Beltway Bambinos

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

All aboard Washington, DC train enthusiasts!

Chugga chugga choo choo! We have trains and carousels for those train lovers. Most are at local parks which will make for a full day of playing, riding and picnicking while some are great museums you can save for those hot summer days. All aboard! 

Cabin John Regional Park
(7410 Tuckerman Ln, Rockville, MD)
Children and adults alike are captivated by the Cabin John Miniature Train. The train’s five passenger cars carry visitors on a scenic two-mile ride through the Cabin John Regional Park (about a 15-minute ride).

Watkins Regional Park
(301 Watkins Park Drive Upper Marlboro, MD)
This park has playgrounds, trails, picnic areas, a Nature Center, the Chesapeake Carousel, Old Maryland Farm, the Watkins Regional Park miniature train and much more.

Wheaton Regional Park
(2000 Shorefield Rd, Wheaton, MD)
The Wheaton Miniature Train and Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel offer a unique and whimsical adventure for the family as two of the crown jewels of the Montgomery Park system. Drop by while you enjoy many of the other fine attractions in Wheaton Regional Park or make it a destination for your next party in the party room.

B&O Railroad Museum
(901 W Pratt St. Baltimore, MD)
In the late 19th century, an overzealous publicity agent developed a trade show exhibit for a major American railroad headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. This exhibit survived the railroad that sponsored it and grew to become a “national treasure” of railroad artifacts. Today, it comprises the collection of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, the oldest, most comprehensive American railroad collection in the world. Many family friendly events take place here, including the famous Day out with Thomas!

Roads & Rails Museum
(200 N. East St. Frederick, MD)
Roads and Rails has one of the world’s largest model train layouts, but reasonably sized enough for small children and seniors. There are buttons all around the display for the kids to press, and they enjoy it so much they’ve often joked that they should have just made a button museum! There is a scavenger hunt for older children and adults, who take in the detail while the little ones chase the trains. There are benches for relaxation, and lightweight portable step stools so the smallest of visitors won’t miss a thing. Cars drive thru cities, roller coasters hurl their passengers through loops, volcanoes roar and flash. Pop culture fans will be amused at the numerous references to their favorite shows and movies. Those who appreciate craftsmanship will enjoy the scratch-built buildings and natural features. They have a Lego room which will excite Lego fans of all ages, and has Lego trains that come alive at the push of a button.

The National Capital Trolley Museum: Temporarily closed
(1313 Bonifant Rd., Colesville, MD)
This museum is not very large but will have the attention of those train enthusiasts in your family. Summer is the perfect time to go as they have family programs throughout; storytelling, crafts and videos featuring trolley cartoons. They have a model train, a working trolley kids can take rides on (rides are unlimited with paid ticket), silent films displaying trolley life, and a large area full of old street cars.  Check here for the information on operating hours. 

Clemijontri Playground, Carousel and Train
(6317 VA-193, McLean, VA)
All aboard Clemyjontri Park’s new trackless train! Children and adults can enjoy a ride around this unique park. This wonderful new attraction includes a ramp for easy access. Clemyjontri Park features a unique playground where children of all abilities can play side-by-side. It is a playground where every child is welcome. This park is a place where children who use wheelchairs, walkers or braces, or who have sensory or developmental disabilities, can have a parallel playground experience of fun and exploration.

Frying Pan Park Carousel
(2709 West Ox Road; Visitor Center: 2739 West Ox Road
Herndon, VA)
The 1920s Herschell carousel at Frying Pan Farm Park underwent an extensive restoration during the winter and spring of 2018 so it can keep turning round and round for many years to come. It is now up and running. Come on out for a ride at the farm. 

Burke Lake Park
(7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA)
Newly renovated playgrounds and a train, carousel, ice cream parlor, nature trails, a lake, fishing, boating, and soccer fields.

Fairfax Station Railroad Museum: Temporarily virtual
(11200 Fairfax Station Rd.)
Take a step back in time and discover the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum and the role it played in the history of Northern Virginia.

King Street Trolley: Temporarily discontinued
(King St, Alexandria VA)
Discover a convenient, environmentally friendly and fun way to get around Old Town Alexandria. The King Street Trolley transports riders between the King Street Metrorail Station and the Potomac River waterfront. The trolley runs daily every 15 minutes. With many stops for hopping on and off to explore the shops, restaurants and attractions found along Alexandria’s historic main street. 

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Union Station
(50 Massachusetts Ave., NE, Washington, DC)
Take a ride on the Amtrak (day trip to Baltimore anyone?), the MARC, VRE or the Metro, all leave from the impressive Union Station.

DC Streetcar
After more than fifty years since streetcars last serviced the streets of Washington, DC, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is poised to introduce their return. Free trips every day from Union Station to Oklahoma Avenue along H Street NE and Benning Road.

16 ways to spend Spring Break in and around Washington, DC

If your kids are on Spring Break and you are staying local, we’ve got some fun ideas of how you can spend the time off. Our first recommendation is that you become a DC tourist. Nothing is better than strolling around the city when you don’t have to entertain out of town guests and can do it at a leisurely pace. Grab tickets for the hop on/off bus and strap on a camera while you take in all of the sites, scenes and blooms. Create a scavenger for your kids to follow along with or count the statues you see.

–Sunset cruise on the Potomac– there are so many just google and check out your options

–Beach and state parks

-Middleburg, Virginia has vineyards, distilleries and farms that can keep you buys. There is an adventure park that has treetop zipline adventures. The Salamander Resort is beautiful to walk around and you can stop by the stables to say hi to Cupcake the mini horse and book a ride if you want. The town offers walking tours and ghost tours too.

–Outdoor day destinations less than 2 hours from DC

–Overnight trips

-Bike the Mount Vernon Trail or C&O Trail. We prefer the W&OD Trail in Virginia as you can stop at breweries and little main streets as you cross through various towns.

-Head to Loudon County about 45 minutes from DC and check out Harpers Ferry Adventure Center. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is over 2100 miles and worth the climb for the amazing views. Blue Country Farms has animals and play structures and seasonal fruit to pick while Dirt Farm Brewing can be seen from the farm perched on a hill and has open space and delicious brews.

-Hang at the Wharf, play games, grab a bite to eat and even kayak

-Take a tour of Old Town Alexandria and perhaps that means you use the water taxi to cross the river. Be sure and take advantage of the free King Street Trolley. Have you heard of the Spite House? Your kids will think this is amazing; go find it!

–Trails, marshes and gardens in our area

–Breweries with outdoor space

-Mini golf at East Potomac or 18 holes! TopGolf is another fun way to practice your swing and you can do so in a private bay.

–Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake sailing again April 24 and is a lot of fun!

-If you are okay with going indoors, most museums are re-opened, including the National Building Museum.

-Lastly, we present you with our spring bucket list with a few more ideas!

Related posts:
Spring Break camps
Cherry blossoms (some are still looking great)

A quick and easy getaway to Madison, Virginia

Like many others, our family needed an escape from the four walls of our home that we had come to know so well over the year. The criteria for the trip since we were still in a pandemic was that we needed wide open and outdoor spaces to explore. We found a great airbnb in Madison, Virginia (which was under 2 hours from DC) located on 50+ acres, built in the 1800’s. It was a road trip measured by moments instead of mile markers; exactly what our family needed!

The home was the perfect combination of charm and comfort. The dog-friendly property had an indoor fireplace, outdoor fire pit, rooms with touches that reminded us of its rich history and space that had us dreaming of the future with extended family or friends staying in this home with us.

Aside from the acres upon acres to explore we also found hikes nearby as well as a great park; Hoover Ridge. There was a playground, walking trails, pond, driving range and dog park. In addition, they had a festive scavenger hunt throughout a trail and it looks like they organize several fun events similar to the hunt we experience, throughout the year. Near our airbnb was also an Amish Country Store and Petting Zoo called Yoder’s. They also had a playground and a petting zoo that our kids (and dog) liked. The animals range from pheasants and mandarin ducks to sheep and goats.

A 35 minute drive from Madison you can find yourself on the sprawling campus of The University of Virginia in Charlottesville. We walked around campus for awhile telling our kids stories about our college experiences {not at UVA} and discussing the designs of the campus done by Thomas Jefferson. Later we found ourselves watching our kids put on a play in the outdoor amphitheater. We grabbed a takeout lunch from a restaurant on East Main Street in Charlottesville. That street is permanently closed for cars which makes it nice to be able to casually stroll around.

After three nights it was time to head home. We took a roundabout way to get home because we wanted to drive along Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park and end up at Luray Caverns. The drive was amazing– we lucked out with there being snow which made it so magical. The views were incredible with several spots to pull over and there are also several hiking trails throughout. I highly recommend this relaxing and serene drive anytime of year! It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the Park on a clear day without stopping to hike.

Luray Caverns is the largest cavern in the eastern United States. The cavern is generously adorned with speleothems such as columns, mud flows, stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and mirrored pools and was discovered in 1878. When you enter you will feel as if you are in an optical illusion as you see the reflection from the lake in the cavern.

Aside from going in the caverns Luray Caverns also has an outdoor garden maze which we did and had a blast trying to find or way through!

There is an outdoor Rope Adventure Park, Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Toy Town Junction, gem sluice, and the Shenandoah Heritage Village. We didn’t do the those listed above but you can easily spend a day here doing all they offer. Bring a picnic and sit by the large pond and feed ducks in between activities.

Direct links-
Bald Top Brewery: 1830 Thrift Rd, Madison, VA 22727
Hoover Ridge Park: 199 Primary School Dr, Madison, VA 22727
Yoder’s Country Market & Petting Zoo: 2105 S. Seminole Tr, Madison, VA 22727
The University of Virginia: 400 Emmet Street South, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Skyline Drive: 4 entry points
Luray Caverns: 101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA 22835

Additional local attractions-
Monticello
Montpelier
Madison Farmers Market

Glen Echo Park Carousel 100th Anniversary Launch Event

Join virtually on February 18 at 12:30 pm for a LIVE launch event to kick off the Carousel 100th Anniversary Celebration!  You can join in the fun on Glen Echo’s website, YouTube, and on Facebook to tell you about the exciting activities and events planned for the months-long Carousel 100th Anniversary celebration.

They will be live from the carousel building with Emcee Liz Dapo from the Puppet Co. and her sidekick (you’ll see when you tune in!), as well as Glen Echo Park Partnership Executive Director Katey Boerner and Partnership Board President Bonnie Casper. There will also be special messages from Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congressman Jamie Raskin, Maryland Delegate Marc Korman, Montgomery County Council member Andrew Friedson, and other special guests! 

Glen Echo has so many options for families– Adventure Theatre, the Puppet Co, a playground, aquarium, drop-in art workshops and seasonal events!

Ktown StoryWalk allows for families to explore a free, outdoor walking adventure in Kensington

A stroll through historic Kensington, Maryland, will offer families a self-guided, socially distanced outing to read the book The Mitten by Jan Brett in store windows. The Ktown StoryWalk® by the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation starts at Frankly…Pizza! which is located at 10417 Armory Avenue, Kensington, MD. 20895 and features pages from the wintry children’s book spread out over 15 storefronts. The StoryWalk® will be available through January 31, 2021.  

A free craft kit tied into The Mitten will be available for pick up in a box outside the Noyes Library for Young Children which is located at 10237 Carroll Place, Kensington, MD. 20895 on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 4pm for the duration of the StoryWalk®.   

Families are encouraged to share a photo of the walk, a selfie at Noyes, and/or a photo of the completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation Facebook page, post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.     

Families can also tune into free weekly storytimes on Tuesdays presented by the Foundation on Facebook Live. The weekly storytimes are continuing (you can also watch past storytimes) through their Facebook page.

Covid-era gift guide: ideas for crafts, technology, home and outdoors

We hope you find this gift guide helpful as we have highlighted items that will entertain your children through the winter as we prepare to spend more time indoors as well as some gifts for your home (or others). Check out these stocking stuffers, all under $10!

For your home:

This steam mop is my favorite purchase during quarantine. Easy to use, I have now put my kids in charge of cleaning the floors! It eliminates 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria with the natural power of steam. I add essential oils to bring an inviting smell in, a bit of olive oil and sometimes a light cleaning product from Branch Basics into my water.

Solo Stove has allowed us to be outside on cool nights! It comes in various sizes and is smokeless (if you have dry firewood). Don’t forget marshmallow and hot dog skewers for the bonfire.

A lot of our friends have stepped up their outdoor spaces with a projector and screen so they can show movies outside alongside their bonfire and/or heat lamp. Whatever allows us to get out of our house in 2020, right?

Seriously don’t know why I didn’t get this sooner. The iRobot Roomba is a vacuum that intelligently maps & cleans an entire level of your home- set it and go! A cheaper option is the Eufy which also cleans hardwood and carpet.

Instant Pot is worth the hype and comes in various sizes. I just wish I had a cabinet it could be stored in.

Our air purifier is a 3-part filtration system that captures 99% of common airborne pm 2.5 pollutants such as allergens, odors, smoke, mold spores, dust mites and pet dander.

Add some green to your home and add a snake plant or palm. We have gifted this succulent subscription box to a friend and they delivered gorgeous succulents.

Get active and outside:

My kids are begging for rollerblades or rollerskates and I’m not opposed.

Socker boppers are another fun way for kids to get out some energy with theses inflatable boppers which can used in a variety of ways.

Another item on my kids list this year is a hoverboard. Perhaps it’s due to the marathon we just had watching Back to the Future.

Micro scooters are great– they come in a variety of sizes and styles and my kids have loved each one they’ve had. The mini-deluxe is perfect for ages 2-5 and the maxi deluxe is the next scooter for ages 5-12 while this micro is great for the older kids who have better balance.

If you have space outside a ninja obstacle course is a great way to get your kids outdoors and burning energy.

Balance stepping stones are great for smaller kids to set up in the yard while developing balance, collaboration and concentration skills

Dueling stomp rocket allows two friends to stomp rockets as high as they can into the sky.

Arts and crafts:

This playhouse allows kids to doodle & decorate a cardboard castle and other designs. A perfect indoor activity that will provide plenty of fun for winter.

Don’t let the word painting steer you away from this. My six year old received this for her birthday and in one day created all of the 12 designs– she LOVED it and it is an activity that allowed her to be completely independent while creating. Grab this big gem diamond painting!

3-D printing pen is the first in a 3D printing device!

Light-up tracing pad is a favorite in our house. It has a variety of designs featuring 1 graphite pencil, 12 short colored pencils, 10 tracing sheets, 10 blank sheets, and 1 graphite pencil.

The art case that comes with everything your budding artist needs and you can keep it all in the carrying case.

Grow n glow terrarium is another favorite in our house. It is an indoor activity for kids that allows them to craft, plant, water and grow your own mini ecosystem. Just add water for a unique science experience!

Aquabeads give your child a chance to place the beads following the template and spray with water to complete! Flip the tray to remove the design, wipe dry and continue creating with Aquabeads!

Build and paint a wooden car (or rescue vehicles) with 42 pre-cut & sanded wooden pieces to make 3 cars, sand paper.

Tech:

Oculus Quest 2 transports your movements directly into VR with intuitive controls. Get the best seat in the house to live concerts, games, groundbreaking films, exclusive events and more.

Echo Dot for kids lets kids ask Alexa to play music, read stories, and call approved friends and family. The included year of Amazon Kids+ (FreeTime Unlimited) gives them access to thousands of hours of kid-friendly Audible books, interactive games, and educational skills.

Fuji film instax mini camera + accessories is an awesome gift for kids who enjoy snapping photos. Photos immediately are printed and can be added to the photo albums.

VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch is great for kids 4+. They can take photos, learn to tell time and play games on this watch. It comes in a variety of colors.

Powerbeats wireless earphones: Up to 9 hours of listening time with secure ear fit. Apple Airpods Pro are another good option in fact these are my favorite as they are noise reducing and I can pop them in while my kids are doing virtual school if I need to cancel out the noise.

Wireless karaoke microphone is a handheld karaoke microphone which is small in size and easy to hold. Kids can practice and share favorite songs using music apps (YouTube , Pandora, Spotify..)

Osmo starter kit: Children interact with actual hand held pieces & an iPad, bringing a child’s game pieces & actions to life (No WiFi necessary for game play).

A bluetooth speaker is great to have when you go outdoors as it is bluetooth compatible. We brought this one along on our beach trips this summer and it worked great. A cheaper option is this Bose one.

Related posts:
Gift guide for kids
Stocking stuffers under $13
Toys & games that are educational
Indoor & outdoor must-haves
Subscription boxes for children

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Cut-your-own tree farms in Virginia and Maryland

Maryland

Gaver Tree Farm: Mt. Airy, MD
November 27 from 9am – 5pm daily for cut your own and fresh-cut Christmas trees, Wreath Shop and Farm Market! Beautifully sheared Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir, Canaan Fir, Fraser Fir and White Pine trees. They provide hand carts to pull your tree from the field, saws, shaking, baling and drilling. Fresh wreaths, pine roping and swags PLUS apples, cider, donuts, pies, fudge, jams, jellies and more in the Farm Market. Hayrides will be available to the back fields on weekends only (weather and guidelines permitting). No pets allowed.

Mayne’s Tree Farm: Frederick, MD
Christmas trees at Mayne’s Tree Farm in Frederick, MD are available from the November 26 – Christmas! Mayne’s allows you to cut your own trees or choose from their pre-cut selection. Hayrides are available on weekends. No pets allowed.

Naughty Pine Nursery: Dickerson, MD
Open November 27th and every Saturday & Sunday that follow through 12/20. Hours are from 10am – 4pm. Naughty Pine Nursery grows a large selection of Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce and Norway Spruce Christmas trees offering cut-your-own trees for the holiday season! They also sell firewood.

Triadelphia Lake View Farm (TLV): Glenelg, MD
Open on November 27th from 9am – 5pm. Santa will be there 10am to 4pm. Pets are allowed on leash. Masks required, social distancing required. Wreaths, roping, cut your own, and precuts available.

Otterdale View: Union Bridge, MD
Open November 27 – December 20, Thursday- Sunday from 9am-5pm. Come and cut your own Christmas tree! They have hundreds to choose from in various varieties and sizes up to about 7′ tall. Bring your own saw this year. A limited supply of disinfected hand saws will also be available. No baling/wrapping – Please be prepared to secure your tree or tie it down yourself. They will provide twine- you may use it to tie your tree down or even bale it by hand. No restrooms  available this year.

Butler’s Orchard: Germantown, MD
Holiday Harvest Days & locally grown pre-cut trees will begin November 27th and then open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00am- 6:00pm. Pre-cut trees will be arranged in the Farm Park this year to allow to safely social distance and shop for Christmas trees!  Stop by the Farmer’s Porch for a hot beverage, visit the animals and stroll through Christmas Trees. $5.00/car entrance.  Does Santa drive a tractor or a sleigh?  Santa will be at the Farm from 11:00am- 3:00pm on December 6, 13 & 20!  Cut your own trees are by RESERVATION ONLY.

Homestead Farm: Poolesville, MD
CLOSED FOR 2020 SEASON

Linden Hill Farm: Upper Marlboro, MD
CLOSED FOR 2020 SEASON

Virginia

Clouse’s Pine Hill Farm: Winchester, VA
Opening November 27 and open Thursday-Sunday from 9am – 5pm. Bring your gloves and tie down straps with a tarp and you will be set to wander this farm looking for your perfect tree or choose from a pre-cut tree. This farm offers a variety of events for families. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

Moose Apple Christmas Tree Farm: Berryville VA
Starting Friday November 27 they will be open for customers to come, pick out a tree, and cut it the same day,  Pre-taggers and customers who want pre-cut Frasers or pre-cut Concolors will also be able come.  They will be CLOSED Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s after Thanksgiving and open the other days 9am-4pm.

Country Loving Christmas Tree Farm: Leesburg, VA
Open 9am – 5pm Saturdays & Sundays beginning November 27. Appointments for Monday-Thursday visits by calling (703)-398-7018. They also deliver, install, maintain, remove, and store outside holiday lights, garland and other decorations.

Hartland Farm: Markham, VA
No updated information for 2020 yet.

Joe’s Trees: Chantilly, VA
Open 7 days a week through December 20 from 9am-5pm. Offering trees ranging from 6-15 feet. They have a seasonal store, festive food & hayrides (weather permitting). Santa makes appearances on weekends in early December too!

Krop’s Crops: Great Falls, VA
Opened on Nov. 14 and open from 9am-5pm daily. Cut your own is closed his year but they offer pre-cut trees.

Snickers Gap: Bluemont, VA
A family owned choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm is located near Bluemont, Virginia, situated on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For 40 years they have been growing beautiful fir and spruce trees that we shape exclusively with hand tools. They also offer exquisite farm made mixed green wreaths. While searching for your tree, enjoy a view of the Loudoun Valley. It is appreciated if customers bringing their own straps to secure trees onto cars.

Middleburg Christmas Tree Farm: Round Hill, VA
Beautiful views and scenery! The farm was voted most attractive farm in Loudoun County in a poll conducted by Leesburg Today. Cut your own tree! Saws provided (plenty of them). Tree carts to carry the trees from the fields provided. Free twine to tie your tree down and baling is available. No pets allowed.

Day Star Farm: Leesburg, VA
CLOSED FOR 2020 SEASON

Outdoor ice rinks in and around Washington, DC

In the past you could typically show up at local outdoor ice rinks. Of course, this year things will be different- most require a reservation so be sure to check each rinks protocols before heading out.

Color Burst Ice Rink at Merriweather District– Downtown Columbia, MD
The new Color Burst Ice Rink at Merriweather District is opening for the 2020 – 2021 season until January 31! The rink welcomes you with festive décor – the perfect place for date nights and family outings. There will be plenty of Holiday celebrations and themed events throughout the season, as well as music, food trucks, and the nearby Symphony of Lights at Merriweather Post Pavilion. For the safety and convenience of all guests, a limited number of visitors will be admitted to the ice rink every 30-minutes.  All visits must be reserved in advance by purchasing a timed ticket(s) online. 

Pentagon Row– 1201 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202
Reservations required this season

Canal Park Ice Rink– 202 M Street, SE Washington, DC 20003
Typically open 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
No information yet, typically open November 15 and continues through March 7, weather permitting.

Silver Spring Veteran’s Plaza Ice Rink– 8523 Fenton St., Silver Spring, MD 20910
Reservations required this season

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

Wharf Ice Rink– 960 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Will not be opening this season due to the COVID 19 pandemic

Washington Harbour Ice Rink– 3050 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007               
Postponing the opening due to the COVID 19 pandemic

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