Search Results for: parents night out

This week’s morning adventures

May 20, 2019

For those kids not in school who need an activity before nap-time; we’ve got some fun weekday adventures.

Tuesday

10:00am: Baby Samba at Bloombars
It’s never too early to learn the infectious dance of the world’s 5th largest country. Samba Baby is the perfect introduction to movement and rhythm, not to mention Portuguese. Recommended for children ages 1-6, but all are welcome. Former Carnival Queen (Sao Paulo), expert sambista and renowned instructor Iliuma Zezeh will take you on a cultural excursion thought Brazil’s Carnival. Join the party while learning lightening-fast footwork and repetitive, high-energy moves that will help you child learn rhythm while developing coordination and flexibility of the hips, arms, torso and legs. It will also make your heart smile and leave you feeling loved.

11:45am: Story Time at the National Portrait Gallery
Story time in the Explore! space immerses you in tales of artists, presidents, inventors, athletes, and more! Before or after story time, enjoy the family space where you can play and learn about portraiture. All ages welcome. No reservation required. Also held Wed-Sun at the same time.

Wednesday

10:00am-11:00am:Story time at Hirshhorn: Iggy Peck, Architect
Bring your budding architect to the Hirshhorn for an exploration of buildings and structures! We’ll investigate the Hirshhorn building and read aloud Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty. Following the story, stay and create your own architectural structure. This program will have ASL interpretation. STORYTIME explores contemporary art through stories and movement. Museum staff will read aloud a book, introduce children to an artist in the collection, and lead a hands-on activity.

10:00am: Little Treasures at Bloombars
Artist in Bloom Resident Tamika Love Jones presents Little Treasures, an educational and interactive journey for babies and children (under age 3) that explores a special box of little treasures. Each treasure that is picked from the box will lead tots and parents to sing their favorite songs, read fun stories and explore their bodies through exciting movement. The theme of Little treasures is self-love and teaching the tots that they, too, are little treasures! $7 Suggested donation per child, $5 Suggested donation per adult.

Thursday

10:00am: Harambe at Bloombars
Ten years and more than 1,600 shows later, Harambee @BloomBars has become a Washington DC institution and a cultural/moral compass for thousands of parents and youth. In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” At BloomBars, Harambe is the practice of hope, possibility and compassion – basically, all the things that happen when we all come together. Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community. With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambee” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children. Recommended for ages 0 to 7 years Parental consent required. $10 per child $7 per adult suggested donation (sliding scale..invest more if you can!)

10:30am: Marsha & The Positrons at Eastern Market
Boogie Babes, a program of the Greater DC Diaper Bank, provides interactive musical performances for young children and their caregivers each week to area neighborhoods. The events, typically 45 minutes in length, provide a wonderful way to expose children to different musical instruments and styles while also raising funds for and awareness of the Greater DC Diaper Bank’s work and mission. $6 per child (siblings under 6 months free!). Buy a 5 show pass for $25 and save $1 per show!

11:00am: Flights of Fancy story time: Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton
Museum staff read stories about famous aviators, hot-air balloon flights, trips to Mars, characters visible in the night sky, or creatures that have their own wings. Each session includes one story and a hands-on activity. At the Museum in DC, story time takes place Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 11:00 am, plus Saturdays at 1:30 pm.

Friday

10:00am-12:00pm: Open Play at Little Loft Art Studio
Open play is in the Sensory Room for 2-5 year olds and their caregivers. Sand table, rice table, light table, and a new interactive art project each week. No preregistration necessary. $12/visit, half price for siblings. LAST DAY: FRI, MAY 24 – Come enjoy open play before they close for summer camp!

10:30am: Rocknoceros at Jammin Java
As every family with youngsters in the Washington, DC area knows, Rocknoceros is three guys: Coach, Williebob, and Boogie Bennie. They have been making award-winning music together since 2005 and are celebrating their 10th year together with a brand new album.

Live summer music in and around Washington, DC

May 15, 2019

One of my favorite parts about summer in Washington, DC are the (mostly) free, outdoor concerts you can find. What seems like an eternity ago (please time slow down) we took a sporadic drive to the Mall, walked around, played some ball by the reflecting pool with our then three year old and walked 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. I had no idea they performed for free and for the public on random summer evenings. This post will help you take advantage of some great music that will allow you relax after a long day and see a bit of our city while doing so. Also, included are family focused shows at some favorite venues. 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 9th Season. Every Friday night this summer, head to Yards Park 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.

Kids in Canal
A free 12-week children’s series that brings in popular kid’s entertainers from magicians to musicians that keep the little ones engaged all summer. After spending a fun hour in the Middle Block of Canal Park, head over to the dancing water fountains for a refreshing splash!

Strathmore’s Backyard Theatre for Children
Enrich your little ones’ summer mornings with sunshine, music, and laughter at Strathmore’s Backyard Theater for Kids, Thursdays in July. This eclectic program is the perfect summer escape for busy families. Pack a picnic and enjoy live performances by highly esteemed and innovative family-friendly entertainers. From folk and jazz to the amazing sounds of the steelpan, Backyard Theater makes it easy to engage kids at every stage. We promise to keep both kids and parents entertained, so bring your family for a morning of inspiration and celebration!

Strathmore Kids
Strathmore provides vibrant performances for families throughout the year. Offering experiences that inspire the littlest audience members to learn, explore, and connect to their world and each other in new ways. Learn more about each performance, including age recommendations, content, and accessibility on each event page.

Live from the Lawn
Strathmore’s free outdoor concert series, is where summertime stands still as music and memories take center stage. Pack a picnic and settle onto a blanket with your squad at the ready. As long summer days ease into evening, the crowd becomes community and the music begins. Let Live from the Lawn bring the funk and the soul, the rhythm, and the harmony. Let your summer sing.

Friday Night Live Concert Series at Rockville Town Square
Kick off your weekend with live entertainment, great company, and fantastic food, wine and beer from the restaurants at Rockville Town Square from 6:00pm-9:00pm on The Square in Rockville Town Square. Music ranges from 80’s and 90’s cover bands, funk and soul, roots rock blues and southern rock.

Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
The Jazz in the Garden Series begins its 19th season in May. The free concert series features jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles—Brazilian Folk Jazz, Alternative Modern, Blues, Reggae, World Steam Punk, Afro Funk, African Fusion Jazz, Cuban Charanga, Django Guitar, New Orleans Jazz, and more—every Friday evening from 5:00 to 8:30 in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. You can purchase food and adult beverages or bring your own picnic (but no adult bevs are allowed in, purchase them there).

National Memorial Day Concert at the US Capitol
Sunday, May 26, 2019 at 8:00pm, gates open at 5:00pm. PBS sponsors a free concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on the eve of Memorial Day, a star-studded lineup will grace the stage for one of PBS’ highest-rated programs. This multi-award-winning television event has become an American tradition, honoring the military service and sacrifice of all our men and women in uniform, their families at home and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
Performances range from music and dance to puppetry and storytelling—interactive, educational, and fun. All shows are about an hour long and are perfect for children ages 4 and up.

Carter Barron Ampitheatre
Poetry, music and movies will be featured all summer long. All shows are free and based by first come first served.
Closed for repairs.

Wolf Trap National Park
“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will launch Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts’ summer season with a program of concert band favorites. A fireworks display will follow the concert. Gates open at 6:30 pm for Lawn and In-House (90 minutes prior to curtain). Fireworks viewing area opens following the performance, at approximately 9:30 pm. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:45 pm.

Rock at the Row
Join Rock the Row all summer long! Each Thursday enjoy live music, food, and drink to ring in the weekend!

A Capitol Fourth at the U.S. Capitol
America’s Independence Day celebration, A Capitol Fourth is broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, and our troops watching around the world on the American Forces Network.

Live military band concerts are free and no tickets are required unless noted.

U.S. Navy Band: Concerts at the Capital
Monday evenings on the West Front of the U. S. Capitol Building

U.S. Navy Band: Concerts on the Avenue
The Concerts on the Avenue series, featuring the United States Navy Band and Navy Ceremonial Guard, is presented on select Tuesday evenings at 7:30pm during the summer at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington. The concert series began in 1997 and combines a wide variety of music in addition to precision drill by the Ceremonial Guard. On other Tuesday evenings at the same time, various ensembles of the band will perform at the memorial. Of course, no summer in Washington would be complete without attending our other regular concert series, Concerts on the Capitol, Mondays at 8 p.m. on the west steps of the Capitol building.

U.S. Air Force Band Concerts

U.S. Marine Band
Wednesdays & Thursdays, 8:00pm on the West Terrace of the U. S. Capitol Building

U.S. Marine Band
Friday evening Parade, 8:30pm at the Marine Barracks Washington. The ceremony starts at 8:45 p.m., beginning with a concert by the United States Marine Band. The Evening Parade, held every Friday evening during the summer, has become a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline, and Esprit de Corps of the United States Marines. Reservations needed.

U.S. Army Band
Fridays, 8pm on the West Front of the U. S. Capitol Building

Have any we can add to the list? Let us know!

Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

May 10, 2019

Happy Mother’s Day to all. Here is a special post full of activities we thought Mom would enjoy this weekend, in addition to the ones below.

Friday

5:30pm-8:00pm: Pajama Party Movie Night at Hillwood Museum
Embark on an adventure as you enjoy short films featuring all sorts of fun and furry animals, including magical creatures, playful critters, and friendly pets. Before the movies begin, relax in the gardens and enjoy a picnic on the lawn. Sandwiches, drinks, and snacks will be available for purchase from Merriweather To Go. Discover treasures in the mansion and then create your own treasure to take home: a box decorated with pictures of animals and other fanciful flourishes, inspired by Hillwood’s art collection. Bring pajamas, pillows, blankets, and cushions from home to get cozy as you head indoors and settle in for the film screening. Movies recommended for children ages 3-8. Reservations are encouraged as this program may sell out. All activities take place rain or shine. Film screenings and the art project are located indoors in the visitor center and C.W. Post center.

6:00pm: Nerf Night at Badlands
Fridays are for Nerf! Join every Friday as Badlands transforms into a Nerf battlefield. Attendees can bring their own Nerf blaster or rent one for $5 from Badlands. Badlands provides the foam darts, safety glasses, and fun! There are parent lounges for the adults, each complete with a bar and a rotating guest brewery/ winery. Cost is $30 per child and includes a dinner buffet. Adults do not need a ticket.

Saturday

9:00am-10:00am: Morning at the Museum: Train Day Celebration
Join us for an early opening of Train Day for children with cognitive and sensory processing disabilities and their families. Morning at the Museum is a project of the Smithsonian Institution’s Accessibility Program and the Smithsonian Museums. Guided by a Community Advisory Committee comprised of museum educators, exhibit designers, professionals who work with children with cognitive or sensory processing disabilities, parents, and self-advocates, the Smithsonian has developed a series of pre-visit materials designed to help children with cognitive and sensory processing disabilities and their families enjoy a visit to the Smithsonian Museums.

9:00am-1:00pm: Tot Rock Festival
OPENING MEDITATION | Mindful Junkie, The Uncle Devin Show,Yoga with Mindful Junkie!, Marsha & the Positrons, Kids Gym with the Mt. Vernon Rec Staff!, 123 Andrés, Pilates with Mind the Mat!, Rainbow Rock Band & CLOSING MEDITATION | Mindful Junkie

10:00am-1:00pm: Acton Children’s Business Fair
Outdoor market with over 100 young entrepreneurs ages 6 to 14. Shop original board games, shark tooth necklaces, origami pandas, reusable gift bags, milk carton piggy banks, and more! Fun for the whole family and free to attend!

10:00am-4:00pm: EU Open House
The Delegation of the European Union to the United States and the Embassies of 28 EU Member States to the United States will open their doors to the Washington public during the EU Embassies’ Open House Day. Each embassy will open their doors to the public, offering a rare look inside the buildings. The day will provide a unique opportunity to experience the country’s cultural heritage and national traditions.

10:00am-4:00pm: Train Day; The Golden Spike Anniversary Family Festival at National Postal Museum
On Train Day, come and experience the Railway Post Office by checking out the inside of the train car, and learn how train conductors use whistle signals to communicate. We will also have model trains running through the Historic Lobby and the Museum Atrium. Enjoy special Story Times, play with toy trains, ride on a the toy steam train, sort the mail aboard our train and “meet” Owney the Dog, a mascot of the Railway Post Office too! Watch the magical, miniature world of model railroads transform the entire museum. Free admission and suitable for all ages! You don’t want to miss it.

10:30am: InterAct Story Theatre’s Wheaton Family Theatre Series presents KidStory Theatre Festival
KidStory Theatre Festival wraps up season four of our Wheaton Family Theatre Series, this weekend, with our annual celebration of stories for kids and families on Saturday, May 11 with pre-show craft activities beginning at 10:30am and the show beginning at 11:00am. We celebrate a wonderful year of arts with a special festival of stories and plays written by kids for kids. Throughout the year, InterAct Story Theatre visited classrooms throughout Maryland, and invited kids from all over Maryland to submit their stories and ideas for short plays. InterAct’s artists chose six stories to be developed into a unique collection of performances. Come join us for a joyous theatrical celebration of kid-fired, kid-inspired imagination and creativity!

11:00am-2:00pm: Spring in the Valley
Returning this year to Spring in the Valley is the amazing team from Safe Kids DC. Safe Kids of District of Columbia is led by Children’s National Medical Center, which provides dedicated and caring staff, operation support and other resources to assist in achieving a common goal: keeping your kids safe. They will be providing complimentary car seat checks for kids of all ages. Sadly most car seats are installed incorrectly. Correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71%. So come out and have them check your car seats! Kids will have a great time at this event as there will be so many fun activities for all. Bounce houses, firetruck tours, giveaways and tons of food vendors!

1:00pm-4:00pm: National Building Museum offsite Community Design Day
Bring the entire family to Oxon Run Park! Celebrate the communities of Congress Heights and Washington Highlands at this neighborhood gathering spot. Join youth and volunteers from the Design Apprenticeship Program for an unveiling and of their work since February exploring how to combine design with the voices of the local community to create a welcoming outdoor play space. Talk with teen program participants about their design process and how they worked with community partners to design murals and seating for the basketball courts at Oxon Run. Celebrate community design by contributing to a new mural, shooting some hoops, and more. This program complements the exhibition HOOPS. Free, drop-in. All ages.

Sunday

Check out our Mother’s Day post.

9:00am-7:00pm: The International Spy Museum Grand Opening at L’Enfant Plaza
With interactive exhibitions and installations, the foremost collection of spy artifacts in the world, and first-person accounts from top intelligence officers and experts, the new Museum places visitors in the shoes of the spies. In celebration of Mother’s day, all moms will receive free admission to the Spy Museum on Sunday, May 12. To access a free ticket in advance, call the Call Center at 202.393.7798. Moms can also obtain tickets onsite that day only. NOTE: Same-day tickets are subject to availability.

9:00am-10:30am: Otter-ly Awesome Preschool Class at the National Zoo
Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes are designed for children ages 2-3 to discover a whole new view of the National Zoo. “Adult-and-me” format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo Walks to engage your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world. Pre-registration is required. Please note that classes do not include any behind-the-scenes access or animal contact. $28/child for FONZ members. $35/child for non-members. Registration fee covers one child with adult.

1:30pm AND 4:00pm: Imagination Stage presents “create your own adventure”
They are announcing their 40th Anniversary season next week, but it’s never too soon to celebrate! Book now- these tickets will sell out fast! Experience theatre like never before! Audience members use a paddle to cast their votes on choices throughout the show. The choice is yours, and there are 70 different ways the story could go! Also, a Saturday 1:30pm showtime.

Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

April 26, 2019

The Nationals return home on Friday to begin a seven-game homestand, and Kids Opening Day is just one of several family-friendly events at Nationals Park over the next week. Please see the attached document and photos for further details on the events and activities for families to enjoy during the upcoming homestand. Use code: 19NATSKIDS for a 20% discount on any ticket available to the April 27 or April 28 games with a $10 food and beverage credit preloaded to each ticket purchased. The food and beverage credit can be redeemed at any concessions stand in the park.

Day Out with Thomas has arrived to B&O Railroad Museum and you can get tickets through May 5! Little Engineers and families take a 25 minute train ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy a full day of live entertainment, activities, and family fun! NEW this year and for the first time ever children will be able to meet Thomas’ animal-loving friend Nia in the form of a ten-foot inflatable—perfect for photo ops! Nia comes from Kenya and is a reliable friend who is always ready to lend a helping hand! Don’t miss this opportunity to meet one of Thomas’ best pals.

The Georgetown French Market, one of the District’s most anticipated shopping weekends, marks the triumphant return of the spring season. Georgetown’s Book Hill neighborhood will transform into an inviting open-air market as the over 35 locally-owned merchants, restaurants, salons and galleries display discounted items and unique finds.

Awesome Con is here for the weekend & is Washington DC’s Comic Con! Awesome Con is a celebration of geek culture, bringing over 70,000 fans together with their favorite stars from across comics, movies, television, toys, games, and more! . There is even an Awesome Con, Jr which brings new and beloved toy and pop culture brands together in one area for an interactive and fun-filled live event open to families, fans, and media! Families can expect to meet their favorite characters, experience tons of hand-on activations and visit an entire stage dedicated to kids programming the whole weekend!

Saturday

10:15am: Strathmore Saturday Family Jam Session
Junior music aficionados spend Saturday mornings singing, playing, and preparing for a lifetime of music appreciation. Strathmore’s fun, creative, kid-friendly series is recommended for ages 3–8. This session features Finding Inspiration in Sweet Honey in the Rock With Rochelle Rice. Sweet Honey in the Rock is an a cappella singing group that has been inspiring the world with music of social justice for over 40 years. Kids learn about activism, social responsibility, and using their voices to bring about change.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood teaching artist explores a popular children’s book; Take Me Out to the Ballgame with your family through song, musical instruments, and movement. Plus, you receive a list of all the songs to practice at home.

11:00am-4:00pm: Carousel Day at Glen Echo
The historic Dentzel Carousel will open for 2019 on Saturday, with one of the largest family festivals — Carousel Day! The event also offers a full day of FREE activities for families throughout Glen Echo Park, including live music & dance performances, face painting, open studios and galleries, and more. The historic Dentzel carousel has operated in Glen Echo Park since 1921! The carousel operates from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., $1.25 per ride. Praline, the Park’s on-site cafe, will be open throughout event and Ben & Jerry’s will be on site with an ice cream cart! While you are there grab tickets to see Winnie the Pooh at Adventure Theatre.

Sunday

10:00am-5:00pm: KID Museum
From Family Coding Day to Robotic Carnival there is something for all. KID Museum is an innovative learning space unlike any other. The museum provides impactful hands-on learning that incorporates STEM, art and culture with 21st century skills like creativity and critical thinking.

1:35pm: Kids Opening Day at Nationals
The Nationals invite the team’s youngest fans to help kick off the 2019 season! A variety of kid-friendly activities will be available before the start of the game, including face painters, caricature artists, and balloon twisters by the PenFed Kids Fun Zone from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All kids ages 4 through 12 will have the opportunity to run the bases after Sunday day games.

3:00pm-5:00pm: 60th Anniversary Playground Party at CCPC
Join us for a neighborhood celebration with BBQ and ice cream and cookie food trucks (food for purchase), free beverages, a bounce house and games for children and live bluegrass music from Rattlesnake Hill. Join Mayor Bowser and other elected officials from DC and Montgomery County to celebrate this community milestone anniversary. Rain or Shine, all are welcome.

Plan Ahead:
Friday Nerf Nights at Badlands
May 4: First Studio at The Kreeger Museum
May 11: Spring in the Valley
May 11: Acton Business Fair
Tennis is coming to the roof of Union Market in July!
Summer camp options!

Recent Posts:
Summer pools to join
The Children’s Art Studio: A Creative Summer
Smithsonian Summer Sleepovers
The Stuttering Association for the Young– 2 day FREE camp
Camp Kesem– free camp for kids with parents who have cancer

Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

April 19, 2019

This weekend is full of eggcellent hunts! Check out our Easter post. Catch a show when it may be raining this weekend, our theatre guide has some great shows!

Saturday

9:15am: The B&O Railroad Museum is having an Easter Egg Hunt
The second session is only available (the first one is sold out) for 6 to 10-year olds. Each hidden Easter egg will be filled with prizes and candy, and whoever finds the golden egg will win four tickets to Day Out With Thomas at the B&O. Following the egg hunt children and their families will hop on board the B&O’s Mile One Express for a round trip train ride with the Easter Bunny. Later that morning when the B&O opens to the public at 10:00am, Museum visitors may hop on board the Mile One Express and take a train ride with the Easter Bunny that departs promptly at 11:30am and 2:00pm. While on board each child will personally receive a prize filled Easter Egg from the Easter Bunny.

9:30am: Civil War Hike
Join historians from the National Park Service and Arlington County Parks and Recreation for a special hike from Fort Ethan Allen to Fort Marcy. The 2.5 hour guided hike will take visitors from Fort Ethan Allen to Chain Bridge to Fort Marcy on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Ranger Steve T. Phan of the Civil War Defenses of Washington and Historian John McNair of Arlington County Parks and Recreation will lead visitors on an in-depth fort tour beginning at the remnants of Fort Ethan Allen.

10:00am-12:00pm: Family Introduction at Climbing at Earth Treks
Earth Treks is excited to offer a course where both kids and adults can learn and climb together. During this 2 hour program, the kids will climb with one of our instructors while the adults climb and learn the necessary skills to belay. After the adults have learned the basic safety skills, everyone climbs together. The course is designed for adults that are interested in getting their children involved in climbing and wish to help them with their journey. No experience is necessary.

10:00am-12:00pm: Cupcake Wars Families Unplugged
Looking for a fun way to spend time with your family? Come try your hand at cupcake wars! Each family will learn fun new ways to decorate this popular dessert and create a fabulous spring-themed cupcake design to take home. Register ahead of time.

10:00am-5:00pm: Celebrate Spring at Port Discovery with STEM
Explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in fun, playful ways during STEM in Spring at Port Discovery! Enjoy hands-on learning, special performances, and activities from partners including NISE Network (National Informal STEM Education), Eric Energy, Wildlife Adventures, Numbers Alive! and others! Plus, Explore The Construction Zone and let your little Van Goh shine as you create and make in the Art Studio, build creations straight out your imagination at the Block Dock, explore the Universe and launch rockets towards the moon at the Sun, Earth, Universe exhibit! Plus, take center stage in the Black Box Theater and don’t forget to venture upstairs to enjoy The Oasis, Dance Dance Revolution and more!

10:30am-12:30pm: Dino-fy Yourself: Make Your Own Prehistoric Animal Costume at Q?rius Lab
Dinosaurs, giant sloths and mastodons, oh my! During this program, visitors will use art materials to create prehistoric animal costumes, wearable art, and accessories informed and inspired by science and the animals that will be featured in the new Fossil Hall that opens this summer. Participants can wear their creations on June 8th as part of the Fossil Hall opening celebration.This program is designed for ages 8 and up.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood teaching artist explores a popular children’s book; Rain, Rain, Go Away with your family through song, musical instruments, and movement. Plus, you receive a list of all the songs to practice at home.

1:00pm-5:00pm: Anacostia River Family Festival
The 11th Street Bridge Park and the National Park Service present the fifth annual Anacostia River Festival, a premier event and the official closing of the 2019 National Cherry Blossom Festival. For a taste of local D.C., come celebrate the Anacostia River and the 100th birthday of Anacostia Park. Take a canoe out to explore the River, ride in our bike parade, play lawn games with your family and experience Southeast D.C.’s local arts scene at this special FREE event.

Sunday

11:00am-4:00pm: The B&O Railroad Museum
Families and their guests from out of town will have the special opportunity to see the most important American railroad collection in the world! At 1:00pm visitors may hop on board the Mile One Express train ride and travel along the nation’s first mile of commercial railroad. It’s sure to be a “hoppening” good time!

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. The featured story is Dragons Love Tacos.

12:00pm-5:00pm: Celebrate Spring at Port Discovery with STEM
Explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in fun, playful ways during STEM in Spring at Port Discovery! Enjoy hands-on learning, special performances, and activities from partners including NISE Network (National Informal STEM Education), Eric Energy, Wildlife Adventures, Numbers Alive! and others! Plus, Explore The Construction Zone and let your little Van Goh shine as you create and make in the Art Studio, build creations straight out your imagination at the Block Dock, explore the Universe and launch rockets towards the moon at the Sun, Earth, Universe exhibit! Plus, take center stage in the Black Box Theater and don’t forget to venture upstairs to enjoy The Oasis, Dance Dance Revolution and more!

Monday

11:00am: Easter Egg Hunt in the Firehook Garden
Join a neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt in the Firehook Cleveland Park Garden. The event will start promptly at 11:00am, a winner will be announced and a delicious 8 inch Carrot Cake will be awarded to the participant with the most eggs. The first 20 guests will receive seasonal carrot cake cupcakes! All ages are welcome!

Plan Ahead:
–Friday Nerf Nights at Badlands
-April 27: Saturday Family Jam Session at Strathmore
-May 4: First Studio at The Kreeger Museum
–Tennis is coming to the roof of Union Market in July!
–Summer camp options!

Recent Posts:
The Children’s Art Studio: A Creative Summer
Smithsonian Summer Sleepovers
The Stuttering Association for the Young– 2 day FREE camp
Camp Kesem– free camp for kids with parents who have cancer

Inner Armour offers a wide array of services designed to make parenting easier

April 16, 2019

Parenting Expert & Founder of Inner Armour, Jennifer Kidder, has spent the majority of her career as a Pediatric/Postpartum Nurse and is a mother to four boys herself. After developing a large following at the pediatricians’ office, she realized there was not only a high demand for professional sleep training but more importantly a need, which ultimately was the deciding factor to launch her baby sleep training and parenting concierge business.

Inner Armour offers a wide array of services designed to make parenting easier. Services ranging from but not limited to registry selection, nursery design, hospital prep, postpartum support, baby sleep training, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, potty training, terrible twos to terrible teens.

With a vision to change the world within one generation, we are committed to empowering families everywhere. The only way to achieve our vision is through your results, which is why most of our service, come with unlimited support until completed. We pride ourselves on walking with you every step of the way foundation to build stronger and healthier relationships for a better life.

One thing every parent needs to be; more present

I came across the quote, “Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a mother” and to be completely honest, it scared me. As parents, we are raising the next generation which means we have the power to change the world! Being my own worst critic, I immediately thought of all the ways I could have changed the world for the worse. I realize this is not a rational thought process, and knowing how hard I was on myself, looking back, I couldn’t agree more. To put this into perspective, I’ve worked my entire career as a Registered Nurse specializing in newborn and pediatric care. I was known as the “parenting expert” and “baby guru” of the office. Saying that I don’t give myself enough credit is an understatement. I still felt like I was failing as a mom. Why? During this time, I was also raising four boys all under the age of 4. As you can imagine, days go by so fast but feel like an eternity. My days were spent cleaning Sharpie off furniture, dusting mounds of flour off a naked toddler, and wondering if my 3-year-old was going to be the next Picasso, by the looks of this drawing on the wall. My to-do list only got longer, and my mind was in constant overdrive. Trying to explain to a five-year-old where babies come from was the last thing I wanted to do. I knew every time I responded to my kid’s questions and concerns by nodding my head while on my phone was sending them the message that they didn’t matter. I know I’m going way back with this one, but think of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. To feel safe, you have to have your basic needs met first. Self-esteem comes after you develop a sense of love and belonging. I’m not saying parents need to spend every waking hour entirely present while making our kids the center of attention. Just like most things, too much of a good thing can cause issues on the opposite end of the spectrum. Finding balance is essential, and communicating to our children when they can expect your full undivided attention is all they need. It’s an excellent opportunity to teach patience and shows them that they matter.

Fast forward five years, and a significant life change, I was able to discover my inner strength. Learning to trust myself and following my intuition brought me to a whole new level of confidence. I began to notice that most parents felt the same way I did, except they had a lot more uncertainty. If I spent countless hours searching for ways to make life easier, I can’t imagine trying to figure out all of the unknowns that come from parenting. I began to see the need for a ‘parenting resource’ outside of the medical setting. I started to think of all the services we utilize as a society. There are not only trainers for our animals, personal fitness, business goals, etc., but there are more people than not using those services. How is raising a human any different? Most of us remember the first time we brought our first baby home from the hospital. The feeling of, wow, I’m responsible for him or her, and I don’t even know what to do next. Should I feed him? Should I let him sleep? Should I lay him on my bed, keep him in the carseat, hold him? The uncertainty of raising kids creates stress, clouds the mind and takes away from us being present for our kids. Adding technology to the mix, we can google all of these things we are uncertain about no matter if you are on your couch or soccer practice. Well, just as you can find 100 recipes for lasagna, you can find 100 ways to feed a baby. You quickly get sucked down the rabbit hole, only to come out more confused than when you started. Have you ever received conflicting advice from 2 different pediatricians within the same practice? It happens; it’s pretty standard, and most of the time neither are right or wrong. The problem is, we now have an excess amount of information that we need to sort out, figure out what works and what doesn’t through trial and error. By the time we have finally figured it out we are exhausted and over it. No wonder it’s a struggle to practice mindfulness; being fully present is nonexistent.

So what do parents need in order to be more present? A parenting consultant.

When we become parents, it’s not like we are given a magic potion that provides us with all the answers. The ‘motherly intuition’ only works if we have learned to trust our intuition, and determining the different cries, happens after we figure out why our babies are crying in the first place.

To end with the same quote, “Life doesn’t come with a manual it comes with a mother” is correct on a literal level but mothers also don’t come with a manual. Asking for help is a sign of strength, don’t let society make you think you can do it on our own. Think about what it can do for your marriage alone. Sleepless nights can cause many issues within a marriage. Stop trying to figure it out on your own. Just as you would call the expert if your heating system malfunctioned, there is no reason you can’t do the same for your parenting dilemmas.

Being present for your child is the best “present” you will give. I would love to help every single parent become the best version of themselves. I not only have the expertise, but I also have a passion for what I do. Developing a safe space for my clients to ask anything without the fear of being judged is the first step to true freedom as a parent.

Please head over to my website, to learn about all of the ways I can make your life easier. If you have any questions about the services, or want to create a unique package catered to you and your goals, please don’t hesitate to reach out. As a thank you for being a follower of Beltway Bambinos, and for reading this post, I want to give all followers 20% off my services by using the code: BeltwayBambinos20.

Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

April 12, 2019

Easter, eggs and festivals galore have definitely begun. Many hopping events to check out this weekend!

Arlington Festival of the Arts in Clarendon is going on Saturday & Sunday and is free.

Celebrate the 2019 Cherokee Days Festival Friday through Sunday. The three federally recognized Cherokee tribes—Cherokee Nation, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians—come together to share the Cherokee story at the museum on the National Mall. This event showcases the shared history and cultural lifeways of the Cherokee people through storytelling, traditional flute playing, weaponry, wood-carving, beadwork, traditional games, basketweaving, and pottery-making, along with music and dance performances. This year, the festival coincides with the installation of the Treaty of New Echota (1835) in the museum’s exhibition “Nation to Nation: Treaties Between the United States and American Indian Nations.” Two banner exhibitions—”The Cherokee Culture” and “A Story of Cherokee Removal”—will be shown as part of the festival presentation.

The Washington Auto Show has revved into town and is at Washington Convention Center through Sunday. There is a lineup of family entertainment, including PBS Kids cartoon and action characters will be making an appearance this year at the revamped WHUT/PBS Kids Family Fun Zone.

A few park clean-ups going on this weekend:

-Join Tenleytown Main Street, friends, and neighbors in getting Tenleytown ready for spring! Saturday from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

– Kalorama Park is getting the park ready for spring on Saturday from 10:00am-12:00pm. Come join your neighbors as we clean up the remnants of winter and get the park looking perfect for picnic weather.

–Pierce Mill is not running yet but they are planting with Casey Trees from 9:00-12:00 and mulching the orchard from 11:00-2:00 with free activities for children from 11:00-2:00: planting seeds and making birds’ nests!

Saturday

10:00am-12:00pm: Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the Parade route in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the Festival.

10:00am-11:30am: Easter brunch and egg hunt at Matchbox Restaurants
All locations of the family-friendly neighborhood pizza bistro in D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia invite kids to enjoy an Easter egg hunt around the restaurants during brunch from 10-11:30am. Prizes include fun items for the whole family, including a complimentary kids pizza party for up to six, brunch for two, a free kids pizza, free passes to a kids pizza class on June 22, plus candy, and more. Kids will receive an Easter coloring sheet to enjoy while they dine as well.

10:00am: The Children’s Hour at The House of the Temple
Sponsored by the House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation, Inc., the Children’s Hour is a free, children’s show on the second Saturday of every month that is open to the public. Each month, we will feature a different entertainer, today is Peter McCory The One-Man Band.

10:30am-6:00pm: 59th Annual Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival
The Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival is the largest one-day celebration of Japanese culture in the United States and is proud to be the grand finale of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Performers and vendors travel from all over the country and the world to Washington, DC to share their love of Japanese culture and traditions with the Festival attendees. The festival runs along Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets, NW – anchored at the corner of 7th and Pennsylvania, Ave, NW.

11:00am: The Nitwits at Washington Improve Theater
Every NitWITs show is a high-energy, unique theater experience for families. You’ve never seen anything like it before! And you’ll never see anything like it again…because it is all made up right on the spot with the help of your suggestions. Audience members guide the cast in making up spontaneous stories and playing fun theater games in a family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere.This show is recommended for ages 6 and up.

11:00am-2:00pm: Cherry Blossom Performance at The National Arboretum
Celebrate spring with The Washington Ballet at the National Arboretum for a free performance. Enjoy cherry blossom inspired performances every half hour from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Meet and take photos with some of our dancers, do a craft, and learn about The Washington School of Ballet. Families may also want to visit the Ikebana International Exhibit and Kids Class that day. Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging.

Sunday

10:30am–12:00pm: Make Room for Matzah
Join for hands-on Passover workshop to get ready for Passover and learn more about this tradition for your interfaith or Jewish family. Your family will make items to enliven your seder with hands-on projects, plus songs, stories and snacks. Best for ages 3 and up. Register now

11:00am-2:00pm: Rumpus Room Family Dance Party
Rumpus Room is a family-friendly daytime dance party created by Marc Meistro & Steven Faith, DJs who wanted to share the nightclub experience with their children.
Rumpus Room transforms the club environment (think disco balls, lights, and of course music) into safe family-friendly fun. Prepare for a dance floor filled with little ones, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and caregivers. The soundtrack for Rumpus Room is always a family-friendly mix of popular dance hits, classics, children’s songs and more, all at a kid-friendly volume. Rumpus Room is designed for kids 8 and under, but older siblings are welcome!

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books.- Not a Box is the featured story.

3:30 pm: An Afternoon in the Park with Nefesh Mountain
Pop-Ups to Pop In! presents a family friendly bluegrass concert from Nefesh Mountain. Doni Zasloff (Mamma Doni) and her husband Eric Lindberg create family friendly shows that infuse bluegrass music with Jewish heritage and tradition. Rain location is Ohr Kodesh Congregation in Chevy Chase, MD. Purchase tickets here.

Related Posts:

Spring Break Camps for 2019

Summer Camps for 2019

Plan Ahead:

Nerf Night at Badlands: April 19

Rocklands Farm Chick Rental: April 20

New Pajama Jams at AMP by Strathmore:
Summer vacation may not start for months but playtime is year-round at AMP, and we’re bringing back our Pajama Jam series to prove it! Sing, dance, and strike a few (yoga) poses with Gina Chavez on April 7, Yogapalooza on April 28 and Moona Luna on June 16.

Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

April 5, 2019

This has to be one of the most beautiful week in Washington, DC. The cherry blossoms always amaze me and leave me in awe of their beauty. Take advantage of the warmer weather and head to some iconic areas that are lined with the blossoms or brave the crowds and go downtown– it’s worth it. The National Cherry Blossom Festival has plenty of ways to celebrate the season.

Easter hunts and festivals have started! Check out this post for all things having to do with baskets and eggs.

The Washington Auto Show has revved into town and is at Washington Convention Center through April 14. There is a lineup of family entertainment, including PBS Kids cartoon and action characters will be making an appearance this year at the revamped WHUT/PBS Kids Family Fun Zone.

Friday

6:00pm-9:00pm: Parents’ Night Out at My Gym Bethesda: Tie Dye
Drop your kids off for three hours of nonstop action at My Gym, including fitness games, active play, pizza and fun! Potty independent please. $40 Members, $45 Non-members, Sibling Discount, Ages 3yrs – 10yrs. Save the Date: May 10th- Star Wars

Saturday

9:00am-12:00pm: Home Depot Kids Workshop: Build a Birdhouse
Encourage a love for nature and ornithology in our hands-on workshop where you and your child can build a birdhouse. Your young birdwatcher can observe birds’ behaviors like nest building and provide them a safe place to eat without the need for expensive equipment. Once your birdhouse is built, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin.

10:00am-4:00pm: Baseball Opening Day Family Festival at National Postal Museum
Come join us for a free fun-filled family day festival to kick off the 2019 Major League Baseball season and the one year countdown until our own baseball exhibit opens up in April, 2020. Make your own baseball and Cherry-blossomed themed craft to welcome in Spring, learn about pioneering deaf ballplayer William Hoy at ASL-interpreted Story Time, watch and learn from 19th century baseball re-enactors, and see live baseball bat-making demonstrations from local bat-maker Juan Baret. Fill up with some delicious grub from local vendors and enjoy!

10:00am-3:00pm: 6th Annual Virginia Touch-a-Truck
It’s fun for the whole family – meet Redskins legend Gary Clark from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, climb on the big trucks, run out some energy in the back of the Martin’s Potato Roll truck, visit the kid-friendly food trucks, and much more! The first hour is horn-free for sensitive ears! $5/person, children 12 months and under free
The first 300 children receive a free die-cast car with paid admission.

10:00am: 123 Andrés at Miracle Theater
123 Andrés is back for an encore performance at the Miracle Theatre Saturday, April 6th! Don’t miss your chance to see this special, high energy performance that is sure to get you and your little ones singing and dancing. Benefitting the Greater DC Diaper Bank.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood teaching artist explores a popular children’s book; Five Little Ducks with your family through song, musical instruments, and movement. Plus, you receive a list of all the songs to practice at home.

12:00pm-3:00pm: DC Youth Orchestra Program Open House at Eastern High School
Join the DC Youth Orchestra Program for its Spring Open House at Eastern High School! The DC Youth Orchestra Program will open its doors to the public on Saturday, April 6, with a day of free musical events for the entire family, featuring a concert by the popular DuPont Brass. The DC Youth Orchestra Program is the leading ensemble-based classical music education program in the metropolitan region, serving over 600 students from DC, Maryland, and Virginia each semester. DCYOP offers group lessons and ensemble training on all orchestral instruments for students ages 4-18, who range in level from complete beginners to experienced musicians.

Sunday

Times vary by location: Sara & Samuel J. Lessans Good Deeds Day
Join PJ Library in Greater Washington, The Jewish Federation and our partners and share a volunteering experience with your family. The three hub sites (Bender JCCGW in MD, MILTON in DC and JCCNV in VA) will have a variety of family-friendly projects for children as young as 3. SSL hours are available for older tweens and teens. Or, sign up with a Good Deeds Day 2019 partner. Register here and be a force for GOOD in the world. For more information, please contact Ruth Lamberty.

9:00-10:30am: Small Wonders Preschool Class at the National Zoo
Join zoo educators to learn about some favorite new Zoo babies at the Small Mammal House, including a new wallaby joey and baby golden lion tamarin! Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes are designed for children ages 2-3 to discover a whole new view of the National Zoo. “Adult-and-me” format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo Walks to engage your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world. Pre-registration is required. Please note that classes do not include any behind-the-scenes access or animal contact. $28/child for FONZ members. $35/child for non-members. Registration fee covers one child with adult.

11:00am-2:00pm: Community day: Growing Community at National Building Museum
The National Building Museum presents Growing Community, a family afternoon to highlight the intersection of design, the natural environment, and community building. In celebration of the National Cherry Blossom Festival®, the program takes place on April 7, 2019, 11 am–2 pm. Attendees of all ages will explore the ways green space and play create a sense of belonging and place, anchoring our communities. Free, drop-in. All ages.

11:30am, 12:30pm, and 1:30pm: Art Investigators at National Gallery of Art
How do you investigate a work of art? This program helps children make careful observations, analyze artists’ choices, ask questions, and use their imagination while exploring works of art. Led by museum educators, each program includes reading a children’s book, exploring one work of art in the galleries, and completing a simple, hands-on art activity. Each program is approximately 60 minutes. See dates and topics below. These free, drop-in programs are designed for individual families on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no advance registration and space is limited, so please plan accordingly. We will only accept sign-in for children in the age range for which the program is tailored. Groups cannot be accommodated in the program.

2:00pm-3:00pm: Launch Party for the Acton Children’s Business Fair of Washington, DC
Children aged 6-14 and their parents are invited to this free event to learn about the Acton Children’s Business Fair of Washington, DC Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library. The Business Fair will be May 11 in Cleveland Park. Students will learn more and find out how they can participate. At the Launch Party, children will also discover the “3 Magic Seeds” for starting a business and get tips for making their business a success from other young entrepreneurs.

GIVEAWAYS:

**Win an unlimited month of classes at MOCO Movement

**Win 2 tickets to the April 23 STOMP show at National Theatre