Beltway Bambinos

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

Ice skating, holiday light displays and outdoor fun this holiday season in Washington, DC

Get outdoors this winter season; ice skating, light displays and more fun is in this post! Bundle up, grab your thermos of hot cocoa and enjoy the season.


Outdoor ice rinks
Most rinks offer ice skating lessons in addition to skate rentals

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 at 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20408
November 15 – March 15

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

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

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

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

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

Outdoor festivities, light displays and more

Holidays on the Harbor– Now – Dec.
Holiday movies and fireworks takes place each Saturday through December. Be sure and warm up inside the Gaylord Resort, see the hanging tree and Christmas Village and then bundle up to check out ICE!. Get your tickets in advance.

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens– Nov. 8 – Jan. 5
Bring the family to enjoy the magical Winter Walk of lights in Vienna, Virginia. The garden is transformed into a half-mile, animated walk of lights. Revisit perennial favorites such as the Lakeside Lights, the Fountain of Lights, and the Holiday Nature Walk – and look for new displays each year. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition. Round out your visit by roasting marshmallows, and sipping on hot beverages by the fire. (Available for purchase at Light Refreshments).

The Polar Express Train Ride– Nov. 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 29 & 30
Dec. 1
Cold weather may be just around the corner, but so is The Polar Express! Don’t miss out on the journey of a lifetime as scenes from this celebrated holiday classic come to life before your very eyes! The conductor will punch your golden tickets and make sure you make it to The North Pole right on time, but not before you’ve enjoyed hot chocolate, cookies, and receiving the first gift of Christmas from Santa Claus himself! So don’t wait – get your tickets to The Polar Express Train Ride 2019 at the B&O Railroad Museum: where Baltimore BELIEVES!

Enchant Christmas at Nats Park– Nov. 22 – Dec. 29
Unwrap new traditions and make memories big and small as you wind your way through a luminescent land of beautiful arches, larger-than-life sculptures and decadent delights. Welcome to Enchant. Where magical memories are made. 2.5 million Christmas lights in 90,000 square feet of pure holiday magic with incredible food and beverage to accompany the experience. This is the World’s Largest Holiday Light Maze and Market debuting at Nationals Park. Tickets for Enchant start at just $19.00, and include access to the 200-foot long Ice-Skating Trail, Ice Bars, Artisanal Holiday Market.

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens– Nov. 22 – Dec. 31 (closed Nov. 25-28 & Dec. 24 & 25)
Step into a magical winter wonderland illuminated with more than one million dazzling colorful lights shaped into hand-crafted, original art forms of flowers, animals and other natural elements. Stroll from garden to garden enjoying twinkling tree forms, fountains, sparkling snowflakes overhead and more.

Bulls Run Festival of Lights- Nov. 22 – Jan. 5
Experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn out your headlights and just follow the magical glow. After viewing the lights, bring your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, and of course, photos with Santa Claus. The festival happens annually at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia. Avoid crowds and go Mon-Thurs at a discounted rate.

Merriweather Symphony of Lights– Nov. 27 – Jan. 1
The Symphony of Lights has been a time-honored Howard County holiday tradition set in historic Merriweather Post Pavilion. Made up of more than 300,000 bulbs, this family-oriented spectacular is a dazzling display of larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations. With the addition of new lights and a refreshed course, your time through the twinkling, winding path will surely be a night to remember!

Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens– Nov. 28 – Jan. 5
Explore botanic gardens from Hawaii to Maine in this year’s holiday show. The best times to visit are weekdays early in December or on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December when the Conservatory is open until 8 pm with live seasonal music. Aside from these extended holiday hours, the Conservatory is open every day of the year, from 10am-5pm, free of charge.

Zoo Lights at The National Zoo– Nov. 29 – Jan. 1 (exception: Dec. 24, 25 & 31) hours are 5:00pm-9:00pm
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. A free event, ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. More than 500,000 environmentally friendly LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland! New this year: enjoy dozens of large, glowing animal lanterns and stroll through thousands of reflecting lights as part of the interactive ⁠art exhibit called “Entre Les Rangs.”

Christmas at Mount Vernon– Nov. 29 – Dec. 31
Christmas past meets Christmas present at George Washington’s estate. Just as the Washingtons celebrated the holiday with family and friends, visitors can start a new tradition of visiting Mount Vernon this holiday season.

Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park– Nov. 29 – Jan. 1
Bring a little twinkle to your holidays. Don’t miss this spectacular holiday drive-through event featuring more than 2.5 million twinkling lights! This year’s Festival features fun new displays.You won’t want to miss the giant, 54-foot LED musical tree!

Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park– Nov. 29 – Dec. 31 (closed on Dec. 25)
The wondrous themed display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park is a 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting taking you past more than 450 illuminated displays and 65 animated vignettes that light up the night.

Festival of Trees– Nov. 29 – Dec. 1
A three-day, family event featuring more than 800 uniquely decorated holiday trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses, live entertainment, over 100 gift boutiques and Santa himself. All gathered to support the children of Kennedy Krieger Institute at the Maryland State Fairgrounds.

City Center Tree Lighting– Nov. 30 at 6:00pm
The evening will include a joyful music performance by The Washington Chorus, balloon artists, face painters, holiday activities and more. NBC4’s Eun Yang hosts the official tree lighting ceremony and countdown. Enjoy the dazzling 75-foot tree, visit two resident 25-foot reindeer, and capture the spirit of the holidays with a photo under the Palmer Alley Dream Closet display!

Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street Holiday Lights – Dec. 1 – 31
Check out this new month-long community event. The businesses along Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street and the 800 Block of Upshur Street will be decked out with holiday lights. As part of the fun, the local businesses will be competing for the chance to win one of seven different awards for their Holiday Lights displays, and will be organizing amazing holiday events, activities, and promotions throughout the month. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting for a few days—stop by Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street Holiday Lights to explore, shop, and play this holiday season.

Union Station Norweigian Christmas Tree Lighting– Dec. 3, 2019 at 6:00pm
In the Main Hall of Union Station, a consortium of partners will present the annual Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting to the people of Washington, D.C. This beloved holiday event, which attracted 5,000 guests in 2018, is presented free to the public and will feature performances by The String Queens, whose members have collaborated with artists such as Ledisi, Janelle Monáe, and Common, and the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir.

National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse– Dec. 5 – Jan. 1
The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is on December 5 and kicks off the holiday celebrations. You can view the lighting on TV on Dec. 9. Musical groups from Washington D.C. and across the country provide holiday entertainment to the countless visitors for a one of a kind holiday experience set against the backdrop of the National Christmas Tree. The tree is lit each day at 4:30pm and will stay up through Jan.1.

Christmas Village at Leesburg Animal Park– December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22 & 23 from 6:00-9:00pm
Photos with Santa Claus from 6:30-8:30pm, Christmas arts & crafts room, live animal encounters, holiday photos with live animals, kid’s indoor play zone and more, bonfire & marshmallow roasting, thousands of outdoor holiday lights, nativity scene, animal petting & feeding, Christmas tree & wreath sales from local farms.

Georgetown Glow– Dec. 6 – Jan. 5
Experience the sparkle of the season at Georgetown GLOW, the region’s only curated exhibition of outdoor public light art installations. Set against the historic backdrop of DC’s oldest neighborhood, it’s a whole new way to shine.

20th Anniversary Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights– Dec. 7 at 5:30 pm
View dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities from 2pm to 8pm in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company and holiday music and giveaways from 97.1 WASH-FM. Take part in hands-on activities including a Letters to Santa postcard station from paper goods boutique Penny Post, a holiday craft activity from AR Workshop Alexandria and a bookmark making station from Old Town Books. Enjoy savory meatballs from Pizzeria Paradiso and a hot chocolate bar from Dolci Gelati. On the Alexandria City Marina, Riverside Taco Company presents a Parade Day Patio Party with hot cider and bottomless bites included in admission. At 3:30pm, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by fireboat at the Alexandria City Marina to take photos with children and families at the annual Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival.

The District’s Holiday Boat Parade– Dec. 7, 2019 – 6:00pm-9:00pm
Celebrate the holidays and watch beautifully decorated boats pass by The Wharf. Get into the spirit as you decorate ornaments or warm up by the Camp Wharf fire pit while making a s’more. Go ice skating and sample winter drinks at the Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden. And bring the whole family to meet Santa at the lighted Christmas tree and make memories during this annual DC tradition. 

Holly Trolley Fest at National Capital Trolley Museum– Dec. 7-8, 14-15, & 21-22
Celebrate the season with toy trains and Santa aboard the streetcars from 12:30pm-4:30pm, and on December 28 & 29 without Santa. Also see the Winter Wonder Garden and Winter in Washington displays.

Light Yards– On display Dec. 7 – Jan. 4
The DC region’s premier outdoor public light art installation, returns for its fourth year at The Yards, with two must-see, worldwide traveling light installations, The Pool, by New York-based Jen Lewin Studio and Angels of Freedom, by Israel-based OGE Group. The Poolwill invite visitors to hop, skip, and jump across 106 interactive circular pads of light, roughly 3 feet in diameter and 2.5 inches tall. As multiple visitors play in The Pool, their movements will come together to create a giant canvas of shifting and fading colors in mesmerizing patterns.A beautiful and social sculptural installation, Angels of Freedom aims to reveal the inner beauties of everyone by visually turning visitors into real-life angels. Visitors will be invited to pose with five giant, neon-colored wings and white halos as a reminder that everybody counts and deserves love.

Ice Maze at City Center DC– Dec. 13 – 15
Get lost in the a-MAZE-ing, magic of the holidays with CityCenterDC’s icy tradition. This year, CityCenterDC is building the largest clear ice maze in the United States built with 110,000 pounds of ice. Washingtonians will not want to escape the towering seven foot walls of this chilly challenge.

Christmas Caroling at the Wharf– Dec. 21 from 5:00pm-7:00pm
Enjoy music from strolling Christmas carolers and a meet-and-greet with Santa and one of his elves!  More info to come.  

Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple– Dates TBA
As one of the D.C. area’s great community traditions, the Festival features free performances nightly in the comfortable, state-of-the-art theater located in the Visitors’ Center while the Temple grounds glow with 650,000 lights.

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Farewell Celebration for Giant Panda Bei Bei

Join the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute “Bye Bye, Bei Bei” (BAY-BAY,) a series of online and on-site celebratory events to bid a fond farewell to giant panda Bei Bei before he departs for China from November 11 to November 18, 2019.

Fans can pick up a postcard memento at the Zoo and write their own notes to Bei Bei that will travel with him to China. For fans joining the festivities remotely, Panda Cam 1 will show Bei Bei 24/7. Bei Bei will receive special treats and toys twice each day. All three of the Zoo’s giant pandas will receive ice cakes at 9am on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17 in honor of Bei Bei’s farewell. In addition, free hot chocolate will be served on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17. Click here for a detailed schedule of events.

As part of the Zoo’s cooperative breeding program with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, all cubs born at the Zoo move to China when 4 years old to breed with other pandas, helping to keep the population genetically diverse. Learn more about Bei Bei’s trip to China in this FAQ.

In other Zoo news:
*Zoo Lights begins Nov. 29, 2019 and stays lit through Jan. 1, 2020
*International Cheetah Day Dec. 4, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
*Brew Lights at Zoo Lights is Dec. 12, 2019
*Become a FONZ member to support the Zoo as well as receive many perks and discounts

Fall festivals, farms and orchards in and around Washington, DC

It’s that time of year! School is in full swing, the weather is beginning to cool, fun fall outfits await, PSL’s are back and kids are hoping to start jumping in leaves soon. It also means making memories at local apple orchards, fall festivals and picking pumpkins. Have a favorite place to add to our list? Let us know in the comments!

Butlers Orchard (22200 Davis Mill Rd, Germantown, MD 20876)
Dates of the pumpkin festival this year are September 28-29, October 5-6, 12-14, 19-20, 26-27 & November 2-3 from 10:00am-5:00pm. There are so many attractions including; a twisted pumpkin corn maze, corn box, hayrides, straw maze, corn hole, giant slides, pumpkin coach, jump in the hayloft, visit barnyard buddies, pumpkinland, pedal tractors, playground, pumpkin cannon, pony rides, face painting, kids crafts, pick your own pumpkins, festival food and a farm market as you exit the Orchard. 

Winterbrook Farms (13001 Creagerstown Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788)
Visit September 21-November 3 from 11:00am-6:00pm. Home of Maryland’s largest corn maze and over 20 fun fall activities such as mountain slides, a u-pick pumpkin patch, mini ziplines, farm animals, apple cannons, pedal karts & more! 

Summers Farm (5620 Butterfly Lane Frederick, MD 21703)
Open in the Fall each year with an old-fashioned Harvest Festival from September 21–October 31. The farm features a 12 acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, more than 45 activities, live weekend music, fireworks, finger-lickin’ good food and lots more!

Larriland (2415 Woodbine Rd, Woodbine, MD 21797)
Open through the first Sunday in November, closed on Mondays. On Saturdays and Sundays in late September and October, they offer hayrides during the day from 9:30am-4:30pm which fords the stream, goes through the woods and includes a stop at the pumpkin field where everyone selects their favorite pumpkin. The Straw Maze, built with over 1000 bales of straw, is a delightful place to get lost. The Boo Barn is for children ages 4–6. It is a dark passage in the bottom of the Red Barn and is filled with animated, not too scary ghosts and goblins.

Clark’s Elioak Farm (10500 State Rte 108 Ellicott City, MD 21042)
Open through November 3, Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm.Petting farm animals, hayrides, cow train rides, pony rides, birthday parties, educational tours, enchanted pine tree forest, special weekend events, enchanted forest attractions (from an old theme park) and fall season pumpkin patch.

Great Country Farms (18780 Foggy Bottom Rd, Bluemont, VA 20135)
Open daily for apple picking and corn maze fun from 9:00am-5:00pm. Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival: September 30-October 31 & Pumpkin Chunkin: November 2-3 & Apple Gala and Cider Fest is every weekend in September.
Celebrate with tastings of this season’s best ciders and demonstrations of antique cider press. Pick your pumpkins and apples, fire pumpkins from a cannon, enjoy cider donuts, get lost in a corn maze and visit with the pumpkin princess at Pumpkin Harvest Festival.

Leesburg Animal Park (19270 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, VA 20175)
Pumpkin Village is open September 21-November 5 from 9:30am-5:00pm weekdays and 9:30am-6:00pm weekends. There is also a Halloween costume contest & trick or treating on Oct 26 & 27. Enjoy the giant hill slides, hay wagon rides, pet and feed animals, free apple and cider snack with admission, free mini-pumpkin, kids maze and live entertainment, pedal carts, bounce pillow and live music. Specials on weekends include camel rides and face painting.

Wayside Farm (5273 Harry Byrd Hwy, Berryville, VA 22611)
Weekends from September 21-November 3 from 10:00am-6:00pm you can wind your way through the 10-acre SpongeBob themed corn maze. Enjoy a hayride out to u-pick fields, hop on the jumping pillow, watch pig races, travel down the slides and enjoy apple cider donuts. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Wayside Farm is an idyllic farm setting for families looking for the ultimate farm adventure this fall. Wayside Farm is offering our readers 25% off admission this fall- mention Beltway Bambinos at the register!

Ticonderoga Farms (26175 Ticonderoga Rd, Chantilly, VA 20152)
September 21-November 3, weekdays 10:00am-5:00pm and weekends 10:00am-6:00pm. Admission includes hayrides, activities and access to the pick your own pumpkin field. Noah’s Ark, log cabins, hillside slides, ponds, swings, fire pits, hayrides, tire play, hay forts, rolling tunnels, s’mores roasting, animals, enormous jump and bounce pillow and so much more.

Cox Farms (15621 Braddock Rd. Centreville, VA. 20120)
Fall Festival is held September 21-November 5 from 10:00am-6:00pm and closes at 5:00pm in November. The Fall Festival is filled with family-friendly entertainment and attractions including slides, swings, animals, hayrides and more. There is even Fields of Fear for the adults who want a scare.

Readers also recommend:
Homestead Farm (u-pick)
Sharps at Waterford Farm
Pumpkin Playground
Gaver Farm

Festivals:
Maryland Renaissance Festival: Weekends through October 20, 2019
Weiner 500 Oktoberfest at the Wharf: September 21, 2019
H Street Festival: September 21, 2019
Frederick Oktoberfest: September 27 & 28, 2019
Barracks Row Fall Festival: September 28, 2019
Fall for Fairfax KidFest: October 5-6, 2019
Piketoberfest: October 6, 2019

Adults only:
Markoff’s Haunted Forest
Field of Screams
Ebe Haunts Trail of Terror
Fields of Fear
Six Flags Fright Fest

Beaches and State Parks near Washington, DC

Do you dread the thought of packing the car for a 2.5+ hour car trip to Delaware and Maryland’s famous beaches or maybe you just can’t make it that far this summer? Below you will find short day trips that will allow you to get your toes sandy and your little ones splashing around without the cost of a hotel and long haul. If you’d rather just get sandy in between grocery runs and camp pick-ups, Rockville’s Pike & Rose has a “beach” set-up (see photo below) with pails and shovels and is conveniently located next to The Baked Bear!

Breezy Point Beach & Campground (43 miles from DC)
Bring the entire family for a fun-filled day at the beach. There’s something for everyone at Breezy Point Beach and Campground. Children will enjoy building sand castles, playing on the playground or searching for shark teeth. Come and spend a relaxing day on one of the area’s finest public beaches. Enjoy one-half mile of sandy beach surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay. Relax in the sun or swim in our netted swimming area. For fishing and crabbing enthusiasts, they have a 200-foot pier. The campground offers seasonal and daily camping. Pack a picnic lunch or use one of the grills in the picnic area.

Calvert Cliffs State Park (60 miles from DC)
The Calvert Cliffs’ Beach area is a sandy quarter mile stretch located on the Chesapeake Bay. The shortest route to the beach is the 1.8 mile Red Trail. Fossil hunting and typical beach activities are common reasons people visit the beach. Over 600 species of fossils from the Miocene era (10 to 20 million years ago) have been identified in the Calvert Cliffs, many of which can be found at Calvert Cliffs State Park.

Cunningham Falls State Park (65 miles from DC)
Outdoor activity is everywhere at Cunningham Falls State Park. Leisure opportunities like swimming, hiking, fishing and canoeing are available. For those who wish to get away for either a night or longer there are campsites and camper cabins available for rental from April through October.

Leesylvania State Park (25 miles from DC)
Leesylvania is nestled along the tidal shores of the historic Potomac River. Native Americans lived on this land for thousands of years. Capt. John Smith visited the area in 1608 on his voyage of discovery! It’s also the ancestral home of Virginia’s legendary Lee and Fairfax families. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, Leesylvania offers many land and water activities, including hiking, picnicking, fishing and boating. A fishing pier, playground, boat launch, boat storage area, snack bar and store, visitor center and gift shop are available. A 20-station fitness trail and canoe and kayak rentals also are available.

Matapeake Clubhouse & Beach (44 miles from DC)
Located on the Chesapeake Bay on Kent Island, Maryland; the grounds include a public swimming beach, an outdoor amphitheater, family picnic area and trails through the surrounding woods, with views of the Bay Bridge.

Sandy Point State Park (38 miles from DC)
The park’s beaches and picnic areas are well known for their breathtaking scenic water views that overlook one of Maryland’s true treasures; the Chesapeake Bay. Some of these activities and services include swimming beaches, picnicking, fishing, crabbing, boating, hiking and camping, There are areas of historical interest and wildlife viewing also. The park also offers a marina store and boat rentals.

Purse State Park (46 miles from DC)
Purse (part of Nanjemoy WMA) is located on the Potomac River on Wades Bay. Purse is a wooded undeveloped area that is used for hunting, bird watching, shore fishing and fossil hunting. Purse is a part of the Aquia Formation which formed in the Paleocene Epoch about 60 million years ago when a meteor hit the earth. This area was covered with warm shallow water which made it a suitable habitat for sand tiger sharks, mackerel sharks, Turritella (snails) and Eagle Rays more specifically Cownose Rays which all lived during this time period. There are a variety of habitats and miles of marked and unmarked trails. At the end of Wilson Landing Rd. there is an inlet known as Mallows Bay – a unique historical site where you can see the remnants of old ships. Now colonized by plants, these ships serve as osprey nesting platforms and provide fish habitat. There is a boat ramp and the beaches of the Purse Area at the southern end of the property are known for fossil hunting.

Other day trips:
In Shenandoah National Park, hike from waterfall to waterfall, climb the rocky Old Rag Mountain, go biking or take a guided horseback ride. If you need to cool off, head over to Shenandoah River Outfitters and go rafting, tubing or kayaking on the shady river. 75 miles from downtown D.C. at its northernmost point; see all park entrances here.

Take a step back in time in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.  Although West Virginia is a small state, it’s packed with history and beautiful scenery. Kids will have fun visiting this National Historical Park. Visit Harpers Ferry for the Civil War history and re-enactors. Hike one of the many trails in the area for a spectacular view of three states—West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland—at once. Amtrak provides one train from Union Station to Harpers Ferry per day but it’s a short at about 67 miles from D.C. Harpers Ferry Adventure Center can get your hooked up with kayaks, tubes and more if you’re feeling adventurous. If you happen to go on Monday, be sure and stay for the Music in the Park Concert at Bolivar Children’s Park from 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Overnight trips:
Depending on the age(s) of your kids, an overnight at The Greenbrier or The Homestead may be a great overnight getaway which provides endless activities! You could also check out Kingsmill Resort or Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Va. They cater to your little ones with daily activities and fun in the water and a spa for YOU!

Related Posts: 
Overnight trips
Water parks, splash pads and pools
Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake

Erth’s Dinosaur Live Show at The National Zoo

Stefanie Harrington a local Mom of three, a personal friend and incredibly talented maternity, birth, newborn and family photographer recently visited The Smithsonian National Zoo with her toddler and saw Erth’s Dinosaur Live Show.

L to R: Kelley Selznick, Hallie Goodman, Anthony Orefice from DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE. photo C. Waits

I have been to the National Zoo literally countless times with my kids. It’s one of my – and theirs – favorite kid friendly outings here in DC. This week, I had the chance to see the Erth’s Dinosaur Live Show in the National Zoo Theater with my daughter. It was so much fun! Go before it’s gone!
The entire show is interactive and entertaining for kids and adults: A fun history of different dinosaurs with the help of amazingly realistic puppets and sound effects. From start to finish, it’s very well thought and acted out. A host lets the audience know what’s coming up next, makes jokes and teaches about each dinosaur in a way that’s easy for kids to understand. Kids are invited to participate in various parts of the show, which makes it all the more relatable and exciting for them. 

I appreciated that they designed the show to go from baby dinosaur to larger-than-life dinosaur. This definitely lets the kids get used to the puppets, although the T-Rex is quite large and a bit scary to some of the littlest in the crowd. The show recommends ages three and up, which seems accurate based on most of the two-year-olds’ reactions to T-Rex. 

After the show, you can add the Dino Photo Experience to hold one of the baby dinosaurs for a photo. The staff is patient and kind with the kids, some more nervous than others in getting them to pose for the photos and also in answering any dinosaur-related question. Unfortunately, my daughter, like most of the other two-year-olds did not want to get close enough for a photo, whereas slightly older toddlers and kids loved this added experience.  

The 30-minute-long show has three daily show times; 10:30am, 1:30pm & 4:30pm, Tuesday through Sunday, and is held in the National Zoo Theater through August 31 so don’t miss it; purchase your tickets here! The theater is in the Visitors Center near the Connecticut Avenue entrance. 

FONZ members: Check any copy of FONZ’s weekly Zoo Friends e-newsletter sent on May 7, 2019 or later for instructions on accessing your discounted tickets. If you have just joined FONZ, please check your email confirmation for this information. Not a member? Join today.

Don’t want to see the show? Travel back in time with “DinoRoars”—a self-guided safari around the Smithsonian’s National Zoo—and meet massive animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar. From June 1 to August 31, visitors will be able to look up and listen as the roar of a 39-foot-long T. rex joins the symphony of Zoo animal chirps, squawks and chuffs. On exhibit will be Compsognathus, Dilophosaurus, Parasaurolophus and babies, Stegosaurus and baby, Quetzalcoatlus and babies and T. rex. Each dinosaur is fitted with electronic brains to activate and control movements and produce the sounds. Admission to the Zoo and “DinoRoars” is free.

Washington Nationals offer deals, giveaways and themed nights for families

Kids giveaways at Nats Park

Schools across the D.C. area are closing for summer, but the month of June is packed full of fun events, giveaways, and theme nights at Nationals Park! The Nationals invite families to spend their next family night watching the boys of summer and enjoying one of the many family-fun activities at Nationals Park during the upcoming homestand, including STAR WARS™ Day, Friday Night Fireworks, and even a pair of memorable Father’s Day gift ideas. The Nationals are excited to share with you two special offers for families to choose from on their next trip to Nationals Park!

According to a survey, one of the largest obstacles for families attending Nats games is parking availability. So, for ALL JUNE games they offering FREE PARKING with the purchase of at least four tickets through a special ticket offer found here.

Coupon code 19NATSKIDS gives fans a 20% discount on select tickets available here with a $10 food and beverage credit preloaded to each ticket that can be redeemed at any concessions stand in the ballpark. This coupon code is valid for the Saturday, June 22 game or the Sunday, June 23 game against the Atlanta Braves, which features the Screech Hooded Towel giveaway.

Fireworks Friday: June 14
BANG! ZOOM! Fireworks Fridays return to Nationals Park for another installment!
All fans are invited to stay after the game to enjoy the fireworks spectacular.

STAR WARS™ Day: June 15
The Nationals will host the fifth annual STAR WARS™ Day at Nationals Park, featuring special scoreboard elements, unique food items, and more.
STAR WARS™ characters will pose for photos with fans, stage live combats, and participate in the GEICO Presidents Race.
Specialty food items will include a Wookie Cookie, Dark Side Nachos (with red tortilla chips), a Lightsaber Skewer (buffalo chicken street skewer), and more.
Fans are encouraged to join the fun by dressing up as their favorite STAR WARS™ character.
As part of STAR WARS™ Day, the first 10,000 fans to enter through ALL GATES will receive an Obi “Sean” Kenobi Bobblehead.

Father’s Day Catch on the Field: June 16
June 16 is Father’s Day and Nationals fans will have a special opportunity to create the memory of a lifetime by playing catch on the field with Dad after the game!
A ticket package purchased through this special offer includes a 20-minute session of catch on the field, a photo opportunity in the visitor’s dugout, a $30 concession credit, and one official MLB baseball.

Youth Baseball & Softball Day: June 16
The Nationals welcome all area teams and leagues to Youth Baseball & Softball Day presented by Inova Children’s Hospital.
Fans who purchase a special ticket to Youth Baseball & Softball Day will be invited to participate in a pregame parade around the warning track.

PLAY BALL Weekend: June 15 & 16
The Nationals will join all of Major League Baseball in promoting the Play Ball initiative designed by MLB to celebrate youth baseball and softball participation in communities throughout the U.S. and Canada.
As part of Play Ball Weekend, fans ages 12 and younger will receive a Nationals Arm Sleeve upon exit of the ballpark after both the Saturday and Sunday games.

Christmas Village coming to Nats Park this November

Enchant Christmas; the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze is making its DC debut in Nationals Park this November. Enchant’s spectacular, larger-than-life holiday light maze takes guests on a stunning and immersive, fun-for-all-the-ages adventure. The first of its kind, this wholly unique experience is unlike anything the District has offered before, making it a can’t-miss event of the season.

Between November 22 – December 29, The Nats outfield will be transformed into a twinkling maze of stunning light displays, while the infield will house an ice-skating trail adorned with spectacularly lit archways. The concourse will transform into a Christmas Market stocked with more than 60 local food and artisan merchant vendors, and the PNC Diamond Club along with other premium areas will become VIP and private holiday party experiences.

On sale now is the exclusive Enchant Christmas bundle – ONLY available June 11-23, 2019. The bundle will be delivered in November, filled with festive goodies to kick-off the holiday season. With the bundle reservation comes Loyalty Pricing rates on Enchant Christmas tickets and the opportunity for first-access to purchase those tickets ahead of the general public this September. Tickets officially go on sale September 17 starting at $19.99.

More details: 

  • The outfield will be transformed into a twinkling maze of stunning light displays.
  • The infield will house an ice-skating trail adorned with spectacularly lit archways.
  • The concourse will transform into a Christmas Market stocked with over 60 local food and artisan merchant vendors, and the PNC Diamond Club along with other premium areas will become VIP and private holiday party experiences.
  • Santa will take photos in his workshop with the children and he’s bringing Mrs. Claus who will be leading story time.
  • Enjoy holiday-themed food and drinks that are sure to please everyone throughout the Concourse with a special bar experience on the field in the maze.
  • Guests will get into the spirit with nightly caroling and local busking-style musicians throughout the venue.

Ways to fight the bite — DC ranks #3 worst city for mosquitoes in the nation!

When I first moved to Washington, DC I wasn’t as affected by mosquitoes as I am now that I have a family and we spend so much time outdoors. In a recent report DC ranked #3 worst U.S. city for mosquitoes, Maryland ranked #8 for ticks and Virginia ranked #9 for ticks*! Learn more by reading “Mosquito Squad Reveals Top 10 Cities and States Affected By Mosquitoes & Ticks“? Getting a mosquito or tick treatment is an effective and easy way to rid your home of dangerous diseases these insects and arachnids carry. DC Mosquito Squad’s work is backed by a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. If you don’t like the results, they promise to spray your yard again for free or refund your money.

We went to local expert and owner of DC Mosquito Squad, Damien Sanchez to learn more about the itchy insects and gather some tips to help prevent mosquitoes from taking over your space.

Q1. As mosquito experts, can you share what makes the Washington, DC region one of the worst cities for mosquitoes?

Damien Sanchez: I am often asked why mosquitoes are so bad in Washington, DC. Our recent report, “Mosquito Squad Reveals Top 10 Cities and States Affected By Mosquitoes & Ticks,” pulled data from over 200 national Mosquito Squad locations and found that Washington, DC ranks the third worst city for mosquitoes in the U.S. Mosquitoes have always been an issue in the southeastern United States but it used to be an evening and early morning issue unless you were deep in the woods. Unfortunately, with the introduction of invasive species such as Aedes albopictus, also known as the Asian Tiger mosquito, combined with our warm, wet summers, and a city environment that has infinite places to collect water, we now have a diverse mosquito population that bites all day and in open areas. Between the native and invasive species of mosquitoes, there is currently no time of day when a mosquito isn’t aggressively biting you. These factors make summertime spent outdoors in our nation’s capital almost intolerable.

Q2. How long does mosquito season last here in Washington, DC?

Damien Sanchez: The Washington, DC mosquito season lasts more than half of the year but the menacing mosquitoes can make it feel longer! Typically mosquitoes begin emerging in late March to the middle of April and the mosquito season lasts through the end of September to mid-October. Our team at DC Mosquito Squad stays busy helping eliminate these pests with the goal of protecting Washingtonians from the nuisance and possible health concerns that can result from mosquito and tick bites.

Q3. What are some of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when it comes to preventing or eliminating mosquitoes?

Damien Sanchez: Some of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is not taking the time to understand where mosquitoes make their habitats and breed, as this is the key to preventing and eliminating mosquitoes. The more shade and green foliage you have on your property, the more mosquitoes will harbor there. Bamboo, boxwoods, arborvitae, and ivy all provide great harborage for mosquitoes around your yard and outdoor living space.

In order to understand why mosquitoes bite, some people don’t realize that only female mosquitoes bite humans, as they need blood to produce their eggs. It’s important to note that mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water, and they only need a small, thimble-full amount of water. Removing standing water on your property will help prevent future mosquito eggs from hatching.

A big mistake I often see results from lawn irrigation which provides consistent runoff and keeps drains on the property filled with just enough water to support an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Another common mistake is not addressing clogged gutters which become an ample mosquito breeding site. Other mistakes include not surveying your yard for items collecting standing water including everyday toys, tarps, and yard debris which collect organic matter and water.

Q4. What are some simple ways to prevent mosquitoes from invading your yard and biting you?

Damien Sanchez: A simple way to prevent mosquitoes is to simply keep up on yard maintenance and ensure your drains and gutters are not clogged. If you want to keep mosquitoes away I do not recommend planting dense greenery by the entrance of your house. Also, consider using less irrigation on your lawn and removing containers from your yard such as toys and tarps, as these tend to create mosquito breeding sites.

Many neighborhoods in our area have incredibly aggressive mosquitoes and depending on the severity of the bug situation on your property, you may want to seek the help of pest control professionals. Our DC Mosquito Squad team is ready to help more Washingtonians reclaim their outdoor living space and enjoy time outdoors without relentless bug bites.

I also highly recommend homeowners use the 7 T’s to mosquito control: Tip, Toss, Turn, Remove Tarps, Take Care, Team Up, and Treat.

About DC Mosquito Squad:
Protect your family and pets from the nuisance and dangers of mosquitoes and other outdoor pests. Get rid of them with Mosquito Squad, the original and most trusted mosquito eliminator since 2005. Mosquito Squad of Greater Washington, DC has proudly been serving the DC region since 2008. Popular services include: 21-Day Traditional Mosquito Barrier Protection, 14-Day All-Natural Mosquito Protection, Intensive Tick Treatment, and Special Event Treatment. Additional Client Services available: Fire Ants, Fleas, Flies, Gnats & No-see-ums. Schedule your mosquito control treatment by calling (571) 364-6956 and find a service that is right for your family here. 

This post was written in partnership with D.C. Mosquito Squad who is providing standard barrier treatment for our yard this summer.

*Data for this ranking was collected and determined by the number of services provided in 2018 by more than 200 national Mosquito Squad locations and national sales from Mosquito Squad’s tick control tube partner, Thermacell, between 2018 and 2019.

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