Jennifer Marino Walters

Jennifer Marino Walters is the DC and travel editor for Mommy Poppins and the author of over 20 beloved children's books. A proud mom of three—plus twins!—she lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and busy brood. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find Jennifer cheering from the sidelines of a baseball game, supporting her daughter’s cheerleading squad, diving into a good book, or exploring new destinations. Connect with her on Instagram @jmwalters718.

Latest posts by Jennifer

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

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 08/03/2025 - 10:00am

The National Children's Museum is the perfect party spot for little ones. Photo courtesy of the museum

Ready to celebrate your preschooler's big day but don't want to worry about setup, cleanup, or entertainment? No need to stress—the DC area is chock full of fun birthday party places for preschoolers and toddlers. Whether you want to have an indoor birthday party at a museum, play space, or art studio or an outdoor bash at a playground, zoo, or farm, there's something for little ones of all interests.

Here are 19 of our favorite birthday party places for preschoolers in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Find even more fun spots in our Kids' Birthday Party Places Guide for DC. Once you've got the location, our Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties will help you plan the perfect shindig. It's full of ideas for themes, cakes, gifts, and more!

Best STEM Classes for Kids and Teens in DC, Maryland, & Northern Virginia

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 08/01/2025 - 11:53am

Kids can build with LEGO, K'Nex, and more at Snapology. Photo courtesy of Snapology

Got a science-minded child or teen? There are various STEM programs in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia that offer STEM classes for kids of all ages. Kids can learn coding, robotics, engineering, and more by creating their own video game, building with LEGO bricks or K'Nex, and engaging in a variety of other fun activities. Classes are offered after school or on weekends.

There are also various STEM programs that offer classes online, making them easy and convenient for busy families.

Here are our favorite in-person and online programs that offer STEM classes for DC kids and teens. Find more enrichment opportunities, from Mommy & Me classes to sports classes, in our Guide to Classes for Kids Near DC.

Red Jacket Beach Resort: A Perfect Cape Cod Escape for Families

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 07/26/2025 - 10:00am

Red Jacket Beach Resort is the perfect Cape Cod escape.

Finding the perfect place to stay on Cape Cod with kids can be tricky: The grown-ups want to relax and unwind, while the kids just want to have fun. And if you've got a large or multigenerational family coming along, you'll need a place that can fit everyone.

Enter Red Jacket Beach Resort and Spa in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts. Situated on the banks of Parker's River, Red Jacket Beach Resort offers both a private stretch of beach on Nantucket Sound and gorgeous river sunsets. Plus, there is plenty to keep the whole family busy: indoor and outdoor pools, pickleball courts, and tons of family and kids' activities in the summer including science workshops, magic shows, live music, and so much more. Accommodations range from standard guest rooms to vacation cottages that sleep 12.

Read on for more info about all that Red Jacket Beach Resort has to offer. Then visit our Guide to Cape Cod and the Islands with Kids to help you plan your perfect family getaway on the Cape, including our list of 60 fun things to do on Cape Cod with kids.

Step Into the World of Peppa Pig at a New Immersive Experience at CAMP Washington, DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 07/25/2025 - 10:00am

Step through the magic door and into Peppa's world at PEPPA PIG x CAMP. Photo courtesy of the experience

PEPPA PIG x CAMP: An Immersive Adventure is officially open at CAMP Washington, DC at Tysons Corner Center in Virginia! This picture-perfect, 5,000-square-foot experience invites families to step through the Magic Door of the toy store to explore, laugh, and play their way through multiple interactive rooms filled with party prep, dino discoveries, and plenty of giggle-worthy fun.

Read all about what to expect at PEPPA PIG x CAMP. Then find more indoor places to play in our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and More Indoor Fun for Kids in DC.

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

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 07/20/2025 - 10:31am

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.

Safe and Fun Teen Nighttime Activities Near DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 07/18/2025 - 9:00am

You're never too old for a foam pit! Photo courtesy of Sky Zone

As my 14-year-old twins have gotten older, they and their friends have been wanting to spend more time together in the evenings and at night. But sometimes they get bored of being at each other's houses, and let's be honest—us parents don't always want a bunch of teenagers hanging around at night. However, we also don't want to worry too much about their safety when they go out after dark.

Luckily, there are many safe places in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia where teens can hang out and have fun with their friends. Some of them, like rec centers and malls, are free or cheap. Others will require your teen to spend some part-time job or birthday money, or to beg you for some cash (and can you really put a price on a few hours of peace and quiet?).

Here are 15 safe and fun teen nighttime activities in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Find more ways to entertain the big kids in your life in our Teen and Tween Activities Guide!

Only in DC Birthday Parties for Kids: Unique Birthday Parties for All Ages

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 07/13/2025 - 10:00am

LEGO® Discovery Center Washington, DC is the perfect birthday spot for little builders.

Looking to throw your DC child a truly unique birthday party they wouldn't be able to have anywhere else? The Washington, DC area offers several one-of-a-kind spots for kids' birthday parties, from interesting museums to working farms to a dueling piano bar.

Here are a dozen places in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia to through a unique birthday party for children of all ages. Our Kids' Birthday Party Places Guide for DC is full of more fun ideas, including our list of the top kids' birthday party places near DC.

DC Area Theme Park News: Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens Williamsburg Turn 50; Six Flags America Closing

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 07/06/2025 - 10:00am

Are you brave enough to conquer Rapterra? Photo credit: © Kings Dominion 2025

Looking to catch some thrills at an amusement park this summer? You're in luck: there's a lot going on at the DC area's theme parks. Both Kings Dominion in Doswell, VA and Busch Gardens Williamsburg turn 50 this year and have opened new roller coasters. Kings Dominion is also celebrating its anniversary all summer long with a Golden Summerbration featuring new entertainment, food, and merchandise.

Six Flags America in Bowie, MD is marking a different kind of milestone—it's officially closing after this summer. You have until November 2, 2025 to visit one last time with your family.

Check out our Washington, DC Theme Parks and Water Parks Guide for more info on the area's fun amusement parks, including our guide to visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg with kids.

Jennifer Marino Walters

Latest posts by Jennifer

Pages