Beltway Bambinos

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

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.

holiday-afternoon-teas-with-kids-e3851d8d0bca4c94a854db16b7817976

(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.

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…]

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.

Sea Rocket offers Bambino friendly boat rides, parasail and fishing trips in Ocean City, Maryland

Headed to Ocean City, Maryland? We just got back and added a new must-do to our list of beach fun. Sea Rocket offers a thrilling speed boat guided tour, parasailing trips as well as a fishing charter. If you’ve been to OC this summer (just under a 3 hour drive if timed right) you have definitely spotted the red, white and blue boat speeding past the beach, which is the Sea Rocket! We took our 6 and 2.5 year old on a two-hour fishing trip and had a successful, FUN, memorable time on the water. My son went fishing last summer and had high expectations for this trip as he caught a few flounder last time and was hoping he’d have the same luck this time. He wasn’t disappointed as he actually lost track of how many he caught. The captain and mate were very patient with our kids and even encouraged our littlest to help “steer” the boat. About an hour and half into fishing, we spotted dolphins and the captain was determined to make our children remember this trip. He knew exactly how to make the dolphins follow us in our wake and we were able to get up close and personal with a huge pod of dolphins for about 20 minutes. After that he took us along Assateague Island National Seashore to see if we could spot any wild horses and sure enough our luck didn’t stop with the dolphins. Once we marveled at the wild pony just hanging out on the beach we headed back to dock. When we arrived the captain and mate were eager to capture a family photo of the flounder we caught and even printed out a picture for us. Since we had dinner plans, we let them keep the flounder for their dinner! This fishing trip was such a wonderful experience, we will absolutely be heading back next summer.

Want to ride along the coastline of Ocean City on the enormous Sea Rocket? Enjoy fun music, observe the scenic coastline, and watch for wildlife on the Sea Rocket. They have frequent encounters with Dolphin as they love to play in the rooster tail. They make 8 trips a day during the summer season so there is definitely a time to fit it in!

Prices:
Children Under 3: Free
Children 3 – 12: $10
Adult Fare: $22
Senior Fare:$13
Military & First Responders receive $2 off anytime!

Feeling a bit more adventurous? Fly high above Ocean City enjoying a breath-taking birds-eye view of the shore’s beautiful coastline on a parasail. Relax and enjoy your adventure on a state of the art parasail boat and feel at ease with the experienced, safety-minded crews & USCG master licensed Captains. Fly solo or bring a friend (or two) to enjoy approximately 12-15 minutes in the air!! You can choose to go 400ft, 600ft or 800ft. Keep in mind:

  • No experience necessary. Must be 4 to go up. (under 18 requires parent or guardian approval)
  • Weight 100 lbs. minimum, 450 maximum
  • Casual dress recommended shorts, t-shirts, bathing suits
  • Bring a towel, sunscreen, water bottle

Prices:
Parasailers – $85
Observers – $20

UPDATE: They no longer offer the fishing charters that we did, unfortunately.

For more information:
Phone: 410-289-4FUN
Address: 308 N 1st Street.

Below are some family-friendly places to eat. All of which have an outdoor sand area with playground equipment, allowing adults to enjoy themselves on the sidelines and imbibe or eat their meal at a normal pace because you aren’t rushed to get impatient children out of a restaurant. Each one of these are on the bayside so if you time it right you can be there for the sunset.

Ropewalk

Dead Freddie’s Island Grill

Fishtales

Big Eye Jacks

Outdoor movies this summer in Washington, DC

Bring your blankets or chairs (check websites for what they prefer), some snacks and cozy up to a summer movie outside. Disclaimer: This is a list of child friendly and adult friendly movies. As you will see some of these don’t begin until sunset so perhaps it’s a late summer evening for some kids or a date night for parents. Have fun watching some free movies this summer.

th

 

Bethesda Outdoor Movies
(Woodmont Triangle, Corner of Norfolk & Auburn Avenues)

Enjoy five nights of blockbuster hits at downtown Bethesda’s 14th annual outdoor movie series! Show times begin at 9pm at the corner of Norfolk and Auburn Avenues. A limited number of chairs will be provided and attendees are invited to bring their own lawn chairs. Admission is FREE! Spend an enjoyable evening in Woodmont Triangle and have dinner at one of the neighborhood’s delicious and diverse restaurants before the show!

July 24: Remember the Titans
July 25: Casablanca
July 26: The Big Sick
July 27: Mean Girls
July 28: The Post

Union Market Drive-In
(1309 5th Street NE  Washington, District of Columbia 20002)

$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?

Friday June 1 | Clueless
A rich high school student tries to boost a new pupil’s popularity, but reckons without affairs of the heart getting in the way. 1h 37 min, rated PG-13
Lot opens at 6:00, Lot closes promptly at 8:30, Film begins 8:45; Film ends at 10:20

Friday July 6 | Like Water for Chocolate
When tradition prevents her from marrying the man she loves, a young woman discovers she has a unique talent for cooking. In Spanish with English subtitles. 1 h 45min, rated R
Lot opens at 6:00, Lot closes promptly at 8:30, Film begins 8:55; Film ends at 10:20

Friday August 3 | Black Panther
T’Challa, the King of Wakanda, rises to the throne in the isolated, technologically advanced African nation, but his claim is challenged by a vengeful outsider who was a childhood victim of T’Challa’s father’s mistake.
2h 15 min, rated PG-13
Lot opens 6:00, Lot closes promptly at 8:15, Film begins 8:45, Film ends at 11:00 

Friday September 7 | The Lion King
A Lion cub crown prince is tricked by a treacherous uncle into thinking he caused his father’s death and flees into exile in despair, only to learn in adulthood his identity and his responsibilities. 1h 28 min, rated G
Lot opens 6:00, Lot closes promptly at 7:30, Film begins 8:00, Film ends at 9:30 

Friday October 5 | Cool Runnings
When a Jamaican sprinter is disqualified from the Olympic Games, he enlists the help of a dishonored coach to start the first Jamaican Bobsled Team. 1h 38 min, rated PG
Lot opens 5:30, Lot closes promptly at 7:45, Film begins 8:15, Film ends at 9:55 

Friday November 2 | Hocus Pocus 
After three centuries, three witch sisters are resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night, and it is up to two teenagers, a young girl, and an immortal cat to put an end to their reign of terror once and for all. 1 h 36 min, rated PG
Lot opens 5:30, Lot closes promptly at 7:45, Film begins 8:00, Film ends at 9:50 

NoMa Family Film Night

(The Lot @ 1st & Pierce 1005 First Street, NE)

Bring your friends, family and neighbors for music, giveaways, food trucks, picnicking, and of course, great films under the stars. Movies start at sunset and are screened with subtitles. We encourage moviegoers to bring chairs, because the site is covered in asphalt. Bring blankets, frisbees, dogs on leases and picnic coolers when the doors open at 7:00 PM. Every movie is subtitled. NoMa Summer Screen has been ranked one of the Top 10 Best Outdoor Movie Theatres in America by Travel and Leisure Magazine and one of the top five outdoor movie series in the country by Travel Pulse.

6/6 — 10 Things I Hate About You (PG-13) | 8:40 p.m.
6/13 — Mulan (G) | 8:44 p.m.
6/20 — Chicago (PG-13) | 8:46 p.m.
6/27 — Mad Max: Fury Road (R) | 8:47 p.m.
7/4 — no movie on account of Independence Day!
7/11 — Matilda (PG) | 8:44 p.m.
7/18 — A League of Their Own (PG) | 8:40 p.m.
7/25 — Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (PG-13) | 8:35 p.m.
8/1 — Pitch Perfect (PG-13) | 8:29 p.m.
8/8 — Moana (PG) | 8:21 p.m.
8/15 — Thelma & Louise (R) | 8:12 p.m.
8/22 — Ghostbusters (2016) (PG-13) | 8:03 p.m.
8/29 — Wonder Woman (PG-13) | 7:52 p.m.
9/5 — rain date | 7:42 p.m.

[Read more…]

Mom Picks this Weekend

Happy Mother’s Day to all!! We’ve found some fun things families can do together. And, in case you still need brunch plans for that special Mama here’s a list of some family friendly places.

All Fired Up offers 10% off to all Moms Saturday & Sunday at both locations.

Friday-

3:00pm-7:00pm: Jo Malone London at City Center
(996 I St NW)
Customize a cologne or candle with a beautifully engraved message. RSVP to attend.

Saturday- 

8:00am-5:00pm: Mothers Day Weekend at Mount Vernon
(3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121)
Join the “Mother of our Country”, Martha Washington, for Mother’s Day weekend at Mount Vernon! Stroll through Mount Vernon’s magnificent gardens in bloom. Lady Washington will give lavender sachets to all mothers (while supplies last).

10:00am-6:00pm: Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
(Bethesda Woodmont Triangle, Norfolk Ave., between Auburn and Del Ray Aves., Bethesda, Md)
Delight in fine art created by 130 of the nation’s best artists, live entertainment and Bethesda restaurants. Children’s area will be on Auburn Ave.

10:00am-12:00pm AND 1:00pm-3:00pm: Children’s Ball at The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum
(701 21st Street, NW)
Dress in your best for our Children’s Ball during a very special Mother’s Day weekend at the museum. Join us for fun and fancy treats, dancing beats, and a kid-centered visit to the exhibition Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair.  $10/museum members and GW students, faculty, and staff; $15/public (entrance for one adult and one child). Advance registration is required; space is limited. Register online or call 202-994-7394.

5:00pm-7:00pm: Adam’s Morgan Summer Concert
(Columbia Rd and 18th St NW)
Join us for the second show in Free Summer Concert Series! We’ll have hula hoops and bubbles for the kids as free wristbands good for discounts at businesses all over Adams Morgan. The Oxymorons take the stage with a mix of the hottest new songs, the best of the old, and their award-winning originals, giving audiences a night of hip-shaking New Orleans funk, soulful blues, Americana roots, and jam-band rock. This seriously-fun eight-piece band has been playing the DC area for more than 25 years, reeling off favorite party tunes spanning four decades and witty, well-crafted originals.

Sunday- 

8:00am-5:00pm: Mothers Day Weekend at Mount Vernon
(3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121)
Join the “Mother of our Country”, Martha Washington, for Mother’s Day weekend at Mount Vernon! Stroll through Mount Vernon’s magnificent gardens in bloom. Lady Washington will give lavender sachets to all mothers (while supplies last).

9:00am-12:00pm: La Bella Strada
(Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA)
Del Ray’s main street, Mount Vernon Ave. will come alive with vibrant chalk art. The second annual La Bella Strada Street Painting Festival, modeled after an ancient Italian art form, will bring artists from around the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. region to create masterpieces up and down the sidewalk. Learn more about the event here.  The event raises money for The Del Ray Montessori School, a 501c3 profit, for an outdoor playspace.

9:30am-4:00pm: Mother’s Day Brunch at Pinstripes
(1064 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20007)
Make this Mother’s Day special by treating mom to an expansive bottomless brunch fit for a queen!  Indulge in favorites like made-to-order omelets, carved prime rib and fresh shrimp, bagels with spreads and smoked salmon, flatbreads, waffles ‘her-way’ topped with berries, bananas foster or Nutella, plus a chocolate fountain for dessert. Moms will be especially encouraged to sit back and relax with mimosas and bloody Mary’s as the kids are taken care of at the ‘Kids Corner’ station with pizzas, chicken fingers, Mac and cheese and more. Adults $36, includes bottomless mimosas |  Kids 6-12 $15  |  Kids 5 & Under: Free  | $4 Mimosas & $7 Bloody Marys available all day. Please call to make a brunch reservation: 202-625-6500 Or plan ahead to Father’s Day Brunch.

10:00am-5:00pm: Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
(Bethesda Woodmont Triangle, Norfolk Ave., between Auburn and Del Ray Aves., Bethesda, MD)
Delight in fine art created by 130 of the nation’s best artists, live entertainment and Bethesda restaurants. Children’s area will be on Auburn Ave.

11:00am AND 2:00pm: Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp at Adventure Theatre
(7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
See my review of the play here. Bring your mom to see Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp this Sunday and she will receive a chocolate rose!

th1:00pm-4:00pm: Celebrate Mothers Day at United States Botanic Garden
(Conservatory Garden Court)
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day? It is never too early to start planning your vegetable garden. Bring your mother to the USBG and help her design and plant her very own cook’s garden! Join Danielle Cook as she whips up two recipes and savor the bounty your garden will bring. Please note: This is a drop-in program and appropriate for all ages.

 

Weekend Picks February 10-12

In case you missed yesterdays post, “Like and Comment” on Beltway Bambino’s Facebook page to enter to win a $50 gift card for your Valentine’s Day shopping from Whole Foods Market! Read all about how I made a low-maintenance, delicious Valentine’s Day dinner from Whole Foods Market. And while you’re there make sure you like our Facebook page for articles, event postings and more.

Make sure you get to attend some of these amazing theatrical productions in our area:

Blue at Imagination Stage– Last show Feb. 12
Ella Enchanted at Adventure Theatre– Feb. 3-March 19
Kitchen Adventures at Encore Stage & Studio- Feb. 9-Feb. 25
The Freshest Snow Whyte at Imagination Stage– Feb. 11-March 18

Refer to the list of upcoming events that you may need to purchase advance tickets or reserve a spot to attend.

zucchini2017-slider-color

(Photo: The Great Zucchini with Barry the Magician at Avalon Theatre)

Saturday-

9:00am-4:00pm: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Open House
(1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910)
Explore your world and learn how NOAA—the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—takes the pulse of the planet every day and protects and manages ocean and coastal resources. Join us on NOAA’s Silver Spring, Maryland, campus for a series of free activities, including engaging talks by NOAA experts, interactive exhibits, special tours, and hands-on activities for ages 5 and up. Meet and talk with scientists, weather forecasters, hurricane hunters, and others who work to understand our environment, protect life and property, and conserve and protect natural resources. Free and open to the public, adults need to show government issued ID.

9:30am AND 11:00am: Skher Brown and The Dancing Warriors at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004)
Explore how the dance-fight art form of Capoeira Angola journeyed from its origins in Central Africa to the shores of South America. Families will experience history through a visual folktale show of spins, kicks, flips, and live music.

10:00am: The Great Zucchini with Barry the Magician at Avalon Theatre
(5612 Connecticut Ave NW)
The Great Zucchini is back with Barry the Magician! Washington’s funniest and most magical entertainers are taking over the Avalon for another colorful show where every kid is the star. The wonder of magic, silliness of comedy, and interactive nature of The Great Zucchini’s performance keeps children on the edge of their seats and guarantees laughter. Tickets: $9.00 / $7.00 for Avalon members (Children under 2 are free)

10:30am AND 1:00pm: Steve Songs at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Steve blends participatory songs, clever stories and great melodies to create what the Boston Globe called “not just a musical journey but an entertaining, interactive and educational one.” $12 advanced tickets, $15 at door

11:00am-12:00pm: hiSTORY time at National Museum of American History
(1st Floor, West Wing: 12th St. and Constitution Ave. NW Washington, DC 20001)
Join us for hiSTORYtime, a new program for children ages 0 to 6. Early learners and their caregivers may drop by to listen to a story and participate in hands-on activities and crafts inspired by objects and themes from the museum collection. Saturdays in February are all about transportation. Come hear stories about things that go, create a car craft, and play with toy cars.

11:00am-4:00pm: Valentine’s Day Card Workshop at National Postal Museum
(2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E. Washington, DC 20002)
Love is in the details at the annual Valentine’s Day Card Workshop at the National Postal Museum! Come out and create heart-felt handmade cards and visit the museum’s stamp store to send the cards to your loved ones with a special Postal Museum postmark. Free, no need to RSVP.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Carnival Family Day at Anacostia Community Museum
(1901 Fort Place SE Washington, DC 20020)
In celebration of the exhibition Gateways, enjoy live entertainment, face painting, mask making, storytelling, and other activities for the kids at this popular annual museum event.  See schedule of events online.

1:00pm-3:00pm: Sweet Tea Party at Chevy Chase Community Center
(5601 Connecticut Ave NW  Washington, DC 20015)
Boys are more than welcome to attend! Young ladies are asked to wear hats and boys bow ties or ties. Lite lunch served along with Valentine’s day card making, cupcake decorating and other activities. Free for youth aged 4-10. Registration is require, email Fran Scott

Sunday-

10:00am-12:00pm: Arts on the Horizon present Nutt & Bolt Exploration Day at UpCylcle Creative Reuse Center
(1605 Cameron St. Alexandria, VA 22314)
Come discover and play with textures at our sensory activity station, visit our sound playground, add to the community wind chime, and make your very own upcycled instrument at our craft station. We’ll also be offering three mini creative movement and storytime workshops at 10:30 am, 11:00 am, and 11:30 am. Purchase tickets online

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Fun-Day at Imagination Stage9780061915109
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, 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. Activities in Sunday Fun-Day are most appropriate to 3-5 year-olds but 1-2 year-old siblings and friends are also welcome! Featured story: My Heart is Like a Zoo

1:00pm-4:00pm: 7th Annual Mid-Winter Play Day at Takoma Park Community Center
(7500 Maple Ave Takoma Park, MD. 20912)
Let’s Play America is a nonprofit organization that strives to encourage people of all ages to play and helps them create playful events in their own communities. Zumba classes for children and adults as well as other play activities include Balloon Game, Cookie Decorating, Board Games/Puzzles, Crafts, Just Boxes/Face Painting/Play Dough, Pool,ping pong, air hockey, Alternative Games, Comic Jam, Dress-up, Giant Chess/Giant, Corn Hole, And More!

Mommy and Me photo sessions with Stefanie Harrington

m-snuggling

This Guest Post is from Stefanie Harrington, a DC maternity, birth, newborn and family photographer as well as the Mother to one of my son’s friends. Stefanie was the photographer at my son’s school when he was two. I fell in love with the moments she captured and have displayed them proudly on our mantel ever since. It is such a keepsake as it is his first-ever school photo and means much more now that we know who was behind the camera. Our paths crossed again when our sons were placed in the same Pre-Kindergarten class and they became quick, adorable, active, boundary-testing, athletic buddies. We decided it’d be a great opportunity to collaborate on a few blog posts as our readers:followers:clients are much of the same. Stefanie so graciously came into our home and shot a very special Mommy and Me session with my youngest child who was then about 1.5 years old. Those of you with more than one child know she could use a few more photos taken of her to add to the baby book that has yet to be much. I am in love with the photos she took and cherish the special moments Stefanie captured in our home. She was able to make reading a story to my sweet girl look so special and snuggling on my bed look so lovely. It’s not an elaborate setting but that’s what makes these so authentic. Stefanie just had her third child so I know her time is valuable and sacred right now but once you see these pictures I know you will want to reach out to her to schedule your “in-home session” (or other type of photo session). She will surely get you on her calendar but most likely it will be a few months from now as she relishes in the newborn moments. Below you will see a few favorite photos and a post written by Stefanie.

m-reading

The kids are back in school, and the smell of Fall is in the air. Are you, like me, gearing up for a busy time of sports and Fall activities? It always feels like an overwhelming season.

Fall is also a crazy busy time for photographers. Families are naturally eager to use the gorgeous Fall leaves as their backdrop for Holiday card photos. And why not? It’s a terrific time to capture the family and the kids together. My Fall (and Spring) weekends are always booked up quickly with family sessions.

Having been in front of the camera with my own family many times, I know that as parents, we tend to be focused on the children and their behavior during these sessions instead of simply enjoying the moment. Even though we’ve actually made the effort to be in front of the camera with our family, it can be difficult for us to relax, and we don’t focus on our bond with our children.

m-pointing

I think Mommy and Me sessions are the perfect complement to those family sessions, documenting that bond, those everyday moments, and getting in front of the camera with your little ones. Snuggling, laughing, reading, playing, nursing, they’re about creating special and meaningful portraits of you and your children.

Mommy and Me sessions should be relaxed and fun and simple, capturing sweet and fleeting moments. They can be anywhere that holds meaning for you to make them unique to you and your littles. Most often with babies and toddlers, I prefer to schedule these sessions in and around my clients’ home to keep things as personalized and easy as possible. You could even stay in your pajamas!

Because we all know time flies and, no matter their age, they’ll always be your babies.

A huge Thank You goes to Allison and her adorable daughter for inviting me into their home for a perfect Mommy and Me session! I hope you’ll treasure these images for years to come.

Stefanie Harrington

m-flowers

logo design courtesy of New Leaf Design