Beltway Bambinos

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

Best places to view cherry blossoms that are NOT on the National Mall

As in true pandemic fashion we try to continue to provide you with content that is responsible and thus avoiding crowds. We thought a post on where to view cherry blossoms without the crowds the Tidal Basin draws, may be useful. Yesterday, while driving through DC, the crowds were in full force on the Mall as the blossoms were in full bloom! The National Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from March 20 – April 11 and again has pivoted from their typical celebrations and gotten creative so check out their programs.

  • The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception has over 150 trees.
  • Dumbarton Oaks has a mixture of cherry species as well as other gorgeous spring blooms.
  • US Arboretum has the trees but are spread out, but that’s the best part about heading here; room to roam!
  • Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens Cherry trees surround the parking area and Visitor Center at Kenilworth Park where you can also enjoy birding along the boardwalk.
  • Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland has about 30 cherry trees and other spring blooms at their garden.
  • The neighborhood of Kenwood, Maryland has impressive tree-lined streets. However, this does get very crowded, so if dodging crowds ifs the goal, read on or go very early in the day.
  • Van Gogh Bridge at Lake Anne in Reston has been on our list to visit. There are not many trees however the location on the bridge provides that most scenic and charming photos we see year after year.
  • Rockville Civic Center Park and Glenview Mansion both have trees lining the drive to Glenview Mansion and around the Civic Center Park. You will also find a nature center, playground, and wooded nature walk if you want to extend the trip and stay longer.
  • Did you know the 2nd largest collection of cherry blossom trees in DC are at Oxon Run Park?
  • Stanton Park in Capitol Hill allows you to sit back, have a picnic and lay underneath a small collection of cherry trees.
  • Of course you can walk along the Tidal Basin with the crowds or sit on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial and admire the blossoms from there. Grab sanitizing wipes and rent a paddle boat on the Tidal Basin.

Easter egg hunts in and around Washington, DC

March 26- April 3 : Great Country Farms Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Harvest
(18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA 20135)
After a long cold winter, nothing chases away the chill like a visit to the farm! Your family won’t want to miss the first “crop” of the spring– Marshmallow Picking!! Do marshmallow peeps really grow on trees? Your children will be amazed to harvest a few marshmallows to roast on the bonfire.  The Easter Bunny also hid some eggs  filled with treats to enchant the children, and we need you to help us find them! There will be multiple egg hunts with timed ticket entrance. Come see spring chicks and baby animals, take a wagon ride, and rejoice that it is spring! The annual Easter Egg Hunt is a $5 add-on per child with your paid farm admission. The Egg Hunt & Peep Harvest will occur together at the same time.

March 27 from 11:00am-11:45am: Virtual Family Fun: Febergé Egg Extravaganza at Hillwood Estate & Garden
(Virtual)
Explore Hillwood’s glittering treasures and magnificent art, including the exquisite imperial Fabergé eggs, from the comfort of your own home! Hear the tale of Babushka, known for her beautifully decorated Easter eggs, in a reading of the children’s book Rechenka’s Eggs, written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco. After the story, enjoy looking at beautiful images of Hillwood’s decorative eggs, and sketch your own fancy Easter egg design. Come prepared with paper and a drawing implement (such as pencil, crayons, or markers) to use during the program.Suggested for children ages eight and under with their grownups, but all ages are welcome.  

March 27, 28, 30, 31, April  1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15, 16 from 9:00am-6:00pm: Bunnyland at Butler’s Orchard
(22200 Davis Mill Road Germantown MD 20876)
Enjoy a hayride down the Bunny Trail, race the Rubber Duck Derby, hunt for colorful eggs, exchange eggs for a goodie basket to take home, visit with the farm’s very own Country Bunny, ride pedal tractors, play in Hayromp and Playground, hop in inflatables, ride the giant slides, see bunnies, lambs and chicks, get your face painted and ride a pony.

Mar 27-28, Apr 1-4: Easter Egg Hunt at Green Meadows Petting Farm
(10102 Fingerboard Rd. Ijamsville, MD 21754)
There will be two weekends of Easter egg hunts! No pre-registration is available. Purchase your admission to the farm/hunts when you arrive.  Hunts will be happening all day, between 10:30am and 3:30pm. Egg hunt areas are sectioned off according to ages 1-3 & 4-12.

March 27 & April 3 (Various times): The Lee-Fendall House 20th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
(614 Oronoco Street Alexandria, VA)
Find Easter eggs hidden in the Lee-Fendall garden on this socially-distant take on a popular annual egg hunt!

April 2-11 (Various times): Egg Hunt at Clark’s Elioak Farm
(10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042)
They will host small, frequent egg hunts for children in different age groups (ages 1-3 and 4-6) throughout the days. The petting farm, rides and play areas are open for you to enjoy. When you are ready to participate in the egg hunt, come to the egg hunt area and your child will line up with other children and pick up eggs.  The eggs will then be turned in for a goodie bag. The first egg hunt each time will be for the 1-3 year olds.  

April 3 from 10:00am-4:00pm: Eco Easter Egg Hunt at Whitehall Farm
(6080 Colchester Rd Fairfax, VA 22030)
Come play Easter games and search for biodegradable Easter Eggs! You can meet all Whitehall’s farm animals like Henry the curious cow, feed a flock of 200 hungry chickens, and see the baby piggies! Take a socially distanced scenic wagon ride through the woods around the farm, and check out a farm store featuring freshly pastured eggs, pork, and beef from the farm, and unique local products from across the region. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at tables, or bring a blanket so you can relax while the kids have a blast! All mentioned activities are included in the price of admission. Non-participating children 3 and under are free, so bring the whole family!

April 3 from 10:00am-12:00pm: A Very Hoppy Easter w The Station at Riverdale Park
Hop over to The Station at Riverdale Park to send a postcard to the Easter Bunny! Guests can pre-register online to download and decorate their very own seasonal postcard at home for the Easter Bunny himself. The first 50 registered guests will receive a special gift bag from the Easter Bunny (full of springtime crafts & treats!) when they drop off their postcard at The Station. Gift bags are best for ages 3-10.

April 3 from 11:00am-1:00pm: Eggstravaganza
This year, they’re bringing Eggstravaganza to your home! Drive through one of the 2 locations (DC & NoVa) for a curbside pickup of your FREE Easter egg hunt kit. As you arrive, be on the lookout for the Easter bunny from your car and wave to the volunteers as they give you everything you need for your egg hunt!

April 3 from 1:00pm-3:00pm: Cosmic Egg Portrait & Art Kit
Register for an egg-citing, free spring photo with our Cosmic Galaxy Egg sculpture. Taking a socially-distanced INSTANT photo of you that you can take home right away. Optional: Add a limited edition Cosmic Egg picture frame kit!

April 8 from 10:30am-12:30pm: Bunny Hop Parade
Put on your spring bonnet or bunny ears and join us to gather eggs, make crafts, play games, do yoga with Kaydee Dahlin, take selfies with the Bunny, and enjoy treats at Stead Park, 1625 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20036.

April 8: Easter Bunny Road Trip
The Second District Officers and the Easter Bunny will be making several stops to deliver treats! We look forward to seeing you at one of the locations listed below!

1:30pm-1:50pm Lafayette Park 5900 33rd St NW
2:05pm-2:25pm Forest Hills Playground 32nd & Chesapeake St NW
2:40pm-3:00pm Friendship Rec Center 4500 Van Ness St NW
3:15pm-3:35pm Palisades Rec Center 5200 Sherier Pl NW
3:50pm-4:10pm Guy Mason Rec Center 3600 Calvert St NW
4:25pm-4:45pm Rose Park 26th & O St NW
5:00pm-5:20pm Newark Street Playground 39th & Newark St NW

Easter basket gift ideas!

Check out these EventBrite events for more hunts in and near Washington, DC

Healthy Kids Virtual Running

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.

Spring break camps in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC

Maryland

Red Panda Art Studio– TBA
(5110 Ridgefield Rd, Bethesda, MD 20816)
Join a full session of sensory play and art activities related to the day’s theme. Join for one day or all week! Camp is for kids ages 3-8.

Brit-Am Soccer– April 6-10, 2020
(Next Level: 5420 Butler Rd, Bethesda, MD 20816)
This camp is great for every soccer player in Kindergarten-grade 6, experienced or beginner. Each day starts with a full camp activity which consists of energetic games to get them excited and ready for play. The players are then divided into groups, where they will work on their individual skills and play lots of fun small sided games. Each morning of camp will finish off with the World Cup Competition which is a small tournament with prizes for the winners. During the week we also hold mini competitions to find the “Best Dressed Soccer Uniform” and “Crazy Soccer Hat”. The afternoons are all about scoring goals with shooting games and small group and individual competitions. Campers play their favorite games such as power finesse, swedish fish and penalty shoot outs. After-care option is available.

My Gym– April 6-10 & April 13, 2020
(Bethesda & Potomac locations)
When school is off, My Gym camp is on! Drop your kids ages 3-9 off for three hours of cool and nonstop fun at My Gym including themed games, crafts, gymnastics, sports and snack! Potty Independent please.

Dance Exchange– April 6-10, 2020
(7117 Maple Ave Takoma Park, MD 20912)
Keep your young mover active during breaks as they explore dance in many forms—and create their own choreography. In these week-long camps, youth ages 6-10 move and make alongside Dance Exchange artists and guest artists to explore dance from tango to hip hop, classical to contemporary. Youth will explore what dance and creativity is and can do—both in the studio and out in the world. Camps end with youth blending what they learn into original choreography. 

KOA Multisport Camp– April 6-10, 2020
(4960 Boiling Brook Parkway North Bethesda, MD 20852)
Spring Break means school’s out, so lets’s play! Join Koa Sports for our Multisport Spring Break Camp at Koa HQ. This camp is for kids in PreK- grade 8 looking to be active and have fun while school is out for the week. They have access to outdoor fields at Jewish Day Upper School & swimming will take place at Kids First Swim School (under Koa HQ). This program does have limited registration, so sign up now to reserve your spot!

CREATE Arts Center– April 6-10 & April 13-17, 2020
(914 Silver Spring Ave Silver Spring, MD 20910)
Campers ages 6-12 spend each day working on a variety of art projects, including painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, and more! Flexible day-by-day registration is available as is before and after-care.

Badlands– April 6-10, 2020
(5200 Randolph Road, Rockville, MD 20852)
Due to popular demand, Badlands is launching their first ever Spring Break Camp. Join for five days of themed activities and learning. From Disney day to wacky hair day… EVERY day will be an adventure.

Imagination Stage– April 6-10, 2020
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, MD 20814)
Imagination Stage offers week-long Spring Break camps jam-packed with acting, dance, musical theatre, and creative drama for students in grades K-12 to enjoy during their days off of school.

MSA– April 6-10, 2020
(Hoover MS, 8810 Postoak Rd, Potomac, MD 20854)
Spring Break multi-sports and enrichment camp is designed by sports champions to help young athletes realize their optimal performance in their favorite sports. MSA offers a spectacular multi-sport & enrichment camp providing a well-rounded experience combining learning and fun, to build fond memories that will last a lifetime. Before and after-care available.

Dynamite Gymnastics– April 6-10 & April 13, 2020
(4956 Boiling Brook Pkwy, North Bethesda, MD 20852)
(16814 Oakmont Ave. Gaithersburg, MD 20877)
Need a safe, fun place for your kids to get their energy out? Never fear, Dynamite offers “School’s Out” day camps! Kids will enjoy a variety of activities including hours of gymnastics instruction, free play, arts and crafts, and games! 

Bolt Parkour– April 6-10 & April 13, 2020
(4950 Boiling Brook Pkwy. North Bethesda, MD 20852)
Need a place for your kids to get all that energy out during vacation and days off from school? Bring them to Bolt for an awesome camp experience including parkour instruction, races, games, and free play! Bolt offers day camp programs for kids and teens ages 6 and up.

The Agility Center– April 6-10 & April 13, 2020
(4990 Boiling Brook Pkwy. North Bethesda, MD 20852)
Need a safe, fun place for your kids to get their energy out? Never fear, send them to “school’s out” day camps! Kids will enjoy a variety of activities including hours of obstacle course, trampoline and tumbling instruction, practice/play time, arts and crafts, and games. Offering different options: full day, half day morning or afternoon, with or without lunch, and before and after care.

Glen Echo Aquarium– April 6-10, 2020
(7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD 20812)
The Glen Echo Park Aquarium (GEPA) offers spring break camps (single day) for children ages 4-7 and 8-12. These are 6 hour long camps that include exploring the outdoors, discovering the aquatic and terrestrial world, performing science experiments, and creating art and crafts to enhance learning.

Valley Mill– April 6-10 & April 13-17, 2020
(15101 Seneca Rd Germantown, MD 20874)
Valley Mill Camp offers a Spring Break Camp for children ages 5 to 14.
Weather permitting, they do their usual fun activities at camp: kayaking and canoeing, archery & air rifle, rock climbing, group games, playing in the creek, and hikes. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, campers check out indoor adventures. Transportation will be from pick up points in nearby Montgomery County and DC.

Silver Stars Gymnastics– April 6-18, 2020
(2701 Pittman Dr. Silver Spring, MD 20910)
(14201 Woodcliff Ct. Bowie, MD 20720)
Choose one day or all week, half day or full day. They offer three camps for kids 3.5-15 at both locations.

Adventure Theatre– April 6-10, 2020
(7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD 20812)
Send your kids to come play with Adventure Theatre MTC where they will have a full day of theatrical activities, afternoon snack.  You can choose one day or the full week.  Camp is for children in grades K-5.

The Children’s Art Studio– April 6-9, 2020
(Bethesda Elementary School: 7600 Arlington Rd Bethesda, MD 20814)
Over the course of each week, kids ages 5-10 will work on drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, and printing. Your child will have a blast and bring home beautiful, artwork made with a wide range of high-quality materials. Time will be spent each day playing outside, reading, quietly drawing and looking at illustrated books and art history monographs. The bulk of the day will be spent making art, however. Children will receive instructive lessons on technique and have time to work on open-ended projects, all in an upbeat, supportive environment.

Virginia

The St. James– April 6-10, 2020
(6805 Industrial Rd Springfield, VA 22151)
All sports, all day. From basketball and flag football to dance, gymnastics, swimming and lacrosse, these camps are designed for the ultimate sports enthusiast. They are offering 5 different camps! Experience a state of the art facility and expert instruction. Full day and half day options.

Tea with Mrs. B– April 6-10, 2020
(136 W Jefferson St. Falls Church, VA 22046)
They offer a one of a kind camp experience for kids ages 4-12. Daily activities include: high tea with healthy snacks, crafts and games, exercise at the local park, dance and dress up. They also always afford time for good-old fashioned play, too. By becoming part of the camp, your child will be entitled to an on-going skill building program, honing good manners, proper etiquette and social graces. Broaden your child’s experiences by giving them the gift of comportment while having fun.

Congressional Camp: An Adventure a Day– April 6-9, 2020
(3229 Sleepy Hollow Rd Falls Church, VA 22042)
–Vacation Club: Come join the fun with our Great Adventures team! Children in PreK – grade 2 will love hanging out with their friends and exploring everything our campus has to offer, including our playgrounds, computer labs, and creek walks. Each day, campers will do a fun art, science, or cooking project led by our creative staff who are known for developing a safe, nurturing environment.
–Spring Explorers: Do you enjoy taking adventurous field trips with friends? Each day, children in grade 1-9th grade will visit a different destination in the Greater D.C. area. Exciting trips in the past have included places like local parks, the National Air and Space Museum, putt-putt, Wolf Trap, and water parks, just to name a few. Come experience this spring edition of our popular travel camp programs!
–Colonials & Coasters: Join a 4 day, 3 night Spring Break trip! Campers in grads 3-9 will start by visiting the Williamsburg area to go to historic Williamsburg to explore how Colonial Americans lived and worked before starting the Coasters portion of our trip by spending a full day at Busch Gardens. The group will end its trip by traveling to Kings Dominion to tackling the many Coasters there.

Robot Works– April 6-10, 2020
(8992 Fern Park Drive, Burke, VA 22015)
Let’s build robots during Spring Break! Design, build, and program robots each day. Learn robot design, construction and programming using Mindstorms EV3 or the Arduino microcontroller, including mechanical structure, motors, gears, power, sensors, and much more. Before and after-care available.

Ever Wonder Camp– April 6-10, 2020 & April 13, 2020
(Mount Olivet United Methodist Church: 1500 North Glebe Road Arlington, VA)
Your children in PreK-grade 5 will jump into a time machine and travel back in time to “dig through the decades.”  In this awesome camp they’ll explore the science, technology, engineering, art and math behind the decades.  They’ll twist, shout, doo-wop and be-bop through the 1950’s, create the fashions of the hippies in the 1960’s, love the lava lamp through the 1970’s, “Phone home” in the 1980’s, make your own gadgets in the 1990’s and so much more! Before and after-care option available.
–Backyard Bash Camp on April 13 is the camp’s tradition to celebrate the last day of our school-year camps and this year it is going to be a backyard bash!
There will be a photo booth, a moonbounce, s’mores and play lots of minute to win it games.  This you do not want to miss!

Arts on the Horizon: Stories Come to Life: Under the Big Top– April 6-10, 2020
(1801 N. Quaker Ln. Alexandria, VA 22302)
Step right up and join the greatest show on Earth! Will you become a clown? Will you tame the lions? Maybe you’ll stand in the center as the ringleader! In this creative drama camp, you will use your actor tools (body, voice, and imagination) to bring the Circus to your town! Camp is for children ages 3-6.

Mason Community Arts Academy– April 6-10, 2020
(4260 Chain Bridge Rd Fairfax, VA 22030)
Taught by Acting for Young People faculty, young actors ages 5-12 will experience a variety of games, activities, and projects from our regular theater curriculum of acting, voice, and movement. Various workshops may include improvisation, musical theater, writing a short play – and much more! 

Browne Summer Camp– March 23-27, 2020
(5917 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22310)
Warmer weather is just around the corner! Campers in PreK- grade 6 will indulge in one week of fun with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities and field trips. Before and after-care options available.

Ashburn Ice House– April 6-10, 2020
(21595 Smith Switch Rd Ashburn, VA 20147)
Learn to Skate USA Camp. Perfect for beginners or intermediate skaters. Campers will enjoy a daily lesson, ice activities and time to practice their skills. Half and full-day options.

Encore Stage and Studio- April 6-10 & April 13-17, 2020
(4000 Lorcom Ln Arlington, VA 22207)
Journey with Encore as they explore the exciting music, movement, and madness of popular stories! Each day they focus on a new theme. Students in grade Kindergarten – 2nd grade will enjoy a day of theatre games, crafts, creative activities, and storytelling in a safe and supportive environment. Students in 3rd – 5th grade will work together to create a brand new play in just one camp day! Using their imaginations, students will develop the script and story, create the setting, and star in the show. This never before seen production will be performed at the end of the day for family and friends.

Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre: May The Force Be With You– April 6-10, 2020
(Heritage Presbyterian Church: 8503 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria VA 22308)
Join a galaxy far, far away as they bring the world of Star Wars to life through theatre games, crafts, and the creation of their own Star Wars play!  Channel your inner Princess Leia, Darth Vader, Rey or Yoda to bring to life the strong, dynamic characters of this galactic series.  Learn how to communicate with others, work as a team, develop story-telling skills, and expand your actor’s toolbox in this fun filled spring break experience.  K-8th Grades.  Camps are led by professional teaching artists experienced in working with kids and teens.

SkateQuest– April 6-10, 2020
(1800 Michael Faraday Ct., Reston, VA 20190)
For the child who can’t get enough of the ice. Camp includes ice skating lessons, ice painting, broom ball and an end of camp show. Ages 4.5-12. Friday is a half-day for all, before and after-care available Mon-Thur only.

Spring Break Camp at Dulles SportsPlex– April 6-10, 2020
(21610 Atlantic Blvd. Sterling, VA 20166)
Bring your child ages 4-13, to The Michael & Son Sportsplex At Dulles for a week of fun this spring break camp. If your child enjoys sports or wants to try new sports, this is the camp for you. Your child will have a week of fun, learning and playing sports that might include flag football, soccer, wiffleball, volleyball, basketball, kickball, team handball and others. Drop-in’s are welcome, half day and full day options are available.

Washington, DC

The Children’s Art Studio– April 13-17, 2020
(Capital Memorial Church: 3150 Chesapeake St NW
Washington, DC 20008)
Over the course of each week, kids ages 5-10 will work on drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, and printing. Your child will have a blast and bring home beautiful, artwork made with a wide range of high-quality materials. Time will be spent each day playing outside, reading, quietly drawing and looking at illustrated books and art history monographs. The bulk of the day will be spent making art, however. Children will receive instructive lessons on technique and have time to work on open-ended projects, all in an upbeat, supportive environment.

DC Way Soccer Camp– April 13-17, 2020
(Tyler Elementary School: 1001 G Street SE, 20003)
(RFK Fields: 401 Oklahoma Ave NE, 20002)
Spring into soccer with DC Way’s Spring Break Camp! DC Way’s camp provides players the opportunity to work on technical soccer skills as well as participate in fun games. The DC Way team leads energetic games that combine learning and fun! Your kid will get the most out of their spring break while developing both soccer and cognitive skills in just a few days! Half day, full day, before and after-care options!

HoopEd– March 23-27, 2020 & April 13-17, 2020
(Various locations)
Basketball and all sports camp for kids ages 5-13. After-care is available. 

Spring Safari Day Camp at The National Zoo– April 6-10 & April 13-17, 2020
(3001 Connecticut Ave, NW Washington, DC 20008)
Spring is in the air, but flowers aren’t the only things blooming. So are new programs at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! This spring break, sign your child up for FONZ’s Spring Safari Day Camp! Each of the Spring 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. There’s no better way to spend your spring break than with Friends of the National Zoo! Before and after-care option available.

Anna Banana Art– April 13-17, 2020
(3207 S Street, NW Washington, DC 20007)
Camp begins with an inspired art project  such as Monet or van Gogh. A break for snack, and weather permitting, we take it outside for some fresh air, blowing giant bubbles, running around and games at the Jelleff field across the street.  Back to the studio to complete projects or free choice with clay, drawing with pens, pencils or markers. Camp is for 4 -8 year olds and runs from 9:30am-12:30pm. 

The Theatre Lab– April 13-17, 2020
(733 8th Street NW. Washington, DC 20001)
Spring Break Camps, modeled on The Theatre Lab’s award-winning Summer Acting Camps for Kids, are perfect for children grades 1-6, who enjoy being creative and making new friends, and are designed to be fun for novices as well as kids who have already been bitten by the drama bug. Before and after-care option available.

Home Run Baseball Camp– April 13-17, 2020
(Friendship Park Recreation Center: 4500 Van Ness St NW, Washington, DC 20016)
Coach Julia Heimstra and an experienced co-ed staff will lead a high energy camp with the same format as the summer camp at AU Park in NW, Washington, DC. Full ground ball and fly ball square drill, over one hundred swings in batting practice, and two full games per day. Groups will be broken up by age and teams will be fair and games will be competitive. Full and half day options for kids ages 4-12.

Related Posts:
Summer camps for 2020

When school is out, these camps are in

By now you’ve looked over the school calendar and noted those all to frequent and random days in which school is not in session. Check out these reputable places before calling a babysitter or taking the day off work. Tip: consider asking a friend of your Bambino to join them so they are less likely to complain at the idea of going to camp. We’ll keep adding to the list as we build it– so please add your suggestions in the comments below! Most of these also host holiday and summer camps. 

The Agility Center
(Rockville, MD)
Kids will enjoy a variety of activities including hours of obstacle course, trampoline and tumbling instruction, practice/play time, arts and crafts, and games. Option for half day mornings, half day afternoons or full day for children ages 3+.

National Zoo Camp
(NW, DC)
Make the most of your K – grade 6 child’s day off school by exploring the “living classroom” at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! Camp is held from 9:00am-4:00pm. FONZ members receive a discounted rate.

KID Museum
(Bethesda, MD)
A day off of school means an opportunity for making. Camp is for kids in grades K – 8 and is held from 9:00am-4:00pm. Members receive a discounted rate.

Salsa with Sylvia 4 Kids
(NW, DC)
One day dance and learning bilingual camp. Kids ages 4 – 9 years old are welcome, camp starts at 8:15am and ends at 3:30pm with option to extend the day.

Audubon Naturalist Society
(Chevy Chase, MD)
Do you want your children in grades K – 9 to be outside in nature learning and having fun on their day off from school? Then send them to explore the Woodend Nature Sanctuary, get muddy in the pond, build forts, and play games from 8:45am-5:00pm.

Capitol Language Services
(NW, DC)
Camps during DCPS closings, holidays and federal holidays from 8:30am-6:00pm.

Mini Camp at Hoop ED
(Various locations)
Sports overload for girls and boys ages 5 – 13 from 9:00am-3:00pm with option for after care.

DC Way Soccer
(SE, DC & NE, DC)
One day camps are offered on short holidays and teacher work days to provide your kid soccer fun on their day off school. Camp is for children ages 5 – 14 years with a CIT program for 12+! Camp runs 8:40am-3:15pm with before care & extended care options.

National Conservancy of Arts
(NW, DC)
Offering year around music and art camps for ages 7 – 15, the National Conservatory of Arts has no-school/out of school camps, winter camps, and spring break camps. Camps feature music, art, dance, and creative writing. Camp starts at 9:30am and ends at 3:00pm with before & after care options.

Valley Mill
(Darnestown, MD)
Valley Mill is offering holiday camp & adventure camp. Weather permitting, kids will do the usual fun activities at camp: kayaking and canoeing, archery & air rifle, rock climbing, group games, playing in the creek, and hikes. Tuition per day includes transportation for ages 5 – 14. Transportation will be from pick up points in nearby Montgomery County and DC.

Round House Theatre
(Silver Spring, MD)
Days Off! Play in a Day is a full day of theatrical fun for grades K – 5. Camp is from 9:00am-5:30pm.

Dynamite Gymnastics
(Rockville, MD)
Dynamite offers half day & full day camp programs for kids and teens ages 3.5 – 15 during winter and spring breaks, as well as MCPS holidays, and all summer.

Silver Stars Gymnastics
(Silver Spring, MD & Bowie, MD)
Gymnastics camp is appropriate for the beginner, intermediate and advanced gymnast. Full day camp is held from 8:30am-4:30pm with half day, before and after care options.

Red Panda Art Studio
(Bethesda, MD)
Extended art workshops for school days off! 9:00am-12:30pm, option to extend until 2:00pm for ages 3.5+.

Anna Banana Arts & Crafts
(NW, DC)
Anna Banana offers half-day art camps for children ages 4 – 8 during federal holidays which run from 9:30am-12:30pm.

The Children’s Art Studio
(NW, DC)
Art workshops meet from 9:00am-2:00pm for ages 5+.

Little Loft Art
(Takoma Park, MD)
Come to Little Loft on school days off! Full day camps for children in grades K – 3 from 9:00am-3:30pm.

Horse Days– Coming Spring 2020

YMCA
(Various locations)

American Parkour Academy
(NW, DC)
TBA

Urban Adventure Squad (UAS)
(Various locations)
TBA

DC Department of Parks and Recreation offer Fun Day
(Various locations)
TBA

The Player Progression Academy Camps
(Various locations)
TBA

Mother’s Day fun in and around Washington, DC

Happy Mother’s Day to all!! We’ve found some fun things families can do together. In case you still need brunch plans for that special Mama, here’s a list of some family friendly places.

Saturday
10:00am-3:00pm: Frying Pan Farm Park Spring Farm Day
Watch sheep shearing and antique farm equipment demonstrations. Participate in hands-on farm activities such as cow and goat milking. Enjoy crafts, games, and get an up-close introduction to the baby farm animals. Walk-ins welcome $8 at the door.

10:00am-5:00pm: Rosslyn Blooms Flower Festival
On Mother’s Day Weekend, drop by the region’s premier spring flower market, the Rosslyn Blooms! Flower Festival. Petworth florist Holley Simmons of She Loves Me will bring her unique cut-flower creations and live indoor plants to Central Place Plaza for a day filled with shopping, fun and activities for all ages. Flower Festival will be a great opportunity to pick up last-minute gifts for mom or create your own by participating in several DIY workshops led by the talented team at The Lemon Collective. Prices range from $30-$80 for floral arrangements, with other gifts available for purchase. There will be two kids’ workshops accessible to kids between 8 and 12 years old. They are free but registration is required. There will also be coloring and sticker stations for younger children throughout the day.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Celebrate Mother’s at Freer|Sackler
Join us on Mother’s Day weekend to experience Empresses of China’s Forbidden City, 1644–1912! Take a family-friendly tour and learn about the lives of Qing dynasty empresses (12:30 and 2:30 pm). Drop in anytime to create your own royal portrait and greeting cards inspired by the exhibition. All ages welcome with adult companions. This event is FREE.

6:00pm: Alphabet Rockers at Kennedy Center (Millennium Stage)
Grammy®–nominated artists Alphabet Rockers make music that makes change. Based in Oakland, California, this Hip Hop group invites children and families to interrupt their biases and spark a true commitment to social justice with Rise Shine #Woke. (FREE)

Saturday & Sunday

9:00am-5:00pm: Mothers Day Weekend at Mount Vernon
Join the “Mother of our Country”, Martha Washington, for Mother’s Day weekend at Mount Vernon! Stroll through Mount Vernon’s magnificent gardens in bloom. Lady Washington will give lavender sachets to all mothers (while supplies last).

10:00am-6:00pm: Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
Delight in fine art created by 130 of the nation’s best artists, live entertainment and Bethesda restaurants. Children’s area will be on Auburn Ave. Festival takes up space from Bethesda Woodmont Triangle, Norfolk Ave., between Auburn and Del Ray Aves.

Sunday

10:00am-4:00pm: Mother’s Day Brunch at Pinstripes
Treat mom to an expansive bottomless brunch this Mother’s Day and then a game of bowling or bocce!  Indulge in favorites like made-to-order omelets, carved prime rib and fresh shrimp, bagels with spreads and smoked salmon, flatbreads, waffles ‘her-way’ topped with berries, bananas foster or Nutella, plus a chocolate fountain for dessert. Moms will be especially encouraged to sit back and relax with mimosas and bloody Mary’s as the kids are taken care of at the ‘Kids Corner’ station with pizzas, chicken fingers, Mac and cheese and more. Adults $40, includes bottomless mimosas or $34 without Mimosas |  Kids 6-12 $15  |  Kids 5 & Under: Free  | $4 Mimosas & $7 Bloody Marys available all day. Please call to make a reservation!

11:00am-2:30pm: Brunch at Westend Bistro
Treat mom to the luxury she deserves! Westend Bistro, located inside The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., will offer a gourmet brunch. Featured menu items include Poached shrimp, oysters, Alaskan Crab claws and legs; Corvina Tequila ceviches; Curry roasted cauliflower salad with labneh and pomegranate; and more! $110/adult; $45/child (4-12 years old) with an option to upgrade for $25 inclusive of bottomless Mimosa or sparkling wine.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Celebrate Mothers Day at United States Botanic Garden
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day? Join Lee and Danielle to explore the Wall Flowers exhibit as you make your own oversized flower to take home. Afterwards, learn how to make (and taste) several healthy recipes you can make for your mom. Please note: This is a drop-in program and appropriate for ages 7 and up.

1:35pm: Bowie Baysox Baseball Game: Mother’s Day Celebration
The Baysox have two great ways to celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day. Moms and their family can Take The Field with the Baysox Starting Lineup before the game with the Mother’s Day Field of Dreams Package. This special package includes four box seat tickets, access to the field to take a family photo with a Baysox player, opportunity for autographs in the dugout, $50.00 in Baysox Bucks to spend around the stadium and the opportunity for the family to run out onto the field with one of the Baysox Starting players for the National Anthem.

2:00pm: Owls with Mom Painting
Looking for something fun to do with Mom this Mother’s Day? We have just the thing! Paint a beautiful nighttime scene with a Mom and Baby owl perched on a Cherry Blossom branch. You and mom will use two canvases to create one scene, while you and mom sip on a complimentary Cherry Blossom Cocktail. Our ArtJamz Instructors will take you through the steps and Mom will leave with a whimsical scene to take home. All ages welcome! Remember to buy class passes/canvas for you and mom!

Make a donation to DC Diaper Bank and support other Mom’s

2019 Washington Nationals Family-Friendly Promotions at Nationals Park

Nationals Park was designed for fans of all ages, and throughout the 2019 season families will have great opportunities to come watch a game at Nationals Park and enjoy all the family-oriented things Nationals Park has to offer. In addition, one Sunday each month there will be a special giveaway for kids presented by Harris Teeter, featuring all new items. Family-friendly events like Kids Run the Bases, Kids Opening Day, and the Youth Baseball & Softball Parade also return for the 2019 season. The Nationals full 2019 promotional calendar can be found here.

Just for Kids Giveaways:
 April 28 – Kids Watch (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 May 26 – Max Scherzer Jersey (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 June 23 – Screech Hooded Towel (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 August 18 – Teddy Squeezable Toy (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 September 15 – Lumberjack Cap (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)



Events:
 Every Sunday Day Game – Kids Run the Bases
 Every Sunday Game – Signature Sundays
 Every Home Game – Racing Presidents Photos
 April 28 – Screech’s Birthday/Kids Opening Day presented by Jr. Nationals Kids Club
 April 28, June 16 – Youth Baseball & Softball Day presented by Inova
 May 16 – Weather Day presented by NBC4
 September 15 – Youth Champions Day
 Various Dates – Scout Day/Girl Scout Day

Other Giveaways:
Fun giveaways for fans of all ages in 2019 include several Nationals bobbleheads, like crowd-favorite Trea Turner and newcomer Patrick Corbin. New for 2019 are themed bobbleheads like MARVEL Super Hero™ Captain Zimmerman and STAR WARS™ Obi “Sean” Kenobi.

Bobbleheads and Collectibles:
 May 15 – Trea Turner Bobblehead presented by PNC Bank (First 25,000 fans)
 May 25 – MARVEL Super Hero™ Captain Zimmerman Bobblehead (First 10,000 fans)
 June 15 – STAR WARS™ Obi “Sean” Kenobi Bobblehead (First 10,000 fans)
 June 21 – Max Scherzer Bobblehead presented by Delta Air Lines (First 25,000 fans)
 July 2 – Adam Eaton Bobblehead presented by PNC Bank (First 25,000 fans)
 July 23 – Nationals Water Bottle presented by MASN (First 20,000 fans)
 August 17 – Patrick Corbin Bobblehead presented by SAIC (First 25,000 fans)

Apparel:
 May 2 – Nationals Expandable Beach Bag presented by Kaiser Permanente (First 20,000 fans)
 July 27 – Nationals Racing Presidents Tote Bag presented by MLB Network (First 25,000 fans)
 September 29 – Nationals Puffy Vest presented by Coca-Cola (First 20,000 fans)

Fireworks Nights Presented by Budweiser
Bang! Zoom! Fireworks nights are coming to Nationals Park! Nationals fans will have five opportunities to bring the whole family and watch fireworks light up the sky above Nationals Park. Fireworks Nights will include four “Fireworks Friday” games and a special “Freedom Fireworks” show on July 3.

Fireworks Nights:
 Friday, April 26
 Friday, May 24
 Friday, June 14
 Wednesday, July 3
 Friday, August 30

Theme Nights:
Theme Nights are fun for the whole family, and this season Nats fans can dress up as their favorite characters during MARVEL Super Hero™ Day and STAR WARS™ Day. Each Theme Night will involve in-park activations, special scoreboard elements, and on-field pregame festivities. A special ticket is NOT required for Theme Nights.
 May 25 – MARVEL Super Hero™ Day
 June 15 – STAR WARS™ Day

Special Ticket Events:
There are several special ticket events fit for the whole family at Nationals Park in 2019. These family affairs include everything from bringing the grandkids to enjoy a day with grandma and grandpa during Seniors Stroll the Bases, to bringing your four-legged family members to Pups in the Park!
 May 27, September 2 – Seniors Stroll the Bases presented by Kaiser Permanente
 June 16 – Father’s Day Catch on the Field
 June 20 – Ladies Night
 July 6 – Cat-urday (For cat-loving families!)
 Various Dates – Pups in the Park presented by Budweiser

Spring in the Valley is back!

Returning this year to Spring in the Valley is the amazing team from Safe Kids DC.  Safe Kids of District of Columbia is led by Children’s National Medical Center, which provides dedicated and caring staff, operation support and other resources to assist in achieving a common goal: keeping your kids safe. They will be providing complimentary car seat checks for kids of all ages. Sadly most car seats are installed incorrectly. Correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71%. So come out and have them check your car seats!

Kids will have a great time at this event as there will be so many fun activities for all. Bounce houses by Astrojump are generously donated by the Washington Fine Properties;Morrell Roth Group, Dr. Roya Pilcher, pediatric dentist and The Reishman Group. Don’t miss Fire Engine 29, Truck 5 which will be giving firetruck tours.

This year Capitol Crab Co. & Rocklands BBQ food trucks serving lunch. Compass Coffee will be providing their amazing cold brew for the entire crowd to enjoy. Squeaky Pops and Praline Bakery will also be serving samples to hungry attendees. Galley Foods is coming with samples of their home delivery meal service.

Local vendors to include:
–Beautycounter & Beltway Bambinos will be together with sun screen samples, bubbles and family focused giveaways! We are so excited to join in the fun this year! Please come by and say hi!

–Eliana’s Light will have a self care arts and craft booth to help you relax.

-Fun from Little Grace’s Playroom and the Workroom.

-Favorite medical offices, Bloom OB/GYN and Spring Valley Pediatrics will be present to answer questions about their practices.

-Dr. Perez, founder of Metropolitan Pediatric Dentistry has donated balloon art by Marsha Gallagher for all of the kids.

-For those of you expecting or who have small kids, while your car seat is being inspected you can chat with the Nanny Network, Hush Hush Little Baby, Metropolitan Breastfeeding, and Baby Joy 3D/4D.

-The team at Headfirst Camps will be coming to share their children’s programs.

–Cord Blood Registry and Abbott are there with raffles, information and snacks.

–Spring Valley Life Magazine, The Scout Guide and Spring Valley Neighborhood Association are joining to mingle with their hood.

-Talented photographer, Lenzy Ruffin will attend and share his work and family photo services. 

–Humane Rescue Alliance is coming with animals to play with!

–Two Birds just opened in Tenleytown, offer co-working and daycare. They will be on hand to answer any questions.

There will be $1 raffle tickets with all proceeds going to the non-profit Eliana’s Light. Eliana’s Light supports families with children who have complex medical conditions by providing a community-based collaborative approach to care that’s focused on whole health and well-being. Raffle items include Millie’s gift certificates, Georgetown Massage and Body Works gift card for a 45 minute massage, gift cards to Pizza Paradiso, free physical therapy evaluation for an adult or child from ITR Physical Therapy and so much more.

Come spend the day with us in Spring Valley! Goody bags are being handed out for the first 100 attendees.  All are welcome to join and we hope to see you there!

Address: 4900 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
(Upper and lower parking lots off of 49th & 50th Streets NW)

Date: May 11, 2019 from 11:00am-2:00pm

logo design courtesy of New Leaf Design