playground

Indoor fun in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia

June 23, 2016

There’s an update to this post and it can be found here.

We figured we’d pull together some great indoor options for you and your kids in the Washington, DC metro area– plus some options up the road in Baltimore. So whether it’s raining, snowing — or just too cold or hot outside, here are some fantastic places to check out. They’ll keep your little ones engaged and might even tire them out enough to keep you happy. We’ll try to keep this list updated, so do add your suggestions to the comments below and we’ll keep building! Scroll all the way to the bottom as there are on-going lists of theatres, gyms and other great indoor spaces.

Washington, DC:

Skill Zone- (709 8th Street SE Washington, DC 20003)

SkillZone is a fun, fresh place to play and learn in Washington, DC., open for drop-in play time, classes, and private parties! A place in the city for children 6 & under. Registration is required.

Smithsonian Museum– (Various Locations)

Most are free of charge! Specific child-friendly areas in museums listed below.

U.S. Botanic Garden– (100 Maryland Ave SW)

Massive indoor exhibits, you can spend all day here. Check website as they occasionally have events such as cooking demonstrations, concerts, baby snuggler days and more.
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Introducing Magic Ground in Columbia Heights

November 30, 2015

A new indoor playground, Magic Ground has opened in Columbia Heights, just above Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond on the 3rd floor. You can park in the underground garage of DC USA or take the Columbia Heights Metro. You can purchase several “packages” like Winter or Summer Memberships as well as an Annual Pass and half-day/full-day passes they will offer Parents Nights Out.

The theme of Magic Ground is a magical castle and the motto is “a magical place to eat healthy and play safely.” Children will crawl, jump and climb, explore, discover and create here. Magic Ground has only been open a week but word has gotten out, as there were about 15 kids playing with us. However, The Restaurant, Game Tech (a modern time corner to ignite your senses) and Show Hall (costumes and face painting) were not open. There is a cute place with vanities and hair salon tools for kids to pretend. There are a few kitchens and baby dolls in an area to play with. My son loved sliding down the slide into the ball pit, shooting an air cannon with balls and swinging on a swing inside of the apparatus.
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Top Eleven Spots in Chevy Chase for Families

December 6, 2014

The place I call home; Chevy Chase, DC! And no, the neighborhood has nothing to do with the actor Cornelius Crane “Chevy” Chase. We luckily live 5 blocks from the hustle and bustle of “The Avenue” before you enter Maryland. Connecticut ‘Avenue’ that is, which has a Starbucks, children’s clothing store Full of Beans, Salon Familia where the entire family can get a haircut, CVS, 2 grocery stores, a post office and so much more. Head east down Connecticut Avenue and you enter Forest Hills neighborhood which has an independent bookstore; Politics and Prose, CVS, restaurants and Little Red Fox coffee shop. Below you’ll find the Top Ten spots to head with your Bambino(s).

1. Barstons Child’s Play– Train tables and lots of toys out for kids to play with. I bet you can’t go in without leaving with lots of fun toys. The employees are so knowledgable about appropriate aged toys and what to get for that birthday party you’re sure to return to this toy store.

2. Jetties– New to the neighborhood but loved around the city. Sandwiches (try the Nobadeer if you’re in need of a Thanksgiving meal), salads, soups and ice cream!

3. Avalon Theatre Weekend Family Matinee– Films and live performances that are family-friendly and ridiculously fun. Screenings are typically held on Saturday and occasionally Sunday mornings and scheduled primarily during the winter.

4. Comet Ping Pong Pizza– A family favorite of ours! Noisy, kid-friendly atmosphere, with ping pong tables and foosball in the back room. Parents: While the kids eat their cheese pizzas, try the wings. You won’t be sorry.

5. Livingston Playground (Livingston St and 41st St), Forest Hills Playground (Chesapeake St and 32nd St), Lafayette Playground (Patterson St and 33rd St). The trifecta of playgrounds in the neighborhood all have unique features making the rotation a worthwhile one.

6. Chevy Chase Library and Playground- Check DC Library website for story times.

7. Chevy Chase Pavillon– Besides three stories of retail and restaurants, Bambinos can run around the lower level and lounge on the comfy chairs– you can enjoy a coffee from Starbucks or a sandwich from Lunchbox.

8. Rock Creek Park- Take Nevada Ave directly into the Park (which turns into Broad Branch Rd), park and get out to walk around and play or head to the Horse Stables (5100 Glover Rd NW) to see the horses.

9. Chevy Chase Circle Fountain- bring a boat to float or picnic.

10. Politics and Prose Bookstore with story time on Mondays 10:30am (resuming January 5, 2015). Children’s section is downstairs next to the coffee shop.

11. Broad Branch Market– Local shop for gourmet groceries, craft coffee, beer & wine plus takeout foods & buffet catering. Summer at BBM is a Bambinos dream; John Henry concerts and ice cream cones. Stop in for a loaf of bread or a fresh made sandwich.

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!