Would love to find free activities (in or outdoors) in Northern VA and DC to do with an 18 month old. We are already members of a childrens gym and the museums seem geared towards older children. I know of the Woodlands in Landmark Mall but it's not very impressive.
The answer is to visit www.our-kids.com Great resource for moms, I don't subscribe but you can for a yearly fee. They list everything kid oreinted in the Northern VA/DC/MD area. Plus they list various consignment sales and some mom's groups etc.
Pammy
Hi! If you son likes stories, several of the bookstores in the area run free story times -- I know the Barnes and Noble chain does it. Borders Books used to and probably still does. I've heard that some of the small, independent children's bookstores do it too-- there's one in Arlington, one in Alexandria(sorry, don't have the names on me but if you Google "children's bookstores" and the cities you'll locate them.) There's a very good Treetop Kids children's bookstore in Arlington too --I'm referring not to the toy store but to the separate bookstore; they may have story times too. Check online or call the stores for the times. Also, Pottery Barn Kids stores in malls (Tysons, and also Fair Oaks--I think) sometimes host free music sessions with a children's performer. If you're willing to pay a bit, the Fairfax County Parks and Recreation Dept. has good kids'classes of many types including "wiggles and giggles" classes that really get kids moving and ready for naps! (and they might be cheaper than private kids' "gyms" but I don't know.) Arlington County certainly has very similar classes via their county recreation dept. I'd Google the terms free, toddler, activity and the locations you want to try to locate more. Have fun! And don't forget, in decent weather, just running around on the Mall in D.C., riding the carousel there, etc. is plenty for an 18-month-old to enjoy!
My active toddler son loves the zoo- both the animals and the "soft pizza" playground. He also has enjoyed the Insect Zoo at the Museum of Natural History- it's more hands on than the other parts of the museum. And while the museum is geared toward older kids, he loves to take a spin around and look at the dinosaur bones and the animals. Since it's free, I don't mind doing shorter visits there. There are also tons of great playgrounds in Arlington. We love the one on North Harrison Street, as well as the water spray park on North Lincoln. The Arlington parks with descriptions and addresses are all listed on the county web site. What children's gym do you belong to?
In addition to the bookstores, almost all of the libraries in the area have free storytime sessions for infants and toddlers. Those are great because they incorporate music as well as stories. In the summer, the libraries begin their annual summer reading series. All branches host special programs for children of all ages. You should be able to find literature about those special programs by May or June.
Chuck E Cheese on King St. should have a toddler zone. (I haven't been to that one in about three years, but most of the restaurants have a toddler zone now. There is no cost for admission. Only for the games and food.
Be sure to check out other family-oriented special events in the area, like the Kennedy Center Open House (September) and the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival (I think it's June). While definitely over your 18-month-old's level, they are fun and educational for everyone. The Folk Life Festival often has a sensory station based upon the theme. One year, children could touch corn, soybeans, and barley.
Also, check out local farms, the zoo (DC), and nature centers, which all have either free or very nominally priced events for toddlers. Do a Google search on petting zoos in Virginia, MD, and DC, and you should come up with something. (Be sure to sanitize baby's hands after petting livestock.) The Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton, MD, and the Watkins Nature Center in Largo, MD, often have great programs for children 2 & up for around $2.
Finally, even a trip to Petco or Petsmart can be very interesting to a baby. Don't forget that everything is new to your baby. The grocery store, the post office, the fire department (usually a group preferred), are all great places to visit once in a while.
