Kids’ Tech University 2011

“Children are full of “why” questions about the world.  The goal of Kids’ Tech University (KTU) is to explore questions that will spark kids’ interests and excitement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.” – http://kidstechuniversityorg

Kids’ Tech University is a spring semester program developed by the Bioinformatics Institute at Virginia Tech and Virginia 4-H.  KTU is open to kids between the ages of 9 and 12 (as of September 30, 2010) who reside within a 4 hour drive of Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus.

450 children will be accepted into the program and online registration begins at 6:00pm EST on December 6, 2010.  For enrollment details, please click here.  The program is free; however, there is a $25 registration fee.  Parents may apply for scholarships for the registration fee.  The dates for KTU 2011 are:  January 29, February 26, March 26 and April 9.

Registration is limited so be sure to register online as soon as it begins on December 6th!

Drive In Movie Theaters in Virginia

Vintage sign from the Keysville Drive-In

Believe it or not, the drive-in movie theater is still alive and well in many parts of Virginia. While many have been updated with new sound systems, radio frequencies and websites, the heart of the operation remains the same. An inexpensive, wholesome place to spend time with family and friends under the stars.

Many theaters are only open on certain dates/days so be sure to call ahead or visit their websites before going.  Also, be sure to bring cash as some theaters do not accept credit/debit cards.

The Moonlite Theatre in Abingdon (Washington County) was opened in 1949 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Starlite Drive-In in Christiansburg (Montgomery County) has been open since 1952.

The Fork Union Drive-In (Fluvanna County) is the smallest drive-in theater in Virginia and has a Facebook page.

Hull’s Drive-In in Lexington (Rockbridge County) was saved from closure by local residents and is pet friendly.

Keysville Drive-In (Charlotte County) has a new concessions menu for this year and a Facebook page.

Park Place Drive-In in Marion (Smyth County) is a newer facility built after the old theater was replaced with a Walmart.

Central Drive-In in Norton (Wise County) opened in 1952 and borders the Jefferson National Forest.

Family Drive-In in Stephens City (Frederick County) is the closest drive-in in Virginia to Washington DC.

Mayberry Drive-In in Moneta (Bedford County) opened in June of 2008 and is adjoined by a diner.

Goochland Drive-In in Hadensville (Goochland County) is the newest drive-in in Virginia; opening in August of 2009.

National Park Week April 17-25

FREE Access to almost 400 National Parks next week for National Park Week!

Explore the stunning beauty and amazing stories found in your national parks and celebrate National Park Week!

With the national nonprofit partner, the National Park Foundation, NPS is making a special inivitation to Share a Park, and Shape a Life by helping a young person experience the parks and plant the seed of stewardship.

Also, Saturday, April 24, is National Junior Ranger Day, and children can take part in kid-friendly activities and earn their very own junior ranger patch!  In addition, many national park concessioners are offering special promotions that are certain to add to your fun.

National parks across the country are hosting events andvolunteer projects on Earth Day – April 22 – and throughout the week.

Click here for a list of all participating parks in Virginia.

Free Fishing Tournament for Kids!

You are invited to the

27th Annual Mudbass Classic Tournament

Saturday, April 17, 2010
9:00 AM – 12:00 noon

At the Duck Pond – Virginia Tech Campus, Blacksburg, VA

The College of Natural Resources cordially invites all alumni, family, and friends to join us for our 27th Annual Mudbass Classic Tournament. This is a FREE fishing tournament for all ages, sponsored by the Virginia Tech Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Virginia Tech Chapter of the American Fisheries Society.

For more information, contact Lane Guilliams at laneg@vt.edu or 540/231-2512.

New Year’s Eve is for Kids!

Thanks to the wonderful folks over at Virginia.org for putting together this fabulous list of family-friendly events for New Year’s Eve in Virginia!

First Nights and New Year’s Eve – Virginia Is For Lovers

Posted using ShareThis

Halloween Craft Events at Michael’s

This came across my email today and looked like an inexpensive (or FREE) activity for the kids!  These events will all be held and sponsored by your local Michael’s Arts and Crafts store.  For a list of stores near your area, please click here.

The Knack Great Pumpkin Event
Saturday, October 10
10am–1pm

Bring the whole family to Michaels and create your own craft pumpkin. $5 per pumpkin ($7 Canada), includes supplies. While supplies last.

The Knack FREE Family
Halloween T-Shirt Event*
Sunday, October 25
1pm–3pm

Use your hand to make a special Halloween t-shirt that is sure to spook. Just purchase the t-shirt of your choice at Michaels and decorate it for FREE using our paint supplies! While supplies last.

*Parents, we also have an Adult Mask-Making Demo going on at the same time. Learn how to turn an ordinary mask into an extraordinary costume accessory!

The Knack FREE Family
Halloween Event
Saturday, October 31
10am–12pm

Bring the kids in to kick off Halloween! Come and get a FREE trick-or-treat pail! Plus, enjoy a free coloring activity, FREE Crayola® pencil topper demo using Crayola® Model Magic® FusionTM and a Make-It Take-It Halloween frame. Children will also receive a FREE balloon and candy. While supplies last. Ages 5–12 welcome.

Virginia Children’s Festival in Norfolk

AT&T is sponsoring the 21st Annual Children’s Festival in Norfolk on October 10, 2009 at Town Point Park.

The Children’s Festival now in its 21st year is filled with more than 100 creative and interactive activities, storytelling, hands‐on workshops and educational displays, cultural experiences, arts and crafts, stage shows and costumed characters.  This event is designed with children 10 and younger in mind (from the list of activities provided, I would make that 8 and younger).

There is a $3 admission with a portion of the proceeds being donated to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  To purchase tickets click here.  AT&T wireless phone customers will receive 1 free admission with each AT&T wireless phone.  Tickets must be purchased at the gate and phone must be presented to qualify for this special offer.

Cornmazes and Pumpkins – It’s Fall in Virginia!

What child doesn’t love romping through pumpkin patches that seem to go on forever?  Holding a parent’s hand as they weave their way though a corn maze made of corn stalks that seem as tall as Jack’s Beanstalk?  Virginia is filled with places to enjoy the fruits of fall and Virginia.org has put them all in a easy-to-navigate online directory for us!  So, pack up the kids and take a day trip this weekend to enjoy the crisp fall air and quality family time!

Smithsonian’s Autumn Conservation Festival

Head to the National Zoo’s Autumn Conservation Festival October 3-4 from 10am-3pm and enjoy an unforgettable day in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  This is the ONE AND ONLY time every year that CRC is open to the public.  And this year, it’s your ticket to getting a peek at the clouded leopard cubs born at CRC this spring!

Visitors get behind-the-scenes looks at some of the CRC’s endangered animals, the bird house, and the veterinary hospital.  One of the Zoo’s endangered brown kiwi’s will also be available for meet and greets.  In addition, there will be live music, draft horse wagon rides and cavalry maneuvers.  Lunch, beverages and zoo-themed merchandise will be available for purchase.

Admission is free for CRC members.  For non-CRC members, a car pass is required and may be purchased for $5.  Car passes are also available at the Front Royal/Warren County Visitor’s Center (414 East Main Street, Front Royal, VA) and at the gate each day of the event.

Please note: The Conservation and Research Center is set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The Autumn Conservation Festival activities are scattered throughout the campus.  Dress appropriately for outdoor activities and wear comfortable walking shoes.  This event will be held rain or shine.

Directions:

From the East (Washington DC Area)

• Take I-66 to the Linden/Route 55 exit (Exit 13)
• Turn left at the bottom of the exit ramp
• Turn right at the first stop light onto VA-55 West and go about five miles
• Turn left at the first traffic light onto US-522 South/Remount Road
• The main gate to the CRC will be on your left in about two miles
• Turn left into the CRC

From the West (Winchester/Strasburg)

• Take I-81 to I-66
• Take the Front Royal/US-522 exit (Exit 6)
• Turn right at the end of the ramp and follow US-522 South/Remount Road through Front Royal and for about two miles south of town
• Turn left into the CRC

October is Kid’s Month in Radford!

Throughout the month of October, come to the Farmer’s Market lot in the 1100 block of East Main Street in Radford for all kinds of activities celebrating kids!

Schedule as follows:

OCTOBER 3 – Scarecrow building and pumpkin painting (“scarecrow clothes” donations always appreciated)
OCTOBER 17 – Kid’s movie matinee
OCTOBER 24 – Kid’s craft activity
OCTOBER 31 – Trick-or-Treat Trail

Date/Hours:
Saturday, October 03, 2009 (10:00 AM-12:30 PM)
Saturday, October 17, 2009 (3:00 PM-5:00 PM)
Saturday, October 24, 2009 (10:00 AM-12:30 PM)
Saturday, October 31, 2009 (3:00 PM-6:00 PM)

For more information, call Main Street Radford at:  540-731-3656 or email:  info@mainstreetradford.org