Beltway Bambinos

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

Cool off with the best ice cream in Washington, DC, Virginia & Maryland

We love to make popsicles and homemade ice cream in the summer but we also welcome a scoop (or two) at an ice cream shop! There’s nothing like a good scoop of ice cream or an ice cold popsicle when it’s hot.

State Fair at The Roost – SE, DC

State Fair features playful riffs on composed sundaes using homemade frozen custard, replete with all of the delicious sauces and toppings you’d expect, and several more you won’t. Pastry Chef Allie Cheppa is at the helm of the nostalgic spot, serving up composed sundaes and floats, or build-your-own by mixing and matching custard bases + toppings.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream – Bethesda, MD & NW, DC

THE. BEST. (#notanad) Always a line, definitely worth waiting in, enough said, go and get some scoops, many scoops and report back. 

The Baked Bear – Bethesda, MD

Homemade cookies from original recipes and hand-scooped on site, cookies are made with the highest quality ingredients and baked fresh from scratch every day, so you can imagine the aroma flowing from Baked Bear! You can choose your base (brownie, doughnut and/or cookies), then your ice cream flavor followed by toppings and sauces. Don’t forget to ask to have it pressed if you want a warm end result. Recipe uses an all-natural mix made only with rBGH-free cream, pure cane sugar and natural stabilizers. 

The Creamery at Union Market – NE, DC

A family-owned and operated dairy shop sourcing local milk and ice cream located in Union Market.

Ice Cream Jubilee – SE, NW DC & Ballston, VA

I found out about ICJ because of the mouth-watering Instagram photos everyone posts and then I realized you can order from UberEats! The best flavors come from the best ingredients.  They use only all-natural cream and milk from a local creamery, just 50 miles from our scoop shop in Washington, DC.  and are proud about the small-batch technique – just a few gallons at a time; allowing to create the highest-quality product and the freshest flavors.

Millie’s – NW, DC

Brought to you by the owners of Surfside & Jetties. Walk up to an outdoor ice-cream stand (attached to the take-out hut) and grab delicious scoops and toppings.

Sugar Fox – NW, DC

The creators behind Little Red Fox bring you house-made ice cream, milkshakes, cake and cupcakes. Stop in for a scoop of small batch ice cream, or place an order for a one-of-a-kind custom cake.

Broad Branch Market – NW, DC

A market that has most everything you need at a higher price but you feel like you live in Mayfield when you walk in. They have a freezer of about 8 flavors to order scoops from and milkshakes are available also as well as a freezer of novelties and handcrafted treats in the back.

Nicecream Factory – NW, DC & Virginia

Handcrafted ice cream is their passion. They start the process by combining fresh milk and local ingredients from nearby farms. Using a freezing agent, liquid nitrogen, then freeze the ice cream on the spot in front of guests, creating the freshest handcrafted cup of ice cream you can get. Flavors are typical with some fun ones worth trying; white chocolate peanut butter and bananas foster are on my list!

Thomas Sweet – NW, DC

A Georgetown staple. This extensive sweets shop is complete with homemade fudge and chocolates—in addition to ice cream. The specialty here is the one-of-a-kind ‘blend ins’ with homemade ice cream. It’s not a place for the indecisive as they have a chalkboard full of flavors like peanut butter chip, vanilla cherry and our favorite, coffee oreo. Keep in mind that the kiddie-sized cup is very large—about 2 scoops of ice cream.

The Dairy Godmother – Alexandria, VA

This summer, you’ll find some exciting new additions at this custard shop. Stick with what you know and get Wisconsin-style frozen custard in vanilla or chocolate every day, or try the flavor of the day. Tollhouse cookie and toasted almond are both on the schedule; see all the upcoming flavors of the day here. They’ll also be offering homemade marshmallows and sorbet this summer along with puppy pops—a treat for your dog!

Goodies Frozen Custard – Alexandra, VA

You may have seen Goodie’s cater an event as they started as a food truck of sorts. Now the Wisconsin style frozen custard has a permanent home in Alexandria.

Moorenko’s Ice Cream – Scoop shop in Silver Spring, MD & pints found in markets through DMV

This ice cream brand, which is sold throughout the DMV in markets and deli’s, is made right here in D.C.! They even have a small shop where you can go for freshly made, hand-crafted ice cream. They’ve got the classic flavors as well as some unique flavors like Cinnamon Cappuccino & Blackberry Chocolate Chip.

Captain Cookie and the Milkman – 3 trucks & 2 locations

What started as a food truck serving milk and cookies and ice cream sandwiches, now has 3 food trucks you can hunt down in the city or hire for an event. For those of us who can’t make it to a truck stop, there are 2 actual locations you can visit. They also deliver!

Jarabe – A variety of locations in DMV

Jarabe Gourmet Pops is a Latin American Specialty Pop-Up based in the Washington Metropolitan Area that specializes in Mexican-style gourmet pops. 

Jetties – A variety of locations in DC & Bethesda, MD

Serving Gifford’s ice cream, Jetties is not just an ice cream shop, but also well-known for delicious sandwiches and salads. It’s the perfect place to grab lunch followed by a scoop for dessert, with the option of adding toppings like sprinkles and crushed oreos to your cone.

Sfoglina – NW, DC & Rosslyn, VA

Italian soft serve gelato: your choice of Vanilla Gelato or Blueberry Balsamic Sorbetto. I promise you will want to go back the next day for another!

Bon Matcha – Foggy Bottom, DC

Bôn Matcha is committed to serving the Washington, D.C. area with the authentic flavors and ingredients of their Asian heritage, in new and familiar ways, and thereby add just a few more pages to the great book of flavor that is this great nation. Check out their soft serve including a vegan flavor option.

Maracas Pops – Georgetown

Originally from Mexico, the owner, Julia has been inspired by tropical flavors and refreshing treats. She fell in love with paletas, also known as Mexican ice pops, and was inspired to share her love for their unique flavors by starting her own company, Maracas Ice Pops.

Did you know Maryland has 10 dairy farms that offer fresh, delicious on-farm ice cream? Together, they make up the “Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail.” Visit each creamery and get a trail passport stamped to be named Maryland’s Ice Cream Trail Blazer! Sounds like a delicious summer bucket-list item. Now in its ninth year, the Ice Cream Trail is designed to promote the state’s dairy industry and has become increasingly popular, drawing participants from across the state and the region. Download your passport here.

Reader recommended:
Sarah’s Handmade
Carmen’s Italian Ice
Class 520

Oldies but Goodies:
Dolcezza Gelato
Milk Bar
Dolci Gelati
Pitango Gelato
Godiva
Ben & Jerry’s
YogiBerry

Recent posts:
Indoor/Outdoor summer toys
Water toys that are a summer must have!
Device free road trips and flights
Pick your own fruits and vegetables

Live outdoor music in and around Washington, DC this summer

One of my favorite parts about summer in Washington, DC are the free outdoor concerts and movies. What seems like an eternity ago (please time slow down) we took a sporadic drive to the Mall with our then three year old where we walked around, played some ball by the reflecting pool and headed 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. This post will help you take advantage of some great music that will allow you to relax after a long day (and year) and see a bit of our city while doing so. 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 11th Season! Every Friday night this summer, head to Yards Park around 7pm 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.

Glen Echo Summer Concert Series
Concerts are free and open to the public and feature a variety of local bands and musical genres. Music in the series typically ranges widely – from Country to Reggae, Swing to Latin Jazz, African to Cajun and Blues. Bench seating is provided in the pavilion, and folding chairs are also allowed. A coloring table to help keep small children busy during the concerts is also provided. Visitors may also enjoy the music from the picnic tables just outside the pavilion; many families enjoy bringing a picnic dinner to eat while listening. Dancers are welcome as well. For those who are still not comfortable with in-person events, the concerts will also be live streamed on YouTube and also available to watch later. Concerts are on Thursday’s starting July 1 – Sept. 9.

The Patio Stage at Strathmore
Designed to provide a spacious yet intimate experience, The Patio Stage features socially distanced tables that seat up to 4 people. This allows plenty of space for you and your pod in a venue that seats just 124. The Patio Stage’s lineup highlights what Strathmore does best—you’ll find music’s brightest names, like Wynton Marsalis, The Lone Bellow, Sophia Rei, and Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers; revel in contemporary and chamber music; soak in international sounds; and be introduced to your new favorite musician from our Artists in Residence program.

Wolf Trap Children’s Shows
Performances range from music and dance—interactive, educational, and fun. All shows are about an hour long and are perfect for children ages 4 and up. A list of rescheduled and postponed events impacted by the pandemic can be viewed here. August and September 2021 performances are subject to change depending on COVID-related conditions and artist availability. View Summer 2021 policies and guidelines.

Wolf Trap National Park
Offering a variety of shows outdoor. A perfect way to spend a summer evening, if you get lawn tickets don’t forget a picnic.

Jammin Java Outdoor Concert Series
Returning for our second year of outdoor concerts. This year they celebrate Jammin Java’s 20th anniversary with a jam-packed calendar. All outdoor shows are free, and donations-only shows. You can enjoy food and drinks in the outdoor seating and limited-capacity indoor seating. Limited capacity, first come first served, weather permitting.

A Capitol Fourth at the U.S. Capitol
In 2021, America’s Independence Day celebration, A Capitol Fourth, will mark 41 years on the air. The show is broadcast to millions of viewers on PBS and streaming platforms as well as to our troops watching around the world on the American Forces Network. Details on the website as to how and where to attend in person.

Olney Outdoors
The Root Family Stage is an open-air home for the summer with physically-distanced seating on blankets or in chairs. Or if you’re ready for it, the raised bleacher seats are available at full capacity. You can reserve a “pod” of seats for parties of 4, 3, 2 or even a solo. Masks are encouraged, but not required for vaccinated patrons, except indoors for use of the restrooms or in case of rain. Expect a variety of shows through September.

Live military band concerts are free and no tickets are required unless noted:
U.S. Navy Band
U.S. Air Force Band– Fridays at the Air Force Memorial at 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays at National Harbor at 7 p.m. 
U.S. Marine Band– Every third Wednesday of the month from June to August at Yard’s Park
U.S. Army Band

Looking for a music festival?
M3 Music Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion will take you back to the 80’s
Distrito Music Fest is a one-day Latin American music festival at Union Stage in Washington, D.C.
Darn Good Music Festival in Centreville, Virginia feature 14 live bands in 2 days

Venues reopening:
The Anthem, Comet Ping Pong, Nationals Park, The Hamilton, Howard Theatre The Birchmere, Jammin Java, The Kennedy Center, Pearl Street Warehouse, The Pocket DC and the big outdoor venues.

Build your library with Bookroo

No details for this season yet:
Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
Kids in Canal
Strathmore’s Backyard Theatre for Children
Strathmore Kids
Friday Night Live Concert Series at Rockville Town Square
Rock at the Row

Outdoor swimming pools in and around Washington, DC

Looks like this summer will welcome swimmers to outdoor pools in some capacity. We are seeing more pools opening their doors for this summer which has us looking forward to cooling off, meeting friends and practicing our strokes at our favorite pool. There are several great pools in the area you can become a member of if you want a go-to place to splash around and become a regular swimmer at. Many of these pools offer multiple pools and some have swim lessons and even swim teams during a regular season! If you aren’t looking for a paid membership at a pool, DC DPR has a pool for you, free of cost if you are a DC resident. However, they have not announced yet if they will re-open {they were closed last year}.

Omni Shoreham Hotel Pool (NW DC)
Reopening with COVID-19 compliant procedures on April 15th until October 31st, open daily from 6am-10pm. Reservations are required for each guest attending the pool on Friday, Saturday and Sunday plus holidays and high demands days. Reservations are only available for registered hotel guests and pool members. One reservation per day, per hotel guest room or pool membership.

Beauvoir Pool (NW DC)
Beauvoir is pleased to extend pool memberships for summer 2021 to Beauvoir families, neighbors and friends. The Beauvoir pool is located on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral behind Beauvoir. The pool is open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. 

Cleveland Park Club (NW DC)
Cleveland Park, North Cleveland Park and Woodley Park residents are welcome to join the pool. The Cleveland Park Club’s pool offers open swim, swim instruction, and camp swim. In addition to the heated main pool, the Club has an in-ground kiddie pool, with continually filtered water. Voting members enjoy full access to the Club’s pool. Social + Activity members pay the discounted member rates for swim instruction and camp, but otherwise, do not have access to the pool.

JBAB Base Pool (SW DC)
Located next to the Bolling Club, the JBAB outdoor swimming pool offers lap swim, open swim and swimming lessons for ages 4 and older. Active duty service members and Air Force club members receive free pool access during the entire swimming season. Seasonal pool passes are available on site for frequent swimmers.

Montgomery County Recreation (Montgomery Co, MD)
Beginning May 1, 2021 pool passes will be available for purchase online. Non-county residents may purchase a pass to use our facilities.

Tilden Woods Pool (Rockville, MD)
For more than 50 years, Tilden Woods Pool has established itself as the summertime heart of the community. The pool comes alive with activities for the entire family, both day and night. Swim in a heated pool, enjoy cookouts, raft nights, or relax in the sun or shade. Don’t forget the spirited Tilden Woods swim team.

Merrimack Pool (Bethesda, MD)
The current plan is to open on May 15 and close on September 26. The swim and dive teams will return this season with scheduled practices. They expect to start the season with a reservation system and to limit pool entry to those who have reserved a particular time slot. They have a kiddie and intermediate pool in addition to the large pool.

Mohican Swimming Pool (Bethesda, MD)
Full memberships are available to those applicants residing in the area encompassed by the Capital Crescent Trail, the Potomac River, Goldsboro Road, and River Road, or in the Town of Glen Echo. Individuals living outside of this zone may apply for late summer only memberships.They have an expansive 8-lane, 25 meter competition pool and a large diving well with two 1-meter boards. In addition, there is a large kiddie pool and a large transition pool which is perfect for kids just learning to swim.

Old Farm (N Bethesda, MD)
The pool offers a host of summer activities that include swim and dive teams, family fun nights, potluck dinners, major holiday picnics, and more. Recreation area includes a basketball court, shuffleboard court, toddler play area with sandbox, and sand volleyball court. They offer a fenced-in baby pool and a roped-off, shallow section of the main pool for infants and new swimmers. Included in membership is the opportunity to play paddle tennis. 

Robin Hood Swim Club (Silver Spring, MD)
Robin Hood Swim Club is a family-focused, member-owned neighborhood pool, located in a secluded setting off Randolph Road, close to New Hampshire Avenue. From the beautiful, newly renovated pool to volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, Robin Hood offers something for everyone. The renowned swim and dive teams welcome young swimmers and divers of all levels, and grownups get their game on in Robin Hood’s in-house volleyball league. With a social calendar packed full of activities for adults and kids alike, Robin Hood is the place to be for a summer-long vacation!

Potomac Woods (Rockville, MD)
There are no geographical boundaries for membership. They currently have full (bonded) and summer (temporary) memberships available. Facilities include a 25-meter heated pool with a diving well, water slide and beach-entry shallow end with many water features including fountains. There is a separate children’s wading pool. 

Connecticut Belair Club (Silver Spring, MD)
Extra large main pool with diving well and a separate wading pool with a playground area. Tennis courts, volleyball, basketball, shuffle board, and ping pong. Radical tube slide standing 19 feet tall – while sliding over 100 feet into the water. They have a full service snack bar and many social activities throughout the season. Your kids can even Join the GATORS, a competitive, exciting & fun swim team.

Columbus Club (Arlington, VA)
The current operational plan is to open the facility for free swim, wading pool usage, picnic grounds by reservation only, and recreational equipment on the grounds. Pending any new guidance from the CDC and state, operational procedures are subject to change and will keep members informed.

Pools with waitlists:
Northwest Branch Pool (Silver Spring, MD)
Palisades Swim & Tennis Club (Cabin John, MD)
Chevy Chase Recreation Association: CCRA (Chevy Chase, MD)
Bannockburn Swim & Dive Club (Bethesda, MD)
Adelphi Pool (Hyattsville, MD)
Carderock Springs Swim & Tennis Club (Bethesda, MD)
Arlington Forest Club (Arlington, VA)
Tuckahoe Recreation Club (McLean, VA)

Living Well Health Club at Washington Hilton (NW DC)
Currently closed

Related posts:
Summer camp guide
8 games to play in the pool + must-haves for water play

Summer Sweetness program from PJ Library

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and PJ Library are partnering with local organizations to bring families together for stories and hands-on activities around Jewish values through August 20 for a series called Summer Sweetness. For each event, a “guest reader” will read a PJ bedtime story with the night’s theme, and your family can create and learn something to put those values into action. Join us in your pajamas to spread more kindness, gratitude, and friendship in the world.  Best for ages 3-7.

Get the full schedule online here.

12 sunflower fields to visit this summer

Have your Instagram feeds started to be full of people standing in sunflower fields? Luckily you can also witness the beauty in person. We have some pretty amazing fields in our area that you will definitely want to visit this summer! Some places require reservations, also visitors bring step stools to take photos higher up with the sunflowers. In addition to the fields below, stop by some pick-your-own farms this summer.

Burnside Farms in Nokesville, VA has a field of 8 acres of various varieties of sunflowers that are in bloom.  You must purchase tickets to attend.

The sunflower field at McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in Poolesville, MD is one not to miss. This is a free field to visit and they encourage social distancing.

Gold Petal Farms is in Chaptico, MD and has a living maze you can go through as well as a pick-your-own flower garden during the summer season.

Rocky Point Creamery is located in Tuscarora, MD and has 2 acres of sunflowers + (bonus) homemade ice cream!

Maryland Agriculture and Farm Park in Cockeysville, MD welcomes you to bring a picnic, and leave with a day of memories. Before or after picking and picnicking, explore more of what the Farm has to offer; trails, demonstration gardens, animals, history, and more. Sunflowers typically bloom in mid-late September. $1.00 per stem or $10 per dozen.

Valley View Acres is in Middletown, MD and is open! They are cash only and charge a small admission fee as well as $1 sunflower stems & $2 wildflower bunch.

Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, MD allows you to pick-your-own flowers and while you are there, pick some fruit. Make an online reservation here.

A few further north to consider:
The Sunflower Garden
Misty Meadow Farm Creamery
Lockbriar Farms (on the way to the beach)
Emily’s Produce (on the way to the beach)

Clear Meadow Farms: Closed due to Covid but consider for next year as it is highlighted as one of the best!

Outdoor swimming pools in and around Washington, DC

An updated post can be found here

Most of us are missing the typical summers of cooling off, meeting friends and practicing our strokes at our favorite pools. Below are limited options, some with options to join late in the summer while some have waitlists. There are several great pools in the area you can become a member of if you want a go-to place to splash around and become a regular swimmer at, offering you a sense of community as the number of members are typically capped at a low number. Many of these pools offer multiple pools and some have swim lessons and even swim teams during a regular season! If you aren’t looking for a paid membership at a pool, DC DPR has a pool for you, free of cost if you are a DC resident fingers crossed upon entry into phase 3 we may be able to access some of these pools. Pool goers this summer are being asked to make a reservation at most of the listed pools as well as minimize their time in opened locker rooms, and some are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets to outdoor pools. See each site for individual rules.

Omni Shoreham Hotel Pool (NW DC)
*Website not updated to reflect 2020, call for details (202) 234-0700.

Beauvoir Pool (NW DC)
*CLOSED FOR 2020

Cleveland Park Club (NW DC)
*Cleveland Park, North Cleveland Park and Woodley Park residents. Website does not state if there is a waitlist.

Living Well Health Club at Washington Hilton (NW DC)
*Currently closed. Health club and pool memberships.

JBAB Base Pool (SW DC)
*Active duty service members and Air Force club members receive free pool access during the entire swimming season. Swim passes available for purchase.

Montgomery County Maryland
*They have seven outdoor pools and are open to pass holders.

Tilden Woods Pool (Rockville, MD)
*The pool comes alive with activities for the entire family, both day and night. Swim in a heated pool, enjoy cookouts, raft nights, or relax in the sun or shade. They also have a top-ranked swim team. Website does not mention a waitlist.

Adelphi Pool (Hyattsville, MD)
*Waitlist

Northwest Branch Pool (Silver Spring, MD)
*Current waitlist time is approximately 2 years for new applicants applying.

Palisades Swim & Tennis Club (Cabin John, MD)
*Current waitlist time is approximately 8 to 10 years for new applicants applying.

Bannockburn Swim & Dive Club (Bethesda, MD)
*Website does not mention a waitlist.

Merrimack Pool (Bethesda, MD)
*Website does not mention a waitlist.

Carderock Springs Swim & Tennis Club (Bethesda, MD)
*To inquire about membership and/or to be put on a waiting list, contact the Club Membership Secretary Cari Ardrey

Mohican Swimming Pool (Bethesda, MD)
*Full Memberships are available to those applicants residing in the area encompassed by the Capital Crescent Trail, the Potomac River, Goldsboro Road, and River Road, or in the Town of Glen Echo. Individuals living outside of this zone may apply for late summer only memberships.

Old Farm (N Bethesda, MD)
*Website does not mention a waitlist.

Robin Hood Swim Club (Silver Spring, MD)
*Website does not mention a waitlist.

Potomac Woods (Rockville, MD)
*There are no geographical boundaries for membership. Website does not mention a waitlist.

Chevy Chase Recreation Association: CCRA (Chevy Chase, MD)
*Memberships may be offered only to those residing within a specific geographic area of Chevy Chase, Maryland. Permanent memberships are unrestricted, but have a waiting list of about 5-7 years while partial summer membership has a waitlist of 1-3 months.

Connecticut Belair Club (Silver Spring, MD)
*Only open to members at this time.

Tuckahoe Recreation Club (McLean, VA)
*Currently has a waiting list for full membership. This means that by applying now you may be admitted to membership in about 6 months.

Columbus Club (Arlington, VA)
*There is no wait list for the Columbus Club Pools. The only membership option available is the full family membership.

Arlington Forest Club (Arlington, VA)
*Has a waitlist of over 500 families.

WTOP released an article with information on pool openings in various counties in Virginia and Maryland, for more info read here.

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