Don’t fret if you didn’t get tickets to the White House this year. Whether it be a festival, farm or egg hunt (we’ve left brunch for you to figure out!) your child will have a blast and maybe even get to experience more than one of these events. Options begin March 12 and run through Easter. Happy hunting!
Spring Break Camp Guide 2017
If you aren’t hopping on a plane this Spring Break to relax by the waves or shred on a mountain, get those little ones in a fun camp. In addition to the list, check local Parks and Recreation websites as most of them have Spring Break Camps.
Maryland:
Road Trip with L’Academie de Cusine- April 10-13, 2017
(5021 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814)
Looking for something new to do during Spring Break? Join us for a four day camp designed to take you on a culinary tour of the US. Each day will focus on a different region. Chef Sherri brings the fun of Summer Camp, just a few months earlier. Camp is from 9:00am-12:00pm and open to kids and teens aged 9-14 years old.
Baking with L’Academie de Cusine- April 10-13, 2017
(5021 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814)
Looking for something new to do during Spring Break? Join us for a four day baking boot camp. Each day will focus on a aspect of baking and you will make many sweet treats. Chef Sherri brings the fun of Summer Camp, just a few months earlier. Camp is from 1:30pm-4:30pm and open to kids and teens aged 9-14 years old.
Basketball Camp with Skills and Scrimmages– April 10-13, 2017
(Pyle Middle School- 6311 Wilson Ln. Bethesda, MD 20817)
This outstanding skills and development camp is focused on fundamentals, sportsmanship, teamwork, equal play and fun is presented by Former Delaware State University Standout Sheridan Price and other former Division 1 basketball players. Boys and Girls will develop their skills with top notch instruction, drills, and scrimmages. For Grades 1st-8th.
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President’s Day Weekend Picks 2017
Celebrate George Washington’s birthday this weekend with special activities at Mount Vernon! Honor President George Washington on Presidents Day by attending Mount Vernon’s events for FREE on February 20 and 22 (his actual birthday) or pay admission any other day, children under 5 are free! Story time, character performances, card making, birthday cake and more. See schedule online.
Disney on Ice: Dream Big is at Verizon Center from February 15-20, 2017
Saturday-
9:30am AND 10:30am: Mr. Gabe will be performing at Little Loft
(7007 Carroll Ave Takoma Park, MD)
Saturday Morning Family Jam $6/ticket (since this is a show for ages 0-5, ALL attendees must have a ticket)
9:30 am: Purchase tickets here 10:30 am: Purchase tickets here
10:00am: Avalon Theatre plays Babe
(5612 Connecticut Ave NW)
A young pig fights convention to become a sheep dog — or, rather, sheep pig — in this charming Australian family film that became an unexpected international success in 1995. Confused and sad after being separated from his family and sent to a strange farm, the piglet Babe is adopted by a friendly dog and slowly adjusts to his new home. Discovering that the fate of most pigs is the dinner table, Babe devotes himself to becoming a useful member of the farm by trying to learn how to herd sheep.
10:00am-4:30pm: Discover Engineering Family Day at The National Building Museum
(401 F Street NW Washington, D.C. 20001)
Kick off National Engineers Week with a fun-filled day at the Museum. Drop in to meet real engineers and to test out your ideas with over 20 hands-on engineering activities. You can launch rockets, meet an astronaut, make slime, pop popcorn, and more. Register online. This event is free.
10:00am: First Studio at The Kreeger Museum
(2401 Foxhall Road, NW Washington D.C. 20007)
Children are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, a story and a hands-on art-making experience. Adult companion required and art-making attire recommended. $10 register online. To get a glimpse into the program see my review here.
10:00am: Jason Didner & The Jungle Gym at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Jason and Amy’s performance for kids and their grown-ups is more interactive than ever! Act out the parts of a fire engine, shake an egg shaker, twirl a colorful dance ribbon, and catch the rock-n-roll spirit. This is a musical experience for the whole family to cherish together. Tickets are $8
10:30am: 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: Five Little Monkeys
11:00am: The Saturday Family Jazz Sessions at Strathmore’s Mansion
Junior jazz aficionados spend Saturday mornings singing, playing, and preparing for a lifetime of music appreciation. Strathmore’s fun, creative, kid-friendly series features world music percussionist Tom Teasley, renowned jazz singer Rochelle Rice, and multi-instrumentalist Seth Kibel. Recommended for ages 3–8. All sessions take place Saturdays at 11am in the Mansion. All attendees, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults must also have a ticket. $10 for each session in advance, $12 at the door.
2:30pm: ComedySportz at DC Improv
(1140 Connecticut Ave NW)
A Saturday afternoon improv comedy show for kids as young as first grade. ComedySportz is a comedy troupe that specializes in short-form improv games. This show features child-sized versions of those games, hosted by a Kids Coach. Younger kids enjoy being able to shout out during a show, and older kids (even teenagers) enjoy being given the chance to go crazy onstage. Doors open at 2:00, the show starts at 2:30, and it lasts around 60 minutes. Admission is $10 per person.
Sunday-
11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Fun-Day 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 special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. Activities in Sunday Fun-Day are most appropriate to 3-5 year-olds but 1-2 year-old siblings and friends are also welcome! Featured story: This is Not My Hat
Monday-
9:30am: Harambe at BloomBars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.
9:30am-11:00am: Rise + Rhyme at Busboys & Poets
(5331 Baltimore Avenue Hyattsville, MD 20781) AND (235 Carroll St NW Washington, DC 20012)
A Busboys and Poets in-house series! Rise + Rhyme is a weekly morning storytelling and performance series for children ages 5 and under, stay-at-home parents, and early rising families of all kinds.
10:00am-12:00pm: Open Studio at Little Loft
(7007 Carroll Ave Takoma Park, MD)
Join us for some pop art presidents, as well as our usual assortment of tactile play stations – rice table, sand table, play dough. For kids ages 2-8 for this school day off. Adult caregiver must be present. No pre-registration necessary, just drop in! $12/child at the door (half price per additional child)
10:30am: Rocknoceros at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
As every family with youngsters in the Washington, DC area knows, Rocknoceros is three guys: Coach, Williebob, and Boogie Bennie. They have been making award-winning music together since 2005 and are celebrating their 10th year together with a brand new album. Tickets $5.
1:00pm-3:00pm: George Washington Birthday Parade in Alexandria
It winds through a one-mile route along the historic streets of Old Town on President’s Day. It is the oldest and largest, thanks to thousands of participants.
4:30pm: Rainbow Rock Band at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub
(2300 Mt Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22301)
Our family loves this coffee pub and it’s sweet treats of course but an added bonus to hear live music.
GIVEAWAY: Whole Foods Market Family Friendly Valentine’s Day Dinner
I am at Whole Foods Market shopping at least twice a week. So when I was asked to do a fun promo for Valentine’s Day, I jumped at the opportunity. After all, our family devours their fresh produce, organic dairy and meats and bulk items, so another trip was more than welcome. For the promo, the mission was to create a family-friendly Valentine’s Day dinner for my husband and two children. Mission accomplished!
Valentine’s Day is not complete without a bouquet of roses. Whole Foods Market has a holiday special “Double Dozen Premium Roses” for $24.99. I love roses — so having a dozen roses in the dining room and another dozen roses in my bedroom is extra special. Spread the word to the husbands, wives, partners, kids….everyone! It really is a great deal and they have other denominations and colors to choose from.
My family loves surf and turf but I will only splurge when it’s a special occasion…and a Valentine’s celebration certainly qualifies. I went on Pinterest to find a cute Valentine’s way to present the meal and decided on cutting up a variety of fruit and form them into the shape of a heart as well as connecting two shrimp in the shape of a heart and placing on top of the steak. The kids got a kick out of making the shrimp into hearts (as you can see below) and occasionally they took a break to dip the (already cooked) shrimp in the 365 brand Cocktail Sauce. I served the surf and turf with Sweet Potato Puffs and Super Sweet Bicolor Corn which was loved by all.
After dinner, came the big surprise for the kids, a box of Lake Champlain assorted chocolates. My kindergartener read all of the flavors on the back of the box to us and we chose our favorite to eat. Let’s just say they are not picky.
In summary, using Whole Food Market’s 365 products as well as foods made in-house, I prepared a memorable Valentine’s Day meal that was fun and enjoyable for the whole family.
Giveaway: “Like and Comment” on Beltway Bambino’s Facebook page to enter to win a $50 gift card for your Valentine’s Day shopping! An extra entry for commenting below on this blog post, however you MUST comment on Facebook to be entered. One random winner will be announced February 13, 2017.
Did you know you can do your Valentine’s Day shopping online if you can’t get out of the house? Check out the latest Whole Foods Market flier below for Valentine’s Day specials:
Your guide to Valentine’s Day chocolate
Valentine’s Day for me is just another excuse to shove even more chocolate in my mouth than I did the day before. It also means the quality is probably better than my typical 3:00pm pick-me up from the hidden Halloween stash that my child doesn’t know exists. There are plenty of delicious places for you to shop this Valentine’s Day for yourself, your love or your Bambinos that don’t include the heart shaped milk chocolate box from CVS. These are worth the trip, guaranteed.
Fleurir Chocolates: 724 Jefferson Street Alexandria, VA 22314
Hand made artisan chocolates that are works of art made of high-quality, natural ingredients in small batches.
Artisan Confections: 1025 N. Fillmore Street, Arlington, Va. 22201 and 2910 District Avenue, 
Fairfax, Va. 22031
Jason Andelman’s recipes creatively blend high-quality ingredients that subtly enhance the star of the show – Valrhona chocolate – considered the best in the industry. The result is a collection of smooth and creamy confections that look as stunning as they taste..
Co Co. Sala: 929 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004
Washington DC’s luxurious chocolate boutique lounge and restaurant, crafting signature cocktails and serving delicious savory and sweet meals.
Chocolate Chocolate: 1130 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20036
D.C.’s first independent chocolate shop, in 1984 serving chocolate from around the world.
Periwinkle: 3815 Livingston St NW, Washington DC 20015
In the back of this fabulous boutique shop you’ll find a display case full of fine local chocolates. Many are from Chocolaterie Wanders and Zoe’s.
Godiva: 1143 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 and many other locations
Hand dipped strawberries, truffles for miles and drinks made to order. You can become a Rewards member for free and receive a free truffle each month.
Balduccis: Locations in Bethesda, Alexandria and McLean
This is a premiere destination for many things such as meats and cheeses, the section of chocolates and confections is very impressive.
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 2017 around Washington, DC
Do your children know why they are off school on Monday? Here are some events and opportunities you can share with your child to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” There are plenty of places open and needing assistance on Monday to serve those less fortunate and other places open to remember King.
In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. Make an impact on your community.
Washington, DC:
Martin Luther King Jr., Parade- Monday, January 16, 2017, 10:00am
(2500 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE)
Nick Cannon will once again lead the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Peace Walk held annually on the federal MLK holiday. The Peace Walk is coordinated by the Coalition for Peace, a group of individuals and non-profits dedicated to peace and positivity for the DMV’s youth.
“It Takes a Village” Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Project Monday, January 16, 2017- This year there are opportunities for participants to either serve off-campus in direct service projects or engage on-campus through workshops and mobile service projects.
Let Freedom Ring! – Monday, January 16, 2017 at 6:00pm– The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the free, ticketed musical tribute Let Freedom Ring!The annual program, part of the free daily performance series on the Millennium Stage, features Grammy Award winner Gladys Knight and the Let Freedom Ring Choir led by Music Director Rev. Nolan Williams Jr.
Visit the Martin Luther King Memorial– This weekend is a great time to visit the Memorial. National Park Service Rangers discuss King’s role in the Civil Rights movement daily. The National Park Service will host a wreathlaying service on January 19, 2015, 8:00am-9:00am. in observance of the birthday-anniversary for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Join Rock Creek Conservancy on Saturday, January 14th and Monday, January 16th in honor of the 2017 MLK Day of Service. There are volunteer events in your neighborhood as well as other locations throughout Washington, DC, and Montgomery County, MD.
Maryland:
Monday, January 16 at 3:30pm Dr. MLK Jr Tribute & Celebration at Strathmore
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Tribute & Celebration is a multi-cultural program that engages diverse, talented performers and award honorees who serve their communities unselfishly. Approximately 2,000 young people, including county officials and local press, participate in this commemoration in the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Limit four tickets per household.
I Have A Dream Weekend Celebration at Port Discovery Children’s Museum taking place from 10:00am-4:00pm Saturday, Sunday & Monday. Community comes to life over the three-day “I Have a Dream” weekend! Join the Museum to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Montgomery County MLK Day of Service 2017 is a great family friendly event and one in which MCPS students can earn SSL hours. This annual event, organized by the Montgomery County Volunteer Center and our many partner agencies, will feature a wide variety of coordinated family-friendly service projects at locations across the county, providing residents of all ages with ways to help our community. Projects will include everything from packaging food for the hungry and making dog toys for animal shelter to creating blankets for hospice and crafting appreciation cards for military troops.
Guest Post: ZooLights and more fun at the National Zoo
I love that I have friends who have busy lives; juggling work and a family (and so much more) but still find the time to help me out. Thanks to my friend Patricia for her review and recommendation on all that the Smithsonian National Zoo has to offer for families as well as a date night option.
Patricia Masi works as Director for Edible DC and has two beautiful children whom she takes on lots of fun adventures in the DMV area. You can find her other Guest Post here.
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. A free event, 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: enjoy dozens of large, glowing animal lanterns and stroll through thousands of reflecting lights as part of the interactive — and highly Instagrammable — art exhibit called “Entre Les Rangs.” Member week takes place Dec. 1 through Dec. 8. During Member Week, FONZ members will have benefits to take advantage of.
The Smithsonian National Zoo can do no wrong with my family. I have two daughters ages two and four and we visit the zoo year round. From the pandas to the zebras and everything in between there is something there for everyone. While we come year round it is the special events that we never miss!
Just a few weeks ago we attended Boo at the Zoo and the kids had a blast! While there weren’t a ton of animals to see you still felt their presence. Kids were able to trick-or-treat in costume, enjoy the festive decorations, listen to music and watch a juggler work his magic. Tickets are not free of course but the entertainment and memories alone are worth the price of admission. We look forward to going back every year!
One last thing I will mention- if you love the Zoo and want a fun date night, check-out ZooFari; a fundraiser you can really sink your teeth into. With more than 100 of the area’s top restaurants it will be a delicious evening of gourmet food, fine wines, and celebrity chefs all in the wild setting of the National Zoo.
Holiday tea in and around Washington, DC
Check out our updated post for Holiday Tea in 2018!
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. My daughter is still too young to go to a holiday tea; we’ve got a few more years. 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 some tea and crumpets.
(Photo: Minitime.com)
- Peter Rabbit Tea at the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner
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 $36 per Person (for our guests under age 12)
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 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. throughout December, excluding December 1, 2, 3, 24, 25 and 31st. Reservations are required. $52 per adult, $22 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.
- Ritz Carlton Pentagon City Teddy Bear Children’s Tea
Saturday & Sunday afternoons they have an expansive tea service but also have a “Teddy Bear Tea” which is $16 per person, Selection of Children’s Tea Sandwiches, Sweet Plate-Pastry Chef’s Choice of the Day and Hot Chocolate.
Not holiday specific, however afternoon tea is served on Sundays. Seating is limited, so reservations are encouraged.
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.
Every Saturday afternoon in December: $38 per child 4 to 12 years of age, children under 4 years of age dine for free. See menu online
Hotels that offer tea service (not necessarily holiday themed)