Beltway Bambinos

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

Easter, eggs and hunts in and around Washington, DC

Whether it be a festival, farm or egg hunt, your Bambinos will have a blast and maybe even get to experience more than one of these eggcellent events. Options begin March 30, 2019 and run through the end of April. Happy hunting and brunching!


All weekends March 30-April 28 from 9:30am to 5:00pm: Ticonderoga Farms Spring Easter Festival
(26469 Ticonderoga Rd, Chantilly, VA 20152)
Ticonderoga Farm’s Bunny will be joining everyone at the farm. Hopping around and posing for picture opportunities during our weekend hours and playing with our favorite friend Chickadee. Together hiding eggs for all the children to enjoy finding, especially the golden eggs that provide extra fun prizes for those who find them. Egg hunts will be held at 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm (arrive 30 minutes prior) in four age groups. There are many other activities included with your admission to enjoy, including: giant slide hills, huge jumping pillows, hayrides, animal feeding areas, pedal kart track, swinging bridge, and much more!

April 6 & 7: Great Country Farms Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Harvest
(18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA 20135)
Do marshmallow peeps really grow on trees? Your children will be amazed to harvest a few marshmallows to roast on the bonfire with Farmer Bob. The Easter Bunny also hid some eggs, and we need you to help us find them! There will be multiple egg hunts each day this year, with over 20,000 eggs filled with treats to enchant your children spread across 4 hunts/day filled with treats to enchant your children.. Come see our spring chicks and baby animals, take a wagon ride, and rejoice that it is spring!

April 6 from 10:00am-5:00pm: Febergé Egg Family Festival at Hillwood Estate & Garden
(4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008)
Admire the exquisite imperial eggs and other fanciful Fabergé creations collected by Marjorie Post. Experience festive folk music performed by Samovar Russian Folk Music Ensemble and spirited dancing by Kalinka Dance Ensemble. Enjoy stories of Russian Easter traditions in a fun family play, produced by Happenstance Theater. Take part in a traditional Russian egg-rolling game. Step into Fabergé’s Workshop to decorate your own Fabergé-inspired egg.

April 13: Easter Eggstravaganza
10:00am-1:00pm: South Run Recreational Center- 7550 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153
2:00pm-4:00pm: Glenkirk Elementary School- 8584 Sedge Wren Dr, Gainesville, VA 20155
11:00am-3:00pm: Four Mile Run Park- 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305
The Easter Eggstravaganza is one of the most *EGGciting* Easter events in the area, this is a time for kids and families to come out and enjoy a fun-filled FREE event. There will be an Easter bunny, Easter Egg hunt, face painting, balloon animals, concessions, music, a moon bounce, games and much more! Come out and enjoy the festivities with us!

April 13 from 11:00am-3:00pm: Arlandria Eggstravaganza
(4131 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305)
Over 10,000 eggs to find. With separate egg hunts for tots, elementary-aged children, and teens/adults, everyone can have a great time.From music and demostrations to games and crafts, there is a lot to do and see at the Arlandria Eggstravaganza. While you are there, make sure to take the time to eat lunch or grab some of your favorite carnival food.

April 13 from 12:00pm-2:00pm: Easter Bash at Ballston Quarter
Celebrate Easter with Ballston Quarter and enjoy a family-friendly afternoon of games and activities! Join the fun by searching through Ballston Quarter for Easter eggs filled with prizes and exclusive giveaways. Kids can enjoy creating bunny-ear arts and crafts and take pictures in our photo booth. The Easter Bunny himself will make an appearance for pictures and a bunny-hop disco dance party will have guests young and old boogieing to all of their favorite hits!

April 13, 14, 18-20 & 22 from 10:00am-5:00pm: Bunnyland at Butler’s Orchard
(22200 Davis Mill Road Germantown MD 20876)
Enjoy a hayride down the Bunny Trail, race the Rubber Duck Derby, hunt for colorful eggs (we provide the basket!), exchange eggs for a goodie basket to take home, visit with the farm’s very own Country Bunny, ride pedal tractors, play in Hayromp and Playground, hop in inflatables, ride the giant slides, see bunnies, lambs and chicks, get your face painted and ride a pony. $9.50 per child and $7.50 per adult. Kite Days: April 27 & 28, bring a kite or purchase one here! Come fly a kite on the farm!

 

April 13-14 & 18-21: Easter Egg Hunt at Green Meadows Petting Farm
(10102 Fingerboard Rd. Ijamsville, MD 21754)
Green Meadows Petting Farm will be hosting Easter Egg Hunts at the farm on April 13-14 and April 18-21. We will have 3 hunts each day (11am, 1pm, 3pm) organized by age.  Our Easter Bunny, Whiskers, will be available for some fun pictures!  We require each child sign up 30 minutes before each hunt starts.  No reservation is required, the cost is $14.00 per person; under 2 is free.  The cost includes the free hunt as well as our regular petting farm fun (cow milking, wagon ride, free goat feed, pig races).  Our farm opens at 9:30am during the week and opens 10:00am on the weekend.  We allow admissions until 4:00pm but we close at 5:00pm.

April 18-20 from 10:00am-12:00pm: Eggstravaganza! at Tudor Place
(1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007)
Rolling green lawns, bobbing spring blooms, and the elegant mansion on a hill serve as backdrop for this festive annual attraction. Join the Easter Bunny and children of all ages for an Egg Hunt and thrilling Egg Roll Contest down the grand South Lawn. Decorate eggs, play games from the past, take photos with the Easter Bunny, and make the 5½-acre gardens your play space for the morning.Tudor Place Member Child: $10 | Non-Member Child (0-2): $15 | Non-Member Child (3-4): $15 | Non-Member Child (5-6): $15 | Non-Member Child (7+): $15 | Accompanying Adult: $5

April 19-21 (Various Times): The Lee-Fendall House 20th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
(614 Oronoco Street Alexandria, VA)
The museum’s garden will be filled with hundreds of colorful toy-filled Easter eggs! Other activities include games, crafts, refreshments, and photos with the Easter Bunny. All children of elementary school age or younger (children aged 0-12) are eligible to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt. Older children and adults are welcome to enjoy the other activities. Tickets are $15 for children aged 0-12, and $5 for all others.

April 20-21 from 10:00am-5:00pm: Egg Hunt at Clark’s Elioak Farm
(10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042)
Children of different ages (ages 1 to 3 and 4 to 6) will have a chance to hunt for eggs all day (10 AM, 10:30, 11 AM, 11:30, 12 noon, 12:30, 1 PM, 1:30, 2 PM, 2:30, 3 PM, 3:30, 4 PM, 4:30 and 5 PM) on both Saturday and Sunday. Our $7 per person admission fee for the farm applies, but there is no extra charge for the egg hunt. The petting farm, rides and play areas are open for you to enjoy.When you are ready to participate in the egg hunt, come to the Egg Hunt area and your child will line up with other children and pick up eggs. The eggs will then be turned in for a goodie bag. The first egg hunt each time will be for the 1-3 year olds. Once they are finished and while they are turning in their eggs for the goodie bags, the 4-6 year olds start their egg hunt. The petting farm, gem mining and rides will also be open on EASTER MONDAY.

April 20 at 10:00am: 8th Annual Egg Hunt at Tregaron Conservancy
(3000 block of Klingle Road, NW)
Celebrate Spring with Tregaron Conservancy! Thousands of candy-filled eggs will be hidden along our woodland paths. We will have separate area for kids under five. The hunt will begin at 10:00 a.m. by the Lily Pond near the entrance to Tregaron at 3031 Klingle Road NW. Be sure to bring a bag or basket. RSVPs are appreciated (but not required) by email.

April 20 from 10:45am-12:00pm: 14th Annual Egg Hunt at Stead Park
(Stead Park, 1625 P Street, NW)
Join the Friends of Stead Park for the 14th Annual Egg Hunt at Stead Park for 3 hunts. Enjoy selfies with the Easter Bunny, crafts and snacks after your little ones have filled their baskets with eggs. Advance registration is recommended- Register here.

April 20: Easter Eggstravaganza
12:00pm-2:00pm: Langdon Park: 2901 20th St NE, Washington, DC 20018
12:00pm-2:00pm: Lincoln Park: East Capitol Street between 11th and 13th Street Washington, DC 20003
The Easter Eggstravaganza is one of the most *EGGciting* Easter events in the area, this is a time for kids and families to come out and enjoy a fun-filled FREE event. There will be an Easter bunny, Easter Egg hunt, face painting, balloon animals, concessions, music, a moon bounce, games and much more! Come out and enjoy the festivities with us!

April 22 from 10:00am-2:00pm: Easter Monday & Earth Optimism Celebration at the National Zoo
(3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008)
families are invited to enjoy egg hunts, live music, food trucks and games while discovering how they can help save species. This free event includes hands-on learning opportunities featuring Smithsonian conservation success stories, special animal demonstrations, keeper talks, and meet and greets with scientists and conservation partners working to protect wildlife around the world.

bunny

Check out these EventBrite events for more hunts in and near Washington, DC

Need Easter brunch reservations? Trip Savvy has you taken care of.

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Best chocolate in Washington, DC for Valentine’s Day

This is one of my favorite posts to write! Valentine’s Day for me is just another excuse to shove even more chocolate in my mouth than I did the day before while giving extra tight snuggles. It also means the quality of the chocolate is definitely better than my typical 3:00pm pick-me-up from the hidden Halloween stash that my child doesn’t know exists any longer. There are plenty of delicious places for you to shop this Valentine’s Day for yourself, your love or your Bambinos that don’t include the heart shaped milk chocolate box from the drug store. These are worth the trip, guaranteed. 

(Photo: Artisan Confections via Stay Arlington)

Fleurir Chocolates: 724 Jefferson Street Alexandria, VA 22314
Hand made artisan chocolates that are works of art made of high-quality, natural ingredients in small batches.

Artisan Confections: 1025 N. Fillmore Street, Arlington, Va. 22201 and 2910 District Avenue, Fairfax, Va. 22031
Jason Andelman’s recipes creatively blend high-quality ingredients that subtly enhance the star of the show – Valrhona chocolate – considered the best in the industry. The result is a collection of smooth and creamy confections that look as stunning as they taste. These are my absolute favorite and must-have each Valentine’s Day!!!

June B. Sweet: 3807 McKinley St NW, Washington, DC 20015
They have a selection of Brigadeiro flavors, mini cakes and Brazilian Mousse available every day at Write for You.

The Chocolate House: 1904 18 St NW, Washington, DC 20009
The Chocolate House is a tasting room and boutique store where you can experience over 300 unique chocolate bars and confections from artisan chocolate makers and chocolatiers from all corners of the world.

Harper Macaw: 835 Water St SW, Washington DC, 20024
Harper Macaw is a fine chocolate venture founded by a Brazilian chocolate maker and a U.S. Marine Veteran with an ambitious yet tangible objective: To turn chocolate into a force for tropical reforestation. They also give factory tours on select days.

SPAGnVOLA: 360 Main St #100, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Crisoire Reid is an award winning Chocolatier and co-owner of SPAGnVOLA.  Having been raised in her ancestral hacienda in Hato Del Rey, Dominican Republic. With her passion in land cultivation and agriculture, she began to focus her interest in improving the quality of their crops. They offer gift boxes, hot chocolate, caramels and more. 

Café Chocolat: 1423 H St NW, Washington, DC 20005
A chocolate boutique with a coffee bar in it. The hot chocolate has been featured in Washington City Paper as a “must-have”. They specialize in small bean-to-bar chocolates from around the world and the US. The latest feature is the only chocolate-maker from Haiti, Askanya Chocolates.

(Photo: June B. Sweet)

Chocolate Chocolate: 1130 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20036
D.C.’s first independent chocolate shop, in 1984 serving chocolate from around the world.

Periwinkle: 3815 Livingston St NW, Washington DC  20015
In the back of this fabulous boutique shop you’ll find a display case full of fine local chocolates. Many are from Chocolaterie Wanders and Zoe’s.

Godiva: 1143 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 and many other locations
Hand dipped strawberries, truffles for miles and drinks made to order. You can become a Rewards member for free and receive a free truffle each month.

Balduccis: Locations in Bethesda, Alexandria and McLean
This is a premiere destination for many things such as meats and cheeses, the section of chocolates and confections is very impressive too.

Holiday Gift Guide for Families and Children + 5 Days of Giveaways!

Below are our holiday favorites in case you need some inspiration or ideas. Some ideas specific to Washington, DC while others are products or companies you may not be familiar with. There are also plenty of ways to incorporate giving into your holiday which doesn’t include actually giving a gift. Be sure to read through to the end where we explain our 5 days of GIVEAWAYS! 

Books (this is one category I could go on and on and on with, so if you want more suggestions, ask!):

Music

  • Mr. Jon & Friends CD, Rock & Rhyme
    From out of the DC metro area comes unanimous praise for the Parents’ Choice Award® winning kindie band Mr. Jon & Friends, powered for nearly a decade by the husband-and-wife duo of Jon and Carrie Lewis. Now kids and families across the country can tune into the energy, fun, and sweetness of Mr. Jon & Friends’ brand of Raffi-inspired good sounds with the band’s third album, Rock & Rhyme.
  • Marsha & the Positrons CD, Positronic
    Catchy songs about science and how the world works with subtle themes of friendship.
  • Alphabet Rockers debuted a collection of T-shirts which give young change-makers and their parents a chance to wear what they believe. These vibrant shirts were designed by original AlphabetRockersmember Stefanie Liang Chung, and feature song lyrics from their GRAMMY-nominated album, Rise Shine #Woke. 

Sports

Healthy snacks for stocking stuffers

Games

Toys

Class Drop-in Pass

  • Pearachute–Their mission is to inspire children’s curiosity and passion by empowering parents and caregivers through convenience and choice. Making the best kids’ classes and activities available to you at the touch of a button, allowing you to drop-in and explore during times that fit your schedule with the flexibility to accommodate late naps, stuffy noses, and unplanned visits from grandparents. Click link above for a discounted code when signing up.

Subscription Boxes

  • Subscription boxes have become a great way for kids to make memories, create something hands-on and have an experience where all of the necessary materials come delivered to their doorstep.

Memberships

  • Smithsonian National Zoo–Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) helps the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute save species through educational and fun experiences, the power of our members, and funding for critical work. Membership levels vary, but most come with free parking (a $23 value!) as well as carousel ride vouchers.
  • Port Discovery Children’s Museum— The premier children’s museum in the Mid-Atlantic and a place that values learning through play. Not enough space to say how great this museum is; lucky to live so close to it.
  • National Building Museum— Inspires curiosity about the world we design and build. Building Zone & Play, Work Build are permanent while the museum has rotating exhibits and events throughout the year.
  • Politics & Prose— Support one of our local and amazing bookstores!
  • Sign your Bambino and self (or nanny, grandparent) up for a session with Tinkergarten

Theatre tickets

Experiences 

  • Holiday tree lighting and fireworks began on Nov. 10, 2018 and take place each Saturday through December. Complete with Santa appearances, holiday movies and fireworks. Be sure and warm up inside the Gaylord Resort, see the hanging tree and Christmas Village and then bundle up to check out ICE!. Get your tickets in advance. Use code: SNOW18 for $4 off ICE tickets valid Sunday-Thursday through Dec. 20. 
  • Tidal Basin pedal boating and swan boat tickets
  • Ice skate at various rinks in DC
  • Take your Bambinos and experience holiday tea

Gift of Creativity

Functional 

Giveaway Rules: The giveaways will be posted each day on Instagram and/or Facebook depending on that day’s giveaway- so be sure to check both! You can enter as many giveaways as you want. Directions on how to enter will be on each individual post.

Giveaway Day 1: One copy of Laurie Berkner’s new book, Pillowland

Giveaway Day 2: “Lucky’s Happy Home” Playmobil

Giveaway Day 3: 8 boxes of fruit punch from ReThink Water

Giveaway Day 4: The newest Mr. Jon & Friends CD, Rock & Rhyme

Giveaway Day 5:  4 tickets to ride the Capital Wheel 

There are no affiliate links associated with the Amazon links that are included above. 

31 ways to survive Daylight Savings in and around Washington, DC with kids

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 and my own DST 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.

2. Bloombars has evening classes, events and performances.

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.

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

6. Grab a lane and try for a strike at Pinstripes. Dinner is served alongside bowling. Location in Georgetown & Bethesda.

7. Reserve a room at a public library and have a play date with friends. DC Library is open until 9pm Mon-Thur.

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, Little Loft Art, 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 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.

13. Grab a flashlight and go on an adventure walk. Bonus if you have time to create a scavenger hunt.

14. Check the bus route and take a random ride.

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 usually 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. 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!

18. Enroll in a winter class or playgroup.

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 grocery stores are all I can think of).

20. Go see a movie! Splurge for some popcorn.

21. Drop into a Pearachute class

22. Happy Hour doesn’t have to wait until 5pm….Early dinner or apps (see $12)

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

1. Bake or cook something with your Bambino(s).

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

3. Put on a play, get out that old camcorder and record them– your iPhone will suffice too.

4. Arts and crafts can provide endless fun and messes (put your OCD tendencies aside).

5. Make your own play doh.

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.

8. Get bath paints or crayons and let your child get artsy and messy in the bath– bonus they can get clean while having fun.

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

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Birthday Party ideas for older Bambinos

Birthday Party ideas, venues & entertainers

Holiday tea for families in Washington, DC

Holidays are a time for creating memories, whether it be continuing a family tradition or beginning new ones. I’ve been lucky enough to go to a few high teas; my favorites was at The Plaza Hotel in New York with my best friend followed by a Holiday Tea at the Willard Intercontinental with family. For those of you looking to take your Bambinos or go without kids here’s a list of some places in our area that you can enjoy tea and crumpets, most with a holiday theme.

holiday-afternoon-teas-with-kids-e3851d8d0bca4c94a854db16b7817976

(Photo: Minitime.com)

Attached to Tysons II with lots of festive décor. Served Friday to Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., as part of the regularly served Afternoon $38 per person. Enjoy the Ritz-Carlton Tea experience with your young ones with a menu especially designed for our guests ages 12 and under.

$16 per person. Selection of Children’s Tea Sandwiches, Sweet Plate-Pastry Chef’s Choice of the Day, Hot Chocolate. To make an Afternoon Tea reservation please call (703) 412-2762.

They offer a Kids Dessert Tea Tour as well as high tea and various other kids events like O’Kids Playdates.

Join in December for Holiday Afternoon Tea, one of The Willard’s most cherished holiday traditions. Seated in the grandeur of Peacock Alley, among the festive decor and elegant sounds of the live harp, guests can enjoy a tantalizing array of festive teas, sandwiches and pastries. Holiday Afternoon Tea is offered daily in December from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., excluding December 24, 25 and 31st. Reservations are required. $65 per adult, $30 for children 5-12 years of age. Children under 5 dine complimentary.

The soothing sounds of local musicians fill the room, as you enjoy Afternoon Tea in the cozy atmosphere of The Shapiro Music Room at Strathmore. They do hold special events around various holidays so check their schedule to plan ahead.

Not holiday specific, however afternoon tea is served on Sundays. Seating is limited, so reservations are encouraged. $28.50 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity. All tea sandwiches and pastries are served family-style. 

Has many tea inspired events you can sign your kids up for. Including but not limited to Little Ladies Afternoon Fairy Tea, Toddler Tea and Tea with Santa Claus.

Enjoy a special dining experience with a variety of dainty tea sandwiches and assorted sweet treats. Several dates for Holiday Tea and Santa events.

Situated within Tyson Corner I mall with access to Santa, an ice skating rink, Pottery Barn Kids, the Disney Store and over-the-top holiday decorations! Great value for the price! See a guest review on an afternoon at Tysons.

Hotels that offer tea service (not necessarily holiday themed)

The Jefferson

The Mayflower

Park Hyatt Washington

The St. Regis

 

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Holiday Shows, Ballets and Concerts

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