Beltway Bambinos

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

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

Healthy Kids Virtual Running

April 8, 2020

Healthy Kids Virtual is an adaptation of the usual HKRS Race Day experience! HKRS believes in leading an active healthy lifestyle. During the time of social distancing, it is important that parents encourage children to stay active!

A Virtual Race is a race that can be run (or walked) from any location you choose. You can run, jog or walk on the grass, on the sidewalk, on the trail, on the treadmill or on the track. Your child will run their age appropriate race distance, at their own pace, and parents record the time! Parents then upload the time after each race into the series specific results sheet found on the ‘Results Page’. Families can also choose their own start and finish line, or if available, use an existing one provided by HKRS! Don’t forget to run the Parent Mile on week 5 with your kids.

Healthy Kids Running Series starts next weekend- register here. All kids ages 2-14 are encouraged to participate. The program suggests distances for each age group, but whatever distance, whatever time you can make happen each week is beyond great! Kids can run around your house/in your yard, and around the block. You can complete your weekly run whenever you want, and you’ll just mark in a provided tracker that your kid(s) finished their weekly run. It’s honor-system based, though the organization would LOVE to see photos and/or videos of your kiddos running. This provides a time to support and encourage each other in this crazy time!

Once the pandemic restrictions are eased, they hope to hold a medal and t-shirt pick-up in N Arlington. You can live anywhere in the area to participate, though, of course!

Share your running photos with the virtual community! Find them on Facebook or Instagram.

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Filed Under: Education, Outdoor Play, Spring, Virtual Tagged: healthy kids, run

20 classic outdoor games to introduce to your kids

March 20, 2020

The fresh air during this time of social distancing has done wonders to my anxiety- thank goodness it is spring and not winter. We have enjoyed plenty of walks, hikes, runs and bike rides and now it’s time to introduce some good ole fashioned games! Consider this your PE component of homeschool! Take note of the games involving touching/tagging and determine how you will carry that out while distancing yourselves. Perhaps instead of getting close to the person you set a rule that you can say, “found you {insert name}”. Have fun and we hope this brings joy and laughter to your family!

Wall Ball {rules typed by my eight year old}-
You need a ball that can be bounced around and a wall that the ball can be hit against. Everyone starts with 3 lives. First, someone throws the ball against the wall if you catch it the person who threw it is out. If you touch the ball and it hits the ground you have to run to the wall before someone throws the ball against the wall. The last person to be in the game wins.

Steal the Bacon-
Teams are divided evenly and each person is assigned a number. Each team stands on opposite sides with a shoe {or something easy to hold} sitting in the middle. When a number is called, the designated players from each team run for the item in the middle and try to get it back to their side. If they succeed, they get a point.

Red Light, Green Light-
One child is “it” and turns his back to a line of players. When “it” says “Green Light,” the players move forward trying to reach him. When “it” says “Red Light,” he turns around to look at the players. Anyone seen moving has to return to the starting line. The first child to reach “it” wins and takes over that job for the next round.

Hide & Seek-
This can definitely be payed practicing social distancing. Rules do vary so talk it out before beginning. Count to twenty, sometimes ten, sometimes one hundred. Some play with a home base that you can run to and tag, becoming “safe,” sometimes you just wait to be found. The general idea is that one person is “it,” that person closes his or her eyes and counts to a certain number without looking and then he or she tries to find the others. Set ground-rules as to where you can and cannot hide, especially when playing with kids and being outside.

Mother May I-
This game is set up in the same way as Red Light Green Light. One person in the group asks the person in the front, “Mother, may I take steps forward?” The person at the front then says, “Yes, you may.” or “No, you may not.” You can vary your requests by including options such as taking baby steps, spinning steps, leaps or whatever strikes your fancy. Again, the first person to tag the person in the front wins and is the next person in the front. 

Simon Says-
This game can be played anywhere, even in a car or other small space. One person is Simon and starts by saying, “Simon says, ‘[insert action here]’. ” Everyone must then do the action. If Simon makes an action request without saying, “Simon says” to begin the request, anyone who does that action is out. The last person still playing in the end will be Simon for the next round.

Shadow, TV & Flashlight Tag-
Tag each other’s shadow with your feet instead of tagging their body.
A variation of freeze tag where the person unfreezing the frozen player has to call out a TV show title.
Hand all the kids flashlights and start a round of Hide-and-Seek; the first kid caught in a beam of light takes over the role of the seeker. 

Kick the Can-
This game is a combo of tag and hide & seek. One person {or a team of people} are designated as “it” and a can is placed in the middle of the playing area. The other people run off and hide while the “it” covers their eyes and counts to a certain number. “It” then tries to find everyone. If a person is tagged by “it” {or you can just call them by name and not touch}, they go into a holding area aka jail for captured players. A player who has not yet been caught can free the jailed players by kicking the can, either one at a time or all at once, depending on the rules you employ.

Musical Chairs-
In a circle, arrange chairs {separate four-six feet from each other if you prefer} facing outward to total one fewer than the number of players. As a player to be in charge of the music. When the music starts, the players walk around the chairs. When the music stops, players sit down in the nearest chair as soon as they can. The one player who does not have a chair is out. One of the chairs is then removed, and the game continues in this manner. The player that sits in the final chair is the winner.

Monkey in the Middle-
You try to keep the ball away from one person while throwing it back and forth with your partner. If the person does get the ball, whoever threw it is now the monkey in the middle. No points, no winning, just keeping away.

Silent Ball-
A group tosses a ball around. If you drop it, you’re out. If you make a bad pass, you’re out. If you make a noise, you’re out. Last person in wins.

Four Square-
My favorite childhood recess game. The rules are more than the rest so click here.

Four Corners-
Same court as four-square, except runners stand on each of the four big corners while one person stands in the middle. People on corners try to swap before the person in the middle can get to either corner. If the person in the middle reaches a corner, the person they stole it from becomes the person in the middle.

Kickball-
Another classic but sometimes the rules vary, check out these.

Sharks & Minnows-
One player is chosen to be “the shark.” The rest are “minnows.” The minnows try to get from the designated starting point to the designated finishing point without getting tagged by the shark. If you are tagged, you are a shark. Last minnow wins.

Pickle-
Two bases are marked {with chalk, beanbags..}, and each is guarded by a player who throws and catches a baseball, tennis ball or wiffle ball. One or more players try to run back and forth between the bases without being tagged out by the people with the ball.

Red Rover- {admittedly not the best during this time of social distancing but save for better days}
Two groups stand in parallel lines facing each other. Each line must hold hands. One line declares one person they would like sent over, yelling “Red Rover, Red Rover, send Molly over.” The designated person — in this case Molly — makes a run for the line. If the two players who are targeted are unable to maintain their grip and Molly breaks through, she chooses one of the kids that she broke through to take back to her team. If she doesn’t break through, she has to stay with the other team. The game ends when everyone is in one line. *This game is controversial, play at own risk.

Hopscotch-
Use some sidewalk chalk and make a hopscotch grid. Number the squares from one to nine. Since so many people are walking, they can participate in your game on their way.

Some items you may consider purchasing-
Kickball
Obstacle course stones
Jump rope
Sidewalk chalk
Hula hoop
Gardening tools
Parachute

Recent posts:
Hour by hour weekday live streaming events and activities for kids
Sample schedules and ideas for the week
Educational resources at your fingertips
How ‘regular school’ parents can homeschool their kids

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Filed Under: Outdoor Play Tagged: games

Therapeutic sessions at Rock Creek Park Horse Center

March 10, 2020

This guest post is written by Amy Dick who is a volunteer at Rock Creek Park Horse Center. Tucked into the woods of Rock Creek Park is Rock Creek Park Horse Center, located at 5100 Glover Road, NW.

Rock Creek Park Horse Center offers therapeutic sessions with horses for people of all ages, including children.  Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is an experiential approach to psychotherapy with horses.  “Experiential” means that the client has hands-on experiences with horses, assisted by facilitators. Therapeutic sessions with horses help individuals and groups safely explore solutions to manage stress, depression, anxiety, PTSD, interpersonal conflict, and more.

All sessions are on the ground – there is no horseback riding. Our facilitators are certified by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), the global standard for equine-assisted psychotherapy and personal development.

What makes horses good partners in therapy? Most people love animals, especially beautiful ones like horses. But the primary reason is due to horses’ nature. They are social, herd, and prey animals with an extraordinary ability to interpret nonverbal communication. Horses pick up on and respond to people’s unconscious signals and emotions. Horses’ behavior and responses often remind people of the characters and issues in their lives. Through interactions with the horses, EAGALA equine therapy empowers clients to explore, problem-solve, discover, be creative, and gain valuable insights.

Horses do not know our past, education, gender, race or other labels we may apply to ourselves and each other. They live in the moment. Unlike humans, they have no biases. These qualities also make horses valuable therapeutic partners with helping people seeking insight, perspective, and solutions to their personal challenges.

Want to learn more about EAGALA therapy? A brief, excellent video summary can be found here.

EAGALA contacts at Rock Creek Park Horse Center are:
Amber Power, Equine Specialist (301) 908-0767
Ilse Eisele, Mental Health Specialist (434) 533-5545
You can also send an email.

Rock Creek Park Horse Center also offers:
Trail & Pony Rides
Lessons
Camps
Volunteer Opportunities

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Filed Under: Guest Post, Outdoor Play Tagged: eagala, horse therapy

15 great options to get you out of the house, but away from the crowds and germs

March 7, 2020

We’ve compiled a list of ways to get your family outdoors and active if you want to avoid indoor spots and crowds of people.

  1. Smithsonian National Zoo (you can skip the indoor houses)
  2. Walk around the National Mall, bring a frisbee, ball or kite
  3. The National Arboretum has over 400 acres; you can spend all day here outside; bring a picnic!
  4. Go on a hike! Some of our favorites and the closest to DC are Great Falls, Rock Creek Park, Turkey Run, Scott’s Run.
  5. While on the topic of trails, most are National Park property. Check into the Junior Ranger program!
  6. Watch airplanes at Gravelly Point. You can also hop on the Mount Vernon trail from the parking lot here.
  7. Speaking of Mount Vernon, head to the historic home of George Washington and spend time roaming the property.
  8. Dumbarton Oaks has a great garden to linger in. Hours are 2pm-6pm and is closed on Monday’s.
  9. Find a field or track to race your kids on and play ball with- most high schools have one that allow visitors!
  10. Admittedly I have never played but the DC area has some disc golf courses and most are in beautiful parks– win-win!
  11. Blooms are starting to open at Brookside Gardens. Situated within Wheaton Regional Park (another win-win as you can hit a trail and the playground after you stop at Brookside) on 50 acres, you will love the gardens and the children’s garden is very cute.
  12. Roosevelt Island is a memorial to America’s 26th president. You can walk throughout the island, stop on the bank of the Potomac and have a picnic, sit by the memorial and even get here by kayak.
  13. East Potomac mini-golf is on the National Register of Historic Places and is listed as the oldest continually operating miniature golf course in the country. They offer In March they are open on Monday’s and weekends 10am-dark and open 7 days a week in April from 10am-dark. (Bring wipes for the clubs if you’re concerned)
  14. Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm just outside of DC allows you to explore the property, interact with animals and take a guided tour. Venture beyond the farmyard and explore Oxon Cove Park’s 512 acres by strolling along the lower fields or riding the bike path along Oxon Cove. They are open seven days a week from 8:00am to 4:30pm.
  15. Bike or walk through town or on a trail with your Bambinos.

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Filed Under: Outdoor Play

Tudor Place is full of fun for families

March 5, 2020

Tudor Place is a historical landmark, completed in 1816, lived in by six generations of a single family, and opened to the public in 1988. It is located at 1644 31st Street NW., Washington DC 20007. They offer programs for families, adults, camps and more. Below are some upcoming events for your family to check out.

Tudor Tot Fridays
Storytime, songs, and crafts for toddlers and caregivers. Dates & themes below:

  • April 17 – Earth Day
  • April 24 – Gardeners
  • May 1 – Dance
  • May 8 – Everyday Superheroes
  • May 15 – Citizenship
  • May 22 – Cars
  • May 29 – Foxes
  • June 5 – Family
  • June 12 – Sports
  • June 19 – Freedom
  • June 26 – Yankee Doodle
  • July 10 – Bugs
  • July 17 – Water
  • July 24 – Music

Weekend Tots: Hello Spring! March 28 from 10am-10:45am
Read, sing, play, and say hello to spring in the picturesque gardens with Tudor Tots.

Eggstravaganza: April 4, 9, 10 & 11
Egg hunt, egg roll, and crafts. Take photos with the Easter Bunny!

5th Annual Earth Day Plant Sale & Picnic: April 26 from 12:00pm-4:00pm
Take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy a picnic on the Tudor Place grounds, and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! Spend an afternoon experiencing the historic gardens. Bring your own picnic and blanket.

Summer Camp- Creature Comforts: August 3-7
Whether crafted from sticks and soil or bricks and plaster, there are all sorts of places to live at Tudor Place. Embark on an investigative journey to learn who (and what!) makes a home on the grounds and see what it takes to keep it safe, warm, and cozy. Campers will explore indoors and outdoors

Summer Camp- Environmental Science and Sustainability: August 10-14
Partnering with Urban Adventure Squad for the second year they have planned a spectacular week of hands-on learning at one of the first National Historic Landmarks in America. Tudor Place and UAS are combining forces to offer a unique, hyperlocal historical experience that will be enriching, exciting, and physically active. Campers will explore how waste management and eco-friendly practices have changed over time by learning how the Peter family got rid of their waste, heated and powered their home, and took care of stormwater management, and then find out how if these things are done differently now. This program will include off-campus adventures–trips between 1 and 4 miles on-foot and using public transportation–and plenty of outdoor time. 

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Tudor Place

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Filed Under: Camp, Classes, Outdoor Play Tagged: Tudor Place

Roller skating and ice rinks in and around Washington, DC

January 7, 2020

My childhood days were full of strapping on my Phantom roller blades or lacing up ice skates and heading to the rink with friends. While that is not my kids experience; they only first roller skated while on a ski trip last winter. They are however getting the hang of ice skating this year and love it. In celebration of National Skating Month {who knew?} we’ve compiled a list of indoor and outdoor rinks in our area. Fort Dupont is offering free mini lessons on January 20. DC celebrates rollerskating and its history with a Skate Fest celebration– 2020 date TBA.

Indoor roller rinks

Lanham Skate– Lanham, MD
Family fun nights, arcade games, lessons, STEM field trips, birthday parties, school break days and more!

Laurel Roller Skating Center– Laurel, MD
Birthday parties, lessons, family nights and more!

Temple Hills– Temple Hills, MD
Family skate nights, glow nights, arcade, STEM field trips, birthday parties and more!

Skate Zone– Crofton, MD
Lessons, birthday parties, STEM field trips, event calendar and more!

Cavalier Family Skating– Stafford, VA
Birthday parties, speed team, arcade and indoor play zone, lessons and more!

Skate-N-Fun Zone– Mannassass, VA
Laser tag, arcade, indoor play zone, themed nights, STEM field trips and more!

Outdoor roller rink

Anacostia Park– SE, DC
Skate rentals are free at this outdoor rink! And on summer weekends you can dance to DJ music as you enjoy this open air roller rink. This is the one and only roller skating rink in the National Park Service but is only open for a short season.

Outdoor ice rinks

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
November 15 – March 15

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

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

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

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

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

Indoor ice rinks

Cabin John Ice Rink– 10610 Westlake Dr Rockville, MD 20852
Open year-round with three rinks (NHL, Olympic, and Studio), public skate sessions, lessons provided, a dance Studio available to rent, three party rooms available to rent, a pro shop with skating equipment, apparel, and skate sharpening and repair services. The Cabin John Café with refreshments, snacks, and free Internet/Wi-Fi

Wheaton Ice Arena– 11717 Orebaugh Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902
NHL-size skating rink, public skate sessions, lessons provided, two party rooms to rent, a snack bar /vending machines with refreshments and snacks. Pro Shop with skates, hockey equipment, apparel, skate sharpening, and repair services. There is a workout center and the facility has free wi-fi.

Fort Dupont Ice Arena– 3779 Ely Place SE Washington, DC 20019
They have a ‘Kids On Ice’ program which offers opportunities for kids from 5-18 interested in hockey, figure skating, synchronized skating and speed skating.

MedStar Capitals Iceplex– Ballston, VA
Practice rink of our Washington Capitals! You can public skate, take lessons, adults can take part in a pick-up game of hockey, kids can take hockey lessons, have a birthday party and enjoy parents night out events here.

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Filed Under: Indoor Play, Outdoor Play Tagged: roller skate, skate

Cut-your-own tree farms around Washington, DC

December 3, 2019

Maryland

Gaver Tree Farm: Mt. Airy, MD
November 29 – December 23 from 9 am – 5 pm daily

Cut your own beautifully sheared Christmas trees: Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, Blue Spruce and White Pine, or select from fresh-cut trees inside the Farm Market. Farm Market with Wreath Shop and Christmas Cafe, home of our famous apple cider donuts. Saws and hand carts are available for cut your own trees. Free shaking, baling and pin stand drilling. Please remember, ALL fall attractions are closed during the Christmas season. No pets. Cash or Credit accepted.

Closed for the season
Linden Hill Farm: Upper Marlboro, MD
Open Thanksgiving and then Friday, Saturday & Sunday’s only from 8:30am-4:30pm until sold out.

Freshly cut trees include Fraser, Canaan, Douglas Firs, and Scotch Pines. In- field varieties include White Pine, Douglas, Norway & Blue Spruce with limited Canaan and Concolor Firs. A blower, baler, bow saws & assistance with cutting and loading your tree are available free of charge. Don’t miss the Snack Shack featuring Nathan’s hot dogs, warm spiced cider, and hot chocolate. Cash or check only.

Mayne’s Tree Farm: Buckeystown, MD
Open Friday after Thanksgiving –  Christmas, daily from 9am – 5pm.

Mayne’s allows you to cut your own trees or choose from a pre-cut selection. Trees are White Pine, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir. Pre-Cut Trees are Fraser & Douglas. Hayrides are available on weekends. No pets allowed.

Naughty Pine Nursery: Dickerson, MD
Saturdays & Sundays through December 22 from 10am – 4pm.

Naughty Pine Nursery grows a large selection of Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce and Norway Spruce Christmas Trees offering Cut-Your-Own Christmas Trees for the holiday season! Cash or check only. Leashed pets welcome, credit cards accepted.

Triadelphia Lake View Farm (TLV): Glenelg, MD
Regular hours start November 29, 2019. Monday – Thursday from 12:00pm – 5:00pm and Friday-Sunday from 9:00am – 5:00pm.  

Santa comes and visits the farm Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 4pm, stop in and get your picture taken with him. Don’t forget to look around at the handmade wreaths, crafts, ornaments, and Christmas Tree Stands. Several different varieties of live trees for you to choose from with a large selection of fresh cut Fraser Fir trees that are brought in from the mountains. They offer Douglas Fir,  White Pine, Blue Spruce, Cannan Fir, Balsam Fir and Fraser Fir. Tree shaking, baling, drilling and the use of wagons and saws provided at no charge. Cash, check, Visa and MC accepted.

Closed for the season: Otterdale View: Union Bridge, MD
Open November 19 – December 15, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday      9am-5pm.

They offer a “choose and cut” Christmas tree operation and offer handmade wreaths, garland, etc. All Christmas trees are $60. After cutting your tree, enjoy complimentary warm apple cider and watch the toy train overhead as it travels around  inside the Christmas  shop.  The shop offers holiday crafts and Christmas decorations. They provide hand saws to cut trees and do not allow chainsaws. Pines, Firs, and Spruces available up to 6″ tall- no large trees available. Pets must be leashed. They accept cash, check and credit cards.

Butler’s Orchard: Germantown, MD
Tuesday-Sunday 9:30am- 6:00pm

No cut your own trees this year but they have pre-cut trees. Douglas, Canaan and Fraser Fir!  Priced by height and variety. Military Discount, $5.00 off. Custom Designed Wreaths and Gift Baskets!

Homestead Farm: Poolesville, MD
No trees this year

Virginia

Pre-cut trees available only: Clouse’s Pine Hill Farm: Winchester, VA
Opening November 29, and Closing on December 8, 2019 from 9am – 5pm Thursday-Sunday

Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, White Pine, Scotch Pine, Concolor Fir, Douglas Fir, Canaan Fir and Fraser Fir to choose from. In addition to all of the cut-your-own species above, there will also be a selection of pre-cut trees in Douglas Fir, Canaan Fir, and Concolor Fir to choose from. Clouse’s Pine Hill Farm offers a full range of fresh-cut mixed green Christmas wreaths. They accept cash, check, Visa, & Mastercard.

Closed for the season: Moose Apple Christmas Tree Farm: Berryville VA
November 29, 30, Dec 1, 5 – 8, 12 – 15, 19 – 22 from 9am – 4pm.

Santa will make an appearance Saturday December 7 from 10am-2pm & Sunday December 15 from 10am-2pm. There are White Pines, Douglas Fir, Concolor Fir, Canaan Fir, Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, White Spruce, and Blue Ice (Arizona Cypress). If you are looking for a tree in the 9-12 foot range, they will be bringing in a selection of Fraser Firs, Canaan Firs, Concolor Firs, and Douglas Firs ranging up to 12 feet.

Country Loving Christmas Tree Farm: Leesburg, VA
Open 9am – 5pm Saturdays & Sundays between November 30 – December 15and by appointments after that: (703)-398-7018.

White Pines, Scotch Pines, Norway Spruce, Red Cedar in addition to Fresh cut Fraser Firs from the Smokey Mountains. Pets welcome on a leash.

Closed for the season: Day Star Farm: Leesburg, VA
Open December 1 & 2 and December 8 & 9 between 9am-5pm on Saturdays & 12pm – 5pm on Sundays.

A horse farm for over 30 years and a cut-your-own Christmas trees farm in the Winter.

Closed after Dec. 22: Hartland Farm: Markham, VA
Open most days 9am-5pm.

Stocks Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce, White Pine and Serbia Spruce to cut down and has Virginia grown precut Fraser Firs. Saws, tie down assistance, shaking and wrapping of trees included with sleds available to help more your tree. Check out the holiday decorations too, such as handmade wreaths. Caramel apples and hot cider are for sale as well as free hot chocolate on weekends. Santa lands at Hank’s Christmas Trees on Sunday, December 1 from 10am-4pm. No pets please. Credit/debit cards accepted.

Joe’s Trees: Chantilly, VA
Open 7 days a week November 16 – December 16 from 9am-5pm.

Trees available: Fraser, Canaan, Concolor & Korean firs, White pine, Blue and Norway spruce. Tree heights 6’-15’.  Call ahead for availability of larger trees. Food & Hayrides (weather permitting) Nov. 29, 30 Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15. Christmas Shop with wreaths, jams, jellies, pickles and other canned goods for the holidays. Christmas decor, ornaments, hand-crafted artisan items, local lamb, beef and bison meats. Cash/Visa/MC/ Discover/Debit cards accepted.

Krop’s Crops: Great Falls, VA
Weekends only, 11am – dark

Cut your own or pick from the pre-cut trees. Noble, Fraser, Douglas, White Pine, Norway Spruce…the list goes on! Santa Claus also visits Krop’s Crops on some December weekends leading up to Christmas Eve (1pm – 4pm). They also sell poinsettias, wreaths, roping, ornaments, lights, tree stands, seasoned firewood and more!

Closed for the season: Snickers Gap: Bluemont, VA
Hours vary, see the daily blog for details.

At the farm they provide a map of the fields, a saw to cut your tree, and a rope to pull your tree back to the sales barn. You can enjoy complimentary hot apple cider before or after venturing into the fields to select your tree. When you bring it back to the barn, they shake every tree clean and bale each one tight on special machines for cleanliness and ease for transportation. They accept cash, checks, all major credit cards and Apple Pay. Pets welcome.

Middleburg Christmas Tree Farm: Round Hill, VA
Already closed for the season!

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Filed Under: Holiday Options, Outdoor Play, Winter Tagged: Santa, tree farm

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

November 19, 2019

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.

Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple– Dec. 5 – Jan. 4
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.

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.  

Related posts
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Skiing with families
Winter camp, classes and groups

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Filed Under: Holiday Options, Music, Outdoor Play, Winter Tagged: DC, ice skating, winter

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