Beltway Bambinos

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

Send your kids to Camp KidJam this summer

Camp KidJam is for rising 2nd- 5th graders created to encourage growth for kids in
their relationship with God and one another. Camp KidJam is excited to partner with
National Community Church for a unique Day Camp Experience. We’re bringing all of
the creative, engaging elements of CKJ to DC in July!

There will be compelling Bible stories, impactful small groups, fun track activities,
crazy team cheers, and of course, unforgettable games.

Learn more here!

Dates: July 25-28, 2023

Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: National Community Church, 700 M Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

Cost: $250.00 per person

Includes: Programming, activities, supplies, and t-shirt
Does Not Include: Meals and transportation

Live outdoor music this summer in and around Washington, DC

One of my favorite parts about summer in Washington, DC are the free outdoor concerts and movies. What seems like an eternity ago (please time slow down) we took a sporadic drive to the Mall with our then three year old son where we walked around, played some ball by the reflecting pool and headed towards the Capitol where the U.S. Air Force Band was performing a free concert. A huge crowd was gathered on the steps and in chairs taking in the gorgeous evening and patriotic tunes. This post will help you take advantage of some great music that will allow you to relax after a long day and see a bit of our city while doing so. Get out and enjoy the lighter evenings, let your kids stay up a little longer and enjoy the music our city offers.

The Yards Park Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back on the Yards Park boardwalk! Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

Glen Echo Summer Concert Series
Concerts are free and open to the public and feature a variety of local bands and musical genres. Music in the series typically ranges widely – from Country to Reggae, Swing to Latin Jazz, African to Cajun and Blues. Bench seating is provided in the pavilion, and folding chairs are also allowed. Visitors may also enjoy the music from the picnic tables just outside the pavilion; many families enjoy bringing a picnic dinner to eat while listening. Dancers are welcome as well. Concerts are on Thursday’s at 7:30pm from June 15 – Aug. 24.

Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
DC’s favorite summer concert series returns with a variety of musical performances including jazz, Latin fusion, bluegrass, and more. Join in the Sculpture Garden every Friday from May 19 through August 4. Due to high demand, they have a free lottery system so that anyone interested in attending Jazz in the Garden has an equal chance to participate. Each concert will have its own lottery, which will open the week prior on Monday at 10:00 a.m. and close that Friday at noon. Results of each lottery will be emailed to all entrants the week of the concert on Monday at 10:00 a.m. Registration is required for all ages 2 and above.

Live from the Lawn: Cool Concerts for Kids at Strathmore
Thursday’s at 7pm starting July 13. The shows are 60 minutes, no intermission. Be home before bedtime!

Wolf Trap Children’s Shows
Performances take place in the woods and range from music and dance—interactive, educational, and fun. All shows are about an hour long and are perfect for children ages 4 and up.

Wolf Trap National Park
Offering a variety of shows outdoor. A perfect way to spend a summer evening, if you get lawn tickets don’t forget a picnic.

A Capitol Fourth at the U.S. Capitol
The show is broadcast to millions of viewers on PBS and streaming platforms as well as to our troops watching around the world on the American Forces Network. Details on the website as to how and where to attend in person.

Olney Outdoors
Return outdoors with over 25 summer programs to be held on the newly renovated Root Family Stage at Omi’s Pavilion, this summer from July 7 – September 3, 2023.

Summer in Rockville Square
Every Friday from 6pm-8:30pm (image below)

Live military band concerts are free and no tickets are required unless noted:
U.S. Navy Band– Tuesday’s at the US Navy Memorial at 7:30pm
U.S. Air Force Band– Tuesday’s at the US Capitol West Lawn at 8:00pm, and Saturdays at National Harbor at 7:00pm
U.S. Marine Band
U.S. Army Band

Venues to check out:
The Anthem, The Atlantis, Comet Ping Pong, Nationals Park, The Hamilton, Howard Theatre, The Birchmere, Jammin Java, The Kennedy Center, Pearl Street Warehouse, The Pocket DC, Lincoln Theatre

Outdoor summer movies in and around Washington, DC

Photo; The REACH

The Drive-In at Union Market – Washington, DC
Let’s roll down the windows, feel that warm breeze and turn up the radio because the 11th Annual Drive-In at Union Market is back. A DC “must-do,” the series of eight movies launches April 7, and will continue on the first and third Friday of every month through July 21st. Movie audio will be transmitted through an FM transmitter on the radio and through speakers placed on Neal Place. As always, all movies are shown with open captioning. The movie plays rain or shine! Each movie showing costs $20 per car. “Sold Out” means that all 170 parking spaces have been reserved. All sales are final, no refunds issued.

  • July 7: Top Gun Maverick
  • July 21: Hairspray

Starlight Cinema – Fairfax, VA
Welcome to another exciting season of Starlight Drive-in Cinema. These movie nights bring the community together and nurture community spirit with features that appeal to both children and adults. The 2023 season provides four movies, free for the public to enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal so feel free to bring a picnic, blanket and chairs, and enjoy the movies.

  • Aug 5: Minions: The Rise of Gru
  • Aug 12: Lightyear
  • Aug 19: Bad Guys
  • Aug 26: DC League of Super Pets

Movies in the Park – Montgomery County, MD
Get outside this summer and get into Rockville’s free outdoor movies in the parks on the big screen. Enjoy four different movies at four different neighborhood parks throughout the city. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.) and are free. Bring your own chairs, blankets, food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Bengie’s Drive-In – Middle River, MD
The BIGGEST movie theatre screen in the USA! Bengie’s offers TriPPPle features almost every Friday and Saturday night, DouBBle features on Sunday night with non-stop projection. The show always begins with the National Anthem. In between movies, they play intermission clips, classic cartoons, and vintage trailers. On Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, they have Dusk till Dawn, All Nite Shows!

Extraordinary Cinema at The REACH– Washington, DC
Join for FREE film screenings outdoors on the REACH Video Wall. Films start at sundown or around 8:30 p.m.

  • June 30: The Iron Giant
  • July 7: Jaws
  • July 14: True Grit
  • July 21: Fantastic Mr. Fox
  • July 28: The Princess Bride
  • Aug. 4: Moana
  • Aug. 11: Close Encounters of the Third Kid
  • Aug. 18: A League of Their Own
  • Aug. 25: O Brother, Where Art Thou?

DowntownDC Summer Flicks – CAN I KICK IT? – Washington, DC
This movie series is back for its sixth season at Franklin Park! This free event series begins June 1 and will run every Thursday evening through July 13. Join us for action-packed films, live DJs, and more. Seating starts at 7:30 p.m., when guests can enjoy music by an impressive lineup of special guest DJs. All movies are mixed with a LIVE music soundtrack of Hip Hop & Soul by Shaolin Jazz‘s own DJ 2-Tone Jones. Movies start at sunset. Attendees can expect free swag items while supplies last, fun movie trivia with prizes, and so much more! Moviegoers can also enjoy 20% off from Pow Pow using code “canikickit” for online and in store orders (ordering ahead is strongly encouraged).

  • June 29: Everything Everywhere All At Once 
  • July 6: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings 
  • July 13: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 

Summer Movies on the Lawn– Washington, DC
The Library of Congress will host its annual “Summer Movies on the Lawn” series starting July 6. The series featuring films from the Library’s National Film Registry will be presented Thursday evenings at sundown on the southeast lawn of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building. Music will be presented prior to each film, with live performances on July 6, July 20 and Aug. 3. Music for the evening will begin at 7 p.m., followed by the film at sundown. Located on the corner of 2nd Street SE and Independence Avenue, the southeast lawn of the Thomas Jefferson Building is a scenic space to enjoy films on Capitol Hill. No tickets are required, but visitors are encouraged to arrive early as space is limited. Visitors must stay with their items on the lawn at all times. 

  • July 6: Iron Man (2008)
  • July 13: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
  • July 20: Shrek (2001)
  • July 27: Groundhog Day (1993)
  • Aug. 3: Mary Poppins (1964)
  • Aug. 10: Jaws (1975)

The series is a feature of the new Library after hours experience, Live at the Library. From 5 – 8 p.m. on Thursday evenings, visitors are invited to enjoy happy hour drinks and snacks available for purchase in the Great Hall overlooking the Capitol and the Thomas Jefferson Building’s beautiful architecture while immersing themselves in the Library’s exhibits, collections and programs. Free timed-entry passes for entrance to the Thomas Jefferson Building are required and can be reserved here.

Movie Under the Stars – Cabin John, MD
Movies Under the Stars will screen every second Friday on the plaza. Film lovers can watch their favorite flicks on the outdoor screen while sitting picnic-style in Cabin John Village’s plaza. Live music and kids’ activities available from 6:30 pm.

  • July 7: Top Gun Maverick, movie starts at 8:30pm
  • Aug. 4: Toy Story, movie starts at 8:00pm
  • Sept. 1: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, movie starts at 7:30pm
  • Oct. 6: Encanto, movie starts at 7:30pm

Family Drive-In – Stephens City, VA
This is a two screen, 65 year old classic, 484 car drive-in theatre. They offer movie sound via the traditional speakers or via stereo sound (through your car radio). There is a concession stand that offers theatre snacks or full meals. The space has a playground and is pet friendly.

Sunset Cinema at the Wharf – Washington, DC
All summer long, come to The Wharf for free movies on Transit Pier presented by Pacifico onThursday evenings starting at 7:00pm. With action movies, rom-coms, blockbusters, and classics, there is something for everyone

  • June 29: Top Gun: Maverick
  • July 6: Forrest Gump
  • July 20: Bend It Like Beckham
  • July 27: Where the Crawdads Sing
  • August 3: A Dog’s Purpose
  • August 10: The Sandlot
  • August 17: Ratatouille
  • August 24: School of Rock
  • August 31: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Bethesda Outdoor Movies – Bethesda, MD
Enjoy three nights of blockbuster hits at downtown Bethesda’s 19th annual outdoor movie series!  Show times begin at 9pm at the corner of Norfolk & Auburn Avenues. A limited number of chairs will be provided – please bring your own lawn chairs. Admission is FREE! Spend an enjoyable evening in Woodmont Triangle and have dinner at one of the neighborhood’s delicious and diverse restaurants before the show!

  • July 28: Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody
  • Aug. 5: 50 First Dates
  • Aug. 11: Top Gun: Maverick

Movie Night in the Park at the UDC Amphitheater – Van Ness, DC
The park will be open one hour before showtime to select your seats and enjoy food and drinks before (or during!) the show. Seating is limited and will be based on capacity limits provided by UDC. Outside food and drink, including alcoholic beverages, are permitted. Please support our local restaurants and eateries during Movie Night!

  • June 28: Sister Act
  • July 19: 101 Dalmatians (1996)
  • July 26: Minions: The Rise of Gru

Mosaic – Strawberry Park, VA
Films in the Park are every Thursday evening at 7pm through August 17. Film lovers can watch their favorite flicks on the larger-than-life outdoor screen while sitting picnic-style in Strawberry Park. All movies are shown rain or shine unless otherwise noted.

  • June 29: In & Out
  • July 6 Top Gun: Maverick
  • July 13 Fast X
  • July 20 Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
  • July 27 Ticket to Paradise
  • Aug. 3: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
  • Aug. 10: Moana
  • Aug. 17: E.T.

Adam’s Morgan Movie Nights – Adams Morgan, DC

Voted as one of the best outdoor movie series in DC by readers of the Washington City Paper, Adams Morgan Movie Nights is a can’t-miss event!This year’s series focuses on “The Road Less Traveled,” showcasing movies that find our heroes on a quest of one sort or another. Series runs from May-June.

  • June 27: Shrek (Family Night)

Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor – National Harbor, MD
Pack your chairs, grab food to go from one of the delicious dining establishments, and meet on the Plaza’s big screen for a *FREE* evening of fun for all ages! Family Movie Nights: Sundays at 6pm | Date Night Movies: Thursdays at 7pm

  • June 29: King Richard
  • July 2: DC League of Super-Pets
  • July 6: Black Adam
  • July 9: Up
  • July 13: Wonder Woman (2017)
  • July 16: The Princess Diaries
  • July 23: Her Best Move
  • July 27: Gracie
  • July 30: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
  • Aug. 3: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
  • Aug. 6: Incredibles
  • Aug. 10: A Journal for Jordan
  • Aug. 13: Incredibles 2
  • Aug. 17: Invictus
  • Aug. 20: Air Bud: World Pup
  • Aug. 24: Sister Act
  • Aug. 27: Space Jam: A New Legacy
  • Aug. 31: Cruella
  • Sept. 3: Shrek
  • Sept. 7: A Man Called Otto
  • Sept. 10: Shrek 2
  • Sept. 14: Coming 2 America
  • Sept. 17: Coco
  • Sept. 21: La Bamba
  • Sept. 24: Encanto
  • Sept. 28: Maid in Manhattan

Guide to 2023 Summer Camps in the Washington, DC Metro Area

We are grateful to our 2023 summer camp partners; Camp Arena Stage, Steve & Kate’s Camp, and Confetti.

Registrations have started at most camps so enjoy finding the one best for your Bambinos and register soon.

Camp Arena Stage is the official sponsor of this 2023 summer camp guide.

Join this summer at Camp Arena Stage — where community and art make magic! 

Hosted on the beautiful grounds of Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, Camp Arena Stage is a multi-arts full-day summer camp for ages 8 to 15. A place to explore, discover, and create. 

Campers choose their own schedules from activities in theater, music, visual arts, dance, filmmaking, writing and more, such as acting for the camera, hip-hop dance, musical theater, publishing the Camp Arena Stage newspaper, filming movie trailers and painting — all taught by professional artists and educators. It’s the perfect place to try something for the first time or take current skills to the next level. The skilled staff at Camp Arena Stage is dedicated to seeing, recognizing, and appreciating each individual for who they are and the art only they can make.

At the daily Noontime Show, campers can share their art as an individual, group or class. Whether it’s a musical theater song, an original hip-hop dance, a trumpet solo, hula hooping, or showing a Lego creation, campers can expect the most supportive audience ever! If your young artist doesn’t love the spotlight, that’s okay too. No one has to perform at Camp Arena Stage. There are many ways to be an artist. 

Campers and staff alike enjoy Camp Arena Stage because it brings together a diverse group of people who share a love of the arts to create a joyful community — hear what they have to say. Visit the Camp Arena Stage website to learn more and register today.

Camp Arena Stage will have three sessions in 2023!
Session #1: June 26 – July 7
Session #2: July 10 – July 21
Session #3: July 24 – August 4

Music & theatre camps:

Camp Arena Stage

Adventure Theatre Camps: Glen Echo, MD
Bach 2 Rock: Locations throughout DMV
Camp Arena Stage: NW, DC
Camp Levine: NW, DC, Bethesda, MD & Falls Church, VA
Camp Shakespeare: NW, DC
Dance & Gymnastics camps
Encore Stage: Arlington, VA
Imagination Stage: Bethesda, MD
Keegan Theatre: NW, DC
The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts: NW, DC
Traveling Players Ensemble: Tysons, VA
Young Artists of America: Bethesda, MD

Sports camps:

Bethesda Big Train Baseball: Bethesda, MD
Boating is Fun Camp: Key Bridge Boathouse
Breathing Space Kids Yoga: Capitol Hill, DC
Brit-Am Soccer: Bethesda, MD
Camp Olympia: Rockville, MD
Circle Yoga: NW, DC
CP Basketball Academy: Olney & Colesville, MD
Dance & Gymnastics camps
DC Fencers Club: Silver Spring, MD
DC Way: SE & NE, DC
Flag Star Football: Locations throughout DMV
Home Run Baseball Camp: NW, DC
HoopEd: Locations throughout DMV
Kids Elite Sports Camp: NW, DC
Koa: Bethesda, MD
My Gym (Camp starts at age 3): Potomac, MD
Nationals Baseball/Softball Day & Overnight Camp: Locations throughout DMV
Next Level Lacrosse: Bethesda, MD
Nike Tennis Camp: GW University
Pedalheads: Locations throughout DC
PPA: NW, DC & Bethesda, MD
Summer at Sienna (Basketball): Silver Spring, MD
Squash on Fire: NW, DC
The St. James: Northern, VA
TopGolf: National Harbor, MD & Gaithersburg, MD
Top Rank Soccer Academy: Potomac, MD
Trapeze School: SE, DC
Urban Evolution: Alexandria, VA
Virginia Outside/Fishing Adventures: Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax, VA

Kangaroo Cravings takes learning new words to a whole new level

Building, coding, educational, STEM & technology camps:

Apple Camp: Locations throughout DMV
ASDEC for Children: Silver Spring, MD & Herndon, VA
ClubSciKidz: Montgomery County
Code Ninjas: Alexandria, VA
Code WizardsHQ: Virtual
idTech: American University
KID Museum: Bethesda, MD
Lavern Camp: George Washington University Foxhall Campus
Mad Science Summer Camp: Locations throughout DMV
Summer at Sienna: Silver Spring, MD
Summer Institute for the Gifted: Georgetown University
The Lab School Summer: NW, DC
The Lane at Ivy City (Camp starts at age 3.5): NE, DC

Art camps:

Confetti Creative Arts Summer Camp

Confetti is excited to offer two formats for summer camp in July and August 2023!

July Creative Arts Camp for Kids
July 10-14 : Art Inspired by Artists!
July 17-21 : All About Illustrations!
July 24-28: Paints Galore!
July 31-Aug 4th : Collage and Mixed Media!

Over the four weeks we will learn about the style and technique of various artists. Campers will practice with watercolor, acrylic, pencil sketching, oil pastels, collage, and other materials. Woven throughout our sessions will be threads of collaboration and an appreciation for imperfection and experimentation. Campers will learn how to embrace the creative process while building friendships based on a mutual love of making art. 

Detailed descriptions of each week are available here. 

Ages: Camp is best suited to children ages 5-10. Instructor will consider exceptions to suggested ages. Email if consideration is needed.

When: Camp runs from 9-3pm, Monday thru Friday, during weekly sessions starting July 10, 14, 24, 31

Confetti Signature August Camp
August 7-11: Science, Art, Baking, Oh My!
August 14-18: Super Sleuths Club
August 21-25: Building and Creating Workshop

Confetti’s Signature weekly August summer camps engage campers with a weekly theme through art, science, creation, and imagination. Campers will also have outdoor play time at local parks and plenty of active play inside as well! Our activities will include hands-on fun, like making slime, decorating cookies, puzzles and problem solving games, building gumdrop structures, and the like! Our camps receive rave reviews and typically sell out.  We look forward to welcoming you to Confetti’s August 2023 camps!

Who: Rising 1st – 6th Graders

Where: Confetti – 4545 42nd St NW – #109, Washington, DC 20016

When: 9 AM – 4 PM during weekly sessions August 7, 14, 21


All Fired Up: Bethesda, MD & NW, DC
Anna Banana Arts & Crafts: NW, DC
Confetti Creative Arts Camp: NW, DC
Creative Youth Sewing: Bethesda, MD
District Architecture Kids Camp: TBD
Red Panda Art Studio: Bethesda, MD
Strathmore Art Camp: Bethesda, MD
The Loft Collective: Takoma Park, MD

Multi-interest camps:

Steve & Kate’s Camp

Since 1980, Steve & Kate’s Camp has put kids in charge of their own learning experience. Kids ages 4–12 choose from a variety of activities in real-time including, sewing, coding, building, baking, sports, and more! 

Families can buy any number of days, and use at any time–no weekly reservations required. Or, buy a Summer Pass, which covers the whole season. Either way, all unused Passes are automatically refunded at summer’s end. Lunch, snacks & all hours (8am–6pm) included. There are 5 locations in the Washington, DC area.

Adventure Links Day & Overnight Camp: Northern VA
Adventures on the Hill: Capitol Hill, DC & Takoma Park, DC
Aiden’s Village of Choice Summer: NW, DC
Audubon Naturalist Society: Chevy Chase, MD
Beauvoir Summer: NW, DC
Calleva Outdoor Adventure Camp: Poolesville, MD & Great Falls, VA
Camp Aristotle at The Auburn School: Silver Spring, MD & Chantilly, VA
Camp Sonshine: Silver Spring & Germantown, MD
CASA at Sheridan School: NW, DC
CCBC (Camp starting at age 2): NW, DC
Clara Barton Center for Children (Camp for ages 2-5): Cabin John, MD
Cleveland Park Club: NW, DC
CommuniKids Language Immersion (Camp starting at age 2.5): NW, DC & Falls Church, VA
Concord Hill School Preschool Camp: Chevy Chase, MD
Confetti: NW, DC
Congressional Camp: Falls Church, VA
Creative Summer at Holtan Arms: Bethesda, MD
Edlavitch DCJCC Camp: NW, DC
Headfirst Summer Camp: NW & NE, DC, Bethesda, MD, & VA
Henry’s Sweet Retreat: Bethesda, MD
Landon Summer: Bethesda, MD
Little Burgundy Farm Horse Camp: Alexandria, VA
Lowell School Camp: NW, DC
Meadowbrook Stables: Chevy Chase, MD
Potomac School: McLean, VA
Rock Creek Park Horse Center: NW, DC
Sidwell Summer: NW, DC & Bethesda, MD
Smithsonian Summer Camp: Washington, DC
Steve and Kates Camp: Capitol Hill, NW DC, Alexandria , VA & Arlington, VA
Summer at Burke (6th-12th grade): NW, DC
Summer at Georgetown Day School: NW DC
Summer at Norwood: Bethesda, MD
Summer at Sandy Spring: Sandy Spring, MD
Summer Horizons Day Camp at NPS: NW, DC
Summertimes: Alexandria, VA
Urban Adventure Squad: NW, DC
Valley Mill Camp: Germantown, MD
Washington Episcopal School: Bethesda, MD
Woodland Horse Center: Silver Spring, MD
YMCA Camps Day camp and overnight options: Locations throughout DMV

County camps:

Arlington County Summer Camps
Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Camps 
Montgomery County Parks & Recreation Summer Camps 
Washington, DC Parks & Recreation Summer Camps 

12 sunflower fields to visit this summer

Have your Instagram feeds started to be full of people standing in sunflower fields? Luckily you can also witness the same beauty in person. We have some pretty amazing fields in our area that you will definitely want to visit this summer! Some places require reservations, also visitors bring step stools to take photos higher up with the sunflowers. Most sites will let you know if they have blooms yet, late summer is usually the ideal time to go. In addition to the fields below, stop by some pick-your-own farms this summer.

Burnside Farms in Nokesville, VA has a field of 8 acres of various varieties of sunflowers that are in bloom.  The Summer of Sunflowers begins late-July and runs through Labor day. You must purchase tickets to attend.

McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area sunflower field in Poolesville, MD is one not to miss. This is a free field to visit.

Gold Petal Farms is in Chaptico, MD and has a living maze you can go through as well as a pick-your-own flower garden during the summer season.

Rocky Point Creamery is located in Tuscarora, MD and has 2 acres of sunflowers + (bonus) homemade ice cream!

Maryland Agriculture and Farm Park in Cockeysville, MD welcomes you to bring a picnic, and leave with a day of memories. Before or after picking and picnicking, explore more of what the Farm has to offer; trails, demonstration gardens, animals, history, and more. Sunflowers typically bloom in mid-late September.

Valley View Acres is in Middletown, MD and is open! They have an Annual Sunflower Festival:
July 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 30 & 31, August 6 & 7, 13 & 14 from 10am-4pm. They are cash only.

Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, MD allows you to pick-your-own flowers and while you are there, pick some fruit. Make a reservation here.

A few further north to consider:
The Sunflower Garden
Misty Meadow Farm Creamery: Reader recommended with animals, ice cream and activities!
Emily’s Produce: You-pick fields, ice cream, market and more, happens to be on the way to the beach!

Clear Meadow Farms: Check their website periodically throughout the summer of 2022 for updates on the 2022 sunflowers

Sunflowers in Jarrettsville, Md: Estimated to bloom September 2022, follow their Facebook page for details

Summer bucket list

My kids {finally} finished school last week and we made summer bucket lists. Theirs included going up the Washington Monument, reading books, going to the mall {not entirely sure if it’s the National Mall or a shopping mall} and going to “lots of Nats games”. Enjoy your summer break, if you are traveling, takes lots of pictures. If you are hanging in Washington, DC., tag us in your adventures!

Jazz in the Sculpture Garden: Fridays throughout summer
Citi Open: July 30 – Aug 7
Fiesta Asia Street Fair: July 16
Lotus & Water Lily Festival: Weekends in July
Washington Nationals
Drive-In & Outdoor Movies
Popsicles
U.S. Arboretum
Hop Off/On Bus
Washington Monument
Tubing near Washington, DC
Dutch Wonderland + Lancaster County

Summer Reading Sundays with the Washington Nationals

The Nationals are proud to be the Team that Reads, promoting reading and literacy in the community. This summer, the Nationals invite you to join us on the Team that Reads through a number of different initiatives! These include joining your local library’s Summer Reading program (launching June 1), Major League Baseball’s Summer Slugger program, or Nationals Summer Reading Ambassadors Sean Doolittle and Josh Bell for Summer Reading Sundays. 

This baseball season, The Washington Nationals have expanded the annual Summer Reading program to include four events at the ballpark – Summer Reading Sundays. All of these, which are FREE to attend with a ticket to that day’s game, feature a read-along with a Nationals player plus other fun activities. This Sunday, Sean Doolittle will be reading to the group, and among the featured games is one of my personal favorites, Mad-Libs. Additionally, each child who attends will receive up to THREE FREE BOOKS to take home.

This Sunday’s event takes place from 12:15-1:15 p.m. in the Kennedy Room, which is located on the Club Level at Nationals Park down the third-base line. First pitch of Sunday’s game vs. the Colorado Rockies is at 1:35 p.m., and gates open at 12:00 p.m.

Additional Summer Reading Sunday events are scheduled for June 12, July 17 and August 14. For more information, including locations for each event, which may change week-to-week, visit here.

Pick your own fruits and vegetables near Washington, DC

Butlers Orchard (22200 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown, MD 20876)
A large variety of Pick Your Own crops are available at Butler’s Orchard on a seasonal basis. Please see the crop calendar. They grow over 23 different varieties of fruits and vegetables each year. Pick Your Own will be by reservation only! Passes grant access to pick your own fields, the farm park picnic area, the giant slides, the nature trail, and the farm park animals.  Visit sheep, 2 miniature donkeys, goats, chickens, and Charlie the pig.

Homestead Farm (15604 Sugarland Rd., Poolesville, MD 20837)
Pick-your-own fruit including apples, cherries, pumpkins and more. Expected to reopen mid June.

Shlagel Farms (12850 Shlagel Rd., Waldorf, MD 20601)
Pick your own strawberry fields and greenhouses will be open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm during the berry picking season. Strawberries are priced by the pound for you to pick and they have containers or you can bring your own. During berry season the greenhouses are open and full of beautiful and unique hanging baskets and annual flats. They also have a milkshake trailer serving huge strawberry shortcakes, milkshakes and cones! No reservations needed. Daily updates can be found here.

Wegmeyer Farms (38299 Hughesville Rd., Hamilton, VA 20158)
Known for their delicious strawberries in the spring and unique and colorful pumpkins in the fall. They take great pride in what they grow – the taste, the quality, and the appearance – and strive for the best pure experience for all visitors. They also offer a drive-thru to pick up berries.

Larriland (2415 Woodbine Rd., Woodbine, MD 21797)
They harvest tons of fruits and veggies, check out the harvest calendar to plan a perfect outing. No need to make a reservation.

Great Country Farms (18780 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, VA 20135)
Another farm with a lot of fruits and veggies to pick. They are also known for their annual festivals, check out the calendar of events. The Strawberry Festival takes place May 21, 22, 28, 29, 30. 

Waters Orchard (22711 Wildcat Rd., Germantown, MD 20876)
Doc Waters Cidery is now open. Waters Orchard will reopen for apple picking in September.

Mackintosh Fruit Farm (1608 Russell Rd., Berryville, VA 22611)
Pick your own is by reservation only. Here’s what you can pick! Be sure to visit the market and kitchen before heading home.

The Sandy Spring Strawberry Festival is June 11-12. Plan to spend the whole day, enjoying live performances, pony rides, and as much strawberry shortcake as your heart desires!   You won’t want to miss this local family-favorite event that’s been serving up good old fashioned fun for generations.

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