The holidays can get hectic, but they also give families a chance to spend more time together. Children are out of school, many employees have to take their use-or-lose leave, and family may be visiting from out of town. It’s the perfect time to get together, catch up and reminisce or enjoy local holiday happenings, many of which are perfect for children and families. Here are some tips to make these activities fun learning experiences for both you and your child.

Get Ready
You may think that museums are only for stuffy people with advanced degrees. Not true. Local parks, museums and theaters go out of their way to be family-friendly. They work hard to create special activities and programs just for children. If you know what’s available ahead of time, you can choose activities that fit your child's age and interests. Remember that younger children usually can't handle much more than an hour or two.

Once you know what you are going to see, you can increase your child’s interest by talking about it. If you are going to the zoo ask you child about his/her favorite animals. Read stories about animals or trips to a zoo. Encourage your child to draw pictures of or make up stories about animals that can be found at a zoo. Give your child colored pencils and paper or even a single-use camera. Your child can turn those drawings and photos into a scrapbook of places visited. It won’t hurt to bring along a favorite book or toy. That way your child has something to do in case you face some long lines. Make sure to pick up any handouts provided for children and families. They often have ideas parents can use to get children thinking about the exhibit.

Enjoy the Festivities
Speaking of zoos, check out ZooLights from now until Dec. 30. This light show features many of the most popular animals at the National Zoo. Children can also enjoy puppet shows, roast marshmallows and hear stories.

Join the Anacostia Community Museum’s family Kwanzaa programs starting Dec. 26 or a festive Kwanzaa Dance Celebration at the Atlas Performing Arts Center.

For a truly global holiday treat learn about customs from around the world: Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan and more, at Discovery Theater’s Season of Lights performances through Dec. 21.

Watch historic holiday traditions come alive as you tour the 19th-century Tudor Place. Children can participate in gingerbread house workshops Dec. 15, 19 and 28. And there are so many performances of the Nutcracker in our area that you are sure to find one to suit any taste. You can go from traditional to life-size costumed characters to a jazz hip-hop version at Stuart Hobson Middle School on Dec. 8 and 9.  

Go All Out
You don’t have to limit yourself to holiday events just because of the time of year. It’s OK to see Hansel and Gretel at the Lincoln Theater. Go ahead and enjoy Native American art and music at the National Museum of the American Indian. Listen to children’s stories about Africa at the National Museum of African Art. Learn about the effects of global warming at the Marian Koshland Science Museum. Or go totally James Bond at the International Spy Museum.

Don’t forget to look beyond traditional theaters and museums to other community resources. Local youth programs, libraries and community centers will also have family-friendly programs – with and without holiday themes – throughout December. The point is to spend time together doing something special during the holiday season.

Reinforce at Home
Encourage your child to keep a journal of all these special holiday activities. Ask your child to write about what he/she liked best and why. Have your child decorate the journal with the drawings and photos. Go to your local library afterwards. Find books on topics your child found especially interesting. You should also keep the activity guides you picked up at the event. They often have projects that can be done at home to reinforce your child's learning.

We are lucky in Washington to have so many places that provide fun learning activities for children. The holidays can be the perfect time to visit some of these local treasures. Here are some resources to help you make the most of your holiday adventures.

RESOURCES

Books
“Going Places with Children” by Green Acres School, $15.
Guide to exploring Washington's cultural, historical and natural resources with children.

Online
Cultural Tourism DC, www.culturaltourismdc.org.
Promotes DC's neighborhood heritage trails. Includes a database of local African-American heritage sites.

Smithsonian Institution
202-633-1000, www.si.edu.
Home page links to all Smithsonian museums including Anacostia Community Museum, National Museum of African Art, National Museum of the American Indian and the National Zoo.

Contacts for Other Events Mentioned in Article (Most Require Tickets/Fee)

Atlas Performing Arts Center
202-399-7993, www.atlasarts.org.

Discovery Theater
202-633-8700, discoverytheater.org/index.shtm

Tudor Place
202-965-0400, www.tudorplace.org.

Puppet Company Nutcracker
301-320-6668, www.thepuppetco.org/html/PH/shows/NC.html.

Jazz Hip Hop Nutcracker
202-785-0035, www.momentumdancetheatre.com/2006-07season.html.

Lincoln Theater
202-397-SEAT (7328), www.thelincolntheatre.org.

Marian Koshland Science Museum
202-334-1201, www.koshland-science-museum.org.

International Spy Museum
202-EYE-SPY-U (202-393-7798) www.spymuseum.org.

Ed-Genuity offers a team of education consultants with expertise in areas such as curriculum development, parental involvement, professional development for teachers and counselors, leadership development for administrators and pre-college academic enrichment programs. They have worked extensively with schools, colleges, community organizations and churches. E-mail the Ed-Genuity team at ed_genuity@yahoo.com.