Beltway Bambinos

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

Weekday Adventures

Hope everyone enjoyed some sunshine this weekend! Lots going on this weekend.

The Puppet Co at Glen Echo has shows Wednesday-Friday. You can make a day out of it at Glen Echo; play at the playground, grab a snack or lunch at Praline (now on-grounds), plat at the Glen Echo Aquarium, and of course ride on the Dentzel Carousel before heading home. 

 As always, DC Public Library  has many great baby, toddler and teenager events all week long at several libraries.

Monday-

9:30am-11:00am: Rise + Rhyme at Busboys & Poets
(235 Carroll St NW  Washington, DC 20012)
A Busboys and Poets in-house series! Rise + Rhyme is a weekly morning storytelling and performance series for children ages 5 and under, stay-at-home parents, and early rising families of all kinds. Mr. Gabe performs nursery rhymes, folk songs, and modern favorites (such as “Yellow Submarine” and “La Bamba”) for children, ages zero to six.

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Weekend Picks

So we hear rain is coming back. Because we all missed it, right?! Welp, enjoy the sunshine today and then again on Sunday. Visit our Indoor Fun guide and Theatre Roundup if you want to try out a new spot or see a great show. If you have an urge to go shopping for your Bambinos (and Moms-to-be) and save money while doing-so, be sure you read about some consignment stores I shared with local photographer and Mom, Stefanie Harrington’s readers.

Washington, DC BioBlitz takes place Friday and Saturday. Teams of scientists, students, teachers, and the general public will join in a two-day race to discover and document the flora and fauna in the region’s national parks. During BioBlitz, participants will be able to discover the parks among the monuments and tourist attractions in the Nation’s capital. 

Friday-

4:00pm-9:00pm: Turk Valley Preakness Celebration Hot Air Balloon Festival
(2700 Turf Valley Rd. Ellicott City, MD 21042)
Walk Thru Balloons: $3 per person, Balloon Glows (Dusk on Thursday & Friday), Tethered Rides – $20 per adult, $10 per child under 12, Balloon Flights Available $225 per person (register online), Children’s Crafts & Activities
and Food & Drink Vendors. 8:30-8:50pm- Watch as the balloons magically light up to choreographed music, with 25 hot air balloons!

Saturday-

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10:00am (doors open) 10:30am (show begins): Jammin with the Smithsonian: The Pop Ups at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
A collaboration between Brooklyn musicians Jason Rabinowitz and Jacob Stein, The Pop Ups have been setting the standard for children’s music since 2010. Tickets are $10.
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Live music this summer in Washington, DC

One of my favorite parts about summer in Washington, DC are the (mostly) free, outdoor concerts you can find. A few summers ago we took a sporadic drive to the Mall, walked around, played some ball by the reflecting pool with our then three year old and walked towards the Capitol where the U.S. Air Force Band was performing a free concert. A huge crowd was gathered on the steps and in chairs taking in the gorgeous evening and patriotic tunes. I had no idea they performed for free and for the public on random evenings. This post will help you take advantage of some great music that will help you relax after a long day and see a bit of our city while doing so. Also, included are family focused shows at some favorite venues.  Get out and enjoy the lighter evenings, let your kids stay up a little longer and enjoy the music our city offers. 

The Yards Park Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 8th Season. Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

RecessMonkeyStrathmore’s Backyard Theatre for Children
Enrich your little ones’ summer mornings with sunshine, music, and laughter at Strathmore’s Backyard Theater for Kids. This eclectic program is the perfect summer escape for busy families. Pack a picnic and enjoy live performances by highly esteemed and innovative family-friendly entertainers. From folk and jazz to the amazing sounds of the steelpan, Backyard Theater makes it easy to engage kids at every stage. We promise to keep both kids and parents entertained, so bring your family for a morning of inspiration and celebration!

LITTLE MISS ANN Thu, July 5

JOJO & THE PINECONES Thu, July 12

POSITIVE VIBRATIONS Thu, July 19

LUCKY DIAZ & THE FAMILY JAM BAND Thu, July 26

Also for kids!
ARTS ON THE HORIZON: TO THE CLOUDS Sat, July 28

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Weekday Adventures

Hope everyone enjoyed some sunshine in between raindrops this weekend. Many fun things to do this week.  DC Public Library have some great baby, toddler and teenager events all week long at several libraries. There are also some after-school events. Thursday & Friday Discovery Theatre presents The Pop Ups who will play at 10:15am and 11:30am both days. Your kids will go crazy for a California musical duo who mix puppets, flashy dances, huge collages, a talking banana, drawing, surprise costume changes, and giant beach balls into their act.

Monday-

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9:30am-11:00am: Rise + Rhyme at Busboys & Poets
(235 Carroll St NW  Washington, DC 20012)
A Busboys and Poets in-house series! Rise + Rhyme is a weekly morning storytelling and performance series for children ages 5 and under, stay-at-home parents, and early rising families of all kinds. Frank Cassel has been a performing musician, songwriter, and teacher in the Washington, DC area for many years. He plays guitar, flute and 5-string banjo professionally, specializing in folk, bluegrass and original music.

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Weekend Picks

The 77th Annual Flower Mart at The National Cathedral takes place Friday & Saturday. This event is fun for the entire family; food, flowers, performances, carnival rides and more!

Mothers Day Weekend at Mount Vernon is Saturday and Sunday.
Join the “Mother of our Country”, Martha Washington, for Mother’s Day weekend at Mount Vernon! Stroll through Mount Vernon’s magnificent gardens in bloom. Lady Washington will give lavender sachets to all mothers (while supplies last).

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Saturday-

8:00am-11:00am: Spring Celebration at Woodend Nature Sanctuary
(8940 Jones Mill Rd., Chevy Chase, MD)
Learn to identify our region’s birds on this volunteer-led walk around Woodend Nature Sanctuary. Bring your own binoculars or use ours. Join our Master Naturalists for a nature hike around Woodend Nature Sanctuary. This kid-friendly nature walk is great for all ages. Visit our Blair Native Garden to see what’s in bloom and stroll through our meadow to learn about butterflies. Take a guided tour of the historic Woodend mansion.
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Weekday Adventures for a rainy week

Well, it looks like a wet week so we’re bringing you some Weekday Adventures. It’s been awhile– it’s so fun to be back looking for fun activities to attend. Send us any we may have left off the list. Stay dry but keep busy. Also, find tons of places to go indoors! Cooking and craft ideas on our Pinterest page. Make sure you LIKE us on Facebook for any last minute events or news. 

And if all plans fail, just grab the raincoats and rainboots and let them loose……

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Weekend Picks

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Saturday-

10:00am-2:00pm: Earth Day Celebration at National Zoo
(3001 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008 )
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is committed to saving species and our planet. Did you know that the Zoo recycles approximately 100 tons of materials and composts 600 tons of waste each year? This Earth Day, make the Zoo your go-to place to participate in green-themed activities. You’ll have the chance to get gardening tips from our expert horticulturists, take a tour of the Zoo’s green facilities, attend special demonstrations, and more. Don’t forget to ride your bike!

10:00am-3:00pm: Virginia Touch-A-Truck
(Dominion High School, 21326 Augusta Dr., Sterling)
Put your imagination in gear and go! Join us for Virginia’s original TOUCH-A-TRUCK where kids get a chance to get behind the wheel and rub elbows with their hometown heroes. Come and climb on and explore your favorite vehicles including big rigs, fire engines, cement mixer, school bus, utility vehicles and so many more… It will surely be a day that will be remembered for years to come. $5

10:00am-2:00pm: Junior Ranger Day at Pierce Mill
(2539 Tilden St NW, Washington, D.C.)
Earn a centennial junior ranger badge,  make a corn husk craft, learn to make a map, find out how to tie different knots, and much more.

37-atxl10:30am: Miss Nina’s Sing-Along at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Whether you see her performing in concert, in class or listen to her original music you can witness her high-energy joy that fuels her dancing spirit. And Nina hopes its contagious! Providing children and their families the space and opportunity to enjoy music and movement together is her passion.

2:00pm: Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s “Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny”
(1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, VA 22101)
“Goodnight Moon” is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while “The Runaway Bunny”’s pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum. Both tales feature endearing rabbit characters, and the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream-like imagery never fail to infuse young readers with a reassuring sense of security. Mermaid’s staged adaptation will bring a new sense of appreciation to stories that have delighted several generations.

Sunday-

10:30am: Royal Family Yoga
(CityDance located at 4435 Wisconsin Ave NW)
Calling all princesses, princes, knights, and dragons! Dress in your finest fairytale inspired clothing for a royal gathering. We’ll dance, stretch, play, and imagine. Ages 3-8. Registration ends Friday.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Earth Day at Brookside Gardens
(1800 Glenallan Ave. Wheaton, MD 20902 )
What better place than Brookside Gardens, M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks, to celebrate Earth Day? Through volunteering, walks and tours, earth friendly activities and browsing our green craft fair, you can learn while having fun. Interactive family-friendly activities and a “green” vendor and craft fair will be offered from 12noon- 4pm. Enjoy wildflower and plant walks starting at 12:30pm. Discover how small changes in your everyday habits can make a big impact on improving our environment.

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