Katie Sivinski

Latest posts by Katie Sivinski

DC's National Independence Day Parade with Kids: Tips and Tricks

Submitted by Katie Sivinski on Fri, 06/23/2023 - 9:18am

Plenty of patriotic pride is on display at the National Independence Day Parade. Photo courtesy of the parade

July 4th in Washington, DC is always a huge spectacle, and it starts with the famous National Independence Day Parade. DC's 4th of July parade is a fun and festive experience jam-packed with colorful floats and balloons, lively marching bands, and notable people waving to the crowd. Kids love to be in on all the patriotic fun, but it's good to plan ahead to ensure the experience is as memorable and stress-free as possible.

Read on for our tips and tricks on visiting the National Independence Day Parade with kids. Then continue your 4th of July festivities with our lists of the best spots to watch the DC fireworks on the National Mall and the best 4th of July crafts, recipes, and other activities for kids. Don't forget to wear your red, white, and blue!

Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays Near DC

Submitted by Katie Sivinski on Fri, 04/28/2023 - 4:12pm

If you're looking for more than just the average lunch or dinner out for your child's birthday, the DC area is full of fun restaurants that provide a truly memorable birthday meal. Whether it's games your family can play, amazing desserts you can savor, a killer birthday song, or an interactive experience, these fun restaurants near DC offer some special touches to make your kid's birthday extra festive and special. With all types of cuisines and options in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, you're sure to find a fun birthday restaurant that works for your family.

Read on for 15 fun restaurants for kids' birthdays near Washington, DC. Check out our Kid-Friendly DC Restaurants Guide for even more fun options for a fabulous birthday meal, from the best theme restaurants for families to restaurants where kids can play.

Why Your Kids Will Love The Dr. Seuss Experience Near Washington, DC

Submitted by Katie Sivinski on Fri, 04/21/2023 - 10:00am

See what creatures you can find! Photo by the author

The Dr. Seuss Experience recently opened in Northern Virginia's Tysons Corner Center near Washington, DC, following successful runs in Houston, Chicago, and several other cities. The experience immerses visitors into the zany world of Dr. Seuss. Whether it's the Cat in the Hat making trouble or Horton protecting the Whos, Dr. Seuss has had a place in children's imaginations for decades. Now kids and their families can step inside the pages of some of Seuss's most popular books.

At The Dr. Seuss Experience, kids can wind their way through a mirror maze, meet beloved characters, and even take a ride on a carousel. Eye-popping, silly Seuss scenes bring the popular books to life and provide some amazing photo ops.

My family recently got to visit The Dr. Seuss Experience for a media preview (oh, the places we go here at Mommy Poppins) and had a great time. Read on for my full review, and be sure to purchase tickets soon—this unique experience is only in town until September 30, 2023.

Kid-Friendly Spas and Kid Spa Parties Near DC

Submitted by Katie Sivinski on Fri, 04/07/2023 - 10:00am

Pamper the birthday child and their friends with a spa party! Photo courtesy of Unique & Special Kids Spa

Everyone needs a little pampering sometimes—even kids! But at-home spa days often lead to polish-splattered carpets and makeup-smeared faces. If that thought terrifies you, head to one of several kid-friendly spas near DC. These spas in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia make a great setting for a relaxing parent-child outing, a fun gathering of your child's besties, or even a glam birthday party.

Prefer the comfort of your own home (minus the mess)? There are also companies that bring kid spa parties to you, all with the aim of making your child and their friends feel special and beautiful.

Read on for 10 kid-friendly spas and companies that host kid spa parties near Washington, DC. Check out our DC Kids' Birthday Party Guide for more kids' party ideas, from fun indoor birthday party places for preschoolers to cool teen birthday party spots.

Dinos Alive: Immersive Experience Brings Dinosaurs Roaring Into Washington, DC

Submitted by Katie Sivinski on Mon, 03/27/2023 - 10:00am

Come face-to-face with over 80 lifelike dinosaurs at Dinos Alive. Photo by the author

Dino lovers, take note: Dinosaurs have taken over the Rhode Island Center in Washington, DC with the Dinos Alive: Immersive Experience! In this museum-like exhibition, visitors are surrounded by over 80 life-sized, robotic dinosaurs as they walk through a prehistoric jungle habitat, getting an exciting peek at the world as it was millions of years ago. Even kids (and grown-ups) who are not dinosaur fanatics will enjoy seeing the dinos and their surroundings in this interactive experience. The exhibit is in town through September 3, 2023.

My family recently got the opportunity to visit Dinos Alive. All three of my kids—ages 10, 8, and 4—really enjoyed it. Read on for my full review of the Dinos Alive: Immersive Experience, and be sure to purchase tickets before the exhibit roars out of town!

12 Kid-Friendly Spots to See the DC Cherry Blossoms

Submitted by Katie Sivinski on Fri, 03/17/2023 - 11:15am

Photo courtesy of Andrew Turner, Flickr Attribution 2.0 Generic

Springtime brings one of the most iconic symbols of the season—the blooming of the famous Washington, DC cherry blossoms. Each year, more than 1.5 million visitors flock to the nation's capital to take part in the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a citywide celebration of the pink and white blooms. The festival includes lots of fun events like the Blossom Kite Festival, Petalpalooza, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.

This year's National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from March 18 to April 16, 2023. Peak bloom—the time when 70 percent of the cherry blossoms are open—is predicted for March 22-25, 2023. But you don't have to attend one of the festival events to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Here are 12 great places to see the DC cherry blossoms with your family, from the famous (and busy) Tidal Basin to some lesser-known gems. Trust me—whichever of these spots you choose, the blooms will be breathtaking just the same.

For more ways to keep the kiddos busy all season long, check out our Spring Fun Guide for Kids and Families in Washington, DC.

Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Preschoolers in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Submitted by Katie Sivinski on Fri, 02/17/2023 - 10:00am

Turn your own home into one of the best indoor birthday party places ever by inviting a beloved character from Stupendous Events. Photo courtesy of the company

With cold winters, hot and humid summers, and unpredictable rain and snow, finding the right venue for a children's birthday party near DC can be tricky. Finding a spot that's appropriate and fun for preschoolers? Even harder. But DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia are home to several great indoor birthday party places for preschoolers that are perfect in any weather. Whether your preschooler is into science, art, superheroes, or sports, there is a great indoor birthday party spot for them.

Here are some awesome indoor birthday party places for preschoolers near DC that allow you to join the fun and celebrate with your kid without stressing over the setup and cleanup. We've also thrown in a few birthday party entertainers that will come to your home or rental space for a unique and fun indoor birthday party.

Check out our Kids' Birthday Party Places Guide for DC for more fun birthday party ideas for kids of all ages, from cool birthday party places for teens to free ways to celebrate your kid's birthday at home.

Best Theme Restaurants for Families in DC, Virginia, and Maryland

Submitted by Katie Sivinski on Fri, 02/03/2023 - 9:47am

When it comes to theme restaurants, no place does it up more than Baltimore's Papermoon Diner.

Eating at restaurants can be tough with kids, who may find it hard to stay in their seats without commandeering Mom's phone. But there are many theme restaurants in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia with built-in entertainment that will keep the kids happy so the whole family can enjoy their meal. Some of these theme restaurants even include dinner shows to watch while your family eats.

Here are 16 theme restaurants in the DC area offering unique dining experiences that are fun, interactive, and family-friendly. From dinner theaters to arcades to a pirate-themed spot, we have a restaurant that will fit your family's interests. And check out our Kid-Friendly DC Restaurants Guide for more great places to dine out with kids, including restaurants near DC where kids can play and the best coffee shops near DC to visit with kids.