Beltway Bambinos

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

DCPS mid-winter break camps

This year District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) has a mid-winter break; February 18-22, 2019. Don’t fret if you didn’t plan to take that exotic vacation or have time to take off work that week. There are a variety of camps you can sign your child up for. 


Breathing Space Yoga: February 18-22

Breathing Space Kids Yoga Camp offers kids ages 4-10 years enriching yoga and mindfulness experiences in a playful, non-competitive environment so they can learn self-regulation and stress management techniques, enhance gross motor skills and fitness, and, most importantly, make friends, relax, and have fun on DCPS days off.

Kids will do yoga movement classes, mindfulness activities, relaxation, games, crafts and outdoor time, while offering a non-competitive and supportive environment where kids can learn to learn to work cooperatively as well as learn to care for and nurture themselves.

Humane Rescue Alliance: February 21 & February 22

In tandem with D.C. Public Schools February mid-winter break, the Humane Rescue Alliance is offering two special days, specifically for students who care about animals. These day- long events will provide opportunities for middle and high school students to spend a day at HRA participating in activities designed especially for them.

Middle School: Day of Dogs: Thursday, February 21
Registration Open

Day-Long Veterinary Medicine Careers Exploration for High School Students: Friday, February 22
Registration Open

All Sports and Basketball with Hoop Ed: February 18-22

All Sports and Games: Boys and Girls will join in playground sports and games in an environment where kids of all skill levels and abilities feel comfortable and included. Games include everything from kickball, soccer, flag football, team handball, and basketball, to capture the flag and old school “kick the can!” Although we always compete to win, the spirit of the game and FUN is at the center of everything they do.

Hoops Basketball: Clinic style class that teaches the rules and skills needed to enjoy the game in a fun, low pressure environment. Students will learn a new skill such as dribbling, passing, shooting, rules of the game, etc. Students will play fun basketball activities as well as exciting instructional scrimmaging. *Skill Development Work based on grade of students.

At various locations: Lafayette Elem, Stoddert Elem, Oyster Elem & Stuart-Hobson Middle.

PPA: Soccer Camp

February 18-22 Camp at Alice Deal MS

Little Loft Art Studio: February 18-22

Come to Little Loft during DCPS’ winter recess. Enjoy a full week of art for kids in preK4 – grade 2. Sibling discount 20%

Next Level: February 18

Day Off of School Camps are for any players that want to take advantage of their time off from school by staying active and having fun! Our All-Stars Academy Coaching Staff will provide both individual and group coaching in an exciting and challenging environment where children will be able to enjoy the game of soccer while learning some new skills. The Camp will focus on playing lots of games, keeping the kids moving and working on the fundamental techniques such as dribbling, turning, trapping and scoring goals. The “Brit-Am World Cup Tournament” will also be played and some of the kids favorites like’ Escape to Victory’, ‘Power & Finesse’ and ‘Swedish Fish’. What better way to spend your day off! Grades Kindergarten – 6

Keegan Theatre: February 18-22

The Children’s Art Studio: February 18-22

Through out the course of the week, students touch upon the fundamentals of drawing, painting, sculpture and printing with fun-filled exercises. Time is devoted to longer-term multi-day projects which will be structured as a direct response to the interests and curiosities of the particular group of children.  Recent examples have included puppets, cardboard creatures, kinetic art and hand made books. Camps are for children five years old and up.

Capitol Language Services: February 18-22

President’s Day only:

AR Workshop Alexandria Family Crafternoon: February 18 3:00pm-5:30pm

Anna Banana Art: February 18 (half-day)

Badlands: February 18 special holiday event only

KID Museum: February 18 (Open 10am-5pm)

My Gym Bethesda: 2.6-10 years old; 1:00pm-4:00pm

My Gym Potomac: 2.6-10 years old; 1:00pm-4:00pm

PPA: Soccer Camp February 18 at Washington Episcopal School 

Koa: Multi-Sport 

Glen Echo Park Aquarium Mini-Camp: Mystery of the Dead Whale (Ages 4-8)

Caring kids special winter events at Humane Rescue Alliance

As we prepare to publish a mid-winter camp guide tomorrow, here is one that is hard to turn down. A special day for middle & high school students at Humane Rescue Alliance. 

In tandem with D.C. Public Schools February mid-winter break, the Humane Rescue Alliance is offering two special days, specifically for students who care about animals. These day-long events will provide opportunities for middle and high school students to spend a day at HRA participating in activities designed especially for them.

They are excited to invite high school students to participate in their first-ever Veterinary Medicine Exploration Day. Area veterinarians will discuss their jobs working with small and exotic animals, emergency medicine, and shelter medicine. Additionally, the doctors will address topics such as preparing for college, applying to veterinary school, and the many career paths that someone with a veterinary degree may take. Bring your questions, concerns, and enthusiasm for exploring an exciting (and competitive) career in veterinary medicine.

The Day of Dogs (and a few cats, too) event provides middle school students with an opportunity to surround themselves with dogs, while learning what they can do to make the world a better place for animals. Fifth, sixth, and seventh graders will meet shelter alumni, partake in a mini-dog training exercise, and watch the popular “dancing dogs” performance. In addition, participants will make toys for shelter animals, create a long list of names to be used for future shelter animals, and explore other ways that they can help HRA help the animals.

Middle School: Day of Dogs- Thursday, February 21
Registration Open

Day-Long Veterinary Medicine Careers Exploration for High School Students- Friday, February 22
Registration Open

Check back in February 2019 for spring break and summer camp offerings at HRA.

Holiday Gift Guide for Families and Children + 5 Days of Giveaways!

Below are our holiday favorites in case you need some inspiration or ideas. Some ideas specific to Washington, DC while others are products or companies you may not be familiar with. There are also plenty of ways to incorporate giving into your holiday which doesn’t include actually giving a gift. Be sure to read through to the end where we explain our 5 days of GIVEAWAYS! 

Books (this is one category I could go on and on and on with, so if you want more suggestions, ask!):

Music

  • Mr. Jon & Friends CD, Rock & Rhyme
    From out of the DC metro area comes unanimous praise for the Parents’ Choice Award® winning kindie band Mr. Jon & Friends, powered for nearly a decade by the husband-and-wife duo of Jon and Carrie Lewis. Now kids and families across the country can tune into the energy, fun, and sweetness of Mr. Jon & Friends’ brand of Raffi-inspired good sounds with the band’s third album, Rock & Rhyme.
  • Marsha & the Positrons CD, Positronic
    Catchy songs about science and how the world works with subtle themes of friendship.
  • Alphabet Rockers debuted a collection of T-shirts which give young change-makers and their parents a chance to wear what they believe. These vibrant shirts were designed by original AlphabetRockersmember Stefanie Liang Chung, and feature song lyrics from their GRAMMY-nominated album, Rise Shine #Woke. 

Sports

Healthy snacks for stocking stuffers

Games

Toys

Class Drop-in Pass

  • Pearachute–Their mission is to inspire children’s curiosity and passion by empowering parents and caregivers through convenience and choice. Making the best kids’ classes and activities available to you at the touch of a button, allowing you to drop-in and explore during times that fit your schedule with the flexibility to accommodate late naps, stuffy noses, and unplanned visits from grandparents. Click link above for a discounted code when signing up.

Subscription Boxes

  • Subscription boxes have become a great way for kids to make memories, create something hands-on and have an experience where all of the necessary materials come delivered to their doorstep.

Memberships

  • Smithsonian National Zoo–Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) helps the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute save species through educational and fun experiences, the power of our members, and funding for critical work. Membership levels vary, but most come with free parking (a $23 value!) as well as carousel ride vouchers.
  • Port Discovery Children’s Museum— The premier children’s museum in the Mid-Atlantic and a place that values learning through play. Not enough space to say how great this museum is; lucky to live so close to it.
  • National Building Museum— Inspires curiosity about the world we design and build. Building Zone & Play, Work Build are permanent while the museum has rotating exhibits and events throughout the year.
  • Politics & Prose— Support one of our local and amazing bookstores!
  • Sign your Bambino and self (or nanny, grandparent) up for a session with Tinkergarten

Theatre tickets

Experiences 

  • Holiday tree lighting and fireworks began on Nov. 10, 2018 and take 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. Use code: SNOW18 for $4 off ICE tickets valid Sunday-Thursday through Dec. 20. 
  • Tidal Basin pedal boating and swan boat tickets
  • Ice skate at various rinks in DC
  • Take your Bambinos and experience holiday tea

Gift of Creativity

Functional 

Giveaway Rules: The giveaways will be posted each day on Instagram and/or Facebook depending on that day’s giveaway- so be sure to check both! You can enter as many giveaways as you want. Directions on how to enter will be on each individual post.

Giveaway Day 1: One copy of Laurie Berkner’s new book, Pillowland

Giveaway Day 2: “Lucky’s Happy Home” Playmobil

Giveaway Day 3: 8 boxes of fruit punch from ReThink Water

Giveaway Day 4: The newest Mr. Jon & Friends CD, Rock & Rhyme

Giveaway Day 5:  4 tickets to ride the Capital Wheel 

There are no affiliate links associated with the Amazon links that are included above. 

Winter camps, classes and groups in and around Washington, DC

2018 Winter Camps:

Dec. 20-Jan. 4: HoopED Sports Camp

Dec. 20-Jan. 2:  CREATE Arts Center

Dec. 24-31: Gymnastics Camp at Silver Stars

Dec. 26-28: School’s Out Day Camp at Adventure Theatre

Dec. 26- Jan. 4: Skate Quest

Dec. 26-28: Badlands Winter Camp

Dec. 26-28: Adventure Theatre Winter Camp

Dec. 26-28: Anna Banana Art Camp

Dec. 26-28: Capitol Language Services

Dec. 27-28: Imagination Stage Winter Camp

Jan. 2-4: Summer in January at Georgetown Day School 

 

Winter Classes:

Adventure Theatre: Musical theatre classes for ages kindergarten-grade 5 can be found here.

Anna Banana Arts & Crafts: Classes for 2-8 year old’s can be found here.

Edlavitch DCJCC:  Classes can be found here.

Homerun Baseball: 2, 8 week sessions throughout winter for boys and girls ages 4-10 & 8-11 can be found here.

Imagination Stage: Theme-based classes for children ages 3.5-grade 12 can be found here.

Just For Kids: Sports classes for ages 1.5-12 years old can be found here.

Montgomery County Recreation Department: You can find The Guide which is full of classes here or you can pick one up at a Montgomery County Library or Recreation Center.

My Gym Bethesda & My Gym Potomac: Winter classes for kids ages 3 months – 10 years old. Specialty classes for sports and tumbling, as well as mommy and me movement classes during the week and weekend. Also offering winter break camps and parent nights out which are themed drop-off programs.  Check out my experience at My Gym!

Silver Stars Gymnastics: Classes for children ages 3.5-15 years old can be found here.

Smithsonian National Zoo: Preschool classes and after school classes for children ages 6-10 throughout the year can be found here.

Super Soccer Stars: 12 months to 12 years old. Classes can be found here.

Tinkergarten: Classes for ages 18 months-8 years old can be found here. Refer to a previous post for more info.

Quick Feet: Soccer for 2-5 year olds in DC, MD and VA. Classes can be found here.

 

**Don’t see what your Bambino may be interested in? Here is a running list of year-round classes and a Dance and Gymnastics list that may be helpful.

 

Mom’s Groups:

Group for first and second time Moms PACE

Returning to work after maternity leave through Mindful Return

8 Week New Mom’s Group at Lemon Tree

DC Parents of Multiples Group at Lemon Tree

Parent-and-me classes and experiences at Petite DC

A school for Toddlers and Parents and Caregivers at Intown Playgroup

Six Week Hook-Up with Mama’s Link

 

Indoor Gym Spaces: th

My Gym Bethesda

BusyBees

Magic Ground

Badlands

Gymboree

Kidville

 

Other helpful posts:

Yoga with your Bambinos

Dance and Gymnastics classes

Year-round classes

Children and family programs at Strathmore

Strathmore has so much to offer to not only adults but for Bambinos of all ages as well. They have summer camp for kids and teens, a fun backyard summer concert series we attend every year, an annual Uke Festival and Bambinos can be a part of the  Strathmore Children’s Chorus or the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra. Below are a few series currently taking place. Here is a full listing of children’s programs at Strathmore so you don’t miss out! Below are a highlight of a few programs currently taking place. 

Children’s Art Talk & Tour

Young art lovers can get behind the brushstrokes and into the head, heart, and history of the artists with these kid-friendly Saturday tours. Children take part in an educational guided tour of the current exhibitions followed by a hands-on art activity. Ages 7 & up. Accompanying adults are free. Reservations required. Program also offered in Spanish- Recorrido de Arte para Niños en Español

Upcoming Dates:

  • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2018, 10:15AM
  • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2019, 10:15AM
  • SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019, 10:15AM
  • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019, 10:15AM
  • SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2019, 10:15AM

Saturday Family Jam Sessions

Junior music aficionados spend Saturday mornings singing, playing, and preparing for a lifetime of music appreciation. Strathmore’s fun, creative, kid-friendly series features renowned jazz singer Rochelle Rice and multi-instrumentalist Seth Kibel.

Recommended for ages 3–8. All sessions take place at 10:15am in the Mansion.

Performances on March 2 and April 13 are sensory-friendly to create an experience that is welcoming to children with autism or sensory sensitivities.

Upcoming Dates:

  • SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2019, 10:15AM
  • SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2019, 10:15AM
  • SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019, 10:15AM
  • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019, 10:15AM
  • SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2019, 10:15AM

Saturday Family Story Sessions

Our popular Saturday Family Jazz Sessions series continues this fall with a new, story-telling twist. Saturday Family Story Sessions is 4 weeks of fun! Local storytellers teach kids how to weave narrative tales, instilling a love of learning with every word. Music, movement, art, and interactive play: it’s all about understanding other people, enjoying different cultures and boosting imagination and creativity. Recommended for ages 3–8.

Everyone needs a ticket! All attendees, including accompanying adults, must have a ticket.

Children 2 years old and under will be admitted for free, but they do require a ticket to help us manage attendance and be sure we don’t go over our maximum allowed capacity. If you plan to bring a child 2 years old or younger to this performance, please call our ticket office to reserve a special free ticket at 301.581.5100.

A night of adventure awaits at the National Archives

Your little ones might not be ready for National Treasure — or even Night at the Museum. But kids ages 8-12 get the chance to get close and personal with some of this country’s most-prized artifacts at the twice-a-year Sleepover at the National Archives. Started in 2014, the Sleepover recently held their latest installment — and we were lucky enough to check it out. Spoiler: The Constitution doesn’t snore — but the Bill of Rights might be a teeth grinder.

Arriving, locals and families from around the country (Washington state, Idaho, Texas, Iowa, Alabama, Florida, New York, Connecticut all were in attendance) lined up eager with anticipation — sporting backpacks and sleeping bags. Upon entry, families were treated to an itinerary of hands-on education (this year’s theme was Native Americans), a scavenger hunt and free time on their own to explore the treasures in the Archives. The night ended with a program in which Martin Sensmeier, the lead actor in the upcoming production Bright Path: the Jim Thorpe Story, addressed participants on how he is preparing to play Jim Thorpe, iconic Native American athlete and Olympic gold medalist.

We had a chat with the executive director of the Archives Foundation, Patrick Madden, to shed some light on the origin and purpose of the event. Madden explained that the Archives has two missions. First, of course, is to protect the documents and artifacts of this country. The second is to make these treasures accessible to the public.

The sleepovers were developed to get the public, and children in particular, a chance to get an un-rushed and immersive experience with the Archives. To get kids thinking beyond “hey, that’s just a document”; they get a chance to understand the stories behind them, learn about the people that wrote them and how they connect to their lives (and government) today.

The highlight(s) of the evenings, according to Madden, are the scavenger hunts, lights out in the rotunda (at 11pm) and pancakes made by the Archivist of the United States, David S. Ferriero himself in the morning.

As you would imagine, these sleepovers sell out — and quickly. But the next installment on Feb 2nd, 2019 (theme is Native Americans again) still has availability. They expect it to be booked up by November, so get on it now — plan your night, your trip. And for those coming from out of town, the price for you and a child will end up costing less than a night in DC hotel.

Other cool things we learned:

  • Kids can write letters to the president at the archives (and did so during the sleepover), and those letters will end up being part of the presidential libraries, which are part of the Archives.
  • There are over 16 billion documents as part of the National Archives.
  • One of the most popular activities at the Archives is genealogy work. Families visit the facilities to take advantage of the documents (and professional help) to trace family history. And there’s even a genealogy camp! You can even visit during the week and there are people who can assist you for free.
  • There are plenty of items beyond the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. One that we thought was cool to hear about was the original patent for Monopoly. Almost exactly the same — but a cannon was once one of the game pieces!
  • The most popular event at the Archives is the July 4th reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Day off camps and activities in and around Washington, DC

Is your child off from school and you don’t know how to keep their mind active, stay sane or be able to go to work?  With a few school off-days and holidays approaching, check these places out before calling a babysitter or taking the day off. Consider asking your child’s friends to join them so they are less likely to complain at the idea. We’ll keep adding to the list as we build it– so please add your suggestions in the comments below! Most of these also host holiday and summer camps. 

Mini Camp at Hoop ED
(Various locations)
Sports overload for girls and boys from 9:00am-3:00pm for $60. After care available. Many locations and dates!

Red Panda Art Studio
(Bethesda, MD)
Extended Workshops for School Days off! 9:00am-12:30pm, option to extend until 2:00pm. Ages 3 to 8. Join us for a full morning of sensory play and art activities related to the day’s theme. Please bring along a nut-free snack and lunch— and something to drink!

The St. James Ultimate Sports Camp
(Springfield, VA)
Campers will get to experience all the St. James has to offer, from basketball and rock climbing to ice skating and splashing at their Waterpark. Camp is from 9:00am-4:00pm.

The Children’s Art Studio:
(NW Washington)
Workshops meet from 9:00am-2:00pm.  Workshops are for children 5 years old an up.

Little Loft Art
(Takoma Park, MD)
Come to Little Loft on school days off! Full day camps for children in grades K-3, 9:00-3:30. Aftercare available until 6:00 where noted.

Capitol Language Services
(Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church: 4900 Connecticut Ave NW, Wahington, DC 20008)
Camps during DC Public School Closing, Holidays and Federal Holidays – Sign up for the whole year and pay a non-refundable fee of $870 instead of $960. – Or sign up only for the camps you need.

DC Way Soccer
(Tyler Elementary School: 1001 G St SE, Washington, DC 20003)
At DC Way camps, the philosophy is that players learn best when they are having fun. They use simple and engaging games to challenge players and teach them essential skills. The program is for anyone at any level. Even without ever playing before, they guarantee your child will enjoy our camp. They create a soccer-related environment with lots of exciting and challenging activities to ensure falling in love with soccer and sports in general. Focusing on speed, footwork, 1v1 moves, creativity, vision, confidence.

Meet the Instrument No School Day Camp at National Conservancy of Arts
(NW & SW Locations)
Give your child a full day of fun on their out of school day! This camp is active and full of challenges with music lessons, music classes, music games, and art class. This camp will welcome a guest musician, who will introduce the cello. Hands-on experiences and opportunities to sing familiar songs with each instrument are a part of the curriculum, and children begin to develop an awareness of the distinctions among instrument families. Music exploration focus on repertoire that highlights each instrument’s unique qualities, supported by group singing, movement activities and, when developmentally appropriate, an introduction to notation. Camp starts at 9 am with watercolor painting, and then musical yoga. At noon we have cheese pizza or hot dogs for lunch and recess at 12:30 pm. Morning and afternoon snacks included.  9am – 3:30pm– before and after care available

Dulles Sportsplex
(21610 Atlantic Blvd., Sterling, VA 20166)
Bring your child to the Dulles Sportsplex for a day of fun when kids have off from school. If your child is between 6-12 and enjoys sports or wants to try new sports, this is the place for them. Your child will have fun, learning and playing sports. A few sports they may try are flag football, soccer, wiffleball, volleyball, basketball, kickball, team handball and others. Costs include lunch-  $45 (Full day: 9am-2pm) and $65 (Extended day: 8am-6pm)

The Player Progression Academy Camps
(Location depends on type of camp)
PPA Soccer and Hoops camps offer a great opportunity for players to continue their development and enjoy the quality coaching and environment during the summer and other school holidays that PPA offers throughout the year.

Arlington Parks and Rec Camp
(Location depends on type of camp)
Kids in grades K-5th will enjoy a variety of engaging activities including cooperative games, sports, nature fun & creative arts! Participants will choose from structured leisure activities during extended hours. Participants must bring a lunch and snacks. Various camps to choose from.

Valley Mill
(15101 Seneca Rd, Darnestown, MD 20874)
Weather permitting, we’ll do our usual fun activities at camp: kayaking and canoeing, archery & air rifle, rock climbing, group games,  playing in the creek, and hikes. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll check out some indoor adventures. Tuition per day for Holiday Camp including transportation: $100 for ages 5-14. Transportation will be from pick up points in nearby Montgomery County and DC.

Calleva
(13015 Riley’s Lock Rd. Poolesville, MD. 20837)
Calleva’s Maryland camps are all of your old favorites including, Cubs, Explorers, EXPX, Adventure camp, Leaders In Training, and High Adventures. All of these camps are based out of our Riley’s Lock campus on the Potomac River. Transportation is provided for free, and buses pick up from many Maryland and D.C. locations, as well as one stop in Mclean, VA.

Urban Adventure Squad (UAS)
(Location depends on day)
Each adventure day has a unique curriculum that is aimed at engaging Squad members at their own levels. UAS researches and plans their programs very carefully to make sure that Squad members stay physically active, intellectually stimulated, and engaged with community. Squad members hike in snowy woods, meet people with amazing jobs (folk singers, chefs, environmental educators, local composers), harvest lunch from urban gardens, visit former presidents’ homes, go on scavenger hunts, create art and music masterpieces, lead service projects, and so much more!The programs run 8:45am-4:00pm each day and offer easy, drive-up pickup and drop-off. The cost is $70 per day, and all siblings are $50 per day. Cost includes snacks and transportation (Bus/Metro).

DC Department of Parks and Recreation offer Fun Day
(Various locations)
A single-day program offering fun and enriching activities (such as sports activities, arts & crafts, and more) for children ages 6 – 12 years old from 9:00am-5:00pm.  DPR strives to meet the needs of District families when the District’s public schools have planned closures. 12 DPR sites will hold Fun Day. Online pre-registration is required however there is no fee or application.

Round House Theatre
(925 Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910)
A full day of theatrical fun for grades K – 5 at the Round House Theatre Education Center when Montgomery County Public Schools are closed. Round House Education invites students to collaborate with their peers to create an original play in just one day! Each “Day Off!” features a new and exciting story genre to explore as well as a unique specialty skill. Specialties will include dance, music, puppetry, movement, or unique disciplines in the performing arts. 9:00am-5:30pm for $75.

Silver Stars Gymnastics
(2701 Pittman Drive Silver Spring, Maryland 20910)
(Also locations in Bowie, MD)
Gymnastics camp is appropriate for the beginner, intermediate and advanced gymnast. Your child will be able to build an athletic foundation for all sports through the strength, flexibility and coordination that only the challenge of gymnastics can offer.  Full Day: 8:30am-4:30pm, $65.00; Half Day: 9:00am-12:00pm, $50.00; Before and after care available.

Adventure Theatre School’s Out Day Camp
(7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD)
Send your kids to come play with Adventure Theatre MTC and put your hours in at the office worry free – your kids will thank you (and so will your boss)! Kids in Grades K-5 are invited to come play from 8:50am-4:00pm. A full day of theatrical activities including a showing of a performance on their main stage.

Not your typical kid gym

Need a place to escape the heat (or cold in the winter) and head indoors? Here are a couple of places that are sure to make your child happy and get some exercise when it’s too hot to be outside in the afternoon (or too cold in the winter). Most of these unique spaces offer camps, classes and birthday parties in addition to providing a space for your Bambinos to move. 

(Photo: Badlands)
Badlands Playspace– 5200 Randolph Rd. Rockville, MD 20852
Read about our fun there!

Scramble Indoor Play– 5412 Eisenhower Ave Alexandria, VA 22304
Scramble is the first European-style play center in Alexandria. Scramble offers incredible indoor play every day of the week, birthday parties Fri-Sun and a full program of summer camps for Elementary-age children this summer.

Elemeno– 709 8th St SE Washington, DC 20003
Formerly known as SkillZone. Parent coworking, SkillZone indoor play, early childhood STEM, family social events, kid-free time & private parties.

Magic Ground– 3100 14th St Northwest 3rd Level Washington, DC
See original review here.

Laugh Out Loud Stations Mega Fun Center– 6250 Greenbelt Rd. Greenbelt, MD 20770
CRAZY FUN Rides and AMAZING attractions all in one place to develop LOL Stations as the Best Indoor Theme Park and Birthday Party Place in the Washington metropolitan area, where the entire family can play together!! LaserTag, Challenge Course, Tumbler, Bumper Cars, Ball Blaster, Bouncers, 4-Level Playground, Himalaya, and much more!! Purchase a package or pay for single games.

Hyper Kidz!- 9309 Snowden River Parkway Columbia, MD 21046
Themed zones for kids ages 0-13. Other attractions include an interactive LED dance floor, laser light show, interactive screen games, bubble machine, glow-in-the-dark play, a concession stand, souvenir stand, and giant lite brite boards. Hyper Kidz encourages healthy and active social play.

(Photo: Nook)
Nook–  Nook Mosaic:Coming Summer 2018 & Nook Ballston Quarter:Coming Fall 2018
Nook is a play and learning space for the young, modern family. Not just a children’s play space, Nook is a blended play, work, and learning experience for the entire family.

Climb Zone-13200 Mid Atlantic Boulevard Suite 130 Laurel, MD 20708
Indoor rock climbing with individual walls, each with a theme. There are a few bounce houses, an area for kids 3 and under to play in, video games and a small cafe. Ages 2-5 are $12, 6 years and older $25. You can stay as long as you’d like. Outside food is permitted. You can have a birthday party here too. Put your harness on and climb aboard your favorite art whether it be Mt. Rushmore or the Alice in Wonderland themed wall, you’ll have a great time.

ZAVAZONE– 45685 Oakbrook Ct #110, Sterling, VA 20166 & 40 Southlawn Court Rockville, MD 20850
ZAVAZONE is an Indoor Adventure Park: a unique space dedicated to active fun for people from ages 5 to 105.  ZAVAZONE brings together ninja courses, ropes courses, trampolines, climbing challenges, zip lines, and more under ONE soaring roof.  It delivers a heart-pumping multi-action experience like no other.  Every visit to ZAVAZONE grants access to ALL of these exhilarating challenges, so you’re always free to create your very own active adventure. The state-of-the-art equipment is overseen by highly trained ZAVAZONE coaches who ensure safety while inspiring guests to make the leap or try a bold new move. All ZAVAZONE activities are included with admission.

Animated Child– 5167 Waterway Drive Montclair, VA 22025
Animated Child is an innovative enrichment center that encourages a child’s natural curiosity, independence and creativity. We engage children in every element of intelligence to highlight their unique way of learning. By exploring in which way a child is smart versus how smart they are, children are empowered to recognize ability within themselves. Great for ages 2-12. Open exploration times, enrichment classes, summer camps and birthday parties are available.

Sprout at Saffron – 3260 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201
The ultimate new business concept that combines your productivity (coworking), relaxation, fitness or yoga with your kids playing and learning.  Moms, dads and caregivers can catch up on work or relax in the cafe, take a fitness or yoga class while your kids are taken care of in a holistic and educational environment.  Classes vary from supervised open gym, music, ballerina classes and more! Classes are also offered for kids or adults.

Busy Bees– 11 Wisconsin Circle Bethesda, MD & 6110 D Arlington Blvd. Falls Church, VA 22044
An indoor play space where everything moves, spins or flies just for kids under 48″. $15 (or a pass) will get your kiddos inside, come and go as you please. Open 9-5 everyday. Complimentary coffee, tea and wifi. They also through amazing birthday parties.

Don’t forget these indoor spaces as well:

My Gym–5110 Ridgefield Rd, Bethesda, MD 20816
Kidville– 4825 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Gymboree– Various Locations

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