Beltway Bambinos

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

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

Weekday Adventures: Our favorite places in and around Washington, DC (Part 2)

August 24, 2014

We’re going with last week’s theme of posting some of our favorite places due to the lack of events happening again this week. We hope you’ve liked the change in posts. Don’t worry though, next week some of your favorite musicians and events are back in action! 

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Reston Zoo where you can ride a free wagon through open spaces with roaming animals. You can feed and pet sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, rabbits and many more barnyard favorites! Bottle feed little lambs, goats and piglets. Pony rides and a reptile house are also highlights of the zoo.

Falls Road Local Park, featuring Hadley’s Playground, a unique and fully accessible playground that allows children of all ages and abilities to play together. Very similar to Clemyjontri but on a smaller scale. 

Tuesday and Thursday you can sign up for a free class at Great Play of Fairfax. Choose from Sports classes and Motor Skills classes for your Bambino.

DC Library Events for the week can be found here.

Visit George Washington’s home on the Potomac at Mount Vernon. Take a tour or walk around on your own.

Mini Golf at East Potomac Golf Course (Hains Point) is the oldest continuing operating DSCN0529mini golf courses in the country, according to The National Register for Historical Places. You could hit 18 holes with your little one, or like a few and then hop over to the pool.

Brookside Gardens has self-guided exploration, hands-on activities, educational games, books, and puzzles in the Visitors Center Children’s Classroom. In the Children’s Garden, School’s Outside!, your kids can experience learning in fun outdoor classrooms planted with colorful flowers, “alphabet plants,” topiaries, and other curiosities like a “Little Library.” Each classroom offers a lesson that will connect the garden to several classroom concepts.

All Aboard! Hop on one of these trains.

Time is running out to take a dip in one of these pools, splash parks or water parks. Splish, Splash! 

Here’s a link to last week’s favorite spots in case you didn’t see the list.

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Filed Under: Weekend Picks Tagged: brookside, gardens, golf, library, mount vernon, pool, zoo

Weekend Picks: Bao Bao’s Birthday, Arts in the Park and Thomas and Friends

August 21, 2014

Maryland Renaissance Festival is this weekend! The festival is free to children 11 and under this weekend. Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, joisting, puppetry, pony rides and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits. Can’t catch it this weekend? Don’t worry it you can dress like a knight and come any weekend through October 17.  

Friday-

11:00am-2:00pm: Chuck Brown Memorial Park Dedication
(2901 20th St NE Washington, DC)
The Chuck Brown Foundation will be giving away 500 drawstring backpacks to children in attendance. In conjunction with OneCity, DPR, DGS, and DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

5:45pm: The Red Dirt Rangers at 10th Street Community Park
(1117 10th Street NW Washington, DC 20001)
Family-friendly, free concert.

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Weekend Picks Tagged: art, birthday, chuck brown, movie, music, panda, park, spanish, zoo

Weekend Picks: Chickasaw Festival, Brady Rymer and America’s Favorite Pastime

August 15, 2014

Montgomery County Fair wraps up this weekend.  Fair hours are 10am-12midnight and carnival hours are 12:00pm-12:00am and animal exhibits in Old MacDonald’s Barn are open each day beginning at 3 pm. Children 11 and under are FREE while adults cost $10. Check the schedule for daily events. Address is 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

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Saturday-

10:00am-6:00pm: Indian Palette for Families
(2716 Ordway St NW., Apt 2, Washington, D.C. 20008)
Experience and celebrate the vibrancy of India at a fun-filled event. An exhibition where you’re sure to leave with hand made clothing and gifts. You can preview the collection here. Bring your loved ones, friends and children. To contact Anu directly you may email her for more information.
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Filed Under: Weekend Picks Tagged: animals, art, baseball, DC, decor, fair, festival, Indian, lake, Lessburg, Montgomery County, shop, va, Washington

Weekend Picks: Free jazz concert, a day at the farm and an evening with the clowns

August 8, 2014

Have a great weekend! There are some exciting events this weekend that we hope to make it to, starting with The Backyard Bash. Our son loves wide open spaces to run in and enjoys picking fruit and petting animals so we will hang out at Ticonderoga at some point. There are a few evening events for those with older children that sound like a blast! The weather should be gorgeous so if you’re looking to head to an outdoor water park or splash park here’s your guide! 

Saturday-

AR-71222997710:00am: Bob Brown Puppeteer at Glen Echo
(7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md)
Lights are on, doors are open as Bob Brown tells the story of Old MacDonald through puppets during the Tiny Tots performance. Recommended for ages 0-4, $5. My 3 year old saw Bob Brown at camp this week and hasn’t stopped talking about it!

10:00am: Mr. Gabe and the Circle Time All-Stars at Lake Fairfax Park Amphitheater
(1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, VA 20190)
Mr. Gabe and his band, the Circle Time All-Stars, perform a mix of traditional children’s songs, family-friendly pop songs, and originals from Mr. Gabe’s award-winning CD, Play Date. Free event part of the Fairfax County “Arts in the Parks” series.

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Weekend Picks Tagged: afrika, bach, beach, building museum, clown, culture, Farm, Indian, movie, music, outdoor, party, puppet

Weekend Adventures: Get outdoors at Family Garden Day, MoCo Farm Tour and a day at Ticonderoga Farm

July 25, 2014

Montgomery County Farm Tour and Harvest Sale will take place Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-4:00pm to celebrate its agricultural heritage, promote local farms, and indulge in seasonally fresh food.  Celebrate Montgomery County’s unique agricultural treasures by spending a day or two in the country petting farm animals, going on a hay ride or enjoying a freshly-picked lunch by a scenic pond. Support the local agricultural economy by purchasing fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants and more at one of seventeen participating farms, plus, this year includes a special photo contest.

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Citi Open is in town and tennis matches will be held through Aug.3. William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center is easy to get to and sits in Rock Creek Park.

Saturday-

9:30am and 11:00am: The National Theatre presents Mary Ann Jung: Pee Wee Pirates
(1312 Pennsylvania Ave NW)
Ahoy there, mattes! Set sail with Captain Jean, the Pirate Queen on a rollicking ’round the world adventure in sailing. In this fast-moving show, kids volunteer for duty hoisting the rigging, swabbing the deck and looking for land while learning details of foreign cultures the world over. Free performance, tickets distributed 30 minutes prior to each show.

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Weekend Picks Tagged: art, family, Farm, garden, harvest, movie, music, pirates, story, tennis, theatre, yoga

Weekend Picks: Animals under the sky, water lilies and the great outdoors

July 18, 2014

Saturday-

9:00am-2:00pm: Animals in the Sky at The National Zoo
(3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC)
Take a journey to the stars without leaving the Zoo! The Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum’s mobile planetarium is coming to the Zoo’s Visitor Center for an out-of-this-world event. Enter the inflatable dome for a 15 – 20 minute narrated presentation that will guide guests through animal themed constellations. Then, embark on a scavenger hunt through the Zoo to find animals found in popular constellations.

10:00am-2:00pm: Great Outdoors Festival at Little Bennett Campground
(23701 Frederick Rd., Clarksburg, MD)
Free Hayrides all around the campgrounds throughout the event (10:30 & 11am, 1 & 1:30pm). Nature Exploration Hike with a Black Hill Regional Park Naturalist at 10:30am. Beginning Orienteering Course Run with Quantico Orienteering at 11am. Mountain Biking Skills Mini-Clinic & Bike Inspection with Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts at 11:30am. Live music with the Flower Hill String Band Two sets: 11am-Noon and 12:30-1:30pm. Campfire building demonstation and s’mores at Noon. Pitch-a-Tent Contest with prizes at 12:30pm. Mid-Atlantic D.O.G.S. Search and Rescue Demo at 1pm. Bluebird Box Building Demo with the Maryland Bluebird Society

10:00am-4:00pm: Lotus and Water Lily Cultural Festival at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Center
The annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival is here! Come experience your National Park with FREE activities for the whole family. See a spectacular display of lotus and water lilies in full bloom! Enjoy gardening workshops & traditional Asian & African dancing performances! Hands-on activities including face painting, lotus tea tasting, and painting demonstrations! Visit educational and cultural exhibitors and much more!..

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10:30am: Rainbow Rock Band at Ebenezers Coffeehouse
(201 F St NE, Washington, DC)
Rock the rainbow with your bambino. Classic and original children’s songs will entertain your child.  These talented tunesters will keep you bopping in your socks until you just can’t rock anymore!  Always on hand, inside the box of fun, tambourines, shakers and more for your little one to join in the fun, and if they are feeling like completing their rock star appearance, how about a nice little temporary Rainbow tattoo, from none other than Pattycake Patty or the lovely Rockin Rox Anna. $6 advance/$8 door

10:30am: Secret Agent 23 Skidoo at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Combining the excitement of hip hop with the magical world of childhood, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is a one of a kind, stand out star in the family music scene. With sophisticated instrumental funk and positive, witty wordplay, he and his family band have earned a loyal national following. $10 general admission, doors open at 10am.

11:00am and 12:00pm: Nationals players at DC Libraries
(4 different libraries)
Washington Nationals players will visit four neighborhood libraries to read to kids and answer questions from eager fans. 

12:00pm-4:00pm: Mariner Music Fest
(Metropolitan Kitchen & Lounge 169 West St. Annapolis, MD 21401)
Rooftop – Just for Kids! – Tickets $5 (Ages 2-12)
Live Music performances for Kids including “The Singing Lizard” {The Singing Lizard’s unique Electro-Kindie style will have kids and adults dancing and singing with joy in no time!}  And, Miss Mandy from Chesapeake Music Together!  We’ll also have an instrument petting zoo, where kids can touch and play real instruments, arts and crafts and more fun!  **Parents will need to purchase a full price ticket to bring their children to the event. But, the adult ticket is for all day, so parents can come back later and enjoy all the bands!

1:00pm-4:00pm: The DC Scoop at Union Market
(1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC)
DC’s sweetest event is back! Ice Cream enthusiasts from near and far will gather at Union Market to celebrate summer’s sweet treat. The event will be held in the indoor event space above the market, Dock 5 and the alley behind it. There will be ice cream available to taste and buy from local artisans and Ice Cream makers from other markets as well. There will be a wide array of products including gelato, ice cream sandwiches, popsicles and of course, good old-fashioned ice cream!

7:00pm: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 at Cinema Del Ray
(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.

Sunday-

12:00pm-4:00pm: Goddard Model Rocket Launch
(8800 Greenbelt Rd., Greenbelt, MD)
Attempt to land your rocket within a “moon” drawn on the ground. Trophies and model rocket kit prizes awarded to the top youth and adult finishers. The contest is free. On-site registration is required on contest day. You must bring your own rocket, motors and recovery wadding. For more details download the contest flyer, or call (301) 286-8981. 

Launching-a-model-rocket

12:00pm-4:00pm: Bubble Days at Maryland Science Center
(601 Light St Baltimore, MD.21203)
Come see the sudsiest spectacle of the summer at the Maryland Science Center’s 9th annual Bubble Days. The fun will be bubbling up all over the building—and outside too! Craft your own bubble solution and wand, create bubble art to take home, experiment with homemade bubble wands, and compete in our bubble blowing contest. World-renowned bubble artist Casey Carle will be here to perform his fantastic BubbleMania show. You will be amazed at what Casey can do with seemingly ordinary soap bubbles! Performances will be on our Atrium Stage at Noon, 2:00, and 4:00pm. All activities are free with paid admission and completely free for members. Same hours on Saturday.

1:35pm: Washington Nationals host Milwaukee Brewers
Kids Run the Bases- Kids ages 4 – 12 are invited to run the bases on the field immediately following the game, field conditions permitting.

 

2:00pm: Reverb at The National Building Museum
(401 F St NW, Washington, DC)

Enjoy the melodic sounds of Reverb as they take you on an a cappella musical journey! Presented in collaboration with Washington Performing Arts. This event is free.

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Filed Under: Weekend Picks Tagged: festival, library, movie, music, Nationals, outdoor, planetarium, rocket

Weekend Picks: Ukelele Festival, Dino Rock & Ultimate MegaMAZE

July 10, 2014

The forecast calls for an amazing weekend! Check out the Harbor Spray Park at Lee District for a day of fun splashing around in the sprays and water. Theres a great playground steps away as well with ample spots to picnic. Worth the drive from DC. 

The Capital Fringe Festival runs from July 10 to July 27, 2014. Be sure and check out Balloon Plays for the kids. 

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Saturday-

9:45am-5:00pm: 5th Annual Lake Anne Ukelele Festival
(1609 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA)
The ukulele is the happiest instrument in the world and it spreads joy wherever it appears.Come down and join us rain or shine. You’ll find vendors selling ukuleles of all kinds and hear wonderful music all in the picturesque setting of Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, VA. It will be one of the best days you have all summer!

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Filed Under: Weekend Picks Tagged: building, dino, Farm, festival, french, maze, music, splash, theatre, water

Weekend Picks: The big maze and under the big top

July 4, 2014

Happy Fourth of July! Hope everyone had a nice holiday and got a glimpse of some fireworks and/or held the obligatory sparkler.
There are a few ways to drag out the Fourth of July celebrating. See our previous post on where to spend the holiday.

Saturday: 11:00am-5:00pm: DC Meet Market
(15th and P St NW- parking lot of St. Lukes)
Summer Cookout Party- Proudly sponsored by Honest Tea, Relay Foods, Zipcar, and Think Local First DC, this month at the market we celebrate Independence Day with a fun market cookout party featuring BBQ from Kingston Seoul, locally made gelato from Dolcezza, and handcrafted root beer (including floats!) from Thunder Beast! Join us for a day of fun, family, friends and food! We’ll also have family-friendly live music from Lady Hatchet,  Merry Toddlers More, and dj set by DJ Natty Boom, presented by Rock-n-Romp!With a live art installation provided by No Kings Collective.

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Saturday & Sunday- 

The Big Maze at The Building Museum
(401 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Inspired by ancient labyrinths, garden and hedge mazes of 17th and 18th-century Europe, and modern American corn mazes, this contemporary maze is located in the West Court of the Museum’s historic Great Hall. In addition to viewing the maze from the ground floor, visitors will also be able to get an unexpected aerial perspective from the Museum’s second- and third-floor balconies. Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm.

Washington Nationals host the Chicago Cubs
(Nationals Stdium- 1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003)
Saturday- 4:05pm
Sunday- 1:35pm  Kids Run the Bases- Kids ages 4 – 12 are invited to run the bases on the field immediately following the game, field conditions permitting.

DC Capital Fair 
(RFK Stadium- 2400 East Capital St SE, Washington, D.C.)
In town through July 6. Find the schedule here. You’ll find a huge carnival, delicious food, games, and free live entertainment and shows including Circus Flores, Lance Gifford’s Magic & Illusion Show, Las Vegas Hypnotist Show, Wild Wolves Show and Tiger Show.

Some great new theatre productions just started, including Pinkalicious and BFG.

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Filed Under: Weekend Picks Tagged: baseball, building museum, fair, holiday, maze

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