Reston Zoo Trip

29 Fun 'N' Hip Mommies & Kids

Reston Zoo

Reston Zoo is a surprising find in the heart of urban Fairfax County. It's a thirty-acre, family-friendly zoo: an oasis in the middle of the city!

Zoofari wagon rides (included in admission fee) take young and old to see zebras, antelope, bison, ostrich, and lots more. Park staff lead regular animal demonstrations.

Reston Zoo encourages animal interaction. There are plenty of places to get "up close and personal" with the animals. Animal feed and lamb bottles are available, too! You won't want to miss the alligators, camels, reptile house, or waterfowl. You'll be amazed that such an opportunity is so close to you!

Reston Zoo has been a working zoo under several different owners for more than a quarter century. Under the latest owners, the zoo has undergone some major changes and will continue to renovate and add many new exhibits over the coming years.

Fun 'N' Hip Mommies took a day trip out here with the kids, and we had so much fun!! The kids enjoyed running around after the geese, and feeding all the goats & sheep!

If you are interested in joining our moms group, please check us out at: Fun 'N' Hip Mommies Meetup. For our safety reasons we insist that you make one event, meet with an organizer, and then we'll give you a password to our "verified" Super Fun 'N' Hip Mommies Meetup group!!

Other Events around the area!

CLARK FARM, PETTING ZOO

13 MOMMIES & 19 KIDS

We've got a busy upcoming week, but in case it's just not enough for you --- Here's a few other things going on this upcoming week that aren't on the calendar:

MARYLAND (Thursday, 5/31):

15th Anniversary Capital Jazz Fest (7:30pm, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia. An annual DC rite of summer, offering five days of live jazz played outdoors. Tonight's scheduled performers include Herbie Hancock and The Jazz Attack! Tickets: online ranging from $30 to $150. Daily through 6/3.)

Jack & the Beanstalk (10am & 11:30am, The Puppet Co. Playhouse, Glen Echo Park. Final performances of this classic children's tale about the young lad that doesn't know beans about trading, but still manages to climb his way to the top. RR: 301.320.6668, $8/person, grades K through 6.)

Bethesda Summer Concert Series (6 to 8pm, Veterans Park. Music fills the streets of Bethesda as local and regional musicians are showcased at free concerts held throughout the summer. This week's concert features Patty Reese, playing alternative & original rock.)

Singalong with Miss Belle (12:30 to 2pm, Moorenko's Ice Cream Cafe, Silver Spring. A fun singalong for kids of all ages. Weekly event.)

Strawberry Picking at Shlagel Farms (8am to 7pm, Waldorf. This family-owned farm is gorgeous. Take the kids for a morning or afternoon of strawberry picking. Be sure to check out the greenhouse full of beautiful flowers. $ for goods, no admission fee. Open daily, call for picking conditions: 301.645.4554.)

Maryland Storytimes (5/31):

Lap Sit Rhyme Time Storytime (10:30am, Germantown Library. Stories, rhymes and music for ages newborn to 12 months with caregiver. RR: 240.777.0110.)

Storytime (10:15am, New Carrollton Library. Stories for ages 3 to 5 with caregiver. Weekly event.)

Storytime (10:30am, Bowie Library. Stories for ages 3 to 5. Another storytime for ages newborn to 12 months with caregiver takes place at 11:30am. Weekly event.)

Storytime (10:30am, Laurel Library. Stories for ages 2 1/2 to 4 1/2. Pick up free ticket at Children's Desk. Weekly event.)

VIRGINIA (Thursday, 5/31):

27th Annual Herndon Festival (6pm to 10pm, Historic Downtown Herndon. A four-day town-wide event with activities including live entertainment on three stages, international foods, carnival rides and games, children's entertainment, hands-on art activities, a model railway exhibit, and an arts and crafts show. Daily event through 6/3.)

Kids Korner (9:30 to 10:30am, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly. Kids will enjoy and learn about nature and history through an outdoor activity and craft. RR: 703.631.0013, $5/child, ages 3 to 5 accompanied by caregiver. Monthly event.)

Potomac Nationals vs. Kinston Indians (7:35pm, G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium, Woodbridge. Catch a night Minor League baseball game. Tickets: online ranging from $6 to $12, all ages.)

Mr. Don Performs (4pm, Noodles & Noggins. Enjoy this weekly performance of singing and dancing with Mr. Don.)

Mr. Knick Knack (10:30am, Jammin' Java, Vienna, VA. $5/one child; $7/two children; $10/three children.)

Family Fun Origami (4pm, Cascades Library, Sterling. A paper-folding workshop for the entire family! RR: 703.444.3228.)

Virginia Storytimes (5/31):

Feathered Friends (7pm, Kingstowne Community Library, Alexandria. Stories, activities and songs about birds for ages 2 to 5 with caregiver. RR: 703.339.4610.)

Happily Ever After Storytime (7pm, Chantilly Regional Library, Chantilly. Great read-aloud stories, poems and favorite songs for all ages.)

Lunch Bunnies (11am, Patrick Henry Community Library, Vienna. Bring your lunch and enjoy stories for ages 3 to 5 with adult. RR: 703.938.0405.)

Storytime (10:30am, Mary Riley Styles Library, Falls Church. Stories and rhymes for ages 2 to 5. Weekly event.)

Preschool Storytime (11:30am, Ashburn Library. Stories for children ages 3 to 5. At 10am, Mother Goose Storytime for children 18 to 24 months.)

Terrific 3's (11:15am, Cascades Library, Sterling. Weekly storytime.)

WASHINGTON, DC (Thursday, 5/31):

A Closer Look at the Sun (4pm, Rock Creek Park, Nature Center, NW. Observe the Sun with a telescope equipped with a special filter that allows you to look for sunspots. If the sky is cloudy, there will be a program on the Sun presented inside the Nature Center. Free, ages 5 and older.)

Pirhana Feeding (2pm, National Aquarium, NW. Watch the animal keepers feed the aquarium's pirahnas! Talks and animal feedings occur daily at this time. Admission: $5/adults, $2.50/ages 2 to 10. Weekly event.)

Washington Nationals vs. LA Dodgers (7:05pm, RFK Stadium, SE. Catch a night Major League baseball game with the Nationals taking on the Dodgers. Tickets: online ranging from $5 to $45, all ages.)

Preschool Films & Stories (10:30am, Woodridge Library, NE. Movie time for preschool children. Weekly event. At 4pm, Afternoon Movies for school-aged children.)

Washington, DC Storytimes (5/31):

Toddler Time (10:30am, Palisades Library, NW. Stories for ages 24 to 36 months. Weekly event, also on Tuesdays.)

Neighborhood Story Time (10:30am, Mount Pleasant Library, NW. Stories and more for ages 1 to 4. Weekly event.)

Friday, June 1

MARYLAND (Friday, 6/1):

Nature Tots: Leapin' Lillypads (10:30am & 1pm, National Wildlife Visitors Center, Laurel. Peep! Croak! Ribbit! Introduce your preschooler to the watery world of frogs and toads through stories, songs, and a hike in this fun, hands-on program. RR: 301.497.5887, free, ages 3 to 4.)

Gymnastics Workshops (4:30pm to 5:30pm, Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex, Landover. Children can jump, swing, and bounce in a safe, fun gymnastics facility. Adults must accompany children. Ages 1 to 14 years, $5/child. Weekly event.)

Campfire (6:30pm to 8pm, Mt. Rainier Nature & Recreation Center, Mt. Rainier. Enjoy stories and roast marshmallows over a fire. RR: online for SMARTlink #101700, $2/resident, $3/non-resident, free, ages 8 to 12. Info: 301.927.2163.)

Bumper Cars On Ice (6:15pm to 8pm, Tucker Road Ice Rink, Fort Washington. Ride a bumper car on ice! Each ride is 4 to 5 minutes in length with the last ride beginning 10 minutes prior to the end of the session. Rides are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Info: 301.265.1525, ages 5 and up. Weekly event, also on Sundays from 4pm to 6pm.)

Maryland Storytimes (6/1):

Preschool Storytime (10:30am, Fairland Library, Burtonsville. Stories, rhymes, songs and activities for ages 3 to 5. Weekly event.)

Storytime (7:30pm, Barnes & Noble, Rockville. Stories for kids of all ages.)

VIRGINIA (Friday, 6/1):

27th Annual Herndon Festival (5 to 11pm, Historic Downtown Herndon. Your entire family will enjoy this four-day town-wide event with activities including live entertainment on three stages, international foods, carnival rides and games, children's entertainment, hands-on art activities, a model railway exhibit, and an arts and crafts show. All ages. Daily event through 6/3.)

Summer on the Green: Family Fridays (6:30pm to 8pm, Vienna Town Green. Enjoy this free classic rock evening concert by the Mike Cotter Trio. Please bring chairs and/or blankets. Weather: 703.255.7842. Free, all ages.)

Musical Magic with Rocknoceros (10:30am to 11:30am, Clifton Town Meeting Hall, Clifton. Enjoy a performance by Rocknoceros, the world's finest power trio for children, sponsored by Noodles & Noggins).

Friday Night Live! (6:30 to 10:30pm, Town Green in Herndon. Come celebrate summer with one of the most popular outdoor concert series in the area. Free. No pets allowed.)

Mr. Knick Knack (11am, Tysons Corner Center, Level 3. Let your kids burn up some energy in the Kid's Play Area, listen to music and stories from a local favorite, and grab a bite to eat all before naptime. If you're feeling adventurous join check out the best mall playground in our area! Weekly program.)

Fiesta Friday with Mr. Don (10:15 to 11am, Border Cafe, Centreville, VA. 703.266.4400. A weekly program of sing-alongs, motion songs, rhythm instruments, marching and dancing. Free coffee and admission!)

Banjo Man (10:30am, Jammin' Java, Vienna. $5/one child; $7/two children; $10/three children.)

Friday Night Fun (7 to 9pm, Sweet Life Café, Fairfax. Live Entertainment, dinner and dessert specials. Kids Menu starts at $2.99.)

Celebrate South Riding (5 to 11pm, Conklin Community Park. Music, rides, food and more. $6/gate; under 2 free. $1 ride tickets.)

Braddock Nights Summer Concerts (7:30pm, Lake Accotink Park, Springfield. Bring a blanket and listen to the rockin roots band Ruthie and the Wranglers. Free, all ages.)

Family Movie Night (8 to 10pm, Douglass Community Center, Leesburg. Come see a fun family movie. Popcorn and drinks provided. Bring a lawn chair. RR: 703.771.5913, $12/family.)

Virginia Storytimes (6/1):

Lunch Bunch Storytime (12pm, John Marshall Community Library, Alexandria. Bring your lunch and enjoy stories for newborns to age 5 with caregiver. RR: 703.971.0010. Weekly event.)

Storytime (11am, Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, Arlington. Enjoy stories with Miss Jenny for ages 18 months to 3 years. Info: 703.241.8281. Weekly event.)

Storytime (11am, Tree Top Kids, Arlington. Stories for kids of all ages. Weekly event.)

Wiggle Storytime (11am, A Likely Story Children's Bookstore, Alexandria. Limber up your limbs for this interactive storytime with lots of songs and stories to get energetic little ones involved. Weekly event.)

Stop-In for Stories (10am, Central Branch Library, Arlington. Drop-in storytime for all ages. Info: 703.228.5946.)

Friday Flicks (10:30am, Chinn Park Regional Library, Prince William, VA. The Remarkable Riderless Runaway Tricycle, Curious George Rides a Bike and The Little Engine that Could will be shown. Free, ages 3 to 7 with caregiver.)

WASHINGTON, DC (Friday, 6/1):

Creature Feature (4pm, Nature Center, Rock Creek Park. Get acquainted with the Nature Center’s live animals and assist a park ranger in their feeding. All ages, repeats weekly.)

Jazz in the Garden (5 to 8:30pm, National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden. Every Friday evening, enjoy Washington-area jazz artists. This week's entertainer: Rick Whitehead Jazz Trio. Free, all ages.)

Washington, DC Storytimes (6/1):

Friday Morning Storytime (10:30am, Barnes & Noble, Georgetown. Weekly stories for kids of all ages.)

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Saturday, June 2

MARYLAND (Saturday, 6/2):

Bowiefest (11am to 6pm, Allen Pond Park, Bowie. Celebrate Bowie with your neighbors and enjoy this day of entertainment, games, rides, crafts and much more! Free, all ages.)

Family Backpacking Overnight (4pm Saturday to 9:30am Sunday, Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton. Hike to a lovely spot in the park, enjoy an evening meal cooked over a fire, embark a fun night hike through the woods and camp out overnight. To participate, you must attend a planning meeting the evening of 5/29. You supply your own sleeping bags, backpack, and tent, and the Nature Center supplies the food. RR: 301.946.9071, $15/child, $6/adult, all ages.)

Frederick Festival of the Arts (10am to 6pm, East Street and Carroll Creek Linear Park, Frederick. A two-day fine art and fine craft regional festival, which includes over 130 professional artists from over 20 states, multi-genre performing artists, children's crafts and interactive activities, family-stage performances as well as culinary arts. Info: 301.694.9632, $7/adult, $5/student. Also on 6/3.)

Kite Making Workshop (noon to 4pm, College Park Aviation Museum. Let the experts from Wings over Washington instruct you in building the perfect kite. Ages 6 and up, regular museum admission plus $4 for each kite made.)

Owl Prowl (8 to 9:30pm, Patuxent Research Refuge North Tract, Laurel. Discover the nighttime world of the refuge as you look and listen for owls, frogs, and other nocturnal animals on this guided walk. RR: 301.497.5887, free, all ages.)

Skateboard and Inline Competition (10:30am to 4pm, Skate Park, Gaithersburg. Watch some of the area's best skaters show off their tricks and compete for great prizes. All ages.)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (2pm, Maryland Ensemble Theater, Frederick. Enjoy this classic tale performed by The Fun Company of the Maryland Ensemble Theater. Tickets: online for $12/adults, $8/students. Saturdays through 6/30.)

Strawberry Festival (10am to 5pm, Sandy Spring Museum. The Strawberry Festival is the museum's oldest continuing annual fundraiser and features crafters, demonstrations, entertainment, children's games, a petting zoo, hayrides, food and - of course - strawberry shortcakes! All ages.)

What's A Wolf To Do? (11am & 1:30pm, Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo. These are not your grandmother's fairy tales! Come see all of your favorite characters - Goldilocks, Little Red, three pigs, and a wolf - in a tale full of twists and turns, plus a few tunes. Tickets: 301.320.5331, $8/person. Weekends through 6/24.)

Palmer Park Day (noon to 4pm, Palmer Park Community Center, Landover. Enjoy carnival games where everyone is a winner. There'll be food and great fun for the entire family. Info: 301.773.5665, free, all ages.)

Maryland Storytimes (6/2):

Born to Read (10:30am, Noyes Library for Young Children, Kensington. Rhymes, songs, bounces, movement, and short stories for ages newborn to 24 months. Info: 301.929.5533.)

Teddy Bear Picnic (11am, Kensington Park Library. Listen to stories, watch films and have a picnic! Bring your lunch, a blanket and your favorite teddy bear or stuffed toy to this annual community event. Ages 3 and up.)

English/Spanish Storytime (10:30am, Hyattsville Library. Stories for children ages 3 to 6.)

Storytime (10:30am, Bowie Library, Bowie. Stories for children ages 3 to 5.)

Storytime (11am, Surratts-Clinton Library, Clinton. Stories for children ages 3 to 7.)

Saturday Morning Storytime (10 & 10:30am, Brookside Gardens. Each week children enjoy a fun seasonal, or nature related picture story. Make a craft afterwards. Free, ages 3 to 6.)

VIRGINIA (Saturday, 6/2):

13th Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival (10am to 5pm, Historic Old Town Manassas. Celebrate the rich railway history that Manassas has to offer. Enjoy VRE excursion rides, model rail displays, train memorabilia, an antique toy train display, Civil War re-enactors, an animal nursery, dairy demonstrations, children's rides and live music, food, and railroad entertainment. Info: 703.361.6599, free entrance (train rides $5/person), all ages.)

27th Annual Herndon Festival (10am to 11pm, Historic Downtown Herndon. Your entire family will enjoy this four-day town-wide event with activities including live entertainment on three stages, international foods, carnival rides and games, children's entertainment, hands-on art activities, a model railway exhibit, and an arts and crafts show. Through 6/3.)

3rd Annual Fairfax Trails Day (9:30am, Van Dyck Park, 3730 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax. Celebrate National Trails day by enjoying a day celebrating the best of the City of Fairfax's trails and open spaces. Info: 703.385.7868.)

Concerts on the Town (7:30 to 10pm, Reston Town Center, Reston. Bring your lawn chairs or picnic blankets, and enjoy rain or shine. Info: 703.912.4062, free, all ages. Weekly event through summer.)

Cool Saturday Music (12pm to 4pm, Tarara Winery, Leesburg. Come celebrate Spring, overlooking the potomac with some of the areas finest musicians and award-winning wines. Info: 703.771.7100. Weekly event through June.)

Discover the Marsh (2 to 3:30pm, Buddie Ford Nature Center, Alexandria. Journey to a marsh in Dora Kelley Park and learn about its many inhabitants. A critter catch and release outing will be featured. RR: 703.838.4829, $2/person, ages 6 to 12.)

Pinocchio (1pm Lunch & 2pm Show, Riverside Center Children's Theater, Fredericksburg. Enjoy this classic tale during a children's lunch 'n show. RR: 540.370.4300, $15/person, all ages. Weekly event through 6/23.)

Springfield Days' Family Festival (10am to 8pm, Springfield Plaza, Springfield. This annual festival features a parade through downtown Springfield, and a community fair at Springfield Plaza featuring children's rides and games, arts and crafts, live music, stage performances and more. Also on 6/3. Info: 703.569.0285. All ages.)

Teddy Bears' Picnic (1 to 2:30pm, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Bring your teddy bear and enjoy stories, songs, games and light refreshments for humans and stuffed animals alike. RR: 703.941.1065, $10/person, ages 3 to 6 with caregiver.)

Wild Ones: Predator Prey Day (4 to 5pm, Long Branch Nature Center, Arlington. Enjoy some fun and games while learning all about predators and their prey. Dress to get messy. RR: online or 703.228.4747 for program #644503A, $2/person, ages 6 to 9.)

Imagine: Fine Arts for Kids (10:30am & 12:30pm, Cascades Library, Sterling. A fine arts program that builds self-confidence and develops creative thinking and problem solving skills. RR: 703.444.3228, ages 6 to 11.)

National Trails Day (9am to 2pm, Claude Moore Park, Sterling. Join the Loudoun Walking and Volkssport Club on marked 5k and 10k walks. RR: 571.258.3700, free event.)

Virginia Storytimes (6/2):

Storytime (10:30am, Barnes and Noble, Tysons Corner. Stories and crafts for ages 6 and under. Today only, kids can also meet Spot, the Lovable, Huggable Dog costume character. Weekly event.)

Storytime (10am, Barnes & Noble, Clarendon. Stories for kids of all ages. Weekly event.)

Lap Babies Storytime (11am, A Likely Story Children's Bookstore, Alexandria. Enjoy songs, fingerplays and read some simple stories for the littlest listeners in your family.)

Saturday Family Storytime (10:30am, Cascades Library. A weekly storytime for ages 2 to 6.)

Craft Day (all day, Color Book Gallery Store, Occoquan. Come in and make a craft today during the Occoquan Craft Show.)

Saturday Family Storytime (10am, Ashburn Library. A weekly storytime for ages 2 to 5.)

WASHINGTON, DC (Saturday, 6/2):

Glover Park Day (11am to 5pm, Guy Mason Recreation Center. Food, fun, great live music and prizes all in a tropical theme!)

Bridging the Gap (10:30am, National Building Museum. Participants learn about five basic bridge types before solving a transportation problem by choosing a type of bridge to build. Free, ages 5 and up. Weekly event.)

Spring Night Sky (1pm, Rock Creek Park Nature Center. View the brightest stars, planets, and constellations of June and learn their stories. Ages 4 to 12. Recurring event. Read the Our Kids Review.)

Washington, DC Storytimes (6/2):

Storytime: The Adventures of Bandit & Hadgi - The Butterfly Beach Party (11am, Tree Top Kids, Foxhall Square, NW. Enjoy this whimsical story about two fun-loving dogs read by Jeff Balko, author, and Kathryn Leonard, illustrator.)

Check out the Fun 'N' Hip Mommies group to find out what events we're attending & what other events we're hosting that aren't listed above!!! Thanks to Washington Family, Washington DC Kids, Montgomery & Fairfax Co Recreation, Washington Post Kids Section, Washington Parent, About.com, DC-Baby, The Parent-Pages (book), and Our-Kids (a yearly subscription is needed).

Claude Moore Park

The Claude Moore Colonial Farm

5 Mommies & their families attended.

A few of us got together this morning & went to the "market fair" and farm. It took less than 2 hours to walk through both portions, eat, see a puppet show, and play at the park.

We saw some geese, hogs, a turkey & a newly shorn sheep.

You can learn more about the farm here.

Butlers Orchard

Butlers Orchard

54 Family Members attended this event!

Fun 'N' Hip mommies (and their family) had an awesome time at Butlers Orchard in Germantown MD.

A Family Farm – A family tradition for 50 years. Right after graduating from the University of Maryland in 1950, George and Shirley Butler of Silver Spring purchased a 37 acre farm with a log house. The original 25 acres of peaches provided their only crop at first, but now the Butlers grow more than 25 kinds of fruits, vegetables and flowers on over 300 acres. Following in their fathers footsteps, three of the four Butler children earned horticultural degrees from the University of Maryland and now live and work on the Butler farm.

We started the evening out with a hayride around the farm, viewing the crops, and taking in the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery. While the hayride was underway, the staff of Butlers got our "campfire" going for us.

We spent the early evening setting up camp, having a picnic, breaking open the beer and wine, and meeting new mommies who were attending their very first event.

Our kids had an amazing time! It was fantastic watching them running wild through this beautiful green field, and learning how to make their very first s'mores! Not having to restrain them, or worry about them escaping was totally a bonus!

As it got darker & a little colder we huddled around the campfire, turned on the music, and watched the kids dance under the stars.

Glow sticks, flashing/blinking light toys, frisbees and balls were all big hits of the night.

Those with little babies left first, and those of us with toddlers or older kiddos were able to get the kids to lay down, relax, and finally fall asleep - at which point we were able to put them into the cars, and tuck them into their blankets, while we sat around and chatted.

It was a gorgeous night. It felt like we were in the middle of nowhere, and was sooo tranquil.

Super Nanny - Jo Frost

The casting producer of Super Nanny just got in touch with me, and is wondering if I know of any families, or would nominate any families for the upcoming 4th season of Super Nanny...

Is anyone on our group interested in trying out for this?

They'll be in Fairfax on the 19th and in Washington DC on the 20th for the casting calls.

His name is Craig Ekedahl and if you say it's ok, I'll forward your information onto him!

Some links:
http://www.supernanny.us.com/
http://www.ricochet.co.uk/

Gravelly Point Walk, Playgroup & Picnic

Gravelly Point

16 Mommies & 24 kids

This is one of our most popular activities! Many of us get together early to walk from Gravelly Point up to Roosevelt Island (or as far as the kids will let us), then we come back, fall down exhausted, and pull out our picnics!

All of our kids love watching the planes taking off above us, although some of them "hit the ground" everytime one of the big jets goes overhead!

We bring along trikes, balls, cuddly toys & the kids have so much fun checking out the "cool, new" stuff! Sharing is an interesting concept for 1-3 year olds!

If you are interested in joining our Fun 'N' Hip Mommies group, please log onto Meetup.com and follow the directions! You will be asked to provide a photo (of yourself) and fill out 5 quick questions.