crafts

Device free road trip activities and games for families

May 24, 2021

Memorial Day and summer typically mean people hit the road for vacation and this year is no exception as families may not be comfortable flying and many more will be on the road. We were eager to find some ways to occupy our kids in the car {as we plan our longest road trip yet} that invites them to put down a device for part of the trip.

Travel games: Scavenger hunt, License plate BINGO, Road trip BINGO, Guess in 10, STEM cube, 20 Q electronic game, fidgets and sensory toys

Crafts: Dry erase travel board, Wiki sticks, Vacation activity kit, No-mess glitter dot , Travel pad with a variety of games, Mess-free coloring and a Travel journal

Listen to family-friendly Podcasts and books on tape through Audible. I like to pop in my AirPods and listen to a book on tape on car rides– a bit of silence!

No need for anything–play old school games: I-Spy, 20 questions, Play the license plate game aloud, “I’m going on a trip/picnic and bringing…”, The alphabet game, Who am I? & Round-robin story telling are a few. Just google the names of them to get a refresher on the rules.

Rest stop games: Bring a ball to kick around, throw a jump rope in the car, play Simon Says and try to challenge Simon to be active

Create a playlist and have a sing-along. You can print some lyrics for kids who can read and they can sing the words.

Give your kids a camera to document their trip. Be sure to stock up on film. This also comes with a photo album they can just put the pictures right into.

Helpful to have: Car seat lap activity tray, Fill up this container with snacks, Kids travel pillow, Kids headphones that connect to each other, Travel Jane disposable urinal, Portable potty, Wet wipes, Organizer, Cooler & Tray in 1, UV Window shade

Related posts:
8 games to play in the pool + water play must haves!

Disclaimer: This road trip list full of essentials and games and contains affiliate links, which means that should you click any of the links and make a purchase I may get a small commission at absolutely no cost to you.

Thanksgiving books, crafts, games and volunteer opportunities for families

November 19, 2020

Thanksgiving themed books-
Balloons Over Broadway
Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving
How To Catch A Turkey
The Great Thanksgiving Escape
The Story of Pilgrims
Would You Rather? Thanksgiving Edition
Thanksgiving on Thursday: Magic Treehouse
Thanksgiving Activity Book

Crafts & games-
We have added some fun activities and games to our Pinterest page to get your kids thinking about what they are grateful for. Our family will be creating a grateful tree and I love the idea of having them create a handprint runner and decorating it for our dinner on a long sheet of inside out wrapping paper. A few more of my favorites that are on our Pinterest page are:
-Disguise the Turkey
-Thankful Banner
-Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

Need last minute Thanksgiving decor? Check out Caravan Shoppe for downloadable (send to a local print shop) interactive decorations!

Volunteer opportunities are a bit different this year but nonetheless more important than ever.

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.

Toys and games worth buying that are actually educational

May 6, 2020

Over the past 56 days we have started to discover toys and games that have been buried in drawers or sitting on shelves. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite things. Leave us a comment with what your Bambinos have been playing with.

Weaving loom
The Melissa & Doug Wooden Multi-Craft Weaving Loom includes everything kids need, including adjustable wooden loom, oversize wooden needle, craft materials, illustrated design booklet, and 91 yards of rainbow yarn.

Wooden Digital Rod Counting rods Number Cards and Counting Rods with Box
Includes 5 math signs and 19 numbers 0 to 9 and 52 counting rods.

Simple Sewing Kit
Includes everything you’ll need for 2 cardstock practice projects and 3 final projects.

Snap Circuits Jr
Build over 130 different electronics circuit projects with 30+ electronic parts! Construct working models of a photo sensor, a flashing light, an Adjustable-Volume siren using parts such as glow-in-the-dark flying propeller, phototransistor, LEDs, resistors, a DC motor and much more!

Rush Hour Traffic Jam Logic Game
Rush Hour is the classic traffic jam logic game and one of the all-time most popular STEM toys and gifts for boys and girls ages 8 and up Contains 40 challenges from beginner to expert, a game grid, cars, and a game-go storage bag.

Fashion Plates
Just place your sketch paper, pass the rubbing tool over and transfer your design easily. Includes 15 fashion plates, 20 sheets of paper, 8 colored pencils, 2 rubbing crayons, 1 crayon holder, 1 drawing tablet, 1 fashion carrying case and 1 fashion folio idea guide.

Light Up Tracing
Includes Coloring Board, Graphite Pencil, 12 Short Colored Pencils, 10 Tracing Sheets, and 10 Blank Sheets. 3 AA batteries required – sold separately. Various themes to choose from.

5 Second Rule
Pick a card, read the seemingly easy topic, then start the timer! With only 5 seconds to name 3 things that fit the topic, it doesn’t seem so easy!

Below are previously linked items from this blog post of resources and games that definitely worth having on hand–
Kumon Workbooks
Kumon Workbooks
Scavenger Hunt for Kids ages 6+
Flash Cards
Brain Boosters choose an age
Guess in 10 Game ages 6+
Treasure Hunt Game ages 3+
Brain Quest Cards comes in each grade level
Boredom Busters ages 3-6
Educational Placemats
Mind Challenge ages 6+
Tabletop Magnetic Whiteboard

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.

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

January 19, 2018

This is one of those weekends that I wish I could be in more than one place at a time. There are so many great events going on. In addition to the weekend events there are new performances starting so be sure and grab some tickets and support our local theatre while instilling a love of theatre in your Bambinos.

Have you entered to win 4 tickets to Disney on Ice presents Frozen yet? Winner will be announced February 6, 2018!

Saturday-

9:30am AND 11:00am: Rocknoceros at National Theatre
Get ready to twist, shake, rattle, and roll as Rocknoceros gets the family on their feet dancing to upbeat tunes. Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie have been making award-winning music for the whole family since 2005. Not only are they one of DC’s most well-loved bands, but they have also gained recognition in Austin and Chicago. FREE

10:00am: Toddler Trailblazers: Up, Up and Away
Our workshops offer a variety of hands-on experiences that introduce young children to concepts in engaging ways. Each class includes playful activities that are intentionally chosen to support your child’s development. Our learning extends beyond the classroom and into the museum and community where children and parents are encouraged to wonder and explore together as a family. Come take a pretend hot air balloon ride with us! The class will imagine floating up, up, and away before visiting the National Air and Space Museum to further explore hot air balloons.

10:00am-12:00pm: Kids Club at Michaels: Pony Bead Snowflakes
They make, you shop! Kids 3 and up and can enjoy making snowflakes with chenille stems and pony beads. All supplies provided. Parent or guardian must remain on the premises. $2 fee

10:00am: Twos Travelers: Yellow Submarine
Our workshops offer a variety of hands-on experiences that introduce young children to concepts in engaging ways. Each class includes playful activities that are intentionally chosen to support your child’s development. Our learning extends beyond the classroom and into the museum and community where children and parents are encouraged to wonder and explore together as a family. Dive deep into the Ocean Hall at the National Museum of Natural History and learn about the type of transportation we would need to travel below the surface of the water. Along the way we will explore the different ocean zones and the creatures that inhabit them.

10:30am-2:30pm: A Library + Art Pop-Up At Hirshhorn
Check it out! Find our cart in the galleries and check out a fun kit full of our favorite finds for kids. Each kit is an art meets reading adventure, with a special theme, children’s book, suggested artworks for viewing, and hands-on art making materials.

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 with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Baby Beluga is the featured story.

10:30am: Mr. Jon & Friends at Jammin Java
Mr. Jon & Friends is Parents’ Choice Award winning music for kids and their families. This energetic family music is all about fun, movement, and laughter!

11:00am-2:00pm: Family Afternoon: Pop Up Tents at National Building Museum
Construct an awe-inspiring fort from newspapers. Find out how a triangle’s strong shape can brace your structure and keep your fort standing longer. Create tetrahedral caverns small enough for one or big enough for your entire clan. Little ones can explore how to build forts all year round, even in the cold winter months, during a story time with local Megan Wagner Lloyd. Enjoy a reading of her children’s book, Fort Building Time, and then pick up your very own copy in the Museum Shop.

11:00am-1:00pm: Children’s Workshop: Will It Be a Bonsai or a Big Tree? at National Arboretum
Every tree seedling has its fate, and in this workshop, you can learn how that fate is determined. One adult and one child will have a special day together as they work as lab partners, using their “scientist eyes” to observe details and make comparisons. We’ll learn about plant physiology, ecosystems and bonsai history, too. At the close of class, each research team will receive a seedling whose fate they will decide. Will your tree go through the rigorous training to become a bonsai or will you plant it outdoors in spring to grow up wild, big and free? Be sure to bring warm coats since we will be in an open exhibit area for part of the workshop. This activity is not recommended for participants under the age of 8, and is geared to children in the third and fourth grades. Due to limited classroom space, strollers can’t be accommodated. Fee: $25 per child-adult pair ($22 FONA/NBF) Registration required.

1:00pm-3:00pm: KidzJam
Kids ages 2-4 are in an exciting stage of life where their imaginations are dynamic and almost anything can be a game. During KIDZJAM, they get structured play time with other kiddos, which is an opportunity for them to develop social skills. Books, toys, puzzles, dolls, trucks, art, and games will keep them busy and entertained. Through interactive stations, energetic team games, and silly GoNoodle songs, kids in grades K-5 will develop their teamwork skills. Most kids love a challenge, especially when they are cheered on and encouraged by our friendly leaders. We want your kids to walk away from this experience knowing how to respectfully cooperate with others, even when they have different ideas or opinions. $10 per session (dates in February, March and April also)

Sunday-

11:00am AND 3:00pm: Laurie Berkner at The Gordon Center for Performing Arts
Children’s music icon Laurie Berkner brings her signature blend of whimsical lyrics and indie folk pop melodies to the Gordon Center in a solo show. Laurie’s hit songs like “We Are the Dinosaurs” and “Victor Vito” are featured on children’s networks Nick Jr. and Sprout, in Off-Broadway children’s musicals, and in children’s books. Be sure to catch the artist People magazine calls “the queen of children’s music” and the New York Times has dubbed “the Adele of the preschool crowd.”

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
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. Featured story: The Snowy Day.

3:00pm-5:00pm: Jumpin’ January Dance Party at Kensington Town Hall
The event will include crafts, a reading room, and dancing led by A-Squad Entertainment. Admission is $5 per person ($20 max per family). Please RSVP above.

5:00pm: Step Afrika! Step Xplosion at Strathmore
Step Afrika!’s fourth annual showcase at Strathmore is going to be big! Percussive dance styles historically practiced by African American fraternities and sororities plus African traditional dance and art forms from around the world come together as Step Afrika! integrates songs, storytelling, and humor into a highly entertaining, interactive show. Watch as the top step teams from across the country showcase the kind of technique and agility that inspires audiences everywhere, and see how Step Afrika! promotes stepping as an educational tool for young people, promoting teamwork, academic achievement, and cross-cultural understanding.

Weekday Adventures: April 24-28, 2017

April 23, 2017

DC Library has so many wonderful family-friendly events from story times, lego build afternoons to movie nights.

Toddler Time at Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park is a great shared experience for child and parent. A time for your little ones to discover the joy of being active, bouncing under the supervision of their parents, and without interference from the big kids. Toddler times are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: (9:30AM – 11:00AM), Sunday: (8:30AM – 10:00AM) for $7.00.

Monday-

9:30am-11:00am- Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(234 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012)
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for early rising families of all kinds. Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under.

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.

10:00am-11:30am: Toddler Art Time at New Community ArtSpace + Story time
(614 S Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Valentine making and story time! We will be closed next week. $5/child + supply donations are welcome. Special story time at 11:00am. with Ms. Julie from DC Library.

10:30am AND 11:00am: Storytime at The National Postal Museum
(2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum invites adults and young children (ages 2-3) to discover the world around them together at our monthly StoryTime. Children will build important developmental and social skills through books, activities, songs and self-guided gallery exploration. Explore themes, such as shapes, colors, and sizes, in a relaxed setting at your neighborhood museum. Feel free to bring snacks and enjoy the space after the program! Free- no reservation required.

10:30am-11:00am: Songs and stories at Politics and Prose
(5015 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008)
Come sing-along to your favorite songs. Grab a treat in the cafe afterwards or hang out reading books.

Tuesday-

10:00am AND 11:30am: Shadow Puppets at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
This shadow puppet stage show will feature a variety of characters and menagerie of traditional and original songs. It explores themes that center around the seasons, the environment, as well as learning components of music.

12:30pm: 10:30am: Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp at Adventure Theatre
(7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
This is Aladdin as you’ve never seen it before. Aladdin and his love, the princess Adora, must outsmart an evil Magician who wants to use the genie in Aladdin’s lamp for his nefarious schemes! Will he get away with it? Get ready for love, magic, and mystery in this production for all ages.

Wednesday-

10:00am-4:00pm: Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly and Caterpillar Exhibit at Brookside Gardens
(1800 Glenallan Avenue Wheaton, MD 20902)
The seasonal display features hundreds of live butterflies from all over the world OPENS TODAY. Families, students, nature lovers, and everyone in between can get an up close experience of these brilliant butterflies from North America, Costa Rica, Africa and Asia as they soar among colorful flowers. Visitors can learn about their amazing metamorphosis, the important role butterflies play in having healthy ecosystems, and how to ensure these beautiful insects thrive in our own gardens. $8 ages 13+, $5 ages 3-12 and Free ages 0-2.

10:00am-11:00am: Little Treasures at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
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!

5:30pm-6:30pm: Samba Kids
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Join Zezeh Brazil (Sao Paolo), former carnaval queen, radio personality and dance instructor extraordinaire for child & family samba dance lessons. It’s never too early to learn the infectious dance of the world’s 5th largest country. Samba Kids is the perfect introduction to movement and rhythm, not to mention Portuguese. The classes starts with yoga followed by a dance class to the sound of Brazilian carnival music for kids.

7:00pm: Family Craft Night at Chevy Chase Library
(5625 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20015)
Arts and crafts for children of all ages.

Thursday-

10:30am: Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp at Adventure Theatre
(7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
This is Aladdin as you’ve never seen it before. Aladdin and his love, the princess Adora, must outsmart an evil Magician who wants to use the genie in Aladdin’s lamp for his nefarious schemes! Will he get away with it? Get ready for love, magic, and mystery in this production for all ages.

10:30am: Guava Jelly at Eastern Market with Boogie Babes
(225 7th Street SE- North Hall)
The Boogie Babes program brings 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 DC Diaper Bank’s work and mission. $6 per child (siblings under 6 months free!)

Friday-

10:00am-11:30am: Nature Explorers Together at Locust Grove Nature Center
(7777 Democracy Boulevard Bethesda, Maryland 20817)
Parents and caregivers will have the chance to play, create, and learn right alongside their little nature explorers. Classes will include hands-on, nature based activities that encourage imaginative play, curiosity, and cooperation. The majority of the class will be outdoors, barring extreme weather, so be sure to dress for the weather. $10

4:00pm-6:00pm: BINGO at Guy Mason Recreation Center
(3600 Calvert Street, NW)
If you like meeting people, playing games, having fun and winning prizes! Mix and mingle with neighbors and friends while playing BINGO! Win nice prizes, and have fun without having to travel far… So come on out and join us in BINGO at Guy Mason! For more information, please contact Ms. Bell at (202) 727-7703

Weekend Picks March 24-26

March 24, 2017

With the gorgeous weather headed here on Saturday, I’m guessing the Mall will be packed with those trying to get a look at cherry blossoms. Here is the event page and the opening ceremony is on Saturday from 11:30am-3:00pm which is child-friendly with performances, face painting, and cherry-blossom themed crafts. For those who don’t wish to be in a large crowd head to Kenwood in Bethesda, Maryland and walk the streets at your leisure.

(Photo: The National cherry blossom festival parade that ends the festival’s celebrations)

Weekend Easter Egg Hunts & Activities begin this weekend at Ticonderoga! Admission Ages 2 & Up $14.95 per. Hunts will take place promptly at 11:00am and 2:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays, during Spring Festival dates. Meet and Greet with the Easter Bunny and find the Golden Goose Egg for an extra special prize! There are many other activities included with your admission to enjoy, including: giant slide hills, huge jumping pillows, hayrides, animal feeding areas, pedal kart track, swinging bridge, and much more! There will be 3 different age groups in separate areas for each Egg Hunt: Ages 0-3, 4-6, and 7+. Food vendors will be on-site for Full Plate items, tasty treats and snacks from 11 am-4 pm. Entrance gate will close at 4:00 PM daily.

Saturday-

9:00am-3:00pm: K-12 STEM Symposium at The Nysmith School
(13625 EDS Dr. Herndon, Virginia 20171)
The K-12 STEM Symposium is a free and exciting all-day forum that equally engages children, parents, and teachers, coupled with corporate, government, academia and non-profit executives alike from the STEM fields. Kids can get first-hand experience with drones, coding, 3D printing, space and more!!

9:30am AND 11:00am: Bilbo’s Journey at National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20004)
Everyone loves the cherished tale of a home loving little Hobbit who finds himself on an adventure he could never have imagined! On his perilous trip he meets elves, trolls, a wizard, a dragon…and ssssomething ssstrange called a Gollum. Travel with this brave little Hobbit through dangerous and wondrous terrain, and then, happily, back home again. Tickets are free.

10:00am-3:00pm: Japanese Culture Day at Young Readers Center
(Thomas Jefferson Building, Room # LJ-G29 (Ground Floor) Library of Congress 10 First Street, SE, Washington, DC 20540)
The (FREE) Japanese Culture Day introduces children and adults to Japanese culture through hands-on origami artwork creation, trying on kimonos and other activities. Cherry Blossom princesses from the last few years will instruct children in the art of tiara-making. At 11:00am and 1:30pm, the Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C., will present “Japan-In-A-Suitcase,” a program about Japanese life and culture. Following each of these presentations, Tsuyoshi Takemori of DC Yamato-juku Karate Club will demonstrate karate. Additional attractions for children are being planned. Children may also explore the Library’s Young Readers Center, which contains current and classic children’s literature.

10:00am: Cántale a Tu Bebé (Sing To Your Baby) Concert at The Mansion at Strathmore
(10701 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD. 20852)
A bilingual music party celebrating the release of Cántale a Tu Bebé, the Spanish-language version of the award-winning book/CD Sing To Your Baby by Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer. Sonia De Los Santos (solo musician and Dan Zanes Band) and Jorge Anaya (DC-area Latino vocalist) join Cathy & Marcy for this intimate event! Learn how to use music for fun, skill development and as an ongoing expression of love in both Spanish and English. It’s never too early (or too late!) to sing with family.

10:00am-3:00pm: Kites of Asia at National Air and Space Museum
(Independence at 6th St)
Celebrate Spring at the National Air and Space Museum’s Kites of Asia Heritage Family Day which is FREE! Talk to kite experts, see pan-Asian kite displays, marvel at indoor kite flying, make your own kite— and maybe even take a dance lesson!

11:30am: The Eagle Huntress film at National Gallery of Art
(6th & Constitution)
Among the isolated Kazakh tribe in the mountains of northwest Mongolia, the long tradition of eagle hunting has only been practiced by men. This documentary follows Aisholpan, a 13-year-old girl, as she trains to become the first female in 12 generations of her family to become an eagle hunter. Her decision causes controversy amongst older members of the community, but Aisholpan boldly embarks on a strict program of training. This inspiring film captures her courage. (Otto Bell, US, 2016, 87 minutes) English narration, and Kazakh with English subtitles. Recommended for ages 11 and up. Shown in collaboration with the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital.

3:00pm: The Lessons of Seneca at GALA Hispanic Theatre
(3333 14th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20010)
In this lively bilingual musical, Séneca, a bookish library mouse, sets out on some adventures with a trio of street-wise barrio mice, a cunning cat, and a good-natured dog. On their outing, these unlikely companions learn valuable lessons about friendship, respect, tolerance and the value of books. The duration of this family show is approximately 55 minutes and is appropriate for ages 4 through 10.

Sunday-

10:30am-12:00pm: Make Room for Matzah at Edlavitch DCJCC
(1529 16^th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036)
Join for a hands-on Passover workshop to get ready for Passover and learn more about this tradition for your interfaith or Jewish family. Your child will make a beautiful Miriam’s Cup to enhance your seder and do a mitzvah for seniors celebrating Passover. Then we will have a Seder Plate Taste Test, as we delve into why we have the things on the Seder plate that we do. Best for ages 3 and up. $15/family and can be paid at the door.

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 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 special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. Activities in Sunday Fun-Day are most appropriate to 3-5 year-olds but 1-2 year-old siblings and friends are also welcome! Featured story: Cock a Doodle Doo, Barnyard Hullabaloo

1:00pm-2:15pm: Missing Glove Monster Crafternoon at Little Loft
(7007 Carroll Ave Takoma Park, MD 20912)
Bring in those random mittens or gloves (knit ones work best) and turn them into cuddly pocket-sized stuffed animals! (We’ll have some extras on hand if you’ve lost BOTH by now 😉 $28, ages 6-1

Weekend Picks February 10-12

February 10, 2017

In case you missed yesterdays post, “Like and Comment” on Beltway Bambino’s Facebook page to enter to win a $50 gift card for your Valentine’s Day shopping from Whole Foods Market! Read all about how I made a low-maintenance, delicious Valentine’s Day dinner from Whole Foods Market. And while you’re there make sure you like our Facebook page for articles, event postings and more.

Make sure you get to attend some of these amazing theatrical productions in our area:

Blue at Imagination Stage– Last show Feb. 12
Ella Enchanted at Adventure Theatre– Feb. 3-March 19
Kitchen Adventures at Encore Stage & Studio- Feb. 9-Feb. 25
The Freshest Snow Whyte at Imagination Stage– Feb. 11-March 18

Refer to the list of upcoming events that you may need to purchase advance tickets or reserve a spot to attend.

zucchini2017-slider-color

(Photo: The Great Zucchini with Barry the Magician at Avalon Theatre)

Saturday-

9:00am-4:00pm: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Open House
(1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910)
Explore your world and learn how NOAA—the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—takes the pulse of the planet every day and protects and manages ocean and coastal resources. Join us on NOAA’s Silver Spring, Maryland, campus for a series of free activities, including engaging talks by NOAA experts, interactive exhibits, special tours, and hands-on activities for ages 5 and up. Meet and talk with scientists, weather forecasters, hurricane hunters, and others who work to understand our environment, protect life and property, and conserve and protect natural resources. Free and open to the public, adults need to show government issued ID.

9:30am AND 11:00am: Skher Brown and The Dancing Warriors at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004)
Explore how the dance-fight art form of Capoeira Angola journeyed from its origins in Central Africa to the shores of South America. Families will experience history through a visual folktale show of spins, kicks, flips, and live music.

10:00am: The Great Zucchini with Barry the Magician at Avalon Theatre
(5612 Connecticut Ave NW)
The Great Zucchini is back with Barry the Magician! Washington’s funniest and most magical entertainers are taking over the Avalon for another colorful show where every kid is the star. The wonder of magic, silliness of comedy, and interactive nature of The Great Zucchini’s performance keeps children on the edge of their seats and guarantees laughter. Tickets: $9.00 / $7.00 for Avalon members (Children under 2 are free)

10:30am AND 1:00pm: Steve Songs at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
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.” $12 advanced tickets, $15 at door

11:00am-12:00pm: hiSTORY time at National Museum of American History
(1st Floor, West Wing: 12th St. and Constitution Ave. NW Washington, DC 20001)
Join us for hiSTORYtime, a new program for children ages 0 to 6. Early learners and their caregivers may drop by to listen to a story and participate in hands-on activities and crafts inspired by objects and themes from the museum collection. Saturdays in February are all about transportation. Come hear stories about things that go, create a car craft, and play with toy cars.

11:00am-4:00pm: Valentine’s Day Card Workshop at National Postal Museum
(2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E. Washington, DC 20002)
Love is in the details at the annual Valentine’s Day Card Workshop at the National Postal Museum! Come out and create heart-felt handmade cards and visit the museum’s stamp store to send the cards to your loved ones with a special Postal Museum postmark. Free, no need to RSVP.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Carnival Family Day at Anacostia Community Museum
(1901 Fort Place SE Washington, DC 20020)
In celebration of the exhibition Gateways, enjoy live entertainment, face painting, mask making, storytelling, and other activities for the kids at this popular annual museum event. See schedule of events online.

1:00pm-3:00pm: Sweet Tea Party at Chevy Chase Community Center
(5601 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20015)
Boys are more than welcome to attend! Young ladies are asked to wear hats and boys bow ties or ties. Lite lunch served along with Valentine’s day card making, cupcake decorating and other activities. Free for youth aged 4-10. Registration is require, email Fran Scott

Sunday-

10:00am-12:00pm: Arts on the Horizon present Nutt & Bolt Exploration Day at UpCylcle Creative Reuse Center
(1605 Cameron St. Alexandria, VA 22314)
Come discover and play with textures at our sensory activity station, visit our sound playground, add to the community wind chime, and make your very own upcycled instrument at our craft station. We’ll also be offering three mini creative movement and storytime workshops at 10:30 am, 11:00 am, and 11:30 am. Purchase tickets online

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Fun-Day at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 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 special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. Activities in Sunday Fun-Day are most appropriate to 3-5 year-olds but 1-2 year-old siblings and friends are also welcome! Featured story: My Heart is Like a Zoo

1:00pm-4:00pm: 7th Annual Mid-Winter Play Day at Takoma Park Community Center
(7500 Maple Ave Takoma Park, MD. 20912)
Let’s Play America is a nonprofit organization that strives to encourage people of all ages to play and helps them create playful events in their own communities. Zumba classes for children and adults as well as other play activities include Balloon Game, Cookie Decorating, Board Games/Puzzles, Crafts, Just Boxes/Face Painting/Play Dough, Pool,ping pong, air hockey, Alternative Games, Comic Jam, Dress-up, Giant Chess/Giant, Corn Hole, And More!

Subscription Boxes…For Children!

December 12, 2016

The last thing my children need are more toys and clothes this holiday season. I love giving my children (and others– this is a great gift!) experiences rather than another toy. Subscription boxes have become a great way for kids to make memories, create something hands-on and have an experience where all of the necessary materials come delivered to their doorstep. Choose a topic that interests your child and test a box out before committing to receiving one every month or every other month. Many of these subscription services offer first time sign-up deals as you visit the homepage which is an added bonus. I tried to cover a variety of topics which includes a cooking subscription box. I can get on board with this and perhaps my 5 year-old can begin to cook the family meals 😉

Raddish is a culinary lesson, creative project, and mealtime solution all-in-one.

They make it easy for families to share delicious, quality time together. Raddish kits never repeat! Kids love mail. They’ll tear into Raddish kits filled with a collectible apron patch, illustrated recipes, tools, and thematic culinary fun like, “Ticket to Japan”, “Food is Art”, and “My Dream Restaurant”. Delicious recipes are packed with math, science, geography, history, culture, and more. Raddish takes the guesswork out of cooking with kids at a fraction of the price of a cooking class. 6 options to choose from for purchase.

Bits Box provides monthly coding projects that teach gradeschoolers how to program apps. It’s a code academy for kids.

Kids look through the materials and pick an app. Every box comes with dozens of coding projects, ranging from simple to more advanced. Kids type the app into the Bitsbox website. Kids start with the code from the book, then change it to make it their own. Kids use and share their apps on any mobile device. Bitsbox apps run on any computer, tablet, or phone with a web browser. There are 4 different pricing options available.

Steve Spangler Science Club allows you to choose from one of three levels of hands-on science kits.

A new theme will be explored every month such as kitchen chemistry, glowing germs, the power of air or bubbling potions, electricity and more. Ideal for kids in grades K-6. Ignite the spark of science and creativity in your child. Learn the real science behind each amazing experiment. 3 packages to choose from for purchase.

Junior Explorers includes lots of fun and natural science learning that gets kids excited to explore a new habitat.

Select the right subscription plan for your Junior Explorer! Our monthly adventures are designed for elementary aged kids ages 5-11 and include both a physical and digital component for hours of fun. Every mission starts with a kit sent home to prep kids for their adventure that month.

Little Loving Hands provides a fun and educational method for parents and caretakers to engage children in learning about the importance of being kind and giving back to others.

Within each Little Loving Hands’ kit, they provide the materials for the craft project as well as the documents and other fun items to reinforce what the children are working on and how they are helping others.

Kiwi Crate, Inc believe that children learn by playing and doing and children are naturally curious and creative.

Koala Crate was created to give preschoolers exposure to new materials, new tools, new techniques, and new concepts that encourage hands-on learning and fun. They are dedicated to inspiring these young scientists, artists, explorers. Below are the various crates they offer. They have 4 different options for purchasing.

Cricket Crate (Ages 0-2)
Koala Crate Play & Learn (Ages 3-4)
Kiwi Crate Science, Art & More (Ages 5-8)
Doodle Crate Art & Design (Ages 9-16+)
Tinker Crate Science & Engineering (Ages 9-16+)

Little Passports Science Expeditions, World Edition, Early Explorers and USA Editions are the subscriptions to choose from.

Select the adventure and subscription plan that’s right for your child. We offer fun and engaging products for children ages 3-14 and offer several different payment plans and gift options.