Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

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  • Home
  • Indoor Fun
    • Theater & musical productions
    • Guide to Indoor Fun for Kids
  • Fall
    • Halloween guide
    • Fall festivals, farms, orchards
    • Fall Foliage Spots and Drives
    • Fall events
    • Fall classes
    • Fall bucket list
    • Survive Daylight Savings
  • Winter
    • Holiday gift guide
    • Holiday shows, ballets and concerts
    • Hanukkah Celebrations
    • Holiday Tea
    • Christmas Trees, Lights & Markets
    • Ski and snowboard
    • Cut-your-own tree
    • Ice rinks and roller rinks
  • Spring
    • Cherry blossoms
    • Easter egg hunts
    • Easter basket & spring gift ideas
    • Spring bucket list
    • Mother’s Day
    • Memorial Day weekend
    • Tax day steals and deals
  • Summer
    • Summer Camps
    • July 4th
    • Ice cream
    • Sunflower Fields
    • Summer bucket list
    • Live outdoor music
    • Outdoor movies
    • Outdoor swimming pools
    • Splash parks
    • Trains!
  • Camps and Classes
    • Fall classes
    • Spring classes
    • Summer camps
    • Mid-winter break camps
    • Winter camps and classes
    • November 2, 4, 5, 11
    • DCPS spring break camps
    • Schools out, camps are in
    • Year-round classes
    • Gymnastics and dance classes
  • Neighborhood Guides
    • Annapolis, MD
    • AU Park, DC
    • Baltimore, MD
    • Bethany Beach, DE
    • Breweries in the DC area
    • Brookland, DC
    • Chevy Chase, DC
    • Georgetown, DC
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • Lancaster County, PA
    • Madison, VA
    • Frederick, MD
    • St. Louis, MO
  • Outdoor Play
    • 15 family friendly hikes
    • Pick your own fruit and vegetables
    • Beaches and state parks
    • Outdoor fun
    • Trails, marshes and gardens
    • 20 classic outdoor games
    • Trains and carousels
  • Beltway Bambinos Concierge
    • Customized itineraries
    • Introducing Beltway Bambinos Concierge
  • About
  • Beltway Travel
    • Introducing Beltway Travel
    • Family Summer Getaways
    • Traveling with Little Ones?
    • Why Now is the Time to Plan
    • Travel Advisors Save You More Than Money
    • Why You Should Work with Me
    • How Do You Make Sure the Trip Has Something for Everyone?
    • DC Hotels with Indoor Pools
  • Itineraries
    • 5 Days in Costa Rica
    • {Winter} Staycation

34 ways to survive Daylight Savings in and around Washington, DC

November 17, 2021

Most of us dread that date in fall that creeps up and turns our strict routine into havoc; Daylight Savings. For parents, it’s a few months where our time spent outdoors comes to a halt and we wonder how to occupy the remainder of the evening (that used to be so sunny) with our children. And contrary to popular belief, the answer is not an earlier bedtime. Let’s be honest, you can only put on an afternoon movie so many times. Here are a few ideas I’ve compiled from readers as well as my own Daylight Savings adventures to help you get out of the house with your Bambino(s) this fall & winter. Don’t forget to check out our indoor fun guide for even more options!  

Ideas for fun outside of your home:

1. Go for a dip at Wilson, Marie Reed or any of DC indoor swimming pools or sign up for swimming lessons at an indoor pool.

2. Bloombars has evening classes such as yoga and Bollywood for kids.

3. Drop by a pet store to observe the animals and maybe see some dogs getting groomed.

4. DC Library holds late afternoon family programs and events. Reserve a room at a public library and have a play date with friends.

5. Isn’t Target obvious?! (Try not to buy everything).

6. Grab a lane and try for a strike at Pinstripes or Bowlero. Dinner is served alongside bowling. Locations in Georgetown, Rockville & Bethesda.

7. Walk around Union Market, grab dinner and shop. Politics & Prose is now located here which is a bonus– get lost in a book or two.

8. Hotel lobbies can be fascinating, especially around the holidays. Plus, they have bathrooms and heat.

9. Get creative at Treehouse Atelier, Red Panda Art Studio, District Dabble Lab, The Loft Collective, Anna Banana or All Fired Up.

10. Child’s Play and Politics and Prose can be great places for your kids to check out new toys and books. Child’s Play has many toys laid out and welcome kids to play with them. Again, try not to buy everything =)

11. Go out to dinner at one of these DC restaurants that offer entertainment for kiddos.

12. Speaking of dinner, there are so many restaurants that offer KIDS EAT FREE throughout the week and weekend. (updating this soon)

13. Grab a flashlight and go on an adventure walk. Bonus if you have time to create a scavenger hunt and if not check out these.

14. Check the bus route and take a random ride. All DC Circulator rides are $1, DC Students (with Kids Ride Free SmarTrip® Card) – free to school and school-related activities and children under 5 – free (with paying adult rider). Metro is also a fun option!

15. Fairmont Hotel has a piano and a pretty garden, is fairly tolerant of children climbing up and down the stairs and enjoying the lobby’s holiday decorations.

16. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage has free, daily shows that begin at 6:00pm. Catch the show or just part of it, explore and walk the long foyer and look at the mirrors, ramps, etc. Be sure to take a look at the new addition; REACH. Go outside onto the terrace and watch the cars on the bridge or boats on the water.

17. Lace up those skates and go ice skate! (will update to 2021 soon)

18. Enroll in a winter class.

19. Dare I say, grocery shop….but my kids love making lists and my youngest loves pushing the cart while I pick up everything she knocks over with said cart. Bonus– if you know of a store with a fun kid-car or kid-cart (Giant & Trader Joes grocery stores are the only one I can think of).

20. Go see a movie! Splurge for some popcorn and a later bedtime.

21. Happy Hour doesn’t have to wait until 5pm….Early dinner or apps (see #11 & #12).

22. Head to a Mall; head to the Apple store, food court or movie theatre. This Mall has a great family area. Chevy Chase Pavilion is a 3-story mall that will keep little kids attention with flashy lights and escalators and even has an underground tunnel that will take you across Wisconsin Ave. to more stores. Of course Tyson’s Corner is the mecca for shoppers but a trek for most of us.

23. Drop-in and play at The Lane.

24. One of these indoor spaces is a great option but check their hours before heading out.

Ideas for fun in your home in case you can’t escape:

1. Bake or cook something with your Bambino(s). Get some ideas or sign up for a class with Tiny Chefs and Together We Cook.

2. Get bath paints or crayons and let your child get artsy and messy in the bath– bonus they can get clean while having fun. Bath bombs are also a hit especially these with surprises inside!

3. Buy this slime kit so you have it on hand! Make your own play doh or slime. While you’re at it, create a sensory box.

4. Arts and crafts can provide endless fun and messes (put your OCD tendencies aside). This is a great starter box that has plenty of supplies.

5. Put on a play– get out that old camcorder and record them. Your iPhone will suffice too 😉

6. Download some educational apps on your device and set a timer.

7. Have your child help organize/fold socks when you’re doing laundry. My littlest loves to “wash” dishes; fill the sing with plenty of soap and give them a sponge or brush and have them wash those dishes that may have piled up.

8. Make a fort, add pillows and blankets and watch a movie, grab a flashlight and/or read stories.

9. Playdates help the time go by, (unless the kids don’t play together) and in that case you’d rather be doing one of the above mentioned activities.

10. Listen to a podcast or subscribe to Pinna.

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Filed Under: Classes, Fall, Food, Fun from home, Indoor Play, Winter Tagged: daylight savings, outdoor

Winter camps and classes in and around Washington, DC

November 4, 2021

Thanksgiving camps:

Nov. 24: HoopEd
Throughout the school year, HoopEd offers special, one to five-day sports camps for children, ages 5-13, who are out of school due to Federal holidays, parent-teacher conferences, professional development days and winter/spring break. Camps are held in the gyms and playgrounds of local area schools between the hours of 9:00am and 3:00pm with after care available until 5:30pm.

Nov. 24: Silver Stars Gymnastics
Throughout camp the kids learn progressive gymnastics skills on all of the four Olympic events: vault, bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. In addition we incorporate other fun equipment: Tumble Trak, Double Mini, Olympic Competitive Trampolines, Rings, Zip Line and Rope.

Nov. 23 & Nov. 24: Squash on Fire
Designed for players of every skill level, our junior camps focus on drills, matchplay, strategy, and fitness. Your kids will make new friends while improving their squash! Thanksgiving camp will run from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm on 11/23 and 11/24 with lunch included, and participants will be broken into groups based on age and playing level. Juniors between 6 – 18 years old are welcome to participate. The cost for one day is $175 per player.

Nov. 26: My Gym Potomac
Drop your kids off for three hours of cool and nonstop fun at My Gym including games, crafts, gymnastics and sports!

Winter camps:

Dec. 20 – Dec. 31: HoopEd Sports Camp

Dec. 20 – Dec. 30: Squash on Fire

Dec. 23 & Dec. 27 – 30: Dynamite Gymnastics

Dec 23 – 31: My Gym Potomac

Dec. 23 – Dec. 31: Gymnastics Camp at Silver Stars

Dec. 27-30: Woodland Horse Center

Winter classes:

Adventure Theatre: Musical theatre classes for grades K-5 and 5-12

Anna Banana Arts & Crafts: Art classes in Glover Park for 2-10 year olds

Bach 2 Rock: Weekly music and movement classes for toddlers

Brazilian–American Cultural Center: Capoeira for youth and adults as well as Portuguese language classes, yoga, various types of Brazilian dance and youth art classes

Brit-Am Soccer Academy: Small group soccer classes and lessons starting with toddlers and going up to 2nd grade

CREATE Arts Center: CREATE offers an exciting mix of on-site art classes year-round for children ages 2-16, such as: Drawing and Painting, Mixed Media Art, Comics & Cartooning, Kids Pottery, Family Pottery and more

Creative Youth: Sewing classes for ages 7-17

Dance & Gymnastics classes can be found here

DC Soccer Club: Soccer program starting at age 3 going through high school

District Dabble Lab: Art classes for Kindergarten-grade 6 using a variety of materials and techniques

Edlavitch DCJCC: Offers child & caregiver classes as well as afternoon classes and camps

Happy Little Art Studio: Offering a variety of art classes in-person and virtual

Imagination Stage: Theme-based classes for children ages 1 – 18

International School of Music: Offering in-person and virtual music classes

Just For Kids: A variety of sports classes for ages 18months – 11 year olds

Kicks are for Kids: Small group soccer classes at various locations

Miss Amy’s Music Makers: Offering virtual music class as well as class at an outdoor park for children under the age of 6

Montgomery County Recreation Department: An enormous variety of classes for all ages (don’t have to be a Montgomery Co resident to enroll)

My Gym Potomac: Outdoor classes, sports, dance, ninja and mixed-sibling classes for kids ages 3 months – 10 years old

Red Panda Art Studio: Morning and after-school classes for ages 2-10, in-studio and outdoor workshop options

Silver Stars Gymnastics: Classes for children ages 18 months and up

Squash on Fire: Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, the coaching staff has the talent and experience to help you improve your squash game for kids and adults

Super Soccer Stars: Soccer for kids 12 months to 6 years old

Synetic Theater: Each Saturday morning class will have a theme/focus for kids grades K-12.

Tinkergarten: Outdoor and virtual classes for kids 1.5-8 years old, refer to a previous post we wrote for more insight

Tunes 4 Tots: Music classes for kids 4 and under

Quick Feet: Soccer for 2-7 year olds in DC, MD and VA

Parent groups:
Group for first and second time Moms PACE
Returning to work after maternity leave through Mindful Return

Related posts:
Horseback riding
Yoga with your Bambinos
Year-round classes

Indoor gyms:
My Gym Bethesda & Potomac
BusyBees 
Gymboree 
MoCo Movement 

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Filed Under: Classes, Winter Tagged: break, classes, no school, winter

Weekend programs at The Kreeger Museum

October 4, 2021

I’ve relayed to you my love for The Kreeger Museum in past posts and now I am excited to share they are bringing back family-friendly events to the museum!

Saturdays at The Kreeger Museum: Winged Things– Make a thing and give it wings! Kids use their imagination to create a unique “winged thing” and see it take flight! Registration is $10. Please note that this class will be held outdoors. Please dress accordingly. In the event of inclement weather the class will be cancelled and refunds will be issued.

In addition to Winged Things, The Kreeger Museum has a variety of other outdoor activities planned including yoga and a drum circle.


Saturday, October 9 | 10:30am
– Yoga in the Sculpture Garden Recommended for Age 12+
Saturday, October 9 | 2:30pm – Winged Things
Saturday, October 16 | 10:30am – Djembe Drumming Recommended for Age 7+
Saturday, October 23 | 10:30am – Sketching in the Sculpture Garden Recommended for Age 12+ 
Saturday, October 23 | 2:30pm – Vision Boarding
Saturday, October 30 | 10:30am – Djembe Drumming Recommended for Age 7+

Location: 2401 Foxhall Road, NW Washington D.C. 20007

Notes: Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 is required for all individuals 12 and older to attend all programs and events at The Kreeger Museum. Masks are required in all indoor spaces regardless of vaccination status in all indoor spaces at The Kreeger Museum.

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Filed Under: Classes Tagged: art, outdoor, The Kreeger Museum

What kid wouldn’t LOVE this musical opportunity? ♫

September 14, 2021

The International School of Music is offering music lessons in-person and online! Save 50% off registration if you sign up before September 30.

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Filed Under: Camp, Classes, Music, Sponsored Post Tagged: ismw, music lessons

Step into nature with Growing Gardeners at Dumbarton House

August 26, 2021

Get out of the house and into nature on Saturday, August 28 with Dumbarton House! During the “Growing Gardeners” program, children will learn about seasonality and the labor of planting seeds, coming to a new appreciation of where their food comes from and recognizing the importance of gardens in the past and the present. Registration includes a tour of the house, a garden activity booklet to help you explore our historic grounds, a coloring book about the history of Dumbarton House, and a seed experiment to take home! There are three one-hour time slots to choose from, so you can pick what works best for your schedule by clicking here. All children are welcome and any Girl Scouts who attend will earn their Gardener Badge (and receive a Dumbarton House patch!). This program is ideal for children ages 8-12. Younger siblings who are not participating are welcome to tag along for free. They have free parking on site as well. Please email the Education department with questions.

Share your love of reading with them!

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Filed Under: Classes, Education Tagged: Dumbarton House, Growing Gardeners

Horseback riding lessons, camps and trail rides in and around Washington, DC

July 27, 2021

Rock Creek Park Horse Stables– Washington, DC
Deep in the woods of Rock Creek Park, you can find peace in the company of horses and those who love them. Rock Creek Park Horse Center is one of Washington D.C.’s best-kept secrets and the only public riding facility in the nation’s capital. They offer boarding, camps, trail rides, pony rides, and lessons for first-time riders through well-seasoned equestrians.

Urbana Riding Club– Frederick, MD
A premier full-service equestrian facility located in southern Frederick County near I-270 and Sugarloaf mountain. They offer full care stall boarding and year-round lesson & leasing programs for riders of all ages and skill levels. Come enjoy the beautiful heated indoor, three outdoor riding rings, cross country fields, and over 2.5 miles of private trails!

Camp Olympia– Rockville, MD
They offer lessons year round at the facility on Muncaster Mill Road, Rockville, Maryland with a very flexible schedule. They have special programs which include horse shows, spring and winter break camp, one day camps for school holidays, birthday parties, Girl Scout badges and CHA Riding Instructor Certification Clinic.

Potomac Horse Center– North Potomac, MD
The heart of the Potomac Horse Center is an extensive teaching program featuring riding classes for 5 to 8 year old children – through adults of all levels. In addition, a strong classical dressage program, combined training, and a hunter/jumper program are available with riders competing under different trainers on both the “A” and local hunter/jumper circuits. They offer a variety of activities with approximately 12 horse shows a year and a busy calendar of clinics featuring internationally recognized clinicians in many disciplines. PHC also offers other recreational activities such as birthday parties, individual pony rides, trail riding classes through wooded parkland, open houses, a summer horse camp program, therapeutic horseback riding, and more.

Calleva Horse Adventure Programs– Dickerson, MD
Private lessons and after school horse programs are very popular at Calleva. Tiny Tots is a program created especially for children ages 3 to 6.  Riding lessons are taught in a fun and age appropriate setting. They also offer horse back riding camp to kids ages 9-15. Have a horse birthday party or a scout field trip.

Reddemeade Equestrian Center– Silver Spring, MD
Private lessons starting at age 3; Group Lessons for ages 7 and up. For smaller children or any student looking to get more in-depth knowledge, we offer one-on-one instruction in 30, 45, or 60 minute interval

Wheaton Park Stables– Silver Spring, MD
WPS is a family-oriented riding stable specializing in group lessons, pony pal lessons, summer camps, birthday parties and trail rides. 

Woodend Horse Center– Silver Spring, MD
They welcome everyone, from beginners and recreational riders to dressage lovers, hunter-jumpers, eventers, Western pleasure riders, and anyone who just loves being around horses! For more than 30 years, they’ve been sharing the art, sport, and joy of riding through lessons, camps, clinics, and more. They offer access to a 25-acre estate with lighted indoor and outdoor rings, paddocks, stables, fields, and riding trails. It’s a perfect place to learn to ride, improve your equestrian skills, expand your horsemanship, or just have fun in the saddle.

Meadowbrook Stables– Chevy Chase, MD
They offer riding and horsemanship lessons in hunters, hunt seat equitation, and jumpers to riders of all levels, ages 6 through adult. They also offer a range of summer camp programs, as well as boarding, leasing and showing opportunities.

Out of the Box Stables– Gaithersburg, MD
They offer a lot of programs here! Including a monthly lead line classes for 5 years old and under. The children take turns being led around the ring on the different horses and ponies they choose. This is a one hour session! Individual lessons, birthday parties and summer camp can be found at Out of the Box.

NFF Stables– Poolesville, MD
NFF Stables began as Nothing Fancy Farm back in 1999 and has grown quite a bit over the years, and today they have a top-notch boarding and riding facility. Though their horses and stables are quite fancy, their attitude is not! If you’re looking for a barn that is professional, yet laid-back and fun – NFF Stables is for you! They offer boarding – both full care and field board; private, semi-private and group riding lessons for all ages from beginners on up; a show team that attends shows throughout the area; and summer programs. 

Little Burgundy Farm Stables– Alexandria, VA
Little Burgundy Farm is a small, private horse farm located near the intersection of I-495 and Telegraph Road, in Alexandria, VA — a little piece of the country tucked away in the dense suburbs of northern Virginia. They offer access to horses and riding facilities through their equestrian riding club program, allowing members to take riding lessons on a recurring basis. They are well suited for experienced riders as well as new riders — both adult and youth riders that are at least 7 years — who are interested in taking weekly riding lessons and improving riding skills or simply enjoying the sport. 

Mulford Riding School– Centreville, VA
Offering lessons, camps and boarding.

JBIT Ranch– Berryville, VA
All are welcome no matter their skill level or their goals as long as you simply seek to have a natural relationship with the horse. They provide a full range of horse services including English and Western Horseback Riding Lessons, Horse Training, Horse Boarding, Quality Horse Sales.  They even offer summer Horseback Riding Camps for young and old alike with a focus on natural horsemanship, responsibility and relationship.

Brentsville Stables– Manassas, VA
Family owned and operated specializing in English riding lessons for ages 4 and up.

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Filed Under: Birthday, Camp, Classes, Education Tagged: horseback ride, horses, lessons, pony

Fun-filled summer camp at Confetti

June 23, 2021

This is a sponsored post by Confetti– we only promote programs we know readers will find value in.

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Filed Under: Camp, Classes, Sponsored Post, Summer Tagged: camp, summer

Creative Kids Home for the Summer? Try ♫ Music Lessons & Save 50% off Registration!

May 25, 2021

The International School of Music is offering virtual and in-person music classes this summer. Click the above image or link to save 50% off registration!

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Filed Under: Classes, Music, Sponsored Post, Summer Tagged: classes, ismw, summer

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