As a follow up to my earlier post on family-friendly holiday activities, here are 15 more fun holiday things to do with kids in Washington, DC, metro. Have a happy holiday!

Norwegian Giant Model Train at Union Station, Washington, DC. Image from Norway.org.

FREE: Norwegian Giant Model Train at Union Station – Washington, DC
Daily until January 3, 2011

Each Norwegian model train is a replica of a current or a historic Norwegian train, hand-crafted by an expert model builder. Free admissions.

Union Station is located at 50 Massachusetts Ave, NE, Washington, DC (map it).

See more fun holiday things to do with kids >>

I'm glad that the storm and hail went away, because we're ready for a sunny weekend! Check out top 10 fun things to do with kids this weekend in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia: May 15 – 16, 2010.

FREE: Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival at Reston Town Center – Reston, VA
Saturday, May 15 and 16: 10 am – 6 pm

Experience art and enjoy live entertainment at the 19th Annual Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, a street festival that's fun for the entire family. There is a special Children's Art Tent where kids get to discover and create wonderful arts, from contributing to a community mural to learning the science behind paint.

Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival is held at Reston Town Center. The Children's Art Tent is at the intersection of St. Francis Street and Town Square Street in Reston, Virginia (map it).

Mini Golf at Fairfax County Parks – Fairfax County, VA

Take your kids out for some mini golf fun – no $400 putter needed! Here are several Fairfax County parks that offer miniature golf: Oak-Marr Mini Golf, Burke Lake Park Mini Golf, Lucky Duck Miniature Golf Course at Accotink Lake Park and Jefferson Falls Mini Golf at Jefferson District Park. 

Fees vary by location, but they are typically between $4 and $6 per person.

Oak-Marr is located at 3200 Jermantown Rd in Oakton, Virginia (map it)
Burke Lake Park is located at 7315 Ox Road in Fairfax Station, Virginia (map it)
Accotink Lake Park is located at 7500 Accotink Park Rd in Springfield, Virginia (map it)
Jefferson District Park is located at 7900 Lee Highway in Falls Church, Virginia (map it)

FREE: Gaithersburg Book Festival – Gaithersburg, MD
Saturday, May 15: 10 am – 6 pm

Meet and greet kids' favorite authors, enjoy a story time and participate in fun workshops and an art project for kids at Gaithersburg Book Festival in Gaithersburg this Saturday. Storytelling is scheduled for 12:30 pm, art project is between 10 am and 1 pm as well as between 2pm and 4:30 pm and workshops are scheduled throughout the day. Free admissions and free parking.

Gaithersburg Book Festival is held at Gaithersburg City Hall Grounds located at 31 S. Summit Ave in Gaithersburg, Maryland (map it).

The Red Balloon at Adventure Theatre - Glen Echo, MD
Saturday, May 15: 11 am, 1:30 pm and 4 pm
Sunday, May 16: 11 am and 1:30 pm

Based on the 1956 film and book Le Ballon Rouge by Albert Lamorisse, this play is about a young boy who discovers a stray balloon and then wonders through the streets of Paris with the balloon. Both parents and kids will be delighted with this classic story. Recommended for kids ages 4 and up. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for kids ages 12 and under. Get your tickets online.

The Red Balloon is held at the Adventure Theatre in historic Glen Echo Park, located at 7300 MacArthur Blvd in Glen Echo (map it).

FREE: Family Activities & Storytime at National Museum of American Indian - Washington, DC
Saturday, May 15: 1 pm – 3:30 pm

Learn about the culture of American Indians through hands-on activities, such as beading, weaving, twining or creating a paper star quilt pattern from 1 to 3 pm. Storytimes are at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm.

National Museum of American Indian is located at Independence Avenue Southwest & 4th St SW in Washington, DC (map it).

The Great Zucchini Magic Show – Vienna, VA
Saturday, May 15: 10:30 am

See the Great Zucchini, Washington's magical preschool and kidergarten entertainer, performs a fun magic show at Jammin' Java in Vienna, Virginia. Your kid even gets to learn a magic trick! Tickets are $8 for everyone 12 months and older. Get your tickets online.

Jammin' Java is located at 227 Maple Ave E in Vienna, Virginia (map it).

Curious George: Let's Get Curious! at Port Discovery – Baltimore, MD
Saturday, May 15: 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday, May 16: 12 pm – 5 pm

Your kid will enjoy interactive math, science and engineering in his or her adventure with Curious George at Port Discovery. Tickets are $12.95 for adults, $12.95 for kids ages 2 to 12 and free for kids younger than 2. Get your tickets online.

Port Discovery is located at 35 Market Place in Baltimore, Maryland (map it).

FREE: Taste of Arlington – Arlington, VA
Sunday, May 16: 12 – 5 pm

Enjoy this lively street festival, where you and your family get to see live entertainment from local artists and fun kids' activities as well as sample delicious food from over 40 restaurants in Ballston area of Arlington, Virginia. Kids' activities include live entertainment and moon bounces. Free admissions, but tickets are required for food and drinks. Get your food tickets online.

Taste of Arlington is held on Wilson Blvd, in front of Ballston Common Mall in Arlington, Virginia (map it.

Open Gym Time at Jumping Jack Sports – Ashburn, VA
Saturday, May 15: 7 pm – 9 pm

Climb on cargo net, go through an inflatable obstacle course, traverse on a rock wall and other activities that will get your kids active through the whole time. Open gym time is for all ages, but kids 6 years and under must be supervised by parents. Fees are $10 for kids 2 years and older, $8 for siblings and $6 for kids ages 18 months to 2 years. Call 703-858-9901 for more information.

Jumping Jack Sports is located at 44710 Cape Court Suite 128 in Ashburn, Virginia (map it).

FREE: Kids Yoga on National Mall (DC Yoga Week) – Washington, DC
Saturday, May 15: 1 pm

Bring your yoga mat, snacks, drinks and your kid for a kids yoga session during DC Yoga Week by the Washington Monument. Free admissions.

Kids Yoga on National Mall takes at place at the northeast corner of the Washington Monument, near the intersection of 15th St. and Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC (map it).

If you're looking for fun activities for your kids during Spring Break, check out some ideas below for day camps in Fairfax County, Virginia. Also see spring break camps in Loudoun County, Virginia, Montgomery County, Maryland and Washington, DC.

Adventures on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon, VA
What? Try out animal grooming, goat milking, gardening, hikes, games, crafts and cooking. For kids ages 5 to 12.

When? From March 29 to April 2. Two sessions are available: 8 am to 5 pm and 9 am to 3 pm.

Where? Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road in Herndon, Virginia (map it).

How much? 8 am session: $260 for Fairfax County residents and $275 for non-residents. 9 am session: $200 for Fairfax County residents and $215 for non-residents. Register online.

Art Camp at Clay Cafe Chantilly, VA
What? Enjoy a fun-filled day of art. Projects include pottery, glass, mosaic, scrapbooking, clay, tie dye, origami and more. For kids ages 6 and up.

When? March 29 to April 2, from 11 am to 3 pm.

Where? Clay Cafe Chantilly is located at 13894 Metro Tech Drive in Chantilly, Virginia (map it).

How much? $55 per day. Register online. 

Artrageously Artsy and Puzzle Piazza at Math Tree, Reston, VA
What? Fun activities for kids that combine art with mathematical twist and a problem-solving picnic. For kids ages 6 to 11.

Awesome Adventures Camp at JW Tumbles of Herndon, VA
What? Hours of fun games, vivid stories, crafts and wild adventures! There is a different theme everyday. Snacks and water provided. For kids ages 3 to 7. Toddlers need to be potty trained.

When? March 29 to April 2, hours vary by day, either from 1 pm to 4 pm or from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Late pick up may be available based on demand. Camp daily schedule:
Monday, March 29: Awesome Adventures Camp (1 pm to 4 pm)
Tuesday, March 30: Princess and Superhero Training Camp (12:30 to 3:30 pm)
Wednesday, March 31: Creative Arts Camp (12:30 to 3:30 pm)
Thursday, April 1: Little Chef's Camp (12:30 to 3:30 pm)
Friday, April 2: Carnival Camp (1 pm to 4 pm)

Where? JW Tumbles of Herndon is located at 12950 Highland Crossing Drive in Herndon, Virginia (map it).

How much? Full week: $125 for members, $145 for non-members, 10% sibling discount. Daily rates: $30 for members, $35 for non-members, 10% sibling discount. Save 50% on spring break camps when you enroll your kids in two weeks of summer camp!

Baseball Camp by Virginia Baseball Club, Merrifield and Alexandria, VA
What? Experienced coaches lead instructions on hitting, pitching, fielding, base running and games. For kids ages 7 to 12. 

When? March 29 to April 2 and April 5 to 9, from 9 am to 2 pm with extended hours available, from 7 am to 6 pm.

Where? Three camp locations are available: Virginia Baseball Camp in Merrifield (indoors), Tuckahoe Park in Arlington and Simpson Stadium in Alexandria. More information on locations.

How much? $195 for core hours (9 am to 2 pm). With extended hours, fees are $220 (AM extended hours), $235 (PM extended hours) and $255 (AM and PM extended hours). Register online.

Dinosaur Day Camp at Cabell's Mill, Centreville, VA
What? Become a paleontologist for the day! Explore the world of dinosaurs with naturalists leading discovery of the latest in dinosaur knowledge and unearth a real dinosaur fossil. Other activities include crafts and games. For kids ages 5 to 8.

When? March 29 to April 2, from 9 am to 12 pm.

Where? Cabell's Mill is located at 5235 Walney Road in Centreville, Virginia (map it).

How much? $130 for Fairfax County residents and $145 for non-residents. Register online.

Fairy Princess Ballet Camp at Conservatory Ballet, Reston, VA
What? Introduction to the greats of classical ballet. Emphasis will be on musicality, rhythm, improvisation and costumes to match each story. A healthy snack will be provided. For kids ages 3 to 4. Other ballet workshops are also available for older kids.

When? March 29 to April 2, from 9 am to 12 pm.

Where? The Conservatory Ballet is located at 2254-L Hunters Woods Plaza Road in Reston, Virginia (map it).

How much? $210 for the full week. Register online or call 703-715-8366 for more information.

Fun Camp at Fairfax County Recreational Centers
What? Fun activities for kids, such as swimming, indoor/outdoor games and sports, movies and arts and crafts. For kids ages 6 to 12. an>

When? Session is from March 29 to April 2, from 9 am to 4 pm daily.

Where? Camps are held at various recreational centers in Fairfax County: Providence Rec Center in Falls Church, South Run Rec Center in Springfield, Cub Run Rec Center in Chantilly, Lee District Rec Center in Franconia and Mount Vernon Rec Center in Alexandria.

How much? $199 for Fairfax County residents and $214 for non-residents. Extra fees may be required, such as for field trips. Register online.

Garden Safari Art Camp by Abrakadoodle, Alexandria, VA
What? Art lessons include artistic styles and techniques, focusing on elements in a garden. For kids ages 3.5 to 12. Toddlers must be potty-trained.

When? March 29 to April 2. Two sessions are available: from 9 am to 12 pm for kids ages 3.5 to 6 and from 9 am to 3 pm for kids ages 6 to 12.

Where? Nannie J. Lee Center is located at 1108 Jefferson Street in Alexandria, Virginia (map it).

How much? $185 for kids 3.5 to 6 and $285 for kids 6 to 12. Fees include supply/material cost. Call 703-538-4ART for more information. Register online.

Mini Soccer Camp at Fairfax County Recreational Centers
What? Young kids get to learn fundamentals of soccer. Activities include fun games, competitions and challenging skill building activities. For kids ages 4 to 5.

When? Session is from March 29 to April 2, for 1.5 hours daily. Camp starts at 10:15 am at Oak Marr and at 9 am and 2:30 pm at South Run.

Where? Camps are held at Oak Marr Rec Center in Oakton and South Run Rec Center in Springfield.

How much? $99 for Fairfax County residents and $114 for non-residents. Register online.

Robotics Camp Spring Break, Alexandria, VA
What? Use motorized modular robotics system to design, build and compete in teams using motorized forms of transportations. Other games, experiments, and demonstrations will focus on basic physics, transportation engineering and simple machines. For kids ages 6 to 14.

When? March 29 to April 2, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Where? Lee Center is located at 1108 Jefferson Street in Alexandria, Virginia (map it).

How much? $250, with extended care available for $50. Call 703-393-9725 for more information. Register online.

Skate Board Camp at Wakefield Skate Park, Annandale, VA
What? For beginner and intermediate skate board riders. Your kids will learn to ride, tac-turn, olly, kick flip, grind, stall, drop in, skate park etiquette and more. Bring your own skateboard, helmet, knee and elbow pads and wrist guards. For kids ages 6 to 13.

When? Session is from March 29 to April 2, from 9 am to 2 pm.

Where? Wakefield Skate Park is located at 8100 Braddock Road in Annandale, Virginia (map it).

How much? $230 for Fairfax County residents and $245 for non-residents. Register online.

Spring Break Camp at At Play Cafe, Reston, VA
What? Fun play time at At Play Cafe in Reston. Activities include 45 minutes of open play, 45 minutes of a special activities, such as singalong, yoga or Sportacus, 15 minutes for snacks 30 minutes of circle time (storytime and craft) and 45 minutes of open play. For kids ages 2 and up. Camp is limited to 8 kids per day. 

When? Two sessions are available: March 29 to April 2 and April 5 to 9. Both sessions are from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. 

Where? At Play Cafe is located at 2254B Hunters Woods Plaza in Reston, Virginia (map it).

How much? $25 per day or $100 for the entire week. Siblings are $20 per day or $80 for the entire week. Call 703-391-6131 for more details.

Springtime Story Ballets at Ballet Petite, McLean, VA
What? Learn ballet with different themes based on favorite stories each day, such as Guess How Much I Love You, the Golden Egg and A Tale for Easter. Snacks, customized craft activities, costumes and props are included. For kids ages 3 to 4.

When? March 29 to April 2, from 9:30 am to 12 pm.

Where? Ballet Petite is located at 6645 Old Dominion Drive in McLean, Virginia (map it).

How much? $225 for the full week or $50 per day. Download registration form or call 703-652-7775 for more information.

Techno Tots Spring Break Camp, Alexandria, VA
What? Become a scientist and learn about biology, environmental science, physics and electricity through interactive stories, crafts, simple science experiments, and active games. Your kids will build vehicles using robot systems and perform construction build challenges using Lego. For kids ages 3 to 5. If your kids are not potty trained, you need to be within 30 minutes. You'll also need to be present for playground time during the last 20 minutes of the session.

When? March 29 to April 2, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Where? Lee Center is located at 1108 Jefferson Street in Alexandria, Virginia (map it).

How much? $120 for camp plus $15 supply fee. Extended care is available for $50. Call 703-393-9725 for more information. Register online.

Wild n' Wacky Camp at Audrey Moore Recreational Center, Annandale, VA
What? Sports, crafts, board games, swimming and of course, wacky fun! For kids ages 6 to 12.

When? Session is from March 29 to April 2, from 9 am to 4 pm daily.

Where? Camp is held at Audrey Moore recreational center, located at 8100 Braddock Road in Annandale, Virginia (map it).

How much? $199 for Fairfax County residents and $214 for non-residents. Register online.

Find more spring break camps in Fairfax County:
Fairfax County Park Authority
City of Alexandria
Our Kids 
Washington Family 

March 2nd is Dr. Seuss's 106th birthday. Check out three free things you can do with your kids to celebrate his birthday in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia this week. 

1. Make green eggs and ham for dinner tonight
Yum, breakfast for dinner! But why just make a green scrambled egg? Go with green eggs and ham sandwich or green eggs and ham quiche. If you're feeling adventurous, try green chili eggs.

2. Go to a bookstore and enjoy a free Dr. Seuss storytime
Here are some local bookstores that hold storytime sessions featuring Dr. Seuss books:'The Cat in the Hat' at Barnes & Noble in Springfield, Virginia: Tuesday, March 2, 10 am
Dr. Seuss storytime at Barnes & Noble in Bethesda, Maryland: Saturday, March 6, 11 am
Read Across America for Dr. Seuss' Birthday at Barnes & Noble in Reston, Virginia: Tuesday, March 2, 4 pm

Also check out Cat-A-Van reading tour from Read Across America on Tuesday, March 2, at 10:30 am. The van will be at at Library of Congress, James Madison Building, Montpelier Room (619), 101 Independence Ave, SE, Washington, DC (map it).

3. Play fun Dr. Seuss games at home
Go to Seussville.com for free online games, or print out some activity sheets:
Cat Tricks! – Challenge your kids to do some tricks that the cat in the hat can do!
Where are the fish? - Help the cat in the hat find one fish, two fish, red fish and blue fish
Can You Find the Cats? – Play a word puzzle game to find as many "cats" as you can
The Sneetches! – Color two sneetches, one with a star and one without
Which Words Don't Belong? – Find words that don't belong in a group (hint: they don't rhyme with the rest!)

Who doesn't like pancakes? Who doesn't like FREE pancakes? Yep, I said free.

Just swing by a participating IHOP restaurant between 7 am and 10 pm today, February 23rd, and you'll get a free short stack (three) of their buttermilk pancakes. As you're enjoying your delicious pancakes, consider making a donation to support local children's hospitals through Children's Miracle Network or other local charities.

Before you go to your nearest IHOP, call them first to see if they participate in this fun day. If you don't know where the nearest IHOP is, check out their restaurant locator. Note that this is for dine-in only and there's a limit of one free short stack per guest.

Happy pancake day!