outdoor – Page 5

Weekday Adventures: Our favorite places in and around Washington, DC

August 17, 2014

We’re switching up the Weekday Adventures this week and providing you with a list of some of our favorite and fun places to visit in and around Washington, DC.

See live animal encounters, pet an alpaca and feed the goats at The Leesburg Animal Park.

Rent a paddle boat, go fishing or hop on a pontoon ride on Lake Needwood.

Take a fun ride on the hop on and off bus that tours around DC, your Bambino(s) will love the double decker Big Bus.

Pick your own raspberries and blackberries at Butlers Orchard. Stay and play on the climbing equipment and have a picnic.

Your kids will want to spend all day at Clemyjontri Playground. Designed for children with all abilities, this playground is colorful and has something that will appeal to every child. Arrive early as parking becomes hard. The carousel costs $1.50 to ride.

Your airplane enthusiast will love sitting at a picnic table and watching the airplanes from Reagan fly over their head at Gravelly Point.

Celebrate Bao Bao’s birthday a few days earlier, beating the crowd at The National Zoo.

Taxi! Grab a water taxi from The National Harbor and relax on a 20 minute ride to Alexandria. The Potomac Riverboat Company charges $10 for children 2-11 and $16 for adults for a roundtrip.

Take a quick and simple trip to a farm at Oxon Hill Farm. Check schedule of events for the week as they offer story time, wagon rides and a chance to feed the chickens. Be sure and check driving directions before leaving since the newly 295 has been finished, my directions took me an old way and I couldn’t find the farm.

Looking for indoor fun on a rainy or hot day?

There’s many splash and water parks in our area to spend the day.

All aboard the choo choo train!

Weekend Picks: Free jazz concert, a day at the farm and an evening with the clowns

August 8, 2014

Have a great weekend! There are some exciting events this weekend that we hope to make it to, starting with The Backyard Bash. Our son loves wide open spaces to run in and enjoys picking fruit and petting animals so we will hang out at Ticonderoga at some point. There are a few evening events for those with older children that sound like a blast! The weather should be gorgeous so if you’re looking to head to an outdoor water park or splash park here’s your guide!

Saturday-

10:00am: Bob Brown Puppeteer at Glen Echo
(7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md)
Lights are on, doors are open as Bob Brown tells the story of Old MacDonald through puppets during the Tiny Tots performance. Recommended for ages 0-4, $5. My 3 year old saw Bob Brown at camp this week and hasn’t stopped talking about it!

10:00am: Mr. Gabe and the Circle Time All-Stars at Lake Fairfax Park Amphitheater
(1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, VA 20190)
Mr. Gabe and his band, the Circle Time All-Stars, perform a mix of traditional children’s songs, family-friendly pop songs, and originals from Mr. Gabe’s award-winning CD, Play Date. Free event part of the Fairfax County “Arts in the Parks” series.

[Read more…]

Weekend Picks: Animals under the sky, water lilies and the great outdoors

July 18, 2014

Saturday-

9:00am-2:00pm: Animals in the Sky at The National Zoo
(3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC)
Take a journey to the stars without leaving the Zoo! The Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum’s mobile planetarium is coming to the Zoo’s Visitor Center for an out-of-this-world event. Enter the inflatable dome for a 15 – 20 minute narrated presentation that will guide guests through animal themed constellations. Then, embark on a scavenger hunt through the Zoo to find animals found in popular constellations.

10:00am-2:00pm: Great Outdoors Festival at Little Bennett Campground
(23701 Frederick Rd., Clarksburg, MD)
Free Hayrides all around the campgrounds throughout the event (10:30 & 11am, 1 & 1:30pm). Nature Exploration Hike with a Black Hill Regional Park Naturalist at 10:30am. Beginning Orienteering Course Run with Quantico Orienteering at 11am. Mountain Biking Skills Mini-Clinic & Bike Inspection with Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts at 11:30am. Live music with the Flower Hill String Band Two sets: 11am-Noon and 12:30-1:30pm. Campfire building demonstation and s’mores at Noon. Pitch-a-Tent Contest with prizes at 12:30pm. Mid-Atlantic D.O.G.S. Search and Rescue Demo at 1pm. Bluebird Box Building Demo with the Maryland Bluebird Society

10:00am-4:00pm: Lotus and Water Lily Cultural Festival at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Center
The annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival is here! Come experience your National Park with FREE activities for the whole family. See a spectacular display of lotus and water lilies in full bloom! Enjoy gardening workshops & traditional Asian & African dancing performances! Hands-on activities including face painting, lotus tea tasting, and painting demonstrations! Visit educational and cultural exhibitors and much more!..

10:30am: Rainbow Rock Band at Ebenezers Coffeehouse
(201 F St NE, Washington, DC)
Rock the rainbow with your bambino. Classic and original children’s songs will entertain your child. These talented tunesters will keep you bopping in your socks until you just can’t rock anymore! Always on hand, inside the box of fun, tambourines, shakers and more for your little one to join in the fun, and if they are feeling like completing their rock star appearance, how about a nice little temporary Rainbow tattoo, from none other than Pattycake Patty or the lovely Rockin Rox Anna. $6 advance/$8 door

10:30am: Secret Agent 23 Skidoo at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Combining the excitement of hip hop with the magical world of childhood, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is a one of a kind, stand out star in the family music scene. With sophisticated instrumental funk and positive, witty wordplay, he and his family band have earned a loyal national following. $10 general admission, doors open at 10am.

11:00am and 12:00pm: Nationals players at DC Libraries
(4 different libraries)
Washington Nationals players will visit four neighborhood libraries to read to kids and answer questions from eager fans.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Mariner Music Fest
(Metropolitan Kitchen & Lounge 169 West St. Annapolis, MD 21401)
Rooftop – Just for Kids! – Tickets $5 (Ages 2-12)
Live Music performances for Kids including “The Singing Lizard” {The Singing Lizard’s unique Electro-Kindie style will have kids and adults dancing and singing with joy in no time!} And, Miss Mandy from Chesapeake Music Together! We’ll also have an instrument petting zoo, where kids can touch and play real instruments, arts and crafts and more fun! **Parents will need to purchase a full price ticket to bring their children to the event. But, the adult ticket is for all day, so parents can come back later and enjoy all the bands!

1:00pm-4:00pm: The DC Scoop at Union Market
(1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC)
DC’s sweetest event is back! Ice Cream enthusiasts from near and far will gather at Union Market to celebrate summer’s sweet treat. The event will be held in the indoor event space above the market, Dock 5 and the alley behind it. There will be ice cream available to taste and buy from local artisans and Ice Cream makers from other markets as well. There will be a wide array of products including gelato, ice cream sandwiches, popsicles and of course, good old-fashioned ice cream!

7:00pm: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 at Cinema Del Ray
(Mount Vernon Rec Center: 2017 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22307)
The fun begins at 7:00pm. Free open air movie showings sponsored by Jen Walker. Snacks are even available for purchase, bring blankets and cozy up.

Sunday-

12:00pm-4:00pm: Goddard Model Rocket Launch
(8800 Greenbelt Rd., Greenbelt, MD)
Attempt to land your rocket within a “moon” drawn on the ground. Trophies and model rocket kit prizes awarded to the top youth and adult finishers. The contest is free. On-site registration is required on contest day. You must bring your own rocket, motors and recovery wadding. For more details download the contest flyer, or call (301) 286-8981.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Bubble Days at Maryland Science Center
(601 Light St Baltimore, MD.21203)
Come see the sudsiest spectacle of the summer at the Maryland Science Center’s 9th annual Bubble Days. The fun will be bubbling up all over the building—and outside too! Craft your own bubble solution and wand, create bubble art to take home, experiment with homemade bubble wands, and compete in our bubble blowing contest. World-renowned bubble artist Casey Carle will be here to perform his fantastic BubbleMania show. You will be amazed at what Casey can do with seemingly ordinary soap bubbles! Performances will be on our Atrium Stage at Noon, 2:00, and 4:00pm. All activities are free with paid admission and completely free for members. Same hours on Saturday.

1:35pm: Washington Nationals host Milwaukee Brewers
Kids Run the Bases- Kids ages 4 – 12 are invited to run the bases on the field immediately following the game, field conditions permitting.

2:00pm: Reverb at The National Building Museum
(401 F St NW, Washington, DC)
Enjoy the melodic sounds of Reverb as they take you on an a cappella musical journey! Presented in collaboration with Washington Performing Arts. This event is free.

Weekday Adventures: Salamanders, Kings, Queens and Barefoot Puppets

June 1, 2014

Monday-

9:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.

9:30am-11:00am- Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for local stay-at-home parents and early rising families of all kinds! Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under.Today’s featured artist is master educator, musician, and storyteller, Bashea “Iya ” Imana . “Iya & the Kuumba Kids” is an interactive, hands-on, fun-filled time. Iya masterfully blends music & movement with storytelling, eco-friendly arts & crafts, and puppetry. This educational program for children fosters a love for learning and promotes literacy, critical thinking, respect for the environment, character development, and creativity.

[Read more…]

Free Summer Movies and Music in and around DC

May 23, 2014

Disclaimer: This is a list of child friendly and adult friendly movies. As you will see some of these don’t begin until sunset so perhaps it’s a late summer evening for some kids or a date night for parents. Have fun watching some free movies this summer.

Bethesda Outdoor Movies
(Woodmont Triangle, Corner of Norfolk & Auburn Avenues)

Enjoy five nights of free blockbuster hits at downtown Bethesda’s 9th annual outdoor movie series. Show times begin at 9pm at the corner of Norfolk and Auburn Avenues. A limited number of chairs will be provided and attendees are invited to bring their own lawn chairs. A date night in the works as most of these are not kid-friendly or at least for the littlest ones.

July 22: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
July 23: Moonrise Kingdom
July 24: Citizen Kane
July 25: Pitch Perfect
July 26: Top Gun

NoMa Family Film Night 
(Sursum Corda Plaza, L and First Streets, NW)

Now in its fourth year, the NoMa BID is proud to present Family Film Night at Sursum Corda, where families and children gather for free family-centric movies (also fitting the ‘Unlikely Friendships’ theme) and free food. Family Film Night will take place on four Tuesdays this summer.

June 24: WALL-E (G) at 7:00 pm
July 8: Frozen (PG) at 7:00 pm
July 22: The Lego Movie (PG) at 7:00 pm
Aug 5: Despicable Me 2 (PG) at 7:00 pm

NoMa Summer Screen
(field at Second and L Streets, NE)

For adults, check out NoMa Summer Screen for Date Night Movies. NoMa Summer Screen is a free, 13-week outdoor film series in NoMa, Washington, D.C.’s fastest growing neighborhood. Every Wednesday from May 28 to August 20, bring your friends, family and neighbors at the field at Second and L Streets, NE, for music, giveaways, food trucks, picnicking, and of course, great films under the stars. Movies start at dark and are screened with subtitles. Coolers, children and friendly (leashed) dogs are welcome. We encourage moviegoers to bring blankets, Frisbees, and picnic coolers to connect with friends and neighbors as you enjoy great films under the stars. Follow us on Twitter @NoMaBID or Facebook for weather updates, surprise giveaways, weekly activities, and information on food vendor specials. Kick’s off with Back to the Future on May 28.

Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor
(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 2014 season runs from Sunday, May 25th through Sunday, September 28^th beginning at 6:00 until 9:00. Meet at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of ocean breezes and all-ages fun! Bring your lawn chairs, snacks and enjoy the show!

Just a few highlights- see full schedule:
May 25: Up
June 1: Finding Nemo
June 22: The Parent Trap
June 29: The Princess Diaries
July 13: Wizard of Oz
July 20: Willy Wonka
July 27: Annie
Sept 7: Finding Neverland
Sept 14: Peter Pan (1953)
Sept 21: Peter Pan (2003)
Sept 28: Hook

Crystal Screen 
(1851 S Bell St, Arlington, VA 22202)

The Crystal City BID hosts a free outdoor film festival every Monday in the summer. With the help of Moonflicks, a courtyard in Crystal City is transformed into a movie theater. There is no better place to meet friends, bring a picnic, and enjoy an evening under the stars. Theme this year is In Flight and we don’t see many child-friendly flicks, unfortunately. On the bright side, this could be another date night spot this summer!

June 2: Airplane!
June 9: Drop Zone
June 16: Planes, Trains & Automobiles
June 23: Red Eye
June 30: Top Gun
July 7: Hot Shots!
July 14: Up in the Air
July 21: Con Air
July 28: Iron Eagle
Aug 4: Red Tails
Aug 11: Executive Decision
Aug 18: Flight
Aug 25: Snakes on a Plane

Cinema Del Ray
(Mount Vernon Rec Center: 2017 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22307)

The fun begins at 7:00pm. Free open air movie showings sponsored by Jen Walker. Snacks are even available for purchase, bring blankets and cozy up.

June 21: Despicable Me 2
July 19: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
Aug 16: The Lego Movie

Canal Park
(Canal Park, at 2nd and M St., SE- Navy Yard Metro)

Beginning at sundown/8:45pm which is probably too late for the littlest family members but perhaps your teenagers can attend. Thursday evenings bring a lawn chair and have fun watching the kids (or jointing in) as they play wii on the big screen or trivia until the movie begins., If there are any little ones in tote, last year there were plenty of hula hooping going on. Bring a lawn chair to this movie!

June 5: The Sandlot (PG)
June 12: Happy Gilmore (PG-13)
June 19: Dodgeball (PG-13)
June 26: Wimbledon (PG-13)
July 3: No Movie – Holiday Weekend
July 10: Balls of Fury (PG-13)
July 17: Space Jam (PG)
July 24: Invincible (PG)
July 31: Bend it Like Beckham (PG-13)
Aug 7: Rudy (PG)
Aug 14: A League of Their Own (PG)
Aug 21: The Blind Side (PG-13)
Aug 28: No Movie – Holiday Weekend
Sept 4: Moneyball (PG-13)

Movies on the Square
(Rockville Town Square)

Movie begins around sundown/8:30pm. Bring a lawn chair and family and friends and join us under the stars for some of our favorite blockbusters.

Movie on the Square Schedule:
June 12: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2
June 19: Saving Mr. Banks
June 26: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
July 3: Frozen (Sing-A-Long Version)
July 10: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
July 17: Gravity
July 24: The Great Gatsby (2013)
July 31: The Lego Movie
Aug 7: Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
Aug 14: Star Trek Into Darkness
Aug 21: Despicable Me 2

Live Music–

Strathmore’s Backyard Theatre for Children
(Parking for Backyard Theater is in the Mansion lot on a space-available basis. Enter the lot at 10701 Rockville Pike.)
A summertime favorite, Backyard Theater for Children returns with enough music and magic to thrill kids and parents alike – all outdoors under a big tent! Each artsy experience comes at a wallet-pleasing price of only $8 each ($7.20 Stars Price) and free for ages 2 and under. Bring blankets and a bag lunch!

Recess Monkey- June 26
Mister G: ABC Fiesta- July 10
Story Pirates- July 17
Tim & The Space Cadets- July 24
Asanga Domask/Serendib Dance in Rhythm of Lanka- July 31

Friday Night Live Concert Series
(Rockville Town Square)
Kick off your weekend with live entertainment, great company, and fantastic food, wine and beer from the restaurants at Rockville Town Square from 6:30-9pm  on the Dawson’s Market Stage. Music ranges from 80’s and 90’s cover bands, funk and soul, roots rock blues and southern rock.

Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
(7th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW)
The Jazz in the Garden Series begins its 14th season in May. The free concert series features jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles—salsa, blues fusion, xylophone, Afrofunk, and more—every Friday evening from 5:00 to 8:30 in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.

National Memorial Day Concert
(West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol)
Sunday, May 25, 2014, 8 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. PBS sponsors a free concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra.

Rockin on the Riverfront
(355 Water Street SE, Washington DC 20003)
Break out your blankets, picnics, and dancing shoes at The Yards Park! 2014’s Friday Night Concert Series is in full swing.

Wolf Trap National Park
(1645 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA 22182)
Sunday, May 25, 2014, 8:00 p.m. Summer Blast Off! “The President’s Own”. The park for performing arts kicks off the summer season with a free performance by the U.S. Marine Band followed by fireworks. The Filene Center gates open at 6:30 p.m. Arrive early because the park closes once capacity is reached.

Rock the Row
(1201 South Joyce St. Arlington, Va. 22202)
This summer get ready to get down at the Pentagon Row concert series. With new bands and a brand new plaza it’s going to be better than ever. Thursday Nights, from 7-9pm, July 17 – Aug 21.

A Capitol Fourth
(West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol)
More details to follow

Your 2014 guide to summer camps around Washington, DC

February 5, 2014

2016 Summer Camp Guide is available!

2015 Summer Camp Guide is available!

Yes, it’s still freezing outside, but most summer camps are currently accepting registrations. And knowing this area, the best ones will be out of space before spring even hits. To get you prepared, we’ve put together a guide to give you the scoop on Washington, DC area camps for summer 2014. We’ve highlighted a few that are worth a look and included links to others at the bottom of the post. As always, add to this post by commenting with your own suggestion– first or second hand. Here’s to a fun summer!

Steve and Kates Camp
(Grace Episcopal School- 3601 Russell Road, Alexandria, VA 22305)
(Georgetown Day School- 4530 MacArthur Blvd, Washington, DC 20007)
If we could go to camp, this may be our first choice. Inflatable slip n slide, carnival on the last day and kid sized inflatable stadium for sports. This camp gives campers a choice where they step into a world packed with possibilities. One camper dives deep into stop-motion animation. Another discovers a passion for dance. Or chess. A camper becomes engrossed in making the perfect bread. Or developing Leo Messi-like touch on the soccer pitch. K thru 7th grade in the fall.

Levine Summer Music & Arts Day Camp at Katzen Arts Center at American University
(4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016)
This year’s theme: “A Musical Road Trip – Hear America Sing”. From the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam, your child will visit the major centers of music in America. Summer camp offers top-notch instruction within a fun and collaborative environment for campers aged 3.5 – 12. Now in it’s 27th year, Levine’s camp offers kids an incredible musical education during each of its two, three-week sessions.

Lowell School Camp
(1640 Kalmia Rd NW., Washington, DC. 20012)
Their respectful and caring atmosphere encourages campers, ages 3 to 14, to grow in self-awareness and confidence, while strengthening their cooperation and consideration for others. They have an expansive campus with fields, surrounded by towering trees, provides generous space for games, sports, exercise, and water play. Campers explore and investigate plant and animal life in a spring-fed stream, a tributary of nearby Rock Creek. The four-lane indoor pool, fully equipped technology center, three art workshops, library, and large gymnasium are also available to campers. [Read more…]