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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
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    • 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
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    • 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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  • 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
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    • 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
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    • {Winter} Staycation

Spread Kindness for Valentine’s Day

January 13, 2023

You and your children, students, and/or troop members are invited to participate in the annual “Spreading Kindness” community service program that Eliana’s Light, a local non-profit, organizes each year to support children who have serious medical conditions, their caregivers, and their care providers. 

You can be a part of a collaborative effort to share positive messages of kindness, care, and compassion. This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for all ages, schools, organizations, businesses, and associations! Gather your family members, friends, and colleagues as they can participate from anywhere in the world.

To participate: You can work on your own or organize a group at your home, work, school, and/or community organization to:

  • make cards or hospital room signs with messages of encouragement, support and empathy;
  • write on a decorated piece of paper a poem, quote and/or song you write or select that gives uplifting, relevant and appropriate messages;
  • draw a picture or paint a painting of images/scenes that carry messages of renewal, replenishment & well-being
  • design a message, graphic and/or image that you submit virtually.

Deadline: Friday, Feb. 10

Please send an email if you are interested in participating. You’ll receive additional guidelines on the messaging.

How to submit: You can email digital works to Eliana’s Light. To submit paper products, please coordinate with Beltway Bambinos, by emailing us.

Where your submissions will go: They will be shared on social media, via deliveries to local children’s hospitals, and through emails to families Eliana’s Light supports and the doctors, nurses, social workers, case managers, therapists & all the others who care for them.

About Eliana’s Light: Eliana’s Light supports the whole health, well-being and quality of life of DC, MD, and VA families that include children who have medical complexity. They provide critical emotional, financial, and educational support to family members while they connect the caregivers to additional resources. They also advocate for whole health approaches to care in pediatrics and regularly organize volunteer programs that build community and connection while raising awareness on these families and whole health care. Click here or more information.

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Filed Under: Holiday Options Tagged: cards, Elianas Light, kindness, love, valentines day

Create Valentine’s Day cards for pediatric patients with Eliana’s Light

January 12, 2020

Join Beltway Bambinos and members of the DC, Maryland, and Virginia communities in the 5th Annual Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids and Cookies for Caregivers initiative that Eliana’s Light organizes.

Eliana’s Light is a local non-profit organization that supports families with children who have complex medical conditions by focusing on their whole health and well-being. They connect directly with families through customized gift bags, learning events, and online communications; advocate for and raise awareness on whole health, integrative, and integrated approaches to care; and exchange information and resources with caregivers, practitioners, and researchers. They help children and their caregivers feel better while they contribute to a whole health and family-centered approach to pediatrics. A big part of their work involves engaging community members in service projects that support these local families. Collaboratively, community members throughout our region come together to show they care.

WHAT: The Annual Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids & Cookies for Caregivers involves volunteers (of all ages) who make cards for children that will be in the hospital over Valentine’s Day. The initiative also includes making or sending in cookies for the caregivers who support these children. We want the recipients of both to know that members of their community are thinking of them and sending them best wishes. The cards are only for the kids, and should include uplifting messages. The cookies are only for the caregivers (due to the children’s specific dietary needs) and are from healthy-ish nut-free recipes. Some participating groups are only making cards, and some are only making cookies; don’t feel obligated to do both.

WHO: Eliana’s Light will pick up the cards and/or cookies from participating groups, and deliver them to staff at Children’s National Hospital, Inova Children’s Hospital, HSC’s Pediatric Center, the Children’s Inn at NIH, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the Kennedy Krieger Institute. The staff members then disseminate the cards to patients and the cookies to their caregivers (i.e., parents and staff members).

HOW: Here are a few ways you can participate:

  • Organize a group of friends for a Valentine’s Day card and/or cookie making party at your house.
  • Ask your child’s teacher if their class would be interested in making Valentine’s Day cards to support kids and caregivers who will be at these pediatric medical centers in our region. Teachers often discuss topics such as empathy, volunteering, and kindness with their participating students.
  • Donate any supplies you may have for making cards. We welcome red, white, and pink construction paper; glue sticks; stickers; and kid scissors. No glitter please.
  • Make a financial donation to help Eliana’s Light cover the cost of providing some card-making supplies to participating non-profit organizations

-If your group will be making cards, the following is some guidance for your consideration:
Hospital staff have cleared the following messages for inclusion in the Valentine’s Day cards: “You are loved”; “You are surrounded by love”; “I believe in you”; “You are strong and brave”; “I wish you the very best”; “You rock”; “I am thinking of you and sending you love”; “You inspire me”; “You are awesome”; “I hope you have a great day today”; “Be brave”; and “Always remember how awesome you are”. We welcome any way participating kids would like to sign their cards. For example, they can be signed, “First name, grade, school name”, or “X-grader, school name, city name”, or “X-grader, city name”. We’d love some kind of signature to personalize the cards.

-If your group will be making cookies, we’re especially looking for nut-free and low-sugar recipes that will give a tasty boost to caregivers.

WHEN: If you’re interested in participating or supporting this initiative, please email your interest to both myself and Whitney and we will coordinate directly with you. We will need to collect all items by the end of the day on Sunday, Feb. 9th.

Thank you in advance. I am overwhelmed with happiness each year by how many Beltway Bambinos readers participate and share this post. It means the world to me to be helping with such a special project for so many.

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Filed Under: Holiday Options Tagged: cards, Elianas Light, Valentine's Day, Volunteer

Weekend Picks: December 8-10, 2017

December 8, 2017

The holidays have arrived and so have the ballets, concerts and shows! Many happening this weekend, check here for family fun.  It also means there is an abundant amount of holiday lights, trees and ice rinks to visit, see a full list here!

Dollar or Less Day in Baltimore is taking place Saturday & Sunday. In the spirit of the Holidays, Baltimore area attractions will open their doors this weekend and offer free or $1 admission.

Saturday-

9:30am AND 11:00am: Traveling Lantern: A Christmas Carol
Families will enjoy this holiday classic presented by Traveling Lantern. On Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by a series of ghosts, who remind him of the true meaning of Christmas.

10:00am-12:00pm: Maker Mornings: Trace at Hirshorn
In celebration of Ai Weiwei: Trace at Hirshhorn, builders and makers of all ages are welcome to join us on Saturday mornings in December: Check out a kit and create portraits in the Ai Weiwei: Trace at Hirshhorn galleries; Bring your youngest artists for a special Saturday edition of STORYTIME, and then stay and play; Complete a 2D portrait of selected subjects featured in Trace using LEGOS® as a medium; Join in a collaborative 3D portrait challenge; Jump in our photobooth, and create your own portrait to take home.

10:00am-4:00pm: Annual Holiday Card Workshop at the National Postal Museum
Kick off the holiday season by creating heartfelt, handmade cards at the National Postal Museum’s Annual Holiday Card Workshop! We’ll have pretty papers, vintage stamps from around the world and lots of other supplies to inspire your creativity as you create one-of-a-kind holiday greetings. After making your cards, visit the museum’s stamp store to send your cards to friends and family with a special Postal Museum postmark!

10:30am: 1, 2, 3 Andres concert at Chevy Chase DC Library
Free show!

11:00am: Kids Gingerbread House Workshop at DBGB

12:30pm AND 2:00pm: Duke Ellington’s Neighborhood at GALA Theatre at Tivoli Square
Taking kids on an interactive journey through Duke Ellington’s DC to discover how the Duke championed African-American musicians, influenced the Harlem Renaissance, and became an international star. During the 40 minute show, young audiences will learn about the value of hard work and the importance of using imagination. They will have the opportunity to join the band on stage and learn about their different instruments. 

3:00pm: Woodshop for Kids at the Building Museum
Use a drill to craft a wood toy you can give as a gift or enjoy yourself.

4:00pm-7:00pm: Winter’s Eve at Glen Echo
Celebrate the holiday season at the Park’s annual Winter’s Eve event. Enjoy FREE activities including holiday crafts, sing-alongs, story-telling, open studios, and a hot chocolate bar. Browse and buy fine artworks at the Holiday Art Show and artist studios.

Sunday- 

10:00am-11:30am: Meerkat Mania at the National Zoo
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.  $28/child for FONZ members. $35/child for non-members. Registration fee covers one child with adult.

1:00pm-2:30pm: Gift Making workshop for kids at Little Loft Art Studio
Calling all elves! Make your own gifts this season! Our handmade gifts are designed to be practical as well as thoughtful, and they’re a great conversation piece to hear about your child’s creative process and artistic choices. Sign up for one or both. Join in – or drop off and do some holiday shopping in the neighborhood while you wait. Shop small this season – support local businesses! Hot chocolate and holiday music provided. Ages 5-10, $32/day. Also occurs Dec. 17, sign up for one only or both.

1:30pm:  Duke Ellington’s Neighborhood at GALA Theatre at Tivoli Square
Taking kids on an interactive journey through Duke Ellington’s DC to discover how the Duke championed African-American musicians, influenced the Harlem Renaissance, and became an international star. During the 40 minute show, young audiences will learn about the value of hard work and the importance of using imagination. They will have the opportunity to join the band on stage and learn about their different instruments. 

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Filed Under: Weekend Picks Tagged: art, cards, Christmas, Glen Echo, hirshorn, holidays, music, National Building Museum, national postal museum, zoo

Weekend Picks: Be My Valentine this President’s Day Weekend

February 13, 2015

The Kennedy Center Performances for Young Audiences presents: Jack’s Tale: A Mythic Mountain Musical Adventure. This world premiere Kennedy Center co-commission with Nashville Children’s Theatre uses actors and a live bluegrass band to dive deep into the eclectic music traditions of the Appalachians. The result: a delightfully authentic mountain musical! There are 5 shows throughout the weekend, tickets are $20 for the 60 minute musical, best suited for children ages 8+.

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It is George Washington’s Birthday Weekend! Celebrate George Washington’s 283rd birthday this weekend with special activities at Mount Vernon! Enjoy a sample of George Washington’s favorite breakfast on February 14-15 (included in admission). Celebrate the national observance of George Washington’s birthday by attending Mount Vernon’s events free-of-charge on February 16! Admission on Monday is free.

Friday:

DgB6zQkjE0Dyg8bKgwbmXJ-V11:30am-7:00pm- SweetARTS and Valentines at American Art Museum
(8th and F Streets, NW)
Need something special for your sweetie? Looking for a snarky card to send to your BFF? Tired of the same ol’ Valentine’s Day options? Look no further; American Art has what you need. Come on by to make the perfect, personalized card—we supply all the necessary materials at no cost. If you are feeling fancy, horticulturists from Smithsonian Gardens can help you make an orchid corsage for a $10 materials fee, while supplies last.

Saturday:

10:00am- Baby Loves Disco DMV presents Brunch Box at H St Country Club
(1335 H Street, NE, Washington DC 20002)
From the host who brought the DC area Baby Loves Disco since 2008 and owner of Hex9 Productions – we present “Brunch Box” – a pop up Brunch event for families in the DC area debuting at the wildly popular H Street Country Club in the Atlas Arts District of Washington, DC.  Your ticket also includes the entertainment: a balloon twister, The Face Paint Lady!  and other activities. Mini golf and the two shuffle board tables are available for exclusive use for the two hours.  Tickets are $23 pp and children 8 and under are FREE. Get your tickets here.

10:00am- Avalon Theatre presents The Great Zucchini
(5612 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20015)
It’s time for The Great Zucchini to take over The Avalon once again! And he’s bringing in New York’s Charlie & Checkers for their first DC appearance ever! Don’t miss this very special performance from some of the biggest children’s entertainers on the east coast.

10:30am- Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Featured story: Skidamarink

10:30am-11:30am or 1:30pm-2:30pm- Be My Valentine Tour & Workshop for Children at Tudor Place
(1644 31st Street, NW Washington, DC 20007)
Tour the historic mansion in search of Valentine’s Day greetings from long ago. Children then design their own Valentines to take home, drawing artistic inspiration from historic cards in the Tudor Place Archive.

10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm- Steve Songs at Jammin Java15-atxl
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs has been writing and performing his award-winning music for kids and families for the past fifteen years. Steve blends participatory songs, clever stories and great melodies to create what the Boston Globe called “not just a musical journey but an entertaining, interactive and educational one.”

1:30pm-3:00pm- The French Academy presents Saint Valentin Workshop
(Baptist Church of Chevy Chase)
On Valentine’s Day we will talk about LOVE, of course: our best friends, our pets and family. We will prepare cards for our loved ones. Songs, games and treats await you too! Price for our students: $25 for one child/ $20 per child if you sign up two or more. Price for non students: $30 for one child/ $25 per child if you sign up two or more. For children ages 3-12 years old. Register

 

Sunday:

10:00am- Sunday Fun Day at Imagination Stageth
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session you leave with a completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Best for ages 1-3. Featured story: My Heart is Like a Zoo

11:30am-3:00pm- Presidential Family Fun Day at The National Portrait Gallery
(8th and F St NW)
Celebrate President’s Day weekend during a patriotic family day at the National Portrait Gallery. Enjoy a variety of crafts and performances dedicated to our nation’s famous past-leaders.
Meet Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in person and enjoy several art activities like Presidential Polaroid’s and making picture frames.  See performances by the local a capella group, “Snowday,” get your picture taken with the Washington Nationals Racing Presidents, and more.

 

Monday:

th-19:30am-11:00am- Presidents Day Family Storytime Yoga at Lil Omm
(4708 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016)
Storytime Family Yoga with Arts and Crafts with Julia Colton. Storytime Yoga is the perfect family workshop for budding bookworms and reluctant readers alike. Drawing on her experience working at Politics & Prose in the Children’s department and as “the best bed-time story reader ever” (according to several moms), teacher Julia Colton was inspired to combine two of her favorite things: books and yoga. Start with “Ish” by Peter H. Reynolds and then play our way through a few classics of children’s literature with time at the end for crafts based on our favorite stories (Ish drawings & butterfly masks). The workshop costs $30. Children ages 2-3 must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver.Drop-off optional for ages 4-5 years. Sign up here.

10:30am- Rocknoceros at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Spend Presidents Day rocking out with a DC favorite. As every family with youngsters in the DC area knows, Rocknoceros (pronounced like rhinoceros) is three guys: Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie. They have been making award-winning music for the whole family since 2005. 

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Filed Under: Weekend Picks Tagged: art, Avalon Theatre, cards, french, George Washington, Imagination Stage, Jammin Java, Lil Omm, presidents day, Steve Songs, theater, Tudor Place, Valentine's Day, yoga

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