Beltway Bambinos

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

  • Home
  • Indoor Fun
    • Theater & musical productions
    • Guide to Indoor Fun for Kids
  • Fall
    • Halloween guide
    • Fall festivals, farms, orchards
    • Fall Foliage Spots and Drives
    • Fall events
    • Fall classes
    • Fall bucket list
    • Survive Daylight Savings
  • Winter
    • Holiday gift guide
    • Holiday shows, ballets and concerts
    • Hanukkah Celebrations
    • Holiday Tea
    • Christmas Trees, Lights & Markets
    • Ski and snowboard
    • Cut-your-own tree
    • Ice rinks and roller rinks
  • Spring
    • Cherry blossoms
    • Easter egg hunts
    • Easter basket & spring gift ideas
    • Spring bucket list
    • Mother’s Day
    • Memorial Day weekend
    • Tax day steals and deals
  • Summer
    • Summer Camps
    • July 4th
    • Ice cream
    • Sunflower Fields
    • Summer bucket list
    • Live outdoor music
    • Outdoor movies
    • Outdoor swimming pools
    • Splash parks
    • Trains!
  • Camps and Classes
    • Fall classes
    • Spring classes
    • Summer camps
    • Mid-winter break camps
    • Winter camps and classes
    • November 2, 4, 5, 11
    • DCPS spring break camps
    • Schools out, camps are in
    • Year-round classes
    • Gymnastics and dance classes
  • Neighborhood Guides
    • Annapolis, MD
    • AU Park, DC
    • Baltimore, MD
    • Bethany Beach, DE
    • Breweries in the DC area
    • Brookland, DC
    • Chevy Chase, DC
    • Georgetown, DC
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • Lancaster County, PA
    • Madison, VA
    • Frederick, MD
    • St. Louis, MO
  • Outdoor Play
    • 15 family friendly hikes
    • Pick your own fruit and vegetables
    • Beaches and state parks
    • Outdoor fun
    • Trails, marshes and gardens
    • 20 classic outdoor games
    • Trains and carousels
  • Beltway Bambinos Concierge
    • Customized itineraries
    • Introducing Beltway Bambinos Concierge
  • About
  • Beltway Travel
    • Introducing Beltway Travel
    • Family Summer Getaways
    • Traveling with Little Ones?
    • Why Now is the Time to Plan
    • Travel Advisors Save You More Than Money
    • Why You Should Work with Me
    • How Do You Make Sure the Trip Has Something for Everyone?
    • DC Hotels with Indoor Pools
  • Itineraries
    • 5 Days in Costa Rica
    • {Winter} Staycation
  • Home
  • Indoor Fun
    • Theater & musical productions
    • Guide to Indoor Fun for Kids
  • Fall
    • Halloween guide
    • Fall festivals, farms, orchards
    • Fall Foliage Spots and Drives
    • Fall events
    • Fall classes
    • Fall bucket list
    • Survive Daylight Savings
  • Winter
    • Holiday gift guide
    • Holiday shows, ballets and concerts
    • Hanukkah Celebrations
    • Holiday Tea
    • Christmas Trees, Lights & Markets
    • Ski and snowboard
    • Cut-your-own tree
    • Ice rinks and roller rinks
  • Spring
    • Cherry blossoms
    • Easter egg hunts
    • Easter basket & spring gift ideas
    • Spring bucket list
    • Mother’s Day
    • Memorial Day weekend
    • Tax day steals and deals
  • Summer
    • Summer Camps
    • July 4th
    • Ice cream
    • Sunflower Fields
    • Summer bucket list
    • Live outdoor music
    • Outdoor movies
    • Outdoor swimming pools
    • Splash parks
    • Trains!
  • Camps and Classes
    • Fall classes
    • Spring classes
    • Summer camps
    • Mid-winter break camps
    • Winter camps and classes
    • November 2, 4, 5, 11
    • DCPS spring break camps
    • Schools out, camps are in
    • Year-round classes
    • Gymnastics and dance classes
  • Neighborhood Guides
    • Annapolis, MD
    • AU Park, DC
    • Baltimore, MD
    • Bethany Beach, DE
    • Breweries in the DC area
    • Brookland, DC
    • Chevy Chase, DC
    • Georgetown, DC
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • Lancaster County, PA
    • Madison, VA
    • Frederick, MD
    • St. Louis, MO
  • Outdoor Play
    • 15 family friendly hikes
    • Pick your own fruit and vegetables
    • Beaches and state parks
    • Outdoor fun
    • Trails, marshes and gardens
    • 20 classic outdoor games
    • Trains and carousels
  • Beltway Bambinos Concierge
    • Customized itineraries
    • Introducing Beltway Bambinos Concierge
  • About
  • Beltway Travel
    • Introducing Beltway Travel
    • Family Summer Getaways
    • Traveling with Little Ones?
    • Why Now is the Time to Plan
    • Travel Advisors Save You More Than Money
    • Why You Should Work with Me
    • How Do You Make Sure the Trip Has Something for Everyone?
    • DC Hotels with Indoor Pools
  • Itineraries
    • 5 Days in Costa Rica
    • {Winter} Staycation

Guest Post: Amazement at Artechouse

November 30, 2017

Elizabeth Reid is our Guest Post contributor who lives in Georgetown with her husband and three young girls. She was a customer of Beautycounter and loved the safe products so much she became a consultant. Elizabeth recently visited Artechouse for the first time with her family of 5. 

Artechouse has produced another great interactive art exhibit with the Kingdom of Colors installation. Kingdom of Colors is explained on the website as, “Immerse yourself into the world of dreamlike colorful liquids in motion showcased via our state-of-the-art 270 degree wall projections. Watch how this unique and innovative visual installation pushes the limits of engineering and creativity using the new possibilities afforded by advances in filmmaking and camera technology.” It is a great way to expose your Bambinos to abstract and modern art without forcing it at a museum where they need to stay silent and still at.

The website says recommended ages 6+, but that is not the case at all!  We took our daughters ages 6, 5 and 2 1/2 and we equally had a wonderful time. I think my youngest had the most fun! Just keep in mind it is not a ‘please touch’ museum. We spent about 45 minutes to an hour in the exhibit which included exploring four rooms. One large room with fun bean bag chairs to watch the colorful liquids in motion while the other three rooms are more interactive. My oldest enjoyed the music experience that accompanied part of the installation and my youngest enjoyed the smaller rooms where she could be more interactive; moving around and watching the images change with her movement. There are plenty of millennials taking selfies but there is plenty of space that the kids are not in their way. It’s conveniently located blocks from the Mall so you can coordinate another museum trip before or after visiting Artechouse. Artechouse is a wonderful place to start your holiday adventures in DC.

See this post which recommends the previous exhibit that was at Artechouse.
  • The Imaginary World of the Nutcracker is the upcoming installation at Artechouse, running from December 7, 2017 – January 7, 2018. Inspired by the original story and powered by the latest projection technology, “Imaginary World of The Nutcracker” will whisk you away to a magical kingdom where the Nutcracker and other characters come to life via projections and the Artechouse Augmented Reality app.
  • Tickets sell out QUICKLY so be sure and get them soon.  They even have 21+ evening tickets if you want to check out the exhibit or space first without Bambinos. Tickets are required for all attending, except are babies in body carriers.
  • Location: Artechouse is located at The Portals between Smithsonian and L’Enfant Plaza metro stations in Southwest, DC, at 1238 Maryland Ave. SW, just down the street from the Mandarin Oriental hotel.

Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Guest Post, Notes Tagged: art, artechouse, immersive art, interactive art

Holiday tea with children in and around Washington, DC

November 26, 2017

(Updated post can be found here)

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 were at The Plaza Hotel in New York with my best friend followed by a Holiday Tea at the Willard Intercontinental with family. My daughter is still too young to go to a holiday tea; we’ve got a few more years. 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 some tea and crumpets.

holiday-afternoon-teas-with-kids-e3851d8d0bca4c94a854db16b7817976

(Photo: Minitime.com)

  • Peter Rabbit Tea at the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner

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 $36 per Person (for our guests under age 12)

  • The Mansion on O Street

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

  • Peacock Alley Tea at The Willard

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 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. throughout December, excluding December 1, 2, 3, 24, 25 and 31st. Reservations are required. $52 per adult, $22 for children 5-12 years of age. Children under 5 dine complimentary.

  • Strathmore Afternoon Tea

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.

  • Ritz Carlton Pentagon City Teddy Bear Children’s Tea

Saturday & Sunday afternoons they have an expansive tea service but also have a “Teddy Bear Tea” which is $16 per person, Selection of Children’s Tea Sandwiches, Sweet Plate-Pastry Chef’s Choice of the Day and Hot Chocolate.

  • Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden

Not holiday specific, however afternoon tea is served on Sundays. Seating is limited, so reservations are encouraged.

  • Tea with Mrs. B

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.

  • The American Girl’s Tea Tysons Corner
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.

  • Lady Camellia Pastry & Tea Room
  • The Tavern at the Henley Park Holiday Tea
  • Children’s Holiday Tea at The Mandarin Oriental
Every Saturday afternoon in December: $38 per child 4 to 12 years of age, children under 4 years of age dine for free. See menu online

Hotels that offer tea service (not necessarily holiday themed)

The Jefferson

The Mayflower

Park Hyatt Washington

The St. Regis

Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Notes Tagged: children, family, holiday, tea

Volunteering in and around Washington, DC

November 19, 2017

GIVE, GIVE, GIVE!!! (And not just around the holiday season!) There are so many ways you can help others in our area and the best part is they all welcome children to participate. Teaching our littlest the value of giving and not just receiving is critical. Below are several places to check out and many more you probably already know about. Find one what’s best for you and take the entire family. 
young-volunteers
                                                                                                                        (Photo: So Others May Eat)

Volunteer your time:

A Wider Circle has MANY ways to volunteer and donate through Holiday Giving Programs
Mary’s Center Reading Pals, Special Events and Patient Portal Volunteers needed
Make sandwiches (throughout the year in your home) for CCPC Transition Assistance Program
Family Bagging Night for kids ages 5 to 11 at Arlington Food Assistance Center
Foster an animal from Humane Rescue Alliance
15 and up Ambassador Program at Children’s National Medical Center
Help provide food to clients, pack and shelve food, and interact with clients at Spend Yourself Food Pantry
Helping dogs at Lucky Kids Club
Read to cats at Animal Welfare of Arlington’s Paws and Read
Create and send holiday cards to injured, ill or hospitalized service members and veterans through American Red Cross
Planting trees through Casey Trees
Various events and ways to help at DC Diaper Bank
Sort and pack food for delivery at Capital Area Food Bank
Helping the poor help themselves at  Art for Humanity
Organize a drive to collect food, clothing and toiletries for Bethesda Cares
Help prepare meals at DC Central Kitchen
Help prepare and serve meals at So Others May Eat
Assist inner-city seniors at We Are Family
Help with food, clothing and special events at Martha’s Table
List of ways to volunteer in Fairfax County
Lay wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery December 16, 2017

Making Donations:

Eliana’s Light would be grateful to receive donations of stress-relief items for children with complex medical conditions and their caregivers through an Amazon Wish List
Diapers to the DC Diaper Bank
Kids Crafts for a cause through Little Loving Hands
Legos, art supplies, books etc to Children’s National Medical Center
Seasonal clothing to Bethesda Cares
Non-perishable food items to Spend Yourself Food Pantry

Other ways to show you care:

Create holiday cards for Cards for Hospitalized Kids
Find a Toys For Tots drive and donate
Spend time at a Nursing or Assisted Living Center
Host a refugee family
Shop with your children at a local grocery store for non-perishable items and donate them to a canned food drive
Claude Moore Colonial Farm has many ways to volunteer and donate
Star Gazing Farm has many ways to volunteer and donate

1 Comment
Filed Under: Holiday Options, Notes Tagged: Volunteer

Thank you!

September 9, 2015

As some of you know we welcomed our second child 9 months ago and my avid readers have noticed Beltway Bambinos blog posts have decreased. I have been juggling 2 kids and therefore I had to take a break from writing– for some reason I couldn’t figure out how to nurse a baby, play a game with a toddler and type a blog at the same time 😉  Our 4 year old just started PreK4 in DC and therefore I will have more time to find some new places in our area and share them with you. Weekday Adventures and Weekend Picks will be much more regular now. If you haven’t “liked” our Facebook page, you should!! I am much more active and post articles I think you’d like as well as links to kid friendly fun. Thanks for sticking with me as things were a little slow. Please email me with any recs you have or things you’d like to see me write about.

th

1 Comment
Filed Under: Notes Tagged: Facebook, thank you

Welcome to Beltway Bambinos!

January 12, 2014

il_570xN.508220347_nhs4Welcome to Beltway Bambinos– a blog that delivers weekly adventures for your bambino in the Washington, DC area! We live in such a fabulous area with much to offer children, but we always had trouble finding definitive lists of ideas week to week. So instead of complaining, we decided to build it ourselves!

Beltway Bambinos will be updated each Sunday, so you can plan accordingly for your week. This blog will help you plan and fill your child’s week with fun, education, music, movement (and much more!) all while taking advantage of all our area has to offer.

It’s our goal to create a vibrant community — and your comments and suggestions will help to add value (and fun) to you and your little ones!

Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Notes

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

Subscribe via email

Follow

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Categories

Partners














logo design courtesy of New Leaf Design

Theme Design By Studio Mommy · Copyright © 2026

Copyright © 2026 · Mrs. Chalkboard Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in