Beltway Bambinos

Georgetown is not just a college town, it is home to many families. We’ve rounded up the best places to take your Bambinos whether it be for a sweet treat, playground or class. Many immediately think of shopping along M Street but in this guide there is no shopping involved just great things to do with your kids!

1. Georgetown Waterfront Park stretches along the banks of the Potomac River from 31st Street, NW to the Key Bridge. The park is best known for the labyrinth, fountain (pack swim shoes and suits), and rain gardens. Be sure and walk to the waters edge where you will find ducks along the banks begging for food and you may be lucky enough to see the Georgetown Crew team practicing. Your Bambinos will also get plenty of chances to watch airplanes soar overhead.

2. Skip the crowded cobblestone of M Street and walk, bike or run the C&O Canal towpath.

3. Tudor Place is a historical landmark, completed in 1816, lived in by six generations of a single family, and opened to the public in 1988. It is located at 1644 31st Street NW., Washington DC 20007. They offer programs for families, adults, camps and more.

4. Dumbarton Oaks boasts 53 acres in the middle of Washington, DC. A great place to wander for an hour or spend the afternoon relaxing in but be sure to come at all seasons to see the change in beauty. There is an indoor Museum as well.

5. Anna Banana Arts + Crafts is dedicated to teaching and encouraging the artistic process.  Children learn about The Masters such as Picasso, Matisse, van Gogh and Lichtenstein.  Art mediums such as painting, print making, sculpture and photography are presented in a child-friendly manner. Sign up for a class or camp!

6. Pinstripes Bowling + Bocce is a chic bowling alley and bocce ball courts. Monday-Thursday kids enjoy $5 kids meals and $1/hour gaming with the purchase of an adult entree.

7. Hinkley Pottery has a variety of kids and teenager pottery classes.

8. The Georgetown Public Library is beautiful and boasts an amazing kids section on the lowest level. There are plenty of free programming to take advantage of. Before leaving, grab a book and head outside to Book Hill Park take in a panoramic view of Georgetown, the Potomac River, and Virginia beyond.

9. There are several playgrounds, parks and even a public pool in Georgetown. A few of them are; Rose Park + Farmers Market, Montrose Park & Volta Park + Farmers Market, Volta Park public pool

10. Paddle the Potomac from the Thompson Boat Center or Key Bridge Boathouse.

11. Boomerang Pirate Ship is an opportunity to sail down the Potomac while your lads and lasses have the time of their lives with face painting, music, dancing, games and more.

12. Thomas Sweet opened in 1979 and is the place to go for ice cream and sweet treats.

13. Baked & Wired is a coffee shop with decadent cupcakes and sweet treats. My order: Vanilla cupcake with vanilla icing (sounds boring, but trust me). Hands-down the best cupcake in DC. This transcends the hype of cupcakes.

14. The Escape Game offers themed rooms you work collaboratively to unlock. The recommend age is 13 and up at this location.

15. Walk around Georgetown University campus and take in the stunning buildings which date back to 1789.

16. There are several playgroups for the youngest Bambinos. Volta Park Co-Op, Blue Igloo Playgroup, InTown Playgroup + Rose Park Co-Op.

17. In winter, you can ice skate at the Washington Harbour just around the corner from the Waterfront Park.