The Fun Box

We crossed the water over Spring Break to check out "The Fun Box," located outside of Patrick Henry Mall. The Fun Box will spend the spring there and then travel back to Virginia Beach this fall. The Fun Box was created by the oldest sibling of ten from the foster care system and wants to give families a place to play. What's cool about this place is that adults are invited and encouraged to play, too. We did... and not only did we laugh the whole time, but our watches told us that our hearts were racing. 

Their location is open Fridays at 4:30- 6:45, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30- 6:45. Tickets are sold in 75 minute blocks and then they close down to clean in between sessions. Our favorite thing about this park was the staff. Not only was there staff around every corner, but they were engaged with the kids and enforcing the rules to keep everybody safe. Snowcones and water are available for purchase on site.

 

Painting With A Twist

I've been putting in more of an effort to spend one-on-one time with my kids recently, so my oldest and I checked out "Painting With A Twist" in Hampton on Sunday. On Sunday afternoons, they offer family days, where an artist sketches out the painting for you to make it a little easier, and then instructs you on how to fill it in. We chose to each paint an otter in such a way that they were holding hands, but there are lots of offerings on upcoming dates. Paintings are between $27-$29 depending on the size canvas you'd like. This includes a snack and a non-alcoholic drink, also. Our class was 1.5 hours. It was a great experience for us, because it's something new that we hadn't done together. We want to go back and check out the "Paint Your Pet" night next! 

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!