Beltway Bambinos

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

  • Home
  • Indoor Fun
    • Theater & musical productions
    • Guide to Indoor Fun for Kids
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    • Halloween guide
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  • Camps and Classes
    • Fall classes
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  • Outdoor Play
    • 15 family friendly hikes
    • Pick your own fruit and vegetables
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    • 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
  • 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

Summer Reading Sundays with the Washington Nationals

May 25, 2022

The Nationals are proud to be the Team that Reads, promoting reading and literacy in the community. This summer, the Nationals invite you to join us on the Team that Reads through a number of different initiatives! These include joining your local library’s Summer Reading program (launching June 1), Major League Baseball’s Summer Slugger program, or Nationals Summer Reading Ambassadors Sean Doolittle and Josh Bell for Summer Reading Sundays. 

This baseball season, The Washington Nationals have expanded the annual Summer Reading program to include four events at the ballpark – Summer Reading Sundays. All of these, which are FREE to attend with a ticket to that day’s game, feature a read-along with a Nationals player plus other fun activities. This Sunday, Sean Doolittle will be reading to the group, and among the featured games is one of my personal favorites, Mad-Libs. Additionally, each child who attends will receive up to THREE FREE BOOKS to take home.

This Sunday’s event takes place from 12:15-1:15 p.m. in the Kennedy Room, which is located on the Club Level at Nationals Park down the third-base line. First pitch of Sunday’s game vs. the Colorado Rockies is at 1:35 p.m., and gates open at 12:00 p.m.

Additional Summer Reading Sunday events are scheduled for June 12, July 17 and August 14. For more information, including locations for each event, which may change week-to-week, visit here.

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Filed Under: Education, Summer Tagged: library, reading, summer, washington nationals

A weekend with kids in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 29, 2022

The City of Brotherly Love is a place that is near and dear to our family for a variety of reasons. A few years ago we took a family road trip to Philadelphia and had an absolute blast. An easy car ride or train trip from Washington, DC. The city is so walkable and easy to navigate and has so much to offer families visiting. We’ve put together a very packed 3 day itinerary below but keep in mind you can easily spend all day at the museums if you have time to stay longer.

Day 1:

The BEST way to see a city and have the flexibility to get on and off at various places is the Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour! Visit Philadelphia’s top attractions—like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall—on a full loop. You can select from a 1, 2, or 3-day pass. Board at any of the stops and get to know the city at your own pace, with live commentary.

Walk around The Italian Market where dozens of vendors line the street, selling vegetables, fish, meats, spices and produce from their stalls, while gourmet shops and restaurants occupy storefronts in between.

Lunch & dessert at the Italian Market is such a fun way to experience historic South 9th Street. Angelo’s Pizzeria for cheesesteaks and Isgro for italian pastries and cookies. Eat lunch at the nearby playground at S 10th St & Fitzwater St around the corner from Angelo’s Pizzeria.

Explore The Liberty Bell, housed inside of the Liberty Bell Center which spans almost an entire city block on 6th Street between Market and Chestnut Streets. Entrance to the Liberty Bell Center is free and no tickets are required. Walk across the street to Independence Hall, located on Chestnut Street, between 5th and 6th Streets. Tickets are required for entrance to Independence Hall from March through December. After your tour you can sit in the courtyard on benches and relax and take in all of the history.

Day 2:

Explore The Franklin Institute, one of America’s most celebrated museums—a renowned leader in science and technology. You can spend all day here- it is simply the best! Purchase tickets here.

I love this photo with the reflection of the city in it

Have a late lunch at the famous Reading Terminal Market. For 127 years, Reading Terminal has been providing Philadelphia neighbors with their grocery & meal planning needs and more than ever, we stand committed to being here for our community. You can spend a great deal of time walking around, looking at what each vendor has to offer. Think Union Market but on a much, much larger scale.

Philadelphia is a terrific foodie city, but, for visitors, it can be tricky to know where to find the best places to eat. A walking food tour removes the guesswork. Eat your way through the city, from Reading Terminal Market to Sansom Street, and experience the best of the Philly food scene.

Another amazing way to see the city and is sure to entertain your Bambinos is through the Philly by Night Double Decker Bus Tour! After dinner, climb on board and relax on the double decker bus and learn from the 90 minute tour and drive by 27 attractions. You can also do the double decker tour during the day as well.

Day 3:

Grab a coffee from the first La Colombe location found in Rittenhouse Square and walk to Love Park and take a photo in the iconic park.

Tour Eastern State Penitentiary, which was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America’s most notorious lawbreakers, including “Slick Willie” Sutton and “Scarface” Al Capone. Purchase tickets here.

Philadelphia’s Old City Historic Walking Tour is an informative way to end your weekend as you may visit some places you haven’t seen yet. Walk in the footsteps of America’s Founding Fathers on this walking tour of Philadelphia’s old city. Visit important landmarks such as Christ Church, the Ben Franklin Post Office, Carpenters’ Hall, and Independence Hall as your guide narrates local history.

Play at Please Touch Museum, with two full floors of fun, engaging exhibits, children are empowered to pursue their curiosity and explore the wonder of the world around them and within their own imaginations. Make online reservations here.

Eat & Drink-
If we aren’t stuffed from a food tour, we have some favorite places to eat when we are in Philly-
Osteria
Abe Fisher and any of their other restaurants
Cleavers for cheesesteaks
Great breweries in Philadelphia
You gotta try water ice

More Recommended Museums & Attractions-
Benjamin Franklin Museum
Museum of American Revolution

Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Rodin Museum
Mütter Museum
Rittenhouse Square
Rocky Statue & Steps
Elfreth’s Alley
Check out a sports game if you are there at the right time
Google parks near you to experience a local spot

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Filed Under: Education, Food, Indoor Play, Neighborhood Guide Tagged: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, road trip

P.NOKIO: A hip-hop musical opens this week at Imagination Stage

February 23, 2022

P.Nokio: A Hip-Hop Musical

February 26 – March 27

Book and Lyrics by Psalmayene 24

Music by Nick “tha 1da” Hernandez

Directed by Tony Thomas

For your comfort, shows are capped at 50% audience capacity.

G.Petto is an ingenious computer games designer who one day discovers that his newest game character, P.Nokio, can live outside the computer! G.Petto is thrilled at the prospect of having a “son,” and with the help of the Graffiti Fairy, he teaches P.Nokio how to become a real boy. But, P.Nokio falls in with con artists and finds himself in a web of lies that endangers his father. To save G.Petto, P.Nokio must wise up, keep it real, and learn that words and truth are the mightiest weapons of all. A completely contemporary, high-energy musical update of Pinocchio that will have your kids dancing in their seats. Best for ages 5-11.

Purchase tickets here.

Imagination Stage is a holistic theatre arts organization for all children and youth. For more information about our shows, classes, and camps, please visit our website.

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Filed Under: Camp, Classes, Education, Sponsored Post, Theatre Tagged: bethesda, Imagination Stage, musical, P.NOKIO, theatre

A visit to Planet Word Museum

February 22, 2022

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A post shared by Family blog | Allison (@beltwaybambinos)

Planet Word Museum has become a favorite DC museum for our family. Planet Word will inspire and renew a love of words, language, and reading in people of all ages. Through unique, immersive learning experiences, they provide a space to explore words and language that is grounded in a solid understanding of language arts and science. You can read about the current exhibits here. See our sneak peek above which we also posted on Instagram. A few of our families favorite parts of the museum are the magical library, karaoke for one of my Bambinos, and the humor gallery for another Bambino. There is a 22-foot-tall wall of words called Where Do Words Come From? which dives into the story of the English language as well as the origin of many of the most commonly used words which I watched over and over.

At Planet Word, they strive to make the museum experience with 6 core values:

  • FUN
    Planet Word offers unique, participatory, changing, and innovative experiences with language and words.
  • PLAYFUL
    Planet Word engages participants in physical, social, and cognitive play to increase understanding of language.
  • UNEXPECTED
    Spontaneous learning takes place around every corner.
  • MOTIVATIONAL
    Planet Word builds confidence and encourages a lifelong interest in words and language.
  • MEANINGFUL
    Planet Word strives to have a measurable impact on literacy outcomes.
  • INCLUSIVE
    Planet Word strengthens community by celebrating and valuing all types of linguistic diversity.

Hours: Thursday-Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm
(March 21 – April 17, Open Wednesday through Monday, 10:00am – 5:00pm)

Address: 925 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

General admission is free, with a suggested $15 donation to support the museum’s mission-driven programs, exhibits, and educational outreach. Reserve your passes here.

There is a gift shop on the first floor and Immigrant Food + in the basement. As of now all visitors ages 12+ must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to enter the museum, along with a photo ID for visitors 16 and over.on cards for anyone over age 12.

Books come to life in the magical library. Can you find the hidden door inside this library?

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Filed Under: Education Tagged: DC, franklin school, immersive, language, literacy, planet word museum, reading, words

Family friendly performances at the Kennedy Center

February 17, 2022

NSO Family Concert: Because (World Premiere)

March 5-6, 2022: NSO Music for Young Audiences: I Dream of the Moon & Xavier’s New Friends
I Dream of the Moon (A Young Boy’s Adventure Through Space) by Keeghan Fountain tells the story of a young boy’s journey from his own backyard to the furthest reaches of the moon in a non-verbal performance on the vibraphone with projected images of original artwork by Nehemiah Russell. Xavier’s New Friends by Peter Gilbert introduces the main percussion family instruments through Xavier the Xylophone as he searches for percussion friends to join his band. Student musicians from the University of Maryland will join Scott to tell this story and highlight the rhythmic and melodic facets of the percussion section. Sunday, March 5 at 4pm is a sensory friendly performance. Most enjoyed by 5+.

March 11-12, 2022: “Sweet” Cherie Mitchell-Agurs
Experience the rhythm and funk of Go-go music. “SWEET” CHERIE MITCHELL-AGURS presents a performance for young people and families combining high-energy concert style presentation and dynamic musicianship. Mitchell-Agurs is Music Director of Washington D.C.’s own exciting all-female Go-go group, the Be’la Dona Band, and a six-time “Instrumentalist of the Year” for the Washington Area Music Association. Most enjoyed by 8+.

March 18-20, 2022: Pierce Freelon
Listen to the past blend with the present in a cosmic journey. Grammy-nominated producer and accomplished musician PIERCE FREELON brings two projects to the Kennedy Center displaying his inventiveness and creativity. Following his critically acclaimed debut children’s album D.a.D. in 2020, Pierce’s Grammy-nominated 2021 Black to the Future (ages 5+) features elements of Afrofuturism, Black history, and archival voices to touch on imagination, arts, science, and technology through a Black lens. Pierce is joined by his mother, jazz singer and six-time Grammy Award® nominee NNENNA FREELON for one performance. Most enjoyed by 5+.

March 20, 2022: NSO Family Concert: Because (World Premiere)
Little things can have a big effect. Because Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence MO WILLEMS wrote a powerful story of how chance, discovery, and persistence changed the life of a young girl, he needed an illustrator to bring it to life. Because illustrator AMBER REN related to the hero of the story, she created magical illustrations. Because the book moved them, the NSO wanted to turn it into an orchestral piece. Because acclaimed composer and violinist JESSIE MONTGOM­­­­­ERY was also changed by music as a young person, she composed the score. Because is a world premiere symphonic exploration that you and your loved ones want to see and hear to become part of the story. Sunday, March 20 at 2pm is a sensory friendly performance. Most enjoyed by 5+.

April 9-10, 2022: NSO Music for Young Audiences: Super Cello! (World Premiere)
Music to the rescue! The city is safe with the help of a unique cellist: professional musician by day, superhero by night. SCOTTIE ROWELL of Atlanta’s TELLER PRODUCTIONS and NSO cellist DAVID TEIE unite to tell a fantastic story using puppets, props, and plenty of music to help a very super musician save the day. Sunday, April 10 at 4pm is a sensory friendly performance. Most enjoyed by 3+.

May 15, 2022: NSO Family Concert: Philharmonia Fantastique: The Making of an Orchestra
Join a concerto for orchestra and animation. Dynamic concerto meets animated film! Through a mesmerizing hybrid of animated and live action filming, follow a magical Sprite as it embarks on a musical journey through the inner workings of an orchestra. Violin strings vibrate, brass valves slice air, and drum heads resonate like you’ve never seen before—all set to live music from members of the NSO. By the film’s end, the orchestra comes together in a spectacular finale! Philharmonia Fantastique was written by Kennedy Composer-in-Residence MASON BATES, and co-created with Academy Award-nominated director/writer GARY RYDSTROM, and Academy Award nominated animator JIM CAPOBIANCO. Sunday, May 15 at 2pm is a sensory friendly performance. Enjoyed by all ages.

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Filed Under: Education, Music Tagged: Kennedy Center, music, performances

Martin Luther King, Jr events for families in and around Washington, DC

January 11, 2022

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do… you have to keep moving forward.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The National Museum of African American History & Culture has a great resource complete with activities for children and families to learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr. and what he stood for. It also includes talking points to start a conversation with kids about racism and activism.

We encourage you to volunteer with your family in whatever capacity fits your needs as we celebrate the legacy and life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Visit: Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Library. After a recent library renovation, you’ll be amazed you are in a library; complete with a recording studio, dance studio, an indoor slide and a rooftop terrace.

Children’s books about Martin Luther King, Jr. and marches:
Let the Children March
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sometimes People March
I am Martin Luther King, Jr

All weekend

Rock Creek Park, in partnership with Rock Creek Conservancy will host the 12th annual MLK Weekend of Service in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy of community action. With service events planned at Rock Creek Park and throughout the Rock Creek watershed, we invite our neighbors to join us and help their communities by picking up litter and removing invasive species from our beloved public green spaces!  Service events will take place Saturday, Jan. 15, through Monday, Jan. 17, with several opportunities for community members to get involved throughout the watershed. 

Join visiting artist, Sarah Matthews, and learn how to create your own stamps to design and print uplifting posters to hang in your community at MLK Days at Anne Marie Sculpture Garden. Make two posters: one to leave at the Garden and one to hang in your favorite gathering spot.  This project is inspired by Dr. King’s quote, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” This event is free but RESERVATIONS REQUIRED; masks required; activity stations will be socially distanced. 

Sunday

10:00am-3:00pm: FUTURES We Dream Family Day
Calling all young FUTURES agents: do-gooders, plant lovers, tree huggers, citizen scientists, activists, advocates, creators and makers. Help us celebrate the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream with a day full of hope, justice seeking and collaboration. Learn about the Smithsonian’s 175 years of changemaking and reckoning with our history on the SI Story wall. Join family-friendly guided tours exploring social justice and more equitable futures at 10:30 am and 2:00 pm. Take inspiration from Dr. King’s speeches and many other future thinkers to craft your inspirational messages for the future you dream in drop-in workshops at 11:00 am and 1:00pm. Pop in for hands-on activities for our youngest future makers throughout the day. Celebrate your voice, and speak out for your dream.

Monday

DC Public Library events
From an Advocate Speech Contest, Essay & Poetry, Word Searches and more at various libraries.

Come experience the National Parks for free on January 17! National parks are America’s best idea, and there are more than 400 parks available to everyone, every day. The fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite, especially one of the national parks that normally charge an entrance fee. The others are free all the time. The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.

9:30am: MLK Jr Peace Walk
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Peace Walk is held annually on the federal MLK holiday. The Peace Walk is coordinated by the Coalition for Peace, a group of individuals and non-profits dedicated to peace and positivity for the Washington DC metropolitan communities. Over a thousand ‘Peace Walkers’ join annually in the two-mile walk along MLK Ave in Southeast DC. Notable previous year attendees include Nick Cannon, Mayor Muriel Bowser, former Mayor and Current Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray, radio personality Donnie Simpson, music virtuoso Blake Miles Hopkins, and the late civil rights legend Dick Gregory who spoke at the beginning and end of our 2014 Peace Walk.

10:00am-1:00pm: Clean Waterways Cleanup: MLK Day of Service 2022
This collaborative event celebrates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and the memory of Joseph Glover, Founder, and Chair of Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance. 9:30 AM Registration, 10:00 AM Welcome and safety talk, 10:30 AM – 1:00PM Cleanup. All equipment is provided, please wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Rain or Shine. All supplies provided. 

10:00am: Virtual MLK Dare to Dream Day
Join in a free celebration honoring one of history’s greatest visionaries. Now accepting submissions for the Open Mic and Poetry Slam. Videos to be shown on AVAM social media.

12:00pm: 49th Annual MLK Jr Day Virtual Celebration
A virtual interactive event will be added to the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. This event will be hosted by Harmony’s African American Legacy Organization (HALO), which was founded by a quartet of African American singers, who broke ground as the first quartet of African American singers to compete on the international contest stage of any of the major barbershop organizations. The organization utilizes singing and the active listening experience of barbershop music as a framework for conversations concerning socio-political issues like racial equity. Programming is developed by artistic directors that include a Board-Certified Musical Therapist and a Board-Certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker. As part of this event, The Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Award will be presented by the Human Rights Commission to a student at a Rockville high school who has worked to fulfill King’s dream in either their school or the community. Rockville’s Channel 11 will air a video recap of past MLK events (details on how to tune in are forthcoming).

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

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Filed Under: Education, Holiday Options Tagged: holiday, martin luther king jr

Subscription boxes make great gifts

December 23, 2021

I love giving my children (and to others as these subscription boxes make for a great gift!) experiences rather than another toy for the holiday. Especially since we are stuck at home so much now, these boxes are even more useful and provide for a happy surprise at the door. Subscription boxes have become a great way for kids to make memories, stay busy creating something hands-on while having an experience where all of the necessary materials come delivered to their doorstep. Choose a topic that interests your child and order a box before committing to receiving one every month. Many of these subscription services offer first time sign-up deals as you visit the homepage which is an added bonus. The best part is if you are in need of a gift before the holidays you can order the subscription now and let the recipient know via a card that their gift will arrive in a few weeks.

Give the gift of a personalized itinerary from Beltway Bambinos Concierge. We will create a customized itinerary for a family weekend or day in Washington, DC if you have visitors or a weekly itinerary for your child’s caregiver to follow. Please email us so we can gather some information and begin your adventure!

KiwiCo 
Kiwi Co believes that children learn by playing and doing and children are naturally curious and creative. KiwiCo was created to give children exposure to new materials, new tools, new techniques, and new concepts that encourage hands-on learning and fun. They are dedicated to inspiring these young scientists, artists, explorers. Below are the various crates they offer-

Panda Crate Explore & Discover (Ages 0-24mo)
Koala Crate Play & Learn (Ages 2-4)
Kiwi Crate Science, Art & More (Ages 5-8)
Atlas Crate Geography & Culture (Ages 6-11)
Yummy Crate (Ages 6-14)
Doodle Crate Create & Craft (Ages 9-16+)
Tinker Crate Science & Engineering (Ages 9-14+)
Maker Crate Art & Design (Ages14-104)
Eureka Crate Engineering & Design (Ages 12-104)

Bookroo 
A monthly subscription for kids ages 0-10 that helps them fall {even more} in love with reading by combining the excitement of opening a gift with the discovery of a new, wrapped, treasured book! The mission is to enable and empower parents to build their children’s book collections in an affordable and exciting way through curated monthly book deliveries. Bookroo believes in the power and impact of the written word in the life of a child and believe it’s never too early to start reading to children. Use this link to get 15% off your first order. We’ve raved about Bookroo before and here again and will continue to do so because literacy is so important and receiving books as a gift is sure to bring a smile to Bambinos faces. 

Book of the Month
A winner for young adults and adults who enjoy reading. They will be given a curated list of that month’s books to choose from. They can pick one to be delivered or skip until they next month if they don’t see one they like.

Claire’s Glitzy, Bitsy or Vibey Box
Glitzy is your answer to all things earrings. Dangly, studs, cuffs and more– talk about ear candy. Bitsy is all about fun, the sweetest hair accessories, jewelry, and the cutest toys! Vibey brings you the freshest jewelry, makeup, and more. Pop this box and change your whole look.

Comic Mystery Box
Ideal for those comic collectors! They will get an amazing selection of the best comics. Box includes first issues, back issues, new issues and/or one-shots containing over $60 worth of comics.

Tribery
Tribery is a mobile app that allows families to send monthly printed family journals to their loved ones. This is not your typical photo album app. You, the user, subscribes to the service which will send an album to your loved ones, near or far (not to yourself) each month! Your loved ones will love receiving monthly journals! It’s an opportunity for them to see what is going on in your life, share the album with their friends or use it to communicate and ask questions. Use code: ALLISON123 and get your first printed journal FOR FREE!

The Inky Box
Subscribe now to receive a monthly selection of lettering tools, supplies, practice sheets and exclusive greeting cards designed by your favorite lettering artists. 

Rosie Riveters
Rosie Riveters is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to equip and empower girls ages 4-14 to be strong, confident, and competent in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by providing a fun space for to imagine, learn, build, and play. 

Sensory TheraPlay Box 
Toys to help develop important sensory motor skills and stimulate the senses. Engage your child in fun, silly sensory play! Items are therapeutic and can be calming or help manage anxiety. Curated for children with autism/ sensory needs in mind, but suitable for children of all abilities by a Pediatric OT. Each month’s box is carefully curated by a licensed occupational therapist and includes a description card inside.

Bits Box 
Provides monthly coding projects that teach elementary aged children how to program apps. Kids look through the materials and pick an app. Every box comes with dozens of coding projects, ranging from simple to more advanced. Kids type the app into the Bitsbox website and start with the code from the book, then change it to make it their own. Kids use and share their apps on any mobile device. Bitsbox apps run on any computer, tablet, or phone with a web browser.

Girls Can! Create 
Inspires girls to BE and DO anything by introducing them to fearless women who made the world better. The company believes that real women make the very best heroes and every month, as a subscription service, they deliver them to girls 5-10 years old. Each crate or mini-mailer celebrates the life and work of one woman who changed the world through story, activities, play props, and more. Each month, meet a fearless woman who changed the world. Discover her in a 20-page book filled with games, fun and experiments. Explore her field with 2-3 fun science, engineering or art activities. Play props stickers and more.

Steve Spangler Science Club 
Allows you to choose hands-on science kits. A new theme will be explored every month such as kitchen chemistry, glowing germs, the power of air or bubbling potions, electricity and more. Ideal for kids ages 5-12. Ignite the spark of science and creativity in your child. Learn the real science behind each amazing experiment.

Little Passports 
A global adventure. They create award-winning subscriptions for kids that inspire them to learn about the world. Get 15% off all subscriptions using code: JOLLY

Early Explorers (Ages 3-5)
Science Junior (Ages 5-8)
World Edition (Ages 6-10)
USA Edition (Ages 7-12)
Science Expeditions (Ages 9+)

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Filed Under: Education, Holiday Options, Products I Love Tagged: gift, holiday, present, subscription, subscription box

STEAM Family Days at ARTECHOUSE

October 27, 2021

ARTECHOUSE has been such a wonderful addition to the art scene in Washington, DC. It is unique in that each exhibit is mesmerizing and limitless with an interactive, technology component. The concepts are engrossing and unusual which makes it that much more appealing.

STEAM Family Days are back at ARTECHOUSE for a limited time. We got the chance to see the newest display at ARTECHOUSE; Life of a Neuron. Just like all of the exhibits they have, it was immersive and interactive. The main room allows guests to sit on cushions and just take in the bright, constantly changing art that is projected on the walls and floor. Our ten year old really found the topic fascinating and had lots of questions. Our six year old was a bit uneasy with the subject matter particularly as the display got closer to the end with faint ambulance noises- closing in on death (just an fyi). All other exhibits we have been to have captured both of my kids attention in a positive light.

When: Family Days are every Tuesday and Wednesday all day 

What: Families that book through this link will receive special pricing and an activity guide inspired by the exhibit Life of a Neuron. Through this limited offer all tickets are $17 and Family Packages are $60. Offer not valid the week of Thanksgiving .

About ARTECHOUSE: Started in 2017, ARTECHOUSE is on a mission to stimulate interest in the limitless possibilities of creative innovation and to push the boundaries of what is possible. Since founding we have expanded from our DC location to Miami and NYC—with more locations to come. 

About Life of a Neuron: Walk through a neuron—the “thinking cells” of the brain—and witness first-hand the beauty of one of science’s greatest mysteries: the human brain.

Life of a Neuron brings artists and scientists together for a groundbreaking collaboration to explore how the brain shapes the shared human experience. Through collaboration with the Society for Neuroscience and the world’s leading scientists and creatives, this immersive exhibit will allow us to experience a neuron—from pre-birth to death—providing an experiential view of life at a cellular level.

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Filed Under: Education, Indoor Play, Sponsored Post Tagged: art, artechouse, immersive, life of a neuron

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