Jennifer Marino Walters

Latest posts by Jennifer Marino Walters

Visiting Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in DC with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 02/05/2023 - 10:00am

The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture opened in DC in 2016. Photo by Alan Karchmer

Since its 2016 opening on DC's National Mall, Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture has been a hot ticket—and for good reason. Housing more than 40,000 artifacts (with over 3,000 of them on display), it's the only national museum dedicated exclusively to documenting African American life, history, and culture. The massive museum features exhibits on the civil rights movement, slavery and freedom, famous African Americans including athletes and musicians, and so much more. And with its unique and breathtaking design, it wows visitors even before they enter.

The best part? Like all of the Smithsonian institutions and other museums in DC, entry to the National Museum of African American History and Culture is absolutely free. But is it appropriate for kids? My family and I visited several months ago when my twin boys were 10 and my daughter was 7, and I will say that the answer is a resounding YES! My kids were interested and engaged throughout our entire four-hour visit, and they can't wait to go back.

Read on for all of my tips on visiting Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture with kids. Then check out our Museum Guide for Kids and Families in Washington, DC for more great museums to check out.

3 Days in DC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 01/27/2023 - 10:33am

Explore amazing interactive exhibits at the National Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Visiting DC with kids can be very overwhelming, especially if you're only here for a long weekend. After all, DC is home to the iconic monuments and memorials of the National Mall, loads of free museums (including the incredible Smithsonian institutions), government buildings to tour, and historic neighborhoods to explore. So how can you narrow down all of these great things to do in DC if you only have three days?

If this is your first trip to Washington, DC, here is a three-day itinerary that will help you visit some of the city's top attractions. I've saved neighborhoods and attractions outside the city itself—like Arlington National Cemetery, Old Town Alexandria, and National Harbor—for a later trip. The best part? Other than the restaurants and shopping, every single attraction on this itinerary is absolutely FREE! Yes—you can spend a long weekend in our nation's capital without breaking the bank.

Read on for a three-day itinerary of 21 fun (and mostly free) things to do in DC with kids. If you have more than three days to fill, check out our Guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids or our list of 100 things to do in DC with kids for more fun ideas.

Best Baby Stores in DC: Baby Clothing Stores, Toy Stores, Consignment Stores, and More

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 01/22/2023 - 10:00am

Find items that will help your little one show off their DC pride at Yinibini Baby.

When I was pregnant with my first babies (twins!), I remember how overwhelming it was to figure out which baby gear I really needed and which I could skip. To make matters worse, the city I lived in didn't have much in the way of baby stores. But expectant DC-area parents can choose from a variety of baby stores in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia where they can see and try things in person, speak to knowledgable salespeople, score unique finds, and determine whether they really can fit that giant glider in their baby's nursery.

Here are 15 of the best baby stores in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, from locally owned boutiques to consignment shops to big-box retailers. Whether you're in the market for a crib, organic onesies, or your baby's first bath toys, at least one of these baby stores in DC and beyond will have you covered. And when you're ready to take a break from shopping, check out our article all about how to get free baby stuff.

Free Museums Near DC to Visit with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 01/13/2023 - 9:42am

The remodeled National Air and Space Museum is a sight to behold. Photo courtesy of the museum

Looking for a fun indoor activity with kids that won't break the bank? Bring your family to one of the many free museums near DC that are engaging, fun, and provide a much-needed dose of culture. While many of these free museums in DC and Northern Virginia are Smithsonian institutions, there are also several other great ones relating to language, the US Army, the Holocaust, and more.

Here are 15 free museums near DC that will excite kids of all ages and interests, from art enthusiasts to history buffs to airplane and dinosaur fanatics. While they're listed in no particular order, one of my family's favorite museums—the incredible National Air and Space Museum—is at the very top. Read reviews of some of these museums in our Museum Guide for Kids and Families in Washington, DC, and check out our guide to free things to do in DC with kids for more fun ideas that won't cost you a penny.

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 35 Best Things To Do with Kids in DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 01/06/2023 - 8:37am

Snow tubing is the perfect winter activity! Photo courtesy of Whitetail Mountain Ski Resort

Winter in the Washington, DC area can be a parenting challenge in the best of times, but there's no stopping us. We are here to help you keep boredom at bay during the colder months with this ultimate winter bucket list.

With so many things to do in DC and nearby during the colder months—from outdoor activities like ice skating and snow tubing to indoor fun such as trampoline parks and tons of free museums—even the most finicky kids will remain entertained until the warmer weather returns.

Here are 35 things to do near DC to cross off your winter bucket list with kids. For even more fun, check out our Winter Activities Guide for DC Kids. We're also adding more fun events to our events calendar each day.

How to Get Free Baby Stuff: Free Diapers, Formula, Baby Gear, and More

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Thu, 01/05/2023 - 12:00pm

Have sweet dreams of all the free baby stuff you'll get. Photo by Garrett Jackson courtesy of Unsplash

Having a baby is a joyful experience, but it certainly isn't cheap. Factor in all of the diapers, wipes, baby food, and other baby gear and the numbers quickly add up. But there are plenty of places to get free baby stuff to help offset the costs of newborn and infant care.

From baby registry welcome boxes to diaper rewards programs to free baby product samples, there are many free items that new and expectant parents can get from companies. Plus, don't underestimate the generosity of friends, family, and neighbors.

Here are 30 places to get free diapers, formula, toys, and more free baby stuff. And, as your baby starts growing, check out your city's Guide to Free Things To Do with Kids for ways to have fun with your little one without blowing your budget.

Best Travel of 2022: Our Favorite Cities, Beaches, Hotels, and More for a Family Vacation

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 12/31/2022 - 12:00pm

Have fun in the sun at Ocean Club Resort Turks & Caicos.

Here at Mommy Poppins we love to visit new places, and what a year of travel it was! In 2022 we explored some amazing US cities, frolicked on beaches from Texas to the Caribbean, and even visited fabulous destinations in Europe including Amsterdam and Paris. Along the way we got to enjoy some thrilling amusement parks, stayed at some great resorts with water parks, and took some epic road trips.

Here is our list of the best family vacation destinations of 2022, from warm and sunny vacation spots in the US and abroad to wintry adventures in Colorado.

Best of 2022 - DC Kid Edition: Top Openings, Happenings and Other Awesome Stuff We Loved

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 12/25/2022 - 10:00am

The new Museum of Illusions will wow the whole family. Photo courtesy of the Museum of Illusions

After two years of pandemic-era closures and restrictions, DC opened back up in full force in 2022, and families flocked to enjoy all of the new goings-on. Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum reopened in October after a seven-month closure, four years into a seven-year, $1 billion remodel. The new Museum of Illusions came to CityCenterDC, and several buzzworthy exhibits—including a Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the Hirshhorn and an immersive King Tut experience at the National Geographic Society—drew crowds.

Families also enjoyed several new parks, playgrounds, and indoor play spaces in Maryland and Northern Virginia, as well as a massive new fitness and wellness center in Baltimore. And beloved holiday events Boo at the Zoo and ZooLights finally returned to Smithsonian's National Zoo.

Read on for our favorite kid-friendly openings and happenings of 2022. Here's looking forward to more exciting openings in 2023!