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

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.

60 Unforgettable FREE Summer Activities for Kids in DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 06/08/2025 - 12:00pm

Cool off at one of the area's many great splash pads this summer. Photo courtesy of Montgomery Parks

School's almost out, summer is unofficially here, and we're on a mission to keep kids busy and having fun all summer long without breaking the bank. Luckily, there are tons of free summer activities in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for kids, from free outdoor movies to free swimming pools.

Here is a list of 60 free kids' activities in DC to make summer 2025 the best one yet. How many of them can your family fit in before school starts again?

Our Washington, DC Kids Summer Guide and our Guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids are full of more ideas for summer fun. And don't forget: we are constantly updating our event calendar, so keep checking back for more summer activities!

Our Epic Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in DC with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 05/25/2025 - 11:06am

Take the kids to Nationals Park this summer. Photo courtesy of MLB

Looking for summer activities for kids? Check out our ultimate summer bucket list for kids DC!

School is almost out for summer in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, which means your family will soon have plenty of time to start checking activities off your summer bucket list. There are so many fun ways to enjoy the great weather on nice days and to beat the heat on hot or rainy days all season long.

Read on for our epic summer bucket list of 50 things to do with kids in summer 2025 in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. For more fun summer activities, visit our Washington, DC Kids Summer Guide, which includes our roundup of 28 summer festivals and fairs that are perfect for families.

Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience is Coming Soon to Washington, DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 05/23/2025 - 12:00pm

Jump into a giant bubble-bath ball pit at Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience. Photos by Quentin Guyot for Fever Productions

Need some joy and inspiration this summer? Tickets are now on sale for Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience, set to open at Washington, DC's Rhode Island Center on June 26, 2025. In this multisensory experience, guests of all ages can travel through fantastical, interactive landscapes and explore imaginary metaverses filled with optical illusions and fun photo ops.

Get all the details on Bubble Planet below and find out why we added it to our epic DC summer bucket list. Then visit our Ultimate DC Kids Summer Vacation Guide for more things to do to make summer 2025 the best one yet!

The Most Unique Family Vacations in the USA for 2025

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 05/17/2025 - 12:00pm

Anakeesta is a mountaintop theme park in Gatlinburg, TN. Photo courtesy of Anakeesta

If you want to explore somewhere off the beaten path with your kids, there are some truly unique places to visit in the US. Whether they boast one-of-a-kind accommodations like themed hotel suites or tree houses, unique natural features, or quirky activities, these awesome cities, national parks, and other places across the country offer loads of family fun.

Here are 14 unique family vacations in the USA for 2025. Our Family Travel Guide has even more ideas for under-the-radar travel destinations, including our list of the best family vacation spots in the US that are off the beaten path. Don't forget to take lots of pictures!

Jennifer Marino Walters

Latest posts by Jennifer

Pages