Beltway Bambinos

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

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day at Adventure Theatre

(Photo: Michael Horan)

What: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

When: February 9 – March 31, 2018

Where: Adventure Theatre
7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. 20812

Why: Alexander is having a bad day. A terrible day. A horrible day. To be quite honest, it’s a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. But then, everybody has bad days, sometimes. Not only does Alexander wake up with gum in his hair, but his mother forgets to pack him dessert, and his best friend decides he’s not his best friend anymore. And if that’s not bad enough, Alexander’s brothers don’t have any cavities but—he does. And just when it can’t get any worse, there are lima beans for supper and —yuck!—kissing on TV. It is enough to make anyone want to go to Australia. Uuuugggghhh.

The musical version of a childhood favorite, chronicles just how bad some days can be (we’ve all been there). The relatable storyline brings humor to all– except Alexander, ending on a sweet note with Alexander and his mother recognizing the terrible day and understanding that tomorrow is a new day. This play had my oldest asking to go directly to the library to check out Voirst’s popular titles so he could read them again. A great family show for all ages, my three year old enjoyed the colorful stage, the large life-like puppets from Australia and the catchy songs.

  • Based on the book by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Ray Cruz

  • Directed by Cara Gabriel

  • Recommended for all ages

  • Running time is 60 minutes with no intermission

  • Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets are $19.50 each with group and field trip rates available. Children under the age of 1 are free.

Where kids eat free in and around Washington, DC

You can go out to dinner every night (to a good restaurant!) in our area and your Bambino can eat free! We’d love to hear from you, comment with your favorite establishments that offer kids deals. This guide to kids eating free in and around Washington, DC is sponsored by Modern Market: Fresh, Farm, Eateries.

                                                                                                                                                                   (Photo: Modern Market)

Modern Market–
(4930 Elm St. Bethesda, MD.20814)
(1010 Vermont Ave NW Suit 102 Washington, DC 20005)
(1627 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD. 20852)
(Coming soon to Columbia, MD)

Sunday & Monday after 5:00pm-close, with the purchase of an adult entree. Modern Market cooks using simple, whole ingredients that come from farms, not factories. Making most things from scratch, even down to our salad dressings and pizza dough. This has led to a menu that satisfies virtually any dietary requirement – vegan, celiac, paleo, raw, south beach, high carb, low carb, and also low GCI. They also have a loyalty program and app that will send you deals.

Hard Times Cafe–
(1404 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314)

Every Sunday and Monday kids eat free with an adult entree.

Surfside–
(2444 Wisconsin Ave NW)
(1800 N St NW)

Monday from 5:00pm-9:00pm, buy a regular adult entree and get a kids entree free. Fresh fare inspired by the beach.

The Daily Dish–
(8301 Grubb Rd.  Silver Spring, MD)

On Monday’s kids 12 and under get one meal from the Kids Menu with the purchase of an adult meal $12 and above, not available on select holidays). The menu is inspired by the bounty of the seasons and focuses on comfort food that is seasonally inspired, sustainable and locally sourced.

Brookland Pint–
(716 Monroe Street, NE Washington, DC 20017)

Kids eat free all day on Tuesdays. Limit 2 kids under the age of 12, valid with the purchase of an adult entree. Don’t forget to ask for a balloon on your way out!

Meridian Pint–
(3400 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010)

Kids eat free all day on Tuesdays. Limit 2 kids under the age of 12, valid with the purchase of an adult entree. Don’t forget to ask for a balloon on your way out!

Lebanese Taverna Cafe-
(See image below for various locations)

Kids eat free for lunch and dinner with the purchase of an entree, sandwich platter or mezza platter at Cafe locations. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at different locations, see image below.

Whitlow’s on Wilson:
(2854 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201)

Tuesday – Sunday from 4:00pm – 7:00pm for kids 10 years old and younger. One kids meal per full priced entrée, sandwich , burger, or dinner salad that each adult orders. In short, one kids meal for one adult meal.

Roofer’s Union–
(2446 18th St NW)

Family Night is Thursday 5:00pm-close. Kids under 12 eat free with the purchase of an adult entree. A summer perk;  they boast to be one of the best rooftops in the city!

Toro Toro–
(1300 I St NW, Washington, DC 20005)

Modern Pan-Latin choice serving skewers of grilled meats plus small plates & barrel-aged cocktails. Kids (ages 10 and under) eat free every day! They limit to two kids typically. Bonus, they offer $19 bottomless express lunch (unlimited dishes, served quickly so you can get back to work!) and $49 bottomless dinner featuring specials like ceviche and signature La Bomba experience.

Tastee Diner–
(Bethesda, Silver Spring & Laurel locations)

Monday-Friday, kids eat free off the kids menu with a paid adult meal. Visit the Tastee Diner for pancakes, omelets, sandwiches and soups. Silver Spring and Laurel locations serve beer and wine.

Chains with some sort of Kids Eat Free, depending on location:
Denny’s
IHop
TGIFridays
Applebees
Bob Evans
Fuddruckers
Moes Southwest Grill

American City Diner
(5532 Connecticut Ave NW)

Kids eat free with a paying adult after 5:00pm everyday.

Create Valentine’s Day cards for patients at Children’s National Medical Center

                                                                                                                                                         (Photo: The Chirping Moms)

Join Beltway Bambinos, Bloom OB/GYN, Nanny Network, Spring Valley Pediatrics, and Stork Childbirth Education in the 3rd Annual Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids and Cookies for Caregivers initiative organized by Eliana’s Light.

Eliana’s Light is a local non-profit organization that supports integrative health for children with complex medical conditions and their caregivers through the provision of integrative care services. They focus on helping to reduce the stress, pain, fear, trauma, anxiety, and depression that many of these kids and their caregivers often experience. They want to improve the wellness and well-being of the entire family.

Kids and their caregivers are making cards for kids and cookies for caregivers who have to be in the hospital over Valentine’s Day. It’s a great opportunity to show the recipients others are thinking of them and sending them best wishes over the holiday. The cards are only for the kids and the cookies are only for the caregivers (due to the children’s specific dietary needs). The cookies should be healthy-ish nut-free recipes, and the cards will include uplifting messages. Some participating groups are only making cards, and some are only making cookies. You choose what works for you!

Eliana’s Light will pick up the cards and cookies from participating groups, and deliver them to staff at Children’s National Medical Center who will distribute them to patients and their caregivers.

Here are a few ways you can participate!

  • Organize a group of friends for a Valentine’s Day card and/or cookie making party at your house.*
  • Ask your child’s teacher if their class would be interested in making Valentine’s Day cards to support kids at Children’s National Medical Center. Teachers often discuss topics such as empathy, volunteering, and kindness with their participating students and this is a great way to connect with those topics. (See Beltway Bambinos’ Pinterest page if you need some ideas on easy to make cards and crafts.)
  • Donate any supplies you may have for making cards. We welcome red, white, and pink construction paper; glue sticks; stickers; and kid scissors. No glitter please 🙂
  • Make a financial donation to help Eliana’s Light cover the cost of providing some card-making supplies to participating non-profit organizations.

*If your group will be making cards, the following is some guidance for your consideration:
Hospital staff have cleared the following messages for inclusion in the Valentine’s Day cards:  “You are loved”; “You are surrounded by love”; “I believe in you”; “You are strong and brave”; “I wish you the very best”; “You rock”; “I am thinking of you and sending you love”; “You inspire me”; “You are awesome”; “I hope you have a great day today”; “Be brave”; and “Always remember how awesome you are”.We welcome any way participating kids would like to sign their cards. For example, they can be signed, “First name, grade, school name”, or “X-grader, school name, city name”, or “X-grader, city name”. We’d love some kind of signature to personalize the cards.

If you’re interested in participating or supporting this initiative, please email your interest to both BeltwayBambinos@gmail.com and info@elianaslight.org. We will coordinate directly with you. We will need to collect all items by the end of the day on Feb. 11th.

We’re pleased to share that more than 300 people from schools, businesses, and non-governmental organizations are already participating in 5 states! Thank you to CCBC Preschool, Darien Elementary School, Garrett Park Preschool, Glenbrook Middle School, Mason-Rice School, Miner Elementary, Murch Elementary School, The River School, Springbrook High School, Spring Hill Elementary School, Tubman Elementary, and Thomson Elementary who have participating classes.

Is your child ready for Montessori? The Children’s House of Washington welcomes you to find out on January 20th

Who: The Children’s House of Washington (C.H.O.W.) opened in September 1981 by Patti Harburger who retired in 2012.

This school is a place where children love learning and a place where they challenge themselves day-to-day.

Through a traditional Montessori education CHOW is a community committed to establishing the intellectual, emotional and physical foundation that will develop the skills for your child to become a self-directed learner, flexible thinker, creative problem solver and support their ever increasing curiosity about the world in which they live.

The Children’s House is child-centered within a nurturing environment where exceptional and experienced teachers support and guide each student with warmth and respect. The school’s single method focus is to teach children the necessary skills they will need to succeed in each school they attend as well as in the larger context of their adult lives.

Where: The Children’s House of Washington (C.H.O.W.): 3133 Dumbarton Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

What: Parents and children are invited to an open house on January 20th, 2018 from 9:00am-11:30am.

This open house is especially important because founder, Patti Harburger will be speaking from 10:00am-10:30am about the various aspects and benefits of the Montessori method. Topics include: hands-on-learning, enhanced social skills, independence building, curiosity and love of learning, executive functioning as well as Montessori approaches to teaching math, reading and writing.

If you are unable to attend the school welcomes you to contact the school director to set up an appointment that works for you! There will be other open houses in March & April.

Why: The Children’s House has rolling enrollment and accommodate children ages 2-5.

The children at CHOW get incredible personalized attention and leave the school with a great start to their academic careers.

Need a little more affirmation that you should check out CHOW? See the reviews on Facebook –all 5 stars from parents!

Disney on Ice presents Frozen + GIVEAWAY!

What:
Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond all imagination at Disney On Ice presents Frozen!  The heartwarming, Academy Award®-winning tale you love is now LIVE and skating into your town. You’ll be magically whisked away into the wintery world of Arendelle, where you will be dazzled by amazing special effects and astonishing skating. Sing and dance along to inspiring songs, including “Let It Go.” Join royal sisters Elsa and Anna, the hilarious snowman Olaf, Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven and the mystical trolls as they journey to discover that true love is ultimately the most magical power of all! Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney On Ice presents Frozen is performing at Capital One Arena, formerly known as Verizon Center, from February 14 to 19, 2018.

Hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, with special guest appearances by your most beloved Disney Princesses and characters from favorites like Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Disney’s The Lion King, this unforgettable celebration of love and friendship will leave your family with memories to last a lifetime.

Where:

  • Capital One Arena (formerly known as Verizon Center)- 601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

When: 

  • Wednesday, February 14th @ 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, February 15th @ 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, February 16th @ 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 17th @ 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, February 18th @ 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
  • Monday, February 19th @ 12:30 p.m.

 

Tickets start at: $20.00. Order tickets by phone 1-800-745-3000 or  Order tickets online.
*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand. 

To discover more about Disney On Ice visit us on Facebook and YouTube.

***********Giveaway: To win 4 tickets to opening night: February 14, 2018 at 7:30pm!!! Share this post on Facebook or Instagram and tag us for your chance to win. Winner will be announced February 6, 2018!!! 

 

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that uplift the human spirit and bring people together. With millions of people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.
The Walt Disney Company is neither a sponsor nor endorser of this sweepstakes.
I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Disney on Ice presents Frozen. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.

Bilal: A New Breed of Hero Movie + Giveaway

1,400 years ago, Bilal, a seven-year-old boy, with a dream of becoming a great warrior, is abducted into slavery with his sister and taken to a land far away from his home and thrown into a world where corruption and injustice rule all. Throughout his life he undergoes many hardships, through which he discovers an inner strength he did not realize he possessed. Through these experiences, Bilal comes to realize that if he is brave enough to raise his voice and choose his own path – everything becomes possible. It is through his courage, that he frees himself and ultimately his community; It is through the power of his voice and faith that his lifelong dream of freedom comes true. Bilal grows into a man who will inspire the world. Rated: PG-13

 

GIVEAWAY! Screening Details

Click here for 25 admit 2 passes 

When: Monday, January 29th, 2018 at  7:00pm

Where: Regal Majestic Stadium: 900 Ellsworth Dr. Silver Spring, MD 20910

Madame Tussauds: No autographs, please ;)

What: Madame Tussauds

Where: 1001 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

When: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm

Why: In the capital city with millions of things to see and do, there is only one place where your group can meet all 45 U.S. presidents, the world’s most fascinating celebrities, influential world leaders, historical figures, and sports icons. Walk the red carpet with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, shake it with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, and explore the nation’s history with George Washington and Barack Obama. I’ve lived in DC for ten years and never visited Madame Tussauds in Chinatown. My initial thought was that I didn’t think it would be a great spot to take my kids– after all what would they gain from looking at a bunch of wax people? I was incorrect in assuming this was a place to skip. It is definitely suitable for children. We took our three and six year old. It was surprisingly informational for our six year old. He read descriptions of people and was interested in when they were relevant while our three year old enjoyed seeing the wax figures and participating in the many interactive areas. There are areas that ask questions and you open a frame to see the answer- his favorite was determining the President’s Pets based on a photo. There were several areas where visitors could add flair or props to take a photo, grab a piece of equipment that went along with a player, read a famous speech or listen to an audio clip from an era– many compliments to the wax figures that really made the experience much better than just walking around reading about the person and moving along. The tour through the attraction is self-guided. It should take you approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete your tour. There is even a spot to stop and get a wax hand. (Purchasing Wax Hands separately is $10 at the door; with the purchase of the Extreme Value Ticket Online, wax hands is automatically included with your admission ticket.) An employee will take your hand or fist and create a cool, colorful wax impression. My six year old was brave enough to do it and it serves as a memory from our trip to Madame Tussauds.

Tickets: Prices vary depending on the package you choose

See more of our photos from our trip to Madame Tussauds on our Instagram page

Ultimate camp guide in and around Washington, DC for Summer 2018

An updated 2019 Summer Camp Guide can be found here.

This 2018 Summer camp guide is sponsored by Beauvoir Summer Camp.

Beauvoir Summer
(3500 Woodley Rd, NW, Washington, DC 20016 on the National Cathedral grounds)
Located on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., Beauvoir Summer strives to create an inviting, collaborative and warm community for campers during the summer months. Beauvoir Summer offers camp programs open to Beauvoir and non-Beauvoir children ages 3 to 11 years old over four sessions that run a total of seven weeks.  Whether registering for one session or all summer, exciting activities include field trips, swimming lessons, outdoor adventure programs and specialty camps. Beauvoir Summer also offers a counselor-in-training program for students grades 6 to 12. Through a variety of offerings, Beauvoir Summer makes it easy for you to create a schedule that works best for your family, offering before and after camp care programs as well. Simply put, Beauvoir Summer can accommodate all of your summer camp needs!

Woodland Horse Center
(16301 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD. 20905)
Woodland Horse Center is the premier horseback riding center in Maryland and prides itself in offering the most spectacular Horseback Riding Summer Camp for horse-crazy kids from June 18-Aug 24. The 1-week Pony Pals Camp is for young riders ages 5-7. The 2-week Horsemanship Camp is for riders ages 8-16. All campers learn to ride correctly and confidently in twice daily riding lessons. Campers also learn comprehensive horsemanship skills which help them learn and love to care for the wonderful horses and ponies. Interactive, hands-on lessons outside of the ring include grooming, tacking, anatomy, health care, nutrition and more. Put the devices down, get outside and have a blast with the horses!!

Summer Safari Zoo Camp at The National Zoo
(3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008)
Each of the Summer Safari programs explores the lives, habitats, and conservation of animals around the world. Week-long sessions include exciting hands-on activities, lessons, craft projects, science experiments, and walks through the Zoo (but no direct contact with animals). Camp sessions are grouped into four grade levels: K-1, 2-3, 4-5, and 6-7.

Spy Camp at the Spy Museum
(800 F Street, NW Washington, DC  20004)
Another sneaky camp that sounds like so much fun and full of thrills! Somewhere deep inside the Museum an elite group of recruits is lurking in the shadows preparing to take on top secret missions. No one really knows who they are, or for that matter, what they’re really up to. Now it’s your children’s turn to join their ranks. Each day is filled with top secret briefings and activities that will put spy skills and street smarts to the test. Aspiring Spy recruits will hone their tradecraft, learn from real spies, and hit the streets to run training missions. Develop a disguise for cover, make and break codes, discover escape and evasion techniques, create and use spy gadgets, uncover the science behind spying—all of this and more awaits young recruits! Ages 10-13.

National Building Museum Summer Camp
(401 F Street NW Washington, D.C. 20001)
One and two week sessions for campers entering 2nd-7th grade. Experience the world we build for ourselves in new ways and with hands-on activities and projects in one of our favorite buildings in DC! Attend one, two, or all of the unique sessions of, full-day summer camp at the National Building Museum. Campers will enjoy design challenges, exploring the Museum, and more!

Lowell School Camp
(1640 Kalmia Rd NW., Washington, DC. 20012)
Their respectful and caring atmosphere encourages campers, rising PreK-grade 9, to grow in self-awareness and confidence, while strengthening their cooperation and consideration for others. They have an expansive campus with fields, surrounded by towering trees, provides generous space for games, sports, exercise, and water play. Campers explore and investigate plant and animal life in a spring-fed stream, a tributary of nearby Rock Creek. The four-lane indoor pool, fully equipped technology center, three art workshops, library, and large gymnasium are also available to campers. 

Sidwell Summer
(3825 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016)
(5100 Edgemoor Lane Bethesda, MD 20814)
With an array of programs for campers and students Age 3 – Grade 12 throughout June,  July, and August, they have something for everyone. This camp has two locations to choose from with a variety of camps; day camp, sports camp and academic camp.

Bricks4Kidz
(1130 6th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Camp kicks off the morning session by grouping up the kiddos by age (two age groups: 4-6 year olds and 7-12 year olds) then the fun begins. Campers work in pairs and build projects through Bricks 4 Kidz lesson plans and make creations of their own during super fun free play periods. The afternoon gets “challenging” as the campers enter “Challenge Island”, that provides unique challenge-based programs designed to foster critical and creative thinking skills, problem solving methodology, and core STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) principles in children.

Arts on the Horizon Summer Camps
(1100 Wythe Street, #26093  Alexandria, VA)
From superhero to construction, this arts inspired camp has a session that is sure to appeal to your child. They offer one week, half day sessions. Ages 3-6.

(Photo: Imagination Stage)

Theatre & Arts Camps:

Adventure Theatre Camps

Little Loft

The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts

Meadowlark Guitar and Ukulele Camp

Red Panda Art Studio

McLean Project for the Arts (MAP)

Camp Arena Stage

Art in Motion via UpCycle/Local Motion

Takoma Groove Camp

Fit Kids Hit the Stage

Round House Theatre

Encore Stage and Studio

Imagination Stage

Lola’s Lab Camp

Levine Summer Music & Arts Day Camp

The Art League

Creative Youth

(Photo: Language Stars)


Language Camps:
CommuniKids

Language Stars

(Photo: Baseball Camp at Bethesda Big Train)

Other camps around the Washington, DC area:

(Photo: Calleva)

Need to sign-up for just one week of camp? Thanks to some locals parents, here’s a great list of drop-ins and places that will allow you to sign up a week at a time.

Bruce Murray Soccer Camp is in Potomac and has bus transportation
Humane Rescue Alliance for grades 2 & up
Bethesda YMCA tennis camp 
Woods Academy in Bethesda has a great summer science program
HomeRun Baseball Camp allows daily drop-ins and accepts kids ages 4-12
PPA offers soccer camps
Bethesda Soccer Club has tons of soccer camps
Sidwell Friends School summer camp
Washington Episcopal School summer camp
Calleva is an outdoor camp that has buses that pick up and drop off close-in and offer a variety of camp experiences
Brit-Am is a local soccer club that also has summer camps
Headfirst summer camp is very popular with various themes with two locations
Four Soccer at American University
Coach Sal Caccavale and his summer camps, they are all located in DC
Bach to Rock has a music camp in Bethesda
Landon camp is for boys and girls and provides bus transportation from a few neighborhoods

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