Beltway Bambinos

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

{Winter} Staycation: DC-Area Hotels Your Kids Will Never Want to Leave

Looking for a memorable weekend escape without leaving the DMV? These local hotels offer far more than just a place to sleep – they’re destinations packed with family adventures, cozy vibes, and the kind of amenities that will make your kids beg to stay “just one more night.”

The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City

Perfect for: Train enthusiasts and mall lovers This newly renovated property sits directly above the Pentagon City Metro station and connects to Fashion Centre at Pentagon City.
Kids will love:

  • Watching planes take off from nearby Reagan National from high-floor rooms
  • The “Very Important Kids” check-in experience with special welcome amenities
  • Indoor pool with dedicated family swim hours
  • Easy Metro access for DC adventures
  • Bonus parent perk: The Club Level lounge offers all-day snacks and drinks, perfect for hangry little ones.

Gaylord National Resort

Perfect for: Winter wonderland seekers During winter months, this National Harbor resort transforms into a festive escape with their annual ICE! attraction.
Highlights include:

  • Indoor atrium with “dancing” fountains
  • Winter village activities and ice skating
  • Multiple on-site restaurants catering to picky eaters
  • Rooms overlooking the atrium or Potomac River
  • Indoor pool with outdoor water feature
  • Pro tip: Book a room with atrium view to watch the nightly light show from your balcony.

The Salamander Resort & Spa

Perfect for: Outdoorsy families and animal lovers Just an hour from DC in Middleburg, this luxury resort offers country charm with plenty of activities.

  • Equestrian center with pony rides for little ones
  • Massive game room with ping pong and pool tables
  • Seasonal outdoor pool
  • Nature scavenger hunts and kids’ cooking classes
  • Don’t miss: Their weekend “Little Adventurers” program lets parents enjoy spa time while kids have supervised fun.

Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay

Perfect for: Water lovers (even in winter!) This Eastern Shore resort keeps families entertained year-round.

  • Indoor pool complex with outdoor pool as well
  • S’mores at the fire pits
  • Mini golf course
  • Game room and scheduled activities
  • Winter special: Look for their “Comfort and Joy” package with hot chocolate delivery and holiday activities.

The MGM National Harbor

Perfect for: Families seeking urban luxury while primarily known for its casino, MGM offers plenty for families.

  • Stunning conservatory with seasonal displays
  • Rooftop pool (seasonal)
  • High-end dining options with kid-friendly menus
  • Entertainment suitable for families
  • Insider tip: Request a room facing the Capital Wheel for nighttime light show views.

Four Seasons Georgetown

Perfect for: Urban explorers and pool enthusiasts.
This Georgetown gem offers sophisticated family fun in the heart of DC:

  • Indoor pool
  • Special children’s amenities and welcome gifts
  • Kid-sized robes and custom activities
  • Steps from Georgetown’s shops and waterfront
  • Bonus parent perk: The concierge can arrange exclusive experiences like private museum tours and kid-friendly cooking classes.

Salamander DC

Perfect for: Art lovers and city adventurers
The District’s newest luxury hotel (formerly Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC) brings family hospitality to downtown:

  • Indoor pool
  • Kid-friendly afternoon tea service
  • Art tours designed for young visitors
  • Location perfect for National Mall exploration
  • Don’t miss: Their special children’s programming and custom city scavenger hunts.

Riggs

If you’re looking for a staycation with a mix of luxury and history, Riggs Washington DC is an excellent option. This former bank building combines rich architectural history with modern touches, offering a unique experience.
Kid approved features:

  • Located near major attractions like the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian museums
  • Stylish accommodations with spacious rooms
  • Historic and memorable experience for the whole family

Omni Shoreham

For families who want a more traditional hotel experience with extra amenities. This iconic hotel has been a staple in Washington, DC, for over 80 years and is known for its sprawling grounds.
Family favorites:

  • Expansive outdoor pool and gardens
  • Close to the National Zoo and Rock Creek Park for outdoor fun
  • Spacious rooms and a range of dining options on-site

The Lyle

For families seeking a chic yet cozy staycation.
Family-friendly perks:

  • Spacious suites with ample space for families
  • Proximity to Rock Creek Park and family-friendly restaurants
  • Pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along on the staycation
  • Featuring a special “Family Adventure at Lyle” package – ask me about this

Hyatt House Washington, DC/The Wharf

Offers the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and fun for families.
Perks for the whole family:

  • Spacious suites with kitchenettes for easy meal prep
  • Rooftop pool with panoramic views
  • Close proximity to family-friendly attractions like the Smithsonian museums, National Gallery, and the National Zoo

Ready to plan your perfect family staycation? I’d love to help make it happen! Whether you’re dreaming of s’mores at the Salamander Resort or watching planes from the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City, let’s create some unforgettable family memories together.

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Bonus: Mention “Beltway Bambinos” when emailing and booking through me to receive a special welcome amenity for your kids at participating hotels!

P.S. Planning a bigger family adventure beyond the DMV? I’d love to hear what destinations are on your wishlist. Drop me a message and let’s chat about making those travel dreams a reality!

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Where to view cherry blossoms in and around Washington, DC with families

Rediscover Spring throughout Washington, DC and be a part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival from March 18 – April 16, for four weeks of celebration filled with food, fun, and culture! Stay at partner hotels, dine at Cherry Picks restaurants, and check out Petal Porches and Art in Bloom installations across the city and surrounding areas.

A few tips to remember when you visit the National Mall:

  • Don’t drive! If you do, be sure to find parking before heading down on a parking app such as Spot Hero. The closest Metro is the Smithsonian.
  • Weekends are the busiest. If you can go after school during the week do it or go at sunrise.
  • Public restrooms can be found at the Martin Luther King Memorial as well as the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and at the Washington National Monument.

If you want to avoid the crowds at the National Mall but still go to that area, a few fun options include DC Blossoms Bike Tour, Big Bus Tour & Boomerang Boat Tour.

Places to view cherry blossoms that are not on the National Mall:

  • The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception has over 150 trees.
  • Dumbarton Oaks has a mixture of cherry species as well as other gorgeous spring blooms.
  • US Arboretum has the trees but are spread out, but that’s the best part about heading here; room to roam!
  • Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens Cherry trees surround the parking area and Visitor Center at Kenilworth Park where you can also enjoy birding along the boardwalk.
  • Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland has about 30 cherry trees and other spring blooms at their garden.
  • The neighborhood of Kenwood, Maryland has impressive tree-lined streets. However, this does get very crowded, so if dodging crowds ifs the goal, read on or go very early in the day.
  • Van Gogh Bridge at Lake Anne in Reston has been on our list to visit. There are not many trees however the location on the bridge provides that most scenic and charming photos we see year after year.
  • Rockville Civic Center Park and Glenview Mansion both have trees lining the drive to Glenview Mansion and around the Civic Center Park. You will also find a nature center, playground, and wooded nature walk if you want to extend the trip and stay longer.
  • Did you know the 2nd largest collection of cherry blossom trees in DC are at Oxon Run Park?
  • Stanton Park in Capitol Hill allows you to sit back, have a picnic and lay underneath a small collection of cherry trees.
  • Of course you can walk along the Tidal Basin with the crowds or sit on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial and admire the blossoms from there. Grab sanitizing wipes and rent a paddle boat on the Tidal Basin.

Independence Day in and near Washington, DC with kids

thHave a safe and fun July 4th celebrating in the most perfect place; the nation’s capitol! To kick off the weekend grab some Washington Nationals tickets and cheer for the home team.

July 3: 6:05pm: Nationals will play the Mets. Postgame Freedom Fireworks
July 4: 11:05am: Nationals will play the Mets. No fireworks but a nice way to spend the holiday and is part of the Patriotic Series.
July 5: 7:05pm: Nationals will play the Mets.

July 4: 10:00am-11:00am: Declaration of Independence Reading at the National Archives
(National Archives Building on the Constitution Avenue steps between 7th and 9th St
Greetings from Allison Seymour, Fox 5 News Anchor. Presentation of colors by the Continental Color Guard. National Anthem by Caleb Green. Performance by the 3rd U.S. Infantry “The Old Guard” Fife and Drum Corps. Remarks by David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States. Keynote remarks by Laura Murphy, descendant of Signer Philip Livingston of New York. Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by special guests including Abigail Adams, John Adams, John Dunlap, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. “America the Beautiful” by Caleb Green.

July 4: 10:00am-4:00pm: Inside the National Archives Building
(National Archives Building- Boeing Learning Center)
Come celebrate like it it’s 1776! Enjoy hands-on family activities, including story time, crafts and more! Meet John and Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. Collect autographs, Declaring Independence scavenger hunt, Listen to stories of our patriotic past (noon, 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m.), Make colonial-style wigs and dress in period clothing, Sign the Declaration of Independence, Write with a quill pen & Set your name in type. Watch the National Independence Day Parade go by outside the National Archives at 11:45am.

July 4: 11:45am-2:00pm: National Independence Day Parade
(Constitution Ave and 7th St)
Get your spot along Constitution Ave where the parade will travel from 7th St to 17th St. Show your kiddos the balloons, floats, military units, bands and much more. Be prepared for a large crowd.

fourth-of-july-celebration

July 4: All Day: National Mall Independence Day Celebration
(On the National Mall)
There’s no better place to be on Independence Day than the National Mall, the nation’s most important civic space and home to some of the most iconic monuments and memorials in our country. Fireworks will begin at 9:09pm.

July 4: 8:00pm-9:30pm: A Capitol Fourth Concert
(West Lawn of the Capitol)
Gates open at 3:00pm and the concert begins at 8:00pm and airs on PBS and can be heard on NPR. Admission is free. They typically have a dress rehearsal on July 3  if you want to skip the larger crowd.

July 4: 9:00pm: Fireworks
Fireworks will be launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool area, and will be visible from many locations in D.C. and Virginia.

Other viewing areas of the Mall fireworks:
Washington DC: U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, The White House Ellipse, West Potomac Park, East Potomac Park, Anacostia Park

Virginia: U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial and the George Washington Memorial Parkway

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Celebrate someplace other than the National Mall-

July 1: 10:00am-12:00pm: Happy Birthday, America & Tudor Place

July 4: 9:00am-5:00pm: An American Celebration at Mount Vernon

July 4: 12:00pm-Dusk: Frederick’s 4th

July 4: 4:00pm-10:00pm: Historic Manassas Celebrates America

July 4: 6:30pm: Annapolis Fourth of July

July 4: 6:00pm: Falls Church Music & Fireworks

 

Your guide to getting outdoors this holiday season in and around Washington, DC

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(Photo: Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens)

Get outdoors and enjoy the chill of the air while sipping a good cup of joe and hot cocoa for the Bambino(s). Here are some festive places to visit all while being outside.

Outdoor Ice Rinks: 

HolidayFunCanal Park Ice Rink– 202 M Street, SE Washington, DC 20003

Tyson’s Corner Center Ice Rink– 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, VA. 22102

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink– National Mall at 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW

Washington Harbour Ice Rink– 3050 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Silver Spring Veteran’s Plaza Ice Rink– 8523 Fenton St., Silver Spring, MD. 20910

Rockville Town Square Ice Rink– 131 Gibbs St., Rockville, MD. 20850

Pentagon Row– 1201 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202

christmas_white_house_11
(Photo: Funzug)

Outdoor Festivities:

National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse– The National Mall
The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is the beginning of three weeks of celebration in holiday music in the nation’s capital. Musical groups from Washington D.C. and across the country provide holiday entertainment to the countless visitors for a one of a kind holiday experience set against the backdrop of the National Christmas Tree. Dec. 2-Jan.1.

Christmas at Mount Vernon– 3200 Mt Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121
The holidays are full of delight at George Washington’s estate. Join for candlelight tours of the Mansion, a dazzling display of fireworks set to Christmas music (Dec. 16-17), dancing, fire-side caroling, Aladdin the Christmas camel, and so much more! Nov. 25-Jan. 6.

Holidays on the Harbor– 165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD. 20745
Each weekend, from Nov. 19 to Dec. 17, National Harbor 12:00pm-2:00pm you can see holiday performances and they show holiday movies on Saturdays at 2:00pm. Be sure and warm up inside the Gaylord Resort and then bundle up to check out ICE!. Get your tickets in advance though.

Holly Trolley Fest at National Capital Trolley Museum– 1313 Bonifant Road Colesville, MD 20905
Celebrate the season with toy trains and Santa aboard the streetcars from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18.

Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens– 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20001
Season’s Greenings opens on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24- Jan. 2. The best times to visit Season’s Greenings are weekdays early in December or on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December when the Conservatory is open until 8 p.m. with live seasonal music. Aside from these extended holiday hours, the Conservatory is open every day of the year, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free of charge.

Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple– 9900 Stoneybrook Drive Kensington, MD 20895
As one of the D.C. area’s great community traditions, the Festival features free performances nightly in the comfortable, state-of-the-art theater located in the Visitors’ Center while the Temple grounds glow with 650,000 lights. Begins Dec. 1 and lasts through Jan. 1 from 10:00am-10:00pm.

Zoo Lights at The National Zoo– 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights a part of their annual holiday tradition. ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats, and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. More than 500,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland. New this year will be a dazzling light show set to music, snow-less tubing, trackless train and ride the carousel! Nov. 25-Jan. 1 (exception: Dec. 24 & 25) hours are 5:00pm-9:00pm.

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens– 1800 Glenallan Ave Wheaton, MD 20902
Step into a magical winter wonderland illuminated with more than one million dazzling colorful lights shaped into hand-crafted, original art forms of flowers, animals and other natural elements. Stroll from garden to garden enjoying twinkling tree forms, fountains, sparkling snowflakes overhead and more. Nov. 25-Jan.1 (closed Dec. 24 & 25) Hours and prices vary by night.

Bulls Run Festival of Lights- 7700 Bull Run Dr Centreville, VA 20121
Experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn out your headlights and just follow the magical glow. After viewing the lights, bring your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, and of course, photos with Santa Claus. The festival happens annually at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia. Nov. 23-Jan.8 hours and prices vary depending on the day

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens– 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court Vienna, VA 22182
Bring the family to enjoy the magical Winter Walk of lights in Vienna, Virginia. The garden is transformed into a half-mile, animated walk of lights. Revisit perennial favorites such as the Lakeside Lights, the Fountain of Lights, and the Holiday Nature Walk – and look for new displays each year. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition. Round out your visit by roasting marshmallows, and sipping on hot beverages by the fire. (Available for purchase at Light Refreshments). Nov. 18-Jan. 8 from 5:30pm-10:00pm.

Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park– 301 Watkins Park Drive (Route 193) Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
Bring a little twinkle to your holidays. Don’t miss this spectacular holiday drive-through event featuring more than one million twinkling lights! This year’s Festival features fun new displays. Nov. 25- Jan. 1 from 5-9:30pm. $5 ca/van, free on Christmas.

Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park– 11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg, MD.20878
The wondrous display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park will be open nightly Nov. 25 through Dec. 31. (closed on Dec. 25). The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 365 illuminated displays and 65 animated vignettes that light up the night. Themed areas include Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, the North Pole, and much more.

Weekend Picks: A symphony in Baltimore, a bunny at the farm and a pillow fight on The Mall

We can’t admit to following DC area weather while being away in sunny and hot Florida so we aren’t sure if this weekend will allow for outdoor adventures or not. But, as Spring is here some farms are opening up their gates to entertain! We’ve highlighted one in this Weekend’s Picks which is open both Saturday and Sunday. Remember to click on our Ongoing Events page at the top for local theatre productions. Also, Like us on Facebook (if you haven’t already) so you are guaranteed to get updates and reminders about fun events. Happy Weekend!!

Saturday-

10:00am-3:00pm- B&O Railroad Open House
(8100 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, Md. 20910)
The Silver Spring Historical Society and Montgomery Preservation Inc. sponsor this monthly open house at the historic 1945 B&O Railroad Station, the first Saturday of each month. Free Popcorn and punch, kids’ craft activity.

10:00am-2:00pm- Touch-A-Truck at Lake Braddock Secondary School shapeimage_1
(9200 Burke Lake Rd, Burke, VA 22015)
Bring your kids to get behind the wheel of real vehicles! There will be fire trucks, tow trucks, race cars, motorcycles, a helicopter, and so much more. Admission is just $5/person. Food trucks will be on site.

10:30am- The Uncle Devin Show at DC Family Fiesta at El Tamarindo
(1785 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009)
The Uncle Devin Show cultivates the minds of children through percussion instruments and is a dynamic cross between Fat Albert and Schoolhouse Rock. 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- Mr. Gabe and the Circle Time All Stars at Ebenezers Coffeehouse
(201 F St NE, Washington, DC 20002)
Mr. Gabe and his band — Holly Montgomery on bass; Chelle Fulk on violin — are back on Capitol Hill to present their interactive brand of family music, combining original arrangements of traditional children’s songs, family-friendly pop classics and songs from Mr. Gabe’s award-winning debut CD. Tickets $8 (everyone 1 year and older)/$6 in advance. Doors open at 10:00am.

11:30am- The Music Box Series at The Music Center at Strathmore Bugs
(5301 Tuckerman Ln., Bethesda, Md.20852)
The music of Debussy and Mendelssohn will soar like the bees, butterflies and ladybugs when performed by a piano trio. The Music Box Series is a unique music program for young children ages 6 months to three years old and their families. Each performance features pre-concert activities hosted 30 minutes prior to the show by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and partner organization Ready-at-Five, a non-profit that works to ensure that all Maryland children are ready to learn by age five. The wide range of pre-concert activities will encourage literacy, creative play and musical skills. Buy tickets here.

11:30am-3:00pm- American Cool Family Day at National Portrait Gallery
(Eighth & F St NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Are you “American Cool”? Come to the Portrait Gallery and check out some “cool” music, art projects, and docent-led tours of the American Cool exhibition.

1:00pm-3:00pm- Children’s Cherry Blossom Celebration at Green Spring Gardens
(4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA)
Kids can celebrate spring and learn about history of the gift of trees that bring so many visitors to Washington, DC every year. This open house format includes origami, crafts, and cherry tree “hunt.” $10

2:00pm- Pillow Fight on The National Mall
(Washington Monument- Constitution Ave. at 15th St., SW, Washington, D.C.) 
There is a ‘holiday’ for everything apparently. And this Saturday is National Pillow Fight Day. Bring your pillow to The Washington Monument where friendly-fighters of all ages will be going at it. Families with smaller children can play outside the main pillow crowd with other little ones.

DC_Pillow_Fight_4_by_howe2skate

Sunday-

(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 11:00am and 2:00pm. Cost is $11.95. Giant slides, mazes, animals, face painting and much more will be there!

2:00pm-5:00pm- Portrait Story Days: Elvis Presley 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 musician Elvis Presley (1935-1977). Best for kids ages 5 and up.

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