The place I call home; Chevy Chase, DC! And no, the neighborhood has nothing to do with the actor Cornelius Crane “Chevy” Chase. We luckily live 5 blocks from the hustle and bustle of “The Avenue” before you enter Maryland. Connecticut ‘Avenue’ that is, which has a Starbucks, children’s clothing store Full of Beans, Salon Familia where the entire family can get a haircut, CVS, 2 grocery stores, a post office and so much more. Head east down Connecticut Avenue and you enter Forest Hills neighborhood which has an independent bookstore; Politics and Prose, CVS, restaurants and Little Red Fox coffee shop. Below you’ll find the Top Ten spots to head with your Bambino(s).

1. Barstons Child’s Play– Train tables and lots of toys out for kids to play with. I bet you can’t go in without leaving with lots of fun toys. The employees are so knowledgable about appropriate aged toys and what to get for that birthday party you’re sure to return to this toy store.

2. Jetties– New to the neighborhood but loved around the city. Sandwiches (try the Nobadeer if you’re in need of a Thanksgiving meal), salads, soups and ice cream!

3. Avalon Theatre Weekend Family Matinee

4. Comet Ping Pong Pizza– A family favorite of ours! Noisy, kid-friendly atmosphere, with ping pong tables and foosball in the back room. Parents: While the kids eat their cheese pizzas, try the wings. You won’t be sorry.

5. Livingston Playground (Livingston St and 41st St), Forest Hills Playground (Chesapeake St and 32nd St), Lafayette Playground (Patterson St and 33rd St). The trifecta of playgrounds in the neighborhood all have unique features making the rotation a worthwhile one.

6. Chevy Chase Library and Playground- Check DC Library website for story times.

7. Chevy Chase Pavillon– Besides three stories of retail and restaurants, Bambinos can run around the lower level and lounge on the comfy chairs– you can enjoy a coffee from Starbucks or a sandwich from Lunchbox.

8. Rock Creek Park- Take Nevada Ave directly into the Park (which turns into Broad Branch Rd), park and get out to walk around and play or head to the Horse Stables (5100 Glover Rd NW) to see the horses.

9. Chevy Chase Circle Fountain- bring a boat to float or picnic.

10. Politics and Prose Bookstore with story time on Mondays 10:30am (resuming January 5, 2015). Children’s section is downstairs next to the coffee shop.

11. Broad Branch Market– Local shop for gourmet groceries, craft coffee, beer & wine plus takeout foods & buffet catering. Summer at BBM is a Bambinos dream; John Henry concerts and ice cream cones. Stop in for a loaf of bread or a fresh made sandwich.