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

Free and Cheap After-School Programs Near DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 08/20/2023 - 10:00am

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington's after-school programs sometimes include snacks or a light meal. Photo courtesy of the organization

After a summer of expensive camps, this handy list of free and cheap after-school programs near DC for kids is quite welcome.

Children across the DC area are heading back to school, which means it's already past time to start thinking about after-school programs. If you haven't found one yet, don't worry: Families looking for enriching, reasonably priced, and even free after-school programs near DC have several options from which to choose. These programs include sports, arts, homework help, and other activities. With offerings in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, you're bound to find a great inexpensive or free program for your kids near you.

We've rounded up 12 local organizations offering free or cheap after-school programs near DC for kids, tweens, and teens. If you're looking for more options, be sure to see our Guide to Classes for Kids Near DC.

LEGO Discovery Center Opens Near Washington, DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 08/18/2023 - 10:00am

Get building tips from Master Model Builders in the LEGO Discovery Center Washington, DC's Workshop. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters

DC LEGO lovers have a big reason to celebrate: The new LEGO Discovery Center Washington, DC officially opened to the public on August 14, 2023 at Springfield Town Center in Springfield, Virginia. The 32,000-square-foot indoor attraction features 12 immersive zones, including a Mini World made with over 1.5 million bricks, a train ride, a 4D Cinema, DUPLO Park for the youngest builders, and so much more. There are also LEGO character appearances and plenty of opportunities for creative building.

I had the chance to visit LEGO Discovery Center Washington, DC with my 12-year-old twin sons and my 8-year-old daughter. We had an absolute blast, and we can't wait to return!

Read on for my review of LEGO Discovery Center, including tips and tricks on how to maximize your family's visit. Then visit our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for even more indoor fun for DC-area kids.

Our 100 Best Family Vacation Destinations

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 08/12/2023 - 11:46am

Come play at Anakeesta, the mountaintop adventure park in the heart of Gatlinburg. Photo courtesy of Anakeesta

We've written about some amazing family vacation destinations over the years, so we at Mommy Poppins like to think we know a thing or two about the best places to visit with kids. In addition to our own travels and research, we've gotten lots of feedback on awesome cities, beautiful beaches, amazing hotels, and other great locales from readers like you.

To help you plan your next epic family vacation, we've put together this list of the 100 best family vacation destinations. Our list includes awesome spots throughout the US, Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada, and even Europe and Asia.

Can't get enough inspiration here? Our Family Travel Guide is continually being updated with more great destinations, from the best US family vacation spots that are off the beaten path to the best all-inclusive resorts in the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for kids.

21 Things To Do with DC Babies Before They Turn 1

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 08/04/2023 - 10:00am

The National Children's Museum offers spaces and storytimes just for babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the museum

Looking for the best things to do in DC with babies? Here are some great options for family fun with little ones under age 1.

There's nothing quite like seeing the world through your baby's eyes. After all, taking in new sights, sounds, scents, and textures creates a sense of wonder in infants and builds their knowledge of the world around them. And when baby is fussy, sometimes just getting out of the house is all they need.

Luckily, the DC area is full of interesting places to explore with babies, from outdoor playgrounds and gardens to indoor attractions like museums and libraries. And the best part? Almost all of these places are free for babies under 1 (and many for grown-ups, too).

So load up the diaper bag, pull out the stroller, and try these 21 things to do with DC babies before they turn 1. Then check out our Baby and Maternity Guide for more great baby advice, from how to get free baby stuff to the best first birthday gifts.

DC's Best Parks and Playgrounds for Kids' Birthday Parties

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 07/23/2023 - 10:00am

The carousel and playground at National Harbor are lots of fun for kids' birthday parties. Photo courtesy of Spirit Park

The DC area's fantastic parks and playgrounds are some of the best places to host outdoor kids' birthday parties. Playgrounds are inexpensive, they offer built-in entertainment like swings and play structures, and some even have extra summertime features such as carousels and splash pads. And, most parks and playgrounds offer shaded picnic shelters and other covered areas where guests can enjoy pizza, cake, and other treats after play time.

Here are 14 of the best parks and playgrounds in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for kids' birthday parties. Check out our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in Washington, DC to find the best tot lots and toddler playgrounds near DC, great parks with beaches, and more awesome places for outdoor fun.

100 Things To Do in DC with Kids Before They Grow Up

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 07/16/2023 - 10:15am

Visit the home of George Washington in Virginia. Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon

Check out these amazing things to do in DC with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that every DC family really must experience!

The days are long but the years are short when it comes to raising kids. And with so many things to do in DC and nearby with kids, it can be hard for families to decide exactly how to spend their time in and around the nation's capital.

To help you make the most of your precious family time, we've compiled a list of the top 100 things to do in DC with kids before they grow up. In a city bursting with museums, parks and playgrounds, play spaces, and more, you'll certainly never get bored. Get out, explore, and see just how many activities you can cross off our fun list before childhood whizzes by.

Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms and Spaces for Kids Near DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 07/14/2023 - 10:45am

With 75 themed walls for kids to tackle, it's impossible to get bored at ClimbZone. Photo courtesy of ClimbZone

Indoor rock climbing gyms are popular among many athletic adults, but that doesn't mean kids can't get in on the fun, too. Indoor rock climbing is a great way for children and teens to burn some energy, build strength and agility, learn problem-solving skills, and have fun all year long.

Here are several indoor rock climbing gyms and spaces in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia that offer classes, camps, teams, and more for kids and teens of all ages and abilities. Some of them are located within rec centers or complexes that also offer other activities such as batting cages, sports, and arcades.

Check out our DC Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for more indoor fun, including trampoline parks, ninja warrior gyms, and lots more.

Best All-Inclusive Resorts with Incredible Kids Clubs (Plus More Resorts with Great Free Kids Clubs)

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 07/08/2023 - 12:00pm

Moana and other Disney characters often visit the kids club at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.

The best all-inclusive resorts for families feature more than just great food, fun activities, and beautiful beaches. They also have amazing kids clubs, where parents can drop kids off for supervised fun while they relax by the pool or hit the spa.

But not all kids clubs are created equal. While some have basic toys and games, others offer a full program of arts and crafts, sports, themed parties, and more, as well as cool spaces with playgrounds, video game hubs, and even water parks.

Here are 12 resorts with incredible kids clubs in the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. While most of them are all-inclusive resorts, we've also added a couple that are not all-inclusive but have spectacular free kids clubs. Check out our Guide to Family-Friendly Resorts and Hotels for even more great places to stay.

Jennifer Marino Walters

Latest posts by Jennifer

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