Beltway Bambinos

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

The Children’s Art Studio: A Creative Summer in Washington, DC

The Children’s Art Studio is founded on the belief that young people reap tremendous emotional, intellectual and developmental gains from making art and that this opportunity should be made available to all.  Small class size, thoughtful instruction and the inventive use of high quality materials is what it is all about.  We hope your child will join us!

  • Camp will take place at Hearst Elementary School: 3950 37th Street
  • Camp is available from June 24 to August 2, 2019
  • You may enroll for one week at a time
  • The cost for each week is $450
  • There is an aftercare add on option!
  • Camp meets from 8:30am – 3:30pm
  • Camps are for children 5 -12 years old

There will be two classrooms/studios.  Each classroom will have two teachers and a max of 12 students. Children will thrive as they explore a bounty of cool art supplies in a calm, structured upbeat environment.

Enroll here!

Please see our site for more information about our programs.  Email or call with questions 202-247-1155. We look forward to speaking with you!The Children’s Art Studio will hold one day Workshops on May 27th and May 28th! Readers can use this link for a 10% discount.

This is an excellent way for kids and parents to try out our programs before committing to a full week of Summer Camp. If students like the Workshop, and we feel really confident that they will, sign up for camp!

Easter, eggs and hunts in and around Washington, DC

Whether it be a festival, farm or egg hunt, your Bambinos will have a blast and maybe even get to experience more than one of these eggcellent events. Options begin March 30, 2019 and run through the end of April. Happy hunting and brunching!


All weekends March 30-April 28 from 9:30am to 5:00pm: Ticonderoga Farms Spring Easter Festival
(26469 Ticonderoga Rd, Chantilly, VA 20152)
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 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm (arrive 30 minutes prior) in four age groups. There are many other activities included with your admission to enjoy, including: giant slide hills, huge jumping pillows, hayrides, animal feeding areas, pedal kart track, swinging bridge, and much more!

April 6 & 7: Great Country Farms Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Harvest
(18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA 20135)
Do marshmallow peeps really grow on trees? Your children will be amazed to harvest a few marshmallows to roast on the bonfire with Farmer Bob. The Easter Bunny also hid some eggs, and we need you to help us find them! There will be multiple egg hunts each day this year, with over 20,000 eggs filled with treats to enchant your children spread across 4 hunts/day filled with treats to enchant your children.. Come see our spring chicks and baby animals, take a wagon ride, and rejoice that it is spring!

April 6 from 10:00am-5:00pm: Febergé Egg Family Festival at Hillwood Estate & Garden
(4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008)
Admire the exquisite imperial eggs and other fanciful Fabergé creations collected by Marjorie Post. Experience festive folk music performed by Samovar Russian Folk Music Ensemble and spirited dancing by Kalinka Dance Ensemble. Enjoy stories of Russian Easter traditions in a fun family play, produced by Happenstance Theater. Take part in a traditional Russian egg-rolling game. Step into Fabergé’s Workshop to decorate your own Fabergé-inspired egg.

April 13: Easter Eggstravaganza
10:00am-1:00pm: South Run Recreational Center- 7550 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153
2:00pm-4:00pm: Glenkirk Elementary School- 8584 Sedge Wren Dr, Gainesville, VA 20155
11:00am-3:00pm: Four Mile Run Park- 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305
The Easter Eggstravaganza is one of the most *EGGciting* Easter events in the area, this is a time for kids and families to come out and enjoy a fun-filled FREE event. There will be an Easter bunny, Easter Egg hunt, face painting, balloon animals, concessions, music, a moon bounce, games and much more! Come out and enjoy the festivities with us!

April 13 from 11:00am-3:00pm: Arlandria Eggstravaganza
(4131 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305)
Over 10,000 eggs to find. With separate egg hunts for tots, elementary-aged children, and teens/adults, everyone can have a great time.From music and demostrations to games and crafts, there is a lot to do and see at the Arlandria Eggstravaganza. While you are there, make sure to take the time to eat lunch or grab some of your favorite carnival food.

April 13 from 12:00pm-2:00pm: Easter Bash at Ballston Quarter
Celebrate Easter with Ballston Quarter and enjoy a family-friendly afternoon of games and activities! Join the fun by searching through Ballston Quarter for Easter eggs filled with prizes and exclusive giveaways. Kids can enjoy creating bunny-ear arts and crafts and take pictures in our photo booth. The Easter Bunny himself will make an appearance for pictures and a bunny-hop disco dance party will have guests young and old boogieing to all of their favorite hits!

April 13, 14, 18-20 & 22 from 10:00am-5:00pm: Bunnyland at Butler’s Orchard
(22200 Davis Mill Road Germantown MD 20876)
Enjoy a hayride down the Bunny Trail, race the Rubber Duck Derby, hunt for colorful eggs (we provide the basket!), exchange eggs for a goodie basket to take home, visit with the farm’s very own Country Bunny, ride pedal tractors, play in Hayromp and Playground, hop in inflatables, ride the giant slides, see bunnies, lambs and chicks, get your face painted and ride a pony. $9.50 per child and $7.50 per adult. Kite Days: April 27 & 28, bring a kite or purchase one here! Come fly a kite on the farm!

 

April 13-14 & 18-21: Easter Egg Hunt at Green Meadows Petting Farm
(10102 Fingerboard Rd. Ijamsville, MD 21754)
Green Meadows Petting Farm will be hosting Easter Egg Hunts at the farm on April 13-14 and April 18-21. We will have 3 hunts each day (11am, 1pm, 3pm) organized by age.  Our Easter Bunny, Whiskers, will be available for some fun pictures!  We require each child sign up 30 minutes before each hunt starts.  No reservation is required, the cost is $14.00 per person; under 2 is free.  The cost includes the free hunt as well as our regular petting farm fun (cow milking, wagon ride, free goat feed, pig races).  Our farm opens at 9:30am during the week and opens 10:00am on the weekend.  We allow admissions until 4:00pm but we close at 5:00pm.

April 18-20 from 10:00am-12:00pm: Eggstravaganza! at Tudor Place
(1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007)
Rolling green lawns, bobbing spring blooms, and the elegant mansion on a hill serve as backdrop for this festive annual attraction. Join the Easter Bunny and children of all ages for an Egg Hunt and thrilling Egg Roll Contest down the grand South Lawn. Decorate eggs, play games from the past, take photos with the Easter Bunny, and make the 5½-acre gardens your play space for the morning.Tudor Place Member Child: $10 | Non-Member Child (0-2): $15 | Non-Member Child (3-4): $15 | Non-Member Child (5-6): $15 | Non-Member Child (7+): $15 | Accompanying Adult: $5

April 19-21 (Various Times): The Lee-Fendall House 20th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
(614 Oronoco Street Alexandria, VA)
The museum’s garden will be filled with hundreds of colorful toy-filled Easter eggs! Other activities include games, crafts, refreshments, and photos with the Easter Bunny. All children of elementary school age or younger (children aged 0-12) are eligible to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt. Older children and adults are welcome to enjoy the other activities. Tickets are $15 for children aged 0-12, and $5 for all others.

April 20-21 from 10:00am-5:00pm: Egg Hunt at Clark’s Elioak Farm
(10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042)
Children of different ages (ages 1 to 3 and 4 to 6) will have a chance to hunt for eggs all day (10 AM, 10:30, 11 AM, 11:30, 12 noon, 12:30, 1 PM, 1:30, 2 PM, 2:30, 3 PM, 3:30, 4 PM, 4:30 and 5 PM) on both Saturday and Sunday. Our $7 per person admission fee for the farm applies, but there is no extra charge for the egg hunt. The petting farm, rides and play areas are open for you to enjoy.When you are ready to participate in the egg hunt, come to the Egg Hunt area and your child will line up with other children and pick up eggs. The eggs will then be turned in for a goodie bag. The first egg hunt each time will be for the 1-3 year olds. Once they are finished and while they are turning in their eggs for the goodie bags, the 4-6 year olds start their egg hunt. The petting farm, gem mining and rides will also be open on EASTER MONDAY.

April 20 at 10:00am: 8th Annual Egg Hunt at Tregaron Conservancy
(3000 block of Klingle Road, NW)
Celebrate Spring with Tregaron Conservancy! Thousands of candy-filled eggs will be hidden along our woodland paths. We will have separate area for kids under five. The hunt will begin at 10:00 a.m. by the Lily Pond near the entrance to Tregaron at 3031 Klingle Road NW. Be sure to bring a bag or basket. RSVPs are appreciated (but not required) by email.

April 20 from 10:45am-12:00pm: 14th Annual Egg Hunt at Stead Park
(Stead Park, 1625 P Street, NW)
Join the Friends of Stead Park for the 14th Annual Egg Hunt at Stead Park for 3 hunts. Enjoy selfies with the Easter Bunny, crafts and snacks after your little ones have filled their baskets with eggs. Advance registration is recommended- Register here.

April 20: Easter Eggstravaganza
12:00pm-2:00pm: Langdon Park: 2901 20th St NE, Washington, DC 20018
12:00pm-2:00pm: Lincoln Park: East Capitol Street between 11th and 13th Street Washington, DC 20003
The Easter Eggstravaganza is one of the most *EGGciting* Easter events in the area, this is a time for kids and families to come out and enjoy a fun-filled FREE event. There will be an Easter bunny, Easter Egg hunt, face painting, balloon animals, concessions, music, a moon bounce, games and much more! Come out and enjoy the festivities with us!

April 22 from 10:00am-2:00pm: Easter Monday & Earth Optimism Celebration at the National Zoo
(3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008)
families are invited to enjoy egg hunts, live music, food trucks and games while discovering how they can help save species. This free event includes hands-on learning opportunities featuring Smithsonian conservation success stories, special animal demonstrations, keeper talks, and meet and greets with scientists and conservation partners working to protect wildlife around the world.

bunny

Check out these EventBrite events for more hunts in and near Washington, DC

Need Easter brunch reservations? Trip Savvy has you taken care of.

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Spring Break Camps

Volunteering with families in and around Washington, DC

GIVE, GIVE, GIVE!!! (And not just around the holiday season!) There are so many ways you can help others in our area and the best part is they all welcome children to participate. Teaching our littlest the value of giving and not just receiving is critical. Hopefully your child will connect with one of these organizations, making your family regular volunteers.

young-volunteers
(Photo: So Others May Eat)

                                                                                                                    
Volunteer your time:

Generation Hope
A Wider Circle has a variety of ways to volunteer and donate through Holiday Giving Programs
Mary’s Center Reading Pals, Special Events and Patient Portal Volunteers needed
Eliana’s Light has a variety of ways to volunteer
Make sandwiches (throughout the year in your home) for CCPC Transition Assistance Program
Arlington Food Assistance Center
Humane Rescue Alliance 
Children’s National Medical Center
Volunteer your time at Spend Yourself Food Pantry
Helping dogs at Lucky Kids Club
Read to cats at Animal Welfare of Arlington’s Paws and Read
Create and send holiday cards to injured, ill or hospitalized service members and veterans through American Red Cross
Planting trees through Casey Trees
Various events and ways to help at DC Diaper Bank
Sort and pack food for delivery at Capital Area Food Bank
Helping the poor help themselves at Art for Humanity
Organize a drive to collect food, clothing and toiletries for Bethesda Cares
Help prepare meals at DC Central Kitchen
Help prepare and serve meals at So Others May Eat
Assist inner-city seniors at We Are Family
Help with food, clothing and special events at Martha’s Table
List of ways to volunteer in Fairfax County
Lay wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery December 15, 2018

Other ways to show you care:

District Dabble Lab invites you to come to a Kindness Rocks Project Workshop on Sunday’s (ages 4-10) You can also create your own group to attend.
Create holiday cards for Cards for Hospitalized Kids
Find a Toys For Tots drive and donate
Spend time at a Nursing or Assisted Living Center
Host a refugee family
Shop with your children at a local grocery store for non-perishable items and donate them to a canned food drive
Claude Moore Colonial Farm has many ways to volunteer and donate
Star Gazing Farm has many ways to volunteer and donate

Making donations:

Eliana’s Light would be grateful to receive donations of stress-relief items for children with complex medical conditions and their caregivers through an Amazon Wish List
Diapers to the DC Diaper Bank
Kids Crafts for a cause through Little Loving Hands
Seasonal clothing and toiletries to Bethesda Cares

Bowie Baysox continues Louie’s Holiday Hope Project for the 12th year. Beginning now and continuing through early December, the team will be accepting nominations for families that need assistance this holiday season. The Baysox will also be collecting gently used coats, new socks and other warm clothing to be donated to area families. If you know a family who is in need, please email here.

Ice skating, holiday light displays and more outdoor fun this holiday season in Washington, DC

Get outdoors and enjoy the chill of the air while sipping a good cup of joe or hot cocoa. Here are some festive places to visit all while being outside (and a few from your car).

(Ice Skating in DC photo from Washington DC)
Outdoor Ice Rinks: Most are open Nov-Feb and offer ice skating lessons, check their websites.  

Canal 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, DC 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

Wharf Ice Rink– 960 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024

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

Outdoor Festivities:

National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse– The National Mall
The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is on Nov. 28, 2018 and 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. Lighting is on Nov. 28 and will stay up through 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, dancing, fire-side caroling, Aladdin the Christmas camel, and so much more! Nov. 23-Dec. 31.

Holidays on the Harbor– 165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD 20745
Holiday tree lighting and fireworks begins is on Nov. 10, 2018 and takes place each Saturday through December. Complete with Santa appearances, holiday movies and fireworks. Be sure and warm up inside the Gaylord Resort, see the hanging tree and Christmas Village and then bundle up to check out ICE!. Get your tickets in advance though.

Holly Trolley Fest at National Capital Trolley Museum– 1313 Bonifant Rd Colesville, MD 20905
Celebrate the season with toy trains and Santa aboard the streetcars from 12:30pm-4:30pm, December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, & 22-23, 28 and 29.

Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens– 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20001
Season’s Greenings opens on Nov. 22- Jan. 1. 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 10am-5pm, free of charge.

41st Annual Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple– 9900 Stoneybrook Dr 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 Nov.29 and lasts through Jan.1.

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 Glow Zone in addition to dazzling light shows set to music, snow-less tubing, trackless train and ride the carousel! Nov. 23-Jan. 1 (exception: Dec. 24, 25 and 31) 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. 16-Jan.1 (closed Dec. 19-22, 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. 21-Jan. 6 hours and prices vary depending on the day.

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens– 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct Vienna, VA22182
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. 9-Jan. 7 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 2.5 million twinkling lights! This year’s Festival features fun new displays.You won’t want to miss the giant, 54-foot LED musical tree! Nov. 23- Jan. 1 from 5-9:30pm. $10 car/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. 23 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 450 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.

Georgetown Glow–
Experience the sparkle of the season at Georgetown GLOW, the region’s only curated exhibition of outdoor public light art installations. Set against the historic backdrop of DC’s oldest neighborhood, it’s a whole new way to shine. Dec. 1- Jan. 6

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Holiday Tea

Holiday Shows, Ballets and Concerts

Holiday tea for families in Washington, DC

Holidays are a time for creating memories, whether it be continuing a family tradition or beginning new ones. I’ve been lucky enough to go to a few high teas; my favorites was at The Plaza Hotel in New York with my best friend followed by a Holiday Tea at the Willard Intercontinental with family. For those of you looking to take your Bambinos or go without kids here’s a list of some places in our area that you can enjoy tea and crumpets, most with a holiday theme.

holiday-afternoon-teas-with-kids-e3851d8d0bca4c94a854db16b7817976

(Photo: Minitime.com)

Attached to Tysons II with lots of festive décor. Served Friday to Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., as part of the regularly served Afternoon $38 per person. Enjoy the Ritz-Carlton Tea experience with your young ones with a menu especially designed for our guests ages 12 and under.

$16 per person. Selection of Children’s Tea Sandwiches, Sweet Plate-Pastry Chef’s Choice of the Day, Hot Chocolate. To make an Afternoon Tea reservation please call (703) 412-2762.

They offer a Kids Dessert Tea Tour as well as high tea and various other kids events like O’Kids Playdates.

Join in December for Holiday Afternoon Tea, one of The Willard’s most cherished holiday traditions. Seated in the grandeur of Peacock Alley, among the festive decor and elegant sounds of the live harp, guests can enjoy a tantalizing array of festive teas, sandwiches and pastries. Holiday Afternoon Tea is offered daily in December from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., excluding December 24, 25 and 31st. Reservations are required. $65 per adult, $30 for children 5-12 years of age. Children under 5 dine complimentary.

The soothing sounds of local musicians fill the room, as you enjoy Afternoon Tea in the cozy atmosphere of The Shapiro Music Room at Strathmore. They do hold special events around various holidays so check their schedule to plan ahead.

Not holiday specific, however afternoon tea is served on Sundays. Seating is limited, so reservations are encouraged. $28.50 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity. All tea sandwiches and pastries are served family-style. 

Has many tea inspired events you can sign your kids up for. Including but not limited to Little Ladies Afternoon Fairy Tea, Toddler Tea and Tea with Santa Claus.

Enjoy a special dining experience with a variety of dainty tea sandwiches and assorted sweet treats. Several dates for Holiday Tea and Santa events.

Situated within Tyson Corner I mall with access to Santa, an ice skating rink, Pottery Barn Kids, the Disney Store and over-the-top holiday decorations! Great value for the price! See a guest review on an afternoon at Tysons.

Hotels that offer tea service (not necessarily holiday themed)

The Jefferson

The Mayflower

Park Hyatt Washington

The St. Regis

 

Related Posts:
Ice Skating, Holiday Lights and Outdoor Winter Fun

Holiday Shows, Ballets and Concerts

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