Roving costumed entertainers, dozens of activities and hands-on crafts, dance troupes, plus music and theatrical performances make this a special afternoon…just for kids.

Children can watch a 10-foot tall stilt walker, grab an animal balloon from one of the balloon artists, or have their face painted.

Last year, kid’s activities included:

• puppet, mask and bookmark making booths
• canvas bag, picture frame, cookie and tile decorating stations
• tours of Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad vehicles
• radio station music, games and prizes
• bicycle safety instruction
• yoga for kids

This year, the free activities should be just as fun.

Imagination Bethesda
Woodmont Ave. from Bethesda Ave. to Elm St.
Bethesda, MD  (map it)

Dates and Times – Saturday, June 2, 2008, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Admission – FREE

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Bethesda – Red line, then a 3-block walk.

Parking – Street and metered garage parking is available.

Read the meters careful as Bethesda parking enforcement is relentless and tickets for expired meters are expensive.

Images – Flickr – face painting, stilts, crafts

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Post from: The DC Traveler

11) Near the Jefferson Memorial in the Tidal Basin you can rent a paddle boat. Kids seem to love these boats.  Just remember to tell them to start by heading INTO the wind, otherwise you might have to carry them the rest of the day.  More info at: 
 
12) Take them to the Baltimore Aquarium, about an hour away in downtown Baltimore.  It’s one of the best aquariums in the country and offers dolphin shows, along with a hands-on ray petting pool.  And what kid doesn’t like visiting Nemo and Dory?   Go to: 

13) Pandas anyone?  The National Zoo has a couple playful pandas – Mei Xiang and Tai Shan, not to mention an extensive collection of animals, reptiles and birds.

14) Feed the ducks and birds at the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

15) Watch as money is printed on the tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Kids seem to get a kick over seeing millions and millions of dollars just a few feet away.  

Photo credit: flickr 
 

Post from: The DC Traveler

6) Take advantage of all the parks and open areas around the National Mall. Let the kids run around once in a while as you relax and enjoy lunch under a tree near a monument.
 
7) Rent bikes and tour the Mall at your own pace. Even kids as young as 4 can be put on a tandem trailer or carriage and ride behind you.  

I’d recommend avoiding the art museums with younger kids.  That way they don’t get bored and crabby looking at the 153rd presidential portrait.
 
9) If your kids are at least 16 years old, take a tour of the Mall on a Segway 2-wheeled transporter.  Your kids will think you are the coolest…not to mention being able to brag to their friends back home about their experience. Plus, it’s a really fun way to tour the Mall if you’re a first time visitor and want to get your initial bearings. There are a couple companies offering Mall and DC area tours, City Segway Tours and Segs in the City.  
 
10) Outside of the Smithsonian “Castle” on the National Mall is the Carousel on the Mall. Take the kids for a ride and enjoy some cotton candy. 

Photo credit: flickr

Post from: The DC Traveler