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Ultimate 2018 Guide to Spring Break Camps in and around Washington, DC

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 and engaging camp. In addition to the list, check local Parks and Recreation websites as most of those have Spring Break Camps also. 

                                                                                                                                                                           (Photo: Synetic Theatre)
Maryland:

KOA Multisport Camp– March 26-30, 2018
(4960 Boiling Brook Parkway North, Bethesda, MD 20852)
Spring Break means school’s out, so let’s play! Join Koa Sports for our Multisport Spring Break Camp at Koa HQ. It is the same great set-up as our summer Multisport camp, just in the Spring! This camp is for kids looking to be active and have fun while school is out for the week. We’ll play kickball, basketball, soccer, flag football, dodgeball, and so much more! This program does have limited registration, so sign up now to reserve your spot!

Basketball Camp with Skills and Scrimmages- March 26-30, 2018
(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 Division 1 basketball players. Boys and girls will develop their skills with top notch instruction, drills, and scrimmages. Grades 2-8.

Imagination Stage-March 26-30, 2018
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, MD 20814)
Spring Break Camps covers a variety of topics in creative drama/acting, dance, and our popular theatre or dance samplers. Ages 3.5-Grade 8.

MSA– March 26-30, 2018
(Hoover MS, 8810 Postoak Rd, Potomac, MD 20854)
Spring break multi-sport and enrichment camp is designed by sports champions to help young athletes realize their optimal performance in their favorite sports. MSA offers a spectacular multi-sport & enrichment camp providing a well-rounded experience combining learning and fun, to build fond memories that will last a lifetime. Baseball, Basketball, Bocce Ball, Dance and fitness, Flag Football, Golf, Kickball, Lacrosse, Soccer, Street Hockey, and  Tennis are offered. Offered for girls and boys ages 4-14.

CREATE Arts Center–March 26-30, 2018
(816 Thayer Avenue Silver Spring MD 20910)
Campers spend each day working on a variety of art projects, including painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, and more! Flexible day-by-day registration is available. Day-by-day registration is available. Ages 6-12. Ages 13-14 can register as CITs with an interview.

Silver Stars Gymnastics- March 26-30, 2018
(2701 Pittman Dr. Silver Spring, MD 20910)
(14201 Woodcliff Ct. Bowie, MD 20720)
Choose one day or all week, half day or full day. They offer three camps for kids 3.5-15 at both locations.

Adventure Theatre–March 26-30, 2018
(7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
Send your kids to come play with Adventure Theatre MTC where they will have a full day of theatrical activities, afternoon snack.  You can choose one day or the full week.  Camp is for Grades K-5.

                                                                                                                                                                      (Photo: Adventure Theatre)

Virginia:

Synetic Theatre– March 26-30, 2018
(1800 South Bell Street Arlington, VA 22202)
Synetic’s physical theater fusion week introduces and expands upon various theater performance dexterities. Each day is sectioned into different categories where campers learn contemporary and cutting-edge skills including but not limited to: physical storytelling, acrobatics, pantomime, dance, diction, puppetry, and visual art. Register for one day, or all five. Each day introduces something new!

Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre– March 26-30, 2018
(Heritage Presbyterian Church 8503 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22308)
Join us in a galaxy far, far away as we bring the world of Star Wars to life through theatre games, crafts, and the creation of our own Star Wars play!  Channel your inner Princess Leia, Darth Vader, Rey or Yoda to bring to life the strong, dynamic characters of this galactic series.  Learn how to communicate with others, work as a team, develop story-telling skills, and expand your actor’s toolbox in this fun filled spring break experience.  K-8th Grades. All our camps are led by professional teaching artists experienced in working with kids and teens.

Tea with Mrs. B– March 26-30, 2018
(136 W Jefferson St. Falls Church, VA 22046)
We offer a one of a kind camp experience for children ages 4-12. Daily activities include: high tea with healthy snacks, crafts and games, exercise at the local park, dance and dress up. We always afford time for good-old fashioned play, too. By becoming part of our camp, your child will be entitled to an on-going skill building program, honing good manners, proper etiquette and social graces. Broaden your child’s experiences by giving them the gift of comportment while having fun.

Superhero S.T.E.A.M. Ever Wonder Camp– March 26-30, 2018
(Barrett Elementary- 4401 North Henderson Street Arlington, VA 22203)
Join us for one to five days of creativity and innovation.  We’ll link art to concepts in science, technology, engineering and math. Our days will be filled with hands-on, collaborative activities including building forts, experimenting with Mentos, making messy art, exploring geometry, testing the strength of materials, creating tessellations, learning about probability using dice and so much more. Teamwork, creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking are a must at this super fun camp!

Arts on the Horizon– March 26-30, 2018
(Convergence: 1801 N. Quaker Ln. Alexandria, VA 22302)
Surf’s up in this creative drama camp where we will go on an adventure to the beach! Little ones will explore the ocean, sand, and sun through stories, songs, and dramatic play, and we’ll discover the beach together!

Encore Stage and Studio- March 26-30, 2018 & April 2-6, 2018
(St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church- 4000 Lorcom Ln. Arlington VA. 22207)
Join us for Spring Break camps and explore a new theme every day! Enrollment is a la carte–choose to sign up for one day, or the entire week! Students in K-2nd grade will enjoy a day of theatre games, crafts, creative activities and fun in a safe and supportive environment. Students must bring a brown bag lunch. Healthy snack is provided. There will be a final sharing during the last 15 minutes of camp (2:45pm). Are you ready for a challenge? Students in 3rd – 5th grade will work together to create a brand new play in just one camp day! Using their imaginations, students will develop the script and story, create the setting, and star in the show. This never before seen production will be performed at the end of the day for family and friends.

Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre- March 26-30, 2018
(Heritage Presbyterian Church- 8503 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22308)
Designed for rising 1st graders through rising 8th graders, MVCCT’s drama camps stretch kids’ imaginations, nurture their creative energies, and build skills through dramatic action. Kids explore different worlds, different time periods, and their own personal strengths through the story-telling they act out on stage. This is one of the longer camps running from 9:00am-5:00pm.

SkateQuest- March 26-30, 2018
(1800 Michael Faraday Ct., Reston, VA 20190)
For the child who can’t get enough of the ice. Camp includes ice skating lessons, ice painting, broom ball and an end of camp show. Ages 4.5-12.

Spring Break Camp at Dulles SportsPlex– March 26-30, 2018
(21610 Atlantic Blvd. Sterling, VA 20166)
Your child will have fun learning and playing sports. Some are soccer, kickball, flag football and basketball. They offer full or half day & full or half day options for children ages 6-12.

                                                                                                                                                                       (Photo: D.C. United Camp)

Washington, DC:

D.C. United Camp– March 26-30, 2018
(RFK Turf Field)
D.C. United’s Spring Break Camps are half-day programs which provide participants ages 5 – 16 an opportunity  to experience an exciting soccer environment consisting of modern camp exercises, highlighting individual technique, coupled with team and game tactics. Campers will be exposed to a different set of technical and tactical focuses each day of camp. Coaches will work with players to develop their technical ability as well as discover a better understanding of the game in a fun and energetic environment.

Spring Safari Day Camp at The National Zoo- March 26-30, 2018
(3001 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008) 
Each of the Spring Safari programs explores the lives, habitats and conservation of animals around the world. Week-long sessions include exciting hands-on activities, lessons, craft projects, science experiments and walks through the Zoo. There’s no better way to spend your spring break than with Friends of the National Zoo! Please note: There is no direct contact with animals, and campers do not participate in animal care. Grades K-5, choose from a few different themed camps.

The Children’s Art Studio– March 26-30, 2018
(3150 Chesapeake St NW, Washington, DC 20008)
Campers will touch upon the fundamentals of drawing, painting, sculpture and printing with fun-filled exercises. Time will be 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. Camp will meet from 9:00am-2:00pm.

The Theatre Lab- March 26-30, 2018
(733 8th Street NW. Washington, DC 20001)
School’s Out camps, modeled on The Theatre Lab’s award-winning Summer Acting Camps for Kids, are perfect for children grades 1-6, who enjoy being creative and making new friends, and are designed to be fun for novices as well as kids who have already been bitten by the drama bug. Drama activities are scheduled from 9:00am-3:00pm, and kids can come for just one day or the whole week.

Home Run Baseball Camp-March 26-30, 2018
(Friendship Park Recreation Center)
Coach Dan Thorner and a co-ed Home Run staff will lead a high energy camp with the same format as the summer camp at AU Park in NW, Washington, DC. Full ground ball and fly ball square drill, over one hundred swings in batting practice, and two full games per day. Groups will be broken up by age and teams will be fair and games will be competitive. Ages 4-12 welcome for full or half day camp.

 

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

From dinosaur bones to hidden memories, the world is filled with buried treasures just waiting to be uncovered at Digging up Dessa at The Kennedy Center. One 21st-century girl sets out to dig up some super-sized discoveries with help from a remarkable friend—the pioneering English paleontologist Mary Anning. Age 10+. Showing Feb. 3-18, 2018.

The Chocolate Lovers Festival, an annual two-day festival held on the first full weekend of February, features activities for all to enjoy. In 2018, the festival will be held Friday, February 2 for Liquid Chocolate only from 6pm-8pm, Saturday, February 3 from 10am to 7pm (see schedule of events for times and locations) and Sunday, February 4 from 12noon to 4pm. Join us for the Taste of Chocolate, the Chocolate Challenge, the ever-popular Kiwanis Chocolate Chip Pancake Breakfast, open houses at historic buildings and much more.

It’s bedtime! But instead of getting ready, two children use their imaginations to turn their room into a wonderland of mess! While playing dress-up, a glove becomes a dancing fish, a shirt becomes a fantastic creature, and a sock dance rocks the closet. In this interactive show, discover the joy of turning things inside out! Catch the show, Inside Out at Imagination Stage aimed for the smallest audience members- best for ages 1-5.

Applause Unlimited of Richmond, VA is back at the Glen Echo Playhouse for the next two weekends, presenting three of Beatrix Potter’s favorite tales: “Two Bad Mice,” “Jemima Puddle-Duck,” and “Jeremy Fisher.” Christopher Hudert brings these stories to life through the everyday activities of a young girl as she dreams and plays alone in her room. Best for ages 3-9, a 45 minute performance. 

Saturday-

9:00am-12:00pm: Kids Workshop at Home Depot: Valentine’s bean bag toss
Score points with your loved ones and build a Valentine bean bag toss in this hands-on workshop. You and your child can construct a fun bean bag toss game for the whole family to love. Following the bean bag toss game board construction, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron, and pin. The first Saturday of every month, register for this free workshop.

9:30am AND 11:00am: ¡Uno, Dos, Tres, con Andrés! at National Theatre
What would you do if you received a mysterious letter? Join Andrés as he travels Latin America in search of Juana la Rana. You will sing and dance to new and classic Spanish songs and even learn español along the way! Don’t miss this unique and interactive performance. FREE show

10:00am: Marsha and the Positrons at The Avalon Theatre Family Series
Both playful and educational, Marsha and the Positrons shows get audiences singing along and dancing to songs that will inspire curiosity about science. The group also plays kid-appropriate pop covers, parodies, and traditional favorites. Marsha and the Positrons feature skilled and smooth bass player Wardell Howell; gifted and instinctive djembe drummer and vocalist, Kristen Arant; wonderful multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Ayanna Gallant; and supremely talented guitar player, Ford Combs. Whether playing as a duo, trio, or full band, Marsha and the Positrons always bring their positive energy and playfulness to the stage! They will be kicking off the winter family concert series! And who doesn’t love hot coffee and fresh popcorn at 10:00am while cozy in a movie theatre singing and dancing?! Check out The Penguin Song music video here. 

10:00am-11:00am: First Studio: An Art Exploration for 3-5 Year Olds at Kreeger Museum
Children and an adult companion are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, analysis of works of art, a story and a hands-on art-making experience.Workshop fee $10/child. Pre-registration is required and payment due at time of registration. An adult must remain with the child throughout the program. Read our review of the program here. 

10:00am-5:00pm: La Chandeleur Day at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
La Chandeleur, also known as Crêpe Day, marks the halfway point between winter and spring.  In France, families celebrate by eating crêpes, which are round and golden like the springtime sun. Snack on a tasty treat of sweet crêpes. Hear classic French tales inspired by scenes from La Fontaine fables that are pictured on tapestries covering chairs from France displayed in the mansion. Explore Hillwood’s French treasures through interactive, docent-led, family-friendly gallery talks and a printed activity guide. Decorate a plate with fanciful designs and flourishes inspired by Hillwood’s French Sèvres porcelain.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
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. Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site is the featured story.

1:30pm-3:30pm: Q, the Witch and the Magical Orb at Maryland Ensemble Theatre
Come see a FUN Company play – Q, the Witch and the Magical Orb! Afterwards we’ll have snacks and make art around the themes of the play, and play theatre games–all for free! Recommended for ages 3-7.

Sunday-

10:00am-11:30am: Lion Lessons preschool class at The National Zoo
Do you have what it takes to be part of the pride? Learn what it’s like to be a lion and test your skills with us and our wild role models! FONZ preschool classes are designed for children ages 2 to 3 to discover a whole new view of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. “Adult-and-me” format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo walks to engage your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world. Member cost: $28.00, Non-member cost:$35.00

11:00am-1:00pm: Tween Valentine Card Making Workshop at Paper Source
Grab your BFF and some glitter for a workshop that will give you heart eyes! Make 5 – 6 Valentines for your classmates, friends and family using your favorite stickers, stamps, washi and more! In this class, you will: Stamp, Heat Emboss, Doodle, Paint and Use Washi. This class is intended for ages 8 – 14

 

Looking Ahead:

Plan a Date Night to see Something Rotten playing at National Theatre Feb. 6-18, 2018

Indoor Picnic & Movie at The National Cathedral– Feb. 9, 2018

Shows at Imagination Stage & Adventure Theatre are beginning next weekend, grab tickets!

School is off but camp is on in and around Washington, DC

holiday

                                                                                                                                                                      (Image: Shelf Store)

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!

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.

Artworks
(7740 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814 – Locations in McLean and Potomac also)
School is out, but you still have to head to the office….What do you do? Send the kids to Artworks, they will enjoy a day filled with fun, creative, and engaging activities. Drop Off: 8:50am-9:10am Pick Up: 3pm with extended day option.

My Gym
(5110 Ridgefield Rd Bethesda, MD. 20816- Potomac location also)
When school is off – My Gym Camp is on! Drop your kids off for three hours of cool and nonstop fun at My Gym; including games, crafts, gymnastics, sports and snack! 

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.

Create Arts Center
(816 Thayer AvenueSilver Spring MD 20910)
Are you looking for a fun and creative space where your child can spend their days off? CREATE Arts Center offers art-themed ‘No School Day Camp’ on more than 20 days throughout the year when school is closed, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Veterans Day, teacher conference days, professional development days, and more. Our ‘No School Day Camp’ schedule aligns align with Montgomery County Public Schools and DC Public Schools, and also several local private schools and a variety of charter schools. Don’t see a date? Contact us to create a camp. Campers spend the day working on a variety of art projects, including painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, and more. Learn more about a typical day of art camp.

Meet the Instrument No School Day Camp at National Conservancy of Arts
(1810 16th Street NW, 3rd Floor, Washington DC 20009)
(900 4th Street SW, Lower Level, Washington DC 20024)
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

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.

The Children’s Art Studio
(3172 Brandywine St NW, Washington, DC 20008)
Have your child spend the day making art! They meet from 9am-2pm. They also have half-day camp.

Zenith Community Arts Foundation (ZCAF)
(1429 Iris St NW, Washington, DC 20012)
A DC-based 501c3 that’s been around since 2000. SOAP is for week days when students do not have school, and families are looking for a full-day program to entertain and occupy their child/ren in Grades 5-8.  SOAP features: a METRO location; peer to peer socializing opportunities; multicultural, cross-curricular art lessons; hands’ on projects with a variety of materials and techniques; reinforcement of self-reliance, personal responsibility, public speaking, teamwork, project management and other life skills; a low staff to participant ratio; and a safe and supportive, handicapped accessible environment.

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 location 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.

Washington DC JCC
(1529 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington DC 20036)
No school today Camp! Adventure. Creativity. Discovery. Friendship. Days of fun when kids are off school,
but parents have to work. Registration for our Fall No School Today Camp Programs is now open!

Indoor options for kids in and around Washington, DC

Here is a long post full of great indoor options for you and your Bambinos in the Washington, DC metro area– plus some options up the road in Baltimore. So whether it’s raining, snowing — or just too cold or hot outside, here are some fantastic places to check out. They’ll keep your little ones engaged and might even tire them out enough to keep you happy. We’ll try to keep this list updated, so do add your suggestions to the comments below and we’ll keep building! Scroll all the way to the bottom as there are on-going lists of theatres, gyms and other great indoor spaces.

Washington, DC~

Elemeno–(709 8th Street SE Washington, DC  20003)

SkillZone is a fun, fresh place to play and learn in Washington, DC., open for drop-in play time, classes, and private parties! A place in the city for children 6 & under. Registration is required.

Smithsonian Museum– (Various Locations)

Most are free of charge! Specific child-friendly areas in museums listed below.

U.S. Botanic Garden– (100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC)

Massive indoor exhibits, you can spend all day here. Check website as they occasionally have events such as cooking demonstrations, concerts, baby snuggler days and more.
[Read more…]

Ultimate camp guide in and around Washington, DC for Summer 2018

An updated 2019 Summer Camp Guide can be found here.

This 2018 Summer camp guide is sponsored by Beauvoir Summer Camp.

Beauvoir Summer
(3500 Woodley Rd, NW, Washington, DC 20016 on the National Cathedral grounds)
Located on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., Beauvoir Summer strives to create an inviting, collaborative and warm community for campers during the summer months. Beauvoir Summer offers camp programs open to Beauvoir and non-Beauvoir children ages 3 to 11 years old over four sessions that run a total of seven weeks.  Whether registering for one session or all summer, exciting activities include field trips, swimming lessons, outdoor adventure programs and specialty camps. Beauvoir Summer also offers a counselor-in-training program for students grades 6 to 12. Through a variety of offerings, Beauvoir Summer makes it easy for you to create a schedule that works best for your family, offering before and after camp care programs as well. Simply put, Beauvoir Summer can accommodate all of your summer camp needs!

Woodland Horse Center
(16301 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD. 20905)
Woodland Horse Center is the premier horseback riding center in Maryland and prides itself in offering the most spectacular Horseback Riding Summer Camp for horse-crazy kids from June 18-Aug 24. The 1-week Pony Pals Camp is for young riders ages 5-7. The 2-week Horsemanship Camp is for riders ages 8-16. All campers learn to ride correctly and confidently in twice daily riding lessons. Campers also learn comprehensive horsemanship skills which help them learn and love to care for the wonderful horses and ponies. Interactive, hands-on lessons outside of the ring include grooming, tacking, anatomy, health care, nutrition and more. Put the devices down, get outside and have a blast with the horses!!

Summer Safari Zoo Camp at The National Zoo
(3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008)
Each of the Summer Safari programs explores the lives, habitats, and conservation of animals around the world. Week-long sessions include exciting hands-on activities, lessons, craft projects, science experiments, and walks through the Zoo (but no direct contact with animals). Camp sessions are grouped into four grade levels: K-1, 2-3, 4-5, and 6-7.

Spy Camp at the Spy Museum
(800 F Street, NW Washington, DC  20004)
Another sneaky camp that sounds like so much fun and full of thrills! Somewhere deep inside the Museum an elite group of recruits is lurking in the shadows preparing to take on top secret missions. No one really knows who they are, or for that matter, what they’re really up to. Now it’s your children’s turn to join their ranks. Each day is filled with top secret briefings and activities that will put spy skills and street smarts to the test. Aspiring Spy recruits will hone their tradecraft, learn from real spies, and hit the streets to run training missions. Develop a disguise for cover, make and break codes, discover escape and evasion techniques, create and use spy gadgets, uncover the science behind spying—all of this and more awaits young recruits! Ages 10-13.

National Building Museum Summer Camp
(401 F Street NW Washington, D.C. 20001)
One and two week sessions for campers entering 2nd-7th grade. Experience the world we build for ourselves in new ways and with hands-on activities and projects in one of our favorite buildings in DC! Attend one, two, or all of the unique sessions of, full-day summer camp at the National Building Museum. Campers will enjoy design challenges, exploring the Museum, and more!

Lowell School Camp
(1640 Kalmia Rd NW., Washington, DC. 20012)
Their respectful and caring atmosphere encourages campers, rising PreK-grade 9, to grow in self-awareness and confidence, while strengthening their cooperation and consideration for others. They have an expansive campus with fields, surrounded by towering trees, provides generous space for games, sports, exercise, and water play. Campers explore and investigate plant and animal life in a spring-fed stream, a tributary of nearby Rock Creek. The four-lane indoor pool, fully equipped technology center, three art workshops, library, and large gymnasium are also available to campers. 

Sidwell Summer
(3825 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016)
(5100 Edgemoor Lane Bethesda, MD 20814)
With an array of programs for campers and students Age 3 – Grade 12 throughout June,  July, and August, they have something for everyone. This camp has two locations to choose from with a variety of camps; day camp, sports camp and academic camp.

Bricks4Kidz
(1130 6th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Camp kicks off the morning session by grouping up the kiddos by age (two age groups: 4-6 year olds and 7-12 year olds) then the fun begins. Campers work in pairs and build projects through Bricks 4 Kidz lesson plans and make creations of their own during super fun free play periods. The afternoon gets “challenging” as the campers enter “Challenge Island”, that provides unique challenge-based programs designed to foster critical and creative thinking skills, problem solving methodology, and core STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) principles in children.

Arts on the Horizon Summer Camps
(1100 Wythe Street, #26093  Alexandria, VA)
From superhero to construction, this arts inspired camp has a session that is sure to appeal to your child. They offer one week, half day sessions. Ages 3-6.

(Photo: Imagination Stage)

Theatre & Arts Camps:

Adventure Theatre Camps

Little Loft

The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts

Meadowlark Guitar and Ukulele Camp

Red Panda Art Studio

McLean Project for the Arts (MAP)

Camp Arena Stage

Art in Motion via UpCycle/Local Motion

Takoma Groove Camp

Fit Kids Hit the Stage

Round House Theatre

Encore Stage and Studio

Imagination Stage

Lola’s Lab Camp

Levine Summer Music & Arts Day Camp

The Art League

Creative Youth

(Photo: Language Stars)


Language Camps:
CommuniKids

Language Stars

(Photo: Baseball Camp at Bethesda Big Train)

Other camps around the Washington, DC area:

(Photo: Calleva)

Need to sign-up for just one week of camp? Thanks to some locals parents, here’s a great list of drop-ins and places that will allow you to sign up a week at a time.

Bruce Murray Soccer Camp is in Potomac and has bus transportation
Humane Rescue Alliance for grades 2 & up
Bethesda YMCA tennis camp 
Woods Academy in Bethesda has a great summer science program
HomeRun Baseball Camp allows daily drop-ins and accepts kids ages 4-12
PPA offers soccer camps
Bethesda Soccer Club has tons of soccer camps
Sidwell Friends School summer camp
Washington Episcopal School summer camp
Calleva is an outdoor camp that has buses that pick up and drop off close-in and offer a variety of camp experiences
Brit-Am is a local soccer club that also has summer camps
Headfirst summer camp is very popular with various themes with two locations
Four Soccer at American University
Coach Sal Caccavale and his summer camps, they are all located in DC
Bach to Rock has a music camp in Bethesda
Landon camp is for boys and girls and provides bus transportation from a few neighborhoods

Weekend Picks: December 22-24, 2017

Discover the “Imaginary World of The Nutcracker” at Artechouse as the beloved winter story comes to life with new digital experiences. Inspired by the original story and powered by the latest projection and augmented reality technologies, “Imaginary World of The Nutcracker” installation is an exploratory experience through multiple immersive sets where the Nutcracker and other characters come to life via projections and the ARTECHOUSE Augmented Reality app. Filled with details and constant movement the installation shifts and performs as visitors walk around, leaving no moment unfilled. Populated by visually stunning and enticing elements and wrapped in digital graphics, the dreamlike world of toys, magic trees, snowflakes and candy offers a memorable experience for both adults and kids alike. The mystical Nutcracker himself is just one member of a truly magnificent ensemble. Open through January 7, closed Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1. Buy tickets for all ages or 21+ evenings. 

Catch a local show at Adventure Theatre performing Frosty the Snowman, Imagination Stage performing Charlotte’s Web, The Nutcracker at Glen Echo Puppet Co. or Synetic Theatre performing Hansel & Gretel this weekend. 

Saturday-

 

10:00am: Hirshorn Storytime
STORYTIME explores contemporary art through stories and movement. Museum staff will read aloud a book, introduce children to an artist in the collection, and lead a hands-on activity. As part of MAKER MORNINGS: TRACE, read I Have the Right to be a Child by Alain Serres, and create our own LEGO® artworks.

10:00am-12:00pm: Snowflake Festival and Diaper Drive
There will be crafts, snacks, raffle prizes and the  chance to have your photo taken with Olaf! See list online of acceptable donations.

2:00pm: Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show at Atlas Performing Arts Center
This fun, family-friendly performance will have you stomping your feet and clapping your hands to energetic beats from Step Afrika! and special guest, DJ Frosty the Snowman. Over the last six years, this internationally-renowned percussive dance company has created a contemporary holiday tradition at the Atlas, featuring friendly, furry characters, pre-show instrument-making workshops, photo ops, and even a dance party. Why celebrate the holidays sitting still when you can step with Step Afrika! Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is suited to adults and kids age four and up. Join us in the lobby 30 minutes before show time to decorate your own musical instrument so you can make music with Step Afrika! during the performance.

6:00pm: Messiah Sing-Along
The Kennedy Center’s free Messiah Sing-Along, a family and community tradition since 1971, returns to the Concert Hall on Saturday evening, December 23, at 6 p.m. Ticket distribution begins at 4:30 p.m. in the Hall of Nations.

7:00pm-8:00pm: Christmas Caroling at the Wharf
Enjoy the sounds of the season—featuring the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC—and join in as they sing holiday songs to spread the Christmas spirit all along the waterfront. While you’re here, treat yourself to s’mores at the fire pit and visit our lighted Christmas Tree. Plus, Santa Claus himself will take time out of his busy schedule to join in the fun. Bring your camera to snap photos with Santa as we count down to Christmas. There is also an ice rink you can enjoy before the caroling.

Sunday-

Smithsonian Calendar of Events for Today

11:00am AND 3:30pm: Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker at Warner Theatre
DC’s perennial favorite! This celebrated production is set in historic Georgetown with George Washington and King George III among other historical figures. Join again with family and friends or start a new holiday tradition with your loved ones. 

 

Christmas Day-  

10:00am-5:00pm: United States Botanic Garden: Season’s Greenings: National Parks and Historic Sites
Immerse yourself in the sights, scents, and sounds of the season with wreaths, garland, trees, and thousands of blooms from exotic orchids to a showcase of heirloom and newly developed poinsettia varieties.Throughout the Conservatory, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service and the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. In this year’s model train show, the trains will chug around, below, through, and above re-creations of iconic national parks and sites in the National Register of Historic Places. See the Grand Canyon, the Gateway Arch, Old Faithful Inn and Geyser, Mount Vernon, Mount Rushmore, a 7-foot-tall Statue of Liberty, and many more representing more than 50 different national parks and historic sites, all made from plants and other natural materials.

11:00am-3:00pm:Christmas Brunch at The Ritz, Pentagon City
Gather ‘round for a bountiful holiday brunch at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City featuring traditional and Christmas inspired cuisine and holiday parade featuring Mr. and Mrs. Clause, Santa’s team of reindeer and festive carolers

1:30pm: Christmas Day Organ Recital at The National Cathedral
Benjamin Straley, Washington National Cathedral organist, and George Fergus, AAM Gerre Hancock Fellow in Church Music, play a Christmas afternoon recital of traditional and familiar holiday favorites on the Cathedral’s great organ. $10 recommended donation. Passes are not required.

 

More Winter Information- 

Winter Break Camps and Classes

Holiday Tea

Holiday Shows, Ballets and Concerts

Ice Rinks & Holiday Lights

Looking Ahead

Birthday party ideas, venues & entertainers in and around Washington, DC

Planning a party should be exciting and fun, but until you find a perfect spot for your Bambino it may be a bit stressful. I’ve put together a list (longer than I intended) to get you thinking about some great spots and venues in our area.

 

Indoor Party

My Gym Bethesda: Read my personal experience (Location also in Potomac)

Creative Youth: Sewing, Runway Fashionista, Fashion Design and more

th-1Color Me Mine: Paint pottery, invitations and paper supplies included  (Gaithersburg, Rockville, Silver Spring & Fairfax)

Michaels: Choose from themes or design your own celebration, use of craft supplies and party space.

Launch Trampoline Park

Circle Yoga:  Parties taught by a Budding Yogis qualified yoga instructor. The party lasts 1 1/2 hours (1 hour of yoga, 1/2 hour for eating or gift exchange). Yoga parties can be coordinated around almost any theme.

The Escape Lounge:  Include an escape game and one-hour celebration. Pizza and beverages included. Perfect for older kids.

All Fired Up: Paint pottery, 5 balloons, invitations and paper supplies included

Magic Ground: Indoor play with extra bonuses

Imagination Stage: See a show or have a workshop

Flying Kick Tae Kwon Do: Go to the studio or have them come to you

Adventure Theatre: See a show or have a workshop

Bubble Bounce: 2 hours, private party space, pizza and juice included

Capital Gymnastics: 1 hour of gymnastics on the gym floor with a qualified instructor, followed by 1/2 hour in a party room

Kidville: Fun in the gym, 2 party leaders, invitations, cake, pizza and paper goods included

Gymboree: Choose a theme and an employee with guide your party to fun in the gym, invitations, good bag sand party supplies included

DC JCC: Choose a theme and they do it all for you with an energetic staff member

Bounce U: Inflatables

Pump it Up: Inflatables

Badlands: Read about our experience here

Silver Stars Gymnastics

College Park Aviation Museum: Each party includes an aviation-themed craft, museum exploration, a private party room, and much more.

Build-A-Bear Workshop: Make and take home a furry friend, games, activities and a hat

Laser Tag & Arcade

YMCA

PB&Jack: 1hr & 15 mins in the gym, 45 mins of cake and celebrating, themed craft corner, juice and paper supplies provided

More Indoor Options that may host parties

 

Outdoor Party

th-2American City Diner: Movie on the Deck with menu

Smithsonian National Zoo: Themed indoor party room and walking tour Zoo exhibits

Rock Creek Park:  Picnic tables, some spots have grills, bring your own fun and be one with nature

Leesburg Animal Park: 2 hours with a hostess, private pony rides, petting zoo, goody bag and paper supplies included

Tinkergarten

Orchards and Farms

Outdoor Ice Rinks

 

Indoor and Outdoor Comboth

Meadowside Nature Center: Room rental and a themed program with an outdoor activity led by Naturalist

Locust Grove Nature Center: Room rental and a themed program with an outdoor activity led by Naturalist

Glen Echo: Party space, ride the historic carousel, go to the playground

Wheaton Regional Park:  Train, carousel, playground

Cabin John Park: Trains, playground and indoor party space

DC Parks & Recreation: Play at a playground, rec center, gym or pool. Apply for a permit well in advance

 

Our favorite musicians who will come to your home or venue

Mr. Gabe

Mr. Skip

John Henry, The Guitar Playing Man

Amber with Meadowlark Music

Baba Ras D

The Uncle Devin Show

Marsha Goodman-Wood

 

Entertainment/Decor
Reptiles Alive!

SenSations Party Designs

James Creel and his Balloonery

Captain Allstar

Vivi the Clown

The Amazing Kevin (Magician)

We’re Having a Party- Party Supply & Rental

Link to search and hire various entertainment and entertainers

 

Need a bounce house?

Total Party & Event

Talk of the Town

 

Sunday Picks: December 3, 2017

I got too into the holiday spirit and couldn’t squeeze in a blog post on time. For those of you who were desperate for some weekend fun and bummed the weekend picks didn’t arrive in your inbox in time, I typically post events regularly on Instagram. There is a lot to do on Sunday! 

10:00am-6:00pm: Ice Lounge at City Center
CityCenterDC will open a life-size, modern, ice igloo made of 36,000 pounds of ice blocks in The Park at CityCenter. Styled with plush interiors by Joseph Ireland of JD Ireland Interior Architecture + Design, this one-of-a-kind, frozen structure will allow Washingtonians to fulfill their subzero dreams for a weekend.

10:00-11:30am: Transformers: Animals and Heroes at Smithsonian National Zoo
Bring your young animal lover to the Zoo this weekend for “Transformers: Animal Action Heroes,” a preschool class for 3-5 year olds! There’s more than meets the eye to these shape shifters! Many animals change their shape or appearance sometime during their life to survive. Learn about the special powers they use to transform and change.  Zoo preschool classes are designed for children ages 3-5 to discover a whole new view of the National Zoo. “Adult-and-me” format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo Walks to engage your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world. Pre-registration is required. $28/child for FONZ members. $35/child for non-members. Registration fee covers one child with adult. Learn more and register here.

10:00am: Tiny Tots: Nutcracker Fantasy at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo

10:30am Uptown Theatre in Cleveland Park will show a holiday movie: Elf.

11:00am AND 2:00pm: Hansel & Gretel at Synetic Theatre

11:00am AND 2:00pm: Frosty the Snowman at Adventure Theatre

11:30am: Revolting Rhymes at National Gallery of Art
Celebrate the 100th birthday of beloved children’s author Roald Dahl. Based on the much-loved children’s book written by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake,Revolting Rhymes takes the classic fairy tales of Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, The Three Little Pigs, Jack & the Beanstalk, and Cinderella, then mixes them together and serves them with a mischievous twist. (Jakob Schuh, Jan Lachauer, United Kingdom, 2016, 58 min.) Ages 8 and up.

11:30am AND 100pm: The Nutcracker on Strings at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo

4:00pm: Chanukah Hebrew Story Hour at Milton (formerly JPDS-NC)
Please join with your 3-6 year old for a fun, engaging and Hebrew-filled afternoon. Milton Hebrew teachers will read a Chanukah story, sing songs and lead the children in a craft project all in Hebrew! Free event but RSVP required. 

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