Notes – Page 2

Amazon Prime Video: THE PACK + GIVEAWAY

November 14, 2020

(Updated 11/18/20)

What if, just for one weekend, the DMV honored the unmatched bond between humans and dogs with a weekend unlike any other? To celebrate the premiere of The Pack on November 20^th, Amazon Prime Video has created the ultimate holiday for dogs and the people who love them: an extraordinary PACKED WEEKEND, offering one-of-a-kind, pup-centric experiences in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. This global celebration, running Friday, November 20^th through Sunday, November 22^nd, invites everyone and their pets to experience pampering, exciting activities, and a way to help support local businesses.

Beginning Friday, November 20^th, local Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area businesses will offer giveaways, discounted or free services, surprise pup-grades, and gifts with purchase throughout PACKED WEEKEND!

The PACKED WEEKEND fun continues with the PACK WALK CHALLENGE, a global opportunity to get moving with your pup. Starting Friday, November 20^th, everyone can use MapMyFitness or MyFitnessPal apps from Under Armour to participate in “20 Workouts in 30 Days” or “30 Miles in 30 Days” (depending on the app) to help us achieve the largest global pack walk ever, while helping you and your pet stay healthy and strong! During the course of the PACK WALK CHALLENGE, pet parents are encouraged to donate to three worthy charitable organizations right in the app –The American Heart Association’s Healthy Bond for Life, Environmental Defense Fund, and Best Friends Animal Society– to spotlight their own health, that of the planet and to help every dog live their best life. And, to honor the spirit of charity at the heart of The Pack, Prime Video will generously match consumer donations up to $100,000 (split evenly among the charities) for a 24-hour window beginning November 21^st. After completing the Challenge, eligible participants will have the chance to win a prize package, including roundtrip travel for four anywhere Alaska Airlines flies. Fans everywhere can get pumped up with a playlist curated exclusively for the PACK WALK CHALLENGE from Amazon Music.

• Bark Social – Offering 15% off discount on their online shop and offering free Sweet Potato Treats and The Pack prize pack items with any purchase over $40 at their pop-up shop, while supplies last.

• Silver and Silver Diner (19 Locations) – Social media contest at all locations for a chance to win a “Family Feast” and a prize pack from The Pack. In addition, enjoy a Special Pups on the Patio “Yappy Hour” from 3-7pm over PACKED WEEKEND at seven locations. All dogs will receive a free frozen treat and prize pack while supplies last. A portion of the “Yappy Hour” sales will benefit a local dog rescue. Yappy Hour Locations: Alexandria, Bethesda, Elkridge, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Waldorf, Washington, D.C.

• Dacha Beer Garden (2 Locations – Shaw and Navy Yard) – Free puppuccinos on Saturday to all dogs while supplies last.

• Animal Welfare League of Arlington – All dog adoption fees receive a 50% off discount for the weekend.

• Pawtiques – Complimentary nail trims on Friday and Saturday, and five free washes to the first five dogs up to 50 lbs. that make a reservation.

• Tabandeh – Free pair of winter gloves with a purchase of any pair of boots or shoes purchased while supplies last.

• Cana Vineyards and Winery – Complimentary prize packs from The Pack to all dog families while supplies last.

• The Muddy Mutt – Offering free prize packs from The Pack for the first 150 washes over PACKED WEEKEND while supplies last. Additionally, they will host a social media contest to give away 10 free washes.

• Good Luck Cellars – Give away free prize packs from The Pack to everyone that comes with a dog over the weekend while supplies last. Free “Good Luck” Wine glass with the purchase of a bottle of wine while supplies last.

• Texas Jack’s Barbecue – Offering a dog menu for a free treat and receive a prize pack from The Pack while supplies last, plus a social media contest for a free meal for two.

• The Manor at Silo Falls – Complimentary prize packs from The Pack to everyone that comes with a dog over the weekend while supplies last, and “Yappy Hour” pricing all weekend.

• Westin Hotel National Harbor Lobby Bar – Will host “Yappy Hour” each day over PACKED WEEKEND from 1-3pm, offering a specialty cocktail, free puppuccinos, and prize pack distribution while supplies last.

• The Esplanade at National Harbor – Free prize packs to people that tour the apartments over PACKED WEEKEND. Anyone that signs a lease over Packed Weekend will receive three months of pet fees waived.

• Cole Haan at The Shops at Wisconsin Place – Offering 10% off to those who sign up for emails/membership this weekend.

• J. Jill at The Shops at Wisconsin Place – Offering 10% off purchases over the weekend and an additional $5 off for first time email subscribers.

• Nina McLemore at The Shops at Wisconsin Place – Offering 20% off purchases over the weekend.

• Le Pain Quotidien at The Shops at Wisconsin Place – Offering 10% off and a free dog treat to all customers with dogs while supplies last.

• The Pet Spa at Barkley Square – Give away prize packs to all dogs that come in for grooming over the weekend. Also hosting a social media contest to give away five free month passes for dog washes.

• Anne Arundel SPCA – Receive a free prize pack with all dog adoptions over the weekend while supplies last.

• Carhartt – Raffling off a free dog jacket during intermission of The Pack screening at National Harbor.

• The Shoppes at Art District – Free promo items from The Pack on Friday and Saturday at select times while supplies last.

• From Head to Tail Spa – Hosting a social media contest for a free pup couch and free doggie spa day!

• Camp Bow Wow (2 locations – Frederick and Columbia) – will offer pet parents everywhere the chance to win a free year of doggy day care and boarding Camp services for their dog at one of their 180+ locations.

• Whiskey Charlie – Custom drink menu offered all weekend at their location in the District Wharf while supplies last.

• Diament Jewelry and Gifts – Offering 25% off discount on all dog items on Sunday, November 22^nd while supplies last.

• Shake Shack at District Wharf – Offering free Poochinis on Sunday, November 22^nd while supplies last.

• Magnolia’s on King – Offering $8 Doggie & Human Snack Bowl Duos – Chicken & Brown Rice for pups / Smoked Gouda Grit & Red Gravy Bowls for humans while supplies last. Proceeds benefiting Project Second Chance Animal Rescue.

• The National Harbor – Hosting a viewing party of the first two episodes of The Pack on Saturday, November 21^st at 1pm. Various businesses will be handing out dog treats, while supplies last, including: ZAAF, Alex and Ani, and Carhartt.

• The District Wharf – Hosting a viewing party of the first two episodes of The Pack on Sunday, November 22^nd at 2pm. Various businesses will be handing out dog treats, while supplies last, including: The Big Bad Woof, Woofbowl, Metro Mutts, Fur-Get Me Not, Cordial at the Wharf Craft Wine & Spirits, The Brighton, Cantina Bambina, Martha Spak Gallery at the Wharf, and Praline Bakery.

The Pack, an Amazon Original series, is a new unscripted competition reality series featuring human-dog teams in an epic, global adventure. Hosted by gold medalist Lindsey Vonn and her canine co-host Lucy, the series features twelve teams of dogs and their humans on an epic adventure across multiple continents. The Amazon Original series The Pack will premiere on November 20^th, on Amazon Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories.

Packed Weekend is happening on November 20^th through November 22^nd. There are a tons of free giveaways and discounts being offered all across our area (more information to come next week!!). There will be two “viewing parties” of the first two episodes of The Pack. Check on the venue’s Instagram & Facebook pages for more information about them and how to reserve tickets. Due to current restrictions, they are not doing giveaways or reserved tickets for these viewing parties.

o Saturday, November 21^st at 1:00pm – National Harbor Jumbo Screen
o Sunday, November 22^nd at 2:00pm – The District Wharf on the LED Screen at the Pier

Giveaway: Win a prize pack from The Pack! consisting of a collapsible traveling dog bowl and doggie bag dispenser. Like our post on Instagram and tag a doggie loving friend. Winner announced November 20, 2020.

8 games to play in the pool + must-haves for water play

July 7, 2020

Pools are opening with some restrictions and maybe you are lucky enough to have your own backyard swimming hole. Below are 8 classic pool games with a few variations. We have also compiled a short list of must-haves for the water (not necessarily a pool).

Toys and games worth considering to entertain in or near a body of water:
Basketball
Swim through rings
Life jacket
Toss & catch
Supersoakers
Waterproof playing cards
3 pack float
Splash battle islands
Goggles
Diving torpedos
Watermelon ball (Players can dribble, kick, bounce, and pass this ball 10 ft underwater due to its near neutral buoyancy! The ball stays under the water unlike a volleyball or other types of water ball or inflatables.)

Marco Polo:
Recently we introduced our kids to this old classic and it was hilarious to watch. Whoever is Marco, calls out Marco while their eyes are closed and the others must say Polo in an attempt for Marco to catch them by tagging them. The one who is ‘it’ listens carefully to splashes and movements around to help catch the others. An additional rule- “Fish-out-of-water” allows players to exit the pool to avoid being tagged. But they can be caught by ‘it’ by yelling “Fish out of water,” that player then becomes it if they are in deed out of the water.

Sharks & Minnows:
This is a version of tag that you may remember playing in gym class indoors. You need one shark and everyone are minnows, lined up on one side of the pool. The shark yells “dinner time” and the minnows attempt to swim to the to the other side. The shark may tag any minnow that is swimming over, once the last minnow is tagged, it becomes the new shark and helps tag minnows.

Chicken Fight:
Kids get to hop on the shoulders of an adult or can even play on floats. Make up the rules you want them to abide by because this is potentially dangerous but a classic. A chicken fight in the pool is like double-decker wrestling. The two people on shoulders are the only ones who actively fight. The object is to knock your opponent into the water, either by toppling just the top opponent or both opponents together. Make sure you have a big enough space in the water to play to avoid injuries.

What time is it Mr. Fox?:
Mr. Fox starts out at one end of the pool with his back to the group. The group at the other end then yells out “What time is it Mr. Fox?” Mr. Fox then calls out a time that is on the even hour “It’s 6 o’clock!”. The group then takes that many strokes or steps toward the fox. When the group gets to where the fox is, but not past him, and asks the time, the fox can yell “Midnight!” They then turn and swim after the group. Those who are caught then sit out at one end. The last one left becomes the fox. A variation can be to allow each child who is tagged to become an honorary fox and help catch people.

Diving for toys (or coins):
Have children close their eyes and toss in sinkable toys. Then strap those goggles on and hunt for what’s sunken in the deep, deep bottom. I remember my parents throwing in loads of coins to search for and we typically would play this for hours and bonus– we got to keep what we found.

Spray Tag:
Another great use for those squirt guns. Fill them up with water and kids have to dive under the water to avoid getting sprayed with the opponents water. If you get sprayed you give up your squirter until the next round. The last one swimming is the winner!

Races:
Blow up those floats, grab the pool noodles or brush up on those swim strokes and get ready to race. On your mark, get set, go (to the opposite end). Add a fun twist and inflate beach balls and have the swimmers lay across the ball to get to the other side.

Color Game:
I used to play this by holding a friend like a baby. The person is trying to guess the color I have thought of. Each time they guess it incorrectly I dipped her head back and into the water. Once she guesses correctly I flipped her into a back flip sending her into the water gently. Another take on this is someone is the caller and the others think of a color. The caller calls out the color and if it was someones choice color they have to get into the water trying to be as quiet as possible, making it to the other side of the pool without being tagged.

Best places to view cherry blossoms that are NOT on the National Mall

March 12, 2020

Clearly a lot of families are looking to get outdoors because this post was very well received. We thought a post on where to view cherry blossoms without the crowds the Tidal Basin has may be useful. Cherry Blossom Watch is on and as of now the peak time will be March 20-24, 2020! However, if you are hoping to make it to the Cherry Blossom Festival be sure to visit the link for updated information before heading downtown as some events have been cancelled.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception has over 150 trees.
Dumbarton Oaks has a mixture of cherry species as well as other gorgeous spring blooms.
US Arboretum has the trees but are spread out, but that’s the best part about heading here; room to roam!
Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens Cherry trees surround the parking area and Visitor Center at Kenilworth Park where you can also enjoy birding along the boardwalk.
Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland has about 30 cherry trees and other spring blooms at their garden.
The neighborhood of Kenwood, Maryland has impressive tree-lined streets. However, this does get very crowded, so if dodging crowds ifs the goal, read on or go very early in the day.
Van Gogh Bridge at Lake Anne in Reston has been on our list to visit. There are not many trees however the location on the bridge provides that most scenic and charming photos we see year after year.
Rockville Civic Center Park and Glenview Mansion both have trees lining the drive to Glenview Mansion and around the Civic Center Park. You will also find a nature center, playground, and wooded nature walk if you want to extend the trip and stay longer.
Did you know the 2nd largest collection of cherry blossom trees in DC are at Oxon Run Park?
Stanton Park in Capitol Hill allows you to sit back, have a picnic and lay underneath a small collection of cherry trees.
Of course you can walk along the Tidal Basin with the crowds or sit on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial and admire the blossoms from there. Grab sanitizing wipes and rent a paddle boat on the Tidal Basin.

Happy New Year from Beltway Bambinos

January 1, 2020

Happy 2020– a new decade I hope brings everyone health and happiness. This past year generated growth, opportunity and produced relationships for Beltway Bambinos and I am forever grateful that so many of you find the blog to be a valuable resource.

Last week Beltway Bambinos Concierge launched; a service that gives families a week of exploration for their child based on the interests and needs of the family. A perfect itinerary for a caregiver to follow! We hope if your sitter is in a rut or if you need fresh ideas to get your Bambinos exploring you will consider this.

Highlighted below are the top 5 posts of the year. I plan to expand on these posts for 2020 as they are so popular and look forward to generating exciting, new content this year for you. Happy New Year!

1: Guide to summer camps— 2020 post coming this week
2: Indoor options— let us know in the comments below your favorite spot
3: Birthday party options for older kids— there is also a post for even more info on birthday parties
4: Kids eat free
5: 16 pools worth joining

Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

March 15, 2019

The 55th Annual gem, mineral & fossil show is at The Montgomery County Fairgrounds this weekend. World-wide treasures · Over 40 exhibits · Door prizes · Demonstrations · Free workshop · Free specimens for the kids · Free kids’ Mini Mine · Food for sale · Fluorescent minerals · Raffle · Information Center · Plenty of free parking.

Imagination Stage has their early childhood programs on Saturday & Sunday.

Friday

6:00pm-9:00pm: District of Columbia Public Schools Family Night at National Air & Space Museum
For one night only, we are opening our doors exclusively to DCPS K-8th students and their families for an unforgettable evening of fun including: A virtual journey through our solar system in the Albert Einstein Planetarium, Discovery Stations about spacesuits, meteorites, and more, Hands-on activities, food, and prizes and A free gift at the end of the evening for the first 100 people to register. CLICK HERE to register.

Saturday

10:00am-12:00pm: Civil War Tour
Join the Civil War Defenses of Washington for an exploration of Fort Slocum. This fort witnessed the dramatic intersection between slavery and freedom during the war as thousands of formerly enslaved African Americans came across Federal lines. Fort Slocum was also engaged in enemy action during the Civil War; along with Fort DeRussy and Stevens, it was the main sector of fighting during the Confederate Raid on Washington DC in July 1864, culminating in the Battle of Fort Stevens. Meet Ranger Steve T. Phan at Fort Slocum Park, located at 5800 Kansas Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011. The 1.5-mile hike and will be conducted over paved sidewalks, dirt paths, and grass.

11:00am-5:00pm: Nowruz: A Persian New Year Celebration at Freer|Sackler
Ring in the Persian New Year at our eleventh annual Nowruz celebration! Welcome spring with free attractions for all ages, including performances, storytelling, hands-on activities, and more. The celebration will include: Haft sin table displays, featuring seven symbolic objects to welcome the new year, cinematic shadow-puppet performances by Fictionville Studio based on the Persian epic the Shahnama, interactive storytelling by Xanthe Gresham, calligraphy demonstrations, chances to create Nowruz cards, crowns, and puppets, pop-up concerts in the galleries, book signing of Cooking in Iran with chef and cookbook author Najmieh Batmanglij, Persian food from Moby Dick House of Kabob and Le Caprice Bakery available for purchase and featured exhibitions Engaging the Senses, Feast Your Eyes, and Shaping Clay in Ancient Iran.

2:00pm: Winnie the Pooh at McLean Community Center
It’s story time for Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh, but Pooh won’t hear just any story, he wants to hear a story about himself, because “he’s that sort of bear.” Pooh’s love of honey and his friendship with Piglet take him and the rest of the forest creatures, Owl, Eeyore and Rabbit, on a journey as they try to understand their new neighbors, Kanga and Roo. There is a reason this beloved story has become a classic for all ages—the themes are universal and the characters are silly, yet charming. Performed by talented McLean area youth.

3:00pm: The Magic School Bus: Lost in Space at Olney Theatre Center
When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip! But when rivalries both old and new threaten to tear the students apart, our young heroes must learn to pull together or risk getting forever lost in the solar system. Hop on the Magic School Bus for a ride in this new musical adaptation based on the original book series published by Scholastic. Recommended for children in grades K-5.

Sunday

1:30pm AND 2:30pm: Art Jamz Graffiti Party
It is time to get messy like a street artist at the Kidz Graffiti Party and get 1 hour of studio time to paint the wall. The lounge will be open for accompanying parents and they’ll be playing jamming tunes to inspire all the little artist. Afterwards, your family can purchase additional studio time and canvas and let your vision come to life off the wall.

3:00pm: Story Pirates at Bender JCC of Greater Washington
Pirates and Purim at the Bender JCC! Start your adventure off with Story Pirates at 3:00pm for the popular improv acting troupe that is making it’s way up and down the seaboard. Stories written by children from Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School and Bender JCC Early Childhood Center are brought to life on stage by the Story Pirates’ professional and hilarious improv actors. Get set for a fun afternoon performance filled with music and laughs! Purchase your $15 tickets for this hilarious event.

4:00pm-5:00pm: Family Purim Party at Bender JCC of Greater Washington
After Story Pirates, the fun continues at the Bender JCC family Purim Party from 4:00-5:00pm. Your family will enjoy making hamentaschen, arts & crafts and playing in the Wasserman Gym. Tickets for $5 can be purchased when you purchase your Story Pirates tickets.

4:00pm: The Big Apple Circus
Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and host of The Lead, will take center stage, along with his two kids, as Guest Ringmaster at the Big Apple Circus! Jake will greet circus attendees and kick off an afternoon of wonder and whimsy for all ages! Following the show, all guests are invited to the Circus’s VIP Mirror Room for a book signing of Alice Tapper’s book Raise Your Hand. Books will be available for purchase on site.

***Win 4 tickets to Day Out with Thomas & Friends at B & O Railroad Museum. Final day to enter is March 15!!!!***

Related Posts:

Spring Break Camps for 2019

Summer Camps for 2019

Plan Ahead:
March 24: Sensory Friendly Day at B&O Railroad Email Rebecca for a special preview book

March 22-31: Marvel Universe Live! at Eagle Bank Arena

New Pajama Jams at AMP by Strathmore:
Summer vacation may not start for months but playtime is year-round at AMP, and we’re bringing back our Pajama Jam series to prove it! Sing, dance, and strike a few (yoga) poses with Gina Chavez on April 7, Yogapalooza on April 28 and Moona Luna on June 16.

Movie Passes to Isle of Dogs

March 6, 2018

Fox Searchlight presents ISLE OF DOGS, which tells the story of Atari Kobayashi, 12-year-old ward to corrupt Mayor Kobayashi. When, by Executive Decree, all the canine pets of Megasaki City are exiled to a vast garbage-dump, Atari sets off alone in a miniature Junior-Turbo Prop and flies to Trash Island in search of his bodyguard-dog, Spots. There, with the assistance of a pack of newly-found mongrel friends, he begins an epic journey that will decide the fate and future of the entire Prefecture. Rated PG-13

Details: Landmark Bethesda Row on Monday, March 19 at 7:00pm (arrive at least 30 minutes early to ensure a seat)

Print up to 4 passes to see the movie here.

Directed by: Wes Anderson

Screenplay by: Wes Anderson

Produced by: Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Steven Rales and Jeremy Dawson

Cast: F. Murray Abraham, Bob Balaban, Bryan Cranston, Greta Gerwig, Jeff Goldblum, Scarlett Johansson, Akira Ito, Harvey Keitel, Frances McDormand, Bill Murray, Mari Natsuki, Yojiro Noda, Kunichi Nomura, Ken Watanabe, Edward Norton, Yoko Ono, Koyu Rankin, Live Schreiber, Fisher Stevens, Tilda Swinton, Akira Takayama, Courtney B. Vance, Frank Wood

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

February 9, 2018

Love is in the air at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum’s annual Valentine’s Day Card Workshop! Perfect for visitors of all ages, this open-house event will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on both Saturday, February 10 and Sunday, February 11, 2018. The museum provides a bountiful spread of patterned papers, rubber stamps and postage stamps for decoration, gems and other 3-D embellishments, special cut-out scissors, washi tape, stickers, markers of every color (with a surplus of red and pink!) and more! Following their own creative instincts, kids and adults can choose whichever supplies they would like to design one-of-a-kind Valentine greetings.

Goodnight Moon & Runaway Bunny at Black Rock Center for the Arts is on Feb 10 & 11, 2018. From the creators of the 2014-15 sold-out performances of The Very Hungry Caterpillar comes a new adaptation of a children’s classic. Adapted from Margaret Wise Brown’s sixty-year-old classic, Goodnight Moon is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while The Runaway Bunny’s pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum. Both performances feature the endearing animal puppets, stunning scenic effects and evocative music that have earned international recognition for Mermaid Theatre. The hour-long staged adaptation brings a fresh appreciation of the stories and images that have delighted several generations.

The Princess & The Pauper: A Bollywood Tale at Imagination Stage premieres Feb 10 through March 18, 2018.
Set in long ago India, this Bollywood-inspired adaptation of the classic Mark Twain novel shows how the common people work long hours to support the luxurious lifestyle of those in the palace. As a corrupt Wazir plots to steal the throne from the Sultan’s heirs, a spoiled Princess Razia forces a shy dressmaker’s daughter, Zainab, to exchange places with her. Razia gradually discovers how unfairly the people are treated, and resolves to become a just leader. But, can she expose the Wazir’s villainy before he is crowned? In a madcap finale, Razia, Zainab, and all of the people of Dehli rise up to crash the coronation. Recommended ages 5+.

KID Museum is an AWESOME hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math learning experience with an exploration of world cultures and global citizenship. It offers unique, maker experiences for elementary and middle school-aged children. See events calendar here to pick a day that is perfect for your Bambino. You won’t be disappointed. KID Museum’s current site at Davis Library in Bethesda, Maryland provides the community with programs and workshops on weekends and after school.

Saturday and Sunday head to the National Gallery of Art and join us for a cozy winter weekend of animated shorts from Weston Woods Studios, where books come to life through film. This program includes Ezra Jack Keats’s The Snowy Day, Leo Lionni’s Frederick, Jane Yolen’s Owl Moon, Ed Young’s Seven Blind Mice, Mac Barnett’sExtra Yarn, and Peter H. Reynolds’s The North Star. (Weston Woods Studios, USA, 50 minutes)

Saturday-

8:30am-9:30am: Capoeira for Kids Ages 3.5-7 at Bloombars
Capoeira provides physical fitness for children, ages 4 and up. It is intended to be a no- to low-contact martial art that helps children with gross motor planning and gross motor skills. Children will also learn maculele (a dance done hitting sticks against your partner’s sticks), samba, capoeira instruments, and Portuguese through this fun, interactive class. Classes are $15 each or $120 for a series of ten classes. Stick around for Harambe afterwards, beginning at 9:30am AND 10:30am.

9:30am AND 11:00am: Gemini Children’s Theatre: Little Mermaid’s Pollution Solution at National Theatre
The Little Mermaid has come back under the sea to visit her father, but the Sea Witch is up to her old tricks. She has polluted the water to drive out all the sea life in order to take over the underwater kingdom. It’s up to the Little Mermaid and her sea creature friends to save the day.

10:00am-3:00pm: African American Pioneers in Aviation and Space
Join us as we celebrate African American History Month by revealing past pioneers and giving families the opportunity to inspire the next generation of innovators in aviation and space. African Americans have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to flight and space exploration despite the overwhelming obstacles they had to overcome. Enjoy guest speakers as they share their personal tales of triumph, participate in hands-on activities that will challenge families to be pioneers in space and aviation, and hear inspiring stories of African Americans who have overcome challenges and refused to be hidden figures.

10:00am: Avalon Theatre Family Weekend Family Matinee: Wonder
Based on the New York Times bestseller, WONDER tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters fifth grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Rated PG.

10:00am-12:00pm: Boogie Babes Gear Drive & Free Concert
Come to Eastern Market and donate baby gear you no longer need to a family in need and stay to boogie down with us! Our friends at The Residences at Eastern Marketare sponsoring a FREE Boogie Babes show with the amazing Rainbow Rock Band at 10:30am.

11:00am-4:00pm: The Arctic Melt at The National Academy of Sciences
Join Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences (CPNAS) and the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) for a day of family fun discovering the Arctic landscape and its inhabitants. Through hands-on activities, children and families will explore Diane Tuft’s stunning photography exhibit, The Arctic Melt: Images of a Disappearing Landscape, and make connections to the Arctic environment, climate change, and conservation. Participants are encouraged to bring an old t-shirt to make a reusable shopping bag. This program is geared for families with children ages 3-8. Registration is recommended.

11:30am-3:00pm: Chinese New Year Festival at Smithsonian American Art Museum
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at SAAM to begin the Year of the Dog! Enjoy a variety of activities and demonstrations including traditional paper cutting, an art scavenger hunt, red paper-lantern making, and panda crafts. There will also be performances by special guest artists from Chengdu, China, including traditional music, Sichuan Opera, and acrobatics. Help us “awaken the lion” and ring in the New Year!

Sunday-

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
You are invited with your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home.Featured story: Pout, Pout Fish

11:00am-5:00pm: Lunar New Year Celebration at Freer|Sackler
Join us for our fourth annual Lunar New Year celebration to ring in the Year of the Dog. Discover the richness of arts and culture in Sichuan Province, home to China’s beloved giant pandas. Experience interactive food and art demonstrations, live acrobatic and puppetry performances, and creations by local and international artists. And enjoy the six reimagined Chinese art exhibitions in the Freer and the innovative Resound: Ancient Bells of Chinain the Sackler. The celebration features lively performances of opera, folk music, and dance. Be prepared to sample some spicy dishes featuring Sichuan’s mouth-numbing peppers. Plus, write a Lunar New Year greeting card.

Extra, Extra–

Surprise your littles with Disney on Ice presents Frozen tickets!

Date Night Giveaway to Spoiled Rotten! at National Theatre is coming to a close soon, enter here!! Use discount code: BARD for seating starting at $39 each.

Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic at Eagle Bank Arena
February 25, 2018

Paw Patrol Live!: The Great Pirate Adventure at The Hippodrome
May 12 & 13, 2018

Bubble Guppies Live at National Theatre
May 8, 2018

The Wild Kratts Live!
April 15, 2018- The Modell Lyric
April 21, 2018- DAR Constitution Hall

Birthday party ideas, venues & entertainers in and around Washington, DC

December 21, 2017

Planning a party should be exciting and fun, but until you find a perfect spot for your Bambino it may be a bit stressful. I’ve put together a list (longer than I intended) to get you thinking about some great spots and venues in our area.

Indoor Party

My Gym Bethesda: Read my personal experience (Location also in Potomac)

Creative Youth: Sewing, Runway Fashionista, Fashion Design and more

Color Me Mine: Paint pottery, invitations and paper supplies included (Gaithersburg, Rockville, Silver Spring & Fairfax)

Michaels: Choose from themes or design your own celebration, use of craft supplies and party space.

Launch Trampoline Park

Circle Yoga: Parties taught by a Budding Yogis qualified yoga instructor. The party lasts 1 1/2 hours (1 hour of yoga, 1/2 hour for eating or gift exchange). Yoga parties can be coordinated around almost any theme.

The Escape Lounge: Include an escape game and one-hour celebration. Pizza and beverages included. Perfect for older kids.

All Fired Up: Paint pottery, 5 balloons, invitations and paper supplies included

Magic Ground: Indoor play with extra bonuses

Imagination Stage: See a show or have a workshop

Flying Kick Tae Kwon Do: Go to the studio or have them come to you

Adventure Theatre: See a show or have a workshop

Bubble Bounce: 2 hours, private party space, pizza and juice included

Capital Gymnastics: 1 hour of gymnastics on the gym floor with a qualified instructor, followed by 1/2 hour in a party room

Kidville: Fun in the gym, 2 party leaders, invitations, cake, pizza and paper goods included

Gymboree: Choose a theme and an employee with guide your party to fun in the gym, invitations, good bag sand party supplies included

DC JCC: Choose a theme and they do it all for you with an energetic staff member

Bounce U: Inflatables

Pump it Up: Inflatables

Badlands: Read about our experience here

Silver Stars Gymnastics

College Park Aviation Museum: Each party includes an aviation-themed craft, museum exploration, a private party room, and much more.

Build-A-Bear Workshop: Make and take home a furry friend, games, activities and a hat

Laser Tag & Arcade

YMCA

PB&Jack: 1hr & 15 mins in the gym, 45 mins of cake and celebrating, themed craft corner, juice and paper supplies provided

More Indoor Options that may host parties

Outdoor Party

American City Diner: Movie on the Deck with menu

Smithsonian National Zoo: Themed indoor party room and walking tour Zoo exhibits

Rock Creek Park: Picnic tables, some spots have grills, bring your own fun and be one with nature

Leesburg Animal Park: 2 hours with a hostess, private pony rides, petting zoo, goody bag and paper supplies included

Tinkergarten

Orchards and Farms

Outdoor Ice Rinks

Indoor and Outdoor Combo

Meadowside Nature Center: Room rental and a themed program with an outdoor activity led by Naturalist

Locust Grove Nature Center: Room rental and a themed program with an outdoor activity led by Naturalist

Glen Echo: Party space, ride the historic carousel, go to the playground

Wheaton Regional Park: Train, carousel, playground

Cabin John Park: Trains, playground and indoor party space

DC Parks & Recreation: Play at a playground, rec center, gym or pool. Apply for a permit well in advance

Our favorite musicians who will come to your home or venue

Mr. Gabe

Mr. Skip

John Henry, The Guitar Playing Man

Amber with Meadowlark Music

Baba Ras D

The Uncle Devin Show

Marsha Goodman-Wood

Entertainment/Decor
Reptiles Alive!

SenSations Party Designs

James Creel and his Balloonery

Captain Allstar

Vivi the Clown

The Amazing Kevin (Magician)

We’re Having a Party- Party Supply & Rental

Link to search and hire various entertainment and entertainers

Need a bounce house?

Total Party & Event

Talk of the Town