Beltway Bambinos

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

Celebrate the High Holidays at home with PJ Library

Each fall, Jews around the world celebrate the High Holidays: Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).  It’s a time when one can take a deep breath and think about the ways to make ourselves and the world a better place. Traditionally, many families celebrate the holidays at synagogue and with relatives and friends. This year, to stay safe, many are staying home, so PJ Library has created a FREE, everything-you-need family guide to help celebrate what may be many family’s first High Holidays spent entirely at home. It’s easy to subscribe to PJ Library just click HERE! Be sure to check out and download this beautifully-illustrated “High Holidays at Home: A PJ Library Family Guide” featuring new and familiar rituals, hands-on activities such as shofar making and challah baking, conversation starters, “unpacking” of selected prayers (with tips on talking with children about God), and family-friendly explanations — all aimed at making the ten days the High Holidays are celebrated meaningful, memorable and fun for families, this year and in the future. The guide is also accompanied by an interactive online companion that offers helpful how-to videos, music, and audio versions of blessing and prayers.

Our family used the guide to make homemade challah, using the recipe in the guide. It was so simple and a great way to bond and discuss the holidays.

It’s easy to subscribe to PJ Library just click HERE!

Washington Nationals Kids Promotions

Nationals Park was designed for fans of all ages, and throughout the 2019 season families will have great opportunities to come watch a game at Nationals Park and enjoy all the family-oriented things Nationals Park has to offer. In addition, one Sunday each month there will be a special giveaway for kids presented by Harris Teeter, featuring all new items. Family-friendly events like Kids Run the Bases, Kids Opening Day, and the Youth Baseball & Softball Parade also return for the 2019 season. The Nationals full 2019 promotional calendar can be found here.

Just for Kids Giveaways:
 April 28 – Kids Watch (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 May 26 – Max Scherzer Jersey (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 June 23 – Screech Hooded Towel (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 August 18 – Teddy Squeezable Toy (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 September 15 – Lumberjack Cap (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)

Our favorite family-friendly summer activities in and around Washington, DC

Summer is my all-time favorite time in Washington, DC, despite the hot temperatures, there is something always going on. An outdoor festival, fountains to splash around in, an outdoor sports game to watch or live music are a few of our go-to’s. We want to help you kick off your summer the right way so you don’t miss out on some of the great summer events in Washington, DC.

Photo courtesy of DC Mosquito Squad
  • Jazz in the Sculpture Garden: The Jazz in the Garden Series begins its 19th season in May. The free concert series features jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles—Brazilian Folk Jazz, Alternative Modern, Blues, Reggae, World Steam Punk, Afro Funk, African Fusion Jazz, Cuban Charanga, Django Guitar, New Orleans Jazz, and more—every Friday evening from 5:00 to 8:30 in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Bring a picnic, buy a beverage, relax and enjoy the atmosphere, sculptures and music.
  • Local splash parks
  • Wolf Trap children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods: June 18- Aug 3, 2019- Across the meadow from the Filene Center, literally tucked in the woods at Wolf Trap National Park, the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods has been a summer tradition for generations of children and families. Performances range from music and dance to puppetry and storytelling—interactive, educational, and fun. All shows are about an hour long and are perfect for children ages 4 and up. Event calendar can be found here.
  • Play in your own yard! Our family loves good old fashioned chalk and bubbles on our front walkway but we also play tons of catch, water play and scootering. This wouldn’t be possible if we didn’t have our yard sprayed by Mosquito Squad. The first year we lived in our house we weren’t able to sit on our front porch for more than a minute without being bitten by mosquitos. Mosquito Squad has made an amazing difference and after our treatment the mosquitos are gone! What I love most is that their spray techniques allow for kids and pets to return to playing just 30 minutes after service.
  • Pirate Adventure on the Chesapeake: Boat + Annapolis + Pirate Adventure = Outdoor Perfection
  • Smithsonian Folklife Festival: The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is June 29 & 30, 2019 and you will experience living traditions from around the world. The goal is to work with communities to strengthen and preserve their cultures and share them with you on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
  • Strathmore Backyard Theatre: Enrich your little ones’ summer Thursday mornings in July with sunshine, music, and laughter at Strathmore’s Backyard Theater for Kids. This eclectic program is the perfect summer escape for busy families. Pack a picnic and enjoy live performances by highly esteemed and innovative family-friendly entertainers.
  • Montgomery County Agriculture Fair: The Fair will be August 9-17, 2019 and has animals, rides, entertainment, food, commercial, home arts, arts and crafts exhibits, and many others for the whole family to enjoy!
  • 11th Annual Ukulele Festival at Strathmore: It’s a celebration of the marvelous musicality of the ukulele on August 21, 2019. UkeFest features ukulele superstars Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, Daniel Ho, and Peter Luongo along with a mass strum-along. This fantastically fun concert is the culmination of the 11th annual UkeFest intensive workshop and a highlight of summer at Strathmore!
  • Kayak, canoe and paddle boating: Ballpark Boathouse, Fletcher’s Boathouse, Mariner Sailing School, The Wharf

Mosquito Squad of Greater Washington DC is our communities’ leading choice for mosquito, tick, and flea control, as well as other forms of backyard pest control. Their work has made it possible for customers to enjoy their backyards for the first time without fear of bug bites or vector-borne diseases. Their work is backed by a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. If you don’t like the results, they promise to spray your yard again for free or refund your money. Schedule your mosquito control treatment by calling (571) 364-6956 and find a service that is right for your family here.

This post was written in partnership with D.C. Mosquito Squad who is providing standard barrier treatment for our yard this summer.

Live outdoor summer music in and around Washington, DC

One of my favorite parts about summer in Washington, DC are the (mostly) free, outdoor concerts you can find. A few summers ago we took a sporadic drive to the Mall, walked around, played some ball by the reflecting pool with our then three year old and walked towards the Capitol where the U.S. Air Force Band was performing a free concert. A huge crowd was gathered on the steps and in chairs taking in the gorgeous evening and patriotic tunes. I had no idea they performed for free and for the public on random evenings. This post will help you take advantage of some great music that will help you relax after a long day and see a bit of our city while doing so. Also, included are family focused shows at some favorite venues. Get out and enjoy the lighter evenings, let your kids stay up a little longer and enjoy the music our city offers. 

The Yards Park Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 8th Season. Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike. Also check out Kids in Canal: Making its second appearance in Capitol Riverfront, Kids in Canal is a 12-week series of kid-friendly entertainment every Wednesday 10:30 am – 11:30 am beginning June 6th!  Bring your little ones to the middle block of Canal Park to enjoy magic shows, kids tunes, science demonstrations, and puppet shows.  Top off your day with a refreshing splash in the Canal Park dancing water fountains.

RecessMonkeyStrathmore’s Backyard Theatre for Children
Enrich your little ones’ summer mornings with sunshine, music, and laughter at Strathmore’s Backyard Theater for Kids. This eclectic program is the perfect summer escape for busy families. Pack a picnic and enjoy live performances by highly esteemed and innovative family-friendly entertainers. From folk and jazz to the amazing sounds of the steelpan, Backyard Theater makes it easy to engage kids at every stage. We promise to keep both kids and parents entertained, so bring your family for a morning of inspiration and celebration!

LITTLE MISS ANN Thu, July 5
JOJO & THE PINECONES Thu, July 12
POSITIVE VIBRATIONS Thu, July 19
LUCKY DIAZ & THE FAMILY JAM BAND Thu, July 26

Also for kids!
ARTS ON THE HORIZON: TO THE CLOUDS Sat, July 28

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Safe Summer Fun: 11 Family-Focused Water Safety Tips + Williamsburg Great Wolf Lodge

Summertime is almost here and what better place to kick off your summer adventures by planning a family vacation to the beach, lake or a trip to the incredible Williamsburg Great Wolf Lodge? Summer is the perfect time to take your family to the waterpark resort, which was recently named by Trip Advisor as one of the Top 25 Hotels for Families in the United States! The resort features a massive indoor waterpark, as well as a bowling alley, mini golf course, outdoor ropes course, and a spa just for kids of all ages.

Great Wolf Lodge is a nationally recognized leader in water safety. Ellis & Associates, a renowned international organization focused on aquatic safety has recognized Great Wolf Lodge several years running with its top award for water safety. Since opening its first resort in 1997, Great Wolf Lodge has welcomed millions of families and accumulated a wealth of tips to help keep families safe around water.

May is National Water Safety Month, so there is no better time to share these tips with your family for a safe summer of fun!

  • Never swim alone. Always use the buddy system and be sure the area is well supervised by lifeguards before you or other family members enter the water.
  • Encourage your child to wear a life jacket. Many public pools and water parks provide life jackets for your use free of charge and it’s better to be on the safe side if your child is not a confident swimmer.
  • Never assume someone else is watching your child. Even with lifeguards nearby, you have the responsibility for your child. The best way to keep your child safe is to play right alongside them.
  • Stay hydrated. Swimming and playing takes a lot of energy, especially during the hot summer months. Drink plenty of water or sports drinks and rest in a cool location.
  • Forget the Bling. Before heading to the beach, pool or water park, avoid swimsuits that have ties, grommets or decorations that could get caught on something during water activities.
  • Skip the flip-flops. Look for sandals with a heel strap or a full-coverage slip-on water shoe that will stay in place both in and out of the water.
  • Too much sun is no fun. Be sure to limit your exposure during peak hours of 12pm-3pm and reapply waterproof/sweat proof sunscreen every 80 minutes.
  • Take a CPR course. Knowing these skills can be important in any environment. This is a skill we all can benefit from – on land and around water.
  • Read all of the signs before going on a waterslide, pool or attraction. Make sure your child meets the posted requirements. If you have questions about an attraction, ask an employee at the facility.
  • Plan ahead. As a family, decide on a meeting place to go to if anyone gets separated. Kids can take off in instant and crowded parks and beaches can make it difficult for little ones to find you.  Choose an easy-to-spot location that can be easily found by all family members.
  • If you see someone struggling in the water, call for help. Remember “Reach or Throw, Don’t Go!” Even professionally trained lifeguards don’t enter the water without having the proper flotation devices to keep themselves safe.

Related Link:
Local Splash Pads, Pools, Water Parks

Holiday tea with children in and around Washington, DC

(Updated post can be found here)

Holidays are a time for creating memories, whether it be continuing a family tradition or beginning new ones. I’ve been lucky enough to go to a few high teas, my favorites were at The Plaza Hotel in New York with my best friend followed by a Holiday Tea at the Willard Intercontinental with family. My daughter is still too young to go to a holiday tea; we’ve got a few more years. For those of you looking to take your Bambinos or go without kids here’s a list of some places in our area that you can enjoy some tea and crumpets.

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(Photo: Minitime.com)

Attached to Tysons II with lots of festive décor. Served Friday to Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., as part of the regularly served Afternoon $36 per Person (for our guests under age 12)

They offer a Kids Dessert Tea Tour as well as high tea and various other kids events like O’Kids Playdates.

Join in December for Holiday Afternoon Tea, one of The Willard’s most cherished holiday traditions. Seated in the grandeur of Peacock Alley, among the festive decor and elegant sounds of the live harp, guests can enjoy a tantalizing array of festive teas, sandwiches and pastries. Holiday Afternoon Tea is offered daily from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. throughout December, excluding December 1, 2, 3, 24, 25 and 31st. Reservations are required. $52 per adult, $22 for children 5-12 years of age. Children under 5 dine complimentary.

The soothing sounds of local musicians fill the room, as you enjoy Afternoon Tea in the cozy atmosphere of The Shapiro Music Room at Strathmore. They do hold special events around various holidays so check their schedule to plan ahead.

Saturday & Sunday afternoons they have an expansive tea service but also have a “Teddy Bear Tea” which is $16 per person, Selection of Children’s Tea Sandwiches, Sweet Plate-Pastry Chef’s Choice of the Day and Hot Chocolate.

Not holiday specific, however afternoon tea is served on Sundays. Seating is limited, so reservations are encouraged.

Has many tea inspired events you can sign your kids up for. Including but not limited to Little Ladies Afternoon Fairy Tea, Toddler Tea and Tea with Santa Claus.

Enjoy a special dining experience with a variety of dainty tea sandwiches and assorted sweet treats. Several dates for Holiday Tea and Santa events.

Situated within Tyson Corner I mall with access to Santa, an ice skating rink, Pottery Barn Kids, the Disney Store and over-the-top holiday decorations! Great value for the price! See a guest review on an afternoon at Tysons.

Every Saturday afternoon in December: $38 per child 4 to 12 years of age, children under 4 years of age dine for free. See menu online

Hotels that offer tea service (not necessarily holiday themed)

The Jefferson

The Mayflower

Park Hyatt Washington

The St. Regis

Yoga with Bambinos

“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.

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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.
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Weekend Picks: September 29-October 1, 2017

Saturday and Sunday from 12:00pm-6:00pm stop by the annual Russian Bazaar at The Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Located at 4001 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011. Experience the best of Russian culture! Enjoy homemade food, live folk music and dance, unique imported handicrafts, tours of the magnificent 17th century style church and more!

Saturday 10:00am-7:00pm and Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm Fall for Fairfax KidsFest is taking place on the grounds of the Fairfax County Government Center. There will be 2 stages of FREE entertainment including the Innovation Health Kids Stage, and the Cox Community Stage. FREE to attend! Discount ride tickets for the KidWay MidWay are available by clicking here. Activities include scarecrow making*, pumpkin painting*, public safety and recycling-themed exhibits, pony rides*, petting zoo, model trains, instrument petting zoo, and the KidWay MidWay* (with more than a dozen rides and attractions).Plus more than 75 exhibits, activities and great festival food!*Indicates program fee applies.

Fall Festivals have commenced!!! Let the apple and pumpkin picking start.

Maryland Renaissance Festival will be jousting and serving up lots of turkey legs for opening weekend!   Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, jousting, mazes, puppetry, pony rides, a huge pirate playground and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits. Dress like a knight and come participate or just watch! The Festival ends October 22 and is open weekends only.

How I Became a Pirate at Adventure Theatre has showtimes on Saturday and Sunday. Argh matey! It’s pirate’s life for me on the high seas! One day as Jeremy builds a sand castle on the beach, a pirate ship rows ashore in search of a place to bury the pirate’s treasure. Taken aboard as an honorary pirate, Jeremy learns the ropes of what it really means to be a swashbuckling (but smelly) pirate, and the pirates just might learn how to play soccer too. Recommended all ages.

****Follow our Instagram page to learn about more events, not included on the Weekend Picks!!!

Friday-

7:00pm-10:00pm: Drive-in at Union Market: Clue
(1309 5th St NE Washington, DC 20002)
Lot opens 5:30, Lot closes promptly at 7:45, Film begins 8:15, Film ends at 9:50. $10 parking fee per car. Advance purchase is highly recommended.Free for walk-ups. Excited for the drive-in but don’t have a car? Rent one on Getaround for the night and get $25 off your first rental. For more information and tickets click here. ***Final drive-in for the season is Friday, November 3: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Saturday-

8:30am-9:30am: Capoeira for Kids Ages 3.5-7 at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Capoeira provides physical fitness for children, ages 4 and up. It is intended to be a no- to low-contact martial art that helps children with gross motor planning and gross motor skills. Children will also learn maculele (a dance done hitting sticks against your partner’s sticks), samba, capoeira instruments, and Portuguese through this fun, interactive class. Classes are $15 each or $120 for a series of ten classes.

9:00am: The Children’s House of Washington Open House
(3133 Dumbarton Street NW., Washington, DC 20007)
Is your child ready for Montessori? Find out today by visiting CHOW and learning more.

9:30am AND 10:30am: Harambe with Baba Ras D at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
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.With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambe” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children. Recommended for ages 0 to 7 years.  $7 per child $3 per adult suggested donation.

10:00am-11:30am: Kids Club Coloring Workshop at Steadfast Supply
(300 Tingey St SE #140 Washington, DC 20003)
In Steadfast Supply’s Kids Club coloring workshop, you and your favorite kiddo will work together to explore crayons and watercolors. Each group will use a palette of handmade soy and beeswax crayons from a Childhood Store, plus a wide array of watercolors.Your little one will leave with a one of a kind creation and handmade crayons and watercolors. Ages 5+. Buy tickets here.

11:00am-4:00pm: Leesburg Airshow
(Leesburg Executive Airport)
8th Annual Leesburg Airshow will take to the skies once again with thrilling aerobatic demonstrations, sky divers and more! The main show begins at 1:00pm. For this event there is a suggested donation of $3 per person and $5 per family. The donation can be made at the Airshow entrance gates. There are NO parking or shuttle fees. There are also no tickets needed for this event. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to relax on during the aerobatic portion of the event. No glass bottles or coolers will be permitted. Pets are discouraged- this can be a very loud environment and the ramp can be extremely hot on little paws.

11:00am: DPR Rec Day at Randall Recreation Center
(South Capitol Street SW & I Street SW, Washington, DC)
The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is excited to celebrate the 3rd Annual DPR Rec Day. Join us for an extravaganza featuring fun activities, and fun entertainment.Check out the website, there are SO MANY FREE activities.

11:30am-3:00pm: Hispanic Heritage Month Family Day at National Portrait Gallery
(Eighth and F streets N.W., Washington, D.C.)
Bring your families to the Portrait Gallery for a bilingual celebration of the Latino cultures, traditions, and stories that help shape our country. Live music, art activities, and curator talks will make this a day for everyone! This program is sponsored in part by the Reinsch Family Education Endowment.

5:00pm: Petworth Jazz Project
(the lawn of the Petworth Rec Center- 801 Taylor St. NW)
 Baba Ras D starts the show off at 5pm. Food Truck is Bibi Ja Korean. Sponsors for Saturday’s Jazz Project are Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon T. Todd and the Executive Office of the Mayor and Muriel Bowser. These events are free and open to the public, bring a neighbor and a tell a friend! Reminder – bring your own blankets, carry your recyclables home and no pets, alas (DPR rules).

Sunday-

10:00am-5:00pm: Takoma Park Street Festival
(Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park, MD to Carroll Street, NW in Takoma, DC)
The festival will once again host a talented mix of local artists offering paintings, photographs, pottery, silk-screening, bath and body care, stained glass, jewelry, woodworking, textiles, ceramics, kids’ items and much more. Non-profits, local companies and a variety of food vendors will also participate. Takoma’s indie businesses will be open and welcoming visitors. Kids love the festival with crafts, face painting, inflatables and FUN! Grab a mug for The Crawl for discounted pours at Takoma restaurants, bars and cafes. Mugs will be available for purchase at the festival info both in front of 7000 Carroll Ave. Three stages with 18 bands will play all day. Don’t miss the fun!

11:00am-4:00pm: Then & Wow! at Glen Echo Park
(7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD 20812)
Then & Wow! is the Glen Echo Park Partnership’s annual family festival celebrating the Park’s revitalization as an arts center and recalling its history, when the site was an amusement park. The event features kiddie rides and arcade games, as well as videos and an exhibition on the Park’s history. Admission to the park is free. Rides and some activities require tickets.

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave Bethesda, MD 20814)
Bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Featured story: Disney’s Aladdin

12:00pm-4:00pm: PIKEtoberfest at Pike & Rose
(11580 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD 20852)
Craft brews, food from the neighborhood restaurants, hay maze, Clark Construction Truck Touch, Calleva Rock Climbing Wall and more. There is something for everyone at our biggest festival of the year. The AMP by Strathmore LIVE music stage features The Local Boyz at 12noon and Cathy Ponton King at 2pm.

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