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
Pen & paper games are great screen free boredom busters that require no money or equipment—just paper and some pens, crayons, or pencils! That makes them both affordable and perfect for when you're on the go. Many pen & paper games are simple enough for kids but lots of fun for adults, too, so the whole family can get in on the fun.
Here are 35 of the best pen & paper games for kids of all ages, including games that require one, two, or multiple players. This list includes math games, word games, logic puzzles, and even classic games we used to play as kids—remember MASH? Our Games & Activities Guide for Kids has even more screen free boredom busters, including our list of the 100 best board games for family game night. Let the fun begin!
Got a little one who needs to get their wiggles out? A kid who loves to tumble, jump, and roll? A competitive gymnast with Olympic dreams? The DC area has you covered with some great gymnastics classes for children of all ages and abilities, from babies and toddlers to tweens and teens.
Here are the top gymnastics classes for kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Check out our Guide to Classes for Kids Near DC for more great enrichment classes, from the best STEM classes to the top swimming lessons.
There's nothing quite like the thrill of a video game arcade—the flashing lights, the beeps and buzzes, the friendly competition, and sometimes even the chance to win prizes! And while the DC area has several adults-only bars and arcades, there are plenty of kid-friendly arcades, too. They include traditional DC arcades with food, unique immersive and virtual-reality arcades, and even fun retro arcades for kids and grown-ups.
Here are the best arcades for kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, from toddler-friendly spots to places teens will love. All of these arcades offer birthday parties, too, either in private rooms or designated party areas. Check out our Indoor Activities for Kids DC Guide for more indoor fun, including places that have smaller arcades, like fun bowling alleys near DC for kids.
If you haven't yet crossed everything off your family's summer bucket list, no sweat—there are still so many things to do in DC with kids before school starts (see the 2025-26 school calendars for DC and other local school districts here). Even better, many of these summer events and activities are free! We're talking free summer concerts, free outdoor movies, and more fun that won't cost a dime.
Read on for your family's ultimate end-of-summer bucket list in DC and its surrounding areas for 2025. Our Ultimate DC Kids Summer Vacation Guide has even more fun things to do. Your kiddos will have so many fun memories to share once school starts back up again!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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