While we build our new home at National Harbor, here are a few more of our favorite places for families to visit for the week of October 31, 2011.

National Building Museum
Museum devoted to the history of architecture and the built environment.

Activities: On November 1 at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., families are invited to the National Building Museum's Building Zone to read the book of the month, Urban Animals.  The children's story Urban Animals focuses on how animals have been integrated into architecture.  This free story time is recommended for ages 3 to 5. 

401 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
T 202.272.2448
W http://go.nbm.org/site/Calendar/427420292

New Carrollton Public Library
Prince George's County Public Library.

Activities: Celebrate Halloween this Monday at the New Carrollton Public Library.  The library will hold a festive Halloween Hijinks party in honor of the holiday.  Kids are encouraged to dress up and enjoy snacks and activities.  This free program will take place October 31 at 4 p.m.

7414 Riverdale Road
New Carrollton, MD 20784
T 301.459.6900
W www.prge.lib.md.mus/hallw3.nc

Watkins Nature Center
Nature center in Prince George's County's Watkins Regional Park.

Activities: Families are invited to Watkins Nature Center for Trash to Treasure: A Green Craft Fair.  All are welcome to enjoy this craft fair full of environmentally family vendors.  Along with vendors and food, there will be hands-on crafts and demonstrations for all ages.  Trash to Treasure: A Green Craft Fair will occur Saturday, November 5 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Admission to the fair is free.

301 Watkins Park Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
T 301.218.6702
W www.pgparks.com/page33505.aspx/

American Indian Museum
Smithsonian museum dedicated to the preservation of American Indian history.

Activities: Join the American Indian Museum in welcoming the Chicksaw Nation in a three day celebration of history and heritage.  This celebration is presented in conjunction with the exhibit that highlights November as Native American Heritage Month. Enjoy performances, hands-on activities, story-telling, and more in this celebration for all ages.  Programming will happen November 3, 4, and 5 between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Admission to the Museum and celebration is free.

300 Maryland Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20024
T 202.633.1000
W www.nmai.si.edu/subpage.cfm?subpage=events

Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Library
DC Public Library.

Activities: The Shaw Library invites families to Mother Goose on the Loose, a free program on November 4 at 10 a.m. Recommended for ages 6 to 24 months, children can practice and learn skills to help them on the path to reading.  This program will incorporate a variety of different engaging activities ranging from rhymes to movement to musical instruments.

1630 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
T 202.727.1288
W www.dclibrary.org/node/2798

National Postal Museum
Smithsonian museum dedicated to preserving the history of the United States Postal Service.

Activities: To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, the National Postal Museum invites families to learn about the connections between Native Americans and the United States Postal Service.  Kids will learn about famous Native Americans who have been featured on stamps, as well as participate in story time.  This program will take place Saturday, November 5 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Admission to the Museum and program is free.

2 Massachusetts Ave., NE
Washington, DC 20002
T 202.633.5555
W www.postalmuseum.si.edu/museum/1b_calendar.html#/?i=1

Agricultural History Farm Park
Maryland park that celebrates the past, present, and future of farming in Montgomery County.

Activities: All are invited this weekend to the Blacksmiths and Friends Traditional Arts Festival.  There will be demonstrations by blacksmiths, as well as vendors and hayrides.  Admission and parking are free, although there will be food sold priced to purchase.  This festival will occur November 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

18400 Muncaster Road
Derwood, MD 20855
T 301.670.4661
W www.montgomeryparks.org/facilities/ag_farm.shtm

Oakley Cabin African American Museum & Park
Historic Maryland cabin.

Activities: On November 5 from noon to 4 p.m., join the Oakley Cabin staff in celebrating Maryland Emancipation Day.  The museum will be open free to the public.  Visitors can participate in guided tours, demonstrations, an archaeological dig, and a live Blues performance.  There will be hands-on crafts as well as time-period themed games.

3620 Brookeville Road
Olney, MD 20832
T 301.650.4373
W www.oakleycabin.org/

Josiah Henson Special Park
Landmark that helped inspire the book Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Activities: In celebration of Maryland Emancipation Day, the Josiah Henson Special Park will open its doors Sunday, November 6 to families interested in learning more about this time period.  There will be guided tours offered every half hour between noon and 2:30 p.m., followed by an hour with Rona Arato, the author of the children's book, Working for Freedom: The Story of Josiah Henson from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.  This event is recommended for ages 10 and up.

11420 Old Georgetown Road
North Bethesda, MD 20852
T 301.650.4373
W www.JosiahHensonSite.org

Jammin Java
Performance venue in Northern Virginia.

Activities: Families are invited this Saturday, November 5 at 10:30 a.m. to Jammin Java to see Hope Harris and the Cousins Jamboree perform.  Join in this theatrical adventure as Hope Harris takes kids on a musical journey through song, rhythm, and rhyme.  Accompanied by her band, the performance will include music of all styles and incorporate something for all ages.  Tickets cost $10, kids one and under are free.

227 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180
T 703.255.1566
W www.jamminjava.com/home/kids-events/list