Jennifer Marino Walters

Latest posts by Jennifer Marino Walters

Best Mother's Day Brunch Near DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 04/23/2023 - 10:00am

Put on your finest and head to Mother's Day brunch 2023 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 14, 2023.

Here are 15 of our top picks in and around Washington, DC for Mother's Day brunch 2023. Make reservations soon, as these restaurants can fill up quickly. After brunch, perhaps you can explore a free museum or enjoy one of the fun 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!

Finest Punta Cana: A Luxury All-Inclusive Resort for Families in the Dominican Republic

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 04/22/2023 - 12:00pm

Finest Punta Cana is a luxurious slice of paradise in the Dominican Republic. Photo courtesy of the resort

My recent stay at Finest Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic—the newest resort from The Excellence Collection brand—changed every assumption I had about all-inclusive resorts. In my experience, staying at an all-inclusive has typically required some level of sacrifice. Family-friendly all-inclusive resorts often involve large crowds, loud restaurants, and unwanted splashes at the pool. Adults-only all-inclusives solve those problems, but you can't bring the kids. And the more affordable all-inclusive resorts often have lower-quality food, poorer service, and fewer amenities.

But Finest Punta Cana sacrifices nothing. Open since October 2021, this stunning and luxurious resort welcomes families, but also has an adults-only section. Every meal I ate was memorable and delicious. Every staff member was friendly and attentive. The kids' club was the biggest and best I've seen. At nearly 80% capacity, the resort still did not feel crowded. And the best part? Finest Punta Cana offers better prices than many luxury resorts, not to mention the fact that food, drinks, and most activities are included in the cost of your stay.

Read on for my full review of Finest Punta Cana, my new favorite resort. For even more family vacation ideas in the Caribbean, check out our Caribbean Family Travel Guide and our list of the best all-inclusive resorts for families.

Top Kids' Birthday Party Places Near Washington, DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 04/16/2023 - 9:37am

The birthday child will have a ball at Bowlero. Photo courtesy of Bowlero

Throwing a kids' birthday party can be surprisingly stressful for parents. You need to choose a theme, narrow down the guest list, figure out food, etc. And if you have the party at home, you also need to provide entertainment for all of those kids... not to mention the setup and cleanup. That's why you should consider one of the many great children's birthday party venues near DC. By taking the birthday party outside the home, you can just show up and have fun with your kid and their friends while someone else does the work!

Here are 25 awesome kids' birthday party venues in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. From sports centers, indoor playgrounds, and bowling alleys to escape rooms, zoos, and art studios, you're sure to find a great fit on this list for toddlers, kids, and teens of any interest.

Need more inspiration? Check out our Kids' Birthday Party Places Guide for DC, including our lists of great party venues for preschoolers and for teens.

Colorado Springs with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Colorado Springs, CO

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 04/15/2023 - 11:30am

Be wowed by the majestic rock formations at Garden of the Gods.

When my Army-officer husband got stationed in Colorado Springs, I wasn't sure how to feel about it at first. I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and Colorado Springs seemed painfully small and slow-paced to this New York City girl. But I quickly fell in love with the city's majestic mountains, gorgeous hiking trails, historic western neighborhoods, and laid-back vibe.

When our twin boys were born, we discovered that there are also a ton of things to do in Colorado Springs with kids, including amazing parks and playgrounds, a Christmas-themed amusement park, and one of the best zoos in the US. Now that the boys are older and we also have a daughter, we can't wait to go back and experience Colorado Springs again with them.

Here are the 35 best things to do in Colorado Springs with kids, from outdoor adventures and must-visit museums to kid-friendly Colorado Springs hotels and restaurants. For more Colorado family vacation ideas, check out our list of things to do in Denver with kids (other than hiking) and our visitors' guide to Boulder and the Rocky Mountains.

Best Things To Do in DC's Georgetown Neighborhood with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 04/14/2023 - 9:40am

Float along the C&O Canal on a charming canal boat. Photo courtesy of Georgetown DC

Founded in 1751, Georgetown is the oldest neighborhood in Washington, DC. Its long history is evident in charming, old-fashioned touches like cobblestone streets and historic homes and museums. But Georgetown is also loaded with modern amenities that make it one of the coolest areas in DC. It's home to M Street, one of the best shopping streets in the US, with everything from mall stores to high-end fashion boutiques. Some of the best restaurants and dessert shops in the city are in Georgetown, including those famous Georgetown cupcakes visitors flock to try. And then there's Georgetown Waterfront Park, with it's gorgeous views of the Potomac River and the Kennedy Center.

Ready to visit? Here are 20 fun things to do in Georgetown with kids, from outdoor adventures to kid-friendly shops and eateries. Check out our visitors' guides to Old Town Alexandria in Virginia; Kensington, Maryland; and Clifton, Virginia for more historic neighborhoods to explore with your family.

25 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids this Spring: Our Spring Fun List

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 04/02/2023 - 9:00am

Enjoy the brilliant colors of spring at Burnside Farms. Photo courtesy of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, at virginia.org

Spring has sprung in Washington, DC! That means it's time to put away the coats and hats and head outdoors to start checking activities off your spring fun list. There are so many things to do in DC to take advantage of the mild temperatures and the extra daylight. The cherry blossoms are blooming, spring festivals are in full swing, mini golf courses are opening back up, and the parks and playgrounds are beckoning. And on those rainy spring days, there are plenty of indoor options like museums and family-friendly shows.

Read on for our list of 25 things to do in DC and its surrounding areas this spring. The list includes spring activities in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the city itself for families and kids of all ages. Get on out and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the season!

12 Best Places To Visit in the South, USA with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 04/01/2023 - 10:45am

Snorkel in the pristine waters of Key West. Coral Reef State Park. Photo by John Pennekamp

The best places to visit in the South are all wonderful in their own way. If you're looking for a warm and sunny destination to escape a cold winter, you'll find it in many parts of Florida, Georgia, and other southern states. Perhaps your family is drawn to the fabulous Orlando theme parks, the country-music scene in Nashville, or the rich history of charming cities like Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. Or, maybe you just need a good dose of southern hospitality and cooking!

Whatever your reasons for traveling down south, here are the 12 best places to visit in the South with kids. From beautiful beaches and pristine parks to world-class museums and children's attractions, there's a southern destination on this list to suit every family's interests. For even more southern family vacation ideas, check out our Southern States Vacation Guide.

Spring Break 2023: 15 Fun Things To Do Near DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 03/31/2023 - 9:10am

Smiles will bloom at all of the fun National Cherry Blossom Festival events. Photo courtesy of the Photo courtesy of the festival

Spring break 2023 is coming to the Washington, DC metro area! If your family is not traveling, that means you'll have a week or more to take part in all of the fun activities and events the DMV has to offer this April.

When is spring break 2023? For DC public schools, it's the week of Monday, April 17 - Friday, April 21. For most Northern Virginia public school districts—as well as Montgomery County, Charles County, and Prince George's County public schools—spring break 2023 is Monday, April 3 - Friday, April 7 (with many districts also giving students the following Monday, April 10 off). And for Frederick County Public Schools in Maryland, spring break 2023 is Monday, April 10 - Friday April 14, with the previous Friday, April 7 also being a student holiday.

No matter when spring break 2023 falls for your family, here are 15 fun things to do with kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. See our Spring Fun Guide for DC Kids and Families for even more ideas. If you'd rather get out of town with a last-minute family vacation, check out our list of cheap spring break travel ideas for families.