February is almost here which means we are RIGHT in the middle of winter. Living in the DC area, that can mean the weather is any where from a freezing 14 degrees to a confusingly spring- like 64 degrees. Either way, I know you are looking for opportunities to take your little one out for some fun. Luckily,  Bowie, Md and Prince George’s County have some great play activities for little ones and events for the whole family.

The Wiggle Room – This gem is new to the Crofton area.  The Wiggle Room combines a colorful, engaging and safe play space for you kids with coffee and comfy seating for the adults. Enjoy free play or participate in one of their educational play classes. On Monday of each week, Music with Julia is FREE, you just need to register online as spaces fill quickly.

Black History Live with Culture Queen – Check out the amazing Culture Queen as she instills a sense of cultural pride through singing, dancing and chanting. Live at the Beltsville Library on February 1, 2018 at 3:30 pm. You can also find Culture Queen Live at the Expressions of A People Fest on February 11, 2018 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm.

Rise + Rhyme at Busboys and Poets  (Hyattsville Arts District and Takoma Park) – Every Monday, get out of the house with your kids ages 5 and under for some good food and great kids entertainment. I love Rise + Rhyme as a space for newborn moms and babies to venture out of the house for the first time as the atmosphere is very laid back and very kid and family friendly. Feel little to no pressure as you take time to eat and socialize with other parents while your baby enjoys some quality local entertainment.

South Bowie Library – And you can’t forget reliable story time at the library. Just for babies ages 0-2, enjoy stories, songs, finger plays, lap games and rhymes to engage your child. You can meet and chat with local moms and enjoy some free play with age appropriate toys afterwards. If you don’t think your child is ready for story time yet, the South Bowie Library has a great play area in the children’s section of the the library.

College Park Aviation Museum – Check out this local hidden gem for the little pilots in your life.  On Saturday February 3, 2018 at 2:00 pm, learn about the first African Americans to take to the skies in Afternoon Aviators: Simulators and African-American Pilots.  On February 19, 2018 at 11:00 am, discover the history of the mailbox at Discovery Cart- The Mailbox and it’s African American Inventor.

Expressions of A People – This is a  FREE! black history celebration on February 11, 2018 form 1:00 to 6:00 pm, featuring musical performances, children’s activities, workshops, and entertainment for the entire family. The celebration is lead by greeter and storyteller, Baba-C, and our always popular Culture Queen, Jessica Smith. There will also be plenty of activities include mask-making, face painting, a caricaturist, a make-and-take pottery workshop, and a S.T.E.A.M. workshop.

The Drinking Gourd Revised – On February 25, 2018 from 2:00 – 3:30 pm, experience this modern take on the story The Drinking Gourd. The story is based on a song that slaves sang expressing their desire to be free. They would follow the Big Dipper, the drinking gourd, north to Canada and freedom.

Now that you’ve got some ideas on where you can stay warm during this chilly winter, make sure you come back and leave a comment below to let me now which activities you tried and how you liked it.

Got an event or activity that I’m leaving out? Let me know in the comments or send me an email and I’ll be sure to include it next time.