We attended First Studio at the Kreeger Museum a few weeks ago where children and an adult companion are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculptures, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, analysis of works of art, a story and a hands-on art making experience. The workshop fee per child is $7 and adult companions are free. First Studio: An Art Exploration is intended for children ages 3-5. First Studio’s are held every 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 10:00am-11:00am.
Free places to take kids in Washington, DC
Most people think of the Smithsonian Museums, Galleries and Zoo as being the only free places to take kids or offer to visitors who are in town. While those are definitely worth the trip and are family go-to’s when escaping bad weather, the city has many other free options.
Park your car (off the northbound George Washington Parkway in Virginia) at Gravelly Point Park and head to a picnic table, the grass or sit on the dock and watch airplanes take off from Reagan National Airport. There are walking and bike paths that run through the park as well.
Your family can explore the exhibits and then create an art project through Freer and Sackler Gallery ImaginAsia Family Programming.
Eggstravaganza 2015 in the Washington, DC area
Egg hunts galore! Whether it be a festival, farm or egg hunt (we’ve left brunch for you to figure out!) your child will have a blast and maybe even get to experience more than one of these events. Options begin this weekend and run through Easter. Happy hunting.
March 21, 22, 28, 29, April 4 & 5 (Times vary): Ticonderoga Farms – Spring Easter Festival
(26469 Ticonderoga Rd, Chantilly, VA)
Ticonderoga Farm’s Bunny will be joining everyone at the farm. Hopping around and posing for picture opportunities during our weekend hours and playing with our favorite friend Chickadee. Together hiding eggs for all the children to enjoy finding, especially the golden eggs that provide extra fun prizes for those who find them. Egg hunts will be held at 11:00am and2:00pm. Cost is $11.95. Giant slides, mazes, animals, face painting and much more will be there!
March 28, 29, April 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 12 (Closed Easter Sunday): 20th Annual Bunnyland at Butler’s Orchard
(22200 Davis Mill Road Germantown MD 20876)
Enjoy a hayride down the Bunny Trail, race the Rubber Duck Derby, hunt for colorful eggs (we provide the basket!), exchange eggs for a goodie basket to take home, visit with the farm’s very own Country Bunny, ride pedal tractors, play in Hayromp and Playground, hop in inflatables, ride the giant slides, see bunnies, lambs and chicks, get your face painted and ride a pony. $8.75 per child and $6.75 per adult.
March 28 11:00am-2:00pm: Eggstravaganza at Four Mile Run
(4109 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria VA 22305- Many other locations, see link above)
Kids will be visited by the Easter bunny and there will be several Easter egg hunts. National Community invites all families to come together for live music, refreshments and many family friendly activities. Nature Center animal petting, face painting, piñata, games, photo booth, raffle and a mobile art lab will entertain all. Admission is free and registration for the egg hunts will begin on site at 10:45 am. The Eggstravaganza is co-sponsored by the City of Alexandria.
March 28, April 3 & 4th 10:30am: 8th Annual Eggstravaganza! at Tudor Place
(1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007)
Rolling green lawns, bobbing spring blooms, and the elegant mansion on a hill serve as backdrop for this festive annual attraction. Join the Easter Bunny and children of all ages for an Egg Hunt (starting 10:30 a.m.) and thrilling Egg Roll Contest down the grand South Lawn (10:45 a.m.). Decorate eggs, play games from the past, take photos with the Easter Bunny, and make the 5½-acre gardens your play space for the morning. Please bring:a basket (for Egg Hunt), one long-handled spoon per child (for Egg Roll), and one hard-boiled egg per child (for Egg Roll). Non-Member Child: $10 | Accompanying Adult: $5.
April 3-5 (times vary): The Lee-Fendall House Easter Egg Hunt
(614 Oronoco Street Alexandria, VA)
The museum’s garden will be filled with hundreds of colorful toy-filled Easter eggs! Other activities include games, crafts, refreshments, and photos with the Easter Bunny. All children of elementary school age or younger (children aged 0-12) are eligible to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt. Older children and adults are welcome to enjoy the other activities. Tickets are $12 for children aged 0-12, and $5 for all others.
April 3 10:00am-3:00pm: Meadowside Nature Center’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt
(5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD)
Children ages 2 through 12 can search for real (hard-boiled) eggs hidden in the meadow, then dye and decorate the eggs they find. There will be other spring-related activities throughout the day, including bunny hat and frog puppet crafts, ‘egg’ games, live animals and a meet-and-greet with Otus the Owl mascot. Register in advance for the 30-minute hunting sessions. Admission: $8 per child.
April 3 & 4: Bunny Breakfast and Train Ride at B & O Railroad Museum
Join us for our annual Easter Bunny breakfast buffet in the Roundhouse. Enjoy story time with Choo Choo Blue, the museum’s mascot, take a carousel ride, and have your photo taken with our guest of honor! Then “All Aboard” for an exclusive train ride with the B&O Bunny! $34 for adults & $26 for children ages 2 and up. To purchase tickets contact Dana Kirn at 410-752-2462 x 221. (No sales after 3pm on April 1.)
April 4 7:30am-9:00am: Madame Tussauds Washington, D.C. Easter Egg Hunt
(1001 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004)
There is limited availability in each session, so please book fast! Once a session is full, no more tickets will be available for that time. So, if you are unable to attend the White House Easter Egg Roll, then come along and meet all 44 US Presidents and hunt for goodies along the way! Tons of eggs will be hidden throughout our Presidents Gallery. Once children have collected the empty eggs, they can then trade them in at the end of the hunt for an Easter gift bag full of fun goodies (1 per child). Admission is $25 for adults (13 and older) and free for children (12 and under). Price of admission will include FULL access to Madame Tussauds Washington, D.C., an Easter egg hunt through the Presidents Gallery, 1 gift bag per child, a meet & greet with the Easter Bunny, access to an on site petting zoo, and Easter storytelling and crafts! All children must be accompanied by an adult and there is a maximum limit of 4 children for every 1 adult.
April 4 (times vary): Cottontail Express at Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad
(315 Railroad Ave, Elkins, WV 26241)
Bring the kids dressed in their Easter best to meet Peter Cottontail on the Train. Join the Easter parade of animals in a mad search for that hippity, hoppity Bunny. This hop down the rails includea face painting, singing and general merriment. 1.5 hour roundtrip. Departs Elkins Depot 11 am and 1 pm. Adult – $40, Children (Age 4 – 11) – $35, Under 4 – Free. Reserve your spots now.
April 4 10:00am-12:00pm Easter Eggstravaganza at Rose Field
(2609 Dumbarton Street NW, WDC 20007)
The Easter Eggstravaganza is one of the most *EGGciting* Easter events in the area, this is a time for kids and families to come out and enjoy a fun-filled FREE event. There will be an Easter bunny, Easter Egg hunt, face painting, balloon animals, concessions, music, a moon bounce, games and much more! Come out and enjoy the festivities with us!
April 4 10:30am-12:30pm: 10th Annual Stead Park’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt
(P St NW between 16th and 17th Sts)
Hunt for Eggs by Age Group (please bring own basket)
Photos with the Easter Bunny • Coloring Table • Snacks & Beverages. This year we will be dividing the park into 3 areas for ‘hunting’ by age group (0-3, 4-6 & 7-10). We will have volunteers from the Foundry holding age group signs, so please help your child get to the appropriate spot so that all the children have a chance to find eggs. Children must be chaperoned by a parent or guardian. This is a popular (free) event, so we are requesting an RSVP. This event is free, but please bring a baby item to donate to the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project.
April 4 1:00pm-3:00pm: Easter Eggstravaganza at Lincoln Park
(East Capitol Street between 11th and 13th Street Washington, DC 20003)
Two Easter Egg Hunts, life-size Easter Bunny, cotton candy, face painting, games, prizes and bike raffle (one girl’s, one boy’s). Everything is free.
April 5 8:30am: Rosedale Conservancy
(35th St NW and Newark Street NW, Cleveland Park)
The Rosedale Conservancy will host the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Easter morning. Please bring your little ones armed with baskets. Meet at 8:30am at the Farmhouse, up the steps from the 35th and Newark Street gate.
April 5: Easter Brunch and Egg Hut at Pinstripes
April 5 12:00pm: Eggstravaganza 2015 at Walter Pierce Park
(b/t N Ontario Pl & N Lanier Pl)
The event is free and open to the public.
Top Eleven Spots in Chevy Chase for Families
The place I call home; Chevy Chase, DC! And no, the neighborhood has nothing to do with the actor Cornelius Crane “Chevy” Chase. We luckily live 5 blocks from the hustle and bustle of “The Avenue” before you enter Maryland. Connecticut ‘Avenue’ that is, which has a Starbucks, children’s clothing store Full of Beans, Salon Familia where the entire family can get a haircut, CVS, 2 grocery stores, a post office and so much more. Head east down Connecticut Avenue and you enter Forest Hills neighborhood which has an independent bookstore; Politics and Prose, CVS, restaurants and Little Red Fox coffee shop. Below you’ll find the Top Ten spots to head with your Bambino(s).
1. Barstons Child’s Play– Train tables and lots of toys out for kids to play with. I bet you can’t go in without leaving with lots of fun toys. The employees are so knowledgable about appropriate aged toys and what to get for that birthday party you’re sure to return to this toy store.
2. Jetties– New to the neighborhood but loved around the city. Sandwiches (try the Nobadeer if you’re in need of a Thanksgiving meal), salads, soups and ice cream!
3. Avalon Theatre Weekend Family Matinee
4. Comet Ping Pong Pizza– A family favorite of ours! Noisy, kid-friendly atmosphere, with ping pong tables and foosball in the back room. Parents: While the kids eat their cheese pizzas, try the wings. You won’t be sorry.
5. Livingston Playground (Livingston St and 41st St), Forest Hills Playground (Chesapeake St and 32nd St), Lafayette Playground (Patterson St and 33rd St). The trifecta of playgrounds in the neighborhood all have unique features making the rotation a worthwhile one.
6. Chevy Chase Library and Playground- Check DC Library website for story times.
7. Chevy Chase Pavillon– Besides three stories of retail and restaurants, Bambinos can run around the lower level and lounge on the comfy chairs– you can enjoy a coffee from Starbucks or a sandwich from Lunchbox.
8. Rock Creek Park- Take Nevada Ave directly into the Park (which turns into Broad Branch Rd), park and get out to walk around and play or head to the Horse Stables (5100 Glover Rd NW) to see the horses.
9. Chevy Chase Circle Fountain- bring a boat to float or picnic.
10. Politics and Prose Bookstore with story time on Mondays 10:30am (resuming January 5, 2015). Children’s section is downstairs next to the coffee shop.
11. Broad Branch Market– Local shop for gourmet groceries, craft coffee, beer & wine plus takeout foods & buffet catering. Summer at BBM is a Bambinos dream; John Henry concerts and ice cream cones. Stop in for a loaf of bread or a fresh made sandwich.
Top Ten Spots in Cleveland Park for Families
Cleveland Park; where my roots really began in DC. Sure, I moved here and lived immediately in Arlington (what out-of-towner doesn’t do that?) and then rented an apartment on U Street for a year. But, it wasn’t until I was engaged that I moved in with my husband-to-be to a cute townhouse 5o steps away from the hustle and bustle of Connecticut Ave. on Ordway St. We lived there as we got married and then found out we were pregnant 7 months into wedded bliss and moved a block away (through the back alley) to Porter St. Now, about 200 steps away from Connecticut Ave. This is where our first child was born and it couldn’t have been a more perfect area of DC to have a newborn. I walked to Cacao or Palena to get a morning coffee and chocolate croissant with my newborn in the Ergo and then we’d stroll to the zoo. Sometimes we’d repeat this process in the afternoon but instead of Cacao we’d visit Vace for a sandwich or slice of pizza. Then, we decided to be adults and instead of renting a house we bought our own and now live in Chevy Chase, DC. It’s no Cleveland Park but it’s where we call home now as we await the arrival of our second baby, in 2 weeks.
This leads me to my first Top Ten post in which I will highlight (and sometimes just list or link) to 10 child-friendly restaurants, venues, playgrounds, etc in DC neighborhoods, starting with one of my favorite DC hoods– Cleveland Park.
2. Newark Playground (39th St NW and Newark St NW)- The concept for Newark builds on an accessible path through the site and under shady trees. Parents and caregivers will appreciate a new stroller parking area and new seating throughout the site. Both younger and older children will find exciting new equipment, including climbing equipment and small boulders to sit or play on. A new rubberized play surface brings additional color and accessibility to the site. It sits next to a dog park, an impressive, large community garden, and several tennis courts.
3. The Firehouse– because what child doesn’t like looking at the trucks? And if lucky enough a firefighter may come out and talk with you or give you a tour.
5. Macomb St Playground (3409 Macomb Street, NW)- The concept for Macomb linked the two separated play spaces, relocated the shaded gazebo to create a more pronounced entry to the space, and includes a new water feature. New stairs and an incline with ropes for climbing connect the upper and lower play area, and new equipment is included throughout the site. A new bright, rubberized surface has a fun herringbone pattern.
6. Firehook Bakery has a nice terrace out back with a fountain. Children can roam around as you enjoy a cup of joe and a croissant.
7. Uptown Theater is a historic, single-screen movie theater which opened in 1936. (Would love to see them host Family Matinees or events more often.)
8. Melvin Hazen Tributary Trail
9. NCRC Playground (3209 Highland Pl NW, Washington, DC 20008)- The playground is designed to provide multiple types of play opportunities for children ranging from 2-½ through 12 years of age. The playground includes three sandbox areas, climbing apparatus, swings, bike paths, a ball court, and garden spaces. Open during after school hours.
10. California Tortilla –Kid-friendly Cal-Mex menu with outdoor seating too. Cactus Cantina is up a few blocks from the strip of Cleveland Park but worth the walk and wait, if you want a more sit-down Tex-Mex meal.
Weekend Picks: Chickasaw Festival, Brady Rymer and America’s Favorite Pastime
Montgomery County Fair wraps up this weekend. Fair hours are 10am-12midnight and carnival hours are 12:00pm-12:00am and animal exhibits in Old MacDonald’s Barn are open each day beginning at 3 pm. Children 11 and under are FREE while adults cost $10. Check the schedule for daily events. Address is 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Saturday-
10:00am-6:00pm: Indian Palette for Families
(2716 Ordway St NW., Apt 2, Washington, D.C. 20008)
Experience and celebrate the vibrancy of India at a fun-filled event. An exhibition where you’re sure to leave with hand made clothing and gifts. You can preview the collection here. Bring your loved ones, friends and children. To contact Anu directly you may email her for more information.
[Read more…]
Summer Spray and Splash (and boathouses) in Washington, DC
We’ve got you covered for summer splashing and swimming. Cool off at one of these amazing outdoor waterparks and splashparks.
(Yards Park)
Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole (Reston, VA)
This family water park captures the excitement of the Old West’s Gold Rush with attractions tailored for all ages. The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole offers more than an acre of slides, flumes, sprays, showers, floatables, and an interactive water playground. Careen off covered wagons, float on wild animals and dash through showers tipped from water-filled ore carts. The activity pool is encircled by Rattlesnake River, a 725 foot lazy river you can enjoy a relaxing float as the current gently nudges you along.
Ocean Dunes Waterpark (Arlington, VA)
Enjoy a day at the beach at Ocean Dunes Waterpark, Arlington’s favorite place cool off and have fun! Located within Upton Hill Regional Park, Ocean Dunes is loaded with fun features for adults and kids. Ocean Dunes includes a 500-gallon dumping bucket, water slides, waterfalls and squirters! Visitors will find themselves amidst dune grasses and the feeling of being at the beach, but without the drive! Next to the park is a 18 hole mini-golf course and 6 batting cages.
Great Waves Waterpark (Alexandria, VA)
Great Waves offers some of the most unique and fun water attractions in Northern Virginia! Whether you’re zipping down the speed slides, shooting through the tube slides or body surfing in the massive wave pool, you’ll enjoy hours of water fun the whole family can enjoy! And we certainly didn’t forget the little ones – our Kids Zone is a great place for you and the kids to cool off while having a great time – whether it be speeding down the rock slide at the Lagoon, or relaxing in the waterfalls at Minnow Bay. And don’t forget about the giant splash pad!
Atlantis Waterpark (Centreville, VA)
Discover all the fun of the fabled lost continent at Atlantis Waterpark, Centreville’s biggest and best waterpark! Loaded with fun features for your campers and kids, Atlantis includes a 1,000 gallon dumping bucket, water slides, waterfalls and squirters! Visitors will find themselves amidst mermaids, dolphins, Greek architecture and images of the deep! And keep your eyes peeled for the mighty Neptune himself!
Water Park at Bohrer Park (Gaithersburg, MD)
Enjoy a summer day at the Water Park! Intended for recreational swimming, the main pool is like a dream vacation on an island resort with palm trees, multiple slides, floatable animals, and a “tumble bucket” water feature for children to enjoy. The pool also has a zero-depth entry, making it accessible to all.
Chesapeake Beach Water Park (Chesapeake Beach, MD)
At the resort community of Chesapeake Beach, less than an hour from Washington, DC, you can have a splash-in fun- in- the- sun time in our eight water slides, fountains, waterfalls, a lagoon, kids activity pool and more, guaranteed to treat everyone to a cool time! Prices listed here, twilight hours offer a discount and Calvert Chesapeake residents also get a discounted rate.
Special Harbor Spray Park at Lee District RECenter (Fairfax, VA)
If you like running through the sprinkler, you’ll love Special Harbor spray ground at Lee District Park in Franconia. The fully accessible complex features Chesapeake Bay-themed attractions including a spraying osprey nest, Chessie the sea serpent, misting sunflowers and a lighthouse. The beach area is quieter with softer bubblers and interactive water tables. The computerized water maze and dumping crab basket provide more lively activity. Children will also enjoy the fully accessible tree house and the accessible Tiki Village playground in the nearby Family Recreation Area.
Washington, DC Parks and Recreation Spray Parks
Washington, DC Outdoor Children’s Pools
Yards Park wading pool
Canal Park dancing fountains
Georgetown Waterfront Fountain
Arlington, County Spraygrounds
Montgomery County Outdoor Pools
Want to head on to the Potomac with a kayak or canoe? Try these boathouses:
Weekday Adventures: Splish, splash in the stream, theatre-in-the-woods and practice your ABC’s with Mister G
Looking to escape the warmer temperatures this week? There are some new theatre performances in town, including Pinkalicious and the BFG. Our theatre roundup have the details you need.
The Smithsonian’s Discovery Theatre has a new show this week: Christylez Bacon: Human Beatbox. Showtimes are Tuesday-Friday at 10:15am and 11:30am.
DC Parks and Rec have turned on all spray parks and pools! Check them out to cool off.
Monday-
9:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.
9:30am-11:00am: Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for local stay-at-home parents and early rising families of all kinds! Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under. Today’s featured artist is master educator, musician, and storyteller, Bashea “Iya ” Imana . “Iya & the Kuumba Kids” is an interactive, hands-on, fun-filled time. Iya masterfully blends music & movement with storytelling, eco-friendly arts & crafts, and puppetry. This educational program for children fosters a love for learning and promotes literacy, critical thinking, respect for the environment, character development, and creativity.
10:30am-11:15am: Mr. Knick Knack at Reston Town Center (Pavillon)
(11900 Market St, Reston, Va. 20190)
Unique, heart-centered music for kids! Free.
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