Jennifer Marino Walters

Latest posts by Jennifer Marino Walters

Best Kids' Sports Classes in DC: Soccer Classes, Basketball Classes, Baseball Classes, and Tennis Classes

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 08/14/2022 - 12:30pm

Batter up! Photo courtesy of Gatorball Academy

Sports are a great way for kids to stay active, make friends, and learn how to be part of a team. Children who are new to a sport can benefit from introductory kids' sports classes before they jump into competitive play. Other, more seasoned young athletes can hone their skills at specialized sports clinics and classes.

Here are some of the best kids' sports classes in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for athletes of all ages and experience levels, from toddlers through high schoolers. These kids' sports classes include soccer classes, basketball classes, baseball classes, and tennis classes. We've also thrown in a few places that offer classes in multiple sports.

For more great classes for kids, including everything from dance classes to Mommy & Me classes, check out our Guide to Classes for Kids Near DC.

Pregnancy Classes and Parenting Classes in DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 08/07/2022 - 10:00am

Be the best parent you can be by taking some pregnancy and parenting classes in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Photo courtesy of Momease

First-time parenthood is a joyous occasion in anyone's life, but it can also be a stressful time full of all sorts of questions. What can parents expect during pregnancy? What will labor and childbirth be like? How can parents best care for a new baby? Pregnancy and parenting classes can help answer all of these questions and more. And with a huge variety of pregnancy and parenting classes in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, families can find the perfect class to meet their needs.

We've rounded up some of the best pregnancy and parenting classes in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, including a few free classes. These classes cover topics like labor and delivery, infant care and CPR, breastfeeding, and more. Many of these pregnany and parenting classes are offered both virtually and in person.

Once your child is big enough to take classes of their own, check out our Guide to Classes for Kids Near DC for classes for kids of all ages and interests, from baby swim classes to dance classes for kids.

Visiting Arlington National Cemetery with Kids: What to Know Before You Go

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 07/03/2022 - 12:54pm

Place wreaths at the graves of fallen soldiers during the annual Wreaths Across America event. Photo courtesy of the author

Arlington National Cemetery is one of the oldest and most famous cemeteries in the US. Established in 1864, this hallowed ground serves as the final resting place of over 400,000 veterans and their spouses and children. Service members from every major American war are interred there, as well as many famous Americans including Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and astronaut John Glenn.

With its rows and rows of perfectly aligned, identical white headstones, Arlington National Cemetery is a truly breathtaking sight. But while it is indeed a solemn place, it is also a wonderful place to visit with kids and teach them about American history. Arlington National Cemetery's beauty and historical significance have landed it on our lists of 100 things to do in DC with kids before they grow up and the top tourist attractions in DC.

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Arlington National Cemetery with kids.

10 Parks with Beaches near DC for a Day Trip with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 05/15/2022 - 10:00am

Leesylvania State Park has a larger beach and several smaller sandy areas that kids love to explore.

Families living in the DC area are fortunate to have so many things to do at our fingertips—free world-class museums, amazing destination playgrounds, loads of delicious restaurants, you name it. But when the ocean beckons, we have to drive 2.5 hours or more to find family-friendly beaches near DC. So what's a parent to do when the kids are begging to build sandcastles and splash in the water and you don't have the time or energy for a weekend trip? Just head to one of several parks with beaches near DC.

Most of these parks with beaches near DC charge a small per-person or per-vehicle fee to enter in the summer, and their sandy beach areas are located on rivers or lakes rather than the ocean. Also, some of them don't allow swimming, only wading. Still, families can bask in the sunshine, feel the sand between their toes, and pretend they hear waves crashing ashore.

Here are 10 parks with beaches near DC for family fun by the water. Go early on weekends to avoid the crowds, and don't forget the sunscreen!

Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds near DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 04/22/2022 - 10:00am

Buzz over to the Me and the Bee playground at the Smithsonian National Zoo. Photo courtesy of nationalzoo.si.edu

Anyone who's ever taken their toddler to the playground when older children are there knows it can be stressful for the grown-ups, frustrating for the big kids, and downright dangerous for the littles. But bringing the under-5 set to a playground designed just for them (i.e. a tot lot or a toddler playground) allows for a safe, fun, and (mostly) stress-free day of play for everyone. Here are 12 tot lots and toddler playgrounds near DC that are perfect for new walkers and younger kids.

Most of these toddler playgrounds and tot lots near DC are part of larger parks that also have great play structures for older kids. So, if you've got children of different ages, everyone will have a fun and safe place to play.

For more playground fun, check out our lists of destination playgrounds near DC and DC-area playgrounds that received upgrades in the past two years.

10 Great Animal Farms and Petting Zoos near Washington, DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 04/08/2022 - 10:00am

Make some new friends at Green Meadows Petting Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm

Got a little animal lover in the family? The Smithsonian National Zoo probably springs to mind as the first place to visit in DC, and for good reason—it's famous, it's free, and it's home to more than 2,500 animals. But there are many animal farms and petting zoos near DC where kids can get up close and hands-on with all kinds of animals, from barnyard friends like goats and sheep to bison and zebras. Families can even feed the animals at many of these petting zoos and farms, and really—who wouldn't want to bottle feed a baby cow?

Here are 10 great animal farms and petting zoos in Northern Virginia and Maryland where kids can have memorable animal encounters. For more zoo and farm fun, check out our Guide to Farms in Washington, DC and our list of the best zoo in every state.

Great Skate Parks Near Washington, DC for Kids and Families

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 04/01/2022 - 10:00am

The award-winning Powhatan Springs Skate Park is perfect for younger skaters. Photo courtesy of Arlington Skaters, Facebook

Got a young skater looking to work on their ollies, kickturns, or heelflips? There are plenty of skate parks near Washington, DC that welcome everyone from newbies to experienced skateboarders. Some of them are strictly skateboard parks, while others allow in-line skates, rollerblades, and/or bicycles as well. Most of these skate parks near DC require helmets (but even if they don't, your kiddo should totally wear one), and many require elbow pads and kneepads as well.

Here are 12 great skate parks near Washington, DC for kids and families. For even more outdoor fun, check out our lists of destination playgrounds in the DC area and great mini golf courses near DC.

10 Great Breakfast Restaurants Near DC for Kids and Families

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 02/20/2022 - 9:31am

Start the day off right at one of the DC area's family-friendly breakfast restaurants.

It's been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weekday breakfast or a hearty weekend morning meal, there are plenty of healthy breakfast ideas for kids that will keep your family from falling into a rut. But sometimes, the last thing you want to do when you wake up is cook a meal (and do the necessary cleanup). Luckily, there are loads of delicious breakfast restaurants near DC to help families get a delicious start to their day.

Here are 10 kid-friendly breakfast restaurants near DC that will give your family the energy to tackle playtime, errands, and everything in between. If you're looking for a heartier meal, many of these breakfast restaurants near DC also offer buffet or sit-down brunch.