Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore, MD!

Normally I wouldn't do a review for a Maryland park or venue but this place was pretty awesome. Yesterday we took the boys to Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore, MD. I had heard good things about the museum and decided to take the kids since it was cold and windy outside.

When we walked in my oldest was in awe. The children's museum is three levels of  interactive exhibits, mystery adventures, water exhibit,  tot trails and a three story  urban tree house. There is something for every age and size. The museum is recommended for children under 10 years of age. The museum is very open so you can keep track of the kids while they are on different levels. They have a wristband system so your child can't leave the museum with anyone but one of his/her parents. Also employees are available on every level equipped with radio equipment to help locate a lost parent or child.

The pictures don't do the museum justice because there is so much the kids can do including playing grocery store, working on a farm, playing diner, story time and currently on the third level they have a Clifford the Big Red Dog exhibit.

I would highly recommend checking out the Port Discovery Children's Museum. It was great for burning off some energy and the kids could be hands on with every exhibit. There were clean restrooms everywhere, strollers can easily maneuver the museum, an elevator for those who can't do stairs, a place to put your jackets and lockers to stow away stuff that you don't want to carry. Also if you park in the garage next to the museum Port Discovery validates your parking. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours there because there is so much for the kids to do!

Play N' Learn Playground Superstore Free Play Days in Chantilly, VA!

Today we checked out the Play N' Learn Playground Superstore Free Play Days in Chantilly, VA! We had heard about the stores Free Play Days from a great Mommy website called SuperNOVAMommy. The Play N' Learn Showroom is tucked back in an industrial park off Route 50 and Stonecroft Blvd. They sell wood playsets, netted trampolines, basketball hoops, and game tables.

The Play N' Learn Free Play Days offer parents and kids a way to get out of the weather while playing on playground equipment in the showroom from 10- 1 on Monday and Thursdays. They also have netted trampolines and basketball hoops for the kids to test out. The showroom flooring is just carpet over concrete so just be aware if the kids fall they might hurt themselves. There are super clean restrooms and water fountains. It was very popular when we went and from what I understand they don't put a cap on attendance and the play time is for the 6 and under crowd.

I talked with one of the sales reps and she told me that if you are a customer of Play N' Learn you can come and play any day as a bonus for buying their product. If you live in the area you should go check out the Free Play Days at Play N' Learn Playground Superstore!

Jumping Jack Sports in Ashburn, VA!

Today we checked out Jumping Jack Sports in Ashburn, VA! Since we couldn't be outside today we decided to hit up this local favorite in Ashburn. Jumping Jack Sports is located in the same strip mall as the Sports Bounce of Loudoun. Remember to wear your socks  as shoes are not allowed on the inflatables.

My boys had a blast running through the inflatable obstacle course, climbing the rock wall and jumping in the bounce house. My littlest guy wasn't left out either, there were plenty of ride on toys and balls for him to kick around. During the open play session they had a monitor person not just watching the kids but helping them over the tougher parts of the obstacle course. He even took my youngest son down the big slide and from then on I couldn't get him out.

The open play sessions change from week to week so it's best to check their website for dates and times. In addition to open play, Jumping Jack Sports offers sports classes for children and  for a fee you can hold your child's birthday party here. Restrooms were available and clean. No snacks are allowed inside the building so the play area was very clean.

Even though the open play session was only an hour and a half the kids were pooped out once we got home and took a long nap. If it's yucky outside come check out Jumping Jack Sports in Ashburn.

Sterling Community Center Tot Drop-In in Sterling, VA

The Sterling Community Center offers  a great tot drop-in program to escape the cold weather. The kids get to run around playing with balls, riding toys, slides and much more.

The tot drop-in is open on Mondays, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The drop in is for children 5 and under and free. The cost for adults is $2.50 and you can also purchase a Drop-In activities Card so you won't have to worry about bringing cash with you. If the mornings aren't good for you they do offer an afternoon Tot-Drop In on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m.

My kids always have a great time going especially when their friends join us! It's a clean and safe environment for both kids and parents. This is just the start of the indoor reviews I will be doing over the winter months. If you have any favorite places feel free to share and I will go and review each venue.

Exploring Luray Caverns!

A couple weekends ago my family and I checked out the Luray Caverns in Luray, Virginia. The caverns are located in the Shenandoah Valley about 80 miles west of Washington D.C. The kids and I had never experienced the caverns before and I wasn't sure what to expect.

Once we stepped inside the main building we were sent through a very unassuming doorway. A set of stairs took us to the beginning of the caverns. Here we were instructed on how to use our headsets they give out. At certain points along the pathways there are markers indicating you can listen to audio about the caverns. The pathways are made of brick and they wind down and around through cavern. The "Dream Lake" was breath taking and is actively replenished from rain water that finds its way into the cavern.

I wasn't sure that the kids would be super excited to see the stalactite and stalagmite formations but they loved being in the cavern or "tunnel". The cavern is lit up beautifully and I was in awe of its natural beauty. After the cavern you can take your ticket and check out the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum. You can also purchase tickets to run through the Garden Maze. Picnic tables are available near the parking lot if you packed a lunch and they also offer a cafe and ice cream shop.

Back to civilization......Take me out to Nationals Park for some baseball!