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Weekday Adventures (a little late!)

August 3, 2015

How is it already August?! Enjoy the remainder of the summer with your Bambinos. Each night there are live concerts and/or outdoor movies, all of which are free. Make sure to find one perfect for your family before summer is over. You can beat the heat this week in the water or at one of the fun events listed below! Keep in mind DC Library has so many events throughout the week for babies, toddlers and teenagers too.

Tuesday:

9:30am and 10:15am: Baby Storytime at Noyes Library
(10237 Carroll Place Kensington, MD 20895)
This is a storytime geared toward babies and toddlers. Recommended ages are newborn to 18 months. Join us as we sing songs,read books and enjoy fingerplays. Storytime is available on a first come first serve basis. Due to space we are limited to the fist 20 parent/baby pairs.

10:00am: Samba Baby at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
It’s never too early to learn the infectious dance of the world’s 5th largest country and there’s no better teacher then Zezeh Zax– a dancer, professional performer of Brazilian samba and founder of the ZEZEH BRAZIL Dance Troupe. Get your baby movin and groovin!

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Weekend Picks: jazz, movies and Nationals players

July 17, 2015

Summer is flying by and we have some of the fun DC has to offer right here. This weekend is sure to keep you busy.

Saturday–

10:00am-11:00am: Washington Nationals players at DC Public Libraries
Players will read to children participating in the DC Public Library Summer Reading Program. Participants in the program who meet their Summer reading goals will be rewarded with two free tickets to a Nationals game! And finally, at the close of the Summer, on September 19th, the Washington Nationals will recognize the DC Public Library in a pre-game, on-field ceremony with kids representing each of the 26 branches.

Drew Storen
Tenley Library- 4450 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, DC 20016

Stephen Strasburg
Anacostia Library- 1800 Good Hope Rd., SE Washington, DC 20020

Aaron Barrett
Mount Pleasant Library- 3160 16th St., NW Washington, DC 20010

10:00am-1:00pm: Kidical Mass Family Biking: Swim Center!
(355 Martins Ln, Rockville, MD)
Join us for our second Kidical Mass Rockville ride starting at the Rockville Swim Center! The Kidical Mass rides are designed for families with young children or anyone who supports family biking. We welcome parents with children on their own bikes or coming along for the ride via trailers, bike seats, tag-alongs or any other family biking set-up you have. This is a 1.4 mile ride that is a full circle, starting and ending at the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center. We will be meeting at the indoor entrance and using multi-use trails and quiet residential streets. At the end of the ride, we’ll have popsicles to break the heat a little!

MammothFollies_640 10:30am: Hudson Vagabond Puppets at Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the Woods
(1645 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA. 22182)
Go on a pre-historic adventure with this award-winning theatre troupe as they presentMammoth Follies. Learn about marvelous creatures from the Jurassic era in an old-fashioned revue of original songs, witty jokes, and earth-smashing dances performed by life-size puppets. $10 tickets

10:30-11:30am: Ice Cream Social with Katie Kraft at Stead Park
(1625 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036)
Katie is the owner of Accelerando Music and a certified childhood music educator. Accelerando Music is home to ʻTots with Tempo,ʼ the 2013 winner of Red Tricycleʼs ʻMost Awesome Music Class for Kidsʼ award, as well as the 2015 winner of Washington Familyʼs ʻBest for Families.ʼ With action-oriented songs and interactive movement, she is sure to have the little ones dancing & singing.

7:00pm: Cinema Del Ray showing of Penguins of Madagascar
(Mount Vernon Rec Center: 2017 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22307)
Free open air movie showings sponsored by Jen Walker. Snacks are even available for purchase, bring blankets and cozy up. (No 4 legged friends)

Sunday–

3:00pm-7:00: Family Jazz Day at Glen Echo
(7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD 20812)
Blues Alley and the Glen Echo Park Partnership are proud to host an afternoon. Family Jazz Day concert featuring the U.S. Army Blues Band, the Blues Alley Youth Ensemble and other youth jazz bands.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor showing of Jumanji
(165 Waterfront St National Harbor, MD 20745)
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. The 2015 season will run on Sundays from May 10 through September 27. So pack your picnic blankets, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages! Please note that movies will begin at 6 p.m. and will be shown once, so end times may vary with each movie. A schedule of movies to be shown can be viewed below.

Weekend Picks: Cultural Connection

November 7, 2014

A lot of events happening this weekend that will broaden your children’s cultural horizons! Kids Euro Festival 2014 will wrap up this weekend; there will be performances and puppet shows this weekend. Put those rakes down for a bit this weekend and expose your Bambino(s) to some of the Weekend Picks!

Friday-

6:30pm: Family Reggae Night at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Bring the kids and grandparents! We’re excited to bring Family Reggae night back into our regular rotation every first Friday of the month from 6:30 to 8pm under the leadership of renown music selector, the inspiration behind Reggae Revival, and co-founder of Manifesto Jamaica; Dutty Bookman.

Saturday-

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.

10:30am: Billy Jonas Band at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
The Billy Jonas Band, known for creating “neo-tribal hootennanies” in performances, and for songs that engage all ages with funky rhythms and thoughtful lyrics, releases Build It Back Again in November. Each “funky folk” song has a playful part and a teaching part, as Jonas explains. Tickets are $10.

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave, 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. Featured story today is Toot Toot Beep Beep. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Tickets can be purchased here.

10:30am: 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.

10:30am: Uno, Dos, Tres Con Andres at FNDTN
(3762A Howard Avenue Kensington, MD 20895)
Andrés Salguero’s ¡Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés! is an interactive celebration of Latin culture for kids and families. Tickets $6 advance/ $8 at the door

11:00am-2:00pm: Children’s African Awards and Book Festival (CABA) at the National Museum of African Art
(950 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC )
This is the fourth year that NMAfA is hosting the CABA event. Africa Access and the Outreach Council of the African Studies Association give annual awards for the best children’s and young adult books on Africa published in the U.S. The awards celebrate outstanding K-12 books on Africa published in the U.S. The awards are designed to encourage the publication of accurate, balanced children’s materials on Africa, to recognize literary excellence and to acknowledge the research achievements of outstanding authors and illustrators.

11:30am: Theatre for the Very Young Workshop at Atlas
(1333 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
“Are You my Mother?” This classic story and others invite 1 – 3 year olds and their adult friends into an interactive story time that encourages movement and participation, helps children practice new vocabulary, build listening skills, and acclimate to being part of a group. Enjoy this exciting time to discover “who am I” for our youngest audiences. A 30 minute, interactive story time for children 1 to 3 years old and 20 minutes of free play. Tickets are $5.

3:30pm: Theatre for the Very Young Workshop at Atlas
(1333 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
“Are You my Mother?” This classic story and others invite 1 – 3 year olds and their adult friends into an interactive story time that encourages movement and participation, helps children practice new vocabulary, build listening skills, and acclimate to being part of a group. Enjoy this exciting time to discover “who am I” for our youngest audiences. A 30 minute, interactive story time for children 1 to 3 years old and 20 minutes of free play. Tickets are $5.

4:00pm: Sing and Shine Around the Globe with Sanna Valvanne at the Georgetown Library
(3260 R St. NW Washington DC, 20007)
If you just can’t sit still, Sing and Shine Around the Globe is the show for you! Through beautiful songs and dances, you’ll move and groove around the whole world in just 45 minutes, exploring lots of different languages, music, and dance styles. Sanna Valvanne — an internationally renowned performer and children’s choir innovator originally from Finland — employs her charming energy to take children and families of all ages on a fun, global journey in this interactive and playful performance that invites the entire audience to experience the magic and power of music and movement.

5:30pm: LEA performs Soul Folk at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Washington DC based singer/songwriter LEA describes her music as SoulFolk, a seamless blend of gospel, jazz, country, R&B and contemporary folk. Stylistically between the earthy tones of Tracy Chapman and the urban/ethereal sound of India.

Sunday-

10:00am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave, 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. Featured story today is This is Not My Hat. Best for ages 1-3. Tickets can be purchased here.

3:30pm: Theatre for the Very Young Workshop at Atlas Performing Arts
(1333 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
“Are You my Mother?” This classic story and others invite 1 – 3 year olds and their adult friends into an interactive story time that encourages movement and participation, helps children practice new vocabulary, build listening skills, and acclimate to being part of a group. Enjoy this exciting time to discover “who am I” for our youngest audiences. A 30 minute, interactive story time for children 1 to 3 years old and 20 minutes of free play. Tickets are $5.

Top Ten Spots in Cleveland Park for Families

November 5, 2014

Cleveland Park; where my roots really began in DC. Sure, I moved here and lived immediately in Arlington (what out-of-towner doesn’t do that?) and then rented an apartment on U Street for a year. But, it wasn’t until I was engaged that I moved in with my husband-to-be to a cute townhouse 5o steps away from the hustle and bustle of Connecticut Ave. on Ordway St. We lived there as we got married and then found out we were pregnant 7 months into wedded bliss and moved a block away (through the back alley) to Porter St. Now, about 200 steps away from Connecticut Ave. This is where our first child was born and it couldn’t have been a more perfect area of DC to have a newborn. I walked to Cacao or Palena to get a morning coffee and chocolate croissant with my newborn in the Ergo and then we’d stroll to the zoo. Sometimes we’d repeat this process in the afternoon but instead of Cacao we’d visit Vace for a sandwich or slice of pizza. Then, we decided to be adults and instead of renting a house we bought our own and now live in Chevy Chase, DC. It’s no Cleveland Park but it’s where we call home now as we await the arrival of our second baby, in 2 weeks.

This leads me to my first Top Ten post in which I will highlight (and sometimes just list or link) to 10 child-friendly restaurants, venues, playgrounds, etc in DC neighborhoods, starting with one of my favorite DC hoods– Cleveland Park.

1. Smithsonian National Zoo

2. Newark Playground (39th St NW and Newark St NW)- The concept for Newark builds on an accessible path through the site and under shady trees. Parents and caregivers will appreciate a new stroller parking area and new seating throughout the site. Both younger and older children will find exciting new equipment, including climbing equipment and small boulders to sit or play on. A new rubberized play surface brings additional color and accessibility to the site. It sits next to a dog park, an impressive, large community garden, and several tennis courts.

3. The Firehouse– because what child doesn’t like looking at the trucks? And if lucky enough a firefighter may come out and talk with you or give you a tour.

4. Cleveland Park Library

5. Macomb St Playground (3409 Macomb Street, NW)- The concept for Macomb linked the two separated play spaces, relocated the shaded gazebo to create a more pronounced entry to the space, and includes a new water feature. New stairs and an incline with ropes for climbing connect the upper and lower play area, and new equipment is included throughout the site. A new bright, rubberized surface has a fun herringbone pattern.

6. Firehook Bakery has a nice terrace out back with a fountain. Children can roam around as you enjoy a cup of joe and a croissant.

7. Uptown Theater is a historic, single-screen movie theater which opened in 1936. (Would love to see them host Family Matinees or events more often.)

8. Melvin Hazen Tributary Trail

9. NCRC Playground (3209 Highland Pl NW, Washington, DC 20008)- The playground is designed to provide multiple types of play opportunities for children ranging from 2-½ through 12 years of age. The playground includes three sandbox areas, climbing apparatus, swings, bike paths, a ball court, and garden spaces. Open during after school hours.

10. California Tortilla –Kid-friendly Cal-Mex menu with outdoor seating too. Cactus Cantina is up a few blocks from the strip of Cleveland Park but worth the walk and wait, if you want a more sit-down Tex-Mex meal.

Weekday Adventures: Coyote Mischief, Geocaching and Postal Museum Storytime

November 2, 2014

Brrr– November is here and Fall weather has arrived. I’m ecstatic because that means I’m only 2 weeks away from meeting our second child but I am also fully aware that today was not *that* cold and I still had to run screaming to my car tonight on our way out of Comet Pizza because I was so cold. I’m admittedly a big baby when it comes to cold weather (in my defense I lived in Florida for 6 years). With that being said, I will keep a few events outdoors but it’s that time of the year where I will search for fun indoor events mostly. The heat is on at DC Libraries and you can find the Children’s Library Events for the week here. Also, our Indoor Fun Guide has plenty of places to check off your list this winter and escape the cold.

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 is performing.

10:30am: Storytime at The National Postal Museum
(2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum invites adults and young children (ages 2-3) to discover the world around them together at our monthly StoryTime. Children will build important developmental and social skills through books, activities, songs and self-guided gallery exploration. Explore themes, such as shapes, colors, and sizes, in a relaxed setting at your neighborhood museum. Feel free to bring snacks and enjoy the space after the program! Free- no reservation required. Featured story is Letter to Amy by Ezra Jack Keats.

10:30am-11:00am: Songs and stories at Politics and Prose
(5015 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008)
Come sing-along to your favorite songs. Grab a treat in the cafe afterwards or hang out reading books.

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Weekend Picks: Paper Lanterns, Innovation Festival and The Amazing Max

October 30, 2014

Take a break from the candy eating and check out most of these sugar-free activities! Remember to turn your clocks back for Daylight Savings Time on Sunday and read our post on how to spend the darker afternoons.

Saturday-

9:00am-2:00pm: The Mount Pleasant Children’s Puppet Hour hosts Paper Lantern Making at La Casa
(3166 Mount Pleasant Street Washington, DC)
We create lanterns by collaging tissue paper and other things onto pre-built paper lanterns. It makes a good activity for even the youngest kids (with grown-up help!) but it also allows a lot of creativity and craft and is great for older kids and adults. Lantern-making supplies, including battery-powered lights – will cost $5 per lantern. Lantern walk is at 5:30pm, see below.

10:00am: John Henry the Guitar Playing Man will perform at Avalon Theater
Costume party and live children’s music! Performing for the 10th year in a row, John Henry once again brings his playful musical style to the Avalon’s annual Halloween party. Children of all ages welcome! $6.50 / $5 for Avalon members.

10:00am-5:00pm: Innovation Festival at National Air and Space Museum
(Independence Ave at 6th St, SW Washington, DC 20560)
Join us for a festival for the whole family that celebrates the accomplishments of American inventors and the spirit of innovation that has led to so many of today’s technologies. Exhibits, crafts, talks, and performances will showcase ingenuity at the Smithsonian and across America. Meet inventors and the patent examiners who worked with them on their inventions, hear directly from experts about how an idea is molded into a working product, and try your hand at making your own invention.

10:30am: Rocknoceros at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
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.

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave, 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. Featured story today is Five Little Pumpkins. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Tickets can be purchased here.

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Weekday Adventures: Rock out with Rocknoceros and Old School Pre-School

October 12, 2014

A 3-day weekend for some and a 4-day weekend for others. Either way, enjoy the week with our Adventures below, watch a show and/or go stock up on your pumpkins.

Monday-

10:00am: Columbus Day with Rocnoceros at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
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. Tickets are $5.

11:00am: Columbus Day Ceremony
(Union Station Plaza, Massachusetts Ave. & 1st St. Washington DC)
Washington, DC honors and celebrates the achievements of Christopher Columbus each year with a national wreath laying ceremony on Columbus Day. Embassies of Italy and Spain and the general public lay wreaths at the base of the Columbus Memorial Statue located at Union Station.

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Weekday Adventures: A kid-friendly Oktoberfest, Fall Frolic and tunes by Mr. Gabe

September 28, 2014

Thursday-Sunday you can check out the 19th annual Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest. Check out the Kinder Korner schedule so you don’t miss anything. Musical performances, carnival rides and so much more.

A trip to the farm or orchard is a perfect way to break up the week. Check out some local fall festivals to head to. After all, you need to start to decorate your home with pumpkins and begin baking with all of those apples.

DC Library Events for Kids can be found here.

Monday-

11:00am and 12:00pm: Mr. Gabe at Cox Farms
(15621 Braddock Rd, Centreville, VA 20120)
A perfect way to explore a new farm and fall festival. The farm opens at 10:00am so get there early to play and then catch the concert(s).

Tuesday-

10:00am and 11:00am: Mr. Gabe at Takoma Park Maryland Library
(101 Philadelphia Ave. Takoma Park, Md. 20912)
Join the catchy and entertaining Mr. Gabe for “Community Circle Time” for 2 free shows. Become a member of the library while you’re there, if not one already or just stay and read with your little one.

10:00am: Tudor Tots: Fall Frolic
(1644 31st Street, NW Washington, DC , DC 20007)
Tudor Place has enchanted young children for 200 years. Experience it yourself Tuesday mornings, as you meet to read, sing, and play in the gardens and historic spaces. This family-friendly program offers a new theme each week, from “adventurous animals” to “growing gardens” and more. Children will participate in interactive read-alouds, songs, and themed movements related to the week’s topic, sharing a tranquil setting with the grown-ups who care for them. Sign up for one class or all of the classes that run through November 25. Parents/caregivers remain with children.

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