and educational. And as a mom — it was a treat to get out of the house and be among other moms. I’d highly recommend taking a Wee Play class! They also offer weekly drop-in open play times. You can see that schedule here.

Per their Web site: Wee Play is located in a 3,000 square foot, bright, colorful studio in the beautiful Sugar Oak Office Park near Reston Town Center and Fairfax County Parkway and offers innovative parent/child enrichment classes, drop-in open play, special events, memorable birthday parties, and “mommy and me” summer camps. Weekend drop-in open plays are held occasionally, space permitting.

You can join their mailing list to receive updates here as well as find them on Facebook and Twitter.