Beltway Bambinos

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

13 kid-worthy podcasts

Podcasts have become an obsession for a lot of adults. Some listening while they’re traveling, commuting, working, cooking and sometimes even while in the shower. There are a plethora of options when it comes to choosing a podcast and that includes a variety for children also. Our family typically listens to podcasts in the car on the way to the beach but now that we are home, we are beginning to listen at home in exchange for a movie or screen time. We’ve listed a variety of quality podcasts {most are free}; science, storytelling, music and history. All of these are easily accessed through smart phone, tablet, or computer, so prepare for hours of entertainment and even some learning opportunities.

Pinna
Pinna is an on-demand audio streaming service that reimagines kids’ entertainment. Each podcast, audiobook and music compilation on Pinna is expertly developed and carefully curated for kids 3-12. From science and fantasy to interactive game shows and mysteries, Pinna has hundreds of hours of programming to pique the interest of every kid.
*They have extended the free trial period to 60 days with the promo code PINNA4KIDS

Wow in the World
Hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz guide curious kids and their grown-ups on a journey into the wonders of the world around them. They go inside our brains, out into space and deep into the coolest new stories in science and technology.

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
But Why is a show led by you, kids! You ask the questions and they find the answers. It’s a big interesting world out there. On But Why, they tackle topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world.

Story Pirates
The Story Pirates aren’t your typical swashbuckling sailors. They don’t steal gold, pillage villages, or claim land; they’re searching for a different kind of treasure: kids’ wildest, most imaginative stories. It all started in a Harlem school auditorium when a group of friends put on an absurdist sketch comedy show based on stories written by kids.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
A fairy tale podcast for kids about extraordinary women from all over the world. Based on the bestselling series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, each episode delves further into the lives of women from the books, encouraging young listeners to ask questions and explore their interests. Narration by real-life women who are pioneers, creators, champions, leaders, and warriors!

Book Club for Kids
This biweekly podcast features middle schoolers talking about a popular middle-grade or YA book as well as sharing their favorite book recommendations. Public radio figure Kitty Felde runs the discussion, and each episode includes a passage of that week’s book read by a celebrity guest. This is best for tweens and teens.

Best Robot Ever
Best Robot Ever is the home of the most innovative kids and family audio programming, including original podcasts produced by Gen-Z Media and its friends, and distributed in partnership with PRX. Shows featured on Best Robot Ever have won nearly all of the major podcasting awards that stand for great quality programming, including the Peabody, Best Kids & Family Podcast from the Academy of Podcasters, and iTunes Best of the Year. From exciting adventures and addictive mysteries, to hilarious game shows and popular science programming, you’ll find the best content for your next long car ride or after-dinner family listening. Tumble-Science, Earth Rangers and Pants on Fire are a few to mention.

Brains On!
Brains On! is an award-winning audio show for kids and families. Each week, a different kid co-host joins Molly Bloom to find answers to fascinating questions about the world. The mission is to encourage kids’ natural curiosity and wonder using science and history…but there’s no age limit on curiosity, and episodes of Brains On can be enjoyed by anyone.You can listen to Brains On and their other podcasts — Smash Boom Best and Forever Ago — at home, on the go, or even as you’re nodding off to sleep!

Stuff You Missed in History Class
Join Holly and Tracy as they bring you the greatest and strangest Stuff You Missed In History Class in this podcast by iHeartRadio.

Little Stories for Tiny People
Little Stories for Tiny People is a children’s podcast featuring original audio stories that will delight the tiny people in your life. Perfect for bleary-eyed parents, innovative teachers, and at-wits’-end babysitters looking for an alternative and non-annoying way to engage the toddlers and young kids they love at bedtime or any time! Each story is lovingly written and performed with attention to the whimsical senses of humor children often possess.

Circle Round
Created and produced by parents of young children, WBUR’s Circle Round adapts carefully-selected folktales from around the world into sound- and music-rich radio plays for kids ages 4 to 10. Each 10- to 20-minute episode explores important issues like kindness, persistence and generosity. And each episode ends with an activity that inspires a deeper conversation between children and grown-ups.

Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl
The Saturday Morning Cereal bowl is a weekly, two-hour program of music for the entire family to enjoy.  This isn’t simply kids music.  It’s two hours of some of the best family music you’ve ever heard.  So sit back with the kids and enjoy!

Peace Out
Short stories that help children calm down and relax by guiding kids through visualization and breathing exercises. Perfect for parents or teachers who want to teach mindfulness and self-regulation.

Live Streaming Shows for Kids: Online Listings

Everyone loves and needs music in their lives, especially now. Kids are already starting to miss their routines and familiarities. Here is a chance for your kids to sing along with some familiar artists. There are 37 artists (and counting) who stand together to help one another and our community by stepping up their game and preparing to transition their expertise in live engagement onto the online space! 

Below you will find a link to the resource where you will find the artist who will live stream music on a certain day and time.

Live Streaming Shows for Kids: Online Listings

Thank you to the below artists for enriching our days and keeping us smiling:

Amelia Robinson of Mil’s Trills
Lloyd H. Miller / The Deedle Deedle Dees
Hopalong Andrew
Matt Heaton
Darlene Graham/Rockin Tots
Hannah from The Buttons
Joanie Leeds
Joanie Leeds
Music with Michal
Suzi Shelton
Marsha and the Positrons
Katie Ha Ha Ha
Little Miss Ann
Miss Nina
Alina Celeste and Mi Amigo Hamlet
Megan Schoenbohm
Esther Crow
Flor Bromley
Stacey Peasley
123 Andrés
Under the Tree Arts
Vered of Baby in Tune
Mr. Hoo
Red Yarn
Marko Polo / FIRE DOG
Ben Tatar (and the Tatar Tots)
Mömandpöp
From Page To Play
Laura Doherty
Mr. Jon & Friends
Jesse Jukebox
Claudia Robin Gunn
Two of a Kind
Silly Goose & Val
Alastair Moock
Lucy Kalantari
Queer Kid Stuff
Joanie Calem Sing Along
Music BY ZEV
Dana’s Music Playground

Educational resources at your fingertips

Schools are closed, now what? Most schools are coming up with distance learning plans but until then if you want to get some things for your kids in order to keep their minds busy and have some resources on hand we’ve got some ideas below.

Some great educational apps are:
ABC Mouse
Brain Pop
Dragonbox
Science 360
Starfall
Teach Your Monster To Read

I used to be a teacher and I am now I am a private tutor. The books below are tried and true by the students I’ve worked with. I get these workbooks at the end of each school year for my kids to use throughout the summer– so they won’t go unused. I’d recommend choosing the grade your child will be entering in the Fall unless they are struggling currently in their grade in which you could purchase the grade below.
Summer Bridge grades PreK-K
Summer Bridge grades K-1
Summer Bridge grades 1-2
Summer Bridge grades 2-3
Summer Bridge grades 3-4
Summer Bridge grades 4-5
Summer Bridge grades 5-6
Summer Bridge grades 6-7
Summer Bridge grades 7-8

Subscription boxes are great to also have on hand for random days off from school. Our go-to are Kiwi Co boxes.

Websites:
Adapted Mind Math offers K-6 curriculum is research-based, common core aligned, and comprehensive with over 300,000 math problems and explanations.
Adventure Academy digital learning for ages 8-13, first month is free
Go Noodle Movement break!
Khan Academy education for kids at home
Learning A to Z online resources for PreK- grade 6
Storyworks is part of Scholastic and is a literary magazine for students in grades 3-6 and their teachers, you are able to try it for free.
Teachers Pay Teachers access to resources created by teachers, free as well as paid content
Ted-Ed lets you build a lesson around any TED talk, TED-Ed resource, or YouTube video. You can also find and use existing lessons on a variety of topics.

Linked below

Resources and Games to have on hand:
Kumon Workbooks
Kumon Workbooks
Scavenger Hunt for Kids ages 6+
Flash Cards
Brain Boosters choose an age
Guess in 10 Game ages 6+
Treasure Hunt Game ages 3+
Brain Quest Cards comes in each grade level
Boredom Busters ages 3-6
Educational Placemats
Mind Challenge ages 6+
Tabletop Magnetic Whiteboard

This is also a great resource someone started which shows you a list of educational websites that are waiving sign-up fees.

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.

Let’s go to the movies for FREE

Click the links below to grab your free passes to see one or both movies!

Spies in Disguise: Saturday, March 7 at 11:00am at AMC Mazza

Super spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is … not. But when events take an unexpected turn, this unlikely duo are forced to team up for the ultimate mission that will require an almost impossible disguise – transforming Lance into the brave, fierce, majestic… pigeon. Walter and Lance suddenly have to work as a team, or the whole world is in peril. “Spies in Disguise” flies into theaters this Christmas. Rated PG

My Spy: Wednesday, March 11 at 7:00pm at AMC Mazza

My Spy follows JJ a hardened CIA operative (Dave Bautista) who has been demoted and finds himself at the mercy of a precocious 9-year-old girl, named Sophie (Chloe Coleman) where he has been sent undercover begrudgingly to surveil her family.  When Sophie discovers hidden cameras in her apartment she uses her tech savviness to locate where the surveillance operation is set.  In exchange for not blowing JJ’s cover Sophie convinces him to spend time with her and teach her to be a spy. Despite his reluctance JJ finds he is no match for Sophie’s disarming charm and wit. Rated PG-13

1, 2, 3 Andrés performs at the Kennedy Center this weekend

The Latin Grammy-winning duo, 123 Andrés, will perform family concerts at The Kennedy Center on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8.

These highly interactive and bilingual events are free and will delight children ages 3-8 and their families. Before each concert, kids may explore the instruments that the artists will be playing during the show. Tickets ($20) are available now from the Kennedy Center box office.

123 Andrés has been featured by NPR’s “Alt Latino,” Univisión, SiriusXM and other outlets, and Billboard called them “Rock stars for little language learners.” 123 Andrés’ concerts have gained them a national following among the Latinx and Spanish-speaking bilingual community for their warm, interactive style that beckons children and adults alike. 

https://soundcloud.com/123andresmusica/sets/canta-las-letras

123 Andrés (pronounced uno, dos, tres Andrés), is the husband-wife team of Andrés Salguero and Christina Sanabria, and they’ve reached millions of families through their YouTube channel and award-winning albums including Latin Grammy winner Arriba Abajo, and Latin Grammy nominees ¡Uno, dos tres con Andrés! and Canta las Letras. “We want our songs and concerts to make learning joyful,” said Christina. “At our concert our goal is to get children dancing – and teachers and parents, too!”

In addition to music and videos, 123 Andrés will soon have their own books to share with families; they will release their first children’s books with Scholastic this year.

Gyms and studios that offer childcare in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC

Have you kept your New Years Resolution of maintaining a healthier lifestyle? Maybe you need a little convenience to get you sweating, we sure do! Here’s a list of area gyms and studios that will take care of your Bambinos so you don’t have to worry about them climbing on your back while you do a downward dog. This list should help you achieve your healthy goals this year if being at a gym is your thing. All you have to do is find the gym closet to you and sign up- most offer a free day or week! Let us know if we can add a gym to the list that you know has childcare. Also, check out Pearachute as they offer drop-in’s at a few gyms and studios with childcare.

Photo: Sport & Health

Barre3
It’s easy to fit exercise into your life when you can bring the kids. Minors under 18 years of age are welcome. If minors are on the premises while guardians are in class, you must purchase a play lounge package. Reservations are highly recommended. Please reserve under your name and not your child’s name.

Equinox
The Kids’ Club is the ideal place to drop your tots while you work out. The space is bright and inviting. It is available to children ages three months and older. Appointments and drop-off services are available. With tumbling, art, obstacle courses, and plenty of inspired programming, it’s a pint-sized haven of well-being.

acac
When you include your kids on your acac membership, they have an all-access pass to active fun in the Kids Zone. The mission of the acac kids zone is to keep children physically and emotionally safe, while facilitating an engaging, clean, healthy, and kid-friendly environment of fun, age-appropriate activities and social behavior. Kids zone child care is available for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. Parents must remain on acac grounds.

LA Fitness
Thanks to reader, Amy for letting us know LA Fitness has childcare. Tip: British Swim School is also offered here.

Life Time Athletic Fitness
A family oriented environment where the kids program encourages healthy activities and playing for for child. Available for children ages 3 months to 11 years old. They also offer classes, birthday parties and camps for children!

The St. James
Members can take advantage of up to three hours of complimentary childcare each day. Children are actively engaged in free play time as well as supervised educational programming.

Mint Dupont
Childcare begins at 4 months and goes up to 11 years old. The childcare hours vary but is available 7 days a week.

Rock Creek Sports Club
For members, they offer a low monthly rate so you can maintain your fitness goals by visiting the club as many times as you wish with your kids. They allow you to keep your child in the childcare room for up to 2 hours, which allows you plenty of time to take your favorite class, workout, AND shower. Babysitting is for children ages 6 weeks to 8 years old, and reservations are not required. They also have classes for children.

Sport & Health
The mission is to provide quality gyms with child care in a safe, sanitary, and welcoming environment while you enjoy the full benefits of the workout facility. Hours are listed on the individual health club pages. Childcare starts at 3 months and some locations with a separate area for infants and older children. Most are complete with cribs, swings and toys. They recommend calling 24 hours ahead of time to reserve a spot. Locations that offer childcare: Bethesda, North Bethesda, Northwest, Old Town, Tysons, Capitol Hill, McLean, Lakeforest & Worldgate

Washington Sports Club
A club within the club “For Kids Only”. 6 months to 12 years old. Reservations required 24 hours in advance. Hours vary seven days a week. Costs also vary depending on whether it’s a drop in, a hotel member or member paying per hour. The area is large and has very nice indoor play equipment and toys.

The Women’s Club
Childcare is available 7 days a week with no reservations required. Put your mind at ease and enjoy quality time exercising while your children play and learn in an exciting and safe environment. Educational and creative crafts are offered daily. These activities and services are available for children 8 weeks to 12 years.

XSport Fitness
It’s easy to get your me-time in at the gym with our supervised Child’s Play area, a fun place for your little ones to hang out while you work out. Activities and games are ready to keep them occupied, with morning and evening hours available, all for a small fee in addition to your monthly membership.

YMCA Anthony Bowen
As a service to valued members, YMCA Anthony Bowen Child Watch/Cool Kids Club programs provide positive and fun on-site childcare during your visit to the facility for a maximum of 2 hours per day. Parents must remain in the building while their children are in the Child Watch or Cool Kids Club programs. See other YMCA locations here.

Related posts-
Exercising with Bambinos
Yoga with Bambinos

President’s Day in and around Washington, DC

Monday-

President’s Day Camps taking place on February 17, 2020:
Anna Banana Art: Half-day
Badlands: Special holiday event only
Brit-Am Soccer at Next Level
Glen Echo Park Aquarium Mini-Camp: Mystery of the Dead Whale (Ages 4-8)
KID Museum: Open 10am-5pm
Koa: Multi-sport camp
My Gym Bethesda: 2.6-10 years old; 1:00pm-4:00pm
My Gym Potomac: 2.6-10 years old; 1:00pm-4:00pm
PPA at Washington Episcopal School

DCPS mid-winter break camps taking place all week long

9:00am-5:00pm: Washington’s Birthday Celebration at Mt. Vernon
Celebrate the first President on the most exciting day of the year for FREE or pay admission any other day, children under 5 are free! Story time, character performances, card making, birthday cake and more. See link above for a complete list of the day’s events!

9:30am: Harambe at BloomBars
Ten years and more than 1,600 shows later, Harambee at BloomBars has become a Washington DC institution and a cultural/moral compass for thousands of parents and youth. In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” At BloomBars, Harambe is the practice of hope, possibility and compassion – basically, all the things that happen when we all come together. Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community. With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambee” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children. Recommended for ages 0 to 7 years Parental consent required. $7 per child $5 per adult suggested donation (sliding scale..invest more if you can!)

9:30am-11:00am: Rise + Rhyme at Busboys & Poets
A Busboys and Poets in-house series! Rise + Rhyme is a weekly morning storytelling and performance series for children ages 5 and under, stay-at-home parents, and early rising families of all kinds.

10:00am-3:00pm: Library of Congress Semi-Annual Open House
Twice each year, the Library of Congress opens its magnificent Main Reading Room to share information about how the public can access the Library’s resources year-round. The Main Reading Room will be open to the public on the federal Presidents’ Day holiday. Various activities taking place throughout the day.

10:00am-5:30pm: American History Museum
Check out the American Presidency exhibit, The First Ladies contributions, George Washington sculpture, Star Spangled flag and anthem that plays on the second floor and more. Be sure to visit the kids Spark!Lab where they will become inventors. 

10:00am-4:00pm: The Lane
Check out DC’s newest indoor space, purchase tickets online.

10:00am-4:00pm: Visit the US President’s Gallery at Madame Tussauds
We had a blast when we made a trip to the iconic wax museum. Read all about it.

10:30pm and 2:30pm: Disney on Ice Worlds presents Celebrate Memories
Your favorite Disney stories come to life at Disney On Ice presents Celebrate Memories! Sail along with Moana on her high-seas adventure and dance with Woody, Buzz and all the Toy Story friends. Feel inspired when love wins in Frozen and dreams come true for the Disney Princesses. Share the excitement and make new memories the whole family will treasure forever! Create memories with your family today -Tickets Start at $15

1:00pm-3:00pm: George Washington Birthday Parade in Alexandria
It winds through a one-mile route along the historic streets of Old Town on President’s Day. It is the oldest and largest, thanks to thousands of participants.

Roller skating and ice rinks in and around Washington, DC

My childhood days were full of strapping on my Phantom roller blades or lacing up ice skates and heading to the rink with friends. While that is not my kids experience; they only first roller skated while on a ski trip last winter. They are however getting the hang of ice skating this year and love it. In celebration of National Skating Month {who knew?} we’ve compiled a list of indoor and outdoor rinks in our area. Fort Dupont is offering free mini lessons on January 20. DC celebrates rollerskating and its history with a Skate Fest celebration– 2020 date TBA.

Indoor roller rinks

Lanham Skate– Lanham, MD
Family fun nights, arcade games, lessons, STEM field trips, birthday parties, school break days and more!

Laurel Roller Skating Center– Laurel, MD
Birthday parties, lessons, family nights and more!

Temple Hills– Temple Hills, MD
Family skate nights, glow nights, arcade, STEM field trips, birthday parties and more!

Skate Zone– Crofton, MD
Lessons, birthday parties, STEM field trips, event calendar and more!

Cavalier Family Skating– Stafford, VA
Birthday parties, speed team, arcade and indoor play zone, lessons and more!

Skate-N-Fun Zone– Mannassass, VA
Laser tag, arcade, indoor play zone, themed nights, STEM field trips and more!

Outdoor roller rink

Anacostia Park– SE, DC
Skate rentals are free at this outdoor rink! And on summer weekends you can dance to DJ music as you enjoy this open air roller rink. This is the one and only roller skating rink in the National Park Service but is only open for a short season.

Outdoor ice rinks

Canal Park Ice Rink– 202 M Street, SE Washington, DC 20003
November – February and open on holidays

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink– National Mall
November 15 – March 15

Washington Harbour Ice Rink– 3050 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007
November 18 – March 15 and open on holidays

Wharf Ice Rink– 960 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
November 26 – late February and open on holidays

Silver Spring Veteran’s Plaza Ice Rink– 8523 Fenton St., Silver Spring, MD 20910
October 29 – mid-March

Rockville Town Square Ice Rink– 131 Gibbs St., Rockville, MD 20850
Mid-October – mid-March

Pentagon Row– 1201 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202
October 25 – mid-March

Indoor ice rinks

Cabin John Ice Rink– 10610 Westlake Dr Rockville, MD 20852
Open year-round with three rinks (NHL, Olympic, and Studio), public skate sessions, lessons provided, a dance Studio available to rent, three party rooms available to rent, a pro shop with skating equipment, apparel, and skate sharpening and repair services. The Cabin John Café with refreshments, snacks, and free Internet/Wi-Fi

Wheaton Ice Arena– 11717 Orebaugh Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902
NHL-size skating rink, public skate sessions, lessons provided, two party rooms to rent, a snack bar /vending machines with refreshments and snacks. Pro Shop with skates, hockey equipment, apparel, skate sharpening, and repair services. There is a workout center and the facility has free wi-fi.

Fort Dupont Ice Arena– 3779 Ely Place SE Washington, DC 20019
They have a ‘Kids On Ice’ program which offers opportunities for kids from 5-18 interested in hockey, figure skating, synchronized skating and speed skating.

MedStar Capitals Iceplex– Ballston, VA
Practice rink of our Washington Capitals! You can public skate, take lessons, adults can take part in a pick-up game of hockey, kids can take hockey lessons, have a birthday party and enjoy parents night out events here.

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