Beltway Bambinos

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

Cicadas are emerging in Washington, DC

A mature cicada dries its wings on a tree branch in Great Falls, Virginia, May 29, 2004. Swarms of 17-year cycle cicadas has returned to the U.S. Capital and its suburbs. REUTERS/Hyungwon Kang HK

They’re coming!! We have some fun resources for you and your family to educate yourself on the insects.

Book:
A cute book for kids Cecily Cicada, a delightful book, written by a mother/ daughter before the 17-year cicada emergence of 2004. They wrote it to ease the insect anxiety of their 3-year-old granddaughter/daughter when they learned the cicadas were coming. It tells the miraculous life of a special 17-year cicada named Cecily in an endearing way. Beautifully illustrated and fun. Patsy Helmetag has re-illustrated the original edition for a bright new look for the cicada emergence of 2021!

Podcast:
My kids loved this Radiolab podcast: The Septendecennial Sing-Along! While most of us hear a wall of white noise, squeaks, and squawks….David Rothenberg hears a symphony. He’s trained his ear to listen for the music of animals, and he’s always looking for chances to join in, with everything from lonely birds to giant whales to swarming cicadas. David Rothenberg explains his urge to connect and sing along, and helps break down the mysterious life cycle and mating rituals of the periodical cicadas into something we can all relate to.

Join virtually:
WAMU event: Cicada’s What’s the Buzz?
A conversation about cicadas on Thursday, May 13, at 7:00 p.m. ET. WAMU reporter Jacob Fenston and The Bug Guy, Mike Raupp, Ph.D., professor emeritus of entomology and extension specialist at The University of Maryland, will be talking all things cicada — from why they stay underground for 17 years to how, exactly, we should prepare to cohabitate with them all summer. Then, get a taste of the insects — literally — with a cicada cooking class taught by Iulian Fortu, chef and founder of Arcadia Venture!

Map & Tracker:
Cicada App

Articles:
Make cicadas fun for kids
Turn it into a science project
DCist explains what you need to know about the cicadas!
Washington Post: Can you eat cicadas? & Updates

Best places to view cherry blossoms that are NOT on the National Mall

As in true pandemic fashion we try to continue to provide you with content that is responsible and thus avoiding crowds. We thought a post on where to view cherry blossoms without the crowds the Tidal Basin draws, may be useful. Yesterday, while driving through DC, the crowds were in full force on the Mall as the blossoms were in full bloom! The National Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from March 20 – April 11 and again has pivoted from their typical celebrations and gotten creative so check out their programs.

  • The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception has over 150 trees.
  • Dumbarton Oaks has a mixture of cherry species as well as other gorgeous spring blooms.
  • US Arboretum has the trees but are spread out, but that’s the best part about heading here; room to roam!
  • Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens Cherry trees surround the parking area and Visitor Center at Kenilworth Park where you can also enjoy birding along the boardwalk.
  • Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland has about 30 cherry trees and other spring blooms at their garden.
  • The neighborhood of Kenwood, Maryland has impressive tree-lined streets. However, this does get very crowded, so if dodging crowds ifs the goal, read on or go very early in the day.
  • Van Gogh Bridge at Lake Anne in Reston has been on our list to visit. There are not many trees however the location on the bridge provides that most scenic and charming photos we see year after year.
  • Rockville Civic Center Park and Glenview Mansion both have trees lining the drive to Glenview Mansion and around the Civic Center Park. You will also find a nature center, playground, and wooded nature walk if you want to extend the trip and stay longer.
  • Did you know the 2nd largest collection of cherry blossom trees in DC are at Oxon Run Park?
  • Stanton Park in Capitol Hill allows you to sit back, have a picnic and lay underneath a small collection of cherry trees.
  • Of course you can walk along the Tidal Basin with the crowds or sit on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial and admire the blossoms from there. Grab sanitizing wipes and rent a paddle boat on the Tidal Basin.

Dino Safari drive-thru experience invades National Harbor

Dino Safari is a fun and educational drive-thru experience that features 40 full-size animatronic museum-quality dinosaurs you can experience from the comfort and safety of your vehicle and is invading National Harbor!

Dino Safari takes audience members – in their vehicle – to “Pangea National Park,” for an up-close-and-personal journey with the most fascinating prehistoric creatures from the mighty T. rex of North America to the giant amphibious Spinosaurus of Africa. 

Dino Safari was created in consultation with paleontologist Dr. Gregory Erickson and features fact-based, educational content in addition to an exciting storyline. Kids and families are guided through the fictional “Pangea National Park” by an audio tour (available in both English and Spanish) that plays through each car’s audio system, featuring fun and friendly characters. Each vehicle is given a “Survival Pack” containing your passport to Pangea with a scavenger hunt and other fun surprises for a more interactive experience.

On the Dino Safari adventure, audience members will learn through an audio narrator how dinosaurs evolved, where they called home, and the discoveries paleontologists have made about how they ate, moved, and behaved. Beware: along the journey, earthquakes might erupt, dinosaurs could battle, and audience members may have to help save a baby dinosaur’s life! So, buckle up for the adventure of a lifetime in this socially-distanced experience, and the perfect family spring break staycation activity.

DATES:
March 18 – April 11

Tickets are priced per car, beginning at $49.95 per vehicle of up to seven individuals, and are available through Dino Safari. Demand has been unexpectedly high with sellouts anticipated. Advance purchase is strongly recommended. 

LOCATION:
The Plateau at National Harbor
Intersection of National Harbor Blvd. & Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD 20745 

5 Plant and Garden Stores in Washington, DC

Photo: Rewild

I have always had a love for gardening but the pandemic has brought to light my obsession of growing indoor plants. Keeping my orchids long after they’ve blossomed and shed that final bloom has paid off. I have found the secret to the exotic plants re-blooming {I’m currently looking at three orchids that have flowered twice since March}. Finding enough but not too much natural light, being careful of your heat sources and understanding how much to water them are a few simple tricks to being successful with your plants.

My next purchase will be a swiss cheese plant, string-of-pearls and a philodendron pink princess! It is not a cheap hobby but one that sure does bring me JOY {and a morsel of healthier air}! I’ve linked 5 of my favorite DC plant stores that not only have amazing plants but also extremely helpful employees that are sure to get you off to a good start whether you already have a green thumb or perhaps aim to have one soon.

Photo: Little Leaf

American Plant: 5258 River Rd, Bethesda, MD 20816 & 7405 River Road Bethesda, MD 20817

Capital City Hydroponics: 821 Upshur St NW, Washington, DC 20011

Gingko Gardens: 911 11th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Little Leaf: 1401 S St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Rewild: 1924 8th St NW Suite #100, Washington, DC 20001 & 3270 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Outdoor day destinations less than two hours from Washington, DC

Last year we created a post full of overnight trips for families that was a hit and our post on outdoor fun is being used tons this summer too for obvious reasons. We know that during these times where summer vacations are cancelled and visits from friends and relatives are on hold, you are searching for ways to get out of your house and on an adventure. Maybe you have crossed some state parks and beaches off your list already and you have already visited the great gardens and trails in our area. Now we present you with a post full of day trips that range from an hour and half to forty minutes and once you’re there you can hike, bike, walk and just be outdoors!

-Places under 90 minutes from DC-

Shenandoah Valley
Hike, head to Luray Caverns, horseback at Rocking S Ranch and more

Appalachian Trail
Day hike or multi-day hike

Harpers Ferry
Check out all of the adventures you can do in Harpers Ferry

Front Royal entrance
You can hike and walk with your dog on many trails.

-Places an hour or less from DC-

Frederick, Maryland
Hike, bike, kayak, tube and fish

Cunningham Falls State Park, Maryland
Lake with a sandy beach, trails, fishing and more

Seneca Creek State Park
Cool off in the water, enjoy lunch at a picnic tables or check out the trails

Float down the Potomac
So many options when it comes to getting on the Potomac

Great Falls Park in Virginia & Maryland
Many things to do including hiking and fishing

C&O Canal
184.5 miles

Sugarloaf Mountain
See the hiking map, a few different routes ranging from 1/4 mile to a 7 mile loop

Sunflower fields throughout our area are in bloom and a great way to spend some time outdoors, capturing natures beauty!

Best places to view cherry blossoms that are NOT on the National Mall

Clearly a lot of families are looking to get outdoors because this post was very well received. We thought a post on where to view cherry blossoms without the crowds the Tidal Basin has may be useful. Cherry Blossom Watch is on and as of now the peak time will be March 20-24, 2020! However, if you are hoping to make it to the Cherry Blossom Festival be sure to visit the link for updated information before heading downtown as some events have been cancelled.

  • The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception has over 150 trees.
  • Dumbarton Oaks has a mixture of cherry species as well as other gorgeous spring blooms.
  • US Arboretum has the trees but are spread out, but that’s the best part about heading here; room to roam!
  • Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens Cherry trees surround the parking area and Visitor Center at Kenilworth Park where you can also enjoy birding along the boardwalk.
  • Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland has about 30 cherry trees and other spring blooms at their garden.
  • The neighborhood of Kenwood, Maryland has impressive tree-lined streets. However, this does get very crowded, so if dodging crowds ifs the goal, read on or go very early in the day.
  • Van Gogh Bridge at Lake Anne in Reston has been on our list to visit. There are not many trees however the location on the bridge provides that most scenic and charming photos we see year after year.
  • Rockville Civic Center Park and Glenview Mansion both have trees lining the drive to Glenview Mansion and around the Civic Center Park. You will also find a nature center, playground, and wooded nature walk if you want to extend the trip and stay longer.
  • Did you know the 2nd largest collection of cherry blossom trees in DC are at Oxon Run Park?
  • Stanton Park in Capitol Hill allows you to sit back, have a picnic and lay underneath a small collection of cherry trees.
  • Of course you can walk along the Tidal Basin with the crowds or sit on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial and admire the blossoms from there. Grab sanitizing wipes and rent a paddle boat on the Tidal Basin.

Spring break camps in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC

Maryland

Red Panda Art Studio– TBA
(5110 Ridgefield Rd, Bethesda, MD 20816)
Join a full session of sensory play and art activities related to the day’s theme. Join for one day or all week! Camp is for kids ages 3-8.

Brit-Am Soccer– April 6-10, 2020
(Next Level: 5420 Butler Rd, Bethesda, MD 20816)
This camp is great for every soccer player in Kindergarten-grade 6, experienced or beginner. Each day starts with a full camp activity which consists of energetic games to get them excited and ready for play. The players are then divided into groups, where they will work on their individual skills and play lots of fun small sided games. Each morning of camp will finish off with the World Cup Competition which is a small tournament with prizes for the winners. During the week we also hold mini competitions to find the “Best Dressed Soccer Uniform” and “Crazy Soccer Hat”. The afternoons are all about scoring goals with shooting games and small group and individual competitions. Campers play their favorite games such as power finesse, swedish fish and penalty shoot outs. After-care option is available.

My Gym– April 6-10 & April 13, 2020
(Bethesda & Potomac locations)
When school is off, My Gym camp is on! Drop your kids ages 3-9 off for three hours of cool and nonstop fun at My Gym including themed games, crafts, gymnastics, sports and snack! Potty Independent please.

Dance Exchange– April 6-10, 2020
(7117 Maple Ave Takoma Park, MD 20912)
Keep your young mover active during breaks as they explore dance in many forms—and create their own choreography. In these week-long camps, youth ages 6-10 move and make alongside Dance Exchange artists and guest artists to explore dance from tango to hip hop, classical to contemporary. Youth will explore what dance and creativity is and can do—both in the studio and out in the world. Camps end with youth blending what they learn into original choreography. 

KOA Multisport Camp– April 6-10, 2020
(4960 Boiling Brook Parkway North Bethesda, MD 20852)
Spring Break means school’s out, so lets’s play! Join Koa Sports for our Multisport Spring Break Camp at Koa HQ. This camp is for kids in PreK- grade 8 looking to be active and have fun while school is out for the week. They have access to outdoor fields at Jewish Day Upper School & swimming will take place at Kids First Swim School (under Koa HQ). This program does have limited registration, so sign up now to reserve your spot!

CREATE Arts Center– April 6-10 & April 13-17, 2020
(914 Silver Spring Ave Silver Spring, MD 20910)
Campers ages 6-12 spend each day working on a variety of art projects, including painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, and more! Flexible day-by-day registration is available as is before and after-care.

Badlands– April 6-10, 2020
(5200 Randolph Road, Rockville, MD 20852)
Due to popular demand, Badlands is launching their first ever Spring Break Camp. Join for five days of themed activities and learning. From Disney day to wacky hair day… EVERY day will be an adventure.

Imagination Stage– April 6-10, 2020
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, MD 20814)
Imagination Stage offers week-long Spring Break camps jam-packed with acting, dance, musical theatre, and creative drama for students in grades K-12 to enjoy during their days off of school.

MSA– April 6-10, 2020
(Hoover MS, 8810 Postoak Rd, Potomac, MD 20854)
Spring Break multi-sports and enrichment camp is designed by sports champions to help young athletes realize their optimal performance in their favorite sports. MSA offers a spectacular multi-sport & enrichment camp providing a well-rounded experience combining learning and fun, to build fond memories that will last a lifetime. Before and after-care available.

Dynamite Gymnastics– April 6-10 & April 13, 2020
(4956 Boiling Brook Pkwy, North Bethesda, MD 20852)
(16814 Oakmont Ave. Gaithersburg, MD 20877)
Need a safe, fun place for your kids to get their energy out? Never fear, Dynamite offers “School’s Out” day camps! Kids will enjoy a variety of activities including hours of gymnastics instruction, free play, arts and crafts, and games! 

Bolt Parkour– April 6-10 & April 13, 2020
(4950 Boiling Brook Pkwy. North Bethesda, MD 20852)
Need a place for your kids to get all that energy out during vacation and days off from school? Bring them to Bolt for an awesome camp experience including parkour instruction, races, games, and free play! Bolt offers day camp programs for kids and teens ages 6 and up.

The Agility Center– April 6-10 & April 13, 2020
(4990 Boiling Brook Pkwy. North Bethesda, MD 20852)
Need a safe, fun place for your kids to get their energy out? Never fear, send them to “school’s out” day camps! Kids will enjoy a variety of activities including hours of obstacle course, trampoline and tumbling instruction, practice/play time, arts and crafts, and games. Offering different options: full day, half day morning or afternoon, with or without lunch, and before and after care.

Glen Echo Aquarium– April 6-10, 2020
(7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD 20812)
The Glen Echo Park Aquarium (GEPA) offers spring break camps (single day) for children ages 4-7 and 8-12. These are 6 hour long camps that include exploring the outdoors, discovering the aquatic and terrestrial world, performing science experiments, and creating art and crafts to enhance learning.

Valley Mill– April 6-10 & April 13-17, 2020
(15101 Seneca Rd Germantown, MD 20874)
Valley Mill Camp offers a Spring Break Camp for children ages 5 to 14.
Weather permitting, they do their usual fun activities at camp: kayaking and canoeing, archery & air rifle, rock climbing, group games, playing in the creek, and hikes. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, campers check out indoor adventures. Transportation will be from pick up points in nearby Montgomery County and DC.

Silver Stars Gymnastics– April 6-18, 2020
(2701 Pittman Dr. Silver Spring, MD 20910)
(14201 Woodcliff Ct. Bowie, MD 20720)
Choose one day or all week, half day or full day. They offer three camps for kids 3.5-15 at both locations.

Adventure Theatre– April 6-10, 2020
(7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD 20812)
Send your kids to come play with Adventure Theatre MTC where they will have a full day of theatrical activities, afternoon snack.  You can choose one day or the full week.  Camp is for children in grades K-5.

The Children’s Art Studio– April 6-9, 2020
(Bethesda Elementary School: 7600 Arlington Rd Bethesda, MD 20814)
Over the course of each week, kids ages 5-10 will work on drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, and printing. Your child will have a blast and bring home beautiful, artwork made with a wide range of high-quality materials. Time will be spent each day playing outside, reading, quietly drawing and looking at illustrated books and art history monographs. The bulk of the day will be spent making art, however. Children will receive instructive lessons on technique and have time to work on open-ended projects, all in an upbeat, supportive environment.

Virginia

The St. James– April 6-10, 2020
(6805 Industrial Rd Springfield, VA 22151)
All sports, all day. From basketball and flag football to dance, gymnastics, swimming and lacrosse, these camps are designed for the ultimate sports enthusiast. They are offering 5 different camps! Experience a state of the art facility and expert instruction. Full day and half day options.

Tea with Mrs. B– April 6-10, 2020
(136 W Jefferson St. Falls Church, VA 22046)
They offer a one of a kind camp experience for kids ages 4-12. Daily activities include: high tea with healthy snacks, crafts and games, exercise at the local park, dance and dress up. They also always afford time for good-old fashioned play, too. By becoming part of the camp, your child will be entitled to an on-going skill building program, honing good manners, proper etiquette and social graces. Broaden your child’s experiences by giving them the gift of comportment while having fun.

Congressional Camp: An Adventure a Day– April 6-9, 2020
(3229 Sleepy Hollow Rd Falls Church, VA 22042)
–Vacation Club: Come join the fun with our Great Adventures team! Children in PreK – grade 2 will love hanging out with their friends and exploring everything our campus has to offer, including our playgrounds, computer labs, and creek walks. Each day, campers will do a fun art, science, or cooking project led by our creative staff who are known for developing a safe, nurturing environment.
–Spring Explorers: Do you enjoy taking adventurous field trips with friends? Each day, children in grade 1-9th grade will visit a different destination in the Greater D.C. area. Exciting trips in the past have included places like local parks, the National Air and Space Museum, putt-putt, Wolf Trap, and water parks, just to name a few. Come experience this spring edition of our popular travel camp programs!
–Colonials & Coasters: Join a 4 day, 3 night Spring Break trip! Campers in grads 3-9 will start by visiting the Williamsburg area to go to historic Williamsburg to explore how Colonial Americans lived and worked before starting the Coasters portion of our trip by spending a full day at Busch Gardens. The group will end its trip by traveling to Kings Dominion to tackling the many Coasters there.

Robot Works– April 6-10, 2020
(8992 Fern Park Drive, Burke, VA 22015)
Let’s build robots during Spring Break! Design, build, and program robots each day. Learn robot design, construction and programming using Mindstorms EV3 or the Arduino microcontroller, including mechanical structure, motors, gears, power, sensors, and much more. Before and after-care available.

Ever Wonder Camp– April 6-10, 2020 & April 13, 2020
(Mount Olivet United Methodist Church: 1500 North Glebe Road Arlington, VA)
Your children in PreK-grade 5 will jump into a time machine and travel back in time to “dig through the decades.”  In this awesome camp they’ll explore the science, technology, engineering, art and math behind the decades.  They’ll twist, shout, doo-wop and be-bop through the 1950’s, create the fashions of the hippies in the 1960’s, love the lava lamp through the 1970’s, “Phone home” in the 1980’s, make your own gadgets in the 1990’s and so much more! Before and after-care option available.
–Backyard Bash Camp on April 13 is the camp’s tradition to celebrate the last day of our school-year camps and this year it is going to be a backyard bash!
There will be a photo booth, a moonbounce, s’mores and play lots of minute to win it games.  This you do not want to miss!

Arts on the Horizon: Stories Come to Life: Under the Big Top– April 6-10, 2020
(1801 N. Quaker Ln. Alexandria, VA 22302)
Step right up and join the greatest show on Earth! Will you become a clown? Will you tame the lions? Maybe you’ll stand in the center as the ringleader! In this creative drama camp, you will use your actor tools (body, voice, and imagination) to bring the Circus to your town! Camp is for children ages 3-6.

Mason Community Arts Academy– April 6-10, 2020
(4260 Chain Bridge Rd Fairfax, VA 22030)
Taught by Acting for Young People faculty, young actors ages 5-12 will experience a variety of games, activities, and projects from our regular theater curriculum of acting, voice, and movement. Various workshops may include improvisation, musical theater, writing a short play – and much more! 

Browne Summer Camp– March 23-27, 2020
(5917 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22310)
Warmer weather is just around the corner! Campers in PreK- grade 6 will indulge in one week of fun with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities and field trips. Before and after-care options available.

Ashburn Ice House– April 6-10, 2020
(21595 Smith Switch Rd Ashburn, VA 20147)
Learn to Skate USA Camp. Perfect for beginners or intermediate skaters. Campers will enjoy a daily lesson, ice activities and time to practice their skills. Half and full-day options.

Encore Stage and Studio- April 6-10 & April 13-17, 2020
(4000 Lorcom Ln Arlington, VA 22207)
Journey with Encore as they explore the exciting music, movement, and madness of popular stories! Each day they focus on a new theme. Students in grade Kindergarten – 2nd grade will enjoy a day of theatre games, crafts, creative activities, and storytelling in a safe and supportive environment. Students in 3rd – 5th grade will work together to create a brand new play in just one camp day! Using their imaginations, students will develop the script and story, create the setting, and star in the show. This never before seen production will be performed at the end of the day for family and friends.

Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre: May The Force Be With You– April 6-10, 2020
(Heritage Presbyterian Church: 8503 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria VA 22308)
Join a galaxy far, far away as they bring the world of Star Wars to life through theatre games, crafts, and the creation of their own Star Wars play!  Channel your inner Princess Leia, Darth Vader, Rey or Yoda to bring to life the strong, dynamic characters of this galactic series.  Learn how to communicate with others, work as a team, develop story-telling skills, and expand your actor’s toolbox in this fun filled spring break experience.  K-8th Grades.  Camps are led by professional teaching artists experienced in working with kids and teens.

SkateQuest– April 6-10, 2020
(1800 Michael Faraday Ct., Reston, VA 20190)
For the child who can’t get enough of the ice. Camp includes ice skating lessons, ice painting, broom ball and an end of camp show. Ages 4.5-12. Friday is a half-day for all, before and after-care available Mon-Thur only.

Spring Break Camp at Dulles SportsPlex– April 6-10, 2020
(21610 Atlantic Blvd. Sterling, VA 20166)
Bring your child ages 4-13, to The Michael & Son Sportsplex At Dulles for a week of fun this spring break camp. If your child enjoys sports or wants to try new sports, this is the camp for you. Your child will have a week of fun, learning and playing sports that might include flag football, soccer, wiffleball, volleyball, basketball, kickball, team handball and others. Drop-in’s are welcome, half day and full day options are available.

Washington, DC

The Children’s Art Studio– April 13-17, 2020
(Capital Memorial Church: 3150 Chesapeake St NW
Washington, DC 20008)
Over the course of each week, kids ages 5-10 will work on drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, and printing. Your child will have a blast and bring home beautiful, artwork made with a wide range of high-quality materials. Time will be spent each day playing outside, reading, quietly drawing and looking at illustrated books and art history monographs. The bulk of the day will be spent making art, however. Children will receive instructive lessons on technique and have time to work on open-ended projects, all in an upbeat, supportive environment.

DC Way Soccer Camp– April 13-17, 2020
(Tyler Elementary School: 1001 G Street SE, 20003)
(RFK Fields: 401 Oklahoma Ave NE, 20002)
Spring into soccer with DC Way’s Spring Break Camp! DC Way’s camp provides players the opportunity to work on technical soccer skills as well as participate in fun games. The DC Way team leads energetic games that combine learning and fun! Your kid will get the most out of their spring break while developing both soccer and cognitive skills in just a few days! Half day, full day, before and after-care options!

HoopEd– March 23-27, 2020 & April 13-17, 2020
(Various locations)
Basketball and all sports camp for kids ages 5-13. After-care is available. 

Spring Safari Day Camp at The National Zoo– April 6-10 & April 13-17, 2020
(3001 Connecticut Ave, NW Washington, DC 20008)
Spring is in the air, but flowers aren’t the only things blooming. So are new programs at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! This spring break, sign your child up for FONZ’s Spring Safari Day Camp! Each of the Spring Safari programs explores the lives, habitats and conservation of animals around the world. Week-long sessions include exciting hands-on activities, lessons, craft projects, science experiments and walks through the Zoo. There’s no better way to spend your spring break than with Friends of the National Zoo! Before and after-care option available.

Anna Banana Art– April 13-17, 2020
(3207 S Street, NW Washington, DC 20007)
Camp begins with an inspired art project  such as Monet or van Gogh. A break for snack, and weather permitting, we take it outside for some fresh air, blowing giant bubbles, running around and games at the Jelleff field across the street.  Back to the studio to complete projects or free choice with clay, drawing with pens, pencils or markers. Camp is for 4 -8 year olds and runs from 9:30am-12:30pm. 

The Theatre Lab– April 13-17, 2020
(733 8th Street NW. Washington, DC 20001)
Spring Break Camps, modeled on The Theatre Lab’s award-winning Summer Acting Camps for Kids, are perfect for children grades 1-6, who enjoy being creative and making new friends, and are designed to be fun for novices as well as kids who have already been bitten by the drama bug. Before and after-care option available.

Home Run Baseball Camp– April 13-17, 2020
(Friendship Park Recreation Center: 4500 Van Ness St NW, Washington, DC 20016)
Coach Julia Heimstra and an experienced co-ed staff will lead a high energy camp with the same format as the summer camp at AU Park in NW, Washington, DC. Full ground ball and fly ball square drill, over one hundred swings in batting practice, and two full games per day. Groups will be broken up by age and teams will be fair and games will be competitive. Full and half day options for kids ages 4-12.

Related Posts:
Summer camps for 2020

The King’s Speech at National Theatre + GIVEAWAY

The King’s Speech will be at The National Theatre February 11 – 16, 2020.

The King’s Speech is based on the true story of King George VI’s struggle with a speech impediment and the friendship he formed with his unconventional speech therapist, Lionel Logue. With the Nazi threat looming and civil unrest at home, royal secrets explode around the King as he’s thrust onto the world stage. David Seidler’s original play – which inspired the 2010 Oscar-winning film starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush – will make its long-awaited U.S. debut in a production The Mail proclaims “A right royal treat.”

This show is recommended for ages 13 and up. Find tickets here.

Giveaway: Enter to win a pair of tickets to opening night – Tuesday, February 11th at 7:30pm. Comment on our Facebook page with a favorite theatre show you have seen at National Theatre or a favorite in general. Winner will be announced February 1, 2020.

Contest Regulations
Anyone associated with Allied (promo partners, employees, etc.) are not eligible to enter the contest. Winners cannot win on multiple outlets.

logo design courtesy of New Leaf Design