Jennifer Marino Walters

Latest posts by Jennifer Marino Walters

Best Halloween Trails and Haunted Houses Near DC for Kids: From Simply Spooky to Super Scary

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 10/07/2022 - 9:26am

There are some not-so-spooky haunted houses across the area that little kids would love. Photo courtesy of DC Department of Parks and Recreation

Haunted houses and spooky Halloween trails are on many families' fall bucket lists. But some kids (and grown-ups, too) aren't into anything too terrifying or creepy. Luckily, there are plenty of Halloween trails and haunted houses near DC to suit any fear tolerance, from simply spooky to super scary. These Halloween attractions range from themed haunted houses for younger kids to terrifying jaunts through the woods for tweens, teens, and adults.

If you dare, add these spooky trails and haunted houses near DC to your list of things to do this Halloween. For more seasonal fun, check out our Halloween Events and Activities Guide for Kids in Washington, DC, our roundup of the top Halloween events in DC for kids, and our list of the best free Halloween events for families.

Visiting ZavaZone Trampoline Park with Kids: What to Know Before You Go

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 09/23/2022 - 11:55am

ZavaZone's ninja warrior course will challenge kids and adults of varying abilities.

When the weather isn't great and your kids just need to burn some energy, a trampoline park is the perfect indoor activity. Luckily, there are plenty of fun trampoline parks near DC where kids can bounce, jump, and climb their wiggles away.

My family recently had a chance to visit ZavaZone Trampoline Park at the Potomac Mills shopping center in Woodbridge, Virginia (there are also locations in Sterling, Virginia, and Rockville, Maryland). All three of my kids—11-year-old twin boys and an 8-year-old girl—had a blast. They had so much fun, in fact, that we added more time after our hour of play was over!

Everyone from kindergartners to teens to adults can find fun things to do at ZavaZone. Here's what to expect when visiting ZavaZone Trampoline Park with kids. For more indoor family fun near DC, check out our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for Kids in DC.

Best Art Classes for Kids in DC: Toddler Art Classes, Sewing Classes, and More

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Mon, 09/19/2022 - 12:00pm

At District Clay Center, kids can learn to create—not just paint—pottery. Photo courtesy of District Clay Center

Creating art has so many proven benefits for kids—building and improving fine motor skills, helping kids understand themselves and the world around them, promoting creativity, and so much more. Luckily, there is no shortage of art classes for kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia to help little creators refine their skills. These art classes for kids in DC range from toddler art classes to classes for teens, and include both general art classes and specialty classes in pottery, sewing, and other art forms. Here are the top art classes for kids in DC and its surrounding areas that will get children drawing, painting, sculpting, and creating masterpieces.

For more great classes for kids, including everything from baby swimming classes to kids' sports classes, check out our Guide to Classes for Kids Near DC and our directory of classes in Washington, DC.

Best Corn Mazes Near DC for Kids and Families

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 09/16/2022 - 10:49am

Get lost in the corn maze at Summers Farm. Photo courtesy of Visit Frederick

Corn mazes are a popular fall activity for many families. Navigating twisty paths cut through giant stalks of corn, often while solving clues and finding hidden surprises, is a great way for families to bond while enjoying the crisp autumn air. The best corn mazes near DC have fun themes, multiple challenge levels, or even flashlight nights, when visitors can tackle the mazes in the dark with only flashlights to guide them.

Here are 16 of the most ah-maize-ing (sorry, couldn't resist) corn mazes near DC for kids and families, including three haunted corn maze options for only the bravest teens. Many of these corn mazes in Maryland and Northern Virginia are part of larger harvest and pumpkin festivals that offer fun activities such as hayrides, giant slides, petting zoos, and more.

Looking for even more fun things to do near DC with kids this fall? Be sure to visit our Fall Fun Guide for Washington, DC Families and our Halloween Events and Activities Guide for Kids in Washington, DC.

Fall Bucket List for Kids: 30 Top Things To Do Near DC This Fall

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 09/09/2022 - 10:17am

Fall in love with the DC area this autumn! Photo courtesy of the Maryland PG Parks Facebook page

Fall is just around the corner in DC, and that means gorgeous weather, no stifling humidity or bugs, and beautiful fall foliage. It's the perfect time to enjoy all of the wonderful outdoor things to do in DC this fall that are on our fall bucket list for kids, like pumpkin picking, petting zoos, and tons of family-friendly fall festivals. There are also Halloween events galore, amazing exhibits and shows to see, and exciting fall train rides.

Read on for our list of 30 things to do in DC this fall and its surrounding areas with kids. The list includes fall activities in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the city itself for families and kids of all ages. For even more ideas for autumn activities, check out our Fall Fun Guide for Washington, DC Families.

Best of September: Labor Day Weekend, Festivals Galore, and More Fun Things To Do in DC with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 08/28/2022 - 9:50am

Enjoy sports clinics and other fun activities at the Adams Morgan Day Kids Zone. Photo by Christian C. Jenkins Photography

Back-to-school doesn't mean family fun has to stop! September is packed with fabulous, family-friendly things to do in DC over Labor Day weekend and all month long.

Fun fairs and festivals are happening all over the area this month. Step back in time at the Maryland Renaissance Festival in Annapolis or the Mount Vernon Colonial Market & Fair. Enjoy a free festival such as the Library of Congress National Book Festival, Adams Morgan Day, and Fiesta DC. And, many of the best fall festivals near DC kick off this month at area farms, including the Cox Farms Fall Festival in Centreville, Virginia and the Gaver Farm Fall Fun Fest in Mount Airy, Maryland.

Find more top September fun in our lists of weekend getaways and fall day trips from DC (perfect for Labor Day weekend), great places to go apple picking near DC, and awesome trampoline parks for indoor family fun.

We're adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don't forget to check it frequently.

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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.