Beltway Bambinos

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

Family-friendly features of Capital One Arena

Recently we had the opportunity to attend a Wizards game at Capital One Arena. My kids had such a fun time cheering them on. During time-outs and half-time, there are several fun activities to watch including local dance studios showing off their moves, t-shirts being thrown to guests, participating in all of the fun the time-outs allow for the guests to enjoy. Below are a few of the family-friendly features of Capital One Arena. See some of our fun on our Instagram post below.

MedStar Health Mamava Lactation Pods

Two Mamava Lactation pods, in partnership with MedStar Health, are located at the F-Street elevator landing across from sections 200 and 400, with our ADA accessible pod stationed on the 200 level. Mamava pods are designed with seating, outlets and additional features to provide privacy and comfort to nursing mothers during games, concerts, and events.

Additionally, parents with little ones will be happy to know that there are baby changing stations in all restrooms throughout the building.

Sensory Inclusion

Capital One Arena is a Sensory Inclusive Venue, certified annually by KultureCity. Complementary sensory bags, containing special KultureCity VIP badges, fidget tools, noise canceling headphones and other resources, are available for checkout at Guest Services near Section 102, Guest Services near Section 402, in 215B across from Section 217/218 and on the Lexus Suites Level near Suite 341. There is no cost to the patron to check out a sensory kit, you simply need to check out by leaving an ID. 

The arena also has the “David Costabile Sensory Room” (located on the 4th Floor right off of the F Street Escalators, across from section 433) which is a dedicated space designed in partnership with KultureCity and by medical professionals for those who may need a quieter and more secure environment during a game, concert or event. Outfitted with bean bags from Yogibo, visual light panels by Nanoleaf, activity panels, Sparkle Interactive Light (by NunoErin – a therapeutically fun furniture embedded with soft glowing lights that respond to motion), bubble walls, and a custom tactile artwork created by an autistic artist, all guests are welcome to use this space for a stimulation break at every game and event.  

First Game Certificates

For fans attending their first Capitals or Wizards games, first game certificates are available at all guest services locations at Capital One Arena. We also distribute birthday pins via guest services!

District E

If you’re looking for a place close to the arena to grab a meal before the game, look no further than District Bites, located in District E powered by Ticketmaster. District Bites is conveniently located in Gallery Place, adjacent to Capital One Arena. Stop by before and after your event to enjoy specialty dishes featuring locally-sourced ingredients – from Detroit-style pizza to handmade desserts. 

Something I was unaware of was that before most Capitals and Wizards home games, they host “Block Parties” at District E, which have a rotation of themes (programming is more geared towards families on certain nights than others so fans are encouraged to check the schedule HERE).

Click her to see the schedule of events at Capital One Arena. Sports aren’t your thing? No worries, there are many other events there other than sports.

Located at 601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

Jurassic World Live is taking over Fairfax this weekend. See Blue, T. rex and more of your favorite dinosaurs come to life at Jurassic World Live Tour! Your trip to Isla Nublar takes a terrifying turn after the Indominus rex escapes and causes chaos in the park! Join forces with a team of scientists to unravel a corrupt plan and save Jeanie, a Troodon dinosaur, from a terrible fate. Along the way, experience some of Jurassic World’s most iconic dinosaurs including Blue the Raptor, the mighty T. rex and more!

Inside Out & Backwards is for the youngest audience at Imagination Stage. It’s bedtime, and two children use their imaginations to turn their room inside out, into a wonderland of mess! While playing dress-up, a glove becomes a dancing fish, a shirt becomes a fantastical creature, and a sock dance rocks the closet! On stages through Sunday.

Cinderella A Salsa Fairy Tale is playing at Imagination Stage through April 7. What will happen to Cinderella at the ball … game? That’s the surprising question in this contemporary Latin-American Cinderella musical that weaves subtle lessons on empathy, sportsmanship, and respect into an exciting, high-stakes story. An Imagination Stage original that broke new ground in bilingual children’s theatre.

Junie B. Jones is wrapping up this weekend at Adventure Theatre. It is Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, does not want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting. Featuring a tremendously loveable character and fun-filled songs, Junie B. Jones will capture your audience members’ hearts just as the books captivated an entire generation of students. 

Saturday
10:00am-12:00pm: Free the Trees with Little Falls Watershed Alliance
Volunteers will be removing non-native vines and shrubs which are killing our native trees.  There will be gloves and tools to borrow.  The entrance to the Capital Crescent Trail is via a path at the end of the cul-de-sac of Brookeway Drive. There is parking on the street.  Walk up the path to the first bench; we will meet there.

10:00am–1:00pm: Art Cart- Lines and Layers at Hirshhorn
Artists choose particular materials to tell their stories. Join us to explore the lines and layers (and layers upon layers) of Mark Bradford’s Pickett’s Charge (2017), and to tell your own stories with art. Found on the third level.

10:00am-4:30pm: Blossom Kite Festival
Join at the Washington Monument Grounds with activities, music, competitions, and performances. Kite enthusiasts, beginners, families, and friends are all welcome.  This year, the theme of the kite making competition is ‘Colors of the Wind’.

2:00pm-9:00pm: Bloomaroo at The Wharf
Bloomaroo at The Wharf is FREE to attend; no tickets are needed. Drinks are available for purchase at designated event bars and at all Wharf bars and restaurants. 
2pm-9pm — Listen to live music on multiple stages.
2pm-6pm — Activities throughout The Wharf include koi kite decorating, a haiku creation station, karaoke stage, face painting, live art demonstration, ikebana flower arranging, tea ceremony, Kikuyuki dancing, Nen Daiko drumming, Blossom Beauty Bar, Blossom Martini Beach Bar, and more!
~8:30pm — A stunning blossoms fireworks finale.

Sunday– Happy Easter for those who celebrate. Easter events can be found just below Monday’s events.

Monday–
Opening Day for the Washington Nationals
The Nationals return to Washington, D.C., for the team’s 20th season of baseball in our nation’s capital. First pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates is scheduled for 4:05pm, and gates open at 2:00pm

Easter Events:
Friday-Sunday: Easter Egg Hunt at Green Meadows Petting Farm
(10102 Fingerboard Rd. Ijamsville, MD 21754)
Hunts will be happening all day, between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.  In the past, we had hunts at set hours but now will have them all day!  We will have candy-filled eggs to hunt for.

Friday-Sunday : Great Country Farms Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Harvest
(18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA 20135)
After a long cold winter, nothing chases away the chill like a visit to the farm! Your family won’t want to miss the first “crop” of the spring– Marshmallow Picking!! Do marshmallow peeps really grow on trees? Your children will be amazed to harvest a few marshmallows to roast on the bonfire.  The Easter Bunny also hid some eggs  filled with treats to enchant the children, and we need you to help us find them! There will be multiple egg hunts with timed ticket entrance. Come see spring chicks and baby animals, take a wagon ride, and rejoice that it is spring! The annual Easter Egg Hunt is a $7.99 add-on per child with your paid farm admission. Also taking place April 1.

Friday-Saturday from 10:00am-12:00pm: Eggstravaganza at Tudor Place
Join us for Eggstravaganza!, a favorite spring tradition. Children of all ages can take part in a lively Easter egg hunt and egg roll on the South Lawn. Afterwards, make crafts and take a picture with the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt begins at 10:30 a.m. and the egg roll begins at 10:45 a.m.

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

Friday-Sunday (Various times): Egg Hunt at Clark’s Elioak Farm
(10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042)
Children of different ages (ages 1 to 3 and 4 to 6) will have a chance to hunt for eggs all day (10 AM, 10:30, 11 AM, 11:30, 12 noon, 12:30, 1 PM, 1:30, 2 PM, 2:30, 3 PM, 3:30, 4 PM, 4:30 and 5 PM) on both both Saturday and Sunday March 23-24 and March 30-31. On weekdays (March 25-29) the hunts will be at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 2:30 and 3:30. Our $8 per person admission fee for the farm applies, but there is no extra charge for the egg hunt. The petting farm, rides and play areas are open for you to enjoy.

Saturday from 10:00am-12:00pm: Spring Fest at McLean Community Center
Join your neighbors to celebrate the changing of seasons with self-guided arts and crafts, entertainment and the opportunity for your children to get a photo with Bunny. Bring your camera and smartphone for photos! An MCC staff member will be on hand to take a photo of you and your family.

Saturday from 11:00am-1:00pm: Easter Celebration at the Collective
There will be snacks and an Easter egg hunt. Red Panda Art Studio will provide a special Easter craft.

Saturday from 11:00am-3:00pm: Spring Eggstravaganza at The St. James
Join for an eggstraordinary good time filled with an Easter Egg Hunt, Springtime activities, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and more!

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

Hopefully you have been able to walk around and see the amazing cherry blossoms and other flowers blooming in our area! We have a post with details on where to view them and many places on the list are not on the National Mall.

Matchboxcon is taking over Montgomery County Fairgrounds this weekend. MatchboxCon is a public gathering of die-cast enthusiasts, a fun convention of collectors and buyers.

Friday
6:00pm-8:00pm: Family Flashlight Egg Hunt
Enjoy games and music before the egg hunt begins and don’t forget to bring your camera to take pictures with the bunny and friends.  The cost is $5 per family member, children under 12 months free.  Children under the age of 5 can arrive early for an egg hunt event at 6 p.m. and the flashlight egg hunt event will begin at 8 p.m.  All kids are encouraged to bring a basket to collect eggs, kids attending the 8 p.m. event should also bring a flashlight.

Saturday
9:00am-3:30pm: Great Country Farms Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Harvest
After a long cold winter, nothing chases away the chill like a visit to the farm! Your family won’t want to miss the first “crop” of the spring– Marshmallow Picking!! Do marshmallow peeps really grow on trees? Your children will be amazed to harvest a few marshmallows to roast on the bonfire.  The Easter Bunny also hid some eggs  filled with treats to enchant the children, and we need you to help us find them! There will be multiple egg hunts with timed ticket entrance. Come see spring chicks and baby animals, take a wagon ride, and rejoice that it is spring! The annual Easter Egg Hunt is a $7.99 add-on per child with your paid farm admission.

9:00am-6:00pm: Bunnyland at Butler’s Orchard
Enjoy a hayride down the Bunny Trail, race the Rubber Duck Derby, hunt for colorful eggs, exchange eggs for a goodie basket to take home, visit with the farm’s very own Country Bunny, ride pedal tractors, play in Hayromp and Playground, hop in inflatables, ride the giant slides, see bunnies, lambs and chicks, get your face painted and ride a pony.

10:00am-4:00pm: Family Day: Japanese Fashion
Celebrate cherry-blossom season at the museum with a family day featuring Japanese kimono, “happi” coats and crafts for all ages. Performances of traditional Okinawan dance will showcase the colorful costume of the islands, and guests can enjoy the beautiful melodies of Japan’s national instrument, the “koto.” Design your own kimono bookmark, make a cherry blossom pendant or join us for a family-friendly tour of the galleries, including Japanese textiles on display in Irresistible: The Global Patterns of Ikat. 

11:30am-3:00pm: Cherry Blossom Family Celebration
Celebrate the season of cherry blossoms with SAAM! Begin the day on the F Street Plaza (weather permitting) with a taiko drumming performance by drumming group Nen Daiko. Then head inside to the Kogod Courtyard for Japanese pop, boogie, and more with Les The DJ. Enjoy other performances while children (12 and under) make cherry-blossom themed crafts. Face painting is available for attendees ages 12 and younger. Treat yourself with tasty offerings for purchase from the Courtyard Café. Lastly, a spring-themed scavenger hunt takes you through the galleries for more cherry blossom fun.

1:00pm: Harlem Globetrotters
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters global tour as they take the court with moments of extreme basketball innovation and unparalleled fan FUN! See the Globetrotter stars LIVE as they DRIBBLE, SPIN, SLAM, and DUNK their way past their relentless rivals, the Washington Generals! You’ll be amazed by new levels of mind-blowing trick shots, expert ball-handling skills, and BIG LAUGHS with unrivaled opportunities for pre-game, post-game and in-game fan engagement!

7:30pm: Washington Spirit Homeopener
The Washington Spirit plays its first home match of the 2024 season this Saturday, March 23 at Audi Field against Bay FC. 

Sunday
9:00am-6:00pm: Bunnyland at Butler’s Orchard
Enjoy a hayride down the Bunny Trail, race the Rubber Duck Derby, hunt for colorful eggs, exchange eggs for a goodie basket to take home, visit with the farm’s very own Country Bunny, ride pedal tractors, play in Hayromp and Playground, hop in inflatables, ride the giant slides, see bunnies, lambs and chicks, get your face painted and ride a pony.

9:00am-3:30pm: Great Country Farms Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Harvest
After a long cold winter, nothing chases away the chill like a visit to the farm! Your family won’t want to miss the first “crop” of the spring– Marshmallow Picking!! Do marshmallow peeps really grow on trees? Your children will be amazed to harvest a few marshmallows to roast on the bonfire.  The Easter Bunny also hid some eggs  filled with treats to enchant the children, and we need you to help us find them! There will be multiple egg hunts with timed ticket entrance. Come see spring chicks and baby animals, take a wagon ride, and rejoice that it is spring! The annual Easter Egg Hunt is a $7.99 add-on per child with your paid farm admission.

10:00am-12:00pm: Eggstravaganza at Tudor Place
Join us for Eggstravaganza!, a favorite spring tradition. Children of all ages can take part in a lively Easter egg hunt and egg roll on the South Lawn. Afterwards, make crafts and take a picture with the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt begins at 10:30 a.m. and the egg roll begins at 10:45 a.m.

11:00am-6:00pm: Sakura Sunday
The wait is over and the springtime celebration of the season is here! Come to National Harbor’s official participating event of the 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Sakura Sunday. Join for a wide array of free cultural activities including an artisanal Japanese marketplace, cultural performances, culinary delights, a Sakura Spirits Garden and more!

2:00pm-5:00pm: Purim Family Day
Join Washington Revels and the Seth Kibel Trio for an afternoon of Klezmer music, a Purim spiel (Purim comedy), costumes, and crafts. Make a grogger (noise maker) or a golden crown and celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim at this free, family-friendly event! And, while you are here, spend some time exploring the exhibitions. Crafts and activities start at 2pm. Performances start at 3pm.

3:45pm-5:30pm: Hill Family Biking – Books and Blossoms Ride
Hill Family Biking is teaming up with DC Public Library for a ride to the stunning, new SW Library for a special story time and a librarian-guided tour of the facility with Cherry Blossom peeping opportunities all along the route. They’ll start at Eastern Market Metro and weave down 3.7 miles of some of the most bikable streets in the District to SW Library. They’ll have a scheduled exit from SW Library for anyone that wants to ride back to Eastern Market as a group.

5:00pm-6:30pm: Opening Ceremony of Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature Opening Ceremony is an artistic celebration of the 1912 gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC, and an annual tribute to the longstanding friendship between Japan and the United States. This unique, one-time-only performance will feature special performances from acclaimed artists with ties to both countries.

NSO in your Neighborhood has tons of events this weekend. The National Symphony Orchestra will collaborate with various communities in Wards 6 & 8 to amplify joy, unity, and shared humanity through music and the arts. Partnering with local schools, museums, and organizations, we will honor the history of these neighborhoods, while also building new connections and relationships. Events are open to the public with first-come, first-served seating, unless otherwise noted. Below is the schedule:

Friday
BOOMBOX Boxing Club
7:00 p.m., 1221 Van St SE, Suite 140, Washington, DC 20003
This concert will take place in the boxing ring of this black-owned boutique Boxing Gym.

Saturday
Culture House DC
11:30 a.m., 700 Delaware Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Housed in a former African American church, this community arts space will host a concert centered around its cherry blossom exhibits.

National Museum of the US Navy
1:00 p.m., 736 Sicard St SE, Washington, DC 20374
Established in 1961, this museum displays and preserves significant artifacts that tell the story of US naval history. The Navy Yard itself was one of the first places to employ African Americans in the city.

The Anthem
Full Orchestra Concert
7:00 p.m., 901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
FREE full orchestra concert at this Southwest Waterfront music arena featuring local DC artists.

Sunday
Rubell Museum
11:30 a.m., 65 I St SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Rubell Museum contains an extensive collection of American and international contemporary art. The building that now houses the museum was formerly Randall Junior High School, which closed in 1978 and was a historically Black public school attended by Marvin Gaye.

Covenant Baptist UCC Church
3:00 p.m., 3845 S Capitol St SW, Washington, DC 20032
This African American congregation in Bellevue has survived racial discrimination, changing city demographics, and now gentrification. The concert will take place on Palm Sunday.

Bald Eagle Recreation Center
Full Orchestra Concert
7:00 p.m. 100 Joliet St, Washington, DC 20032
This free performance will feature ­­­­­­­­mezzo-soprano, Marquita Raley-Cooper, DC artist and native.

Plan Ahead
Peter Pan at the National Theatre: April 9-21
Bourbon & Bluegrass at President Lincoln’s Cottage: May 18-19

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

It’s a busy weekend and special week ahead with the Super Bowl (Go Chiefs) & Valentine’s Day! Speaking of, have you gotten your loved ones (or yourself) some delicious chocolate yet?

All weekend
Junie B. Jones, The Musical at Adventure Theatre
It is Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, does not want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting. Featuring a tremendously loveable character and fun-filled songs, Junie B. Jones will capture your audience members’ hearts just as the books captivated an entire generation of students. 

Friday
6:00pm-8:00pm: Kid’s Night Out at Red Panda Art Studio: Pop Art Hearts
It’s almost Valentine’s Day! Get into the holiday spirit with a pop art-inspired Valentine’s heart project.

Saturday
9:30am & 11:00am: Saturday Morning Live! at the National Theatre
The Visionaries of the Creative Arts (VOCA) Ensemble will perform a children’s story, I Don’t Want to Be Me, by Patricia Lee Davis and Jocelyn Mack. This story is about a young African-American girl named Michelle struggling to accept her natural beauty. In the end nature and animals remind her that she is beautiful the way she is and to embrace herself. This story is about self-acceptance and embracing imperfections. Children will participate in an interactive drama about the story

10:30am: The Great Zucchini at Avalon Theatre
The Great Zucchini and Abracadabra Alex are teaming up for one unforgettable belly laughing show. Start the day laughing and clapping with your family! Two of the DC area’s favorite children’s entertainers are teaming up for a not-to-be-missed show at the historic Avalon Theatre! We anticipate this show to sell out so grab your tickets today!

10:30am-3:30pm: Family Day: Make a Magazine at The Library of Congress
In honor of Black History Month, explore the Library’s collections during a magazine-making activity for families inspired by W.E.B. DuBois’ “The Brownies’ Book,” the first magazine for African American children. Join on the mezzanine level of the Thomas Jefferson building with special appearance from honored guest Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden at 1 pm.

11:00am-4:00pm: Lunar New Year Family Festival at the National Postal Museum
The Lunar New Year is right around the corner, so come celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon at the National Postal Museum! Join for FREE crafts, activities, live dance performances and more! Folks from the Smithsonian’s Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) will be leading a trivia game about the Chinese zodiac and our friends from the District of Columbia Public Library are bringing their book bike stocked full of wonderful reading materials about the Lunar New Year and dragons. An interactive Lion Dance—a traditional dance often staged at Lunar New Year celebrations—will be performed throughout the day.

11:00am-3:00pm: Black History Month Family Day at Woodlawn Manor
Part of a quarterly Family Day series: Kids and families of all ages are welcome to drop-in to the Black History Month Family Day. Enjoy story times and hands-on activities celebrating African American heritage and accomplishments as told through this year’s theme: The Arts. Contribute to the “I Have a Dream Canvas”, create your own compass, and follow the path of Harriet Tubman.
The event takes place inside Woodlawn Manor. 

11:15am: Storytime at National Museum of the American Indian
Families are invited to an interactive story time featuring a children’s book by a Native author and in consultation with Native communities. Visitors will engage with objects and photographs that deepen their understanding of the community represented in the story.

12:30pm-2:00pm: Lunar New Year Celebration with Chia Chinese Learning at Red Panda Art Studio
Join in celebrating the Lunar New Year with Chia Chinese Learning! There will be Lunar New Year themed crafts and Chinese language practice.

1:00pm-3:00pm: STEAM Saturday at National Building Museum
The second Saturday of each month, families are invited to join the National Building Museum for STEAM activities related to our new Brick City exhibition. Each activity challenges children to think creatively and experimentally using principles of design thinking and engineering.
NOTE: The beloved area, PLAY, WORK, BUILD area is being taken down on Feb. 19.

3:00pm-7:00pm: Mardi Gras at the Wharf
Watch the parade on Wharf Street, dance to live music, grab a hurricane from the District Pier Bar, and party on!

5:30pm-7:30pm: Kid’s Night Out at Red Panda Art Studio: Beaded Hearts
Drop your child(ren) off for an evening of Valentine’s themed sculpture making! We’ll use wire, beads, and paint to make our own 3D crafty hearts.

Sunday
1:45pm: DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade
The 2024 Annual Chinese Lunar New Year parade is organized by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Washington, DC (CCBA) in partnership with the DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA). In the lunar calendar, it will be the year 4722! The streets of DC Chinatown will fill will revelers and spectators as we celebrate the Year of the Dragon. We will host a dynamic community-based parade that will include a range of cultural and community performers. The finale will feature a firecracker show in the middle of H Street. Come early for a bite to eat at one of the many local eateries and restaurants and then grab your curb-side vantage point to witness the colorful pageantry to come!

Recent posts:
Summer camp guide
Ski and snowboard near DC
Ice skating

Plan ahead:
Peter Pan at National Theatre

Guide to 2024 summer camps in the Washington, DC Metro Area

We are grateful to our 2024 summer camp sponsor; Camp KidJam and our partners; Camp Arena Stage, Steve & Kate’s Camp, and Imagination Stage. Registrations have started at most camps so enjoy finding the one best for your Bambinos and register soon.

Camp KidJam

Camp KidJam is for rising 1st – 6th graders created to encourage growth for kids in their relationship with God and one another. Camp KidJam is excited to partner with National Community Church for a unique Day Camp Experience. We’re bringing all of the creative, engaging elements of CKJ to DC in July!

There will be compelling Bible stories, impactful small groups, fun track activities, crazy team cheers, and of course, unforgettable games. Camp takes place July 22-26, 2024 from 9:00am – 4:00pm at the National Community Church, 700 M Street SE, Washington, DC 20003. Camp costs $300 per person and include programming, activities, supplies, and t-shirt.

Music & theatre camps:

Camp Arena Stage

Camp Arena Stage 
Hosted on the beautiful grounds of Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, Camp Arena Stage is a multi-arts full-day summer camp for ages 8 to 15. A place to explore, discover, and create. 

Campers choose their own schedules from activities in theater, music, visual arts, dance, filmmaking, writing and more, such as acting for the camera, hip-hop dance, musical theater, publishing the Camp Arena Stage newspaper, filming movie trailers and painting — all taught by professional artists and educators. It’s the perfect place to try something for the first time or take current skills to the next level. The skilled staff at Camp Arena Stage is dedicated to seeing, recognizing, and appreciating each individual for who they are and the art only they can make.

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

Camp Arena Stage will have a 3 week and a 2 week session in 2024!
3-week session: July 1 – July 19
2-week session: July 22 – August 2

Imagination Stage

Imagination Stage
Embrace your creativity, explore the arts, and make new friends and great memories with one (or more) of many exciting camp options. Imagination Stage offers 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-week long Summer Camps for ages 4 – 18 at locations in Bethesda, Rockville and Northwest DC from June 10-Aug 23. Imagination Stage provides equitable access to all programming, from added inclusion supports to peer-group access classes in order to provide the most successful experience for each student. Financial aid and payment plans are available. Imagination Stage offers 20% discounts for military, first responders, and school employees. 

Adventure Theatre Camps: Glen Echo, MD
Arts on the Horizon: Alexandria, VA
Bach 2 Rock: Locations throughout DMV
Camp Arena Stage: NW, DC
Camp Levine: NW, DC, SE, DC, Bethesda, MD & Falls Church, VA
Camp Shakespeare: NW, DC
Dance & Gymnastics camps
Encore Stage: Arlington, VA
Girls Rock!: NPR Headquarters
Imagination Stage: Bethesda, MD
Keegan Theatre: NW, DC
The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts: NW, DC
Theater J Summer Musical Theater Camp: NW, DC
Traveling Players Ensemble: Tysons, VA
Young Artists of America: Bethesda, MD

Sports camps:
Bethesda Big Train Baseball: Bethesda, MD
Boating is Fun Camp: Key Bridge Boathouse
Breathing Space Kids Yoga: Capitol Hill, DC
Brit-Am Soccer: Bethesda, MD
Capitol City Circus School: SE, DC
Camp Olympia: Rockville, MD
Circle Yoga: NW, DC
CP Basketball Academy: Olney & Colesville, MD
Dance & Gymnastics camps
DC Fencers Club: Silver Spring, MD
DC Way: SE & NE, DC
Flag Star Football: Locations throughout DMV
Home Run Baseball Camp: NW, DC
HoopEd: Locations throughout DMV
Kids Elite Sports Camp: NW, DC
Koa: Bethesda, MD
My Gym (Camp starts at age 3): Potomac, MD
Nationals Baseball/Softball Day & Overnight Camp: Locations throughout DMV
Next Level Lacrosse: Bethesda, MD
Nike Tennis Camp: GW University
Pedalheads: Alexandria, VA, Bethesda, MD & DC
PPA: NW, DC & Bethesda, MD
Summer at Sienna (Basketball): Silver Spring, MD
Squash on Fire: NW, DC
The St. James: Northern, VA
TopGolf: National Harbor, MD & Gaithersburg, MD
Top Rank Soccer Academy: Potomac, MD
Trapeze School: SE, DC
Urban Evolution: Alexandria, VA
Virginia Outside/Fishing Adventures: Northern VA

Building, coding, educational, STEM & technology camps:
Apple Camp: Locations throughout DMV
ASDEC for Children: Silver Spring, MD & Herndon, VA
ClubSciKidz: Montgomery County
Code Ninjas: Alexandria, VA
Code WizardsHQ: Virtual
iCode Camp: The St. James
idTech: American University
KID Museum: Bethesda, MD
Lavern Camp: George Washington University Foxhall Campus
Mad Science Summer Camp: Locations throughout DMV
Summer at Sienna: Silver Spring, MD
Summer Discovery: Georgetown University
The Lab School Summer: NW, DC
The Lane at Ivy City (Camp starts at age 3.5): NE, DC

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

Multi-interest camps:

Steve & Kate’s Camp

Steve and Kate’s Camp
Since 1980, Steve & Kate’s has put kids in charge of their own learning experience. Kids choose from a variety of activities in real-time, including sewing, coding, maker crafts, baking, sports, and more! As kids try, fail, and learn on their own, they learn to trust their own judgment, and tackle the challenges of the world with creativity and confidence.

Families can buy any number of days, to use at any time–no weekly reservations required. Or, buy a Summer Pass, which covers the whole season. Either way, any unused Passes are automatically refunded at summer’s end. Camp is for kids ages 4–12. Lunch, snacks & all hours (8am–6pm) included in camp. 4 locations include DC Northwest, Chevy Chase, Potomac, MD and Alexandria, VA.

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

County camps:
Arlington County Summer Camps
Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Camps 
Montgomery County Parks & Recreation Summer Camps 
Washington, DC Parks & Recreation Summer Camps 

Holiday gift guide for kids

The holidays are up on us. Hanukkah is in 28 days and Christmas is in 46 days– let that sink in for a moment. Last year’s guide has some amazing gifts, so check that out as well as the below items. We had some help from our Bambinos to make this years guide. Happy gifting!!

Games:

Tetris
Sushi Go
PokemonTCG: Pokemon Battle Academy
Just One
Dog Crimes
The Color Monster
Claw Machine

STEM:

Artie 3000 Coding and Drawing Robot
VTech KidiZoom Creator Cam
Coding Critters
Gravity Maze Marble Run

Art:

Smart Sketcher
Spin Art
Perler Beads
Craft-tastic — Scratch and Sticker Interactive Journal
Mega Arts & Crafts Kit
Ice Cream Slime Kit

Tech:

VTech KidiZoom PrintCam
Kids Kindle
Echo Dot Kids
Osmo – Creative Starter Kit
Mini Drone for Kids

Related posts:
Gift guide for kids
Christmas trees, lights and holiday markets
Hanukkah celebrations
Holiday shows, ballets and concerts
Stocking stuffers under $13
Toys & games that are educational
Indoor & outdoor must-haves
Subscription boxes for children

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

logo design courtesy of New Leaf Design