Beltway Bambinos

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

11 highlights from summer 2018 in and around Washington, DC

It’s hard to believe it is already August!Time certainly flies. In honor of the final month (well three weeks! for DCPS students) of summer, we wanted to make sure you hit some of OUR summer favorites before it’s over. In no particular order, here are our top 11 highlights: 

  1. Climbing, flying, running and jumping at ZavaZone
  2. Splashing around at Yards Park
  3. Hiking and biking in Rock Creek Park
  4. Jazz in the Sculpture Garden— (final one is Aug. 24, 2018)
  5. Going to the beach– for an easy day trip (or make it an overnight)
  6. Baseball games at Nats Park
  7. Dutch Wonderland can be a day trip (or make it a fun overnight)
  8. Horseback ride at Rock Creek Horse Center
  9. Outdoor performance at Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre in the Woods (final performance Aug. 4, 2018)
  10. Bowling at Pinstripes, ice cream at Baked Bear and playing in the sand at the “beach” at Pike & Rose
  11. Outdoor movies!!

Beach and State Park day trips from Washington, DC

Do you dread the thought of packing the car for a 2.5+ hour car trip to Delaware and Maryland’s famous beaches or maybe just can’t make it that far this summer? Below you will find short day trips that will allow you to get your toes sandy and your little ones splashing around without the cost of a hotel and long haul.

Breezy Point Beach & Campground

(43 miles from DC) Bring the entire family for a fun-filled day at the beach. There’s something for everyone at Breezy Point Beach and Campground. Children will enjoy building sand castles, playing on our playground or searching for shark teeth. Come and spend a relaxing day on one of the area’s finest public beaches. Enjoy one-half mile of sandy beach surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay. Relax in the sun or swim in our netted swimming area. For fishing and crabbing enthusiasts, we have a 200-foot pier for your pleasure. The campground offers seasonal and daily camping. Pack a picnic lunch or use one of the grills in the picnic area.

Calvert Cliffs State Park 

(60 miles from DC) The Calvert Cliffs’ beach area is a sandy quarter mile stretch located on the Chesapeake Bay. The shortest route to the beach is the 1.8 mile Red Trail. Fossil hunting and typical beach activities are common reasons people visit the beach. Over 600 species of fossils from the Miocene era (10 to 20 million years ago) have been identified in the Calvert Cliffs, many of which can be found at Calvert Cliffs State Park.

Cunningham Falls State Park

(65 miles from DC) Outdoor activity is everywhere at Cunningham Falls State Park. Leisure opportunities like swimming, hiking, fishing and canoeing are available. For those who wish to get away for either a night or longer there are campsites and camper cabins available for rental from April through October.

Leesylvania State Park

(25 miles from DC) Leesylvania is nestled along the tidal shores of the historic Potomac River. Native Americans lived on this land for thousands of years. Capt. John Smith visited the area in 1608 on his voyage of discovery. It’s also the ancestral home of Virginia’s legendary Lee and Fairfax families. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, Leesylvania offers many land and water activities, including hiking, picnicking, fishing and boating. A universally accessible fishing pier, playground, boat launch, boat storage area, snack bar and store, visitor center and gift shop are available. A 20-station fitness trail and canoe and kayak rentals also are available.

Matapeake Clubhouse & Beach

(44 miles from DC) Located on the Chesapeake Bay on Kent Island, Maryland, the grounds include a public swimming beach, an outdoor amphitheater, family picnic area and trails through the surrounding woods, with views of the Bay Bridge.

Sandy Point State Park

(38 miles from DC) The park’s beaches and picnic areas are well known for their breathtaking scenic water views that overlook one of Maryland’s true treasures, the Chesapeake Bay. Some of these activities and services include Swimming Beaches, Picnicking, Fishing, Crabbing, Boating, Hiking, Youth G​roup Camping, Areas of Historical Interest and Wildlife Viewing. The Park also offers a marina store and boat rentals.

Purse State Park

(46 miles from DC) Purse (Part of Nanjemoy WMA) is located on the Potomac River on Wades Bay. Purse is a wooded undeveloped area that is used for hunting, bird watching, shore fishing and fossil hunting. Purse is a part of the Aquia Formation which formed in the Paleocene Epoch about 60 million years ago when a gigantic meteor hit the earth. This area was covered with warm shallow water which made it a suitable habitat for sand tiger sharks, mackerel sharks, Turritella (snails) and Eagle Rays more specifically Cownose Rays which all lived during this time period.

Other day trips:
In Shenandoah National Park, hike from waterfall to waterfall, climb the rocky Old Rag Mountain, go biking or take a guided horseback ride. If you need to cool off, head over to Shenandoah River Outfitters and go rafting, tubing or kayaking on the shady river. 75 miles from downtown D.C. at its northernmost point; see all park entrances here.

Take a step back in time in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.  Although West Virginia is a small state, it’s packed with history and beautiful scenery. Kids will have fun visiting this National Historical Park. Visit Harpers Ferry for the Civil War history and re-enactors. Hike one of the many trails in the area for a spectacular view of three states—West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland—at once. Amtrak provides one train from Union Station to Harpers Ferry per day but it’s a short at about 67 miles from D.C. Harpers Ferry Adventure Center can get your hooked up with kayaks, tubes and more if you’re feeling adventurous. If you happen to go on Monday, be sure and stay for the Music in the Park Concert at Bolivar Children’s Park from 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Overnight trips:
Depending on the age(s) of your kids, an overnight at The Greenbrier or The Homestead may be a great overnight getaway which provides endless activities! You could also check out Kingsmill Resort or Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Va. They cater to your little ones with daily activities and fun in the water and a spa for YOU!

Related Posts: 
Water Parks, Splash Pads and Pools
Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake

Best ice cream in Washington, DC

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream in Washington, DC! It doesn’t have to be summer for me to grab a scoop (or two). But with the weather we are having, all of us need a place to head to for a quick cool off which also involves a treat. There’s nothing like a good scoop of ice cream or an ice cold popsicle.

But first let me introduce you to FrutaPOP. They are a small-batch, hand-crafted ice pop company, specializing in natural fruit and juice ice pops, coffee ice pops and alcohol infused ice pops. FrutaPOP is the first of it’s kind to contain healthy, natural ingredients without any added sugars. All of the alcohol-infused ice pops, also known as “POPTAILS” contain 5% ABV or less. You can order in quantities of 12, 24, 36 & 48. Think Mimosa and Sangria Poptails and Fruit & Juice pops (non-alcoholic) for your next pool party! Use code: BELTWAYBAMBINOS for 15% your order; perfect for a summer bbq or sitting poolside. 

Did you know Maryland has nine 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.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

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

The Baked Bear

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. Baked Bear craft ice cream is made with the highest quality ingredients around and is a step above the traditional, using an all-natural mix made only with rBGH-free cream, pure cane sugar and natural stabilizers. 

Trickling Springs Creamery

An old-fashioned dairy store serving ice cream, milk shakes, milk and cookies at Eastern Market. Do you want to take some ice cream home with you after hanging out at Union Market?  No problem. They have 3 full freezer doors stocked with Trickling Springs FarmFriend ice creams, Trickling Springs Organic ice creams, and Little Baby’s ice cream.

Ice Cream Jubilee

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 – allows to create the highest-quality product and the freshest flavors.

Millie’s

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

Class 520

The very first Thai-inspired ice cream establishment opening in the state of Maryland. Handcrafted rolls made with no preservatives or stabilizers, so you know it’s fresh.

Broad Branch Market

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 get a scoop and a freezer of novelties. 

Nicecream Factory

Handcrafted ice cream is their passion. They start our 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.

Larry’s Ice Cream

This family business, open since 1985, is well-known for the owner’s surly demeanor and delicious, homemade ice cream. With classic flavors like cookie dough and unique flavors like Key West chocolate, there’s something for everyone here.  

Thomas Sweet

This extensive sweets shop is complete with homemade fudge and chocolates, freshly baked pastries and paninis—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

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 Exotic Ice Pops this summer along with Frozen Custard Cake and Puppy Pops—a treat for your dog!

Moorenko’s Ice Cream

This ice cream brand, which is sold around the NE corridor, 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 Guinness, Rice Pudding and Cotton Candy Gummy Bear.

Captain Cookie and the Milkman

What started as a food truck serving milk and cookies and ice cream sandwiches, now has 3 food trucks you can see schedule locations here. For those of us who can’t make it to a truck stop, there is an actual location. They also deliver!

Jetties

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 and a scoop for dessert, with the option of adding toppings like sprinkles and crushed Oreos to your cone.

Sfoglina 

Italian Soft Serve Gelato: Your Choice of Tahitian Vanilla & or Strawberry Sorbetto. Sounds boring but I promise you will want to go back the next day for another!

Oldies but Goodies:

Dolcezza Gelato

Dolci Gelati

Pitango Gelato

Godiva

Ben & Jerry’s

YogiBerry

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(Photo: Pleasant Pops)

And for those who enjoy a nice, cold popsicle we didn’t forget you–

Pleasant Pops

All original recipes made with fresh ingredients. Flavors rotate constantly as they run out. To name a few; Can also be found at various Farmer’s Markets and Food Trucks, check site.

Whim Pop

Whim Pop integrates flavors of the world on a healthy, fresh and cool environment by creating unique delicacies in a variety of exotic flavors and presentations. Whim Pop is your answer for that unexplained desired of something unique and guilt free! Can also be found at various Farmer’s Markets, check site.

FrutaPop

A small-batch, hand-crafted ice pop company, specializing in natural fruit and juice ice pops, coffee ice pops and alcohol infused ice pops. FrutaPOP is the first of it’s kind to contain healthy, natural ingredients without any added sugars. All of the alcohol-infused ice pops, also known as “POPTAILS” contain 5% ABV or less. You can order in quantities of 12, 24, 36 & 48. Order online and use code: BELTWAYBAMBINOS for 15% your order!!!

Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake

Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake has been in operation since 2003 and consider themselves to be a premier attraction for families with young kids in Maryland, DC, and Virginia while being conveniently located in Annapolis with parking! The program has been tailored over time to keep kids engaged and immersed in an incredible adventure at sea.  They are family owned and operated and their biggest asset is their incredible crew, some who have been with the ship for over 10 years. Their ability to bring out the personality in all their young charges is what keeps people coming back year after year and contributes to the reputation as a family-friendly destination. The Pirate Adventure is a great time for kids but also makes for an enjoyable boat ride for grown-ups. The cruise includes views of the Naval Academy and historic downtown Annapolis. We were treated to an amazing afternoon aboard ship and brought along our friends to enjoy the adventure together. Photos are courtesy of Stefanie Harrington, DC area photographer.

I can attest to the fact that they specialize in family fun and even more so just plain old fun for kids. The experience began with customized pirate themed face and body paint for the kids, a quick lesson in pirate talk and mateys dressing to the part if they so choose all before climbing on board. Once on the ship, kids learned they needed to find the map in order to start the cruise to find the treasure. No child needed the attention of their parents the entire hour and a half cruise. The crew kept them completely entertained; adults might as well have been back on land. It was a chance for parents to just watch their Bambinos interact and take part in the fun interactive adventure while siting back and taking in the views from the boat, which let’s be honest, we don’t get to do very often.

They also host field trips and groups, birthday parties as well as families. The indoor party room completes the experience at sea with a pirate ship theme and pizza and cupcakes can be delivered to keep the party going after the trip.

They set sail seven days a week, six times a day from mid-April through Labor Day and weekends only through Halloween.

Ticket prices are $22 per person, $12 for children 2 and under and they offer discounted tickets at certain sailing times and for special events.

Location: 311 Third St. Annapolis, MD. 21403 (Less than an hour from DC!)

(Photos taken by Stefanie Harrington)

Outdoor movies this summer in Washington, DC

Bring your blankets or chairs (check websites for what they prefer), some snacks and cozy up to a summer movie outside. Disclaimer: This is a list of child friendly and a few adult friendly movies. As you will see some of these don’t begin until sunset so perhaps it’s a late summer evening for some kids or a date night for parents. Have fun watching some free movies this summer.

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Bethesda Outdoor Movies
(Woodmont Triangle, Corner of Norfolk & Auburn Avenues)

Enjoy five nights of blockbuster hits at downtown Bethesda’s 14th annual outdoor movie series! Show times begin at 9pm at the corner of Norfolk and Auburn Avenues.A limited number of chairs will be provided and attendees are invited to bring their own lawn chairs. Admission is FREE! Spend an enjoyable evening in Woodmont Triangle and have dinner at one of the neighborhood’s delicious and diverse restaurants before the show!

July 24: Remember the Titans
July 25: Casablanca
July 26: The Big Sick
July 27: Mean Girls
July 28: The Post

Union Market Drive-In
(1309 5th Street NE  Washington, District of Columbia 20002)

$10 parking fee per car. Advance purchase is highly recommended. Free for walk-ups. Excited for the drive-in but don’t have a car?

June 1: Clueless
A rich high school student tries to boost a new pupil’s popularity, but reckons without affairs of the heart getting in the way. 1h 37 min, rated PG-13
Lot opens at 6:00, Lot closes promptly at 8:30, Film begins 8:45; Film ends at 10:20

July 6: Like Water for Chocolate
When tradition prevents her from marrying the man she loves, a young woman discovers she has a unique talent for cooking. In Spanish with English subtitles. 1 h 45min, rated R
Lot opens at 6:00, Lot closes promptly at 8:30, Film begins 8:55; Film ends at 10:20

August 3: Black Panther
T’Challa, the King of Wakanda, rises to the throne in the isolated, technologically advanced African nation, but his claim is challenged by a vengeful outsider who was a childhood victim of T’Challa’s father’s mistake.
2h 15 min, rated PG-13
Lot opens 6:00, Lot closes promptly at 8:15, Film begins 8:45, Film ends at 11:00 

September 7: The Lion King
A Lion cub crown prince is tricked by a treacherous uncle into thinking he caused his father’s death and flees into exile in despair, only to learn in adulthood his identity and his responsibilities. 1h 28 min, rated G
Lot opens 6:00, Lot closes promptly at 7:30, Film begins 8:00, Film ends at 9:30 

October 5: Cool Runnings
When a Jamaican sprinter is disqualified from the Olympic Games, he enlists the help of a dishonored coach to start the first Jamaican Bobsled Team. 1h 38 min, rated PG
Lot opens 5:30, Lot closes promptly at 7:45, Film begins 8:15, Film ends at 9:55 

November 2: Hocus Pocus 
After three centuries, three witch sisters are resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night, and it is up to two teenagers, a young girl, and an immortal cat to put an end to their reign of terror once and for all. 1 h 36 min, rated PG
Lot opens 5:30, Lot closes promptly at 7:45, Film begins 8:00, Film ends at 9:50 

NoMa Family Film Night

(The Lot @ 1st & Pierce 1005 First Street, NE)

Bring your friends, family and neighbors for music, giveaways, food trucks, picnicking, and of course, great films under the stars. Movies start at sunset and are screened with subtitles. We encourage moviegoers to bring chairs, because the site is covered in asphalt. Bring blankets, frisbees, dogs on leases and picnic coolers when the doors open at 7:00 PM. Every movie is subtitled. NoMa Summer Screen has been ranked one of the Top 10 Best Outdoor Movie Theatres in America by Travel and Leisure Magazine and one of the top five outdoor movie series in the country by Travel Pulse.

June 6: Ten Things I Hate About You (PG-13) | 8:40 p.m.
June 13: Mulan (G) | 8:44 p.m.
June 20: Chicago (PG-13) | 8:46 p.m.
June 27:  Mad Max: Fury Road (R) | 8:47 p.m.
July 4: no movie on account of Independence Day!
July 11: Matilda (PG) | 8:44 p.m.
July 18: A League of Their Own (PG) | 8:40 p.m.
July 25: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (PG-13) | 8:35 p.m.
Aug 1: Pitch Perfect (PG-13) | 8:29 p.m.
Aug 8: Moana (PG) | 8:21 p.m.
Aug 15:Thelma & Louise (R) | 8:12 p.m.
Aug 22: Ghostbusters (2016) (PG-13) | 8:03 p.m.
Aug 29:Wonder Woman (PG-13) | 7:52 p.m.
Sept 5: rain date | 7:42 p.m.

Adam’s Morgan Movie Nights
(Walter Pierce Park is located at 2630 Adams Mill Rd. with an alternate entrance adjacent to Mama Ayesha’s near the foot of the Duke Ellington Bridge on Calvert Street)

Movies begin approximately 30 minutes after sunset. Kids are welcome, but please no pets or alcohol. Please check the Movie Nights Facebook Page for cancellation information in the event of bad weather. Important: No glass bottles, no alcohol, no smoking, and no pets.

May 22: The Big Lebowski
May 29: Hairspray
June 5: Jackie
June 12: Hidden Figures
June 19: Pixar Shorts 

Four Mile Summer Movie Festival at Four Mile Conservatory Building
(4109 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305)

Bring your friends, family and neighbors for games, giveaways, popcorn, picnicking, and of course, great films under the stars. Movies start at dusk and are screened with Spanish subtitles. We encourage moviegoers to bring chairs, because this year’s location will be on asphalt. Bring blankets, outdoor games, and picnic coolers when the fun starts at 6:30 pm.

May 25: Coco 
June 29: Mary Poppins
July 27: Wonder
August 31: Space Jam

Movies on the Potomac at National Harborjumbotron1
(165 Waterfront St National Harbor, MD 20745)

Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. Pack your picnic blankets, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages! Please note that movies will begin at 6:00pm and will be shown once, so end times may vary with each movie. A schedule of movies to be shown can be viewed below. They also feature Date Night Movies on Thursdays at 7:00pm.

May 20: Cars 3
May 27: The Lego Batman Movie
June 3: Matilda
June 10: Bolt (National Harbor 10 Year Anniversary Commemorative Giveaway for the first 100 people!)
June 17: Zookeeper
June 24: Charlotte’s Web (2006)
July 1: Enchanted
July 8: The Little Rascals
July 15: Alice Through the Looking Glass
July 22: Holes
July 29: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Aug 5: Maleficent
Aug 12: The Little Mermaid
Aug 19: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
Aug 26: Annie (2014)
Sept 2: A Wrinkle in Time
Sept 9: The Wizard of Oz
Sept 16: The Wiz (1978)
Sept 23: Moana
Sept 30: The Lion King

Cinema Del Ray 10342502_769961849702431_3706484477222978982_n
(Mount Vernon Rec Center: 2017 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22307) 

The fun begins at 7:00pm. Free open air movie showings sponsored by Jen Walker. Snacks are even available for purchase, bring blankets and cozy up. (No 4 legged friends)

May 19: The Lion Kind
June 16: The Lego Batman Movie
July 21: Toy Story 3
Aug 18: Cars 3
Sept 15: Coco

Comcast Xfinity Outdoor Film Festival
(10701 Rockville Pike N. Bethesda, MD 20852)

Outdoor movies return to Strathmore this summer! Join us on the lawn for 4 nights of free flicks benefiting the National Institutes of Health Children’s Charities. Come early to stake out your spot, enjoy pre-show activities, and grab dinner from Ridgewells’ summer grill. Films begin at dusk. Activities begin at 7:30pm. No tickets needed.

Aug 23 :Coco
Aug 24: Black Panther
Aug 25: The Lion King
Aug 26: Wonder Woman

Canal Park
(Canal Park, at 2nd and M St., SE- Navy Yard Metro)

See the stars beneath our stars! The Capitol Riverfront Outdoor Movie Series returns to Canal Park this year from June through August. Each movie in this year’s lineup, selected and inspired by public demand, will begin at sundown. We invite movie-goers to arrive at Canal Park as early as 7:00 pm, bring a picnic, and enjoy the show! Please note that all movies are captioned.

Safe Summer Fun: 11 Family-Focused Water Safety Tips + Williamsburg Great Wolf Lodge

Summertime is almost here and what better place to kick off your summer adventures by planning a family vacation to the beach, lake or a trip to the incredible Williamsburg Great Wolf Lodge? Summer is the perfect time to take your family to the waterpark resort, which was recently named by Trip Advisor as one of the Top 25 Hotels for Families in the United States! The resort features a massive indoor waterpark, as well as a bowling alley, mini golf course, outdoor ropes course, and a spa just for kids of all ages.

Great Wolf Lodge is a nationally recognized leader in water safety. Ellis & Associates, a renowned international organization focused on aquatic safety has recognized Great Wolf Lodge several years running with its top award for water safety. Since opening its first resort in 1997, Great Wolf Lodge has welcomed millions of families and accumulated a wealth of tips to help keep families safe around water.

May is National Water Safety Month, so there is no better time to share these tips with your family for a safe summer of fun!

  • Never swim alone. Always use the buddy system and be sure the area is well supervised by lifeguards before you or other family members enter the water.
  • Encourage your child to wear a life jacket. Many public pools and water parks provide life jackets for your use free of charge and it’s better to be on the safe side if your child is not a confident swimmer.
  • Never assume someone else is watching your child. Even with lifeguards nearby, you have the responsibility for your child. The best way to keep your child safe is to play right alongside them.
  • Stay hydrated. Swimming and playing takes a lot of energy, especially during the hot summer months. Drink plenty of water or sports drinks and rest in a cool location.
  • Forget the Bling. Before heading to the beach, pool or water park, avoid swimsuits that have ties, grommets or decorations that could get caught on something during water activities.
  • Skip the flip-flops. Look for sandals with a heel strap or a full-coverage slip-on water shoe that will stay in place both in and out of the water.
  • Too much sun is no fun. Be sure to limit your exposure during peak hours of 12pm-3pm and reapply waterproof/sweat proof sunscreen every 80 minutes.
  • Take a CPR course. Knowing these skills can be important in any environment. This is a skill we all can benefit from – on land and around water.
  • Read all of the signs before going on a waterslide, pool or attraction. Make sure your child meets the posted requirements. If you have questions about an attraction, ask an employee at the facility.
  • Plan ahead. As a family, decide on a meeting place to go to if anyone gets separated. Kids can take off in instant and crowded parks and beaches can make it difficult for little ones to find you.  Choose an easy-to-spot location that can be easily found by all family members.
  • If you see someone struggling in the water, call for help. Remember “Reach or Throw, Don’t Go!” Even professionally trained lifeguards don’t enter the water without having the proper flotation devices to keep themselves safe.

Related Link:
Local Splash Pads, Pools, Water Parks

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

I Scream, You Scream for Ice Cream in Washington, DC

It doesn’t have to be summer for me to get a scoop (or two). But with the weather we are having, all of us need a place to head to for a quick cool off.  There’s nothing like a good scoop of ice cream or an ice cold popsicle.
Did you know Maryland has nine 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.

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Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
1925 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

THE. BEST. Always a line, definitely worth waiting in, enough said, go and get some scoops.

Ice Cream Jubilee
301 Water St SE, Washington Navy Yard, DC
1407 T St NW, Washington, DC

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 – allows to create the highest-quality product and the freshest flavors.

Millie’s
4866 Massachusetts Ave NW

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

Class 520
4941 Elm St. Bethesda, MD
5 Dawson Ave. Rockville, MD

The very first Thai-inspired ice cream establishment opening in the state of Maryland. Handcrafted rolls made with no preservatives or stabilizers, so you know it’s fresh. (Pictured below from Jo. C on Yelp)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broad Branch Market
5608 Broad Branch Rd. NW Washington, DC 20015

Broad Branch Market is an independent, community-focused market located in Chevy Chase, DC and happens to be within walking distance of my house! It’s a child’s dream come true. They have scoop it yourself candy, slurpees, hand-scooped ice cream to choose from and a freezer full of ice cream to choose from.

Nicecream Factory
2831 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA
726 King St. Alexandria VA

Handcrafted ice cream is our passion. We start our process by combining fresh milk and local ingredients from nearby farms. Using our freezing agent, liquid nitrogen, we freeze the ice cream on the spot in front of our guests, creating the freshest handcrafted cup of ice cream you can get.
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