Beltway Bambinos

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    • Halloween guide
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    • Fall events
    • Fall classes
    • Fall bucket list
    • Survive Daylight Savings
  • Winter
    • Holiday gift guide
    • Holiday shows, ballets and concerts
    • Hanukkah Celebrations
    • Holiday Tea
    • Christmas Trees, Lights & Markets
    • Ski and snowboard
    • Cut-your-own tree
    • Ice rinks and roller rinks
  • Spring
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    • Easter egg hunts
    • Easter basket & spring gift ideas
    • Spring bucket list
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    • Tax day steals and deals
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    • July 4th
    • Ice cream
    • Sunflower Fields
    • Summer bucket list
    • Live outdoor music
    • Outdoor movies
    • Outdoor swimming pools
    • Splash parks
    • Trains!
  • Camps and Classes
    • Fall classes
    • Spring classes
    • Summer camps
    • Mid-winter break camps
    • Winter camps and classes
    • November 2, 4, 5, 11
    • DCPS spring break camps
    • Schools out, camps are in
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    • Gymnastics and dance classes
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  • Outdoor Play
    • 15 family friendly hikes
    • Pick your own fruit and vegetables
    • Beaches and state parks
    • Outdoor fun
    • Trails, marshes and gardens
    • 20 classic outdoor games
    • Trains and carousels
  • Beltway Bambinos Concierge
    • Customized itineraries
    • Introducing Beltway Bambinos Concierge
  • About
  • Beltway Travel
    • Introducing Beltway Travel
    • Family Summer Getaways
    • Traveling with Little Ones?
    • Why Now is the Time to Plan
    • Travel Advisors Save You More Than Money
    • Why You Should Work with Me
    • How Do You Make Sure the Trip Has Something for Everyone?
    • DC Hotels with Indoor Pools
  • Itineraries
    • 5 Days in Costa Rica
    • {Winter} Staycation

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

January 12, 2018

Art Investigators at National Gallery of Art is back! How do you investigate a work of art? This program helps children make careful observations, analyze artists’ choices, ask questions, and use their imagination while exploring works of art. Led by museum educators, each program includes reading a children’s book, exploring one work of art in the galleries, and completing a simple hands-on activity. Each program is approximately 60 minutes. 

These free drop-in programs are designed for individual families on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no advance registration and space is limited, so please plan accordingly. We will only accept sign-in for children in the age range for which the program is tailored. Groups cannot be accommodated in the program.

Saturday, January 13th AND Monday, January 15th at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30 as well as Sunday, January 14th at 11:30, 12:30 and 1:30. Children will study Joan Mitchell this weekend. 

Saturday, January 13, 2018

9:30am AND 11:30am: Sound Health: Second Saturdays at Kennedy Center
This new series of free workshops designed for families with children under the age of 8* explores the power of the arts to promote wellness of the mind and body. Every second Saturday of the month, local arts organizations offer two 45-minute workshops in the Kennedy Center Grand Foyer. YoKid: Enjoy a morning of family fun! The sessions will integrate yoga postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness exercises with stories, games, and songs. The YoKid yoga experience empowers participants to become self-aware, resilient youth who mindfully navigate life. Participants will learn and practice strategies to cultivate calm and focus through mindful play. No prior experience necessary. Learn more about YoKid.

10:00am-2:00pm: Michael’s Kids Club
They make, you shop! Kids 3 and up and can enjoy making a Snowman Page Marker. All supplies provided. Parent or guardian must remain on the premises. $2.00

10:30am: Jason Didner and The Jungle Gym Jam at Jammin Java
Jason and Amy’s performance for kids and their grown-ups is more interactive than ever! Act out the parts of a fire engine, shake an egg shaker, twirl a colorful dance ribbon, and catch the rock-n-roll spirit. This is a musical experience for the whole family to cherish together. This is the New Jersey-based duo’s 4th trip to Virginia to perform at Jammin’ Java.

11:30am-3:00pm: Tamayo Family Day at Smithsonian American Art Museum
SAAM celebrates renowned Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo and the exhibition Tamayo: The New York Years! Bring the entire family for a day of Mexican cultural performances, crafts, and art! Take a trip through Tamayo’s New York with a scavenger hunt, make your own cityscapes with vivid colors and geometric shapes, and use your imagination to create animals inspired by Oaxacan woodcarvings.

2:00pm and 5:30pm:  Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood  at Warner Theatre

6:00pm-9:00pm: Kid’s Night at the Museum at Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum
Drop of your children for a night of educational play in our hands-on exhibits. We will provide dinner, dessert, crafts, an educational component and supervised playtime in our interactive gallery. KN@M is scheduled for the second Saturday of every month. Registration and prepayment REQUIRED. Children must be potty trained to attend. (Ages 3 – 10)

Sunday, January 14, 2018

10:00am-11:00am: Nous Bloomons
The Alliance Francaise is very proud to continue its partnership with BloomBars, bringing back a weekly music program for children. Nous Bloomons is a celebration of French language and culture through song and dance, led by Achille Ango. Achille grew up in Cameroon (Central West Africa). After graduating from High School, he went to France where he lived for seven years studying and playing music. He has taught French to children, and played music with various bands in the Washington area for more than 20 years. He now teaches French in an immersion school using music as a vehicle. If you want to have fun, dance, jump and sing “à tue-tête”, join us at BloomBars! $7 suggested donation per child. $3 per adult.

1:30pm AND 4:00pm: Charlotte’s Web at Imagination Stage (FINAL WEEKEND, also showtimes on Saturday)
In this beloved classic (now infused with live music!), Fern, a soft-hearted farm girl, forms an unlikely bond with Wilbur, a charismatic pig. At the Zuckerman Farm, Wilbur meets a silly goose, a moody sheep, a selfish rat, and Charlotte, a clever spider. In an effort to save her friend, Charlotte weaves flattering messages about him into her web that cause a sensation in the small town. Fall in love with your favorite characters all over again as they bring this “radiant” tale from page to stage this holiday season! Recommended ages 5+.

Monday, January 15, 2018

MLK Day Post with many ideas and events

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Filed Under: Weekend Picks Tagged: art investigators, charlottes web, Daniel Tiger, french, MLK, museum, music, yoga

Weekend Picks March 3-5

March 3, 2017

The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival 2017 brings the best of DC arts and artists to the stage and H Street with performances, experiences and happenings in theatre, dance, music, vocal, choral, opera, visual arts, video, film, writing, sculpture, photography, circus, spoken word, public art, community art, and art space activation and ends this weekend. Discover how art, culture and connection happen on H Street.

Friday

6:00pm-8:00pm: First Friday DuPont
March is coming in with a roar, and galleries, retailers, embassies, and historic houses will be for the First Friday art walk around Dupont Circle – a fun and social way to explore the arts.

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.

9:30am 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.

9:30am AND 11:00am: Mister G at National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004)
Mister G’s interactive and high-energy concert will be sure to get you and your kids on your feet! He’ll be singing songs from all of his six award-winning albums for children, including three bilingual albums. Free tickets.

10:00am: Marsha and the Positrons at Avalon Theatre
(5612 Connecticut Ave NW)
Marsha and the Positrons is led by singer/songwriter Marsha Goodman-Wood with  skilled, smooth bassist Wardell Howell and guest drummer Devin Walker. Their concerts are fun, playful, and educational — and entertaining for adults as well as kids!  Tickets: $8.00 / $6.50 for Avalon members (Children under 2 are free)

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10:00am and 12:00pm (depending on age): Courtly Greetings & Country Meetings at Folger Shakespeare Theatre
(201 East Capitol Street, SE Washington, DC 20003)
Imagine yourself in the two worlds of As You Like It, the court of Duke Frederick and the Forest of Arden.Folger offers programs for all ages and encourages families to experience Shakespeare’s language together. 10:00am-11:00am: Recommended Ages 5-7 and 11:00am-12:00pm: Recommended Ages 8-14. Register to attend.

10:00am (Doors open at 9:15am): Dan Zanes “Song Gusto Hour” with Claudia Eliaza at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Grammy Award Winner Dan Zanes and special guest Claudia Eliaza will be playing Dan’s hits from Sesame Street, Playhouse Disney, and Nickelodeon! Songs you know and love: Catch that Train! Wonder Wheel! Jump Up! All Around The Kitchen! This is a show for family singing and dancing. All are welcome and encouraged to bring instruments! ***This Sensory Friendly show is designed to create an accepting and comfortable environment for all children and their families. Much care and thoughtful consideration go into planning in order to support those with special needs as they connect to the music. There is a manageable degree of stimuli in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. All who attend are encouraged to express themselves freely and openly.*** Tickets $15

10:00am: First Studio at The Kreeger Museum
(2401 Foxhall Road, NW Washington D.C. 20007)
Children are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, a story and a hands-on art-making experience. Adult companion required and art-making attire recommended. $10 register online. To get a glimpse into the program see my review here.

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Featured story: Barnyard Dance. Activities in Saturday Song Circle are best for 1-3 year-olds but 4-5 year-old siblings and friends are also welcome to join in the fun.
Register online

Sunday

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11:00am-5:00pm: Nowruz: A Persian New Year Celebration at Sackler & Ripley Center
(1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024)
Ring in the Persian New Year at our ninth annual Nowruz celebration! With free attractions for all ages, this year’s festival is held in the Sackler and adjacent Ripley Center as the Freer undergoes renovation. Activities include: Haft sin table display, Storytelling by Xanthe Gresham (with ASL interpretation at 2 pm), Calligraphy, Hands-on art activities, Live music, Film screenings, Food and Featured exhibition Turquoise Mountain: Artists…

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(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. Featured Story: Not a Box. Activities in Sunday Fun-Day are most appropriate to 3-5 year-olds but 1-2 year-old siblings and friends are also welcome! Register online.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Open Studio at New Community ArtSpace
(614 S Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Open Studio 1st Sundays is open to all ages.  We will have all kinds of supplies available for your art making. $5 fee + supply donation welcomed.

4:00pm-5:00pm: Family Yoga for all ages at Lighthouse Yoga Center
(4203 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20011)
Join us in the studio once a month for Family Style yoga. Designed with our tots/preschooler yogis in mind, this class welcomes younger and older sibling and one or more caregiver for an afternoon of family yoga fun. Together we will learn songs, games, and poses the encourage body awareness, increase attention span, nurture creativity, and generally support development across a range of ages and abilities … but mostly we’re in it for the fun. Caregivers are expected to fully participate in class, but no prior yoga experience is required for adults or children. Come play yoga with us! $20 for one adult and one child. $5 each additional adult (payable when you arrive). (Additional participants are free for members). Register online to reserve your spot. Registration for additional family members can be paid at the studio.

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Filed Under: Weekend Picks Tagged: arts, french, music, new year, theatre, yoga

Weekend Picks: Be My Valentine this President’s Day Weekend

February 13, 2015

The Kennedy Center Performances for Young Audiences presents: Jack’s Tale: A Mythic Mountain Musical Adventure. This world premiere Kennedy Center co-commission with Nashville Children’s Theatre uses actors and a live bluegrass band to dive deep into the eclectic music traditions of the Appalachians. The result: a delightfully authentic mountain musical! There are 5 shows throughout the weekend, tickets are $20 for the 60 minute musical, best suited for children ages 8+.

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It is George Washington’s Birthday Weekend! Celebrate George Washington’s 283rd birthday this weekend with special activities at Mount Vernon! Enjoy a sample of George Washington’s favorite breakfast on February 14-15 (included in admission). Celebrate the national observance of George Washington’s birthday by attending Mount Vernon’s events free-of-charge on February 16! Admission on Monday is free.

Friday:

DgB6zQkjE0Dyg8bKgwbmXJ-V11:30am-7:00pm- SweetARTS and Valentines at American Art Museum
(8th and F Streets, NW)
Need something special for your sweetie? Looking for a snarky card to send to your BFF? Tired of the same ol’ Valentine’s Day options? Look no further; American Art has what you need. Come on by to make the perfect, personalized card—we supply all the necessary materials at no cost. If you are feeling fancy, horticulturists from Smithsonian Gardens can help you make an orchid corsage for a $10 materials fee, while supplies last.

Saturday:

10:00am- Baby Loves Disco DMV presents Brunch Box at H St Country Club
(1335 H Street, NE, Washington DC 20002)
From the host who brought the DC area Baby Loves Disco since 2008 and owner of Hex9 Productions – we present “Brunch Box” – a pop up Brunch event for families in the DC area debuting at the wildly popular H Street Country Club in the Atlas Arts District of Washington, DC.  Your ticket also includes the entertainment: a balloon twister, The Face Paint Lady!  and other activities. Mini golf and the two shuffle board tables are available for exclusive use for the two hours.  Tickets are $23 pp and children 8 and under are FREE. Get your tickets here.

10:00am- Avalon Theatre presents The Great Zucchini
(5612 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20015)
It’s time for The Great Zucchini to take over The Avalon once again! And he’s bringing in New York’s Charlie & Checkers for their first DC appearance ever! Don’t miss this very special performance from some of the biggest children’s entertainers on the east coast.

10:30am- Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Featured story: Skidamarink

10:30am-11:30am or 1:30pm-2:30pm- Be My Valentine Tour & Workshop for Children at Tudor Place
(1644 31st Street, NW Washington, DC 20007)
Tour the historic mansion in search of Valentine’s Day greetings from long ago. Children then design their own Valentines to take home, drawing artistic inspiration from historic cards in the Tudor Place Archive.

10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm- Steve Songs at Jammin Java15-atxl
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs has been writing and performing his award-winning music for kids and families for the past fifteen years. 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.”

1:30pm-3:00pm- The French Academy presents Saint Valentin Workshop
(Baptist Church of Chevy Chase)
On Valentine’s Day we will talk about LOVE, of course: our best friends, our pets and family. We will prepare cards for our loved ones. Songs, games and treats await you too! Price for our students: $25 for one child/ $20 per child if you sign up two or more. Price for non students: $30 for one child/ $25 per child if you sign up two or more. For children ages 3-12 years old. Register

 

Sunday:

10:00am- Sunday Fun Day at Imagination Stageth
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 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 completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Best for ages 1-3. Featured story: My Heart is Like a Zoo

11:30am-3:00pm- Presidential Family Fun Day at The National Portrait Gallery
(8th and F St NW)
Celebrate President’s Day weekend during a patriotic family day at the National Portrait Gallery. Enjoy a variety of crafts and performances dedicated to our nation’s famous past-leaders.
Meet Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in person and enjoy several art activities like Presidential Polaroid’s and making picture frames.  See performances by the local a capella group, “Snowday,” get your picture taken with the Washington Nationals Racing Presidents, and more.

 

Monday:

th-19:30am-11:00am- Presidents Day Family Storytime Yoga at Lil Omm
(4708 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016)
Storytime Family Yoga with Arts and Crafts with Julia Colton. Storytime Yoga is the perfect family workshop for budding bookworms and reluctant readers alike. Drawing on her experience working at Politics & Prose in the Children’s department and as “the best bed-time story reader ever” (according to several moms), teacher Julia Colton was inspired to combine two of her favorite things: books and yoga. Start with “Ish” by Peter H. Reynolds and then play our way through a few classics of children’s literature with time at the end for crafts based on our favorite stories (Ish drawings & butterfly masks). The workshop costs $30. Children ages 2-3 must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver.Drop-off optional for ages 4-5 years. Sign up here.

10:30am- Rocknoceros at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Spend Presidents Day rocking out with a DC favorite. As every family with youngsters in the DC area knows, Rocknoceros (pronounced like rhinoceros) is three guys: Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie. They have been making award-winning music for the whole family since 2005. 

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Filed Under: Weekend Picks Tagged: art, Avalon Theatre, cards, french, George Washington, Imagination Stage, Jammin Java, Lil Omm, presidents day, Steve Songs, theater, Tudor Place, Valentine's Day, yoga

Weekend Picks: Ukelele Festival, Dino Rock & Ultimate MegaMAZE

July 10, 2014

The forecast calls for an amazing weekend! Check out the Harbor Spray Park at Lee District for a day of fun splashing around in the sprays and water. Theres a great playground steps away as well with ample spots to picnic. Worth the drive from DC. 

The Capital Fringe Festival runs from July 10 to July 27, 2014. Be sure and check out Balloon Plays for the kids. 

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Saturday-

9:45am-5:00pm: 5th Annual Lake Anne Ukelele Festival
(1609 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA)
The ukulele is the happiest instrument in the world and it spreads joy wherever it appears.Come down and join us rain or shine. You’ll find vendors selling ukuleles of all kinds and hear wonderful music all in the picturesque setting of Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, VA. It will be one of the best days you have all summer!

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Weekend Picks Tagged: building, dino, Farm, festival, french, maze, music, splash, theatre, water

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