Jammin Java – Page 6

Weekday Adventures: A Family Tradition at the Zoo, Garbage to Gardens and a special visit with Thomas the Train

April 20, 2014

Hope you all had a nice weekend with family, treats and nice weather. School is probably back in session for most this week, in case Easter Monday is a school holiday, we’ve got you covered with plans. We also wanted to point out a fun outdoor spot for you to to visit; Rock Creek Park Horse Center. You can take your bambino to visit the horses, talk with employees and watch (if you’re there at the right time) some of the horses going for a stroll or being groomed. (We don’t advise going with friends as horses typically don’t like lots of noises/talking.) Bring a picnic lunch or just stop by for a few minutes. It’s a fun place to visit, out of the norm and it’s a free adventure.

Monday-

9:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
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.

9:30am-11:00am: Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for local stay-at-home parents and early rising families of all kinds! Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under. This week features Marsha Goodman-Wood, a D C-based singer/songwriter and music teacher. Marsha is known for getting kids singing and dancing at her shows, setting little toes to tapping with original melodies that mix generous doses of science and positive social messages into songs that are just plain fun.

10:00am-4:00pm: Easter Monday (a Washington Family Tradition) at the National Zoo
(3001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.)
Please join us for special family-focused activities and live entertainment. We’ll have a traditional Easter Egg Hunt and animal demonstrations as well as visits from the Easter Panda! Admittance is free!

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Weekend Picks: Drive-in at Union Market, Nationals game and Easter fun

April 18, 2014

We have published a guide to Easter fun this weekend. Find an egg hunt or festival at a farm here.

Friday-

8:00pm: Drive-in at Union Market
(1309 5th St NE Washington, DC 20002)
The movie shown is National Lampoon’s Vacation. The Union Market Drive-In is free to attend! Parking is $10 per car, but seating in the picnic area will be first come first serve, free of charge. The parking lot will open at 6pm and the movies will begin at 8.

Saturday-

10:00am: Wagon Ride-Birds, Butterflies & Blossoms at Riverbend Park
(8700 Potomac Hills St Great Falls, Va.22066)
Take a wagon ride scavenger hunt through the meadow. Search for birds and butterflies and meet a friendly animal up close. $5.00/county resident, $8.00/non-resident.

10:30am: Children’s Music Network at DC Family Fiesta at El Tamarindo
(1785 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009)
The Children’s Music Network is a national organization of performers, songwriters, storytellers and kids’ music lovers. CMN members from DC and the mid-Atlantic region will be gathering at DCFF to do a sing-along for our families. Don’t miss this showcase of DC and regional talent! Guests will include Uncle Devin, and Philly-based Mr. David. Stay after the show for El Tamarindo’s delicious food and kid-friendly options. Children of all ages will enjoy the music. $4 person/3 people for $10.

10:30am: Groovy Nate at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Groovy Nate is a children’s performer who blends music, puppetry, movement, and comedy into one groovy experience! The shows expose participants to various genres of music and encourage them to move, sing, and play creatively with one another. Tickets 4/$25.

1:05pm: Washington Nationals host St. Louis Cardinals
(1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003)
Weekends are Harris Teeter Family Fun Pack Days. Check out the deal here. Our family will be attending Saturdays game as I’m from St. Louis and am training my son to love them as well. My husband will be solo in his Nats gear 😉

Sunday-

Celebrating Easter? We have published a guide to Easter fun this weekend. Find an egg hunt or festival at a farm here.

1:35pm: Washington Nationals host St. Louis Cardinals
(1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003)
Sundays kids ages 4-12 can run the bases after the game like their favorite player. Weekends are Harris Teeter Family Fun Pack Days. Check out the deal here. Our family will be attending Saturdays game as I’m from St. Louis and am training my son to love them as well. My husband will be solo in his Nats gear 😉

Weekday Adventures: Egg hunt, star gazing and paper airplanes

April 13, 2014

We hope you got out to admire the beautiful Cherry Blossoms this weekend. Enjoy the week and let’s hope this weather is here to stay. Friday is a popular day, full of activities! Be sure and keep an eye out for a mid-week post on Egg Hunts in our area.

Monday-

Tuesday-

10:00am: Museum of Natural History’s Butterfly Pavilion (2nd floor)
(10th St. and Constitution Ave., NW)
Every Tuesday at 10:00am you can get into the magnificent butterfly pavilion for free! Make sure and get a free ticket by the entrance. We visited this last month and were amazed by how many butterflies were flying around, some even landing on a shoulder. Look closely and you could spot a frog under some trees.

10:00am-10:45am: Tudor Tots: Growing Gardeners at Tudor Place
(1644 31st St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20007)
Tudor Place, which has enchanted young children for almost two centuries, invites your child to join us Tuesday mornings to read, sing, and play in the garden. Children and parents or care-givers will participate each week in a read-aloud, singing, and themed movements related to a theme, such as Adventurous Animals or Growing Gardens. Children enjoy active learning and sharing this tranquil setting with the grown-ups who care for them. $5 per session, recommended for kids ages 2-4.

11:00am: Story time at National Air and Space Museum
(14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151)
“Flights of Fancy” staff will read stories about famous aviators, hot-air balloon flights, trips to Mars, characters visible in the night sky, or creatures that have their own wings. Each session includes one story and a hands-on activity. Featured story is How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman.

Wednesday-

10:00am-11:00am: Story time at The Kreeger Museum
(2401 Foxhall Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007)
Children ages 3-5 and an adult companion are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, analysis of works of art from the collection, a story and a hands-on art-making experience. Class size is limited to 10 children. Pre-registration is required. Payment due at time of registration. An adult must remain with the child throughout the program.

10:30am: Boogie Babes presents The Singing Lizard at Union Market
(1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC. 20002)
Access the free market parking lot from 6th Street NE or travel via metro to NoMA-Gallaudet. Come early for coffee and stay for lunch!

4:00pm-4:30pm- Young Planetarium at Rock Creek Nature Center
(5200 Glover Road, NW Washington, DC)
Calling all kids: learn about the twinkling stars and wandering planets of our night sky during this children’s planetarium program.

4:00pm-5:30pm: Free Art Wednesdays at Create ART
(Silver Spring Civic Building – 1 Veterans Plaza)
Join Create ART in this wonderful new FREE after school art workshops – improv, sewing, comics, & more! Kindergarten-5th grade students welcome. Register online.

5:30pm: !Uno, Dos, Tres con Andres! at BloomBars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
!Uno, Dos, Tres con Andres! is a sure bet every time. Children of various ages enjoy this interactive show that teaches Spanish language and Latin American culture.

Thursday-

10:00am: Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
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.

10:30am: Boogie Babes presents Bridgette and Dawn at Eastern Market
(225 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003)
Our most popular show of the week! Join us at Historic Eastern Market’s North Hall (closest to South Carolina) for a lively concert, grab lunch and shop for dinner. Access to the North Hall via the market for Boogie Babes. Eastern Market Metro is two short blocks away.

10:30am: The Great Zucchini at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Get tickets here for The Great Zucchini, Washington’s funniest and most magical preschool and kindergarten entertainer, performs a colorful magic show where every child is a star and guaranteed to laugh. Experience the excitement of the children when they get to learn a magic trick at the end of show.

Friday-

10:00am: Songs, stories & puppets at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
30 minutes of storytelling, dancing, singing and entertainment just for kids under 5.

10:30am: Rocknoceros at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
As every family with youngsters in the DC area already knows, Rocknoceros (pronounced like rhinoceros) is three guys: Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie, who make wildly popular, award-winning music for the whole family. Tickets are $5.

10:30am: Boogie Babes presents Marsha Goodman Wood at Atlas Performing Arts
(1333 H Street NE Washington, DC. 20002)
Join us at the ATLAS Performing Arts Center along the H Street Corridor. Snack bar and bathrooms are easily accessible. Lots of good and kid-friendly lunch options within one to three blocks!

10:00am-3:00pm (Select time): Annual Egg Hunt at Meadowside Nature Center
(5100 Meadowside Ln. , Rockville, Md)
Search for real eggs through our meadows, then dye and decorate the eggs you find. Event includes other on-going Spring-related activities throughout the day. Fun for the entire family! Reservations are required (we want to be sure we have enough eggs for all!) Please register and pay for all attendees. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 2-12yrs; $8

11:00am- Story time at National Air & Space Museum
(601 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20597)
(14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151)
“Flights of Fancy” staff will read stories about famous aviators, hot-air balloon flights, trips to Mars, characters visible in the night sky, or creatures that have their own wings. Each session includes one story and a hands-on activity. Featured story is You Can’t Do That Amelia! by Kimberly Wagner Klier in DC and How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman in VA.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Paper Airplane Day at College Park Aviation Museum
(1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park 20740)
Build and test your own paper airplane before entering it in our annual Paper Airplane Derby. The derby starts at 3 pm and prizes will be awarded! $4/adults, $3/seniors 60 & up, $2/children 2-18, FREE/1 & under.

2:00pm-4:00pm: Afternoon Aviators at College Park Aviation Museum
(1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park 20740)
Have an airplane enthusiast? We have the perfect museum for them, off the busy National Mall. Join for a fun, hands-on aviation-themed activities. A weekly series for children ages five and up.

1:00pm-4:00pm: The National Portrait Gallery presents Open Studio Fridays
(Eighth & F St NW, Washington, DC 20001 – Education Center, Room E151)
Friday afternoons at the Gallery feature some creative and free fun! Check out a Portrait Discovery Kit to explore the museum and try a different selection of art material each week.

4:00pm-4:30pm: Creature Feature at Rock Creek Nature Center
(5200 Glover Road, NW Washington, DC)
Calling all kids: come meet Pokey, Atwee, Tiki, Oscar, and Fire during this informal program. Learn about park wildlife and then assist us in feeding the Nature Center’s live critters. Geared for ages 4 to 10.

Weekend Picks: Cherry Blossoms, Bookworms and Architects

April 10, 2014

Cherry blossoms are in full force according to our Facebook News Feed and we can’t wait to get home from vacation to see them first-hand. Have you made your way to Kenwood or The Tidal Basin to see them?

Saturday-

9:30am-12:00pm- Children’s Architectural Tour of Cleveland Park hosted by the Cleveland Park Historical Society
(Meet at NCRC: 3209 Highland Pl. Washington, DC. 20008)
Designed for students in the 6-12 year old range. We will spend the first part of the morning learning some vocabulary, then walk around the neighborhood looking at seven different properties including the Uptown Theater, NCRC, and the Macklin Apartments. After we return from the walk, children will build a structure based upon the tour and other ideas. Once all of the buildings are constructed the children will assemble their neighborhood. The cost is $10 per child for CPHS members, and $20 per child for non-members. The cost covers craft supplies. We will need volunteers/parents to walk with us and perhaps assist the children with their models when building.

10:00am-12:00pm- National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
(Constitution Avenue – From 7th to 17th Streets, NW)
Vibrant costumes and blossom-inspired décor create the look of nation’s premier springtime parade. Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, and performers burst down Constitution Avenue in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the Festival.

10:00am-4:00pm- Easter Eggs-travaganza at Reston Zoo
(1228 Hunter Mill Rd., Vienna, Va)
Join your friends for two weekends packed with Easter fun!. Feed baby lambs, goats and bunnies. Enjoy excellent photo opportunities with the Easter bunny and have your face painted with your favorite animal before venturing out to take part in an Easter egg hunt. All Easter egg hunts will include eggs filled with candy, stickers, toys, and more! Children must attend the Easter egg hunts by age group. Adults: $12.95, Children (2-12): $11.95 under 2 $2.00.

10:00am- Bethesda Literary Festival
(Downtown Bethesda, MD)
Festival kicks off Friday night and goes all weekend long. Children, teenagers and adults who enjoy ready will love this festival. Check the schedule for story times, meet and greets and read alouds.

10:30am- Mr. Skip at DC Family Fiesta at El Tamarindo
(1785 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009)
Mr. Skip’s been delighting and enlightening young children for nearly 40 years. Stay after the show for El Tamarindo’s delicious food and kid-friendly options. Children of all ages will enjoy the music. $4 person/3 people for $10.

10:00am (doors open), 10:30am (show begins)- Gustafer Yellowgold at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Gustafer Yellowgold shows are a unique musical and visual experience. The minimally animated illustrations are accompanied by illustrator/songwriter Morgan Taylor’s catchy and original story-songs for a truly different multimedia experience that is entrancing children, teens and adults alike. Enjoy his unique blend of live music and moving image. Parents you may be entertained as well as Gustafer Yellowgold has performed as the support act for WILCO and The Polyphonic Spree.

Sunday-

10:00am-4:00pm- Community Day and Open House at Valley Mill Camp
(15101 Seneca Road, Darnestown MD 20874)
The Great Outdoors awaits! Valley Mill Community Day is about getting back to nature. Feel free to stop by, bring a friend and enjoy a lovely walk in the woods. Crepe eating, bird watching, nature observing, live music, woodland waking and fun with family and friends. This event is free and may give you an opportunity to learn more about their camp offerings as well.

2:00pm-5:00pm- Portrait Story Days: Duke Ellington at National Portrait Gallery
(Eighth & F St NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Drop in to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. Today, learn about American jazz musician Duke Ellington (1899-1974). Best for kids ages 5 and up.

*Remember to click on our Ongoing Events page at the top for local theatre productions.

Weekday Adventures: DC United open practice, lantern walk and free ice cream

April 6, 2014

Have a soccer fan at home? What about a bambino with a sweet tooth? Music enthusiast? Budding artist? We’ve got you covered this week. Get out and enjoy the week.

Monday-

3:30pm-5:30pm: DC United Open Training at Cardozo Education Campus
(1200 Clifton St NW Washington, D.C. 20009)
Perfect for the soccer lovers in your family! Admission to the practice is free. At the conclusion of training, players will be available for an autograph session where fans are encouraged to bring memorabilia for players to sign. During the event, participants will have the opportunity to enter to win D.C. United autographed merchandise and tickets. Discounted tickets to the D.C. United vs. New York Red Bulls match on April 12 at RFK Stadium will also be sold on site.

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Weekday Adventures: John Henry, Tall Tales and a musical happy hour

March 30, 2014

Spring has Sprung, supposedly. There are a few spring sessions at Nature Centers this week, if weather permits they sound like a lot of fun. Boogie Babes is also hosting another Happy Hour this week at Union Market that will be a big hit. Have a great week full of adventures with your Bambino!

Monday-

9:30am-11:00am- Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for local stay-at-home parents and early rising families of all kinds! Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under. This week The Singing Lizard will be there to rock out.

[Read more…]

Weekend Picks: Fly a kite, take in some art and jam out

March 28, 2014

Pardon the brevity of this week’s post — as we’re actually posting it remotely from Florida, where we’ve gone to escape the never-ending Winter of DC. While we won’t be able to check out all the fun this weekend, we still gathered our best bets — so let us know how it goes and what we might have missed because of our absence. Have a great weekend everyone!

Saturday-

9:30am and 11:00- Tim Marrone: Clowning Around with Shakespeare at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004)
Laughter reigns supreme when a lowly court jester prepares for his first audience with England’s newly crowned monarch, King James I. Kids help calm our clown’s frazzled nerves by assuming characters in his performance and providing backup with songs and sound effects in an entertaining show filled with comic spontaneity.

10:00am-4:30pm– Blossom Kite Festival
(Washington Monument grounds – Constitution Avenue & 17th Street, NW)
Spring is in the air – literally! The fourth annual Blossom Kite Festival presented by the National Cherry Blossom Festival showcases the creativity of kite makers and skill of kite fliers from across the US and other countries through a variety of competitions and demonstrations including the popular Hot Tricks Showdown and the Rokkaku Battle. Bring your own kites or children can make a kite at an activity station (while supplies last) to fly on the Public Field. The Blossom Kite Festival includes 5 areas to enjoy: the Competition & Demonstration Field, Family Field, Kite Club Display Area, Activity Tents, and Public Field. Check out a map of the Festival here.

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Weekday Adventures: Kinderman, Storytime Station and Scooby-Doo

March 23, 2014

Hope everyone enjoyed the nice weather this weekend that lasted just a day (sigh). Spring is approaching soon, right? Right? Until then, we here at Beltway Bambinos are off for a few weeks of fun in the sun in Florida. We are hoping to publish as normal while we are defrosting by the pool.

A few school districts have a scheduled day off that is approaching, unless they’ve changed plans due to all of the snow days. If you are trying to plan ahead to your child being off of school (again) check out our post on places you can send your child to have a hands-on, active day.

Monday, March 24-

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