Family friendly

Ring in the New Year: Family-Friendly Celebrations in Washington, DC

December 27, 2024

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and families in the DC area have plenty of options to celebrate the start of a new year without staying up until midnight. Whether you’re looking for festive fireworks, kid-friendly countdowns, or unique experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a roundup of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations for families in and around Washington, DC.

Noon Year’s Eve at Port Discovery Children’s Museum

Located in Baltimore, just a short drive from DC, Port Discovery Children’s Museum hosts a spectacular Noon Year’s Eve celebration. Perfect for younger kids, this event features arts and crafts, live music, and a countdown to noon with confetti and balloons. Kids can enjoy all the fun of New Year’s without staying up past their bedtime.

Details:

When: December 31, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Baltimore, MD
Cost: Included with museum admission

First Night Alexandria

First Night Alexandria is a long-standing tradition featuring music, magic, and interactive activities for the whole family. The event concludes with a colorful fireworks display over the Potomac River at 6:00 PM. Many activities are geared toward kids, including face painting, puppet shows, and craft stations.

Details:

When: December 31, 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Where: Various locations in Alexandria, VA
Cost: Admission buttons required (kids under 12 are free)

Noon Yards Eve at The Yards Park

This is an annual favorite at The Yards Park! Noon Yards Eve offers a fun and festive atmosphere with live entertainment, a balloon drop, and plenty of activities for kids. Families can enjoy crafts, face painting, and music while counting down to noon.

Details:

When: December 31, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: The Yards Park, Washington, DC
Cost: Free

Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Ball

The annual Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Ball at Jammin Java is the perfect way for families to ring in the new year. The show includes an apple juice toast, New Year’s resolutions, and our famous Ball Drop. Celebrate as they begin their 20th year making music together!

Details:

When: December 31,11AM and 2PM
Where: Jammin Java, Vienna, VA
Cost: $10

Midnight Noon at Maryland Science Center

Everyone’s favorite ball drop before bedtime is back again. Make memories and party, Science Center style, at MSC’S 17th annual Midnight Noon celebration! Enjoy loads of festive activities and games, explore all three floors of hands-on science exhibits, dance and sing along with the Rainbow Rock Band, and help ring in the New Year with a noontime ball drop!

Details:

When: December 31, 10AM – 2PM
Where: Maryland Science Center, Baltimore, MD
Cost: Included with museum admission

Family New Year’s at Metrobar

Jump aboard the “way-before-midnight” train at a family-friendly celebration starting at 4:00pm, with festive cocktails from our new winter menu, live music, and kids games & activities! Don’t worry about the cold: we have the heated and enclosed Railcar Bar & Lounge, fire pit cabanas, campfires, and heaters throughout. That, along with a selection of hot cocktails, will keep you warm as you celebrate 2025!

Details:

When: December 31, 4PM – 8:00PM
Where: Metrobar, Washington, DC
Cost: $15, only one ticket is needed per family

Midnight at 7

Want to experience the Symphony of Lights on New Year’s Eve, but still have the kids in bed by 10? Join for Midnight at 7, and enjoy the fireworks as you stroll through the lights one last time! Fireworks start 7pm.

Details:

When: December 31, 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Where: Merriweather Symphony of Lights, Columbia, MD
Cost: $15 per person, $50 family 4-pack, ages 3 and under are free

Breweries that have outdoor space for families in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC

October 23, 2020

Last year we published a blog post on family-friendly breweries which is a favorite of mine. We have not been going inside restaurants or bars however, so we bring you a list of breweries that have outdoor space large enough to social distance. Be sure to check the websites for protocols and hours as many breweries are closed a few days of the week. An alternative to taking the entire family to enjoy a brew– you can plan a great day date or overnight with adults and check out this Countryside Bike Tour published by Edible DC where you bike, drink and eat along the Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) and the Rock Creek Trail. Note: not all have outdoor space necessarily.

Maryland:

Lone Oak Farm– Olney, MD
Tons and tons of outdoor space. Bring a blanket incase the many picnic tables are occupied. They even have a small playground.

7 Locks Brewing– Rockville, MD
Pretty small outdoor space but there are picnic tables nonetheless. Perhaps a better place to go with adults.

The Brookeville Beer Farm– Brookeville, MD
A perfect brewery to bring a blanket and relax on the lawn, grab a brew and a pizza.

Denizens– Silver Spring, MD
They accept reservations in their beer garden for parties up to 6 people. The beer garden seating is weather dependent. They have some fire pits, but as the weather chills, they recommend you bring your own blanket!

Waredaca Brewing Company– Laytonsville, MD
Reservations are for two hours and a maximum of six people. Walk ins, dogs and families are welcome!

Virginia:

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery– Leesburg, VA
Another great place to spread out a blanket and play games. They have corn hole and other outdoor games to play along with a playground. A reader recommends to visit Temple Hall Farm while you are out that way; a working farm open free to the public.

Solace Brewing Company– Dulles, VA
Not much of an outdoor area for families– better for a date.

Dirt Farm Brewing– Bluemont, VA
Right up the hill from Great Country Farm with the most AMAZING views. Hang with the kids picking fruit at GCF and then head up the mountain to relax on the great lawn and play some games while you imbibe. They are open to outdoor seating only with plenty of space.

Port City Brewing– Alexandria, VA
Port City Brewing is thrilled to be open and accepting limited reservations for outdoor seating.

Caboose Brewery Company– Vienna, VA & Fairfax, VA
Both locations are incredibly family friendly. The Fairfax location seems to have a larger outdoor space.

Washington, DC:

Wunder Garten Beer Garden– NE, DC
Lawn games, a children’s play area and many outdoor tables.

Right Proper Brewing Company– Shaw & Brookland
With a small outdoor area, kids can keep themselves busy for a bit but take some games for more entertainment. They now take resvervations.

Bluejacket– SE, DC
The patio is open and you order online once you are seated.

Bardo Beer– SE, DC
The strangest setup but one of the most inventive. Situated between Nats Park and the water. You can enter from Riverwalk or Potomac Ave/S Capitol St SE. Perfect for pre-game or post-game hangout. TONS of seating and fun outdoor games, right next to the river! Also, dog friendly.

Celebrating New Years Eve in Washington, DC with kids

December 18, 2018

(Photo: Noon Yards Eve at The Yards)

Weekend Tots: Noon Year’s Eve at Tudor Place

Date: Sunday, December 30, 2018

Time: 11:30am-12:30pm

Location: 1644 31st St. N.W. (between Q and R)

Details: Celebrate New Year’s Eve a day early with a Tudor Place event for children aged 2 to 4. Enjoy a festive, counting-themed story time, then count down together at noon. Celebrate the “noon-year” with noisemakers, confetti, a sparkling craft, and then toast 2019 with juice.

Noon Yards Eve at The Yards

Date: Monday, December 31, 2018

Time: 10:00am-1:00pm

Location: The Yards Park Boardwalk: 355 Water Street SE Washington, DC 20003

Details: The free family-friendly New Year’s Eve daytime celebration that transforms Yards Park into an all-ages holiday wonderland, complete with interactive activities for children and adults. Yards Park will offer New Years-themed musical and magical performances, an inflatable obstacle course and the ever popular trackless train ride throughout Yards Park. The event will culminate with a countdown and celebratory balloon drop when the clock strikes noon to ring in the New Year!

Midnight Noon at Maryland Science Center

Date: Monday, December 31, 2018

Time: 10:00am-2:00pm

Location: 601 Light St., Baltimore, MD 21230

Details: Join for the annual New Year’s Eve celebration; Midnight Noon. There will be fun New Year’s festivities throughout the day, including a live concert by popular kids band Milkshake. Their Grammy-nominated tunes will keep you dancing throughout the day. The entire Science Center will be open and ready for you to explore. All activities are FREE with paid admission, and completely free to members.

Noon Time New Year’s Celebration at Port Discovery Children’s Museum

Date: Monday, December 31, 2018

Time: 10:00am-5:00pm

Location: 35 Market Pl. Baltimore, MD. 21202

Details: Don’t wear just anything to this New Year’s Eve celebration. Kids are encouraged to dress in their favorite costumes and join in an energetic countdown to the new year. There will be live performances, dancing, and snacks.

12th Annual Rocknoceros New Years Eve Party at Jammin Java

Date: Monday, December 31, 2018

Time: 11:00am

Location: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, VA.

Details: For the 12th year in a row, the hyper popular kids band will once again get the little ones rockin’ at this special New Year’s Eve gig at Jammin Java. Rocknoceros will do a full-fledged countdown and an apple juice toast for all!

Busy Bee’s New Year’s Eve Party at Chevy Chase location (details in photo below)

Busy Bee’s New Year’s Eve Party at Falls Church location

Date: Monday, December 31, 2018

Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm

Location: 6110 D Arlington Blvd Falls Church, VA 22044

Details: Come wave goodbye to 2018 and say hello to 2019 with us, and most importantly, your little one(s)! Rock with us and with Rainbow Rock Band as we play, dance, eat, count down and toast with cider to the new year! Who says we have to wait until midnight? The important part is to see the new year with the ones we love! We promise you won’t find a better kid-friendly new year celebration around!Pla

First Night Alexandria

Date: Monday, December 31, 2018

Time: 2:00pm-11:45pm

Location: 30 indoor venues, within walking distance, along King St in Old Town

Details: A New Year’s Eve celebration for families with children 12 and under! Face painting, games, balloons, fireworks, dancing, DJ and more. Includes a Fun Hunt from 2:00pm-4:00pm. There are 3 Kids Karnivals from 6:00pm-9:00pm especially designed to entertain and engage families with children up to 12 years old. There will be clowns, face painting, music, games, and a special guest host at each location all for only $5 per child 2-12 years old (or free with adult with a First Night Badge).

Plan Ahead:
A family-friendly event to kick off the new year; Jaleo’s annual Three Kings Day brunch is back at Jaleo Bethesda on Sunday, January 6. From 10:00am – 2:00 pm. Guests can enjoy brunch and a complimentary slice of Roscón de Reyes (King Cake) alongside live performances by Adventure Theatre. 2019 may be your lucky year – whoever finds a bean in their slice of cake will win a prize!

2018 Guide to holiday shows, ballets and concerts in and around Washington, DC

November 3, 2018

Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker at Warner Theatre: Nov. 29-Dec. 28, 2018
DC’s perennial favorite, Septime Webre’s The Nutcracker, celebrates 15 years in 2018 with 40 performances! This celebrated production is set in historic 1882 Georgetown with George Washington, King George III, and other historical figures. Join us again with family and friends or start a new holiday tradition with your loved ones. The Nutcracker running time is approximately two hours including one intermission.

Offerings from The Washington National Cathedral

Messiah- G. F. Handel: Dec. 7-9, 2018
A beloved Christmas favorite featuring the Cathedral Choir.

Cathedral Choral Society: Joy of Christmas: Dec. 15 & 16, 2018
Celebrate the warm spirit of the season in a majestic setting. A well-loved Washington, D.C. holiday tradition, this concert includes Christmas favorites and a festive carol sing-along. The program will feature a newly commissioned carol by popular British composer Paul Mealor.

Offerings from The Kennedy Center

Ballet West: The Nutcracker: Dec. 5-9, 2018
Ballet West returns to perform the D.C. premiere of its whimsical new production of The Nutcracker, which was unveiled in Salt Lake City last year. Pairing reimagined designs with beloved choreography, the opulent production delivers treasured moments and surprising new delights.

The Washington Chorus presents A Candlelight Christmas: Dec. 7-22, 2018
It’s not Christmas without The Washington Chorus! Featuring brass, organ, sing-alongs, and the magnificent candlelight processional.

Merry TubaChristmas!: Dec. 10, 2018 at 6:00pm
This year marks the 45th anniversary of MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS!, founded by Harvey Phillips, in which hundreds of tuba, sousaphone, and euphonium players from around Washington, D.C., play traditional Christmas music. Free general admission tickets will be distributed in the Nations Gallery starting at approximately 4:30 p.m., up to two tickets per person.

Washington National Opera: Holiday Family Opera: The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me:Dec. 14-16, 2018
As the first Christmas nears, a special character will share the Nativity story from his perspective: the donkey! Director Francesca Zambello brings the award-winning children’s book to vibrant life in this heartwarming family opera, revived after its acclaimed 2013 world premiere.

National Symphony Orchestra: A Holiday Pops! Under the Mistletoe with Ashley Brown: Dec. 14-15, 2018
Warm your spirit with fresh takes on comforting classics in this singalong tradition with the NSO and The Washington Chorus, a perfect holiday treat for the entire family! Join us in the festively decorated Concert Hall for this year’s program that welcomes musical theater darling Ashley Brown—originator of the title role in Mary Poppins on Broadway—in her NSO debut.

Getty Music Presents Keith & Kristyn Getty and Friends: SING! An Irish Christmas: Dec. 15, 2018 at 8:00pm
Join Ireland’s own Keith and Kristyn Getty, writers of modern hymns and carols, for their seventh annual tour of An Irish Christmas.

The Choral Arts Society of Washington presents Songs of the Season: Dec. 16-24, 2018
Choral Arts brings Songs of the Season to the Kennedy Center Concert Hall.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze at MGM National Harbor
This critically acclaimed extravaganza is the nation’s iconic holiday stage spectacular and part Broadway musical, new cirque adventure and a family show – all wrapped into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family. Weekday performances are scheduled to begin nightly at 7:30 p.m. and weekend shows are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.

National Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah: Dec. 20-23, 2018
Join the NSO, exceptional singers, and a heavenly chorus in the festively decorated Concert Hall for our holiday tradition! Experience all of the hope, redemption, and grace of Handel’s much-loved Messiah, conducted by Nicholas McGegan.

Messiah Sing-Along: Dec. 23, 2018 at 6:00pm
Be part of Washington’s most popular free holiday event, the Kennedy Center’s Messiah Sing-Along. Back by popular demand, the evening concert features conductor Nancia D’Alimonte as she leads members of the Opera House Orchestra, guest soloists, a chorus of 200, and a veryenthusiastic audience in Handel’s masterpiece. A family and community tradition since 1971! Free general admission tickets will be distributed in the Hall of Nations starting at approximately 4:30 p.m., up to two tickets per person.

All-Star Christmas Day Jazz Jam: Dec. 25, 2018 at 6:00pm
Join in the 20th annual All-Star Christmas Day Jazz Jam, a Millennium Stage tradition, with host/vibraphonist Chuck Redd, drummer Lenny Robinson, trumpeters Robert Redd and Tom Williams, bassist James King, and vocalist Delores King Williams.

Music for Young Audiences: Timbalooloo Live: Dec. 26-31, 2018
Explore the thrilling language of instruments! Grammy Award®–winning clarinetist and composer Oran Etkin and his band use games, stories, songs, and movement to teach children rich musical and cultural heritage. Age 3+

Offerings from Strathmore

Manheim Steamroller: Dec. 2, 2018
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 30 years! Grammy Award-winner Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from his groundbreaking Fresh Aire series which introduced the distinctive Mannheim sound to all of America. Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with dazzling multimedia effects and the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller.

National Philharmonic Holiday Pops: Dec. 7, 2018 at 7:30pm
Experience the joy and magic of the holidays! Hear Ms. Blake sing O Holy Night and other favorite holiday solos and sing along to seasonal classics including White Christmas with your family and friends at Strathmore. Ms. Blake was recently seen in Signature Theater’s Titanic. Come early to this special concert, supportiing military families of the USO-Metro, to view the Polar Express Train, decorate an ornament and hear young carolers. Members can enjoy a delicious hot chocolate bar.

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra: Cirque Nutcracker: Dec. 13, 2018 at 8:00pm
The awe-inspiring talents of Troupe Vertigo come to the concert hall as acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, strongmen and high-flying aerialists join the BSO for this spectacular holiday-themed show.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker: Dec. 16-17, 2018
Christmas is coming and so is the one and only Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. Presenting world class Russian artists, hand-painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens, and jubilant Nesting Dolls—Great Russian Nutcracker brings the Christmas spirit to life for all ages. “Kids wide-eyed with delight!” says The New York Times. Experience the Dove of Peace Tour, spreading goodwill in over 100 cities across North America. Get seats now for the whole family and make memories for a lifetime at Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker!

The Hip Hop Nutcracker: Dec. 18-19, 2018
This holiday mash-up for the whole family is back by popular demand! The Hip Hop Nutcracker reimagines Tchaikovsky’s classic score through explosive hip-hop choreography. A dozen all-star dancers, an on-stage DJ, and an electric violinist bring the traditional Nutcracker story to life in contemporary New York City.

A Candlelight Christmas: Dec. 20-21, 2018
It’s not Christmas without The Washington Chorus! Featuring brass, organ, sing-alongs, and the magnificent candlelight processional, A Candlelight Christmas includes audience favorites such as “The Dream Isaiah Saw,” “Hallelujah Chorus,” and more.

National Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah: Dec. 22-23, 2018
No Christmas celebration is complete without a performance of Handel’s uplifting oratorio Messiah, a work that has delighted and inspired audiences worldwide since its premiere in 1741. The perennial favorite features such timeless highlights as “And the Glory of the Lord” and the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Messiah will once again infuse audiences with its beauty in a performance by the acclaimed National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale and world-class soloists, led by conductor Stan Engebretson.

More shows in and around Washington, DC at various locations:

Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas at Adventure Theatre: Nov. 16-Jan. 6
What could be fancier than Christmas? Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles-and who could forget the tree? After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Oohlala! This year, Nancy is especially excited. After selling some of her old gowns and accessories, Nancy has enough money to buy a brand-new sparkly tree topper. She can’t wait to decorate the Christmas tree. But when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous?

Encore Stage & Studio presents Jingle ARRGH the Way! : Nov. 16-18 and Nov. 30-Dec. 9, 2018
A mysterious message left in the crow’s nest of their ship brings Captain Braid Beard and his pirate mates back to North Beach to seek out young Jeremy Jacob to help solve a riddle and find the Christmas treasure. Favorite characters, a rollicking story, great songs, and a trip to the North Pole to find “you know who,” this production is based on a story by Melinda Long, author of How I Became a Pirate. We recommend this musical for ages 4 and older.

A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre: Nov. 15-Dec. 30, 2018
Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Originally conceived by Michael Baron, this music-infused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic. Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace returns to play Ebenezer Scrooge. This annual production has been a Washington tradition for more than 35 years.Length: 2 hours with one intermission. Recommended for ages 5 and older.

The Nutcracker on Strings at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo Nov. 23-Dec. 30, 2018
Tiny Tots: Nutcracker Fantasy at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo Nov. 23-Dec. 30, 2018

Holiday Sing-A-Long at Wolf Trap: Dec. 1, 2018 at 4:00pm
Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Wolf Trap’s 2017 Holiday Sing-A-Long! This musical celebration hosts a performance by the United States Marine Band and a Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with local choir and vocal groups from the metropolitan Washington area. Wolf Trap will be participating in Toys for Tots by collecting new, unwrapped toys at the entrance to the Filene Center before the Sing-A-Long. Donations are voluntary and not required. Admission is free and no tickets are necessary. Parking is free but limited so please plan on arriving early. Bring a candle and join the tradition of exiting the Filene Center with a candlelight processional during the last verse of “Silent Night.” There will also be a ‘Jing-A-Long’ during the singing of Jingle Bells so remember to bring a bell and your holiday cheer!

Frosty the Snowman at The Performing Arts Factory: Dec 1, 8, 15, 22, 27, 29 at 11:30 am. Sundays Dec 2, 16 at 2:00pm

Other Voices Theatre presents an hour long heartwarming original musical that tells the story of the magic hat that brings Frosty to life and also has the magical ability to transform others who wear it.

Seasons of Light at Discovery Theater: Weekdays Dec. 3- Dec. 21 at 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., (with additional 1 p.m. performances on Dec. 13, 18, & 19)
Join in the annual celebration of seasonal holidays from around the world. The history and customs of Diwali (Devali), Chanukah, Las Posadas, Ramadan, Sankta Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the First Nations’ tradition of the Winter Solstice make for an amazing interactive event that bridges communities and cultures. Back for its 20th season, this signature Discovery Theater show sells out early, so get your tickets now!

Madeline’s Christmas presented by Creative Cauldron: Dec. 6-23, 2018
She’s Back!! After sold out runs at the Cauldron in 2014 & 2017, we couldn’t resist one more visit from everyone’s favorite precocious little Parisian. “In an old house in Paris, covered in vines, lived 12 little girls in two straight lines.” And with that familiar phrase, author, illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans sets in motion the adventures of the brave and resourceful Madeline! In this musical adaptation, Madeline’s schoolmates and tutor are all sick in bed on Christmas Eve, unable to go home to be with their families. So, it’s Madeline to the rescue! And with the help of a magical rug merchant she takes her friends on a Christmas journey they will never forget.

(Picture: The Mini-Nut) Maryland Youth Ballet presents Mini-Nutcracker: Dec. 8 & 9, 2018
MYB’s Mini-Nut is a delightful abbreviated version of our classic, award-winning, The Nutcracker, designed to introduce children to the magic of this family favorite. This beloved holiday tradition with soaring music by Tchaikovsky promises to hold the attention of even the youngest theatergoer. Come see the Nutcracker turn into a handsome Prince, see the battle between the Nutcracker and the Seven Headed Mouse King. Watch the sparkling Snow Queen float through her kingdom. See the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy and the magical residents of The Kingdom of Sweets! Suitable for all ages, this version is less than an hour and performed by cast members from MYB’s full-length production. A perfect holiday mini-treat!

The Christmas Revels: A French-Canadian Celebration of the Winter Solstice: Dec. 8-16, 2018
Spend a festive holiday evening with the Queen — Elizabeth the First, that is! The year is 1599, England is swept up in a flowering of music and drama, and master Shakespearian actor and fool Will Kemp has become an overnight sensation by Morris dancing from London to the town of Norwich in just nine days! Queen Elizabeth herself is also on the way to Norwich, and the locals enlist Kemp’s help as they prepare a Winter play worthy of Her Majesty. But Elizabeth has left the trappings of court far behind — and she has much more rustic entertainment in mind.

The Nutcracker presented by Maryland Youth Ballet: Dec. 14-23, 2018
Voted both Outstanding Production in Classical Dance and Outstanding Youth Performance by Metro DC Dance Awards, Lees’ version of the holiday classic is a metropolitan area family favorite. There is something for everyone in this fun and engaging version of The Nutcracker—a huge cannon that fires at the mice, a beautiful growing Christmas tree, whirling flakes in a snowstorm, cute little Ginger Snaps peeking out of a huge Mother Ginger skirt, a lovely Sugar Plum dancing with her handsome Cavalier, and extraordinary costumed characters from the Kingdom of Sweets.

Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show at Atlas Performing Arts Center: Dec. 14, 2018 at 7:30pm
This fun, family-friendly performance will have you stomping your feet and clapping your hands to energetic beats from Step Afrika! and special guest, DJ Frosty the Snowman. Over the last six years, this internationally-renowned percussive dance company has created a contemporary holiday tradition at the Atlas, featuring friendly, furry characters, pre-show instrument-making workshops, photo ops, and even a dance party. Why celebrate the holidays sitting still when you can step with Step Afrika! Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is suited to adults and kids age four and up. Join us in the lobby 30 minutes before show time to decorate your own musical instrument so you can make music with Step Afrika! during the performance. (Pictured below)

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Holiday Tea

Children and family programs at Strathmore

October 29, 2018

Strathmore has so much to offer to not only adults but for Bambinos of all ages as well. They have summer camp for kids and teens, a fun backyard summer concert series we attend every year, an annual Uke Festival and Bambinos can be a part of the Strathmore Children’s Chorus or the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra. Below are a few series currently taking place. Here is a full listing of children’s programs at Strathmore so you don’t miss out! Below are a highlight of a few programs currently taking place.

Children’s Art Talk & Tour

Young art lovers can get behind the brushstrokes and into the head, heart, and history of the artists with these kid-friendly Saturday tours. Children take part in an educational guided tour of the current exhibitions followed by a hands-on art activity. Ages 7 & up. Accompanying adults are free. Reservations required. Program also offered in Spanish- Recorrido de Arte para Niños en Español

Upcoming Dates:

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2018, 10:15AM
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2019, 10:15AM
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019, 10:15AM
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019, 10:15AM
SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2019, 10:15AM

Saturday Family Jam Sessions

Junior music aficionados spend Saturday mornings singing, playing, and preparing for a lifetime of music appreciation. Strathmore’s fun, creative, kid-friendly series features renowned jazz singer Rochelle Rice and multi-instrumentalist Seth Kibel.

Recommended for ages 3–8. All sessions take place at 10:15am in the Mansion.

Performances on March 2 and April 13 are sensory-friendly to create an experience that is welcoming to children with autism or sensory sensitivities.

Upcoming Dates:

SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2019, 10:15AM
SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2019, 10:15AM
SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019, 10:15AM
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019, 10:15AM
SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2019, 10:15AM

Saturday Family Story Sessions

Our popular Saturday Family Jazz Sessions series continues this fall with a new, story-telling twist. Saturday Family Story Sessions is 4 weeks of fun! Local storytellers teach kids how to weave narrative tales, instilling a love of learning with every word. Music, movement, art, and interactive play: it’s all about understanding other people, enjoying different cultures and boosting imagination and creativity. Recommended for ages 3–8.

Everyone needs a ticket! All attendees, including accompanying adults, must have a ticket.

Children 2 years old and under will be admitted for free, but they do require a ticket to help us manage attendance and be sure we don’t go over our maximum allowed capacity. If you plan to bring a child 2 years old or younger to this performance, please call our ticket office to reserve a special free ticket at 301.581.5100.

Family friendly trip to Lancaster County

August 21, 2018

We recently spent 2 days in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, which is just 120 miles from Washington, DC. We had an amazing time and wanted to share our itinerary with you! Our main attraction was to visit Dutch Wonderland because our kids loved it so much last year, that’s all they talked about leading up to this summer. Last year when we visited Dutch Wonderland, we drove up and back in one day and it was do-able. This year we found a family friendly hotel and planned to see more of Lancaster County. Cue itinerary…

Day 1:

Drive straight to Dutch Wonderland

Dinner at Funck’s. Food is mediocre with an extensive beer list but the best part is kids eat for $2 on Sunday’s and their meal came with ice cream at the end! TV’s filled the restaurant so our tired little one’s were entertained with sports watching and kids menu coloring.

Overnight:

Double Tree Resort by Hilton Hotel Lancaster The hotel room was like dinner; fine. We woke up Monday morning and surprised our kids with a trip to the indoor pool which had a water slide, mini-slide and a rainbow spray as well as two separate pool areas that were heated. The hotel had several events for children from movie nights to crafts during the day so be sure to check that out. OR surprise them and stay in a train caboose at The Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant. Perhaps staying at a working farm is of interest to you. There are many to choose from but one that comes recommended from family is the Verdant View Farm. Rise and shine – slip on your boots and head to the barn for hands-on farm experience before a family-style breakfast. Or you can just join an educational tour of a homestead farm. Roll up your sleeves, milk a cow, and interact with our many farm animals and not stay overnight.

Day 2:

Strasburg Railroad was my favorite part of the trip. We went on a 45-minute STEAM train ride which includes an audio commentary providing interesting facts, history, and information about the railroad and surrounding area through the tranquil Amish countryside. Before or after your ride, the Fun Extras at the Station include shops, playground, Cranky Cars, Pump Car and Pint-Sized Pufferbelly (open seasonally). Thomas the Train also makes appearances here throughout the year, including Sept 15-23 and Nov 16-18, 2018.

There is also a Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania across the street.

We spotted Cherry Crest Adventure Park on the train. Making a list of all they have to do there would take up too much of this post, so check it out here, you won’t be disappointed! Open for 6 months with varying hours and special holiday events!

Speckled Hen for lunch, coffee or a treat. They even have a children’s area with enough toys to keep your Bambinos busy and happy.

Immerse yourself in the culture of the area:

Lil Country Store & Miniature Horse Farm
Amish All Around Buggy Tours

Food Tours:

Turkey Hill Experience
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery

Need indoor ideas:

Go ‘N Bananas Family Fun Center
Here are some more from Discover Lancaster

Related Posts:

Neighborhood Guides

Kid-friendly programs at National Museum of American History

November 6, 2017

Ariel Gory is the Education Specialist at the National Museum of American History and she has lots of exciting family programs for you to check out, in between visiting exhibits with your Bambinos. The museum also has two interactive learning spaces to visit; Wegmans Wonderplace and Spark!Lab.

At the National Museum of American History, we believe the museum is for people of all ages! With early learners we know it takes a special approach to education to ensure that they have meaningful, memorable experiences within our spaces. That’s where 2 ongoing events; Museum ABC’s and History Time come in.

Museum ABC’s and History Time are designed to introduce our youngest visitors (ages 0 to 6) to our museum collections in developmentally appropriate ways. Through stimulating close-looking techniques, engaging story times and hands-on opportunities for play and creation, we hope to facilitate learning moments for little ones. Both programs also aim to support early literacy learning through letter-learning and interactive reading. Our goal for our early learning programming is to spark a lifelong love for learning and museums within the hearts of young children and to inspire the adults in their lives to use our collection as a resource to support their child’s learning journey.

On the first and third Saturday of every month, from 11:00 am–12:00 pm (story will be read at 11:00am and 11:30am) little ones can learn about a new topic (like colors, transportation, music or numbers) through an interactive story time, arts and crafts, play, and hands-on exploration of real museum artifacts at History Time. Below, you will find the description of the History Time programs, from November through March for your reference. Meet on the First Floor, West Wing, Coulter Performance Plaza for this free program.

November – Food

1^st and 3^rd Saturdays in November are all about food. Come enjoy delicious stories, participate in food games and crafts, and explore cookware from our collection!

December – Toys and Puppets

1^st and 3^rd Saturdays in December are all about toys and puppets. Come hear a playful story, create your own puppet and learn about toys in our collection.

January – Alphabet

1^st and 3^rd Saturdays in January are all about the alphabet. Come hear a letter filled story and engage in an alphabet craft and fun activities that encourage early alphabet learning.

February – Numbers

1^st and 3^rd Saturdays in February are all about numbers. Come hear counting stories, learn about numbers, colors, and shapes with toy clocks and create art with numbers!

March – Color

1^st and 3^rd Saturdays in March are all about color. Come hear a colorful story, make art and practice color identification through fun games and activities.

Wegmans Wonderplace is a learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians. Bambinos are welcome to exercise their imaginations, wiggle their bodies, and explore with their hands. Wonderplace is built around the enduring wonders of childhood, the things kids are naturally curious about—blocks, animals, sounds–and branches out to make connections to the museum’s diverse collections and exhibitions. Our youngest visitors will cook their way through a kid-sized Julia Child’s kitchen, find the owls hiding in the Smithsonian Castle, and captain a tugboat based on a model from our collections. Through playful activities and creative displays of treasured artifacts, young children will get to know the faces, places, and stories of our country in engaging and age-appropriate ways.

On weekdays, admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. There may be a brief wait to enter during busy times. On weekends and federal holidays, we may use FREE, timed tickets to minimize wait time if needed. Tickets are available for 30-minute visits on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required for the first session from 10:00am- 10:30 am. To visit during a later half-hour session, visitors may pick up a ticket at Wonderplace in 1 West. The last entry is at 3:30 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays, open 10am-4pm other days.

While at the museum be sure and stop in to Spark!Lab, where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment, and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with art, museum, and creativity.

Spark!Lab activities are designed around common themes that connect to Museum collections and exhibitions. These themes will change on a regular basis, ensuring that regular visitors have something new to explore.

Spark!Lab is open 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and is closed only on Tuesdays.

******Special Event******

On November 30^th,2017 little ones are invited to join us at the museum for a special Sesame Street Celebration! We will be celebrating with a “Create Your Own Character” craft, a music making station, Sesame Street story times and a rare opportunity to see Sesame Street characters out of the Museum’s storage. Plus, families will be able to meet Julia, one of Sesame Street’s newest residents who lives with autism, during meet and greet sessions throughout the day. This event is free and open to everyone!

National Museum of American History
1st Floor, West Wing
Coulter Performance Plaza
12th St. and Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20001

GIVEAWAY: Whole Foods Market Family Friendly Valentine’s Day Dinner

February 9, 2017

I am at Whole Foods Market shopping at least twice a week. So when I was asked to do a fun promo for Valentine’s Day, I jumped at the opportunity. After all, our family devours their fresh produce, organic dairy and meats and bulk items, so another trip was more than welcome. For the promo, the mission was to create a family-friendly Valentine’s Day dinner for my husband and two children. Mission accomplished!

Valentine’s Day is not complete without a bouquet of roses. Whole Foods Market has a holiday special “Double Dozen Premium Roses” for $24.99. I love roses — so having a dozen roses in the dining room and another dozen roses in my bedroom is extra special. Spread the word to the husbands, wives, partners, kids….everyone! It really is a great deal and they have other denominations and colors to choose from.

My family loves surf and turf but I will only splurge when it’s a special occasion…and a Valentine’s celebration certainly qualifies. I went on Pinterest to find a cute Valentine’s way to present the meal and decided on cutting up a variety of fruit and form them into the shape of a heart as well as connecting two shrimp in the shape of a heart and placing on top of the steak. The kids got a kick out of making the shrimp into hearts (as you can see below) and occasionally they took a break to dip the (already cooked) shrimp in the 365 brand Cocktail Sauce. I served the surf and turf with Sweet Potato Puffs and Super Sweet Bicolor Corn which was loved by all.

After dinner, came the big surprise for the kids, a box of Lake Champlain assorted chocolates. My kindergartener read all of the flavors on the back of the box to us and we chose our favorite to eat. Let’s just say they are not picky.

In summary, using Whole Food Market’s 365 products as well as foods made in-house, I prepared a memorable Valentine’s Day meal that was fun and enjoyable for the whole family.

Giveaway: “Like and Comment” on Beltway Bambino’s Facebook page to enter to win a $50 gift card for your Valentine’s Day shopping! An extra entry for commenting below on this blog post, however you MUST comment on Facebook to be entered. One random winner will be announced February 13, 2017.

Did you know you can do your Valentine’s Day shopping online if you can’t get out of the house? Check out the latest Whole Foods Market flier below for Valentine’s Day specials: