DC – Page 7

Best ice cream in Washington, DC

June 28, 2018

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream in Washington, DC! It doesn’t have to be summer for me to grab a scoop (or two). But with the weather we are having, all of us need a place to head to for a quick cool off which also involves a treat. There’s nothing like a good scoop of ice cream or an ice cold popsicle.

But first let me introduce you to FrutaPOP. They are a small-batch, hand-crafted ice pop company, specializing in natural fruit and juice ice pops, coffee ice pops and alcohol infused ice pops. FrutaPOP is the first of it’s kind to contain healthy, natural ingredients without any added sugars. All of the alcohol-infused ice pops, also known as “POPTAILS” contain 5% ABV or less. You can order in quantities of 12, 24, 36 & 48. Think Mimosa and Sangria Poptails and Fruit & Juice pops (non-alcoholic) for your next pool party! Use code: BELTWAYBAMBINOS for 15% your order; perfect for a summer bbq or sitting poolside.

Did you know Maryland has nine dairy farms that offer fresh, delicious on-farm ice cream? Together, they make up the “Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail.” Visit each creamery and get a trail passport stamped to be named Maryland’s Ice Cream Trail Blazer! Sounds like a delicious summer bucket-list item.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

THE. BEST. (#notanad) Always a line, definitely worth waiting in, enough said, go and get some scoops, report back.

The Baked Bear

Homemade cookies from original recipes and hand-scooped on site, cookies are made with the highest quality ingredients and baked fresh from scratch every day. Baked Bear craft ice cream is made with the highest quality ingredients around and is a step above the traditional, using an all-natural mix made only with rBGH-free cream, pure cane sugar and natural stabilizers.

Trickling Springs Creamery

An old-fashioned dairy store serving ice cream, milk shakes, milk and cookies at Eastern Market. Do you want to take some ice cream home with you after hanging out at Union Market? No problem. They have 3 full freezer doors stocked with Trickling Springs FarmFriend ice creams, Trickling Springs Organic ice creams, and Little Baby’s ice cream.

Ice Cream Jubilee

I found out about ICJ because of the mouth-watering Instagram photos everyone posts and then I realized you can order from UberEats! The best flavors come from the best ingredients. They use only all-natural cream and milk from a local creamery, just 50 miles from our scoop shop in Washington, DC. and are proud about the small-batch technique – just a few gallons at a time – allows to create the highest-quality product and the freshest flavors.

Millie’s

Brought to you by the owners of Surfside, Jetties, etc. Walk up to an outdoor ice-cream stand (attached to the take-out hut) and grab delicious scoops.

Class 520

The very first Thai-inspired ice cream establishment opening in the state of Maryland. Handcrafted rolls made with no preservatives or stabilizers, so you know it’s fresh.

Broad Branch Market

A market that has most everything you need at a higher price but you feel like you live in Mayfield when you walk in. They have a freezer of about 8 flavors to get a scoop and a freezer of novelties.

Nicecream Factory

Handcrafted ice cream is their passion. They start our process by combining fresh milk and local ingredients from nearby farms. Using a freezing agent, liquid nitrogen, then freeze the ice cream on the spot in front of guests, creating the freshest handcrafted cup of ice cream you can get.

Larry’s Ice Cream

This family business, open since 1985, is well-known for the owner’s surly demeanor and delicious, homemade ice cream. With classic flavors like cookie dough and unique flavors like Key West chocolate, there’s something for everyone here.

Thomas Sweet

This extensive sweets shop is complete with homemade fudge and chocolates, freshly baked pastries and paninis—in addition to ice cream. The specialty here is the one-of-a-kind ‘blend ins’ with homemade ice cream. It’s not a place for the indecisive as they have a chalkboard full of flavors like peanut butter chip, vanilla cherry and our favorite, coffee Oreo. Keep in mind that the kiddie-sized cup is very large—about 2 scoops of ice cream.

The Dairy Godmother

This summer, you’ll find some exciting new additions at this custard shop. Stick with what you know and get Wisconsin-style frozen custard in vanilla or chocolate every day, or try the flavor of the day. Tollhouse cookie and toasted almond are both on the schedule; see all the upcoming flavors of the day here. They’ll also be offering Exotic Ice Pops this summer along with Frozen Custard Cake and Puppy Pops—a treat for your dog!

Moorenko’s Ice Cream

This ice cream brand, which is sold around the NE corridor, is made right here in D.C.! They even have a small shop where you can go for freshly made, hand-crafted ice cream. They’ve got the classic flavors as well as some unique flavors like Guinness, Rice Pudding and Cotton Candy Gummy Bear.

Captain Cookie and the Milkman

What started as a food truck serving milk and cookies and ice cream sandwiches, now has 3 food trucks you can see schedule locations here. For those of us who can’t make it to a truck stop, there is an actual location. They also deliver!

Jetties

Serving Gifford’s ice cream, Jetties is not just an ice cream shop, but also well-known for delicious sandwiches and salads. It’s the perfect place to grab lunch and a scoop for dessert, with the option of adding toppings like sprinkles and crushed Oreos to your cone.

Sfoglina

Italian Soft Serve Gelato: Your Choice of Tahitian Vanilla & or Strawberry Sorbetto. Sounds boring but I promise you will want to go back the next day for another!

Oldies but Goodies:

(Photo: Pleasant Pops)

And for those who enjoy a nice, cold popsicle we didn’t forget you–

Pleasant Pops

All original recipes made with fresh ingredients. Flavors rotate constantly as they run out. To name a few; Can also be found at various Farmer’s Markets and Food Trucks, check site.

Whim Pop

Whim Pop integrates flavors of the world on a healthy, fresh and cool environment by creating unique delicacies in a variety of exotic flavors and presentations. Whim Pop is your answer for that unexplained desired of something unique and guilt free! Can also be found at various Farmer’s Markets, check site.

FrutaPop

A small-batch, hand-crafted ice pop company, specializing in natural fruit and juice ice pops, coffee ice pops and alcohol infused ice pops. FrutaPOP is the first of it’s kind to contain healthy, natural ingredients without any added sugars. All of the alcohol-infused ice pops, also known as “POPTAILS” contain 5% ABV or less. You can order in quantities of 12, 24, 36 & 48. Order online and use code: BELTWAYBAMBINOS for 15% your order!!!

Birthday party ideas for older kids in and around Washington, DC

May 7, 2018

I love planning our Bambinos birthday parties but as our son has gotten older, his requests have gotten more precise and less intense. I do appreciate his taste for not having a big, blown out celebration and our bank account also thanks his simple request. He wants to play a baseball game with his friends at a local park (again)– which is how he celebrated turning 5. After applying for the permit at the park, I decided to create a new birthday post in preparation of his future parties as well as for all of you with an older crew who have outgrown some of the ideas on previous birthday posts we’ve created (see bottom of this post).

Invicta Sports Club Archery Party

American Parkour

ZavaZone: Trampoline & Indoor Adventure Park

Shawdowland Laser

Bach to Rock
Rock Birthday Party (Ages 7+)
Karaoke Birthday Party (Ages 6+)
Rock City Birthday Party (Ages 4 – 6)
DJ Birthday Party (Ages 10+)

Game Truck of Northern Virginia

Rockville Sportsplex
Choose from Small Field Package (soccer or dodgeball),Inflatables, Court (basketball, soccer, dodgeball or hockey) or Field

Washington Nationals game or local baseball game: Bethesda Big Train, Potomac Nationals, Bowie Baysox

Go Kart Track
You must be 54′ to drive by yourself.

iFly Loudoun

Tea with Mrs. B
Or a tea party at one of these fancy hotels

Monster Mini Golf

Pinstripes
Head straight to the bowling lanes for an upscale take on a favorite American pastime and host your party lane-side, or choose one of our customizable private reception rooms accommodating groups of 20 to 240. Packages can include bowling, bocce, or a make-your-own pizza class.

A Game of Rooms
Age minimum 12 years old

The Escape Lounge

The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School
Teens and adults alike will have a great time ziplining and climbing through the trees!

Recurring Weekday Adventures in and around Washington, DC

April 22, 2018

This will hopefully be one of the posts you save, earmark, print, forward to friends, give to nannies and grandparents because it provides you will a list of places that have a recurring event each week (well, most of them). It also highlights the lack of afternoon activities happening. So if you know of any or have a favorite go-to afternoon spot, please share with us! The end of the post provides you with ongoing events that occur on more than one day of the week at specific places.

Monday-

9:30am: Rise + Rhyme at Busboys & Poets
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly morning storytelling and performance series for children ages 5 and under with the goals of teaching children to engage with their community, learn to love performing and become rising artivists! $5 per child.
Locations in Brookland, Hyattsville & Takoma

9:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
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
Children and their accompanying adult are encouraged to come to our ongoing kids drop in classes and create age-appropriate art projects. Rachel Dickerson will set up materials for safe, fun, and creative projects. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in. Siblings are welcome. $10/child drop in fee. Sign up for our 11 class package and get one class free. Supply donations welcomed.

10:30am AND 11:00am: Storytime at The National Postal Museum
The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum invites adults and young children (ages 2-3) to discover the world around them together at weekly Story Time. 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!

10:30am-11:00am: Songs and stories at Politics and Prose
Come sing-along to your favorite songs for free. Grab a treat in the cafe afterwards or hang out reading books.

Tuesday-

10:00am: Tudor Tots
Keep your toddler active in mind and body and learning about the world around us in these weekly sessions featuring songs, stories, crafts, and movement, all tailored to growing Tots. Each week highlights a different theme. Parents/caregivers remain with children. $5 per class

10:00am: Museum of Natural History’s Butterfly Pavilion
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 AND 11:30am: Shadow Puppets at Bloombars
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.

10:30am AND 11:30am: Little Builder’s Storytime at the National Building Museum
Join us on the first Tuesday of each month for an interactive read-aloud in the Building Zone’s book nook. After the story, participate in a corresponding hands on activity to continue the fun! Free with admission to the Building Zone. Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Wednesday-

10:00am: Story Time at Hirshhorn

10:00am-11:00am: Story Time in the ReSource Room for Pre-Schoolers and Adults at National Archives
Join us for story time designed for 3-5 year olds and accompanying adults. Typically the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

10:00am-11:00am: Little Treasures at Bloombars
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!

10:30am AND 1:30pm: Children’s Program at US Botanic Garden
Each month has a different theme for ages 3-5. ***Program booked for May, calendar not updated to show if this will continue through summer.

10:30am: Storytime at The Park at City Center
Join CityCenterDC and DCPL for Kids Corner! Librarians from the DC Public Library will lead a 30-40 minute FREE story time full of books, songs, rhymes and fingerplays! Story time is a great way to introduce your child to language skills in a positive and fun, outdoor environment. May 10 – September 27

5:30pm: Samba Baby at Bloombars
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.

Thursday-

10:00am: Fish Tales Story Hour at DOEE’s Aquatic Resources Education Center
Join staff biologists monthly for free nature-based stories, crafts, and songs for 2-5 year olds and their parents/guardians! Register online Typically the first Thursday of the month.

10:30am: Live Music with Boogie Babes at Eastern Market
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

10:30am: Live Kids Shows at Jammin Java

10:30am: Preschool Series at Hillwood Estate
Experience the wonder of Hillwood with your preschooler! Explore a new mansion room each week of this three-part series through make believe, art projects, and imaginative play. Each class is limited to 10 children ages 2 to 5, each with one accompanying adult. $10 per class

10:30am-11:30am: Parent & Child Program: Snugglers at the US Botanic Garden
Do you have a tiny treasure in a snuggly? Looking for ways to get out of the house and learn? Join us each Thursday for a 45-minute guided tour of the Conservatory. Each week will be a different exploration. This program is designed for parents and care providers who have a tiny one in a snuggly. Please note: You are welcome to arrive with a stroller, however due to our narrow paths and the nature of this program, we cannot support strollers or older siblings during the actual program.

Friday-

10:00am-12:00pm: Open Play at Little Loft Art Studio
Open play in the Sensory Room for 2-5 year olds and their caregivers. Sand table, rice table, light table, and a new interactive art project each week. No preregistration necessary. $12/visit, half price for siblings

10:30am: Story Time at Library of Congress
For six months, from March through August, the Library’s Young Readers Center will host story time on the last Friday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in the Thomas Jefferson Building, located at 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C. Tickets are not required for this event, which is free and open to the public.

10:30am: Live Kids Shows at Jammin Java

1:00pm-6:00pm: Open Studio at National Portrait Gallery
Join us on Friday afternoons for some creative fun! Check out a Portrait Discovery Kit to explore the museum. You may also explore a different art material each week as it relates to portraiture. Education Center, Room E151.

Events on Multiple Days of the Week-

Tudor Tots (Currently Monday & Tuesdays)

Preschool Series at Hillwood Estate (Currently Wednesday & Thursdays)

Tinkergarten

Smithsonian National Zoo Classes

Open Gym at Silver Stars Gymnastics

Toddler Time at SkyZone

The Puppet Co Main Stage & Tiny Tot Performances

My Gym Classes

Fit4Mom Classes at Union Market– Currently Tuesday & Thursdays at 9:30am
Stroller Strides is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies. It includes power walking and intervals of strength and body toning exercises using exercise tubing, the stroller and the environment. Taught by certified and specially trained fitness instructors, it is a great workout for any level of exerciser. Stroller Strides instructors weave songs and activities into the routine designed to entertain and engage baby, while moms are led through a series of exercises specific to her role as mom.

Pinstripes Kid’s Bowling
Join us every weekday morning from 10 am to 12 pm for Kids Club Bowling. Kids bowl for $3 per hour with a $3 shoe rental and parents bowl free! Please limit four kids (12 & under) per adult.

DC Library

Story time at National Portrait Gallery– 2:00pm-2:30pm Tuesday-Friday
Story time in our Explore! space immerses you in tales of artists, presidents, inventors, athletes, and more! Before or after story time, enjoy our family space where you can play and learn about portraiture. All ages welcome. No reservation required.

Story time at National Air & Space Museum (Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center)

Story time at National Air & Space Museum (Downtown Mall)

Fall Classes in and around Washington, DC

Top 15: Bambinos in Brookland

April 19, 2018

Everything is better with the help of friends. This post is no different! This was a collaborative effort thanks to my sister-in law and her friends who live in the popular neighborhood of Brookland. You will find old-school storefronts, a small town feel, tree-lined streets and much to do with art (with the bonus of having a Metro). If you have any other places that are family friendly, shoot us a comment below.

(Photo: Greater Greater Washington)

Bluebird Sky Yoga:

Prenatal, Baby, Family and more yoga classes.

Turkey Thicket Recreation Center:

Inside amenities include: a gym, weight room, toddler room, computer lab, and indoor pool. Outdoor amenities include a basketball court, a baseball field, field with a walking track, playground, covered picnic areas, tennis courts, a spray park and a parking lot.

Dance Place:

A center of dance activity in Washington, DC offering performances every weekend, dance classes for adults and kids, and arts in education programs for youth.

Busboys & Poets:

In addition to all they typically have to offer; food, books, entertainment, lively discussion, art, poetry and more, each Monday you can take your Bambinos to Rise + Rhyme is a weekly morning storytelling and performance series for children ages 5 and under with the goals of teaching children to engage with their community, learn to love performing and become rising artivists!

Franciscan Monastery.

Walk around the gardens or even take a garden tour on Saturdays and admire the incredible architecture.

Dwight Mosley Playground and Taft Field

It has a great track to bike/walk.

Woodridge Public Library

Brookland Eats:

Brookland’s Finest

Tony Tomeldon of the Pug and John Solomon of Solly’s have teamed up with Chef Shannan Troncoso-former Executive Chef of Matchbox Capitol Hill-to open Brookland’s Finest Bar & Kitchen. Kids menu is available as is a large dessert menu. Weekend brunch looks delish!

Fox Loves Taco:

From the minds behind Little Red Fox, a small taco and coffee shop.

Brookland Pint:

Kids eat free all day on Tuesdays. Limit 2 kids under the age of 12, valid with the purchase of an adult entree. Don’t forget to ask for a balloon on your way out!

Pho 12

A recommendation from my sister-in law! Family owned and operated, plus they offer gluten free.

Masala Story

Family owned restaurant offering home style authentic Indian food. FYI they only use disposable serving ware and utensils.

Menomale

Captain Cookie

Seasonal:

Monroe Street Farmers Market

Join the Farmers Market every Saturday on the Arts Walk Plaza from 9am-1pm for the freshest local produce, breads, eggs, pasture raised meats, and more from area farms. Whether you are swinging by for coffee and a quick bite, getting groceries for the week, or looking for a special gift, the market and Arts Walk studios have you covered. Bring a blanket and enjoy weekly live music and special activities and programming.

q+a with the founders of Baby Ventures + GIVEAWAY

April 2, 2018

There’s something magical and calming about spending time in a library or bookstore. We are fortunate enough to have some great bookstores in our area; Politics & Prose, Walls of Books, Upshur Street Books, Kramerbooks and East City Bookshop to name a few =) I have a background in literacy and am always buying and checking out new books for my kids, encouraging them to read and have a love of reading. Same goes for seeking out new authors to become familiar with and follow. Books are my go-to gift idea for holidays and birthdays for little ones. Enter The ABC’s of Washington, DC. A great board book for little ones, newbies to DC, friends who may move away from DC or just to provide a picture walk through of DC. The book provides a sightseeing tour of the nation’s capital letter by letter. I have gotten the chance to learn about Baby Ventures, a local duo (Lisa Hall and Golzar Kheiltash) who create diversity and adventure-inspired books and art based on their own real-life adventures in diverse locales across six continents. Their inaugural title, the ABCs of Washington, DC, has become a best seller at a number of indie bookstores and specialty shops in DC. They also strongly focus on early literacy, small business/shop local initiatives, and charitable giving. I am excited to share a q+a I conducted with Hall and Kheiltash and introduce you to their newest book.

Q+A with Golzar Kheiltash + Lisa Hall of Baby Ventures

BB: Please introduce yourselves to Beltway Bambinos readers.

Lisa and I met in Washington, DC in 2005, and we’ve been friends and collaborators ever since. We’ve long been avid travelers, with a deep reverence for the diversity of people, cultures, and places that make up our global village. After a decade of friendship, adventure, and ultimately, motherhood, Lisa and I co-founded Baby Ventures in 2016.

Upon returning home from each of her trips abroad, Lisa – a lifelong artist – would paint the rich diversity of people and places she’d witnessed. Our real-life travels across six continents, combined with Lisa’s detailed imagery and bold use of color, forms the creative bedrock of Baby Ventures books.

Shortly after becoming a new mom, I started looking into board books for my daughter. I soon realized that many “baby books” still featured oversimplified topics and graphics. My husband and I didn’t want to wait until our daughter was old enough to read to expand her worldview – we wanted to show her our diverse and wonder-filled world from day one. I was lamenting to Lisa about this one night over cheese pizza, and it just hit us: to combine our respective skill sets and create our own series of children’s board books. Three years and much hard work later, Baby Ventures was founded in 2016. Our mission is simple: to create books that combine themes of diversity and adventure for little ones, brought to life with Lisa’s vibrant artwork.

BB: Are you DC natives?

I am originally from California, and Lisa is from Nebraska. We met each other in 2005 as colleagues at an advocacy nonprofit located in Eastern Market, in Southeast DC. Our initial professional ties soon turned into a lasting personal friendship, sparking many adventures together around Washington, DC and beyond.

When we launched Baby Ventures in 2016, we already had the ABCs of Washington, DC vividly in mind as our inaugural title. DC is where our own story started, and we wanted to honor that with our first book. Many of the book’s twenty six pages – including “E” for Eastern Market – are an ode to the adventures we’ve had in our nation’s capital.

BB: What is your favorite children’s classic book that you think each child should have in their collection?

That’s a tough question – there’s too many to choose from! As an avid reading family, some of our favorite titles would be Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak), You are My I Love You (Maryann Cusimano Love, Satomi Ichikawa), The Giving Tree (Shel Silverstein), and the adorably educational Yes Yes No No (Leslie Patricelli).

BB: Do you recall having a favorite book as a child?

Yes – The Little Prince (though I didn’t appreciate its poignant ending until I reread it as an adult).

BB: What is your writing or illustrating Kryptonite?

Golzar: A cozy café, a big latte, a fresh notepad, and a great ink pen. And enough time between toddler activities to enjoy the vibe and let the creative juices flow!

Lisa: Meeting Golzar at the cozy café for creative brainstorming! We have a fantastic collaborative work process where we build on each other’s ideas and enthusiasm.

BB: What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

Lisa and I both come from advocacy and marketing backgrounds, so diligent and accurate research is a must for us. Having first-hand knowledge of our subject matter and subjecting our work to peer review are integral steps in our research process. Some may say children’s board books shouldn’t require much research, but we feel it’s quite the opposite: we’re trying to expand tots’ growing minds with our books and artwork, which means what we depict – whether it be a culture or a locale – has to be accurate, inclusive, and inspiring.

BB: Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?

Glad you asked…we do! We’re big fans of portraying a local, genuine take on the subject matter or locale we’re depicting. So if you’re a native of DC, for example, you’ll find familiar details that other readers may miss. We also have our Adventure Girls who pop up somewhere in each book!

BB: Your inaugural title is the ABCs of Washington, DC. Can we find earlier work by either of you?

Writing children’s board books is definitely all new for me! Lisa, on the other hand, is a life-long artist with a knack for children’s art, inspired by her many travels around the world. She served in the Peace Corps in Mali, West Africa, worked in Australia, backpacked across Latin America, and volunteered at orphanages in India and Bolivia. She has been retailing her children’s artwork for the past decade and is now drawing from her experiences to create the Baby Ventures book series.

BB: Where can readers find ABC’s of Washington, DC?

First made available in June 2016, the ABCs of Washington, DC is now available at a number of DC’s independent bookshops and specialty stores, including Politics & Prose, Busboys and Poets, East City Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, and Walls of Books. Lisa and I pride ourselves on being local authors working directly with one of a kind independent stores across DC communities. As part of our community outreach, we love to host interactive story times with our ABCs of Washington, DC at some of our wonderful retailers. A few upcoming events are: Storybook Magic, Children’s National Hospital – Tuesday, April 24 at 11:00am, First Sunday Arts Festival – Sunday, May 6 (Annapolis), Story time at Busboys and Poets, Takoma Park – Tuesday, May 15 at 9:30am and will be an exhibitor at the Gaithersburg Book Festival – May 19. For those who are not local and wish to purchase our book, the ABCs of Washington, DC is also available on our Baby Ventures website, in local book stores, and can be found on Amazon.

BB: What’s up next?

We have big plans across the US and abroad for 2018! ABCs of Annapolis, Maryland’s Capital City, was released in February and is now available! Little ones will love practicing their ABCs while learning about Maryland’s charming capital city by the Chesapeake Bay. This 26-page board book provides a distinctly native take on Annapolis life and locales. From the annual Tug of War to Main Street and more, Annapolis is brought to life from the distinct perspective of a long-time resident and local enthusiast, Baby Ventures co-founder Lisa Hall. Our next two upcoming titles will explore global locales and languages. Our next book is coming out this Fall with the 4th book in Spring 2019. We also look forward to forging closer ties to our growing DC community, and of course, our littlest bookworms!

Comment and tag your favorite local bookstore for a chance to win a signed ABC’s of Washington, DC book or a Baby Ventures onesie!

2018 Guide to Martin Luther King Day in Washington, DC

January 11, 2018

Do your children know why they are off school on Monday? Here are some events and opportunities you can share with your child to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” There are plenty of places open and needing assistance on Monday to serve those less fortunate and other places open to remember King.

In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort.

Washington, DC:

2018’s Peace Walk will begin at 10:00am on Monday, January 15th at 2500 MLK Ave SE and end at the Barry Farm Recreation Center.

Monday, January 15 at 12:00pm: 37th Annual Martin Luther King Jr., Parade
(Good Hope Road near the Anacostia Park entrance)
We look forward to the 37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and another festive experience. Participants are committed to continuing this strong tradition started more than 30 years ago by radio talk show host and community activist Ralph Waldo “Petey” Greene, Washington Informer publisher and philanthropist Dr. Calvin W. Rolark and former Ward 8 Councilmember Wilhelmina J. Rolark when they organized the annual Martin Luther King Day Parade (on one of the nation’s first streets named in honor of the civil rights leader, following his death in 1968). The parade began in 1979, six years before Kings’s birthday became a federal holiday. We continue the tradition and celebration that the Rolarks and Petey Greene started, as we honor Dr. King and keep his message alive. The Parade will commence on January 15th at 12:00 noon and will begin from Good Hope Road near the Anacostia Park entrance SE Washington, DC and continue along MLK Avenue to Barry Farm Recreation Center, on Sumner Road, where the MLK Holiday DC Health & Community Fair will be underway. Across the nation and the world, Dr. King’s life and legacy is commemorated by a day of service and promoted as A Day On and Not a Day Off. The Martin Luther King Jr. Parade symbolizes the need to continue Dr. King’s work and reinforces the idea reflected in his words, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. Those who believe in Dr. King’s message are considered members of the Coalition for Peace and are invited to join the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Parade every year.

“It Takes a Village” Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Project Saturday & Monday- Serve DC connects residents with volunteer opportunities and community-based organizations with resources and volunteers and tracks the number and locations of volunteers and service projects citywide.

Monday, January 15, 2018 at 6:00pm: Let Freedom Ring!
TheThe Kennedy Center and Georgetown University celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the free, ticketed musical tribute Let Freedom Ring! The annual program, part of the free daily performance series on the Millennium Stage, features Grammy® and Tony®–nominated performer Vanessa Williams and the Let Freedom Ring Choir led by Music Director Rev. Nolan Williams Jr. The line for the ticket giveaway will form on Monday, January 15 in the Hall of Nations, at the glass doors leading to the Grand Foyer. Patrons must be in line to receive tickets. Tickets will be distributed, up to two (2) per person, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are reserved seats. Limited seating availability. Seating will begin at 5:15 p.m. All patrons are asked to be seated by 5:40 p.m.

Visit the Martin Luther King Memorial– This weekend is a great time to visit the Memorial. National Park Service Rangers discuss King’s role in the Civil Rights movement daily. The National Park Service will host a wreathlaying service on January 15 from 8:00am-9:00am. in observance of the birthday-anniversary for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Join Rock Creek Conservancy in honor of the 2018 MLK Day of Service. There are volunteer events in your neighborhood as well as other locations throughout Washington, DC, and Montgomery County, MD. Schedule below-

Saturday, Jan. 13^th

Turkey Branch: 10 AM to 12 PM, Trash cleanup (kid friendly)

Mouth of Rock Creek: 10 AM to 12 PM, Invasive species removal

Monday, Jan. 15^th

Randolph Hills Local Park: 9:30 AM to 12 PM, Trash cleanup (kid friendly)

Crestwood/Piney Branch: 10 AM to 11 AM, English Ivy removal

Fenwick Branch: 10 AM to 11 AM, Invasive vine removal

Pierce Mill with Blue Planet Scuba: 10 AM to 12 PM, Trash cleanup (kid friendly)

Soapstone Tributary with DC Mayor’s Office: 10 AM to 12 PM, Trash cleanup (kid friendly)

Meadowbrook Local Park: 10 AM to 12 PM, Trash cleanup (kid friendly)

Beret Park: 1 PM to 3 PM , Trash cleanup (kid friendly)

Hearst Rec Center: 2 PM to 4 PM, English Ivy removal

Maryland:

Saturday, January 13th from 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday, January 14th from 12:00pm-5:00pm, and Monday, January 15th from 10:00am-5:00pm: I Have a Dream weekend at Port Discovery Children’s Museum is all weekend. Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy through hands-on educational activities exploring African-American history and heritage during Port Discovery’s “I Have a Dream Weekend.” Join in a variety of interactive programs designed to educate, inspire and help children of all ages to understand the impact Martin Luther King, Jr. made on America and the world throughout the weekend.

Monday, January 15 from 10:00am-6:00pm: MLK Dare to Dream at The American Visionary Art Museum
A celebration in honor of the life and dreams of one of the greatest visionaries in America’s history. Join us for free admission, workshops, birthday cake, and special performances at this FREE, fun-filled day! The museum is FREE & open to the public. Visit our latest exhibition, The Great Mystery Show, and tour our entire Wonderland campus, including the Jim Rouse Visionary Center & more! A special invitation is extended to educators and all the wonderful people who help to empower the next generation. Teachers, come pick up our educational materials and discover the many educational offerings we have available for you and your students.

Monday, January 15 at 11:00am: New Orchestra of Washington (NOW) Family Concert
Bring the whole family to enjoy a special family concert! The colorful program will engage listeners both young, and young at heart. After the concert, you may opt to stay, for the instrument petting zoo and pizza lunch. If you are looking for something to do on a cold holiday, this is it!

Monday, January 15 from 1:00pm-3:00pm: Montgomery County MLK Day of Service 2018
Dr. King devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice, and economic opportunity for all. He challenged us to build a more perfect union and taught us that everyone has a role to play. On Monday, Jan. 15 we join together to honor Dr. King’s life and teachings at the Montgomery County MLK Day of Service 1-3 pm at the Bethesda North Marriott Conference Center, as well as other sites across the county.

Monday, January 15 at 3:30pm Dr. MLK Jr Tribute & Celebration at Strathmore
Montgomery County celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s life through dramatic readings, music, and dance performances. This will be the first time in many years the holiday falls on his actual birthday, making this program particularly significant, with very special entertainment including a choral performance by the civil rights iconic Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Choir from Birmingham, Alabama. A visual art display from students interpreting what their dreams are for the future will also be presented. Free tickets are required for this event, and will be distributed onsite the day of the performance (Monday, January 15) starting at 2:30pm. All patrons must be in line to receive tickets, and one ticket will be distributed per person. The line will form in the Music Center foyer, starting near the café. Patrons may enter on the 3rd floor near the skybridge. Tickets are for general admission seating, which will begin at 3pm. Come early for the best seating.

q+a with the founders of Baby Ventures and creators of the ABC’s of Washington, DC

December 4, 2017

There’s something magical and calming about spending time in a library or bookstore. We are fortunate enough to have some great bookstores in our area; Politics & Prose, Walls of Books, Upshur Street Books, Kramerbooks and East City Bookshop to name a few =) I have a background in literacy and am always buying and checking out new books for my kids, encouraging them to read and have a love of reading. Same goes for seeking out new authors to become familiar with and follow. Books are my go-to gift idea for holidays and birthdays for little ones. Enter The ABC’s of Washington, DC. A great board book for little ones, newbies to DC, friends who may move away from DC or just to provide a picture walk through DC. The book provides a sightseeing tour of the nation’s capital letter by letter. I have gotten the chance to learn about Baby Ventures, a local duo (Lisa Hall and Golzar Kheiltash) who create diversity and adventure-inspired books and art based on their own real-life adventures in diverse locales across six continents. Their inaugural title, the ABCs of Washington, DC, has become a best seller at a number of indie bookstores and specialty shops in DC. They also strongly focus on early literacy, small business/shop local initiatives, and charitable giving. I am excited to share a q+a I conducted with Hall and Kheiltash and introduce you to their newest book.

Q+A with Golzar Kheiltash + Lisa Hall of Baby Ventures

BB: Please introduce yourselves to Beltway Bambinos readers.

BB: Are you DC natives?

BB: What is your favorite children’s classic book that you think each child should have in their collection?

BB: Do you recall having a favorite book as a child?

Yes – The Little Prince (though I didn’t appreciate its poignant ending until I reread it as an adult).

BB: What is your writing or illustrating Kryptonite?

Golzar: A cozy café, a big latte, a fresh notepad, and a great ink pen. And enough time between toddler activities to enjoy the vibe and let the creative juices flow!

Lisa: Meeting Golzar at the cozy café for creative brainstorming! We have a fantastic collaborative work process where we build on each other’s ideas and enthusiasm.

BB: What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

BB: Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?

BB: Your inaugural title is the ABCs of Washington, DC. Can we find earlier work by either of you?

BB: Where can readers find ABC’s of Washington, DC?

First made available in June 2016, the ABCs of Washington, DC is now available at a number of DC’s independent bookshops and specialty stores, including Politics & Prose, Busboys and Poets, East City Bookshop, and Walls of Books. Lisa and I pride ourselves on being local authors working directly with one of a kind independent stores across DC communities. As part of our community outreach, we love to host interactive story times with our ABCs of Washington, DC at some of our wonderful retailers. A few upcoming events are: Storybook Magic, Children’s National Hospital – Tuesday, April 24 at 11:00am, First Sunday Arts Festival – Sunday, May 6 (Annapolis) and Story time at Busboys and Poets, Takoma Park – Tuesday, May 15 at 9:30am. For those who are not local and wish to purchase our book, the ABCs of Washington, DC is also available on our Baby Ventures website, in local book stores, and can be found on Amazon.

BB: What’s up next?

We have big plans across the US and abroad for 2018! ABCs of Annapolis, Maryland’s Capital City, was released in February and is now available! Little ones will love practicing their ABCs while learning about Maryland’s charming capital city by the Chesapeake Bay. This 26-page board book provides a distinctly native take on Annapolis life and locales. From the annual Tug of War to Main Street and more, Annapolis is brought to life from the distinct perspective of a long-time resident and local enthusiast, Baby Ventures co-founder Lisa Hall. Our next two upcoming titles will explore global locales and languages and will be available next in Spring 2019. We also look forward to forging closer ties to our growing DC community, and of course, our littlest bookworms!

Comment and tag your favorite local bookstore for a chance to win a signed ABC’s of Washington, DC book or a Baby Ventures onesie!

Yoga with Bambinos

October 23, 2017

“Take my child to yoga with me? Ohm my God!” (See what I did there?! 😉 ) Others like the idea of exposing their little ones early, especially if that means instilling some yoga fundamentals into them. For me, finding a yoga class that I can bring my kids to means I can practice yoga and give my kids an opportunity to see me exercising which is important. Joining a yoga class with your child also gives them a chance to practice yoga and play around you while trying poses (even babies). And perhaps we’ll all go home a little more relaxed and zen. Here are some yoga studios that offer classes to parents and children together.

If you are also shopping around gyms here’s a few that offer childcare while you workout!

As always help us grow our lists; if you know of other great yoga studios and gyms to add to these lists please let us know.

slider-4.21-1

YoGirl Yoga
(3815 Village Park Dr, Chevy Chase, MD 20815)

Mother/Daughter Yoga as well as yoga for girls that empower them through yoga, meditation and self-awareness.
[Read more…]

« Previous Page
1
…
5
6
7
8
9
…
11
Next Page »