Ringling Brothers Circus

The Ringing Brothers are back with a brand new show that promises to thrill everyone from toddlers to grandparents. Their show delivers a mix of new adventures with old nostalgia. The Ringling Brothers was started by five American brothers during the late 19th century. They closed in 2017 after operating for 146 years year, but is back, and I'm thrilled to say that as times have changed, they are not animal free, and incorporating all kinds of new acts. 

Ringling Brothers will be at the Hampton Coliseum March 14-16 and at Norfolk Scope March 21-23. The acts are full of talent, and we left so impressed. Don't miss it while it's here! 

Smithsonian Visit

We were in the DC area a few weeks ago for a show, so we headed to two Smithsonian museums during the day. We always park outside the city and ride the metro in, which is not only easier, but our kids enjoyed. The concert we went to was in Silver Springs, so we parked at that station. Parking was $3 and we were there for about 6 hours. You'll need to purchase a metro card if you don't have one for $2 and then add money to it, or use your apple or google wallet.

We got off at the Smithsonian stop which is on the blue and orange lines. From there it is about a 3 minute walk to both the Natural History Museum and the American History Museum. We were there just after lunch and had no lines at either museum. You will go through metal detectors and have your bags searched. You can't bring in food, but you'll want to keep a water bottle on you. We found no regular water fountains, just bottle refill stations. 

Inside the Natural History Museum you'll find dinosaurs, all kinds of animal exhibits, exhibits on light, cell phones, stones and gems, exhibits on Ancient Mali and Egypt, and more. You could spend days at this museum. In the American History Museum, our favorite exhibits were the transportation and entertainment nation. We wanted to see the Wegman's Wonderplace which is for kids, but it is only open 10-4 Wednesday through Saturday. 

Most of the museums are open from 10:00-5:30 with a few exceptions. The American Art Museum, Portrait Gallery,  and Archives of Art Museum are open from 11:30-7:00 pm. The American Indian and Anacostia Community museums are open 10:00-5:00. The zoo is open from 8:00-6:00 in spring and summer and 8:00-4:00 otherwise. The museums are free, but you will need reserved passes to get into the American American History and Culture Museum, Air and Space DC Museum, and the National Zoo. 

Norfolk Admirals

Last weekend we headed down to Scope to see the Norfolk Admirals play. We hadn't been since my oldest was very small, and the youngest had never been, so it was a perfect time to see them play. This season the team is doing really well, and I was excited to see that they had a great crowd. 

Some things I learned about discounts on tickets: 

• Teachers, first responders, military, and college students receive $5 off tickets. 
• Season tickets go on sale in February, and offer a 30% discount per ticket. Their unused ticket policy is similar to the Tides, where you can trade in any unused tickets for current games. 
  
• Groups of ten or more can save using their group ticket sales 
• Flex Vouchers offer savings when you purchase six or more vouchers which can be traded in for tickets. 

Also, a note that Sunday and Wednesday nights have a happy hour special which offers discounts on drinks and food. 

The boys enjoyed the game and are already asking to return! 

Places to Play while you work

With winter in full swing, you may be dealing with school closures or delays while you try to work from home, or you may be dealing with young kids who are looking to get some energy out outside of your home. Here is a round up of a few places where kids can play while you work. 

Town Square Play Cafe: Located in Deep Creek, this play cafe is great for ages 0-8. With a combination of gross and fine motor skills, kids can use imaginative play while you sit at the tables outside of the play area and drink a coffee or work. Although the name says cafe, they don’t sell hot food (just prepackaged snacks) but you can bring your own. We have ordered pizza from the place a few stores down and eaten right in the cafe. We have spent about 4 hours here.

Persnickety Crane Cafe: Should you find yourself at a meeting all the way in Yorktown, checkout this play cafe which is a full service restaurant and play area. 

The Play Spot: Also in Chesapeake, The Play Spot is great for older and younger kids, ages 10 and under. You’ll purchase your daily ticket for adults and children, and head inside. There isn’t an official spot to work, and you can’t bring in food, but you can sit outside the play area while kids play. These are timed tickets, so you’ll need to select your tickets ahead of time. There is a variety of things to play with, with several rotating areas, which means you’ll be able to visit more than once without getting bored. 

Funville: Plan to spend the full day here with kids playing on this large indoor playground. Here kids will get a full day of gross motor skills. There is a large entrance fee, and you can’t bring food in, so plan accordingly. They have a full restaurant on site with pizza, cheese sticks, and more. 

Jungle Jamz Play Cafe: Located in Suffolk, this play cafe is for ages 0-7 and their guardians.

Sage Kitchen: While not a play cafe, Sage Kitchen is a restaurant where you could sit and order food and drinks and work while they play. Their food is fresh and healthy, and they sell coffee and fresh-pressed juices. Kids can play on their outdoor play area, their soccer pool table, or purchase tickets to putt putt or use their arcade, all on site. It’s worth the drive to Pungo to check it out. And it's got great gardening shopping.

5 Coffee Shops to Visit With Kids

Firehouse 1881: Stop in this Hampton coffee shop to get some work done while kids play. While not a play area, the coffee house is located in an old fire station, and there is a whole wall of firefighter toys. They sell ice cream by the scoop. 

Apelu Island Cafe: Located very close to our neighborhood in The Little Creek Square, stop by this coffee shop with a small play area for small kids, and lots of cards and games for big kids. 

Coaster Coffee: Directly across the street from Northside Park you’ll find Coaster Coffee, which has a few games and toys for kids. Let them sit on the stage and play with these during your next zoom meeting or reading your next book. 

Cova: Located in East Beach, spend a nice weather day where kids can play outside. They have a large sandbox, but my kids also love to bring a football and pass while the parents sit and relax. (A note, Cova no longer does Mini Mondays)

Sawdust Road: Another outdoor option, Sawdust Road is located in Pungo and has a playground, picnic tables, and a few play houses. They have baked goods on site as well as a variety of drinks made to order.