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
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    • 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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    • 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

Weekend Picks: The disco is back, rock out at the Kingman Island Festival and puppeteers in action

April 24, 2014

We’ve highlighted some exciting events going on in our area this weekend. A weekend sure to please everyone and keep you busy. In case you want to get indoors and see a show check out our ongoing events page for showtimes. Also, it’s the last weekend The Natural History Museum will have the dinosaurs on display. Go see them before they are gone for a few years for renovations and updates. 

Saturday-

8:30am-6:00pm: A Day out with Thomas at B & O Railroad 14DOWT_Verticall-120
(901 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21223)
Little Engineers won’t believe their eyes–or their ears! For the first time ever at Day Out With Thomas™, Thomas the Tank Engine™ will be able to talk to his fans when he returns to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore! 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! Tickets are $20 each for ages 2 and up available. Get tickets here.

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Weekend Picks Tagged: Boogie Babes, disco, festival, fiesta, Imagination Stage, Jammin Java, music, portrait gallery, puppets, spring, theatre, thomas the train, ymca, yoga

Weekday Adventures: A Family Tradition at the Zoo, Garbage to Gardens and a special visit with Thomas the Train

April 20, 2014

Hope you all had a nice weekend with family, treats and nice weather. School is probably back in session for most this week, in case Easter Monday is a school holiday, we’ve got you covered with plans. We also wanted to point out a fun outdoor spot for you to to visit; Rock Creek Park Horse Center. You can take your bambino to visit the horses, talk with employees and watch (if you’re there at the right time) some of the horses going for a stroll or being groomed. (We don’t advise going with friends as horses typically don’t like lots of noises/talking.) Bring a picnic lunch or just stop by for a few minutes. It’s a fun place to visit, out of the norm and it’s a free adventure. 

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Monday-

9:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
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.

9:30am-11:00am: Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for local stay-at-home parents and early rising families of all kinds! Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under. This week features Marsha Goodman-Wood,  a D C-based singer/songwriter and music teacher. Marsha is known for getting kids singing and dancing at her shows, setting little toes to tapping with original melodies that mix generous doses of science and positive social messages into songs that are just plain fun.

10:00am-4:00pm: Easter Monday (a Washington Family Tradition) at the National Zoo African American Family Day
(3001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.)
Please join us for special family-focused activities and live entertainment. We’ll have a traditional Easter Egg Hunt and animal demonstrations as well as visits from the Easter Panda! Admittance is free!

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Weekday Adventures Tagged: aviation, bloombars, Boogie Babes, DC, Earth Day, Jammin Java, National Air and Space Museum, story time, Thomas

Weekday Adventures: Egg hunt, star gazing and paper airplanes

April 13, 2014

We hope you got out to admire the beautiful Cherry Blossoms this weekend. Enjoy the week and let’s hope this weather is here to stay. Friday is a popular day, full of activities! Be sure and keep an eye out for a mid-week post on Egg Hunts in our area.

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Monday-

9:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
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.

9:30am-11:00am: Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for local stay-at-home parents and early rising families of all kinds! Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under. This week features Jessica Smith “Culture Queen”. (Video below is from a child’s birthday party)

 

Tuesday-

10:00am: Museum of Natural History’s Butterfly Pavilion (2nd floor)
(10th St. and Constitution Ave., NW)
Every Tuesday at 10:00am you can get into the magnificent butterfly pavilion for free! Make sure and get a free ticket by the entrance. We visited this last month and were amazed by how many butterflies were flying around, some even landing on a shoulder. Look closely and you could spot a frog under some trees.

10:00am-10:45am: Tudor Tots: Growing Gardeners at Tudor Place
(1644 31st St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20007)
Tudor Place, which has enchanted young children for almost two centuries, invites your child to join us Tuesday mornings to read, sing, and play in the garden. Children and parents or care-givers will participate each week in a read-aloud, singing, and themed movements related to a theme, such as Adventurous Animals or Growing Gardens. Children enjoy active learning and sharing this tranquil setting with the grown-ups who care for them. $5 per session, recommended for kids ages 2-4.

11:00am: Story time at National Air and Space Museum 2313522
(14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151)
“Flights of Fancy” staff will 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. Featured story is How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman.

Wednesday-

10:00am-11:00am: Story time at The Kreeger Museum
(2401 Foxhall Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007)
Children ages 3-5 and an adult companion are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, analysis of works of art from the collection, a story and a hands-on art-making experience. Class size is limited to 10 children. Pre-registration is required. Payment due at time of registration. An adult must remain with the child throughout the program.

10:30am: Boogie Babes presents The Singing Lizard at Union Market
(1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC. 20002)
Access the free market parking lot from 6th Street NE or travel via metro to NoMA-Gallaudet. Come early for coffee and stay for lunch!

4:00pm-4:30pm- Young Planetarium at Rock Creek Nature Center children-play-planetarium-14150020
(5200 Glover Road, NW Washington, DC)
Calling all kids: learn about the twinkling stars and wandering planets of our night sky during this children’s planetarium program.

4:00pm-5:30pm: Free Art Wednesdays at Create ART
(Silver Spring Civic Building – 1 Veterans Plaza)
Join Create ART in this wonderful new FREE after school art workshops – improv, sewing, comics, & more! Kindergarten-5th grade students welcome. Register online.

5:30pm: !Uno, Dos, Tres con Andres! at BloomBars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
!Uno, Dos, Tres con Andres! is a sure bet every time. Children of various ages enjoy this interactive show that teaches Spanish language and Latin American culture.

 

Thursday-

10:00am: Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
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.

10:30am: Boogie Babes presents Bridgette and Dawn at Eastern Market
(225 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003)
Our most popular show of the week! Join us at Historic Eastern Market’s North Hall (closest to South Carolina) for a lively concert, grab lunch and shop for dinner. Access to the North Hall via the market for Boogie Babes. Eastern Market Metro is two short blocks away.

10:30am: The Great Zucchini at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Get tickets here for The Great Zucchini, Washington’s funniest and most magical preschool and kindergarten entertainer, performs a colorful magic show where every child is a star and guaranteed to laugh. Experience the excitement of the children when they get to learn a magic trick at the end of show.

Friday-

10:00am: Songs, stories & puppets at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
30 minutes of storytelling, dancing, singing and entertainment just for kids under 5.

10:30am: Rocknoceros at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
As every family with youngsters in the DC area already knows, Rocknoceros (pronounced like rhinoceros) is three guys: Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie, who make wildly popular, award-winning music for the whole family. Tickets are $5.

10:30am: Boogie Babes presents Marsha Goodman Wood at Atlas Performing Arts
(1333 H Street NE Washington, DC. 20002)
Join us at the ATLAS Performing Arts Center along the H Street Corridor. Snack bar and bathrooms are easily accessible. Lots of good and kid-friendly lunch options within one to three blocks!

10:00am-3:00pm (Select time):  Annual Egg Hunt at Meadowside Nature Center easter-egg
(5100 Meadowside Ln. , Rockville, Md)
Search for real eggs through our meadows, then dye and decorate the eggs you find. Event includes other on-going Spring-related activities throughout the day. Fun for the entire family! Reservations are required (we want to be sure we have enough eggs for all!) Please register and pay for all attendees. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 2-12yrs; $8

11:00am- Story time at National Air & Space Museum  
(601 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20597)
(14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151)
“Flights of Fancy” staff will 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. Featured story is You Can’t Do That Amelia! by Kimberly Wagner Klier in DC and How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman in VA.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Paper Airplane Day at College Park Aviation Museum boythrowingplane
(1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park 20740)
Build and test your own paper airplane before entering it in our annual Paper Airplane Derby. The derby starts at 3 pm and prizes will be awarded! $4/adults, $3/seniors 60 & up, $2/children 2-18, FREE/1 & under.

2:00pm-4:00pm: Afternoon Aviators at College Park Aviation Museum
(1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park 20740)
Have an airplane enthusiast? We have the perfect museum for them, off the busy National Mall. Join for a fun, hands-on aviation-themed activities. A weekly series for children ages five and up.

1:00pm-4:00pm: The National Portrait Gallery presents Open Studio Fridays
(Eighth & F St NW, Washington, DC 20001 – Education Center, Room E151)
Friday afternoons at the Gallery feature some creative and free fun! Check out a Portrait Discovery Kit to explore the museum and try a different selection of art material each week.

4:00pm-4:30pm: Creature Feature at Rock Creek Nature Center
(5200 Glover Road, NW Washington, DC)
Calling all kids: come meet Pokey, Atwee, Tiki, Oscar, and Fire during this informal program. Learn about park wildlife and then assist us in feeding the Nature Center’s live critters. Geared for ages 4 to 10.

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Filed Under: Weekday Adventures Tagged: aviation, bloombars, Boogie Babes, DC, egg hunt, Family friendly, Jammin Java, National Air and Space Museum, paper airplane, portrait gallery, story time

Weekday Adventures: DC United open practice, lantern walk and free ice cream

April 6, 2014

Have a soccer fan at home? What about a bambino with a sweet tooth? Music enthusiast? Budding artist? We’ve got you covered this week. Get out and enjoy the week.

Monday-

9:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
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.

3:30pm-5:30pm: DC United Open Training at Cardozo Education Campus 
(1200 Clifton St NW Washington, D.C. 20009)
Perfect for the soccer lovers in your family! Admission to the practice is free. At the conclusion of training, players will be available for an autograph session where fans are encouraged to bring memorabilia for players to sign. During the event, participants will have the opportunity to enter to win D.C. United autographed merchandise and tickets. Discounted tickets to the D.C. United vs. New York Red Bulls match on April 12 at RFK Stadium will also be sold on site.

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Filed Under: Weekday Adventures Tagged: bloombars, Boogie Babes, DC, ice cream, Jammin Java, soccer

Weekday Adventures: John Henry, Tall Tales and a musical happy hour

March 30, 2014

Spring has Sprung, supposedly. There are a few spring sessions at Nature Centers this week, if weather permits they sound like a lot of fun. Boogie Babes is also hosting another Happy Hour this week at Union Market that will be a big hit. Have a great week full of adventures with your Bambino!

Monday-

9:30am-11:00am- Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets Unknown
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for local stay-at-home parents and early rising families of all kinds! Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under. This week The Singing Lizard will be there to rock out.

9:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
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.

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Weekday Adventures Tagged: Andres, bloombars, Boogie Babes, building museum, Family friendly, Jammin Java, singing lizard, story, theatre

Weekday Adventures: Kinderman, Storytime Station and Scooby-Doo

March 23, 2014

Hope everyone enjoyed the nice weather this weekend that lasted just a day (sigh). Spring is approaching soon, right? Right? Until then, we here at Beltway Bambinos are off for a few weeks of fun in the sun in Florida. We are hoping to publish as normal while we are defrosting by the pool.

A few school districts have a scheduled day off that is approaching, unless they’ve changed plans due to all of the snow days. If you are trying to plan ahead to your child being off of school (again) check out our post on places you can send your child to have a hands-on, active day.

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Monday, March 24-

9:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
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.

  [Read more…]

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Filed Under: Weekday Adventures Tagged: bloombars, Boogie Babes, DC, Jammin Java, Kinderman, music, National Air and Space Museum, scooby doo, story time

Weekday Adventures: Mr. Skip, a rainforest play and Harambe

March 16, 2014

Say it ain’t so…..more snow?! Before heading out tomorrow to any of the picks, check to make sure they are open.  We have had a few posts geared towards surviving (another) snow day, check them out for ideas and local sledding hills. Our Pinterest page has some indoor activities and craft ideas as well.

Monday, March 17:

9:30am- Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
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.

9:30am-11:00am- Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for local stay-at-home parents and early rising families of all kinds! Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under. This week Marsha Goodman-Wood is performing. Suggested donation of $5.

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Weekday Adventures Tagged: bloombars, Boogie Babes, DC, Jammin Java, Montgomery County, National Air and Space Museum, St. Patricks Day, theatre

Weekday Adventures: Georgia O’Keeffe, Amelia Earhart and Date Night(s)!

March 9, 2014

Hope everyone was able to enjoy the beautiful weather on Saturday. We spent all of Saturday at the playground, not sure if our son was more excited or if we were. We are looking forward to the days staying brighter, longer.

We created a post on exploring DC, VA and MD indoors. You can find at the top of the homepage “Indoor Fun” as well as here. Whether it’s to escape the cold or beat  the heat, we hope you find it useful. Have a great week and hopefully your kids will be back on a regular sleeping routine in no time!

Monday, March 10:

9:30am-11:00am- Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for local stay-at-home parents and early rising families of all kinds! Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under. This week The Singing Lizard will be there to rock out.

10:00am-11:30am- Open Studio for Toddlers at Art Space
(614 S St NW, Washington, DC. 20001)
Toddlers and their accompanying adult are encouraged to come and create age-appropriate art projects. Rachel Dickerson Brunswick and her 2 year old daughter, Ona, will set up materials for safe, fun, and creative projects. Children will learn the art or cleaning up as well! Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in. Siblings are welcome. $5 drop in fee.

10:30am-11:30am- Young Portrait Explorers: Georgia O’Keeffe at National Portrait purple-petunia.jpg!BlogGallery
(8th and F St Washington, DC.)
Become a Young Portrait Explorer and discover the National Portrait Gallery through history and art. Activities include looking at a portrait by American artist Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986), listening to a story about her, and participating in a hands-on activity. TOddlers up to age 5, registration is required.

 

Tuesday, March 11:

10:00am- Museum of Natural History’s Butterfly Pavilion (2nd floor)
(10th St. and Constitution Ave., NW)
Every Tuesday at 10:00am you can get into the magnificent butterfly pavilion for free! Make sure and get a free ticket by the entrance. We visited this last month and were amazed by how many butterflies were flying around, some even landing on a shoulder. Look closely and you could spot a frog under some trees.

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Weekday Adventures Tagged: art, bloombars, Boogie Babes, DC, Jammin Java, National Air and Space Museum, Natural History Museum, train

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