maryland – Page 2

Where to spend Martin Luther King Day with kids in Washington, DC

January 18, 2019

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” There are plenty of places open and needing assistance on Monday to serve those less fortunate and other places open to remember King. Here is our list of volunteer opportunities that aren’t necessarily MLK related but welcome you any time. We’ve got some events and opportunities you can share with your child to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. below.

In case you are in need of mid-winter break camp or MLK Day camp, check the list of engaging camps here.

What is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Why is it a “Day of Service?” explained from the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Legislation signed in 1983 marked the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a federal holiday. In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. Each year, on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is observed as a “day on, not a day off.” MLK Day of Service is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”

Monday, January 21, 2019:

8:00am-9:00am: Wreath laying service at MLK Monument

9:30am-11:30am: MLK Day of Service at Tregaron Conservancy

10:00am:MLK Day of Service at Anacostia Park

10:00am-6:00pm: MLK Dare to Dream at The American Visionary Art Museum
A celebration in honor of one history‘s greatest visionaries. Join us for special performances by DewMore Baltimore, Chin-Yer Wright, Kondwani Fidel, Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women, and Keur Khaleyi African Dance Company. Plus, enjoy birthday cake, a hands-on art workshop, and more at this FREE, fun-filled day! See our latest exhibition “PARENTING: An Art without a Manual” with FREE admission all day.

11:00am: 2019 Peace Walk

12:00pm: 38th Annual Martin Luther King Jr., Parade

3:00pm: Dr. MLK Jr Tribute & Celebration at Strathmore
Montgomery County celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s life through dramatic readings, music, and dance performances. This will be the first time in many years the holiday falls on his actual birthday, making this program particularly significant, with very special entertainment including a choral performance by the civil rights iconic Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Choir from Birmingham, Alabama. A visual art display from students interpreting what their dreams are for the future will also be presented. Free tickets are required for this event, and will be distributed onsite the day of the performance (Monday, January 15) starting at 2:30pm. All patrons must be in line to receive tickets, and one ticket will be distributed per person. The line will form in the Music Center foyer, starting near the café. Patrons may enter on the 3rd floor near the skybridge. Tickets are for general admission seating, which will begin at 3pm. Come early for the best seating.

6:00pm: Let Freedom Ring! at Kennedy Center

Events happening all weekend long:

Various MLK volunteer opportunities can be found here

Visit the Martin Luther King Memorial

Join Rock Creek Conservancy
There are volunteer events in your neighborhood as well as other locations throughout Washington, DC, and Montgomery County, MD. Schedule below-

I Have a Dream weekend at Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy through hands-on educational activities exploring African-American history and heritage during Port Discovery’s “I Have a Dream Weekend.” Join in a variety of interactive programs designed to educate, inspire and help children of all ages to understand the impact Martin Luther King, Jr. made on America and the world throughout the weekend.

DC Libraries have celebrations all weekend long

Saturday & Sunday: Portrait Story Days: MLK

Saturday & Sunday: MLK Painting for Peace Freestyle Sessions at Art Jamz

~~Montgomery County MLK Day of Service~~: ALL FULL. Keep in mind for next year

11 best places to ski and snowboard with kids near Washington, DC

January 14, 2019

There are several mountains you can get to locally in an hour and a few that you can plan a fun overnight trip to. This post is intended to inform you about skiing and snowboarding options with your Bambinos but you can assume most of these mountains are open in the summer; think hiking, zip lining, fishing, swimming and more!

(Photo: Massanutten Resort)

This winter ski and snowboard post is sponsored by Massanutten Resort. Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley; Massanutten is 121 miles from Washington, DC, less than a 2.5 hour drive, and has an elevation of 2,922 feet. With height like that, Massanutten possesses the highest vertical in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania and offers plenty of powder for winter enthusiasts. Massanutten is home to wide groomed trails, a dedicated learner’s area, terrain parks and night skiing. Skiers and riders who visit Massanutten have access to 70 skiable acres, including 14 runs serviced by 7 lifts. [Read more…]

B&O’s Magical Holiday Express + GIVEAWAY

November 27, 2018

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the B&O’s Magical Holiday Express, a magical holiday wonderland featuring:

a magnificent 30-foot Christmas tree that you can stand inside of or walk through
operating model train layouts
indoor carousel rides
interactive kids’ crafts
weekend train rides & visits with Santa, December 1-23
weekend train rides with Frosty the Snowman, December 15 & 16
appearances by Mrs. Claus
live entertainment and performances, December 1, 2 & 9

Plus, ALL-NEW holiday themed weekends!
SILVER & GOLD – December 1 & 2
DECK THE HALLS – December 8 & 9
JINGLE BELLS – December 15 & 16
LET IT SNOW – December 17 -31, Closed Christmas Eve & Day

Admission: $20 adults, $17 seniors (60+), $12 children (ages 2-12)
Train Rides with paid admission: First Class train rides are $10 adults, $6 children; Coach Class train rides are $3 adults, $2 children
Carousel Rides with paid admission: $2 per ride

Giveaway: Enter to win 4 vouchers to visit the museum between Dec. 1-31. Two winners will be chosen on December 5, 2018. (Please note the museum is closed on Christmas Eve & Day). Share the post on Facebook to be entered to win and comment that you shared!

The B&O Railroad Museum™, a full affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American railroading and its impact on American society, culture and economy. The Museum is home to the oldest, most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere including an unparalleled roster of 19th and 20th century railroad equipment. The 40-acre historic site is regarded as the birthplace of American Railroading and includes the 1851 Mt. Clare Station, the 1884 Baldwin Roundhouse and first mile of commercial railroad track in America. For further information on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, please call 410-752-2490 or visit here.

B&O Railroad Museum 901 W. Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21223

Water you waiting for? RETHINK Kids Water is a lunchbox game changer

August 8, 2018

I find it incredibly annoying when we go out to dinner with our kids and the server comes by and asks them directly if they want apple juice or chocolate milk with their kids meal. Anyone else? Did you know kids consume an average of 21 teaspoons of sugar a day or nearly ten gallons of sugar a year? We are not as strict as we once were with the amount of sugar our kids get, however, juices and sodas are not purchases we make. Instead our kids drink water and milk on a daily basis are are perfectly fine with that.

The city of Baltimore recently put into effect an ordinance that bans restaurants from offering sodas and sugary drinks on kids’ menus – the first city on the East Coast to make this change. Enter the Maryland-based RETHINK Kids Water, whose sole mission has been to reduce children’s sugar intake. In fact, RETHINK Kids Water is the only boxed water line for kids that’s zero calorie, zero sugar, and zero sodium.

The recipe is the first of its kind, made only of purified water and USDA approved fruit essence, and comes in four fruity flavors: Organic Apple Water, Organic Berry Water, Organic Fruit Punch, and Organic Orange Mango. RETHINK is innovating the kids beverage industry by creating the perfect alternative to juice, and something parents can feel good about giving their kids.

Overall, juice + soda consumption has been in decline and the beverage industry isn’t keeping up with the shift in consumer mindset, especially ignoring a huge (rather untapped) group. With the invention of Punchy, the Hawaiian Punch mascot, in 1962, juice makers figured out that the way to sell sugar to moms was to sell it to their kids. Now, RETHINK has figured out how to get their message across to the market that needs to hear the message the most: the kiddie set.

RETHINK (the brand just announced $6.7M in funding) about the importance of going sugar-free and how RETHINK is disrupting the beverage industry. It’s that important. So next time you pack the lunch, add RETHINK, when it’s your turn to bring drinks to the soccer game, toss RETHINK to the players, picnics + bbq’s are another great place to pack the cooler full of RETHINK.

Sold at over 11,000 stores nationwide, in our area you can find RETHINK at Safeway, Target, Walmart, Shoppers as well as on Amazon.

Outdoor fun in and around Washington, DC

July 26, 2018

(Photo: United States Botanic Garden)

Washington, DC

National Arboretum
Explore the 446 acres with 9.5 miles of winding roadways, the famous Capitol columns, nature walks, season specific displays and the Washington Youth Garden.

United States Botanic Garden and Children’s Garden
Admission to the U.S. Botanic Garden is free.The Conservatory and National Garden are open every day of the year from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM, and the National Garden has extended evening hours staying open until 7 p.m. from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Bartholdi Park is open every day of the year from dawn till dusk. Explore the outdoor Children’s Garden in the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory where kids can grow their imaginations while checking out a variety of colorful garden plants. The Children’s Garden gives kids a chance to get hands-on in a garden where they can explore and use gardening tools and watering cans.

Franciscan Monastery.
Walk around the gardens or even take a garden tour on Saturdays and admire the incredible architecture.

Smithsonian National Zoo
Always free of charge and open 364 days a year, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex. Founded in 1889, the Zoo sits on 163 acres in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Rock Creek Park and is home to more than 1,500 animals across 300 different species.

Rock Creek Park
An oasis in the city. Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation’s capital. This 1,754 acre city park was officially authorized in 1890, making it the third national park to be designated by the federal government. It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, and thousands of years of human history. Find many things to do here.

Washington National Cathedral
Explore Bishop’s Garden, go on a scavenger hunt, play at Beauvoir Playground and more fun for kids can be found here.

Yards Park
The Yards Park, a premier waterfront destination, provides green space and water features for all to enjoy the outdoors along the Anacostia River. This award-winning park is an ideal place for recreation, special events, and festivals throughout the year. See schedule of events for more fun throughout the year. Head on to the water with the help of Ballpark Boathouse.

Nationals Park
Nationals Park is located in Southeast Washington, south of the Capitol, along the fast-developing Capitol Riverfront adjacent to the Navy Yard and home to the Washington Nationals. The new park not only redefines modern sports facility architecture but also serves as the catalyst and cornerstone of a new mixed-use Capitol Riverfront in our nation’s capital. Tour the ball park April-November.

The Wharf DC
Newly opened and has lots to do, eat, see and play!

Rock Creek Park Horse Center
This horse center is truly a gem in our nation’s capital. Deep in the woods of Rock Creek Park, you can find peace in the company of horses and those who love them. They offer boarding, camps, lessons and trail rides for equestrians at all skill levels.

(Photo: Audubon Naturalist Society)

Maryland

Lake Needwood
Enjoy the beautiful 75-acre Lake Needwood in rental kayaks, rowboats, canoes or pedal boats, or on a tour of the lake aboard the Needwood Queenduring the summer season. They have beach areas you can lay your towels out and bring your sand toys. Fishing is permitted at both lakes in Rock Creek Regional Park: Lake Needwood and Lake Frank (just 10 minutes away).Visit the Boat House for boat rentals and boating permits; fishing equipment, including bamboo fishing poles, hooks, bobbers, bait and bottled water for sale. The new accessible/ADA compliant dock and launch system makes it possible for people with limited mobility to launch both canoes and kayaks.

Dinosaur Park
Saturdays of each month, 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Garden and play area open daily, sunrise to sunset. (Located near Climb Zone)

Capital Crescent Trail
The Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) is a shared use off-road trail from Georgetown, D.C. to Silver Spring, MD, suitable for walkers, joggers, bikers, and rollerbladers.

Audubon Naturalist Society
Weekend Walk in the Woods: Join a Master Naturalists on the first Saturday of each month from 9-10am for a nature hike around Woodend Sanctuary. Each hike will have a unique and engaging natural history theme. Programs are appropriate for members of all ages. Programs are free but require registration. REGISTER HERE
Nature Backpacks: Visit the Naturalist Shop to check out a themed backpack (ID required) that will have tools and activities you and your family can use to explore nature at Woodend Sanctuary. Photo above shows my Bambinos journaling and creating art from the materials from the backpack we checked out.

Pirate Adventures on the Cheasapeake
See our review and read about the fun we had here.

Brookside Gardens
Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County’s incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden situated within Wheaton Regional Park. Included in the gardens are several distinct areas: Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, Trial Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk. Admission to the gardens is free. Wings of Fancy is a live butterfly and caterpillar exhibit.

Cabin John Regional Park
A very shaded, large park with an “older” area and a “younger” area. Many climbing structures, cars or trains to sit in, slides, play houses, and swings. They have a ride-on train that takes you through the woods and runs every 30 minutes in the summer.

Hiking Trails and Great Falls
Billy Goat Trail is an Epic Trail Trilogy: There are three sections that make up the Billy Goat Trail: A, B, and C. You can access all three of them off the towpath between Great Falls Tavern and Carderock (Anglers is between section A and B). All three combined are approximately 8 miles. Section A is a technical and strenuous hike. Section B is challenging, and Section C is an easier hike. All three have beautiful scenery and views of the Potomac River- and spotty cell service.
Great Falls: At Great Falls, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. The Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation’s Capital.
Junior Ranger Program for Kids: Children 5 and up are invited to participate in the Junior Ranger Program. The program is an exciting experience for those wanting to explore the park. There are two booklets, grouped by age, which can be signed out at the Visitor Center desk. Most Junior Rangers complete the booklet in one to two hours, but may take as much time as they wish to finish. Children who complete the booklet earn a Junior Ranger Badge to honor their accomplishments.

Watkins Regional Park
This park has playgrounds, trails, picnic areas, a Nature Center, the Chesapeake Carousel, Old Maryland Farm, the Watkins Regional Park miniature train and much more.

Wheaton Regional Park
Amazing and enormous park! Your family can spend all day playing and picnicking here. New playground with three slides each a different height. There are climbing structures, swings and a sand pit. They have an old fashioned carousel and a train ride that goes through the park every half hour in the summer. The train goes through a tunnel and over a small bridge.

(Photo by Stefanie Harrington: Pirate Adventures on the Cheasapeake)

Virginia

Netherlands Carillon
The 50 bells of the Netherlands Carillon hang in an open steel tower, a symbol of Dutch regard for American aid during and after World War II. The carillon’s peaceful setting, with its floral libraries and sculpted lions, is the perfect place to listen to the music of the bells. The grounds of the Netherlands Carillon offer sweeping views of Washington, DC. In temperate weather the grassy slope and large shade trees form a perfect picnic spot. A computer plays automated concerts on the carillon each day at noon and 6 pm. A guest artist plays a live concert on the carillon each Saturday in June, July, and August from 6 pm to 8 pm. Special holiday concerts take place on Memorial Day and Labor Day from 2 pm to 4 pm. To request a ranger program about the Netherlands Carillon please call 703-235-1530.

Frying Pan Farm
Frying Pan preserves and interprets farm life of the 1920s to 1950s. See events here.

Roer’s ZooFari
Hop on board and take a narrated tour through a free roaming safari. Feed and learn about animals such as zebra, bison, watsui, buffalo, deer, llamas and many more. Enjoy feeding and petting sheep, goats, rabbits, and many more barnyard favorites! Bottle feed baby goats! You can even feed some of our exotic animals like a giraffe, camels, and more! All feed options are available for purchase at the admission booth and at the gift shop. Walk into our special free flight aviary and let the adventure begin! You can feed these gentle, colorful birds as they land on your feed stick.

Leesburg Animal Park
The Leesburg Animal Park is a family-owned and operated business that opened in March of 2000. The Park has many animal residents that you can meet, pet and feed. Enter the “Contact Area” to roam around with farm animals such as goats, sheep and llamas. Jump onto a Wagon Ride, take a Pony Ride or join a Live Animal Show! We offer an up-close animal experience that you won’t get at a larger zoo.

Gravelly Point
Gravelly Point is an area within the National Park Service’s George Washington Memorial Parkway in Arlington. It is located on the west side of the Potomac River, north of Roaches Run and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The paved Mount Vernon Trail travels through the area. Airplanes fly right overhead passing over Gravelly Point while approaching the airport– like literally over your head! It’s a perfect spot for a picnic.

Burke Lake Park
Newly renovated playgrounds and a train, carousel, ice cream parlor, nature trails, a lake, fishing, boating, and soccer fields. Burke Lake Park has something for everyone tucked away in its 888 acres. Whether it’s riding on the miniature train or carousel, picnicking, testing your skills on the mini-golf or disc golf courses, indulging in a scoop of ice cream, taking in the sights from the tour boat, fishing, biking, boating, camping, or taking a walk around the 4.7 mile lake trail, Burke Lake is the perfect place to start you next family tradition. With so much to do you won’t want to leave and thanks to our campgrounds you can feel free to spend the whole weekend with us or even the week! When you visit you can also take advantage of the many family-friendly classes, camps, and special events.

King Street Trolley
Discover a convenient, environmentally friendly and fun way to get around Old Town Alexandria. The King Street Trolley transports riders between the King Street Metrorail Station and the Potomac River waterfront. The trolley runs daily every 15 minutes. With many stops for hopping on and off to explore the shops, restaurants and attractions found along Alexandria’s historic main street. Trolley runs all day, beginning at 10am.

Clemyjontri Park
The park features a unique playground where children of all abilities can play side-by-side. It is a playground where every child is welcome. This park is a place where children who use wheelchairs, walkers or braces, or who have sensory or developmental disabilities, can have a parallel playground experience of fun and exploration. This is by far the largest playground we have gone to and there is even a carousel.

Need an adult getaway? Try the W&OD (Washington & Old Dominion)Trail. Bike Arlington lays out a 2-day ride for you to hit breweries along the way.

Other Related Posts:

Beach and State Parks

Orchards in our area for you to pick-your-own seasonal fruit year round can be found here.

Watch free, outdoor movies in the summer!

Splish, splash, cool off and practice those strokes at these waterparks, pools and splash pads.

Birthday party ideas for older kids in and around Washington, DC

May 7, 2018

I love planning our Bambinos birthday parties but as our son has gotten older, his requests have gotten more precise and less intense. I do appreciate his taste for not having a big, blown out celebration and our bank account also thanks his simple request. He wants to play a baseball game with his friends at a local park (again)– which is how he celebrated turning 5. After applying for the permit at the park, I decided to create a new birthday post in preparation of his future parties as well as for all of you with an older crew who have outgrown some of the ideas on previous birthday posts we’ve created (see bottom of this post).

Invicta Sports Club Archery Party

American Parkour

ZavaZone: Trampoline & Indoor Adventure Park

Shawdowland Laser

Bach to Rock
Rock Birthday Party (Ages 7+)
Karaoke Birthday Party (Ages 6+)
Rock City Birthday Party (Ages 4 – 6)
DJ Birthday Party (Ages 10+)

Game Truck of Northern Virginia

Rockville Sportsplex
Choose from Small Field Package (soccer or dodgeball),Inflatables, Court (basketball, soccer, dodgeball or hockey) or Field

Washington Nationals game or local baseball game: Bethesda Big Train, Potomac Nationals, Bowie Baysox

Go Kart Track
You must be 54′ to drive by yourself.

iFly Loudoun

Tea with Mrs. B
Or a tea party at one of these fancy hotels

Monster Mini Golf

Pinstripes
Head straight to the bowling lanes for an upscale take on a favorite American pastime and host your party lane-side, or choose one of our customizable private reception rooms accommodating groups of 20 to 240. Packages can include bowling, bocce, or a make-your-own pizza class.

A Game of Rooms
Age minimum 12 years old

The Escape Lounge

The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School
Teens and adults alike will have a great time ziplining and climbing through the trees!

What to expect at your child’s first dental visit at DC Pediatric Smiles + GIVEAWAY

March 8, 2018

This Guest Post is provided by Dr. Derek Blank who is a father of three young children: Anderson, Brinkley, and Beckett and a board certified pediatric dentist who is the founder of DC Pediatric Smiles in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Blank is strongly committed to helping children have fun at the dental office and develop an early appreciation for the value of healthy teeth and happy smiles.

My Child’s First Dental Visit: What to Expect?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends taking your child to a pediatric dentist by their first birthday. Often when parents hear “dental visit” and “age 1” their first thought is “no way on earth is my child going to sit still.” The good news is, no one expects them to! The first visit is intended to familiarize a child with feeling comfortable at the dentist and help parents learn how to brush their kids’ teeth.

A young child’s first visit to the dentist is much different than an adult’s typical dental appointment. It is understandable that the dental office can be an intimidating place for kids (it is for many adults too). As a result, much of the first appointment is devoted to introducing various sights and sounds of the dental environment (such as the light, gloves, mask, mirror, dental chair, and suction) in a fun way to help a child feel more relaxed in the new setting. It can often be beneficial to start at a very basic level with young children; for instance, the pediatric dentist might count fingers and explain how this is similar to counting teeth. The overall goal is to ease kids into the routine of coming into the office while keeping the vibe positive and providing much encouragement along the way.

One approach that pediatric dentists find particularly successful with infants and toddlers is the “pillow” exam. This helps the dental team to thoroughly examine a child’s developing teeth and gums while demonstrating the same brushing techniques that they’d recommend parents use at home. The entire process is quick, maybe 1-2 minutes at most, and shortly afterwards, the patient is quickly met with high fives, clapping, and lots of love and support. The pediatric dentist will discuss how many baby teeth have already come in, what to look for in the months ahead, and provide guidance on patient-specific topics of concern (such as fluoride, teething, pacifier use, thumb sucking, x-rays, flossing, tooth injuries, etc).

While the first 2-3 visits to the pediatric dentist may be unpredictable, fortunately, each follow-up visit tends to be a bit easier. Children become more familiar with the staff and learn exactly what to expect during their appointment — the prizes, Netflix, stickers, iPads, and corny dental jokes all help too 🙂 In an ideal world, the dental team loves for those first few visits to occur at younger ages (around 1-2 years old is great); that way, when a child is a bit older (closer to preschool age), they are already quite comfortable and confident in the dental setting, even looking forward to their visit!

Prevention is a huge focus for pediatric dentists. During a child’s first visit, much time and effort is devoted to education and protection against the development of cavities. Some kids may have a certain predisposition to decay. Certain genetic factors may not be changed. However, we can control many environmental factors (such as diet/beverage selection and brushing/flossing habits). The earlier that parents and dental providers team up to put a strong prevention plan in place, the more fun and relaxing each visit to the dentist will tend to be. Bottom line, starting your child’s pediatric dental experience at a young age will help get them on the right track for a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles!

6 Reasons to head to DC Pediatric Smiles–

Board Certified: DC Pediatric Smiles is proud to be the only pediatric dental practice in Bethesda owned and operated by a board certified pediatric dentist.
Free Parking: They offer ample, surface parking just steps away from our door. And the office is completely stroller accessible, no stairs or elevator.
Convenient Hours: Open select evenings and Saturdays with 24/7 on-call services provided by Dr. Blank for any after-hours emergencies.
Complimentary First Visit: For children ages 2 and under, they offer a free initial appointment. And for patients of all ages, please stop in for a complimentary office tour!
Latest Technology: The all-digital office is excited to offer the newest high-tech conveniences including iPad check-in, online appointment booking, and Netflix.
Potomac Surf Club: Have you ever surfed the Potomac? Doubt it. But a clean check-up will earn your child a spot in the exclusive Potomac “Cavity-Free” Surf Club.

Here is a link to DC Pediatric Smiles insurance and payment plan information.

DC Pediatric Smiles approach is Laugh, Grow, Smile. Get to know Dr. Blank a little:
LAUGH I’m a Cleveland Browns’ fan.

GROW Triathlons, skiing, and surfing — each accurately described as “work in progress”.

SMILE Coming home to my wife and kids.

Location: 5640 Shields Drive Bethesda, MD 20817
Phone: (301) 363-9026

Giveaway: Win a $100 Whole Foods gift card from DC Pediatric Smiles by commenting on this giveaway post on Beltway Bambinos Facebook page and then liking DC Pediatric Smiles Facebook page. Winner will be announced March 17, 2018.

2018 Easter egg hunts and other events to check out in Washington, DC

March 4, 2018

Whether it be a festival, farm or egg hunt, your Bambinos will have a blast and maybe even get to experience more than one of these egg*cellent events. Options begin March 10, 2018 and run through the weekend after Easter this year. Happy hunting!

All weekends March 10 to April 8 from 9:30 am to 5:00pm– Ticonderoga Farms – Spring Easter Festival
(26469 Ticonderoga Rd, Chantilly, VA)
Ticonderoga Farm’s Bunny will be joining everyone at the farm. Hopping around and posing for picture opportunities during our weekend hours and playing with our favorite friend Chickadee. Together hiding eggs for all the children to enjoy finding, especially the golden eggs that provide extra fun prizes for those who find them. Egg hunts will be held at 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm (arrive 30 minutes prior). There are many other activities included with your admission to enjoy, including: giant slide hills, huge jumping pillows, hayrides, animal feeding areas, pedal kart track, swinging bridge, and much more!

March 24 & 25– Great Country Farms Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Harvest
(18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA 20135)
Do marshmallow peeps really grow on trees? Your children will be amazed to harvest a few marshmallows to roast on the bonfire with Farmer Bob. The Easter Bunny also hid some eggs, and we need you to help us find them! There will be multiple egg hunts each day this year, with over 20,000 eggs filled with treats to enchant your children. Come see our spring chicks and baby animals, take a wagon ride, and rejoice that it is spring!

March 24– Easter Eggstravaganza
10:00am-1:00pm: South Run Recreational Center- 7550 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153
10:00am-12:00pm: Langdon Park: 2901 20th St NE, Washington, DC 20018
11:00am-2:00pm: Four Mile Run Park- 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305
2:00pm-4:00pm: Buckland Mills Elementary School- 10511 Wharfdale Pl, Gainesville, VA 20155
The Easter Eggstravaganza is one of the most *EGGciting* Easter events in the area, this is a time for kids and families to come out and enjoy a fun-filled FREE event. There will be an Easter bunny, Easter Egg hunt, face painting, balloon animals, concessions, music, a moon bounce, games and much more! Come out and enjoy the festivities with us!

March 24 from 10:00am-5:00pm– Febergé Egg Family Festival at Hillwood Estate & Garden
(4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008)
Admire the exquisite imperial eggs and other fanciful Fabergé creations collected by Marjorie Post. Experience festive folk music performed by Samovar Russian Folk Music Ensemble and spirited dancing by Kalinka Dance Ensemble. Enjoy stories of Russian Easter traditions in a fun family play, produced by Happenstance Theater. Take part in a traditional Russian egg-rolling game. Step into Fabergé’s Workshop to decorate your own Fabergé-inspired egg.

March 24 from 10:30am-12:30pm: Breakfast with the Bunny at Thomas Farm Community Center
(700 Fallsgrove Dr Rockville, MD 20850)
The bunny is making a special trip to Thomas Farm Community Center. Activities include a magic show, spring crafts, games, an opportunity to meet, greet and pose with the Bunny and an egg hunt. A light continental breakfast will be served. Bring your camera. Fee applies to each person attending.

March 24 at 11:00am-2:00pm: Arlandria Eggstravaganza
Back and better than ever. This annual free family friendly event is one of the most EGGciting spring events in the Alexandria/Arlington area. This years event features entertainment by the Rainbow Rock Band, Groovy Nate, and Uncle Devin. The day also features plenty of food, activities, and games for the whole family. Including multiple egg hunts for children under 11 with a special area for those 3 and under.

March 24 11:00am & 3:00pm: Beester Eggstravaganza at Busy Bees Falls Church
It’s Time to Grab your Basket! Join us for our FUNTASTIC Beester Eggstravaganza with 2 separate hunts depending on age! Our Beester Egg Hunt includes:5 golden eggs. Favors from our Favor cart! Pizza provided by our awesome friends from Potomac Pizza. Pssst… Easter Bunny emailed us. He’ll be dropping the treats without being seen. He understands our audience is young and may get overwhelmed by his oversized ears! Tickets are $35 per child. Adults are free of charge (like always, remember?) We want to see YOU there, so: Do-Not-Snooze! Remember: *Bring your own basket *No egg hunters over 48″.

March 24 3:00pm-5:00pm: Beester Eggstravaganza at Busy Bees Chevy Chase
It’s Time to Grab your Basket! Join us for our FUNTASTIC Beester Eggstravaganza! Our Beester Egg Hunt includes:5 golden eggs. Favors from our Favor cart! Pizza provided by our awesome friends from Potomac Pizza. Pssst… Easter Bunny emailed us. He’ll be dropping the treats without being seen. He understands our audience is young and may get overwhelmed by his oversized ears! Tickets are $35 per child. Adults are free of charge (like always, remember?) We want to see YOU there, so: Do-Not-Snooze! Remember: *Bring your own basket *No egg hunters over 48″.

March 24, 25, 29, 30, 31 and April 2, 7, 8 from 10:00am-5:00pm– Bunnyland at Butler’s Orchard
(22200 Davis Mill Road Germantown MD 20876)
Enjoy a hayride down the Bunny Trail, race the Rubber Duck Derby, hunt for colorful eggs (we provide the basket!), exchange eggs for a goodie basket to take home, visit with the farm’s very own Country Bunny, ride pedal tractors, play in Hayromp and Playground, hop in inflatables, ride the giant slides, see bunnies, lambs and chicks, get your face painted and ride a pony. $9.50 per child and $7.50 per adult.

March 24, 30 & 31 from 10:00am-12:00pm– Eggstravaganza! at Tudor Place
(1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007)
Rolling green lawns, bobbing spring blooms, and the elegant mansion on a hill serve as backdrop for this festive annual attraction. Join the Easter Bunny and children of all ages for an Egg Hunt and thrilling Egg Roll Contest down the grand South Lawn. Decorate eggs, play games from the past, take photos with the Easter Bunny, and make the 5½-acre gardens your play space for the morning.

March 29, 30, 31 and April 1– Easter Egg Hunt at Green Meadows Petting Farm
(10102 Fingerboard Rd. Ijamsville, MD 21754)
The hunt is free and part of your farm admission. Admission includes hands-on with over three hundred animals including: goats, sheep, pigs, cows, horses, poultry, rabbits, our baby kangaroo, Bindi, and more! Also included is a tractor-drawn hayride, cow milking (and it’s real) in our Dairy Barn and FREE sheep and goat feed. They will have three (3) hunts each day for children ages 1 to 12.

March 30, 31 and April 1– The Lee-Fendall House Easter Egg Hunt
(614 Oronoco Street Alexandria, VA)
The museum’s garden will be filled with hundreds of colorful toy-filled Easter eggs! Other activities include games, crafts, refreshments, and photos with the Easter Bunny. All children of elementary school age or younger (children aged 0-12) are eligible to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt. Older children and adults are welcome to enjoy the other activities. Tickets are $12 for children aged 0-12, and $5 for all others.

March 30– Meadowside Nature Center’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt
(5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD)
Search for real eggs in our meadow, then dye and decorate the eggs you find. Enjoy other spring themed activities throughout the event as well. Fun for the entire family! Don’t forget to bring a basket to collect your eggs. Reservations are required. (we want to be sure to have enough eggs for all!)Reservations available for each half hour time slot starting at 10am, finishing at 1:30-2 as the last time slot. For ages 2-12.

March 31 from 10:30am-12:30pm– 13th Annual Egg Hunt at Stead Park
(Stead Park, 1625 P Street, NW)
Join the Friends of Stead Park for the 13th Annual Egg Hunt at Stead Park for 3 hunts. Enjoy selfies with the Easter Bunny, crafts and snacks after your little ones have filled their baskets with eggs. Advance registration is recommended- Register here.

March 31 from 11:00am-1:00pm– Easter Egg Decorating Class at DBGB
This Easter weekend, round up the kids and bring them to our egg-stra special Easter Egg Decorating Class! On Saturday March 31st, Executive Pastry Chef Kelsey Burack will guide the little ones through a demonstration of dying eggs, decorating Easter-themed cupcakes, sugar cookies and cake pops. They will then take home a box of their sweet treats to share on Easter Sunday morning. And while the kids are busy decorating, we have some sweet treats and libations for the parents! Adults can enjoy our continental breakfast buffet, bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary’s, included in the ticket price. $65 for 1 child + 1 parent*Sans tax and gratuity

March 31 from 12:00pm-3:00pm– Easter Eggstravaganza
(Lincoln Park: East Capitol Street between 11th and 13th Street Washington, DC 20003)
The Easter Eggstravaganza is one of the most *EGGciting* Easter events in the area, this is a time for kids and families to come out and enjoy a fun-filled FREE event. There will be an Easter bunny, Easter Egg hunt, face painting, balloon animals, concessions, music, a moon bounce, games and much more! Come out and enjoy the festivities with us!

March 31-April 1 from 10:00am-5:00pm– Egg Hunt at Clark’s Elioak Farm
(10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042)
Children of different ages (ages 1 to 3 and 4 to 6) will have a chance to hunt for eggs all day. Our $6 per person admission fee for the farm applies, but there is no extra charge for the egg hunt. The petting farm, rides and play areas are open for you to enjoy. The eggs will then be turned in for a goodie bag. The petting farm, gem mining and rides will also be open on Easter Monday.

April 7 from 10:00am-11:30am– 7th Annual Egg Hunt at Tregaron Conservancy
(3000 block of Klingle Road, NW)
Search along the paths and woodlands for thousands of candy-filled eggs. BYO basket or bag. A separate hunting area will be set up for kids under the age of five. Donations in any amount — at the event or online — to support our free, year-round community programs will be gratefully accepted. RSVP online

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Check out these EventBrite events for more hunts in the Rockville, MD area

Check out these EventBrite events for more hunts in and near Washington, DC

Check out these EventBrite events for more hunts in Northern Virginia

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