Outdoor Play – Page 10

Your guide to getting outdoors this holiday season in and around Washington, DC

November 27, 2017

Get outdoors and enjoy the chill of the air while sipping a good cup of joe and hot cocoa for the Bambino(s). Here are some festive places to visit all while being outside.

holiday-pollinationstation2

(Photo: Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens)

Outdoor Ice Rinks:

Canal Park Ice Rink– 202 M Street, SE Washington, DC 20003

Tyson’s Corner Center Ice Rink– 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, VA 22102

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink– National Mall at 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW

Washington Harbour Ice Rink– 3050 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007 (Photo: DesignMom.com)

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

Rockville Town Square Ice Rink– 131 Gibbs St., Rockville, MD 20850

Pentagon Row– 1201 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202

christmas_white_house_11
(Photo: Funzug)

Outdoor Festivities:

National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse– The National Mall
The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is the beginning of three weeks of celebration in holiday music in the nation’s capital. 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. Nov. 30-Jan.1

Christmas at Mount Vernon– 3200 Mt Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121
The holidays are full of delight at George Washington’s estate. Join for candlelight tours of the Mansion, a dazzling display of fireworks set to Christmas music, dancing, fire-side caroling, Aladdin the Christmas camel, and so much more! Nov. 24-Jan. 6.

Holidays on the Harbor– 165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD 20745
Watch holiday movies on Saturdays at 2:00pm. 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 though.

Holly Trolley Fest at National Capital Trolley Museum– 1313 Bonifant Rd Colesville, MD 20905
Celebrate the season with toy trains and Santa aboard the streetcars from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 and 23

Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens– 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20001
Season’s Greenings opens on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23- Jan. 1. The best times to visit Season’s Greenings are weekdays early in December or on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December when the Conservatory is open until 8 p.m. with live seasonal music. Aside from these extended holiday hours, the Conservatory is open every day of the year, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free of charge.

40th Annual Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple– 9900 Stoneybrook Dr Kensington, MD 20895
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. Begins Nov. 30 and lasts through Dec. 31 from 10:00am-10:00pm.

Zoo Lights at The National Zoo– 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights a part of their annual holiday tradition. 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 will be a Glow Zone in addition to dazzling light shows set to music, snow-less tubing, trackless train and ride the carousel! Nov. 24-Jan. 1 (exception: Dec. 24, 25 and 31) hours are 5:00pm-9:00pm.

Amazing Farm Fun at Ticonderoga- 26469 Ticonderoga Road, Chantilly, Va 20152
Festival of Lights Hayride & Walk Nights 5:00pm-9:30pm. The new seasonal addition offers a warm inviting family atmosphere to plan a full evening of amazing fun. Visitors will be able to take a hayride or walk to view this nighttime adventure and enjoy some hot chocolate with S’mores around a bonfire(Weather permitting), Drinks warm and cold, snacks, and marshmallows or S’more kits will be available and sold at the Farm Market. Proceeds fund preservation and development of the Botanic Garden. Hayrides will be 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Walk will be 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Hayrides time slots must be Pre-Purchased Tickets on line. Please arrive for hayrides 15 minutes in advance. Walk will be the option of Pre-Purchase or walk in. Walk in’s are welcome and will be placed in the next available start time. Rain or Snow. Under Age 2 free.

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens– 1800 Glenallan Ave Wheaton, MD 20902
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. Nov. 24-Jan.1 (closed Dec. 24 & 25) Hours and prices vary by night.

Bulls Run Festival of Lights- 7700 Bull Run Dr Centreville, VA 20121
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. Nov. 22-Jan.7 hours and prices vary depending on the day.

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens– 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct Vienna, VA 22182
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). Nov. 10-Jan. 7 from 5:30pm-10:00pm.

Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park– 301 Watkins Park Drive (Route 193) Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
Bring a little twinkle to your holidays. Don’t miss this spectacular holiday drive-through event featuring more than one million twinkling lights! This year’s Festival features fun new displays. Nov. 24- Jan. 1 from 5-9:30pm. $10 car/van, free on Christmas.

Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park– 11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg, MD.20878
The wondrous display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park will be open nightly Nov. 24 through Dec. 31. (closed on Dec. 25). The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 380 illuminated displays and 65 animated vignettes that light up the night. Themed areas include Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, the North Pole, and much more.

Winter classes and camps in and around Washington, DC

November 9, 2017

kids-playing-soccer

Updated post can be found here

Winter Classes:

Adventure Theatre: Musical theatre classes for ages kindergarten-grade 5 can be found here.

Anna Banana Arts & Crafts: Classes for 2-8 year old’s can be found here.

Edlavitch DCJCC: Classes can be found here.

Homerun Baseball: 2, 8 week sessions throughout winter for boys and girls ages 4-11 can be found here.

Imagination Stage: Theme-based Class Schedule for children ages 12 months-age 21 can be found here.

Just For Kids: Sports classes for ages 18 months-9 years old can be found here.

Montgomery County Recreation Department: You can find The Guide which is full of classes here or you can pick one up at a Montgomery County Library or Recreation Center.

My Gym Bethesda & My Gym Potomac: Winter classes for kids ages 3 months – 10 years old. Specialty classes for sports and tumbling, as well as mommy and me movement classes during the week and weekend. Also offering winter break camps and parent nights out which are themed drop-off programs. Check out my experience at My Gym!

Round House Theatre: Classes consist of 8-week sessions on Saturdays. Classes for children ages 2-Grade 8 can be found here.

Silver Stars Gymnastics: Classes for children ages 18 months and up can be found here.

Smithsonian National Zoo: Preschool classes and after school classes for children ages 6-10 throughout the year can be found here.

Super Soccer Stars: 12 months to 12 years old. Classes can be found here.

Tinkergarten: Classes for ages 18 months-8 years old can be found here. Refer to a previous post for more info.

Quick Feet: Soccer for 2-5 year olds in DC, MD and VA. Classes can be found here.

**Don’t see what your Bambino may be interested in? Here is a running list of year-round classes and a Dance and Gymnastics list that may be helpful.

2018 Winter Camps:

Dec. 18-21: The Children’s House of Washington (CHOW)

Dec. 18-Jan.2: HoopED Sports Camp

Dec. 18-Dec. 22: Hopper Heroes Camp at Georgetown Day School

Dec. 26-29: Snow Safari Winter Camp at The National Zoo

Dec. 26-29: School’s Out Day Camp at Adventure Theatre

Dec. 26-29: Bach to Rock Winter Camps

Dec. 26-29: Gymnastics Camp at Silver Stars

Dec. 26-30: Winter Camp at Little Loft

Dec. 27-29: Imagination Stage Winter Camp

Mom’s Groups:

Group for first and second time Moms PACE

8 Week New Mom’s Group at Lemon Tree

DC Parents of Multiples Group at Lemon Tree

Parent-and-me classes and experiences at Petite DC

A school for Toddlers and Parents and Caregivers at Intown Playgroup

Six Week Hook-Up with Mama’s Link

Indoor Gym Spaces:

My Gym Bethesda

BusyBees

Magic Ground

Gymboree

Kidville

Other helpful posts:

Yoga with your Bambinos

Dance and Gymnastics classes

Year-round classes

Looking ahead…

October 31, 2017

Upon, writing various posts, I realized there were multiple occasions I’d go to post fun events for you to do and the event was already sold out.{ Enter this blog post } This will be a place for you to look ahead and reserve your spot if you’re interested in attending or save date on your calendar.

May 11, 2018: Pajama Party Movie Night: Knights, Dragons, and Magical Monster at Hillwood Estate & Museum

Enjoy a selection of award-winning, family-friendly short films featuring fanciful creatures. 5:30-8 p.m.

May 12, 2018: Action Children’s Business Fair
Young entrepreneurs, ages 6-14, will line Connecticut Ave in Cleveland Park and set up shop, literally

May 19, 2018: Gaithersburg Book Festival

Shows-

Keep in mind our local theatre performances

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

Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival: June 9

The Nextival: July 13-15

Music-

Strathmore Children’s Art Talk & Tour at the Mansion

SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2018, 10:15AM
SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 2018, 10:15AM

Young art lovers can get behind the brushstrokes and into the head, heart, and history of the artists with these kid-friendly Saturday tours. Children take part in an educational guided tour of the current exhibitions followed by a hands-on art activity. Ages 7 & up. Accompanying adults are free. Reservations required.

Night Out at the Museum:
National Museum of Natural History Sleepovers

Sleepover guests will experience the museum through an interactive exploration of exhibit halls consisting of games, puzzles and challenges; exhibit-based craft projects; and sleeping under the museum’s giant North American right whale, Phoenix. Sleepovers at the National Museum of Natural History will be heldMay 18, June 1, June 29, July 6, Aug. 24 and Aug. 31.

National Museum of American History Sleepovers

Participants will solve a mystery of historic proportions during an interactive exploration of exhibit halls. When the devious diva Miss Rose steals six valuable objects from the museum, kids must discover what is missing before the evening’s end. Using their detective skills, they will collect clues to guide them to the crime scene. Along the way, they will take part in games, experiments and craft projects—and even become a presidential candidate. Sleepovers at the National Museum of American History will be held May 11, May 25, June 15 and Aug. 10.

National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center Sleepovers

Kids and their chaperones will explore the whole world of flight, from its pioneering days through the era of commercial aviation to the excitement of today’s space program. After they grab a flight checklist, they will take off for a night that includes plenty of games, art activities and close-up looks at some of the most historic and fascinating craft ever to take to the skies. Udvar-Hazy Center staff will be on hand to offer information and insights about the aviation treasures on view. Sleepovers at the Udvar-Hazy Center will be held July 14, July 28 and Aug. 18.

***Already occurred but will update with new dates as they become available***

February 10, 2018, 10:00am – 4:00pm: Valentine’s Day Card Workshop at National Postal Museum

Love is in the details at the annual Valentine’s Day Card Workshop at the National Postal Museum! Come out and create heart-felt handmade cards and visit the museum’s stamp store to send the cards to your loved ones with a special Postal Museum postmark. Free, no need to RSVP.

Feb. 14-19, 2018: Disney On Ice presents Frozen at Capital One Arena (also in Baltimore Jan. 31-Feb. 4)

February 17, 2018 from 10:00am-4:30pm: Discover Engineering Family Day at The National Building Museum

Celebrate National Engineer’s Week by trying out exciting, hands-on engineering experiences and talking with professional engineers of all kinds. See a complete list of all activities. Free, drop in. All ages.
MIX slime, and learn about different chemical reactions
INVENT a creative way to launch a ping pong ball into the air
EXPLORE like a real surveyor, using map and compass to find your way
DESIGN a motorized bot to walk across a table
SPIN paper helicopters and test the best design

February 17, 2018-February, 19, 2018: Celebrate Washington’s Birthday on President’s Day at Mount Vernon

February 23, 2018-March 10, 2018: Atlas Intersections Festival

The 8th annual INTERSECTIONS Festival will feature more than 100 performances in dance, music, theatre, family programming and youth development, and will be seen by over 7,000 patrons and arts lovers.

Kids in the Kitchen at YMCA Anthony Bowen presented by Junior League of Washington

February 25, 2017 (no time listed yet)

Kids in the Kitchen is an annual spring event that showcases ways kids can eat smart and make healthy lifestyle choices. Targeted to children ages 3-13, local chefs host healthy cooking demonstrations, fitness experts lead high-energy exercise sessions and certified nutritionists are on hand to answer questions. Kids in the Kitchen is a fun-filled day of games, crafts, hands-on learning, and exciting prizes – all to celebrate and promote nutritional literacy.

Magic of Spying: Tradecraft Trickery at The Spy Museum

February 25, 2017 from 11:00am-12:00pm

In the real-life world of espionage, spies often call upon the art of magic and illusion to distract the enemy, make evidence disappear, and escape unnoticed. Join professional magician, Peter Wood, as he demonstrates the art of misdirection, sleight of hand, and other illusions used by skilled spies. This one of a kind performance, custom-designed for the Spy Museum, is guaranteed to fascinate children and adults alike. The Magic of Spying is for children ages 7 and up. One adult is required for every five KidSpy agents. Space is limited—advance registration required.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Sometime mid-March 2017 (Details to follow)

Blossom Kite Festival

April 1, 2017 from 10:00am-4:30pm

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is kicking off kite season. The seventh annual Blossom Kite Festival showcases the creativity of kite makers and skill of fliers from across the US and other countries through a variety of competitions and demonstrations, Rokkaku Battles and the Hot Tricks Showdown. Bring your own kites or children can make a kite at an activity station (while supplies last) to fly on the Public Field.

Fabergé Egg Family Festival at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

April 8 & 9, 2017 from 10:00am-5:00pm

Celebrate spring’s arrival in Russian style! Admire the exquisite imperial eggs and other fanciful Fabergé creations collected by Marjorie Post. Enjoy festive folk music and dancing. Take part in a centuries-old egg-rolling game. Step into Fabergé’s Workshop to decorate your own Fabergé-inspired egg. $18, $15 Senior, $12 Member, $10 College Student, $5 Child (ages 6-18), free for children under 6. Please note: As with all festival days, members do not receive free admission to Fabergé Egg Family Festival and guest passes are not accepted.

10th Annual Eggstravaganza at Tudor Place

April 8, 14 & 15, 2017 from 10:00am-12:00pm

Rolling green lawns, bright spring blooms, and the elegant mansion on a hill serve as backdrop for the 10th year of this festive annual attraction. Join the Easter Bunny for a special day as children of all ages enjoy games, crafts, an Egg Hunt, and thrilling Egg Roll Contest, down the grand South Lawn. Bring your own basket, spoon, and one hard-boiled egg per child. Member child: $7 | Non-member child: $10 | Accompanying adult: $5

Tudor Place Family Member Presale: January 3–31
Tickets on sale to the general public February 1

Maryland Day :March 24-26, 2017

Sleepover at the National Archives

A night of adventure awaits at the National Archives! Join us for a special sleepover at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, and spend the night next to America’s most precious treasures: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. During the event, kids ages 8-12 along with their adults will explore our nation’s treasured records, meet author Kathleen Krull and comic book artist Carolyn Belefski, sleep in the Rotunda near the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, and make memories to last a lifetime. Guests also will be treated to movies in the museum’s William G. McGowan Theater before turning in for the night, and will enjoy breakfast – including pancakes flipped by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero! – and more activities the next morning.

Nov. 4, 2017 at 11:00am: Saturday Family Story Session at Strathmore
Local storytellers teach kids how to weave narrative tales, instilling a love of learning with every word. Music, movement, art, and interactive play: it’s all about understanding other people, enjoying different cultures and boosting imagination and creativity. Recommended for ages 3–8.

Nov. 5, 2017 from 10:30am-12:30pm: Forest Hills Playground Harvest Hoedown
(Rescheduled due to rain)

Nov. 4, 2017 from 12:30pm-2:00pm: Color’s Garden Interactive Performance at National Gallery of Art

Nov. 12, 2017 from 2:00pm-8:00pm: Tree Lighting & Fireworks Show at National Harbor
Santa’s Frosty Follies, Holiday Movie, Santa at the Carousel, Tree Lighting & Fireworks

Nov. 24- Dec. 2, 2017: Tenley WinterFest
Tenley WinterFest is an eight-day celebration of the holiday season designed to showcase local businesses, community groups, and the neighborhood – all with a unique Tenleytown flair and lots of yetis.

Nov. 26, 2017 at 5:30pm: Kids Pajama Jam Party at AMP Strathhmore
Get ready to ring in the holidays with a special festive Pajama Jam! Described as “the best-sounding band in children’s music” (NPR’s All Things Considered), three-time Grammy nominees Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could are here to shake, dance, and groove their way through classic holiday favorites and new holiday jams alike! Their rootsy, accordion-laced take on children’s music is energetic, spirited, and will provide the perfect soundtrack for your holiday.

Dec. 2, 2017 from 1:00pm-4:00pm: Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland
Celebrate the holiday season in Veterans Park in downtown Bethesda with a variety of performances, live ice sculpting, a visit from Santa Claus and more!

Dec. 2 at 4:00pm: Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long
Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Wolf Trap’s 2017 Holiday Sing-A-Long! This musical celebration hosts a performance by the United States Marine Band and a Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with local choir and vocal groups from the metropolitan Washington area.

Dec. 9 from 10:00am-4:00pm: Annual Holiday Card Workshop at the National Postal Museum
Kick off the holiday season by creating heartfelt, handmade cards at the National Postal Museum’s Annual Holiday Card Workshop! We’ll have pretty papers, vintage stamps from around the world and lots of other supplies to inspire your creativity as you create one-of-a-kind holiday greetings. After making your cards, visit the museum’s stamp store to send your cards to friends and family with a special Postal Museum postmark!

Dec. 9 & 10, 2017: Dollar or Less Day in Baltimore
In the spirit of the Holidays, Baltimore area attractions will open their doors the weekend of December 9 & 10, 2017 and offer free or $1 admission.

Dec. 9 at 3:00pm: Woodshop for Kids at the Building Museum
Use a drill to craft a wood toy you can give as a gift or enjoy yourself.

Dec. 9 at 11:00am: Kids Gingerbread House Workshop at DBGB

December 10 and 17 from 1:00pm-2:30pm: Gift Making workshop for kids at Little Loft Art Studio
Calling all elves! Make your own gifts this season! Our handmade gifts are designed to be practical as well as thoughtful, and they’re a great conversation piece to hear about your child’s creative process and artistic choices. Sign up for one or both. Join in – or drop off and do some holiday shopping in the neighborhood while you wait. Shop small this season – support local businesses! Hot chocolate and holiday music provided. Ages 5-10, $32/day
Sign up for one only or both.

Dec. 17 at 11:00am AND 2:00pm: 1, 2, 3 Andres plays at Bender JCC
Join for a magical holiday story, song and dance benefiting the Greater DC Diaper Bank

Dec. 17 from 1:00pm-4:00pm: Family Afternoon at the Building Museum
Construct paper house lanterns and handmade books to create feelings of home.

Jan. 15 at 11:00am: New Orchestra of Washington (NOW) Family Concert
Bring the whole family to enjoy a special family concert! The colorful program will engage listeners both young, and young at heart. After the concert, you may opt to stay, for the instrument petting zoo and pizza lunch. If you are looking for something to do on a cold holiday, this is it!

February 3, 2018 from 1:30pm-3:30pm: Q, the Witch and the Magical Orb at Maryland Ensemble Theatre

come see a FUN Company play – Q, the Witch and the Magical Orb! Afterwards we’ll have snacks and make art around the themes of the play, and play theatre games–all for free! Recommended for ages 3-7.

February 3, 2018 from 10:00am-5:00pm: La Chandeleur Day at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

La Chandeleur, also known as Crêpe Day, marks the halfway point between winter and spring. In France, families celebrate by eating crêpes, which are round and golden like the springtime sun. Snack on a tasty treat of sweet crêpes. Hear classic French tales inspired by scenes from La Fontaine fables that are pictured on tapestries covering chairs from France displayed in the mansion. Explore Hillwood’s French treasures through interactive, docent-led, family-friendly gallery talks and a printed activity guide. Decorate a plate with fanciful designs and flourishes inspired by Hillwood’s French Sèvres porcelain.

Destinations for those with early risers

September 11, 2017

I recently was introduced to DC Urban Dad and loved that he wrote a post dedicated to coffee — coffee shops that are open before 7:30am! It’s not necessarily tailored to the working folks, but for the parents with early risers. That post had me thinking– So many kid places don’t open until 10:00am. Why? I drop off my oldest at school by 8:30am and there are so few places to take my youngest right after that. There’s only so many days of the week I can convince myself (and her) that we WILL find the best chocolate croissant 😉 Here’s where we can take early risers once we have the above mentioned coffee in hand!

Busy Bees in Chevy Chase and Falls Church opens at 9:00am Monday-Friday

Badlands Play Space opens at 9:00am Tuesday-Sunday

Smithsonian Castle opens at 8:30am

The Smithsonian National Zoo grounds open at 8:00am (indoor animal houses don’t open until later)

Rock Creek Nature Center opens at 9:00am. A one-half mile self-guiding interpretive trail, the Woodland Trail, begins behind the Nature Center, while a one-fourth mile wheelchair-accessible Edge of the Woods trail begins right out the front door.

Playseum opens at 9:00am on Saturdays only

Magic Ground is open daily at 9:00am

Woodrow Wilson Aquatic Center opens at……wait for it…..6:00am and has an indoor small pool for children

Climb Zone opens at 9:00am on Saturday & Sunday

Many DC Library‘s open a few days a week at 9:30am

Port Discovery Children’s Museum opens at 9:30am the months of September-May

Nook Play Space opens at 9:00am Monday-Thursday On Tuesdays from 9-10am, Bambinos ages 0-12 months have the place to themselves!

Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday at 9:30am

Most playgrounds open at dawn

And if all else fails, Target opens at 7:00am!

Would love to hear form readers of any places you tend to head early with your Bambinos.

Fall Classes, Play Groups and Parent Groups in and around Washington, DC

August 21, 2017

Quickest summer ever…..I can’t believe it’s already time to sign up for Fall classes. I feel like I was just finalizing summer camp registrations. Summer is ending {sigh} so we’ve highlighted some places offering Fall classes and parent-and-me groups as well as play groups. Here’s to cooler weather, the turning of leaves and staying busy.

foliage

Audubon Naturalist Society: Tales & Trails ages 2-4 with a caregiver can be found here.

Adventure Theatre: Fall Academy Classes for children ages 12 months-Grade 12 can be found here.

Anna Banana Arts and Crafts: Art classes for ages 2-8 year olds can be found here.

Curiosity Zone: Hands-on science classes in a science lab for children ages 3-Grade 5. Classes can be found here.

Encore Stage & Theatre: Learning opportunities for children 6 months-Grade 12 can be found here.

Hillwood Estate: Various themes and sessions for ages 2-5. Classes can be found here.

Imagination Stage: Theme-based Fall Class Schedule for children ages 12 months-age 18 can be found here.

Just for Kids: Various sports for kids 18 months-age 9 can be found here.

Little Loft: A neighborhood art studio in Takoma Park. Offering classes for preschool kids, open studio time and off school classes. Click here to view many options.

Meadowlark Music: Classes include parachute, scarves, instruments, drums, puppets, balls, guitar, flute, dancing, singing, giggling, clapping, movement and more! More information can be found here for children 0-3 years old.

Montgomery County Recreation Department: You can find The Guide which is full of classes here or you can pick one up at a Montgomery County Library or Recreation Center.

Quick Feet: Soccer for 2-7 year olds in DC, MD and VA. Classes can be found here.

Round House Theatre: Fall classes consist of 8-week sessions on Saturdays. Classes for children ages 2-Grade 8 can be found here.

Silver Stars Gymnastics: Fall classes for children ages 18 months and up can be found here.

Smithsonian National Zoo: Preschool classes and after school classes throughout the year can be found here.

The Children’s Art Studio: A 10-week Fall session for children ages PK-Teenagers. Classes can be found here.

The Creative Difference: After school enrichment classes for children ages PK-Grade 5 can be found here.

Tinkergarten: Families meet outdoors to connect and learn through play. Various sessions for ages 0-8 can be found here.

Tudor Place: Toddlers get active in mind and body while learning about the world around us in weekly sessions featuring songs, stories, crafts, and movement. Classes for kids ages 2-4 can be found here.

Washington DC JCC: Fall classes and parenting classes

Kids-playing-soccer

Mom’s Groups:

New Mom support group with Dr. Ellyn Turer

Group for first and second time Moms PACE

8 Week New Mom’s Group at Lemon Tree

DC Parents of Multiples Group at Lemon Tree

Parent-and-me classes and experiences at Petite DC

A school for Toddlers and Parents and Caregivers at Intown Playgroup

Six (seven) Week Hook-Up from Mama’s Link

Indoor Gym Spaces:
My Gym

BusyBees

Magic Ground

Gymboree

Kidville

Other posts:

Yoga with your Bambino

Dance and Gymnastics classes

Year-round classes

Splash around at The Yards Park, Capitol Waterfront

July 25, 2017

What: The Yards Park, Capitol Riverfront

The Yards Park, provides green space and water features for all to enjoy the outdoors along the Anacostia River. The Canal Basin and Waterwall pay homage to the historic canal that once ran from the Anacostia River to the U.S. Capitol Building. Visitors enjoy splashing, wading, and cooling off in the fresh water of this decorative water feature on hot summer days. The Great Lawn is a large open green space framed by shading trees, unique wooden benches, and a scenic pathway to the Riverwalk Trail Bridge, leading to Diamond Teague Park and Nationals Park. This lovely spot is ideal for quiet picnics, tossing a ball, and generally enjoying the outdoors. The sculptural bridge is the architectural icon of Yards Park, spanning the Canal Basin as it connects the Great Lawn and the Overlook. The bridge also serves as a landmark link on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, a scenic destination for runners, bikers, and strollers to enjoy our river. The Terraced Lawn Steps provide four levels of seating in the park leading down to the boardwalk. These green steps create a natural amphitheater-like space to read, people-watch, and enjoy the river view. If you have a dog, there is also a Dog Run.

Cons:

Limited shade
Very slippery surfaces alongside the water (many, many people fell)
When we went on a weekend, kids had squirt guns spraying everyone and everything

Pros:

Less then 12 inches of water
Free
Located near Ice Cream Jubilee and many other places to grab a bite or drink
Dancing Fountains up above on a separate level (above the waterwall)
The water is DC city water and is chlorinated through the fountain pump and filtration system. The chlorine and pH levels are monitored daily.
Kids in Canal is a 12-week series of kid-friendly entertainment every Wednesday 10:30 am – 11:30 am beginning June 7th!

Keep in mind:

The park opens at sunrise and closes 2 hours after sunset.

Parking lots are located between Yards Park and Nationals Ballpark, managed by ABM Parking. Availability is first-come, first-served. The rate is $2 per hour for a maximum of 3 hours, then a daily rate charges apply. These prices rise to a flat fee of $35 or more during Washington Nationals home games or other special events.

Two public restrooms are located in the Lumber Shed building that houses restaurants Agua 301, Osteria Morini, Due South, and Ice Cream Jubilee. These restrooms can be accessed via a door on the west side of the building, between Agua 301 and Due South.

No cloth diapers – only swim diapers allowed.

There is no lifeguard on duty so use at your own risk.

This award-winning park is an ideal place for recreation, special events, and festivals throughout the year. Follow Yards Park on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They offer workout classes, summer movies, festivals and children’s events throughout the year.

Where: 355 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Pick-your-own summer fruit

May 10, 2017

Butlers Orchard (22200 Davis Mill Rd, Germantown, MD 20876)
A large variety of Pick Your Own crops are available at Butler’s Orchard on a seasonal basis. Please see the Crop Calendar. They grow over 23 different varieties of fruits and vegetables each year. $3 per person visiting our Farm. Children under 24 months are free. Passes grant access to our Pick Your Own Fields, the Farm Park Picnic Area, the Giant slides, the Nature Trail, and our Farm Park Animals. (Some exclusions do apply.)

Homestead Farm (15604 Sugarland Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837)
Pick-Your-Own Fruit. Expected to reopen in late May or early June.

Shlagel Farms (12850 Shlagel Rd Waldorf MD 20601)
Pick your own strawberry fields and greenhouses will be open 7 days a week from 8am-6pm during the berry picking season which is typically all of May and into the first 2 weeks of June. Strawberries are priced by the pound for you to pick and we have containers or you can bring your own. They also allow you to pick berries by the quart or flat for you if you don’t want to pick. During berry season the greenhouses are open and full of beautiful and unique hanging baskets and annual flats. There is even a milkshake trailer serving huge strawberry shortcakes, milkshakes and cones!

Wegmeyer Farms (38299 Hughesville Rd, Hamilton, VA 20158)
Known for their delicious strawberries in the spring and unique and colorful pumpkins in the fall. They take great pride in what they grow – the taste, the quality, and the appearance – and strive for the best pure experience for all visitors. They invite you to visit and enjoy our top-rated products and the authentic farm experience! Be sure and check out their other locations; Gilbert’s Corner Market, Oatlands Plantation and Hamilton The Home Farm. Special for Beltway Bambinos readers — 25% off weekdays Monday-Friday at their 3 u-pick locations, just mention Beltway Bambinos at register.

Larriland (2415 Woodbine Rd, Woodbine, MD 21797)
The strawberry plants are blooming now and may ripen around May 25, 2017

Great Country Farms (18780 Foggy Bottom Rd, Bluemont, VA 20135)
Pick your own strawberries OPEN 9am-5pm or until we are picked out. Check here for updates on availability. Strawberry Festival May 6, 7, 13 & 14, 2017

Readers also recommend:

Mackintosh Fruit Farm

Sharps at Waterford Farm

Westmoreland Berry Farm

June 3, 2017: Sandy Spring Strawberry Festival
Sandy Spring Museum is gearing up for the 36^th Annual Strawberry Festival! This event has grown to over 6,000 attendees and is something you won’t want to miss! Taking place throughout the museum’s 7 acres along Route 108, the event features live music and entertainment, food trucks, a beer garden, and activities for children of all ages. Over the years the Strawberry Festival has featured a rock climbing wall, pony rides, a petting zoo, and much more!

Running list of year-round kid classes

December 16, 2016

A year-round resource for finding some amazing classes in our area for your Bambinos. We will keep the list updated and would love to hear of any you think should be added to the list.

Soccer:

Brit-Am Soccer