Beltway Bambinos

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

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  • Home
  • Indoor Fun
    • Theater & musical productions
    • Guide to Indoor Fun for Kids
  • Fall
    • Halloween guide
    • Fall festivals, farms, orchards
    • Fall Foliage Spots and Drives
    • 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
    • Cherry blossoms
    • Easter egg hunts
    • Easter basket & spring gift ideas
    • Spring bucket list
    • Mother’s Day
    • Memorial Day weekend
    • Tax day steals and deals
  • Summer
    • Summer Camps
    • 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
    • Year-round classes
    • Gymnastics and dance classes
  • Neighborhood Guides
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    • AU Park, DC
    • Baltimore, MD
    • Bethany Beach, DE
    • Breweries in the DC area
    • Brookland, DC
    • Chevy Chase, DC
    • Georgetown, DC
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • Lancaster County, PA
    • Madison, VA
    • Frederick, MD
    • St. Louis, MO
  • 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

Beautiful, The Carole King Musical at National Theatre + GIVEAWAY

November 11, 2018

The National Theatre presents BEAUTIFUL – The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation.

Featuring a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil, including “I Feel The Earth Move,” “One Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got A Friend” and the title song, BEAUTIFUL has a book by Tony® Award-nominee and Academy® Award-nominated writer Douglas McGrath, direction by Marc Bruni, choreography by Josh Prince, and took home two 2014 Tony® Awards and a 2015 Grammy® Award.

The cast features Sarah Bockel (Carole King), Dylan S. Wallach (Gerry Goffin), Alison Whitehurst (Cynthia Weil), Jacob Heimer (Barry Mann), James Clow (Don Kirshner) and Suzanne Grodner (Genie Klein). The ensemble includes McKynleigh Alden Abraham, Ben Biggers, John Michael Dias, Leandra Ellis-Gaston, Kaylee Harwood, Willie Hill, Alia Hodge, James Michael Lambert, Marla Louissaint, Dimitri Joseph Moïse, Aashley Morgan, Deon Releford-Lee, Nathan Andrew Riley, Paul Scanlan, DeAnne Stewart, Michael Stiggers, Jr., Alexis Tidwell, and Elise Vannerson.

**Appropriate for the entire family, but very young children won’t be interested in the 1950s-era biography. The show is best for pop music lovers age 10 and up.

Purchase tickets here.  Beautiful is making its DC run from November 27th – December 30th.

**Giveaway: Enter to win 2 tickets to the first performance on Tuesday, November 27th at 7:30pm. Comment on Facebook & Instagram letting us know your favorite musical. Winner will be announced November 17, 2018.

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Filed Under: Date Night, Giveaway, Music, Theatre Tagged: Beautiful, Carole King, date night, Giveaway, the national theatre, theatre

Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas at Adventure Theatre GIVEAWAY

November 8, 2018

Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas is hitting the stage from November 16, 2018-January 6, 2019 at Adventure Theatre. The play is based on the the book “Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas” by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser and is recommended for all ages. 

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

Giveaway: Win a family 4-pack of tickets to see Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas!! Comment on Facebook and Instagram with the show day/time you’d prefer to see. Winner will be announced November 16, 2018. 

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Filed Under: Giveaway, Sponsored Post, Theatre Tagged: Adventure Theatre, Fancy Nancy's Splendiferous Christmas, Giveaway, theatre

Museum Based-Learning: Ordinary is Extraordinary at the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center + GIVEAWAY

November 1, 2018

smithsonian3

Before being contacted by Cynthia Raso the Director of the Office of Engagement at Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) a few years ago, I had no idea the school existed. The SEEC is a school located on the Smithsonian campus serving infants through kindergartners. What makes SEEC extraordinary? First, it utilizes the Smithsonian and surrounding community as part of its classroom. Students make daily trips to museums, parks, libraries, shops, and monuments and integrate these visits into what they are learning. SEEC is more than just museum-based learning; it is also a school that thinks carefully about educating the whole child. From social-emotional learning to practicing fine motor skills, SEEC classrooms are invested in nurturing young children by employing a range of techniques that we believe will support a child’s growth and development. SEEC utilizes their almost 30 years of experience as a school to shape their family programs while taking into account the role of the parent. SEEC wants to help parents understand how best to engage with their young child at home and in museums. 

At the beginning of the summer I had the opportunity to visit SEEC for a Preschool Pioneer class with my then four year old son. The class was focused on learning about light and colors. We met in the SEEC classroom, found in the Natural History Museum where children were allowed to wander, touch and interact with the various stations that were set-up. Each one being carefully selected and relating to the class lesson of light and color. The teacher began class with a small group lesson introducing the concept of light using CD’s and talking about colors. The group then took a “field trip” out into The Natural History Museum where we found a display on the color wheel. Kids learned Sir Isaac Newton created it and what it meant by allowing them to place various colored plastic sheets on top of one another to create a new color.   Class ended with a hands-on activity of mixing paint and creating colors. It was a great chance to have my son see the museum in an up close and personal way with a sense of purpose. Research has shown that museum based-learning has many benefits for children and promotes the value of museums for kids. One of SECC’s goals is to help educate families on how to utilize museums in fun ways with their young children and I clearly saw this first-hand.

smithsonian2

 
SEEC provides the community with opportunities to learn at every age. There are several options and you’re sure to find a program for the Bambinos in your family. Check them out below:
 
Community Programs you can enroll your child in:
  • Infants Investigators
  • Toddler Trailblazers
  • Twos Travelers
  • Preschool Pioneers
  • Artful Afternoons
  • Smithsonian Early Explorers (part-time program)
  • Bring Your Own Baby
  • Birthday Parties
GIVEAWAY CLOSED

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Filed Under: Classes, Giveaway, Indoor Play, Sponsored Post, Weekend Picks Tagged: Giveaway, hands-on, museum, museum based-learning, SEEC, smithsonian, smithsonian early enrichment center

Beautiful Boy & Can you ever Forgive Me? Sneak peek movie passes!

October 9, 2018

Screening Details: Monday, October 15th at 7:30pm at Landmark E St
Click here for 2 passes 

At 18, Nicolas Sheff was a good student, editor of his high school newspaper, an actor in the school play and a member of the water polo team. A voracious reader and a talented artist, Nic was set to enter college in the fall. He had started experimenting with drugs when he was 12, but in his late teens he tried meth for the first time and, as he writes, “the world went from black and white to Technicolor.” Nic went almost instantly from a teenager dabbling with substances to a having a full-blown dependency.

BEAUTIFUL BOY is a searingly honest/frank account of the Sheff family’s journey through Nic’s continuing struggles with addiction. Based on acclaimed journalist David Sheff’s bestseller of the same name and his son Nic’s breakout memoir Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines, the film presents a unique portrait of the ways addiction can destroy lives and the power of love to rebuild them.

Harrowing, heart-breaking and yet full of joy, hope, and love, BEAUTIFUL BOY recounts the rehabs, disappearances, broken promises and rage as Nic sinks deeper into the drug world, as well as David’s efforts to save his “beautiful boy” from the ravages of addiction.

Directed by: Felix van Groeningen (Belgica, The Broken Circle Breakdown)
Cast: Steve Carell (Foxcatcher, The Big Short) and Timotheģe Chalamet (Interstellar, Call Me by Your Name), Maura Tierney (“The Affair,” Baby Mama), Amy Ryan (Birdman, Gone Baby Gone) and Timothy Hutton (Ordinary People).

 

 

Screening Details: Tuesday, October 16th at 7:00pm at Regal Majestic
Click here for 2 passes!

In CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?, Melissa McCarthy stars as Lee Israel, the best-selling celebrity biographer (and cat lover) who made her living in the 1970’s and 80’s profiling the likes of Katharine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead, Estée Lauder and journalist Dorothy Kilgallen.  When Lee found herself unable to get published because she had fallen out of step with the marketplace, she turned her art form to deception, abetted by her loyal friend Jack (Richard E. Grant). Rated R for language including some sexual references, and brief drug use. Running Time: 107 minutes

Directed by: Marielle Heller
Screenplay by: Nicole Holofcener, Jeff Whitty
Based on the book by: Lee Israel
Produced by: Anne Carey p.g.a., Amy Nauiokas, David Yarnell
Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Richard E. Grant, Dolly Wells, Jane Curtin, Ben Falcone, Anna Deavere Smith, Stephen Spinella

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Filed Under: Date Night, Giveaway, Sponsored Post Tagged: amazon studios, BEAUTIFUL BOY, CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Giveaway, Landmark E St, movie, regal majestic

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party + GIVEAWAY

September 11, 2018

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party brings the magic closer to fans than ever before through dynamic and immersive moments that take place on the ice, in the air and in the seats. Produced by Feld Entertainment Inc., the worldwide leader in live touring family entertainment,Disney On Ice is once again elevating the ice show experience with brand-new engaging elements that will fascinate both newcomers and seasoned guests alike.

Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party is performing at EagleBank Arena from October 3-7, 2018, for nine performances.

Joined by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, live hosts will enliven the performance space by welcoming everyone into the magical world ofDisney On Ice, setting the stage for a participatory adventure. Guests will embark on a search for clues to find Tinker Bell after Captain Hook tries to capture her magic. As each scene unfolds, compelling storytelling will be delivered through multi-level production numbers by skaters, performers and acrobats alike.

Where:  Eagle Bank Arena, 4500 Patriot Cir, Fairfax, VA 22030

Date and Time of Performances:        

  • Wednesday, October 3 @ 7 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 4 @ 7 p.m.
  • Friday, October 5 @ 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 6 @ 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 7 @ 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Tickets start at: $15, opening night. $20, all other shows.

To order tickets by phone: (800)-745-3000

To order tickets online click here 

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand. 

Discover more about Disney On Ice & Facebook.

GIVEAWAY: Win 4 giveaway tickets for opening night on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at Eagle Bank Arena. Comment on Facebook with your child’s favorite Disney character. An extra entry for entering on Instagram.
Winner announced September 24, 2018.

About Feld Entertainment

Feld Entertainment® is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that bring people together and uplift the human spirit. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Marvel Universe LIVE!,Sesame Street Live!, DreamWorks Trolls The Experience (coming Fall 2018) and Jurassic World Live (coming Fall 2019). Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information.

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Filed Under: Giveaway, Sponsored Post Tagged: disney, Disney on Ice, eagle bank arena, feld entertainment, Giveaway

Encore Stage & Studio presents Pinocchio + GIVEAWAY

May 29, 2018

Encore Stage & Studio is the artistic home for young people in the Washington, DC area, and a national leader in children’s theatre. Encore Stage & Studio was founded in 1967 as The Children’s Theatre of Arlington. The organization was run by a team of dedicated volunteers for over 40 years before hiring a professional staff beginning in 2010. Encore is unique in offering dramatic productions in which every actor and every backstage crew member is under 18 years of age. You’ll even find middle and high school students on our front-of-house team! 

Encore Stage & Studio presents Pinocchio

WHO: Encore Stage & Studio—Theatre by Kids, for Kids!

WHAT: Pinocchio

WHEN: June 1-10, 2018

WHERE: Gunston Arts Center – Theatre One (2700 S. Lang St. Arlington, VA 22206)

WHY: Travel with Pinocchio on his road of misadventures, meeting many kooky characters along the way. From Pleasure Isle, to his showdown with the Great Fish, Pinocchio tries to find his way back to his father, Geppetto. Will he learn to choose truth and kindness on his quest to become a “real boy?” Come and see! We recommend this production for ages 4 and older.

TICKETS:  $15 Adults, $10 Children, Students, Military, and Seniors. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at (703) 548-1154.

GIVEAWAY: Tag a friend on Facebook & Instagram who would love to see Pinocchio for your chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets for the June 9, Saturday, 11:00am performance. Winner will be announced June 3, 2018.

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Filed Under: Giveaway, Sponsored Post Tagged: acting, arlington, childrens theatre, DC Metropolitan area, drama, Encore Stage and Studio, family-friendly entertainment, Giveaway, kid-friendly, Northern Virginia, performing arts, Pinocchio, puppetry, theatre by kids for kids, young performers

Arts on the Horizon presents To the Clouds + GIVEAWAY

May 15, 2018

Take a journey from the clouds, to the earth, and back again through the eyes of a single rain drop! On their very first trip through the water cycle, a drop of rain is eager to see what lies ahead. Along the way, we all get a closer look at some amazing things: colorful flowers, the warm sun, and perhaps even a whale! As the voyage is completed and the raindrop goes back to their home in the clouds, they look forward to once again returning to their friends on earth. Through movement, puppetry, and found object animation, this interactive world-premiere for babies and toddlers is driven by a soundtrack of classical music and creates a captivating world of transformation. Written and directed by Natasha Mirny. Best for children ages 0-3 and their families.

Giveaway: Arts on the Horizon would love to offer you 4 tickets to see To The Clouds on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 10:30am. Enter to win on Facebook and Instagram. Winner will be announced June 1.

The play is performed at the Lab at Convergence- 1819 N. Quaker Ln. Alexandria, VA 22302.

Buy tickets here, showing May 31-June 16, 2018. 

 

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Filed Under: Giveaway, Sponsored Post Tagged: Arts on the Horizon, Giveaway, theatre, to the clouds

MOCO Movement offers therapy services in a fully inclusive environment + GIVEAWAY

May 14, 2018

MOCO Movement Center offers world class therapy services in a fully inclusive environment, alongside a sibling or peer taking a sports or movement class. The center was founded by Dr. Andrea Santman because, “After years of providing therapy services for kids, I saw a huge need to offer classes to prep young kids for all of their physical activities ahead. Before throwing them into a sport like soccer, let’s show them the correct way to kick and handle a ball, allowing them to get comfortable before diving in full force.”

The center is equipped with everything from a synthetic ice rink, where kids can put on real ice skates and get acquainted with the skill, before trying it out on a full blown ice rink to a 15 foot climbing wall, allowing kids to test out rock climbing in a less intimidating atmosphere. The space also boasts a a basketball court, exciting obstacle course and simulated playground, where a child has endless opportunities to reach his or her goals. Class sizes range from 2-4 children allowing personalized attention and the freedom of a choose-your-own-adventure style class.  

MOCO Movement Center’s Early Intervention program focuses on children at the development critical ages of 0 – 3 years. MOCO understands the importance of working with your child on a daily basis to accomplish their milestone goals. Their early intervention trained pediatric therapists have years of experience in development, childhood skills/occupations, language development and social interactions that impact growth and learning. 

At MOCO, they use their expert knowledge of development in conjunction with the natural environment to encourage play and engage children to reach their developmental milestones. They work closely with parents and caregivers to develop goals, create plans of care and collaborate on strategies that support family and child-centered objectives, which encourage continued therapy even at home. They utilize a variety of environments including playgrounds, home and other community settings to encourage participation and support generalization of skills across all areas and settings.Their goal is to help children reach their developmental milestones so that they can move and play more independently, build social relationships through play and communication, and successfully transition and participate in school activities with peers.

Classes at MOCO are offered for babies through age 12. Children use thought, strength, and balance on MOCO’s giant obstacle courses designed with oversized blocks, tight-rope-style lines, trampolines, and suspension equipment to acquire foundational skills, including self-confidence and social interaction, and build sport and fitness skills. Classes provide a unique structured, child-driven curriculum guided by highly-trained staff including expert athletes, medical and educational specialists.

Summer Camp is offered to babies-age 10, half day as well as full day. The summer camp includes movement, music, arts & crafts, science, sports, state-of-the-art equipment, and an inclusive environment. Camps are non-therapeutic and do not have therapeutic goals, however, throughout the day they incorporate a variety of fine and gross motor skills and activities that encourage cooperative group environments.  Birthday Parties are also a hit at MOCO Movement!

My children have taken a few classes here; Kids in Motion and Sports Fundamentals. The students/teacher ratio is unbelievable, the facility has a plethora of equipment and the fact that my 7 & 3 year old can take a class together is priceless. My kids leave the building and before we are in the car they are asking when they can come back. The teachers are extremely hands-on and take great care in having children go through movements and skills the appropriate and safe way. I don’t know of any other facility like this that welcomes all children to work alongside one another, no matter their need or skill level.

Location: 5268A Nicholson Lane Kensington, MD 20895

Giveaway: MOCO Movement is giving away one month of classes to a Bambino who is age 3 months to 10 years old (only one child per family). Enter on Beltway Bambinos Facebook page and Like MOCO Movement’s Facebook page– Bonus entry for commenting on Instagram. Winner will be announced May 30, 2018.

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Filed Under: Birthday, Camp, Classes, Giveaway, Indoor Play Tagged: classes, Giveaway, inclusive, indoor, MOCO Movement, movement, therapy

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