Beltway Bambinos

So we hear rain is coming back. Because we all missed it, right?! Welp, enjoy the sunshine today and then again on Sunday. Visit our Indoor Fun guide and Theatre Roundup if you want to try out a new spot or see a great show. If you have an urge to go shopping for your Bambinos (and Moms-to-be) and save money while doing-so, be sure you read about some consignment stores I shared with local photographer and Mom, Stefanie Harrington’s readers.

Washington, DC BioBlitz takes place Friday and Saturday. Teams of scientists, students, teachers, and the general public will join in a two-day race to discover and document the flora and fauna in the region’s national parks. During BioBlitz, participants will be able to discover the parks among the monuments and tourist attractions in the Nation’s capital. 

Friday-

4:00pm-9:00pm: Turk Valley Preakness Celebration Hot Air Balloon Festival
(2700 Turf Valley Rd. Ellicott City, MD 21042)
Walk Thru Balloons: $3 per person, Balloon Glows (Dusk on Thursday & Friday), Tethered Rides – $20 per adult, $10 per child under 12, Balloon Flights Available $225 per person (register online), Children’s Crafts & Activities
and Food & Drink Vendors. 8:30-8:50pm- Watch as the balloons magically light up to choreographed music, with 25 hot air balloons!

Saturday-

10:00am (doors open) 10:30am (show begins): Jammin with the Smithsonian: The Pop Ups at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
A collaboration between Brooklyn musicians Jason Rabinowitz and Jacob Stein, The Pop Ups have been setting the standard for children’s music since 2010. Tickets are $10.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Featured story: There Was An Old Pirate Who Swallowed a Fish.

11:00am: Family Jazz Session at Strathmore
Junior jazz aficionados can spend Saturday mornings singing, playing, and preparing for a lifetime of jazz appreciation. Our fun, creative, kid-friendly series features classes with renowned jazz singer Rochelle Rice. All attendees, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Accompanying adults must also have a ticket.

11:00am-3:00pm: Inova Children’s Hospital Community Day 2016
(3300 Gallows Road Falls Church, VA 22042)
Join Inova for a celebration of the new, expanded Inova Children’s Hospital. Indoor video games, rock walls, inflatables, face painting, magician, bicycle rodeo, helmet clinic (bring your bike helmet for a free fitting) and appearances from the Washington Nationals Racing Presidents and Screech the Eagle There will be a large tent and indoor activities planned in case of rain.

11:00am-4:00pm: Monkey Joe’s Grand Opening
(13032 Middlebrook Rd. Germantown, MD. 20874)
Mad Science Camp Demonstrations, Kicks Karate demos, balloon animals, face painting and more.

4:30pm-5:15pm: Tots & Tykes Yoga Class at Lemon Tree Playgroup
(2100 New Hampshire Ave NW)
Tots & Tykes Yoga classes are designed to introduce body awareness and movement concepts to children from crawlers through age 4 using songs, rhymes, and games. Children learn basic poses and simple breathing techniques through creative play. Caregivers are required to attend and encouraged to participate. No yoga mat or experience is required. Registration for the class is $16.

Sunday-

10:00am-10:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session you leave with a completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Story is The Cat in the Hat

1:00pm, 3:00pm AND 4:30pm: The Mount Pleasant Children’s Puppet Hour at BloomBars
(3222 11th St NW 20010)
Definitely a show you don’t want to miss! The shows are aimed at kids roughly 2 – 9 years old. Tickets are $8 per person – plus a $1 fee to Brown Paper Tickets. You must buy tickets ahead of time – we do not plan to take payment at the door.

1:00pm-2:00pm: Reading & Signing with Sara Pascoe at Upshur Books
(827 Upshur St NW, Washington, DC 20011)
Hear about Oswald, the Almost Famous Opossum (chapter book geared towards 7-9 year olds) as Pascoe reads and signs her newest book.