Beltway Bambinos

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

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

It’s sunflower season! The blooms are ready to be marveled at, picked and photographed!

It is county & agriculture fair time! Carousels will be spinning at Arlington County, Prince William County & Montgomery County this weekend!

Friday
4:00pm-9:30pm: Food Truck Friday Block Party
Join for this monthly food truck fest of delicious food, great music, and an amazing community atmosphere. This event is a unique opportunity to try a variety of mouth-watering dishes, all made by Black-owned food truck owners.

5:00pm-8:00pm: Friday Night Fishing
Who doesn’t love a summer Friday night spent on the river? This Friday Night Fishing program is a free, family friendly, learn-to-fish program. It takes place along the Navy Yard on the Anacostia. Open to all ages. ARK, and partner Earth Conservation Corps, provide everything you need for you and your family to learn how to fish in a fun and educational environment.

6:00pm: Starlight Cinema Drive-in – Bad Guys
Welcome to another exciting season of Starlight Drive-in Cinema. These movie nights bring the community together and nurture community spirit with features that appeal to both children and adults. Free for the public to enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal so feel free to bring a picnic, blanket and chairs, and enjoy the movies. Gates open 6 p.m. * Pre-movie children’s show 7 p.m. * Movie starts at dark •

7:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back on the Yards Park boardwalk! 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.

8:00pm: A League of Their Own at The REACH
Join for a FREE film screenings outdoors on the REACH Video Wall. Films start at sundown or around 7:45 p.m. A League of Their Own is a comic look at the true story of two sisters who join the first female professional baseball league, and their struggle to help it succeed amid their own growing rivalry.

Saturday
9:00am-5:00pm: The Big Dig Potato Harvest at Great Country Farms
Join for Potato Diggin’, Honey Crisp Apple & Peach Pickin’ & Sunflower Clippin’. Tickets include a full day of fun on the farm and access to the potato field & peach orchard.  Potatoes are sold separately on site by the peck and half peck box.

10:00am-3:00pm: Dolley Day at Dumbarton House
Dolley Madison herself will be at Dumbarton House to share stories about her life and teach some of her favorite games! Additionally, there will be yard games and ice cream (one of Dolley’s favorite foods) available to add to the fun. The museum will be open for FREE self-guided tours with a special handout about Dolley.

1:00pm-5:00pm: Saturdays at the River Pavilion
Enjoy featured performances and activities with food and beverages available for sale at the River Pavilion. Youth Poet Laureate All Stars will perform with music by DJ B-Blast.

2:00pm-7:00pm: Chuck Brown Day
It’s that special time of the year when DPR celebrates the music and history of DC culture and the ‘Godfather of Go-Go’. This is the largest celebration of Go-Go at an even larger venue this summer. BYO chair or blanket and get ready to jam out with live performances.

Sunday
9:00am-5:00pm: The Big Dig Potato Harvest at Great Country Farms
Join for Potato Diggin’, Honey Crisp Apple & Peach Pickin’ & Sunflower Clippin’. Tickets include a full day of fun on the farm and access to the potato field & peach orchard.  Potatoes are sold separately on site by the peck and half peck box.

Cool down at some splash parks– a few are listed below:
The Wharf: 999 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Color Burst Park: 6000 Merriweather Dr, Columbia, MD 21044
The Yards: 355 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003

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Outdoor live music

Pick your own fruit and vegetables near Washington, DC

Butlers Orchard (22200 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown, MD 20876)
A large variety of Pick Your Own crops are available at Butler’s Orchard on a seasonal basis. Please see the crop calendar. They grow over 23 different varieties of fruits and vegetables each year. Pick Your Own will be by RESERVATION ONLY! Passes grant access to our Pick Your Own Fields, the Farm Park Picnic Area, the Giant slides, the Nature Trail, and our Farm Park Animals.  Visit Sheep, 2 miniature Donkeys, Goats, Chickens, and Charlie the Pig. (Some exclusions do apply.)

Homestead Farm (15604 Sugarland Rd., Poolesville, MD 20837)
Pick-your-own fruit including apples, cherries, pumpkins and more. Expected to reopen mid/late June.

Shlagel Farms (12850 Shlagel Rd., Waldorf, MD 20601)
Pick your own strawberry fields and greenhouses will be open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm during the berry picking season. Strawberries are priced by the pound for you to pick and they have containers or you can bring your own. During berry season the greenhouses are open and full of beautiful and unique hanging baskets and annual flats. They also have a milkshake trailer serving huge strawberry shortcakes, milkshakes and cones! No reservations needed. Daily updates can be found here.

Wegmeyer Farms (38299 Hughesville Rd., Hamilton, VA 20158)
Known for their delicious strawberries in the spring and unique and colorful pumpkins in the fall. They take great pride in what they grow – the taste, the quality, and the appearance – and strive for the best pure experience for all visitors. They also offer a drive-thru to pick up berries.

Larriland (2415 Woodbine Rd., Woodbine, MD 21797)
They harvest tons of fruits and veggies, check out the harvest calendar to plan a perfect outing. No need to make a reservation.

Great Country Farms (18780 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, VA 20135)
Another farm with a lot of fruits and veggies to pick. They are also known for their annual festivals, check out the calendar of events.

Waters Orchard (22711 Wildcat Rd., Germantown, MD 20876)
Doc Waters Cidery is now open. Waters Orchard will reopen for apple picking in September.

Mackintosh Fruit Farm (1608 Russell Rd., Berryville, VA 22611)
Pick your own is by reservation only. Here’s what you can pick! Be sure to visit the market and kitchen before heading home.

Sandy Spring Strawberry Festival is cancelled again but they are doing the berry best with a drive-thru fresh, local strawberry sale!

Cut-your-own tree farms in Virginia and Maryland

Maryland

Gaver Tree Farm: Mt. Airy, MD
November 27 from 9am – 5pm daily for cut your own and fresh-cut Christmas trees, Wreath Shop and Farm Market! Beautifully sheared Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir, Canaan Fir, Fraser Fir and White Pine trees. They provide hand carts to pull your tree from the field, saws, shaking, baling and drilling. Fresh wreaths, pine roping and swags PLUS apples, cider, donuts, pies, fudge, jams, jellies and more in the Farm Market. Hayrides will be available to the back fields on weekends only (weather and guidelines permitting). No pets allowed.

Mayne’s Tree Farm: Frederick, MD
Christmas trees at Mayne’s Tree Farm in Frederick, MD are available from the November 26 – Christmas! Mayne’s allows you to cut your own trees or choose from their pre-cut selection. Hayrides are available on weekends. No pets allowed.

Naughty Pine Nursery: Dickerson, MD
Open November 27th and every Saturday & Sunday that follow through 12/20. Hours are from 10am – 4pm. Naughty Pine Nursery grows a large selection of Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce and Norway Spruce Christmas trees offering cut-your-own trees for the holiday season! They also sell firewood.

Triadelphia Lake View Farm (TLV): Glenelg, MD
Open on November 27th from 9am – 5pm. Santa will be there 10am to 4pm. Pets are allowed on leash. Masks required, social distancing required. Wreaths, roping, cut your own, and precuts available.

Otterdale View: Union Bridge, MD
Open November 27 – December 20, Thursday- Sunday from 9am-5pm. Come and cut your own Christmas tree! They have hundreds to choose from in various varieties and sizes up to about 7′ tall. Bring your own saw this year. A limited supply of disinfected hand saws will also be available. No baling/wrapping – Please be prepared to secure your tree or tie it down yourself. They will provide twine- you may use it to tie your tree down or even bale it by hand. No restrooms  available this year.

Butler’s Orchard: Germantown, MD
Holiday Harvest Days & locally grown pre-cut trees will begin November 27th and then open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00am- 6:00pm. Pre-cut trees will be arranged in the Farm Park this year to allow to safely social distance and shop for Christmas trees!  Stop by the Farmer’s Porch for a hot beverage, visit the animals and stroll through Christmas Trees. $5.00/car entrance.  Does Santa drive a tractor or a sleigh?  Santa will be at the Farm from 11:00am- 3:00pm on December 6, 13 & 20!  Cut your own trees are by RESERVATION ONLY.

Homestead Farm: Poolesville, MD
CLOSED FOR 2020 SEASON

Linden Hill Farm: Upper Marlboro, MD
CLOSED FOR 2020 SEASON

Virginia

Clouse’s Pine Hill Farm: Winchester, VA
Opening November 27 and open Thursday-Sunday from 9am – 5pm. Bring your gloves and tie down straps with a tarp and you will be set to wander this farm looking for your perfect tree or choose from a pre-cut tree. This farm offers a variety of events for families. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

Moose Apple Christmas Tree Farm: Berryville VA
Starting Friday November 27 they will be open for customers to come, pick out a tree, and cut it the same day,  Pre-taggers and customers who want pre-cut Frasers or pre-cut Concolors will also be able come.  They will be CLOSED Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s after Thanksgiving and open the other days 9am-4pm.

Country Loving Christmas Tree Farm: Leesburg, VA
Open 9am – 5pm Saturdays & Sundays beginning November 27. Appointments for Monday-Thursday visits by calling (703)-398-7018. They also deliver, install, maintain, remove, and store outside holiday lights, garland and other decorations.

Hartland Farm: Markham, VA
No updated information for 2020 yet.

Joe’s Trees: Chantilly, VA
Open 7 days a week through December 20 from 9am-5pm. Offering trees ranging from 6-15 feet. They have a seasonal store, festive food & hayrides (weather permitting). Santa makes appearances on weekends in early December too!

Krop’s Crops: Great Falls, VA
Opened on Nov. 14 and open from 9am-5pm daily. Cut your own is closed his year but they offer pre-cut trees.

Snickers Gap: Bluemont, VA
A family owned choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm is located near Bluemont, Virginia, situated on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For 40 years they have been growing beautiful fir and spruce trees that we shape exclusively with hand tools. They also offer exquisite farm made mixed green wreaths. While searching for your tree, enjoy a view of the Loudoun Valley. It is appreciated if customers bringing their own straps to secure trees onto cars.

Middleburg Christmas Tree Farm: Round Hill, VA
Beautiful views and scenery! The farm was voted most attractive farm in Loudoun County in a poll conducted by Leesburg Today. Cut your own tree! Saws provided (plenty of them). Tree carts to carry the trees from the fields provided. Free twine to tie your tree down and baling is available. No pets allowed.

Day Star Farm: Leesburg, VA
CLOSED FOR 2020 SEASON

Pick your own fruit and veggies around Washington, DC

Strawberry and fruit picking looks a lot different this year but the farms are working with social distancing procedures in an effort for your family to enjoy their crop! A few farms sadly have closed while others are open for curbside and a few are offering reservation slots for you to come physically pick you own! Some things to keep in mind when planning to head to the farm: If you’re sick don’t go and pick! Kids should stay with adults at all times. Wash your hands before and after picking. Plan to pick with your own family this year instead of making it a group activity. Don’t plan on staying for picnics and running around. Keep a 6 foot distance from others.

Butlers Orchard– 22200 Davis Mill Rd, Germantown, MD 20876
A large variety of pick your own crops are available at Butler’s Orchard on a seasonal basis. Please see the Crop Calendar. May 18 is the kickoff date; weather dependent.

Homestead Farm– 15604 Sugarland Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837
They offer a variety of pick your own fruit options. Expected to reopen in early June.

Shlagel Farms– 12850 Shlagel Rd Waldorf MD 20601
Pick your own strawberry fields! They also offer pre-picked berries for those not wanting to pick. Check for updates on their Facebook page.

Wegmeyer Farms– 38299 Hughesville Rd, Hamilton, VA 20158
The Home Farm in Hamilton and the Oatlands field in Leesburg are open for strawberry u-pick by reservation only. Known for their delicious strawberries in the spring and unique and colorful pumpkins in the fall. Make a reservation for picking here. They are also offering pre-ordered drive thru options for farm fresh donuts, fresh squeezed strawberry lemonade, and pre-picked strawberries.

Larriland– 2415 Woodbine Rd, Woodbine, MD 21797
The strawberry plants are blooming now and hope to be ready to pick late May. The harvest of seasonal fruits goes through October.

Waters Orchard– 22711 Wildcat Rd. Germantown, MD 20876
Doc Waters Cidery is now open for curbside pickup orders only. Waters Orchard will reopen for apple picking in September.

Great Country Farms– 18780 Foggy Bottom Rd, Bluemont, VA 20135
As of now they are open for curbside pickup only. Typically you can pick your own strawberries, peaches, and blackberries. Also, don’t forget tomatoes, corn, green beans, and  peppers. And in the Fall, enjoy apples, squashes, potatoes, gourds and pumpkins through October.

Mackintosh Fruit Farm– 1608 Russell Rd Berryville, VA 22611
Pick your own is postponed right now. Instead they have opened an online store where you can order your favorite fresh grown produce, lunch, pies, or anything else they usually carry for onsite drive up-pick up.

Sharps at Waterford Farm– 4003 Jennings Chapel Rd Brookeville, MD 20833
Online ordering and curbside pickup at this time. Each week they will publish a new list of what is available. The list will change regularly, so keep checking back. Click HERE to see regularly updated list.

Family friendly trip to Lancaster County

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

Weekend Picks July 22-24

Montgomery County celebrates its agricultural heritage by promoting local farms, and inviting our residents to indulge in seasonally fresh food during the 27th Annual Farm Tour and Harvest as well as throughout the entire growing season. Many of the farms that participated in the annual farm tour are open throughout the growing season. Activities will vary from farm to farm, but several will have hayrides, pony rides, music, animals to visit, and other activities planned.

Has anyone been to the Icebergs exhibit at The National Building Museum? Open 10am-5pm get a reprieve from the weekend heat and cool off with icebergs and shaved ice. 

Plenty of fun places to COOL off this weekend!!!

Friday-

Lots of live music tonight!

yards park

(Yards Park)

Saturday-

9:30am AND 11:00am: Vladimir Goes for the Gold at National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW)
Meet Vladimir Cashewninski: Champion Badminton player, and sole athlete from the tiny People’s Republic of Insurgistan, as he prepares to compete at the Olympic Games. The night before his big day, he has an enthralling dream that takes him to Ancient Olympia, where he meets the Olympic Herald and teams up with the audience to explore the first Olympic Games.
[Read more…]

Outdoor fun in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia

We’ve pulled together some great outdoor options for you and your Bambinos in the Washington, DC area. This is not an exhaustive list of ALL places outdoors to play and visit. Instead, it’s a running (constantly being updated) list of out-of-the-box options to head to. Please add your suggestions to the comments below and we’ll keep building! Be sure and scroll all the way to the bottom for some already written content that includes outdoor fun.

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Washington, DC-

The Yards Park– (355 Water Street SE Washington DC 20003)
Come experience DC’s new waterfront destination and centerpiece of the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood! Located just south of Capitol Hill and to the east of Nationals Ballpark, this thoughtfully designed park is a place to be active or relax and enjoy the outdoors. At the Yards Park you’ll find open grassy areas and well-landscaped outdoor rooms, a waterfall and canal-like water feature, an elevated overlook, an iconic bridge and light sculpture, terraced performance venue, and a riverfront boardwalk.
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Weekend Picks

It’s a big weekend! Sadly, you may need to keep those umbrellas and raincoats handy. Two great festivals that are sure to satisfy your stomach with the great food these two cultures bring-  St. Luke Serbian Festival and Saint Sophia Greek Festival.

Saturday-

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10:00am-4:00pm: Family & Youth Casting Call at Fletcher’s Cove
(4940 Canal Road NW, Washington DC 20007)
The Family & Youth Casting Call is a FREE family fishing and environmental education event at Fletcher’s Cove. Anglers will learn basic fishing skills while fishing in a stocked section of the C & O canal and practice catch and release fishing. Partnering community organizations will share information on their programs and provide environmental education activities for the kids. All equipment and bait provided by DOEE. Youth must be accompanied by parents. This is a free event and all equipment and bait provided by DOEE.
[Read more…]

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