Beltway Bambinos

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

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  • 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
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    • Easter egg hunts
    • Easter basket & spring gift ideas
    • Spring bucket list
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    • Memorial Day weekend
    • Tax day steals and deals
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    • July 4th
    • Ice cream
    • Sunflower Fields
    • Summer bucket list
    • Live outdoor music
    • Outdoor movies
    • Outdoor swimming pools
    • Splash parks
    • Trains!
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    • Spring classes
    • Summer camps
    • Mid-winter break camps
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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

Children’s performances at Wolf Trap

May 3, 2022

Wolf Trap isn’t just for adults, there are great family shows too! If you do go sans Bambinos, remember to bring a picnic, drinks and blanket and make an entire evening out of it. For the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods performances, you can’t have your picnic at the show but once it is finished you can enjoy it in the big grassy field or at one of the tables.

Family Sing-A-Longs-
Sound of Music: July 16
Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story in Concert: July 30
Encanto: The Sing Along Film Concert: August 11

Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods–
Josh Lovelace- Young Folk: June 21
The Fourth Wall- Fruit Flies Like a Banana: June 22
Xuejuan Dance Ensemble- The Land of Mulan: June 23
Madcap Puppets- Jack & the Gentle Giant: June 24 & 25
Marsha & the Positrons- Fun Songs About Science!: June 28
Native Pride Dancers- Dancing Through Life: June 29
David Gonzalez with Daniel Kelly- Cuentos: Tales from the Latinx World: June 30
Up In Arms- Pirate Song: July 1 & 2
Kalanidhi Dance- Dancing Stories: July 5
Uncle Devin- In the Pocket Go-Go Show: July 6
The Bright Siders: July 7
GreatWorks Theatre Company- Lyle the Crocodile: July 8 & 9
Fyütch- Dance Party with Fyütch: July 12
Freddy Fossil’s DINO Show!: July 13 & 14
Furia Flamenca Dance Company- A Trip to Spain: July 15
Rissi Palmer- Best Day Ever: July 16
Wendy and DB- Into the Little Blue House: July 19
Soul in Motion- Drum Call: July 20
Flor Bromley- Fiesta Global: July 21
Vital Theatre Company-Owen and Mzee The Musical: July 22 & 23
Aaron Nigel Smith & Red Yarn- Smith & Yarn: July 26
Megan Schoenbohm: July 27
The Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance- Stepping in the Woods: Celebrating Irish Dance: July 28
Maryland Youth Ballet- Hansel & Gretel: July 29 & 30
Broken Box Mime Theater- Destination Everywhere: August 2
123 Andrés- Actívate: August 3
Bee Parks and the Hornets: August 4
The Amazing Max- Magic Shoe: August 5 & 6

SEE MORE, FOR LESS! Buy tickets now to 3 or more Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods shows and get $2 off every ticket! BUY PACKAGE HERE

2022 POLICIES & INFO: By purchasing a ticket to Wolf Trap, you agree to comply with all health and safety protocols that are in place at the time of the performance. Wolf Trap’s COVID-19 protocols are subject to change based on the CDC, Virginia, and National Park Service policies. Please check the policies and guidelines prior to your performance for the most up-to-date information.

LOCATION: 1551 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182


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Filed Under: Music, Summer Tagged: family, music, performances, wolf trap

Guide to 2022 summer camps in the Washington, DC Metro area

January 26, 2022


We are grateful to our 2022 summer camp partners; Camp Arena Stage, Red Panda Art Studio, Pedalheads and Imagination Stage. Registrations have started at most camps so enjoy finding the one best for your Bambino and register soon. We have noted if there are any camps that will be virtual or hybrid this summer.

Camp Arena Stage is the official sponsor of this 2022 summer camp guide.

Camp Arena Stage is where community and art make magic! This summer, Camp Arena Stage returns in person to the campus of Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School for 2- and 3-week sessions beginning in July. Campers ages 8 to 16 choose their own schedules from activities in theater, music, visual arts, dance, filmmaking, writing and more, such as acting for the camera, hip-hop dance, musical theater, publishing the Camp Arena Stage newspaper, filming movie trailers and painting – all taught by professional artists and educators.  

The skilled staff at Camp Arena Stage is dedicated to seeing, recognizing and appreciating each individual for who they are and the art only they can make. It’s the perfect place to try something for the first time or take current skills to the next level. 

At the daily Noontime Show, campers can share their art as an individual, group or class. Whether it’s a musical theater song, an original hip-hop dance, a trumpet solo, hula hooping or showing a Lego creation, campers can expect the most supportive audience ever! If your young artist doesn’t love the spotlight, that’s okay too. No one has to perform at Camp Arena Stage. There are many ways to be an artist. 

Campers and staff alike enjoy Camp Arena Stage because it brings together a diverse group of people who share a love of the arts to create a joyful community – hear what they have to say. Visit the Camp Arena Stage website to learn more and register today!

Building, coding, STEM & technology camps:

Apple Camp: Locations throughout DMV- TBD
ClubSciKidz: Montgomery County- In-person
Code Ninjas: Locations throughout DMV- In-person
Code WizardsHQ: Virtual
Digital Media Academy Tech Camp: Virtual
idTech: Hybrid
KID Museum: Bethesda, MD- In-person
Lavern Camp: George Washington University Foxhall Campus- In-person
Mad Science Summer Camp: Locations throughout DMV- In-person
Summer Institute for the Gifted: Bethesda, MD- In-person

Sports camps:

Don’t break your back – let the folks at Pedalheads help your kids learn to ride a bike! One of the more unique summer camps you will find, this week-long day camp specializes in helping kids as young as 3 get off training wheels and ride on their own – often within one week!

Helping even the most tentative of kids, Pedalheads will focus on safety, fun, and skills. More than anything, they want to build confidence and a love of biking within their campers! For those with kids already riding on two wheels, Pedalheads also offers advanced levels that focus on road riding skills and safety. Camp options include half-day, all-day, and 1.5-hr tots level programs.

In the time of COVID-19, try a camp that is inherently safer and lower risk as they operate outdoors with lots of open space. They also have various protocols in place to ensure the health and safety of all camp participants. Let Pedalheads take out the yelling and frustration of teaching a kid to ride a bike and enjoy the benefits of enjoyable family rides afterwards. With over 25+ years’ experience, put your trust in this popular, parent program staple.

Bethesda Big Train Baseball
: Bethesda, MD- In-person
Boating is Fun Camp: Key Bridge Boathouse
Breathing Space Kids Yoga
: Capitol Hill, DC- In-person
Brit-Am Soccer
: Bethesda, MD- In-person
Camp Olympia
: Rockville, MD- In-person
Circle Yoga
: NW, DC- In-person
CP Basketball Academy: Olney & Colesville, MD- In-person
Dance & Gymnastics camps
DC Fencers Club
: Silver Spring, MD- In-person
DC Way: SE & NE, DC- In-person
Flag Star Football: Locations throughout DMV- In-person
Home Run Baseball Camp
: NW, DC- In-person
HoopEd
: Locations throughout DMV- In-person
Kids Elite Sports Camp
: NW, DC- In-person
Koa
: Bethesda, MD- In-person
Nationals Baseball/Softball Day & Overnight Camp
: Locations throughout DMV- In-person
Next Level Lacrosse
: Bethesda, MD- In-person
Nike Tennis Camp
: GW University- In-person
Pedalheads
: Locations throughout DC- In-person
PPA
: NW, DC & Bethesda, MD- In-person
Squash on Fire: NW, DC- In-person
The St. James
: Northern, VA- In-person
TopGolf: National Harbor, MD & Gaithersburg, MD- In-person
Trapeze School: SE, DC- In-person
Urban Evolution: Alexandria, VA- In-person
Virginia Outside/Fishing Adventures: Alexandria, VA- In-person

Music & theatre camps:

Summers are cool and creative at Imagination Stage! Enroll your child in our 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-week long camps in acting and musical theatre skills and performance, dance, or filmmaking. Trusted for over 41 years, our camps for ages 3.5-18 nurture and empower young people of all abilities in a fun and inclusive environment. Summer at Imagination Stage is a great time to make new friends, explore new interests and delve deeper into existing ones. Convenient locations in Bethesda, Rockville, and Northwest DC. Register and learn about our COVID safety protocols here.

Adventure Theatre Camps: Glen Echo, MD- In-person
Bach 2 Rock: Locations throughout DMV- Hybrid
Camp Arena Stage: NW, DC- In-person
Camp Levine: NW, DC, Bethesda, MD & Arlington, VA- In-person
Camp Shakespeare: NW, DC- In-person
Dance & Gymnastics camps
Encore Stage: Arlington, VA- In-person
Imagination Stage: Bethesda, MD- Hybrid
Keegan Theatre: NW, DC- In-person
The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts: NW, DC- In-person
Traveling Players Ensemble: Tysons, VA- In-person
Young Artists of America: Bethesda, MD- In-person

Art camps:

Red Panda Art Studio is back at the Little House at Westmoreland Hills Park for camp this summer! Join us for a week (or more) filled with art adventures! Each week includes a variety of projects inspired by the weekly theme. Projects are designed with a wide range of ages and interests in mind. We place the emphasis on open-ended exploration— and let our campers creativity run wild. We also take full advantage of the wonderful playground at the Westmoreland Hills Park! Please see our website for the full summer lineup and more information! Use code BELTWAY to take $25 off camp registration for your Bambino!

All Fired Up: Bethesda, MD & NW, DC- In-person
Anna Banana Arts & Crafts: NW, DC- In-person
Children’s Art Studio: NW, DC- Virtual
Creative Youth Sewing: Bethesda, MD- In-person
District Architecture Kids Camp: TBD
Red Panda Art Studio: Bethesda, MD- Bethesda, MD
Strathmore Art Camp: Bethesda, MD- In-person
The Loft Collective: Takoma Park, MD- In-person

Multi-interest camps:

Adventure Links Day & Overnight Camp: Northern VA- In-person
Adventures on the Hill: Capitol Hill, DC & Takoma Park, DC- In-person
Aiden’s Village of Choice Summer: NW, DC- In-person
Arcadia Farm Camp: Alexandra, VA- In-person
Audubon Naturalist Society: Chevy Chase, MD- In-person
Beauvoir Summer: NW, DC- In-person
Calleva Outdoor Adventure Camp: Poolesville, MD- In-person
Camp Aristotle at The Auburn School: Silver Spring, MD & Chantilly, VA- In-person
Camp Sonshine: Silver Spring & Germantown, MD- In-person
CASA at Sheridan School: NW, DC- In-person
CCBC (Camp starting at age 2): NW, DC- In-person
Clara Barton Center for Children (Camp for ages 2-5): Cabin John, MD- In-person
Cleveland Park Club: NW, DC- In-person
CommuniKids Language Immersion: (Camp starting at age 2.5)- NW, DC & Falls Church, VA- In-person
Concord Hill School Preschool Camp: Chevy Chase, MD, Hybrid
Confetti: NW, DC- In-person
Congressional Camp: Falls Church, VA- In-person
Creative Summer at Holtan Arms: Bethesda, MD- In-person
Edlavitch DCJCC Camp: NW, DC- In-person
Headfirst Summer Camp: NW & NE, DC, Bethesda, MD, & VA- In-person
Henry’s Sweet Retreat: Bethesda, MD – In-person
Landon Summer: Bethesda, MD- In-person
Little Burgundy Farm Horse Camp: Alexandria, VA- In-person
Lowell School Camp: NW, DC- In-person
Meadowbrook Stables: Chevy Chase, MD- In-person
Potomac School: McLean, VA- In-person
Rock Creek Park Horse Center: NW, DC- In-person
Sidwell Summer: NW, DC & Bethesda, MD- In-person
Smithsonian Summer Camp: Hybrid
Steve and Kates Camp: Capitol Hill, NW DC, Alexandria , VA & Arlington, VA- In-person
Summer at Burke (6th-12th grade): NW, DC- In-person
Summer at Georgetown Day School: NW DC- In-person
Summer at Norwood: Bethesda, MD- In-person
Summer at Sandy Spring: Sandy Spring, MD- In-person
Summer Horizons Day Camp at NPS: NW, DC- In-person
Summertimes: Alexandria, VA- In-person
Urban Adventure Squad: NW, DC- In-person
Valley Mill Camp: Germantown, MD- In-person
Washington Episcopal School: Bethesda, MD- In-person
Woodland Horse Center: Silver Spring, MD- In-person
YMCA Camps Day camp and overnight options: Locations throughout DMV- In-person

County camps:

Arlington County Summer Camps– In-person
Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Camps – In-person
Montgomery County Parks & Recreation Summer Camps – In-person
Washington, DC Parks & Recreation Summer Camps – In-person

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Filed Under: Camp, Sponsored Post, Summer Tagged: camp, guide, summer camp

Children’s performances at Wolf Trap

July 21, 2021

Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods has been one of our favorite places to listen to music in the summer. We bring a picnic and hang out in the meadow before and after the performance. Children’s performances will be at the Filene Center in July and will return to the charming, wooded setting of Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods in August. Below is the schedule for the summer. You can find out more about the individual performances by clicking the link. The shows have an amazing range from ballet and storytelling to hip hop and folklore. Click here to see the entire summer line-up for Wolf Trap and make a date night out of it.

Wednesday, Jul 21 @ 11 AM
Oran Etkin: Timbalooloo– Finding Friends Far From Home

Saturday, Jul 24 @ 11 AM
Dan + Claudia Zanes with Friends– New Beginnings

Tuesday, Jul 27 @ 11 AM
Joanie Leeds– All the Ladies

Wednesday, Jul 28 @ 11 AM
Elena Moon Park and Friends

Saturday, Jul 31 @ 11 AM
Maryland Youth Ballet– Snow White

Tuesday, Aug 03 @ 10:30 AM
Collision of Rhythm

Wednesday, Aug 04 @ 10:30 AM
Yogapalooza with Bari Koral

Saturday, Aug 07 @ 10:30 AM
Danny Weinkauf and his Red Pants Band– Dinosaurs and Metaphors

Tuesday, Aug 10 @ 10:30 AM
Pierce Freelon

Wednesday, Aug 11 @ 10:30 AM
FLY DANCE COMPANY: The Gentlemen of Hip Hop– The Healthy Hip Hop Show

Saturday, Aug 14 @ 10:30 AM
Sonia De Los Santos and The Okee Dokee Brothers– Somos Amigos: Songs on Common Grou

Tuesday, Aug 17 @ 10:30 AM
123 Andrés– Actívate

Wednesday, Aug 18 @ 10:30 AM
Soul In Motion– Transformation

Saturday, Aug 21 @ 10:30 AM
Falu– Falu’s Bazaar

Learn more about Wolf Trap’s guidelines and policies here.

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Filed Under: Music, Outdoor Play, Summer, Theatre Tagged: Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, theatre

Washington, DC summer bucket list

July 8, 2021

We hope this gives you fun ideas to get your family outdoors. We’d love to hear how you are spending your summer.

Quick links:
U.S. National Arboretum
Local beach trips
or a weekend in Bethany Beach
Ice cream in the DMV
Root, root, root for the Nationals
Drive in’s and outdoor movies
Monuments
Restaurants
& rooftops
Pick your own fruits & vegetables
Breweries
Lancaster County & Dutch Wonderland

Recent posts:
Indoor/Outdoor summer toys
Water toys that are a summer must have!
Device free road trips and flights
Outdoor music

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Filed Under: Bucket List's, Summer Tagged: 2021, bucket list, outdoors

Cool off with the best ice cream in Washington, DC, Virginia & Maryland

July 7, 2021

We love to make popsicles and homemade ice cream in the summer but we also welcome a scoop (or two) at an ice cream shop! There’s nothing like a good scoop of ice cream or an ice cold popsicle when it’s hot.

State Fair at The Roost – SE, DC

State Fair features playful riffs on composed sundaes using homemade frozen custard, replete with all of the delicious sauces and toppings you’d expect, and several more you won’t. Pastry Chef Allie Cheppa is at the helm of the nostalgic spot, serving up composed sundaes and floats, or build-your-own by mixing and matching custard bases + toppings.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream – Bethesda, MD & NW, DC

THE. BEST. (#notanad) Always a line, definitely worth waiting in, enough said, go and get some scoops, many scoops and report back. 

The Baked Bear – Bethesda, MD

Homemade cookies from original recipes and hand-scooped on site, cookies are made with the highest quality ingredients and baked fresh from scratch every day, so you can imagine the aroma flowing from Baked Bear! You can choose your base (brownie, doughnut and/or cookies), then your ice cream flavor followed by toppings and sauces. Don’t forget to ask to have it pressed if you want a warm end result. Recipe uses an all-natural mix made only with rBGH-free cream, pure cane sugar and natural stabilizers. 

The Creamery at Union Market – NE, DC

A family-owned and operated dairy shop sourcing local milk and ice cream located in Union Market.

Ice Cream Jubilee – SE, NW DC & Ballston, VA

I found out about ICJ because of the mouth-watering Instagram photos everyone posts and then I realized you can order from UberEats! The best flavors come from the best ingredients.  They use only all-natural cream and milk from a local creamery, just 50 miles from our scoop shop in Washington, DC.  and are proud about the small-batch technique – just a few gallons at a time; allowing to create the highest-quality product and the freshest flavors.

Millie’s – NW, DC

Brought to you by the owners of Surfside & Jetties. Walk up to an outdoor ice-cream stand (attached to the take-out hut) and grab delicious scoops and toppings.

Sugar Fox – NW, DC

The creators behind Little Red Fox bring you house-made ice cream, milkshakes, cake and cupcakes. Stop in for a scoop of small batch ice cream, or place an order for a one-of-a-kind custom cake.

Broad Branch Market – NW, DC

A market that has most everything you need at a higher price but you feel like you live in Mayfield when you walk in. They have a freezer of about 8 flavors to order scoops from and milkshakes are available also as well as a freezer of novelties and handcrafted treats in the back.

Nicecream Factory – NW, DC & Virginia

Handcrafted ice cream is their passion. They start the process by combining fresh milk and local ingredients from nearby farms. Using a freezing agent, liquid nitrogen, then freeze the ice cream on the spot in front of guests, creating the freshest handcrafted cup of ice cream you can get. Flavors are typical with some fun ones worth trying; white chocolate peanut butter and bananas foster are on my list!

Thomas Sweet – NW, DC

A Georgetown staple. This extensive sweets shop is complete with homemade fudge and chocolates—in addition to ice cream. The specialty here is the one-of-a-kind ‘blend ins’ with homemade ice cream. It’s not a place for the indecisive as they have a chalkboard full of flavors like peanut butter chip, vanilla cherry and our favorite, coffee oreo. Keep in mind that the kiddie-sized cup is very large—about 2 scoops of ice cream.

The Dairy Godmother – Alexandria, VA

This summer, you’ll find some exciting new additions at this custard shop. Stick with what you know and get Wisconsin-style frozen custard in vanilla or chocolate every day, or try the flavor of the day. Tollhouse cookie and toasted almond are both on the schedule; see all the upcoming flavors of the day here. They’ll also be offering homemade marshmallows and sorbet this summer along with puppy pops—a treat for your dog!

Goodies Frozen Custard – Alexandra, VA

You may have seen Goodie’s cater an event as they started as a food truck of sorts. Now the Wisconsin style frozen custard has a permanent home in Alexandria.

Moorenko’s Ice Cream – Scoop shop in Silver Spring, MD & pints found in markets through DMV

This ice cream brand, which is sold throughout the DMV in markets and deli’s, is made right here in D.C.! They even have a small shop where you can go for freshly made, hand-crafted ice cream. They’ve got the classic flavors as well as some unique flavors like Cinnamon Cappuccino & Blackberry Chocolate Chip.

Captain Cookie and the Milkman – 3 trucks & 2 locations

What started as a food truck serving milk and cookies and ice cream sandwiches, now has 3 food trucks you can hunt down in the city or hire for an event. For those of us who can’t make it to a truck stop, there are 2 actual locations you can visit. They also deliver!

Jarabe – A variety of locations in DMV

Jarabe Gourmet Pops is a Latin American Specialty Pop-Up based in the Washington Metropolitan Area that specializes in Mexican-style gourmet pops. 

Jetties – A variety of locations in DC & Bethesda, MD

Serving Gifford’s ice cream, Jetties is not just an ice cream shop, but also well-known for delicious sandwiches and salads. It’s the perfect place to grab lunch followed by a scoop for dessert, with the option of adding toppings like sprinkles and crushed oreos to your cone.

Sfoglina – NW, DC & Rosslyn, VA

Italian soft serve gelato: your choice of Vanilla Gelato or Blueberry Balsamic Sorbetto. I promise you will want to go back the next day for another!

Bon Matcha – Foggy Bottom, DC

Bôn Matcha is committed to serving the Washington, D.C. area with the authentic flavors and ingredients of their Asian heritage, in new and familiar ways, and thereby add just a few more pages to the great book of flavor that is this great nation. Check out their soft serve including a vegan flavor option.

Maracas Pops – Georgetown

Originally from Mexico, the owner, Julia has been inspired by tropical flavors and refreshing treats. She fell in love with paletas, also known as Mexican ice pops, and was inspired to share her love for their unique flavors by starting her own company, Maracas Ice Pops.

Did you know Maryland has 10 dairy farms that offer fresh, delicious on-farm ice cream? Together, they make up the “Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail.” Visit each creamery and get a trail passport stamped to be named Maryland’s Ice Cream Trail Blazer! Sounds like a delicious summer bucket-list item. Now in its ninth year, the Ice Cream Trail is designed to promote the state’s dairy industry and has become increasingly popular, drawing participants from across the state and the region. Download your passport here.

Reader recommended:
Sarah’s Handmade
Carmen’s Italian Ice
Class 520

Oldies but Goodies:
Dolcezza Gelato
Milk Bar
Dolci Gelati
Pitango Gelato
Godiva
Ben & Jerry’s
YogiBerry

Recent posts:
Indoor/Outdoor summer toys
Water toys that are a summer must have!
Device free road trips and flights
Pick your own fruits and vegetables

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Filed Under: Food, Summer Tagged: cold treat, frozen yogurt, popsicles, summer

Drive-in’s and outdoor movies in and around Washington, DC

June 24, 2021

The Drive-In at Union Market – Washington, DC
Roll down the windows, feel that summer breeze and turn up the radio because the 9th Annual Drive-In at Union Market is back. A DC “must-do,” the series of six movies will launch the first Friday of every month through October 1. Movie audio will be transmitted through an FM transmitter on the radio. As always, all movies are shown with open captioning. Each movie showing costs $20 per car. “Sold Out” means that all 125 parking spaces have been reserved.
July 2: Wonder Woman 1984
Aug. 6: Sister Act
Sept 3: Crazy Rich Asians
Oct. 1: Cruella

Moonlight Movies: Flashback Fridays – Prince George’s County
Moonlit Movies are back! Outdoor movies have been a tradition in Greenbelt since 2014, and they continue this summer as a safe, fun way to get back to the movies! “Moonlit Movies: Flashback Fridays” feature nostalgic favorites on Braden Field, behind the Youth Center. Attendance is capped at 100 people. Each attendee requires a ticket. Please, no pets. New this summer: $5 snack packs! Pre-order your favorites here. Recreation and OGT staff will be at the entrance—behind home plate—to check you in. Masks use is suggested when you are not seated. Water-resistant picnic blankets are preferred to provide everyone with the best view. Chairs are allowed, the lower the better—circles will be spaced to give everyone the best view possible.
June 11: Jaws
June 18: Black Panther
June 25: Zoolander
July 2: Independence Day
July 9: Raiders of the Lost Ark
July 16: Back to the Future
July 23: Cool Runnings
July 30: Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Starlight Cinema – Fairfax, VA
Welcome to another exciting season of Starlight Drive-in Cinema which take place on Saturday evenings in August. These movie nights bring the community together and nurture community spirit with features that appeal to both children and adults. The 2021 season provides four movies, free for the public to enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal so feel free to bring a picnic, blanket, and chairs, and enjoy the movies.
Aug 7: Trolls
Aug 14: The Croods: A New Age
Aug 21: Onward
Aug 28: Raya and the Last Dragon

DC Party Box – Bethesda, MD
This drive-in theatre offers two showings on Thursday and Friday as well as daytime and evening showings on Saturday and Sunday. They feature a family friendly showing early and a more mature showing later. The theatre follows CDC required social distancing and currently guests have to remain in their vehicle and no more than 50 cars are admitted in.

Movies in the Park – Rockville, MD
Get outside this summer and head to Rockville’s free outdoor movies in the parks on the big screen, each Wednesday during August. Bring chairs, blankets, food and beverages, and enjoy four different movies at four different neighborhood parks throughout the city {to be announced}. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.) and are free.

Alexandria Drive-In – Alexandria, VA
What began as a six movie series has turned into a huge community initiative to bring entertainment and joy to the community in a time of need. The series will announce new films every month and feature a popular collection of movie classics and family favorites.

Bengie’s Drive-In – Middle River, MD
The BIGGEST movie theatre screen in the USA! Bengie’s offers TriPPPle features almost every Friday and Saturday night, DouBBle features on Sunday night with non-stop projection. The show always begins with the National Anthem. In between movies, they play intermission clips, classic cartoons, and vintage trailers. On Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, they have Dusk till Dawn, All Nite Shows!

Summer Movies on the Lawn
The Library of Congress will host its fourth annual “LOC Summer Movies on the Lawn” outdoor film festival this summer, starting on July 8. The series of five movies, which showcases iconic films from the Library’s National Film Registry, will be presented on Thursday evenings at sundown between July 8 and Aug. 5 on the north lawn of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, across the street from the U.S. Capitol. Attendees will be permitted to gather on the lawn beginning at 6:30 pm.
July 8: “The Princess Bride” (2016 National Film Registry)
July 15: “Shrek” (2020 National Film Registry)
July 22: “Toy Story” (2005 National Film Registry)
July 29: “The Sound of Music” *Audience Singalong* (2001 National Film Registry)
Aug. 5: “Jurassic Park” (2018 National Film Registry)

Drive-In Movies at the Pfitz – Woodbridge, VA
July 3: National Treasure
July 31: Footloose!
Aug 7: Captain America
Aug 21: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone

Family Drive-In – Stephens City, VA
This is a two screen, 64 year old classic, 484 car drive-in theatre. They offer movie sound via the traditional speakers or via stereo sound (through your car radio). There is a concession stand that offers theatre snacks or full meals. The space has a playground and is pet friendly.

Sunset Cinema at the Wharf – Washington, DC
Get your family and friends together this summer for a classic movie on the big screen. Join at The Wharf throughout the summer for Sunset Cinema at The Wharf presented by Pacifico Beer. Enjoy this free pop-up outdoor movie theatre by reserving a seat in front of our 20′ LED screen on Transit Pier. They’re showing a variety of classic movies—including Happy Gilmore, Apollo 13, Jersey Boys, Ratatouille, and more. This movie series is free, but you must reserve a ticket. Each movie starts at 8pm with seating available beginning at 7:30pm. You may bring in food from restaurants at The Wharf, but drinks (both hard and soft) must be purchased from Cantina Bambina. 

TBA {hopefully}:
Adam’s Morgan Movie Nights: Schedule coming soon!!
Park Up Drive-in at RFK
Bethesda Outdoor Movies
NoMa Family Film Night
Capitol Riverfront Drive-In Movie Series
Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor: Currently just scheduled through June
Cinema Del Ray
Four Mile Summer Movie Festival at Four Mile Conservatory Building
Canal Park
Mosaic
Comcast Xfinity Outdoor Film Festival
Rosslyn Cinema

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Filed Under: Outdoor Play, Summer Tagged: Drive-in, outdoor

Fun-filled summer camp at Confetti

June 23, 2021

This is a sponsored post by Confetti– we only promote programs we know readers will find value in.

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Filed Under: Camp, Classes, Sponsored Post, Summer Tagged: camp, summer

Live outdoor music in and around Washington, DC this summer

June 22, 2021

One of my favorite parts about summer in Washington, DC are the free outdoor concerts and movies. What seems like an eternity ago (please time slow down) we took a sporadic drive to the Mall with our then three year old where we walked around, played some ball by the reflecting pool and headed towards the Capitol where the U.S. Air Force Band was performing a free concert. A huge crowd was gathered on the steps and in chairs taking in the gorgeous evening and patriotic tunes. This post will help you take advantage of some great music that will allow you to relax after a long day (and year) and see a bit of our city while doing so. Get out and enjoy the lighter evenings, let your kids stay up a little longer and enjoy the music our city offers.

The Yards Park Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 11th Season! Every Friday night this summer, head to Yards Park around 7pm to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

Glen Echo Summer Concert Series
Concerts are free and open to the public and feature a variety of local bands and musical genres. Music in the series typically ranges widely – from Country to Reggae, Swing to Latin Jazz, African to Cajun and Blues. Bench seating is provided in the pavilion, and folding chairs are also allowed. A coloring table to help keep small children busy during the concerts is also provided. Visitors may also enjoy the music from the picnic tables just outside the pavilion; many families enjoy bringing a picnic dinner to eat while listening. Dancers are welcome as well. For those who are still not comfortable with in-person events, the concerts will also be live streamed on YouTube and also available to watch later. Concerts are on Thursday’s starting July 1 – Sept. 9.

The Patio Stage at Strathmore
Designed to provide a spacious yet intimate experience, The Patio Stage features socially distanced tables that seat up to 4 people. This allows plenty of space for you and your pod in a venue that seats just 124. The Patio Stage’s lineup highlights what Strathmore does best—you’ll find music’s brightest names, like Wynton Marsalis, The Lone Bellow, Sophia Rei, and Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers; revel in contemporary and chamber music; soak in international sounds; and be introduced to your new favorite musician from our Artists in Residence program.

Wolf Trap Children’s Shows
Performances range from music and dance—interactive, educational, and fun. All shows are about an hour long and are perfect for children ages 4 and up. A list of rescheduled and postponed events impacted by the pandemic can be viewed here. August and September 2021 performances are subject to change depending on COVID-related conditions and artist availability. View Summer 2021 policies and guidelines.

Wolf Trap National Park
Offering a variety of shows outdoor. A perfect way to spend a summer evening, if you get lawn tickets don’t forget a picnic.

Jammin Java Outdoor Concert Series
Returning for our second year of outdoor concerts. This year they celebrate Jammin Java’s 20th anniversary with a jam-packed calendar. All outdoor shows are free, and donations-only shows. You can enjoy food and drinks in the outdoor seating and limited-capacity indoor seating. Limited capacity, first come first served, weather permitting.

A Capitol Fourth at the U.S. Capitol
In 2021, America’s Independence Day celebration, A Capitol Fourth, will mark 41 years on the air. The show is broadcast to millions of viewers on PBS and streaming platforms as well as to our troops watching around the world on the American Forces Network. Details on the website as to how and where to attend in person.

Olney Outdoors
The Root Family Stage is an open-air home for the summer with physically-distanced seating on blankets or in chairs. Or if you’re ready for it, the raised bleacher seats are available at full capacity. You can reserve a “pod” of seats for parties of 4, 3, 2 or even a solo. Masks are encouraged, but not required for vaccinated patrons, except indoors for use of the restrooms or in case of rain. Expect a variety of shows through September.

Live military band concerts are free and no tickets are required unless noted:
U.S. Navy Band
U.S. Air Force Band– Fridays at the Air Force Memorial at 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays at National Harbor at 7 p.m. 
U.S. Marine Band– Every third Wednesday of the month from June to August at Yard’s Park
U.S. Army Band

Looking for a music festival?
M3 Music Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion will take you back to the 80’s
Distrito Music Fest is a one-day Latin American music festival at Union Stage in Washington, D.C.
Darn Good Music Festival in Centreville, Virginia feature 14 live bands in 2 days

Venues reopening:
The Anthem, Comet Ping Pong, Nationals Park, The Hamilton, Howard Theatre The Birchmere, Jammin Java, The Kennedy Center, Pearl Street Warehouse, The Pocket DC and the big outdoor venues.

Build your library with Bookroo

No details for this season yet:
Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
Kids in Canal
Strathmore’s Backyard Theatre for Children
Strathmore Kids
Friday Night Live Concert Series at Rockville Town Square
Rock at the Row

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Filed Under: Music, Outdoor Play, Summer Tagged: concerts, Festivals, music, summer

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