Beltway Bambinos

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

Not your typical kid gym

Need a place to escape the heat (or cold in the winter) and head indoors? Here are a couple of places that are sure to make your child happy and get some exercise when it’s too hot to be outside in the afternoon (or too cold in the winter). Most of these unique spaces offer camps, classes and birthday parties in addition to providing a space for your Bambinos to move. 

(Photo: Badlands)
Badlands Playspace– 5200 Randolph Rd. Rockville, MD 20852
Read about our fun there!

Scramble Indoor Play– 5412 Eisenhower Ave Alexandria, VA 22304
Scramble is the first European-style play center in Alexandria. Scramble offers incredible indoor play every day of the week, birthday parties Fri-Sun and a full program of summer camps for Elementary-age children this summer.

Elemeno– 709 8th St SE Washington, DC 20003
Formerly known as SkillZone. Parent coworking, SkillZone indoor play, early childhood STEM, family social events, kid-free time & private parties.

Magic Ground– 3100 14th St Northwest 3rd Level Washington, DC
See original review here.

Laugh Out Loud Stations Mega Fun Center– 6250 Greenbelt Rd. Greenbelt, MD 20770
CRAZY FUN Rides and AMAZING attractions all in one place to develop LOL Stations as the Best Indoor Theme Park and Birthday Party Place in the Washington metropolitan area, where the entire family can play together!! LaserTag, Challenge Course, Tumbler, Bumper Cars, Ball Blaster, Bouncers, 4-Level Playground, Himalaya, and much more!! Purchase a package or pay for single games.

Hyper Kidz!- 9309 Snowden River Parkway Columbia, MD 21046
Themed zones for kids ages 0-13. Other attractions include an interactive LED dance floor, laser light show, interactive screen games, bubble machine, glow-in-the-dark play, a concession stand, souvenir stand, and giant lite brite boards. Hyper Kidz encourages healthy and active social play.

(Photo: Nook)
Nook–  Nook Mosaic:Coming Summer 2018 & Nook Ballston Quarter:Coming Fall 2018
Nook is a play and learning space for the young, modern family. Not just a children’s play space, Nook is a blended play, work, and learning experience for the entire family.

Climb Zone-13200 Mid Atlantic Boulevard Suite 130 Laurel, MD 20708
Indoor rock climbing with individual walls, each with a theme. There are a few bounce houses, an area for kids 3 and under to play in, video games and a small cafe. Ages 2-5 are $12, 6 years and older $25. You can stay as long as you’d like. Outside food is permitted. You can have a birthday party here too. Put your harness on and climb aboard your favorite art whether it be Mt. Rushmore or the Alice in Wonderland themed wall, you’ll have a great time.

ZAVAZONE– 45685 Oakbrook Ct #110, Sterling, VA 20166 & 40 Southlawn Court Rockville, MD 20850
ZAVAZONE is an Indoor Adventure Park: a unique space dedicated to active fun for people from ages 5 to 105.  ZAVAZONE brings together ninja courses, ropes courses, trampolines, climbing challenges, zip lines, and more under ONE soaring roof.  It delivers a heart-pumping multi-action experience like no other.  Every visit to ZAVAZONE grants access to ALL of these exhilarating challenges, so you’re always free to create your very own active adventure. The state-of-the-art equipment is overseen by highly trained ZAVAZONE coaches who ensure safety while inspiring guests to make the leap or try a bold new move. All ZAVAZONE activities are included with admission.

Animated Child– 5167 Waterway Drive Montclair, VA 22025
Animated Child is an innovative enrichment center that encourages a child’s natural curiosity, independence and creativity. We engage children in every element of intelligence to highlight their unique way of learning. By exploring in which way a child is smart versus how smart they are, children are empowered to recognize ability within themselves. Great for ages 2-12. Open exploration times, enrichment classes, summer camps and birthday parties are available.

Sprout at Saffron – 3260 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201
The ultimate new business concept that combines your productivity (coworking), relaxation, fitness or yoga with your kids playing and learning.  Moms, dads and caregivers can catch up on work or relax in the cafe, take a fitness or yoga class while your kids are taken care of in a holistic and educational environment.  Classes vary from supervised open gym, music, ballerina classes and more! Classes are also offered for kids or adults.

Busy Bees– 11 Wisconsin Circle Bethesda, MD & 6110 D Arlington Blvd. Falls Church, VA 22044
An indoor play space where everything moves, spins or flies just for kids under 48″. $15 (or a pass) will get your kiddos inside, come and go as you please. Open 9-5 everyday. Complimentary coffee, tea and wifi. They also through amazing birthday parties.

Don’t forget these indoor spaces as well:

My Gym–5110 Ridgefield Rd, Bethesda, MD 20816
Kidville– 4825 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Gymboree– Various Locations

Judy Moody and the Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt at Adventure Theatre + GIVEAWAY

(Photo: Michael Horan)

What: Judy Moody and the Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt

When: April 21- June 3, 2018

Where: Adventure Theatre
7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. 20812

Why: Third grade has put Judy Moody in a mood. She’s got to figure out what to include in her “Me” collage, and her know-it-all little brother Stink keeps getting in the way. When the Moody family drops anchor on “Artichoke” Island, they meet Cap’n Weevil with a secret treasure map, launching them on a mad dash across the island in search of gold. But they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot! Can Judy Moody and Stink outwit their competition in time? Will Judy finish her project? Come aboard as we launch this world premiere and find out!

Judy goes on an epic adventure using her imagination and problem solving skills (with some help from her brother, Stink) as she tries to win a “t-shirt with words” she can show off to her new third grade class. We witness the competitive sibling relationship with constant banter as they are forced to work together as they go on a treasure hunt. If your Bambinos have read the book and loved it, this is almost a replica which is sure to make them smile from ear to ear as they hear the familiar references, locations and characters names! No one will want to walk the plank, in fact, you’ll wish the play could continue on longer.

Giveaway: Win tickets to see Judy Moody and the Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt!! Comment on Facebook and Instagram with the show day/time you’d prefer to see. Winner will be announced May 8, 2018.

  • Adapted for the stage by Allison Gregory

  • Based on the books by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

  • Directed by Mitchell Hebert

  • Recommended ages 4+

  • Running time is 60 minutes with no intermission

  • Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets are $19.50 each with group and field trip rates available. Children under the age of 1 are free.

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…]

Good to be bad: Badlands nature-inspired indoor play space

Badlands is a nature-inspired play space and interactive environment where children can take risks, succeed at challenging themselves, and find their own way.  Targeted to children ages 2-13, Badlands offers a broad spectrum of challenging opportunities carefully curated to young minds.

Highlights:

The Workshop: Complete with tools, workbenches, and tinkering stations where children and parents can work together and be creative using real materials. My son was attracted to this room because it was complete with tools. An employee asked his age and depending on what it is, they allow you to use certain tools with supervision. He used a screwdriver to screw in various things on a wooden block. There was also an art station set-up with employees assisting with the intended craft, which was making things to fly. Once you created it you put it inside a wind tunnel to see if it was successful at flying. If it wasn’t, you could go back and fix the project. Kids are also able to be creative and make something of their choice. A Lego pool was also in this room— were talking thousands and thousands of legos. A few animals also live in cages in the Workshop room.

The Mountain: Kids discover new confidence as they climb and scramble their way to the summit (no need for harnesses). Kids are instructed to keep feet AND a hand on the mountain at all times and employees are at the top to assist anyone who needs a helping hand. There are mountains of various sizes. My 2.5 year old was able to master each mountain by the end of our time there while my 6 year old had no problem from the beginning. Children can also climb through caves and pull themselves up by a rope on one part of the mountain.

Loose parts: There are several containers of large wooden pieces, ropes, wheels and plastic screws. Children were creating wagons, carts, and anything they set their minds to. Next to this area is a space that looks like a stream, complete with large rocks, a bridge, logs and trees to maneuver around.

Builder’s Room: Children use large-scale building materials that they can easily manipulate to design and create whatever they can dream. This room was not available because a summer camp was using it. But from what we saw before the camp came, they provide mats, soft blocks, milk crate containers and other materials to tinker around and create something with.

Exhibits: Features new interactive experiences every three months. During the first rotation, the space will house live butterflies. We were fortunate enough to witness a butterfly coming out of the chrysalis. Bambinos can use magnifying glasses to examine plants and butterflies in the exhibit.

There is also a screening room, a space in the center that is fenced off for small games, a cafe that serves wine and has wifi, and 4 large pavilions that are used for parties and celebrations.

The complete space is huge and bright. You feel like you are outdoors with the nature theme in addition to the bright, attractive colors. They have an entire hallway of bathrooms that are all family-friendly. The only negative thing I found was that they encourage you to let your child roam and explore however the front doors have a handicapped button to open them. I have a roaming almost 3 year old who happened to go right up to it and open the door. Had I not been with her she would have darted out of the place. Perhaps a wristband they check upon leaving is a good idea or roping off the entrance somehow so it isn’t so open.

Hours: 9:00am-6:00pm Closed on Mondays.

Address: 5200 Randolph Rd. Rockville, MD.20852 (in the same plaza as Chuckee Cheese)

Cost: Children 3+: $22.50

Children under 3: $12.50

Memberships are also available.

Tip: Sign the waiver ahead of time online

nook– a modern indoor play space


nook™ is a modern indoor play space for kids that parents can enjoy too. They have removed the overstimulating, chaotic elements of the typical crowded play place to create more room for your child’s imagination and a relaxed space for you to watch it unfold.

The photos on nook’s social sites don’t do this place justice. I was expecting a small space with minimal things for kids to do. I WAS WRONG! The space is huge and the options are endless. We spent over 2 hours there and the only reason we left was because we had to pick up older brother at camp.

nook’s mission is to create opportunities for children to develop their imagination, confidence, and social skills through play. Designed by an award-winning architecture and product design studio, nook is divided into several different play areas or “nooks”, each with its own play theme. You’ll find nooks for art, music, reading, building, climbing, and sensory play. To keep up with your child’s growing imagination, play themes in each nook will change periodically throughout the year.

My daughter was drawn to the dress-up area that had costumes and a mirror (to check out your new look). Once she had a favorite on– an owl, she went exploring and found a climbing structure that ended with a ball pit! After bouncing around we played with art supplies; stickers, dot paint, play dough, cookie cutters and markers. There was an interactive music class being held at 10am and again at 10:45am which admission in the summer covers the cost of. There was an adorable tent setup with camping supplies inside. The train table was taken to a new level as it was built into a wall with small wooden buildings alongside. Animal crackers, popcorn, cheerios and coffee are complementary and you can enjoy them with your Bambinos at the center table reading one of the many books they have displayed. There is even a nook for infants with a rocker, soft rug and baby toys.  Everything felt so pristine, modern, white and tan. The feeling was comfortable and it was apparent there were regulars there who had formed friendships by being members.

As mentioned above, they also offer a variety of classes to provide endless opportunities for development, discovery, and learning. nook has included the cost of the class in your admission cost for the summer only.

nook is designed specifically for 0 to 4 year olds. One parent or caregiver must accompany their child at all times.

Details:

2905 District Ave, Suite 115 Fairfax, VA 22031

Nook Ballston Quarter: Coming Soon

Monday-Thursday, 9am to 5pm, Friday-Sunday, 10am to 3pm

A reservation is required on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings. Purchase a pass online and call 703-270-6388 to reserve your spot.

Prices: 
1 day pass: $20
10 day pass: $150
Membership: $120/month

The space is available for birthday parties, play dates, baby showers, or any reason to gather.

Splash around at The Yards Park, Capitol Waterfront

What: The Yards Park, Capitol Riverfront

The Yards Park, provides green space and water features for all to enjoy the outdoors along the Anacostia River. The Canal Basin and Waterwall pay homage to the historic canal that once ran from the Anacostia River to the U.S. Capitol Building. Visitors enjoy splashing, wading, and cooling off in the fresh water of this decorative water feature on hot summer days. The Great Lawn is a large open green space framed by shading trees, unique wooden benches, and a scenic pathway to the Riverwalk Trail Bridge, leading to Diamond Teague Park and Nationals Park. This lovely spot is ideal for quiet picnics, tossing a ball, and generally enjoying the outdoors. The sculptural bridge is the architectural icon of Yards Park, spanning the Canal Basin as it connects the Great Lawn and the Overlook. The bridge also serves as a landmark link on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, a scenic destination for runners, bikers, and strollers to enjoy our river. The Terraced Lawn Steps provide four levels of seating in the park leading down to the boardwalk. These green steps create a natural amphitheater-like space to read, people-watch, and enjoy the river view. If you have a dog, there is also a Dog Run. 

Cons:

  • Limited shade
  • Very slippery surfaces alongside the water (many, many people fell)
  • When we went on a weekend, kids had squirt guns spraying everyone and everything

Pros:

  • Less then 12 inches of water
  • Free
  • Located near Ice Cream Jubilee and many other places to grab a bite or drink
  • Dancing Fountains up above on a separate level (above the waterwall)
  • The water is DC city water and is chlorinated through the fountain pump and filtration system. The chlorine and pH levels are monitored daily.
  • Kids in Canal is a 12-week series of kid-friendly entertainment every Wednesday 10:30 am – 11:30 am beginning June 7th!

Keep in mind:

The park opens at sunrise and closes 2 hours after sunset.

Parking lots are located between Yards Park and Nationals Ballpark, managed by ABM Parking. Availability is first-come, first-served. The rate is $2 per hour for a maximum of 3 hours, then a daily rate charges apply. These prices rise to a flat fee of $35 or more during Washington Nationals home games or other special events.

Two public restrooms are located in the Lumber Shed building that houses restaurants Agua 301, Osteria Morini, Due South, and Ice Cream Jubilee. These restrooms can be accessed via a door on the west side of the building, between Agua 301 and Due South.

No cloth diapers – only swim diapers allowed.

There is no lifeguard on duty so use at your own risk.

This award-winning park is an ideal place for recreation, special events, and festivals throughout the year. Follow Yards Park on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They offer workout classes, summer movies, festivals and children’s events throughout the year.

Where: 355 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Weekend Picks: June 30-July 2, 2017

The 2017 Smithsonian Folklife Festival is on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between Seventh and Twelfth streets and in the Arts and Industries Building. The free festival is taking place June 29-July 4 & July 6-9. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with evening dance parties at 5:30 and circus performances most nights at 7 p.m.

 

Friday-

5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Garden
(Constitution Avenue and Madison Drive entrances  at 9th Street, NW Washington, DC)
Jazz In The Garden at Pavilion Café in the National Gallery of Art features an eclectic mix of jazz is performed by top Washington-area artists. During jazz concerts, the Pavilion Café offers a special menu of creative American cuisine and refreshments, including a beer and wine menu.

6:30pm-8:30pm: Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert at Yards Park
(355 Water St SE)
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 7th Season, this year 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.

Saturday- 

8:30am-9:30am: Capoeira for Kids Ages 3.5-7 at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Capoeira provides physical fitness for children, ages 4 and up. It is intended to be a no- to low-contact martial art that helps children with gross motor planning and gross motor skills. Children will also learn maculele (a dance done hitting sticks against your partner’s sticks), samba, capoeira instruments, and Portuguese through this fun, interactive class. Classes are $15 each or $120 for a series of ten classes.

9:30am AND 10:30am: Harambe with Baba Ras D at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambe” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children. Recommended for ages 0 to 7 years.  $7 per child $3 per adult suggested donation.

10:00am: First Studio at The Kreeger Museum
(2401 Foxhall Road, NW Washington D.C. 20007)
Children are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, a story and a hands-on art-making experience. Adult companion required and art-making attire recommended. $10 register online. To get a glimpse into the program see my review here.

10:30am: Dinorock at Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
(1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, Va. 22182)
This Grammy-nominated audience favorite returns and invites you to travel back in time to meet some of their favorite dinosaurs. In this interactive production using giant colorful puppets and original music, children learn the fascinating world of science, nature, and history.

11:00am-2:00pm: Summer Hands-On Science – Health & the Human Body at Koshland Science Museum
(525 E. Street NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Explore how the human body works through hands-on science this July at Koshland. Each session investigates a different aspect of the body – everything from DNA to why our skin burns after too much sun exposure. Visitors can compare DNA and amino acids, experiment with biomedical engineering, discover the different lobes of the human brain, and much more! This program is free; registration is recommended but not required. Appropriate for ages 10+.

Saturday, July 1 OR Sunday, July 2 from 9:00am-10:30a.m. “Who’s New at the National Zoo” a preschool class for 2-3 year olds! Kids will learn about some of the new animals at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes use hands-on activities, crafts, stories, songs, and the Zoo’s animal collection to help your child learn about environmental conservation and life science while building important cognitive and social skills. $28/child for FONZ members. $35/child for non-members.Pre-registration is required. Registration fee covers one child with adult.

 

Catch a show this weekend–

Wonderland: Alice’s Rock n Roll Adventure at Imagination Stage

Junie B. Jones is not a crook at Adventure Theatre

¡Ratón en Movimiento! at Imagination Stage

The Kennedy Center presents The Sound of Music

The Puppet Co. presents The Wizard of Oz and Mother Goose Caboose is the featured Tiny Tots show at the puppet theatre in Glen Echo

 

 

*** Plan ahead for Fourth of July!

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at Imagination Stage

edward


What: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at Imagination Stage

When: October 8, 2016 – October 30, 2016

Where: Imagination Stage  – 4908 Auburn Avenue  Bethesda, MD 20814

Why:
Have you ever loved a special doll or stuffed toy? If you have, this is the story for you! Abilene adores her china rabbit doll, Edward Tulane. But, Edward is spoiled and ungrateful until fate takes him on an emotional roller-coaster of an adventure through the 20th century. He is lost overboard on an ocean liner, fished up by a kindly villager, dumped in a heap of garbage, rescued by a hobo and his dog, turned into a scarecrow, and adopted by a little boy who gives him as a gift to his sickly sister. Little by little, Edward discovers goodness and humility. Inspired by the constellations, he learns to keep an open heart. Kate DiCamillo’s award-winning book translates beautifully to the stage. And, as in all good stories, even our reluctant hero finds a happy ending!

Edward’s journey takes him through a series of misfortunes. I had read Kate DiCamillo’s novel years ago and found it to be a touching and intriguing story. Taking my son to the play however meant he was exposed to some of life’s uglier issues. While some of the tough situations and conversations went over his head, the plays ending brings a smile to everyone’s face. According to the little girl sitting behind us, “every play ends with a happy ending.” I’d advise taking children 6+ as Imagination Stage recommends.

edward2

Details:
Running time is roughly 90 minutes with an intermission.

Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets are $15.00-$30.00.

logo design courtesy of New Leaf Design