Inauguration Festivities with Kids

As I, my kids, and my furnace can tell you -- it's cold! That makes finding something inaugural, inspiring, and kid-friendly even more challenging. Here are a couple of options close to home (as in, "I'm not willing to take my kids on the Metro into DC"):

Mount Vernon is hosting some inaugural activities including a special storytelling time "Once Upon a Time at Mount Vernon " for kids ages 3 - 8 at 2PM January 19 - 21, and on the weekends in January at 2PM. They also are featuring a special exhibition of presidential china, inaugural buttons from years past, and an area where kids can pretend to take the oath of office with a life-size model of George Washington. Tickets are $15 for adults (here's a coupon for 20% off adult ticket prices) and $7 for kids over 5. Kids under 5 are free.

The Torpedo Factory in Old Town is serving free hot chocolate and hot cider from 11 to 5 on Tuesday, January 20th in honor of the new president's big day. They'll also being projecting the Inaugural ceremony and parade on a big screen in their main hall.

You can't get much closer to home than by staying put and enjoying the view from your couch. If you want to add some more oomph to the day for your kids but without leaving home, check out Family Fun's 11 Top Patriotic Treats, Crafts, and Printables. (The "Edible Eagle" is sure to be a favorite.)