Beltway Bambinos

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

Top 11: Bambinos in AU Park

American University Park is a neighborhood in NW  DC. AU Park consists almost entirely of single-family homes and therefore has a community feel with hidden gems throughout the family-friendly neighborhood perfect for bringing the little ones. The area connects to Tenleytown which has some perfect places that warrant their own neighborhood guide {coming soon}.

Perfect playgrounds–
Friendship Recreation Center at Turtle Park and St. Columba’s School playground

Turtle Park is a newly renovated playground that has 2 sections; 1 for the younger kids that is fenced in with a large sand area and age appropriate structures and another that is open with higher climbing structures. A sprinkler that comes on in the summer, indoor facilities, basketball and tennis courts as well as 4 baseball fields. There are picnic benches and shaded areas to cool off at.

St. Columba’s School playground is connected to the Nursery School but they allow visitors to play when school is not in session. The playground has wood chips and many wood play structures. Lots of room to run around, tire swings and regular swings are sure to keep your kids smiling.

Sled and play at Fort Bayard playground.

Wagshals is a “family of fine foods since 1925” shop offering made-to-order sandwiches and makes for a perfect place to fill up a picnic basket at.

Coffee and a pastry anyone?
Le Pain Quotidien and Compass Coffee

LPQ as we call it at our house because we can’t pronounce it properly, is a great place to grab a breakfast treat, coffee or stay for brunch.

Compass Coffee has opened yet another awesome location with a children’s nook and happens to be nestled in between LPQ & Starbucks, so there is no shortage of caffeine in Spring Valley!

Best places to eat {outside}–
Millie’s & Pizzeria Paradiso

Millie’s is brought to you by the owners of Surfside & Jetties. After dinner (or skip dinner) walk up to the outdoor ice-cream stand (attached to the take-out hut) and grab delicious scoops and toppings.

Pizzeria Paradiso will satisfy everyone. Head to the back of the restaurant and test your luck at some video games while you wait for your food. Sit outside when it’s nice and your kiddos can play on the colorful rocking chairs and chalk.

Workout-
Barre 3 offers Play Lounge which welcomes Bambinos 18 years and under. It’s easy to fit exercise into your life when you can bring the kids!

Technically not AU Park but close enough-  
Sullivan’s Toy Store

Sullivan’s Toy Store is D.C.’s oldest operating toy store; it has been around since 1954, owned by the Sullivan family. It’s the favorite local place to get birthday gifts or to just browse the shelves for the newest craze.

Theatre–
Support AU and checkout the schedule for the Katzen Arts Center

Which breweries in the DC area are fit for families?

Updated post on family friendly breweries can be found here.

Dirt FarmBrewing

If we aren’t at the beach and the pool isn’t an option, I will always opt to hang at a brewery with friends. If the brewery features an outdoor space and a selection games and activities, we can bring along our kiddos– which makes for a perfect day. Be sure to check the websites for hours as many breweries are closed a few days of the week and open all weekend. An alternative to taking the entire family to enjoy a brew– you can plan a great day date or overnight with adults and check out this Countryside Bike Tour published by Edible DC where you bike, drink and eat along the Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) and the Rock Creek Trail. Take a look at the impressive variety of breweries that seem to keep popping up in the DC area. No matter where you are, you can usually find one a short drive away. Let us know if you have any you’d add to this list perfect for families.

Washington, DC:
Admittedly we LOVE almost all of the beer from breweries in DC however the spaces aren’t particularly well suited for families. Has that always stopped us, of course not — but if you’re looking for wide open outdoor space for your kids to frolic, best to head out of the city.

Wunder Garten Beer Garden– NE, DC
Lawn games, a children’s play area and many outdoor tables with live music on Sundays and many weekly events. They serve food and even have a kids menu. They make an effort to incorporate kids into their event programming.

Right Proper Brewing Company– Shaw & Brookland
With a small outdoor area, kids can keep themselves busy for a bit but take some games for more entertainment.

Bluejacket– SE, DC
Perfect place to go before or after a Nats game. A huge space with outdoor seating but comes across as more of a restaurant. When bringing kids, we’d suggest hanging outside or getting a table inside.

Bardo Beer– SE, DC
The strangest setup but one of the most inventive. Situated between Nats Park and the water. You can enter from Riverwalk or Potomac Ave/S Capitol St SE. Perfect for pre-game or post-game hangout. TONS of seating and fun outdoor games, right next to the river!

Other breweries that aren’t particularly kid friendly but great for dates:
Hellbender Brewing Company
Dacha Beer Garden
3 StarsBrewing Co
Atlas Brew Works
DC Brau

Maryland:

7 Locks Brewing


7 Locks Brewing– Rockville, MD
It’s a party here on weekends with corn hole, shuffle board, various games, live music on Saturday evenings and food trucks at this all indoor brewery. You can bring in food if you aren’t interested in the food truck choice.

The Brookeville Beer Farm– Brookeville, MD
A perfect brewery to bring a blanket and relax on the lawn. They have live music and food trucks on Friday & Saturdays with a kitchen open whenever they are open.

Denizens– Silver Spring, MD
A very cool spot in Silver Spring perfect for an evening sip with good food, great service, cornhole all in a lovely outdoor space. If you’re in NW or Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, this is one of the most convenient.

Waredaca Brewing Company– Laytonsville, MD
Various food trucks on site at-least one day during the weekend. Be sure to check back in the Fall as they will be offering trail rides where you will be escorted on a ride on the 230 acre farm and then enjoy a flight of beers from the on-farm brewery.

Peabody Heights Brewery– Baltimore, MD
They offer kids books, toys are available and they host many first birthdays at the brewery (genius idea in my opinion).

Virginia:
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery– Leesburg, VA
In addition to the great beer, they have various events, including a Kids Night! Adult activities include yoga every Saturday morning and bingo and trivia throughout the week. Another great place to spread out a blanket and play games. They have corn hole and other outdoor games to play along with a playground. Live music on the weekends with a food truck and sometimes they have face painters for kids! A reader recommends to visit Temple Hall Farm while you are out that way; a working farm open free to the public.

Solace Brewing Company– Dulles, VA
A large indoor space, perfect for a rainy day with lots of tables, bring cards or games. It has a large and picturesque tasting room that is family-friendly, an outdoor area for pets, and is open all week. Trivia Thursdays and various food trucks throughout the week the kids can order from.

Dirt Farm Brewing– Bluemont, VA
Right up the hill from Great Country Farm with the most AMAZING views. Hang with the kids picking fruit at GCF and then head up the mountain to relax on the great lawn and play some games while you imbibe. They have a kitchen that serves a rotating seasonal menu.

MacDowells– Leesburg, VA
Welcome to the Key West of Leesburg! Described as “Beermuda”, you will have a vacation-like experience on our beach full of warm sand, outdoor seating, tropical trees, fire pits, live music (including “karaoke on the beach” on Wednesday’s), multiple bars and delicious food.

Port City Brewing– Alexandria, VA
In the Tasting Room, regularly scheduled programming includes Beer Yoga every other Tuesday, Joggers & Lagers with Pacers Running every  Monday night, Pedals ‘N’ Pints bi-monthly bike ride and trivia on the third Thursday of every month, which all seem perfect for adults-only but bring the kids for Sunday food trucks.

Caboose Brewery Company– Vienna, VA & Fairfax, VA
Both locations are incredibly family friendly. In fact, it is the reason Caboose was created! Caboose Brewing Company in Vienna (now Caboose Tavern) was created with the intention of a place the owners could drink really good craft beer with their friends, who could bring also bring their family.

Family friendly Bethany Beach, Delaware

We make the 2.5 hour (with no traffic) drive across the Bay Bridge to Bethany Beach, Delaware at least three times a summer as we are fortunate enough to have grandparents who live there! We love the family feel of this beach and all there is to do besides just hitting the {awesome} surf. There’s no shortage of ice cream which makes me very happy {Bonkey’s & Maureen’s are my go-to’s while Kohr Bros are a favorite among my kids and husband}. Follow us on Instagram and go to our ‘stories’ so you can watch some shots from our most recent trip there that we just posted. If you are looking for anything in particular that isn’t listed below, send us an email. We also love Rehoboth Beach and frequent that most times we are at the beach to go to Funland and our favorite restaurants. The great thing about this shoreline is that you are so close in proximity to multiple beaches so don’t be afraid to venture to a few!

South Coastal Library: Be sure to check out the schedule for children’s events.

Nature Center: Programs every Saturday morning with special events throughout the year. Be sure and walk the trail while you’re there; a playground is also behind the center.

Movies on the Beach: Every Monday evening on the beach in the summer and on Friday’s in September.

Bonfires on the Beach: Thursdays 8-10pm, bring your own chocolate and graham crackers; they provide sticks and marshmallows.

Summer Concert Series at the Bandstand

Delaware Seashore State Park: Scroll to the bottom of the link and see all of the great events they offer. We went on a white ghost crab chase on our last trip.

Burley Oak Brewing Company: enough said.

Don’t miss the .25 cent Trolley ride through town!

The Clayton Theatre: Celebrating 70 years; Delaware’s only single-screen theatre still in operation, The Clayton Theatre offers today’s movie goers a rare opportunity to see first-run movies in a charming hometown atmosphere.  

Boat, jet ski, parasailing rentals and more. Banana boat, SUP boards, kayaks and more rentals.

Fenwick Island Lighthouse

There is plenty of entertainment on the Bethany Beach Boardwalk and on the main strip: mini-golf, arcade, toy store, comic store, Candy Kitchen, the most fabulous bookstore and a playground.

Bike or walk the 2-mile Assawoman Canal Trail.

Back Bay Tours: They offer fishing trips, sunset cruises and a sandbar exploration trip.

Jungle Jim’s Waterpark

Port Discovery Children’s Museum + GIVEAWAY

Port Discovery Children’s Museum has updated their event listings and we’ve got the highlights for you:

  • Salute the Troops –  Free admission/discounts going on through January 1
  • Gingerbrick Decorating – Saturday, December 1 & Saturday, December 8
  • Dollar (or Less) Day – Sunday, December 9
  • Birthday Extravaganza Weekend (celebrating their 20th year of play) – Saturday, December 15 & Sunday, December 16
  • Winter Break Fun – December 22 – January 1
  • Noontime New Year – December 31
  • And a pretty special event that they’ll be announcing soon – taking place on January 1!

December 2018: Featured Exhibits:

The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD Exhibit
Open Now –  through January 21, 2018
Admission is free with museum entry, which is $15.95 for individuals two and up. Members and children younger than two are admitted for free.

Have an out-of-this world silly adventure with MR. POTATO HEAD® when you explore The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD® exhibit, at Port Discovery September 22, 2018 through January 21, 2019! Travel the globe and have fun learning on a jungle safari, an archeological dig, under the sea and outer space. Crawl through a jungle cave, dig for treasure, go scuba diving, and command a space station as you think about all you can be and do! The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD® exhibit was created by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in collaboration with Hasbro. MR. POTATO HEAD® is a registered trademark of Hasbro, Inc. and is used with permission. © 2018 Hasbro. All rights reserved. The national exhibit tour is sponsored by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, with additional support provided by Debra Altshul-Stark and Brian Stark, and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. Locally sponsored by M&T Bank.

Special Offers:

Salute the Troops
November 1, 2018 – January 1, 2019
Free admission for active duty, veterans and retired military*

As part of the Salute the Troops Program, active duty, veterans and retired military receive free admission to Port Discovery Children’s Museum beginning November 11, 2018 through January 1, 2019. Guests of service members will receive $2.00 off general admission. Simply present valid military or veterans ID to take advantage of this offer.*
*Present valid Military ID, Veterans ID, State Driver’s License with Veterans Designation or Discharge Papers (photocopies acceptable) to redeem offer. One free admission per transaction. No other discounts, offers or passes may be applied within the same transaction. 

Thrifty Tuesdays & Thursdays
Admission is $10 on select Tuesday and Thursday afternoons
Visit for less! Visit Port Discovery on Tuesday and Thursdays from 1-4PM for just $10. That’s more than $5 off each general admission ticket! Enjoy hands-on, interactive exhibits and educational programs that spark imagination and learning in a place custom made for kids! (Promotion valid October 2, 2018 through Thursday, December 20, 2018) Excluded dates include: 11/6/18.

December 2018: Featured Events & Programs: 

Month-Long Birthday Celebration
Throughout December
Admission is free with museum entry, which is $15.95 for individuals two and up. Members and children under two enter free

December marks Port Discovery’s 20th birthday. We’ve filled the month with fun, learning and lots of special events for visitors, members and groups to enjoy, including month-long birthday celebrations where children and caregivers can sign our giant birthday card, join in on fun birthday-themed activities (including painting giant cakes and photobooths), and more. We also will host a fun-filled Birthday Extravaganza weekend on Saturday, December 15 & Sunday, December 16, along with a party to remember on our actual birthday, Saturday, December 29th.

Healthy First Saturday & Gingerbrick Decorating
Saturday, December 1 | 10 AM – 5PM
Admission is free with museum entry, which is $15.95 for individuals two and up. Members and children under two enter free.

Get the wiggles out as you learn about healthy activities and habits for your little one – and your entire family! Dance, sing and get active with Faza Fam Family Jam. Learn about science at our STEM Station, and help Port Discovery kick-off birthday celebrations in birthday-themed Pop-Up Art stations and Mother Goose on the Loose® programs. Plus, join in a fun holiday tradition as you decorate gingerbricks with the fantastic chefs from McCormick! Use icing, candy and more to decorate gingerbricks that will be used to create our custom, kid-made Port Discovery gingerbread house! Don’t forget to get in on our birthday fun, too – leave us a birthday message, take silly photos and more to help us celebrate 20 years of play!

Super Sundays
Sundays in December| December 2, 8, 16, 23, 30| 10 AM – 4 PM
Admission is free with museum entry, which is $15.95 for individuals two and up. Members and children under two enter free.

Enjoy a family adventure before the weekend is over! Sundays are terrific days to play – and to explore Port Discovery’s indoor magic designed just for kids.  Explore movement and music together as you bop along to Tiny Tots Music Time.  Join in interactive story times, and work together to create art or science projects during Pop-Up Art or at STEM Stations. Plus, build early literacy skills for infants and toddlers in Mother Goose on the Loose®.  Don’t forget to get in on our birthday fun, too – leave us a birthday message, take silly photos and more to help us celebrate 20 years of play!

Infant & Toddler Time
Wednesdays in December| December 5, 12, 19, 26 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Admission is free with museum entry, which is $15.95 for individuals two and up. Members and children under two enter free.

Looking for fun, educational programs for your infant, toddler, pre-schooler or kindergartener? Join Port Discovery for Infant & Toddler Time on Wednesdays, when drop-in programming is designed especially for children ages birth to six! Join in interactive story times, explore rhythm and music together during our fun and interactive Tiny Tots Music Time and introduce children to early literacy skills through Mother Goose on the Loose®. Wednesdays at Port Discovery are also limited to groups with children under the age of six, making for a great day of play and learning for your little ones.

Fantastic Fridays
Fridays in December | December 7, 14, 21 & 28 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Admission is free with museum entry, which is $15.95 for individuals two and up. Members and children under two enter free.

Fridays are for fun and learning – and infants, toddlers, and older children rule the day at Port Discovery. Visit Port Discovery on any Friday for drop-in programs designed to build imaginations, spark curiosity, and literacy and language skills through play. Explore movement and music together as you sing and dance along during our lively Tiny Tots Music Time. Introduce children to early literacy skills during Mother Goose on the Loose(R. Plus take part in our signature Circle Time, get active while taking part in our Backyard Games Circuit, and create simple art projects as a family! 

Gingerbrick Decorating
Saturday, December 8 | 10 AM – 5PM
Admission is free with museum entry, which is $15.95 for individuals two and up. Members and children under two enter free.

Gingerbread houses, gum drops, icing…WAHOO! Join Port Discovery and the wonderful chefs from McCormick to decorate gingerbricks with tasty treats (we won’t tell if you eat one or two…or ten)! Watch as your creating becomes part of a GIANT gingerbread house that will be on display throughout the holiday season. Add to your holiday tradition with other fun and play inside the Museum – get your face painted, make DIY party hats, try out yoga for kids, and dance, sing and get the wiggles out with The Kindersinger’s Snowy Days are Coming program.  Don’t forget to get in on our birthday fun, too – leave us a birthday message, take silly photos and more to help us celebrate 20 years of play!

Dollar (or Less) Day
Sunday, December 9 | Noon – 5 PM

Join us for a day of play for just $1!  On Sunday, December 9, admission to Port Discovery will be just $1!* as Port Discovery participates in Baltimore’s Annual Dollar (or less) Days. This is a fantastic chance to explore the Museum and see what learning through play is all about. Please keep in mind that this day will be a busy one – please be prepared for possible lines to enter the Museum and heavier than usual traffic inside the Museum. *No other discounts, offers or passes may be applied within the same transaction. Tickets while using this discount must be purchased at the Box Office in person and cannot be applied to past purchases or online orders.

Birthday Extravaganza
Saturday, December 15 | 10 AM – 5PM   Sunday, December 16 | Noon – 5PM
Admission is free with museum entry, which is $15.95 for individuals two and up. Members and children under two enter free.

Who doesn’t love a birthday party?! Decorate life-sized birthday cakes (we’re talking BIG CAKES!), make DIY party hats, take part in our photo booth, and help us celebrate 20 years of play with fun, laughter and excitement! Our birthday extravaganza will take place throughout the day on Saturday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16. Can’t make it for our party? We’ll also be doing a bit of celebrating on December 29th when we officially turn the big 2-0!

$2 Family Fun Night | Friday, December 21 | 4 – 8 PM 
Admission $2 for individuals ages two and up. Members and children under two enter free.

$2 Family Fun Night is back!! Play, learn and explore for just $2 – and finish out 2018 with F-U-N! Adventure through the fantastic MR. POTATO HEAD® exhibit, try out science tricks that teach you about science in the coolest way ever, and enjoy books, art, animals and more! Don’t forget to get in on our birthday fun, too – leave us a birthday message, take silly photos and more to help us celebrate 20 years of play! Join us for $2 Family Fun Night on Friday, December 21 from 4-8PM.  Don’t miss it! 

Winter Break Fun
Saturday, December 22 – January 1
Monday  – Saturday – 10 AM – 5PM | Sundays – Noon – 5PM
Closed Monday, December 24 & Tuesday, December 25
Admission is free with museum entry, which is $15.95 for individuals two and up. Members and children under two enter free.

Oh what fun it is to…Play! Especially over Winter Break! Keep those “I’m bored” comments to a minimum as you enjoy an indoor (and warm!) winter wonderland filled with festive performances and fun programs for the whole family. There’s tons to see, do and explore every day – from special science performances from Eric Energy to interactive play workshops, dancing and singing with the Kindersinger, pop-up science and STEM activities, family art projects and so much more that we can’t possibly list it all here! Check out our Winter Break Fun schedule of activities on our website for details on activities taking place each day!

Birthday, Birthday, Birthday!
Saturday, December 29 | 10AM – 5PM
Admission is free with museum entry, which is $15.95 for individuals two and up. Members and children under two enter free.

Hip, hip, HOORAY! 20 Years of Play! Grab your kids, friends, neighbors…and anyone you know – and join us for a party to remember! Decorate GIANT (we’re talking big!!) birthday cakes. Create birthday cupcakes. Make birthday art. Take selfies and silly photos in our photobooth. And…of course…enjoy special activities like Eric Energy’s Freeze Show (how cool?!), a scooting rink (scooting has never been so fun), an interactive theater performance from our favorite puppet family, The Hornswoggles, and, finally….a birthday party show where we’ll sing, dance and celebrate together. Don’t miss out on this special day – after all, we couldn’t possibly celebrate our big 2-0 without you!

Noontime New Year
Monday, December 31 | 10AM – 5PM
Admission is free with museum entry, which is $15.95 for individuals two and up. Members and children under two enter free.

Out with the old, in with the new! Celebrate the wonderful memories, fun and adventures of 2018  – and the magical new things to come in 2019 – at the best New Year’s celebration for kids in Baltimore! Revelers small and tall are invited to join in festive celebrations to ring in 2019. Featuring a noontime countdown, juice and cookie toast, indoor dance party, special performances from Eric Energy, The Kolonder’s, The Kindersinger, a fairy dancer and more – PLUS plenty of New Years’ themed fun, this event will also be a great opportunity to explore Port Discovery’s much-loved exhibits ahead of the wonderful transformations planned for 2019. Check out our Noontime New Year’s schedule of activities on our website for more details on activities you’ll enjoy!

December 2018: Recurring Drop-In Programs

Mess Zone & Clay Play in the BGE Studio Workshop
Open daily during operating hours
Admission is free with museum entry, which is $15.95 for individuals two and up. Members and children under two enter free.

Practice painting, printmaking, clay sculpting and more as you spark your child’s imagination through fun, hands-on art projects in the BGE Studio Workshop! Enter the Mess Zone as we work together to paint and create art. Or get your hands dirty digging and playing during our Clay Play activity.  Not crazy about getting messy? That’s okay! We’ll have other activities to enjoy as well.

Circle Time
Weekdays during operating hours 11:30 AM  | Check event calendar for weekend times
Admission is free with museum entry, which is $15.95 for individuals two and up. Members and children younger than two are admitted for free.

Bring your little ones to Port Discovery’s interactive Circle Time with a changing variety of songs, stories, and fun! Watch your child’s imagination come to life as they get involved in the story and dance and sing along! Plus explore three floors of interactive, hands-on exhibits designed to teach children through play during your visit.

Tiny Tots Music Time
Wednesdays at 11:30 am, Fridays at 11:30 am, 12:15 pm Sundays at 2:30 pm, 3:15 pm, and 4:00 pm
Admission is free with museum entry, which is $15.95 for individuals two and up. Members and children under two enter free.

Explore music and movement through play, laughter and lots of fun! This lively interactive music experience (formerly known as Jingle Jangle Music Time) teaches infants and young toddlers basic rhythm through singing, clapping, and shaking shakers. Birth to age 3 with a parent or caregiver.

Mother Goose on the Loose®
Wednesdays at 10:30 am Fridays at 10:30 am, Sundays at 1:30 pm
Admission is free with museum entry, which is $15.95 for individuals two and up. Members and children under two enter free.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Mother Goose is on the Loose at Port Discovery! Reciting nursery rhymes with puppets, flannel board characters, book illustrations, songs, and musical instruments in this joyful setting helps children develop early literacy skills through play. Birth to age 3 with a parent or caregiver.

GIVEAWAY: Win a 4-6 pack of tickets to Port Discovery – (valid through 12/30/18) by commenting on Facebook & Instagram with the name of your favorite children’s museum. 

December Hours

Tuesdays – Fridays: 10 AM – 4PM | Saturdays: 10AM – 5PM | Sundays: Noon – 5PM

Winter Break Hours

Saturday, December 22 – January 1
Monday  – Saturday – 10 AM – 5PM | Sundays – Noon – 5PM
Closed Monday, December 24 & Tuesday, December 25

Related Posts: 
Top 11: Bambinos in Baltimore

Family friendly trip to Lancaster County

We recently spent 2 days in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, which is just 120 miles from Washington, DC. We had an amazing time and wanted to share our itinerary with you! Our main attraction was to visit Dutch Wonderland because our kids loved it so much last year, that’s all they talked about leading up to this summer. Last year when we visited Dutch Wonderland, we drove up and back in one day and it was do-able. This year we found a family friendly hotel and planned to see more of Lancaster County. Cue itinerary…

Day 1: 

Drive straight to Dutch Wonderland

Dinner at Funck’s. Food is mediocre with an extensive beer list but the best part is kids eat for $2 on Sunday’s and their meal came with ice cream at the end! TV’s filled the restaurant so our tired little one’s were entertained with sports watching and kids menu coloring.

Overnight:

Double Tree Resort by Hilton Hotel Lancaster The hotel room was like dinner; fine. We woke up Monday morning and surprised our kids with a trip to the indoor pool which had a water slide, mini-slide and a rainbow spray as well as two separate pool areas that were heated. The hotel had several events for children from movie nights to crafts during the day so be sure to check that out. OR surprise them and stay in a train caboose at The Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant. Perhaps staying at a working farm is of interest to you. There are many to choose from but one that comes recommended from family is the Verdant View Farm. Rise and shine – slip on your boots and head to the barn for hands-on farm experience before a family-style breakfast. Or you can just join an educational tour of a homestead farm. Roll up your sleeves, milk a cow, and interact with our many farm animals and not stay overnight.

Day 2:

 

Strasburg Railroad was my favorite part of the trip. We went on a 45-minute STEAM train ride which includes an audio commentary providing interesting facts, history, and information about the railroad and surrounding area through the tranquil Amish countryside. Before or after your ride, the Fun Extras at the Station include shops, playground, Cranky Cars, Pump Car and Pint-Sized Pufferbelly (open seasonally). Thomas the Train also makes appearances here throughout the year, including Sept 15-23 and Nov 16-18, 2018.

There is also a Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania across the street.

We spotted Cherry Crest Adventure Park on the train. Making a list of all they have to do there would take up too much of this post, so check it out here, you won’t be disappointed! Open for 6 months with varying hours and special holiday events!

Speckled Hen for lunch, coffee or a treat. They even have a children’s area with enough toys to keep your Bambinos busy and happy.

Immerse yourself in the culture of the area:

Lil Country Store & Miniature Horse Farm
Amish All Around Buggy Tours

Food Tours:

Turkey Hill Experience 
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery

Need indoor ideas: 

Go ‘N Bananas Family Fun Center
Here are some more from Discover Lancaster

Related Posts:

Neighborhood Guides

Top 15: Bambinos in Brookland

Everything is better with the help of friends. This post is no different! This was a collaborative effort thanks to  my sister-in law and her friends who live in the popular neighborhood of Brookland. You will find old-school storefronts, a small town feel, tree-lined streets and much to do with art (with the bonus of having a Metro). If you have any other places that are family friendly, shoot us a comment below. 

                                                                                                                              (Photo: Greater Greater Washington)

Bluebird Sky Yoga:

Prenatal, Baby, Family and more yoga classes.

Turkey Thicket Recreation Center:

Inside amenities include: a gym, weight room, toddler room, computer lab, and indoor pool. Outdoor amenities include a basketball court, a baseball field, field with a walking track, playground, covered picnic areas, tennis courts, a spray park and a parking lot.

Dance Place:

A center of dance activity in Washington, DC offering performances every weekend, dance classes for adults and kids, and arts in education programs for youth.

Busboys & Poets:

In addition to all they typically have to offer; food, books, entertainment, lively discussion, art, poetry and more, each Monday you can take your Bambinos to Rise + Rhyme is a weekly morning storytelling and performance series for children ages 5 and under with the goals of teaching children to engage with their community, learn to love performing and become rising artivists!

Franciscan Monastery.

Walk around the gardens or even take a garden tour on Saturdays and admire the incredible architecture.

Dwight Mosley Playground and Taft Field

It has a great track to bike/walk.

Woodridge Public Library

Brookland Eats:

Brookland’s Finest 

Tony Tomeldon of the Pug and John Solomon of Solly’s have teamed up with Chef Shannan Troncoso-former Executive Chef of Matchbox Capitol Hill-to open Brookland’s Finest Bar & Kitchen. Kids menu is available as is a large dessert menu. Weekend brunch looks delish!

Fox Loves Taco:

From the minds behind Little Red Fox, a small taco and coffee shop.

Brookland Pint:

Kids eat free all day on Tuesdays. Limit 2 kids under the age of 12, valid with the purchase of an adult entree. Don’t forget to ask for a balloon on your way out!

Pho 12

A recommendation from my sister-in law!  Family owned and operated, plus they offer gluten free.

Masala Story

Family owned restaurant offering home style authentic Indian food. FYI they only use disposable serving ware and utensils.

 

Seasonal:

Monroe Street Farmers Market

Join the Farmers Market every Saturday on the Arts Walk Plaza from 9am-1pm for the freshest local produce, breads, eggs, pasture raised meats, and more from area farms.  Whether you are swinging by for coffee and a quick bite, getting groceries for the week, or looking for a special gift, the market and Arts Walk studios have you covered.  Bring a blanket and enjoy weekly live music and special activities and programming.

Top Eleven: Bambinos in Baltimore (Edited)

With Baltimore being about a 45 minute drive (if you time it right), it’s the perfect destination for a day outing or even an overnight trip.We’ve got your itinerary planned for you; keeping your Bambinos busy while having a blast being in a new city. Unfortunately, this isn’t the city full of Smithsonian Museums so you will be charged to enter most of the attractions, but many are worth the price. Check their websites for daily discounts and specials.

BaltimoreNationalAquarium

1. Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum– 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21223

2. Port Discovery Children’s Museum– 35 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202 6a0120a61aa83a970c017d3f9ae55d970c-550wi
A few hours here and even your big kids will nap on the way home. The three-story climbing structure will physically tire them, but the constant learning opportunities, cleverly disguised as play, will leave them mentally exhausted too. The museum is an oasis designed for children ages 2 to 10. Port Discovery is attraction where kids can play, learn, exercise their creativity and expand their minds.

3. National Aquarium– 501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

4. The Fire Museum of Maryland– 1301 York Road, Lutherville, MD 21093

5. Sandy Point State Park– 100 East College Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401
A day at the bay will make them sleep all night. The beach at this 786-acre park has a commanding view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The park’s recreational activities include swimming, fishing, crabbing, boating and windsurfing. Visitors enjoy picnicking as well as wildlife viewing and bird watching.

6. Maryland Science Center– 601 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
Hands-on learning including a Planetarium and IMAX!

7. Six Flags America Baltimore/Washington, DC– 13710 Central Avenue, Upper Marlboro, MD 20721

8. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore–1876 Mansion House Drive Baltimore, MD 21217

9. Inner Harbor- Baltimore, MD 21202
From family-friendly museums and restaurants to satisfy every palate, to exciting nightlife, cultural experiences and spectacular people-watching, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers more to see and do than you can imagine.

10. Oriole Park at Camden Yards– 333 West Camden Street Baltimore, MD 21201

11. Medieval Times– 7000 Arundel Mills Cir, Hanover, MD 21076
Horses, sword play, javelin throwing and a feast at this elaborate dinner theater served “medieval style” (i.e without silverware) has my son sold on going here.

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Bambinos in AU Park

American University Park is a neighborhood in NW  DC named for the American University. AU Park consists almost entirely of single-family homes and therefore has a community feel with hidden gems throughout the family-friendly neighborhood perfect for bringing the little ones. We’ve highlighted some great spots for you to take advantage of.

 

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Families are always looking for new playgrounds to explore. Adults get just as excited as the kids do because they know their little ones will be entertained as they discover new equipment. There are 2 very popular playgrounds around AU Park.

Friendship Recreation Center but known by most as Turtle Park is part of the DC Playground Renovation effort and will undergo an update in 2015. It is a favorite playground due to the extensive collection of donated toys and gear, it’s giant sand area and splash pad. The plan is to build a new recreation center as part of the renovation. In addition to the building they plan to update the tot lot and upper playground, add a new basketball court, a new splash pad, site amenities and landscaping. 45th and Van Ness Street, NW Washington, DC 20016

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