Jennifer Marino Walters

Latest posts by Jennifer Marino Walters

14 Batting Cages Near DC for Young Baseball and Softball Sluggers

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 07/07/2024 - 11:38am

It may not be baseball or softball season year-round, but the variety of batting cages near DC means the hitting doesn't have to stop. From indoor batting cages with fancy pitching machines and video analysis to outdoor, token-operated batting cages, little sluggers of all ages and skill levels can practice their swing all year long.

Here are 14 outdoor and indoor batting cages near DC for young baseball or softball enthusiasts. Find more physical fun for kids in our DC Guide to Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and More. And if your child can't get enough baseball, try some of these Little League baseball drills you can do at home.

Peach Picking Near DC: 12 Great Pick-Your-Own Farms

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 07/05/2024 - 12:00pm

Peaches are ripe for the picking in the DC area!

It's summertime and the pickin' is easy: peach picking, that is! July and August are the months to go peach picking near DC because the fruit is ripe and ready to be enjoyed. Many farms in Virginia and Maryland also offer other fruits in the summer like berries, nectarines, and plums. Throw in some fun extras like petting zoos, playgrounds, and jumping pillows and you've got the perfect summer day at the farm for the whole family.

Here are 12 great places to go peach picking near DC. For more farm fun this summer, check out our Pick-Your-Own Guide to Farms in DC, which includes our lists of the best pick-your-own berry farms and great animal farms and petting zoos near Washington, DC.

Best Places for Outdoor Kids' Birthday Parties in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 06/28/2024 - 10:00am

A birthday party at Dulles Golf Center & Sports Park includes several activity choices. Photo courtesy of the sports park

When the weather is nice, there is no shortage of fun venues for outdoor kids' birthday parties in the DC area. Whether it's a fun park or playground, a hands-on zoo or animal park, a wet-and-wild water park, or a thrilling sports or activity center, there is a great outdoor birthday party spot for kids of all ages and interests.

Here are 15 great places for outdoor kids' birthday parties in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Check out our DC Kids' Birthday Party Places Guide for more great ideas for your child's special day, including our lists of the best parks and playgrounds for kids' birthday parties and fun indoor birthday party places for kids.

Heat Wave Hot List: 30 Cool Things to Do in DC to Beat the Heat with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 06/23/2024 - 9:20am

DC's free public swimming pools are some of the best places to beat the summertime heat. Photo courtesy of DC Parks and Recreation

One can argue that summer is one giant heat wave in DC. After all, the city is known for its high temperatures and soupy humidity. But there are periods when the temps soar well into the 90s—and even the 100s—that even the most seasoned residents find the heat unbearable. That's when families need to abandon the parks, playgrounds, and hiking trails and find other fun ways to beat the heat.

Here are 30 things to do with kids to keep cool during a DC heat wave. These ideas include outdoor water activities, air-conditioned spots like indoor playgrounds and museums, and activities you can do from the comfort of your own AC. For more family fun this summer, check out our Summer Activities Guide for DC Kids.

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 06/14/2024 - 12:22pm

Have fun on the patio at True Food Kitchen. Photo by @classicchickenspicymomma

When the weather warms up in the DC area, families go on the hunt for restaurants with outdoor seating. That's because not only is dining al fresco a great way to enjoy the pleasant temps, it's also so much less stressful with younger kids, who have more room to stretch their little legs.

Here are 15 great restaurants in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia with outdoor patios, gardens, or rooftops where kids can soak up the fresh air and even (at some of them) run around. A few of these restaurants with outdoor seating also offer extras like lawn games, fire pits, and dog menus.

For more yummy DC-area restaurants for kids and families, including restaurants where kids can play and great breakfast restaurants for kids and families, check out our Kid-Friendly DC Restaurants Guide.

55 Awesome Free Things To Do in DC This Summer With Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 05/26/2024 - 12:00pm

Cool off at one of the area's many great splash pads this summer. Photo courtesy of Montgomery Parks

School's almost out, summer is unofficially here, and we're on a mission to keep kids busy and having fun all summer long without breaking the bank. Luckily, there are tons of free things to do in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia this summer with kids, from free outdoor movies to free swimming pools.

Here is a list of 55 free activities for kids and families in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. How many of these free things to do in DC can your family fit in before school starts again? And don't forget: we are constantly updating our event calendar, so keep checking back for more free things to do in DC this summer with kids.

10 Underrated Summer Travel Ideas for Families

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 05/18/2024 - 12:00pm

Explore Fort Williams Park in Portland, Maine. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

When school lets out for summer, families love to hit the road (or the skies) and travel to new places. But while summer journeys can be glorious, they also come with the downsides of peak travel season—higher prices, heavy traffic, larger crowds, and longer lines.

But it doesn't have to be that way. There are plenty of places across the US that offer many of the things families look for in a summer vacation—beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, engaging museums, and more—but aren't as well-known. That means families can make amazing summer memories with far less hassle.

Here are 10 underrated summer travel ideas for families across the US. Our Family Travel Guide includes even more great summer vacation ideas, including our massive list of the 100 best family vacation destinations.

Best Mother's Day Brunch in DC, Maryland, & Northern Virginia

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 04/14/2024 - 12:00pm

Put on your finest and head to Mother's Day brunch 2024 at one of many great restaurants in the DC area. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters

Mother's Day brunch is a cherished tradition for many families, including my own. Though I'd be thrilled if my family whipped up one of our favorite kid-friendly Mother's Day brunch recipes, we love to go out on Mother's Day and really be pampered.

Luckily for us, there are tons of great restaurants in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia serving up a delicious brunch on Mother's Day, which takes place this year on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Here are 19 of our top picks in and around DC for Mother's Day brunch 2024. Make reservations soon, as these restaurants can fill up quickly. After brunch, perhaps you can enjoy one of the fun activities on our list of things to do on Mother's Day near DC.

However you decide to spend it, happy Mother's Day from all of us at Mommy Poppins!