Beltway Bambinos

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

New Exhibits to Open at Port Discovery Children’s Museum!

New Exhibits to Open at Port Discovery Children’s Museum! 
Celebrate the grand opening of a $10.5 million transformation at one of the nation’s top Children’s Museums. This marks the Museum’s first major makeover since opening in December 1998. Featuring a new four-story SkyClimber and life-sized cargo ship celebrating The Port of Baltimore! Although construction temporarily closed off several permanent exhibit areas, the Museum remained open with hands-on learning experiences in The Construction Zone  in the Atrium at Port Discovery and a Pop-Up Play Space at The Shops at Kenilworth. Schedule of celebrations can be found here.

Port Discovery Children’s Museum will celebrate the grand opening of two new exhibits, The SkyClimber and The Port, improved Museum amenities, and the re-opening of other exhibits with opening festivities on Friday, June 14, 2019 at Noon. All visitors are welcome. Tickets available in-person at the Port Discovery Box Office.

While enjoying the transformative new exhibits, visitors will soar to new heights on the four-story SkyClimber, which encourages children to build confidence, learn problem solving skills, build motor skills, and more. They’ll sail towards new adventures on The Port, which includes life-sized cargo ship, gantry crane, and engine room, all of which encourage teamwork, help children learn about the world around them, and demonstrate the importance of The Port of Baltimore. Plus, children and families will enjoy other favorite exhibits that encourage playful learning, discovery, connection, community, and self-discovery.

New Exhibits & Amenities Include:

–          SkyClimber:  Soar to new heights as you try to reach the clouds! Dare to dream – and test your courage – as you get climb your way up and around a four-story SkyClimber that takes up into the clouds. As parents and children climb and reach new heights, you’ll build confidence and problem-solving skills while having fun with new friends. You’ll even trigger sound effects from Mother Nature as you climb high above Port Discovery and reach for the stars. Toddlers can get in on the action, too, with a soft play area on the ground level featuring an underwater-themed reading nook and friendly sea-monster (turned slide!), Chessie!

–          The Port: Become the captain of an imaginative adventure on a life-sized cargo ship! Sail, navigate and engineer as you explore the seas, discover how products make their way around the world, and work together to move, stack and explore what’s inside shipping containers! Little learners will enhance early social and problem-solving skills by working together to operate a gantry crane, learn how to navigate a ship, and more! Plus, learn about the Port of Baltimore – and the many jobs and products that make up one of the world’s most active ports!

–          Updated Amenities: Visitors will enjoy a state-of-the-art lobby, upgraded restrooms, new family seating areas, a new nursing area, and a renovated lunch room.

–          Featured Traveling Exhibit: The Here We Grow! Exhibit** will be featured at Port Discovery through spring 2020. This hands-on Maryland agricultural themed exhibit introduces children and families to the processes, products, and people who work on farms. The exhibit explores farming through themes of science and technology, history, local ecology, global economics, and art. Hands-on activities help children learn about the importance of agriculture in their everyday lives. The exhibit also helps children understand concepts including agricultural conservation and sustainability.

–          Other Permanent Exhibits: Port Discovery features three floors of hands-on, interactive exhibits that encourage children to use their imaginations, ask questions, and explore how things work as they learn through play. Children learn to play together, experience real-world exhibits and situations and learn skills that help them in school and life. In addition to the newly opened SkyClimber and The Port, permanent exhibits at Port Discovery Children’s Museum include: Adventure Expeditions, BGE Studio Workshop, Kick it Up!, The Oasis, PD Presents, Previews, Pop-Ups & Prototypes, Royal Farms Convenience Store & Fill’er Up Station, Tiny’s Diner, Tot Trails, and Wonders of Water.

Hours of Operation:
June 14, 2019: Open Noon – 5pm

Beginning June 15, 2019, hours of operation will be as follows:
-Mondays – Saturdays: 10am – 5pm
-Sundays: Noon – 5pm
-Special Hours: Closed on Thursday, June 20th for Play It Forward Fundraiser

About Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Port Discovery Children’s Museum has served more than five million children and families since opening in 1998 and is ranked among the Top 10 Children’s Museums in the United States by Fodor’s Travel, Forbes and Parents Magazine. Port Discovery Children’s Museum educates children and inspires life-long curiosity. Our play-to-learn philosophy opens the door for children to discover and explore the world around them and to lead smarter, healthier, more engaged lives. The Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution, offers three floors of educational, interactive exhibits and programs.

David H. Koch Hall of Fossils – Deep Time opens at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Photo courtesy of Austin Graff

The much anticipated Dinosaur exhibit aka David H. Koch Hall of Fossils- Deep Time, is finally reopening at the Natural History Museum on June 8 and it is Dino-mite! After a renovation to “update exhibitions that haven’t changed in 30 years—but it won’t be needed for much longer. The Natural History Museum’s gut renovation will not only update these exhibitions, but also transform their narrative of earth’s fossil record“, visitors are ready to get hands-on and witness the 5 year transformation in person.

The exhibition is over 30,000 square feet and takes visitors on a journey 4.6 billion years ago traveling through ancient ecosystems, experiencing the evolution of plant and animal life and ending with the future. You will discover how human activities are propelling Earth’s quickly changing climate today much like long-ago geological events did in the past.

See the Museum’s Opening Weekend tips here and special list of events here! Opening on June 8, 2019 with a celebratory ribbon cutting taking place at 10:15am. Costumes are even encouraged!

Upcoming Events at Deep Time-
Family Fossil Day: June 15, 2019, 10:00am – 4:00pm
The World & Me Family Program: July 13, 2019, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Special Memorial Day Weekend Event at B&O Railroad Museum + GIVEAWAY

The B&O Railroad Museum is located at 901 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21223. The Museum brings alive the magic and adventure of railroading every day. This historic national landmark allows you to see, touch, hear and explore the most important railroad collection in America. Start your journey with a visit today!

Friday, May 24:
•The one and only, Maryland Merci Car is displayed on the B&O’s Roundhouse turntable via a turntable demonstration at 12:00pm. See the power of one person push this rail car around the Roundhouse turntable.

•Opening of First to Fight: Railroaders in WWI — A new temporary exhibit depicting WWI through the gaze of the railroaders who were instrumental to allied victory.

Saturday, May 25:
•Help us support Operation Gratitude by donating Socks for Soldiers from May 25 – July 14 (Bastille Day). Please donate new, black crew length socks, single packs of sanitary wipes, 1 oz. sunscreen packs, and individual bags of beef jerky. All the items you donated will be collected and placed inside the Merci Car so you can see the difference your efforts will make to members of the military serving our country.

•Swing Dance demonstration by Mobtown Ballroom dancers from 12:30pm – 1:30pm.

•Victory Gardens that kids can plant and take home.

•Sofi’s Crepes will be here at the B&O making and serving six different varieties of delicious French crepes from 11:30am – 3pm!

Sunday, May 26:
•Help us Help Operation Gratitude by donating Socks for Soldiers. Please donate new black crew, crew length socks, single pack of sanitary wipes, 1 oz. sunscreen packs, and individual bags of beef jerky. All the items you donated will be collected and placed inside the Merci Car so you can see the difference your efforts will make to members of the military serving our country.

•Victory Gardens that kids can make and take home.

Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day):
•Meet Camden, WBAL TV’s Puppy with a Purpose, 10:00am-11:00am. Camden has been training to serve a military veteran and soon reach her goal. Don’t miss meeting Camden as we honor military service on this special morning.

•FREE ADMISSION for all active and inactive military personnel.

*Win 4 tickets for admission to the Museum which can be used between May 24 – July 14, 2019. Enter to win by tagging a friend on Facebook who would love to checkout the museum. Extra entry for those who start to follow us on Instagram and if you already follow us (YAY!) like the last two pictures we posted. Winner announced May 20!

Free and Fun Open House at My Gym

Free and Fun Summer Open House on Friday, May 17th from 5:30-8:00pm at both locations; Potomac and Bethesda.

Join a Free and Fun evening at My Gym on Friday, May 17th from 5:30pm-8pm. Learn about summer classes and parties as well as August camp. You will have the opportunity to meet the teachers of My Gym, play fitness games, practice gymnastics, and receive summer discounts! Bring your kid and tell your friends and neighbors!

**Adults wear socks, children participate barefoot**

View a complete schedule and enroll online HERE! Have questions? Call 301-652-2820.

Review of MOCO Movement Kids in Motion Class

Stefanie Harrington a local Mom of three, a personal friend and incredibly talented maternity, birth, newborn and family photographer recently visited MOCO Movement with her toddler and joined the Kids in Motion class.

This month, my daughter and I felt lucky to participate in the Kids in Motion class at the MOCO Movement Center located at 5268A Nicholson Lane, Rockville, MD. I wasn’t familiar with MOCO Movement Center so, in a nutshell, it offers engaging movement classes for children ages 6 months to 12 years, along with occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy by licensed therapists. They offer world class therapy services in a fully inclusive environment, alongside a sibling or peer taking a sports or movement class.

When we walked in, we found lots of books and toys at the entrance, which were a fun distraction for my two-year-old as we took off our shoes and socks (adults may leave their socks on). Ms. Taffany, one of the enthusiastic class instructors, welcomed us into the large gym space, where we could start with some free play. The other kids seem to attend class regularly so they were familiar with the space and already happily playing with toys, sliding or jumping on the trampolines, while we settled in.

After free play, the kids followed along as Ms. Taffany led them through songs and different movements that were fun and age appropriate for the group. The instructors were really great about gently encouraging kids to participate – my daughter was a little unsure of herself while she explored, but Ms. Taffany quickly engaged her by showing her a small slide. My daughter also really enjoyed the music toys and the bubble dance at the end of class – so much so that she didn’t want to go home when the class was over… I was finally able to convince her to leave with me as the next class was starting by promising her that we would be back! Luckily there are several classes and times to choose from.

Classes offered at MOCO Movement:

MOCO Motion (Ages 3-12)
Participants use strength and balance on giant obstacle courses designed with over-sized blocks, tightrope-style lines, trampoline and suspension equipment to find novel and innovative ways to strengthen their bodies and push their limits. Trained instructors tailor classes to each child and help them acquire foundational skills such as jumping, skipping, climbing and running necessary to safely participate in a wide variety of physical activities in their daily lives.

Sports Fundamentals (Ages 3-12)
Prepping your child to get on the right track with a variety of sports. Each class focuses on the fundamental movement skills of each sport.

Move & Groove (Under age 5)
Music and movement class designed to encourage a child’s natural musical abilities in a safe, fun and supportive environment while exercising. Classes are divided into a class for children under two years of age and children ages two to five years old. Children, along with a parent or guardian, will be encouraged to sing, dance, climb on oversized blocks, roll down inclined mats, shake shakers, bang drums and toss scarves around. Instruments provided including castanets, triangles, guitar, boomwhackers, electric guitars, a drum kit, keyboard and many more. 

Kids in Motion (Ages 6 months-5 years)
Children and caregivers participate in early learning and preschool activities while having fun in our obstacle course inspired gym.  From circle time to the big adventure, our weekly themes incorporate movement, toy exploration and learning.  Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers participate in strength and balance activates to acquire functional skills such as crawling, walking, jumping and climbing and dancing.

Sporty Tots (Ages 2-5)
A movement class that focuses on foundational sports skills for toddlers. Introduction to ball skills (throwing, catching, kicking..), stick  handling within context of baseball, basketball, and soccer.

Related Post:
MOCO Movement offers therapy services in a fully inclusive environment

The Children’s Art Studio: A Creative Summer in Washington, DC

The Children’s Art Studio is founded on the belief that young people reap tremendous emotional, intellectual and developmental gains from making art and that this opportunity should be made available to all.  Small class size, thoughtful instruction and the inventive use of high quality materials is what it is all about.  We hope your child will join us!

  • Camp will take place at Hearst Elementary School: 3950 37th Street
  • Camp is available from June 24 to August 2, 2019
  • You may enroll for one week at a time
  • The cost for each week is $450
  • There is an aftercare add on option!
  • Camp meets from 8:30am – 3:30pm
  • Camps are for children 5 -12 years old

There will be two classrooms/studios.  Each classroom will have two teachers and a max of 12 students. Children will thrive as they explore a bounty of cool art supplies in a calm, structured upbeat environment.

Enroll here!

Please see our site for more information about our programs.  Email or call with questions 202-247-1155. We look forward to speaking with you!The Children’s Art Studio will hold one day Workshops on May 27th and May 28th! Readers can use this link for a 10% discount.

This is an excellent way for kids and parents to try out our programs before committing to a full week of Summer Camp. If students like the Workshop, and we feel really confident that they will, sign up for camp!

Big Top Arrives at the National Harbor- Big Apple Circus Giveaway

Big Apple Circus; the show dedicated to spreading wonder and whimsy, is back in the DMV for its second year! From February 14-March 24, 2019 the Big Apple Circus will transform National Harbor into a surreal wonderland for families!

Children will love the wildly creative acts of strength at this year’s show, featuring performers (literally) bouncing off the walls in trampoline acts; double wide trapeze acts with seven high-flying performers and two catchers; a gravity-defying horizontal juggling act; and, of course, the beloved rescue horses and dogs trained by seven-year Big Apple Circus veteran Jenny Vibel.

We love the inclusivity of this Circus too. Big Apple Circus will offer Circus of the Senses on March 14, with enhanced experiences for audiences who are blind, deaf or low-vision. A sensory-friendly autism performance on February 22 and 23 will feature lowered light and sound levels, a descriptive social story showing the different areas and acts involved with the circus and a “calming center” that can be accessed at any point during the show.

With no seat further than 50 feet away from the ring, families can enjoy a front row seat with tickets starting at just $15 each, with over-the-top VIP upgrades available for just $25.

The regular performance schedule is Wednesdays at 11am & 7pm; Thursdays at 11am & 7pm; Fridays at 11am & 7pm; Saturdays at 11am, 3pm & 7pm; and Sundays at 12pm & 4pm. As there are schedule variances, please refer to the most up-to-date calendar on the website.

Giveaway: 4 VIP tickets to a 7:00pm weekday show. Share our photo on Instagram and tag Beltway Bambinos, an extra entry for sharing with your friends on Facebook and tagging Beltway Bambinos. Winner will be announced February 6, 2019.

Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) community programs for all ages

We can all breath a sigh of relief at the re-opening of the government. Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center is even happier because their doors are wide open and welcoming visitors to their many programs!

SEEC provides the community with opportunities to learn at every age. There are several options and you’re sure to find a program for the Bambinos in your family. Take a walk through our first experience at SEEC back in 2016 here.

Community Programs you can enroll your child in:

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