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

Disney Encanto x CAMP: A New Immersive Experience Near Washington, DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 12/10/2023 - 10:00am

Frolic in the flower petals in Isabela's room at Disney Encanto x CAMP. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters

We don't talk about Bruno, but we will talk about Disney Encanto x CAMP, the magical immersive experience at the new CAMP store at Tysons Corner Center in Virginia. This paid experience invites visitors behind the Magic Door of the toy store and into the Madrigal family's Casita, where they'll enjoy live music, hands-on activities, and magic behind every door.

My 9-year-old daughter and I attended a preview of this dazzling experience. Read on to learn all about it, then find more indoor places to play in our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and More Indoor Fun for Kids in DC.

Best Kids' Ride On Toys for Kids of All Ages for a Gift That Will WOW

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Tue, 11/07/2023 - 11:00am

The Licensed Land Rover Ride On Car Toy is one of the coolest ride on toys for kids.

Ride on toys are the perfect gift to give a child if you really want to "wow" them. After all, what's more fun than zooming around town—or the house—on two, three, or four wheels? Plus, many kids' ride on toys have the added benefit of building balance, coordination, muscle strength, and fine motor schools.

We've rounded up 21 of the best ride on toys for kids of all ages, from toddlers all the way through teens (and even adults). These kids' ride on toys run the gamut from ride on horse toys to scooters to tricked-out electric cars for kids. With these ride on toys, your kiddo will surely be cruising the neighborhood in style.

Find more awesome gifts for kids, from the best first birthday gifts to the best gifts for tweens and teens, in our Mommy Poppins Gift Guide.

A New Kalahari Resort and Indoor Water Park is Coming to Northern Virginia

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 10/29/2023 - 10:00am

The new Kalahari Resort will be home to Virginia's largest indoor water park.

Water park lovers, rejoice! A new Kalahari Resort with a massive indoor water park is coming to Northern Virginia in 2026. The resort is set to open in Woodford, Virginia in Spotsylvania County, about an hour's drive from Washington, DC. It joins Kalahari's four other locations in the Poconos; Wisconsin Dells; Round Rock, Texas; and Sandusky, Ohio.

Find out everything we know about the new Kalahari Resort and water park below. Then check out our Guide to Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels and our Washington, DC Theme Parks & Water Parks Guide to find more great places to stay and make a splash with kids.

DC Ghost Tour Uncovers the Creepy History of Washington, DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 10/13/2023 - 10:00am

We were all smiles both before and after the DC Ghosts tour!

In the weeks leading up to Halloween, it's not uncommon to see people dressed like ghosts, goblins, and other creepy characters at Halloween events all over the DC area. But if you're looking for a more authentic experience this October—or all year long—why not try a DC ghost tour? These nighttime walking tours take visitors past places that are said to be haunted by the ghosts of presidents, assassins, heroes, and more.

My family recently went on a DC Ghosts ghost tour operated by US Ghost Adventures. It was the perfect activity to kick off Halloween season, and it taught us some interesting DC history. My 12-year-old twin sons and 9-year-old daughter enjoyed the ghost tour as much as my husband and I did, and while the stories were definitely creepy, the tour wasn't overly scary. In fact, there were several other children in our tour group and no one went home crying. Our kids are still talking about how cool it was.

Did we see any ghosts? You'll have to read on to find out! After you do, visit our Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for DC Kids for more spooky (and not-so-spooky) ways to celebrate Halloween, from the best pumpkin patches and corn mazes near DC to the top free Halloween events in the DC area.

Fun Fall Train Rides and Halloween Train Rides for DC Families

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 10/06/2023 - 10:00am

Put on your best costume and hop aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express. Photo courtesy of the B&O Railroad

All aboard! Fall train rides are a fun way for DC families to soak up the autumn spirit and see the gorgeous fall foliage.

Some fall train rides offer a festive way to see the fall colors in all their glory. There are also Halloween train rides that offer both spooky and not-so-spooky activities such as pumpkin picking, trick-or-treating, ghost stories, and costumed characters. Whatever your family is looking for, there are fall train rides for every age and interest level within a four-hour drive of DC.

Here are 18 fall train rides and Halloween train rides to add to your fall bucket list. Find even more autumn fun, including our lists of the best harvest and pumpkin festivals and the best pumpkin patches near DC, in our Fall Fun Guide for Washington, DC Families.

Top Mommy & Me Classes in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 10/01/2023 - 10:00am

Mommy & Me swimming classes are a great way to get babies used to the water while having fun. Photo by Fat Camera courtesy of Canva.

Once our kids reach a certain age, it can often feel like we are spectators in their lives. That's why it's important to bond with children while they're still little by taking one of many great Mommy & Me classes throughout the DC area. These Mommy & Me classes in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia are not only fun, they also teach kids (and their grown-ups) new and interesting things.

Check out our list of great Mommy & Me classes near DC, from dance classes and music classes to swimming lessons and yoga. For more great classes for children, check out our Guide to Classes for Kids Near DC.

Best Classes near DC for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 09/10/2023 - 12:00pm

Gymboree classes are a ton of fun for little ones. Photo courtesy of Gymboree Play and Music

Classes are a great way to keep toddlers and preschoolers entertained, engaged, and learning—especially if they're not in daycare or preschool full-time. They also help little ones make new friends and bond with their caregivers. And they help young children determine and develop interests that may last them a lifetime.

Here are some top classes near DC for preschoolers and toddlers, many of which are Mommy & Me classes so parents can get in on the fun. These classes near DC include everything from art classes to sports classesfor the under-5 set. Check out our Guide to Classes for Kids Near DC for even more great options.

The New Great Wolf Lodge Maryland: An In-Depth Review

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 09/01/2023 - 10:00am

The indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge Maryland is the largest of all Great Wolf Lodge locations. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters

Great Wolf Lodge Maryland, North America's 20th Great Wolf Lodge resort, opened its doors in late June 2023 in Perryville, MD (under an hour's drive from Baltimore). With 700 family-friendly suites, a 126,000-square-foot water park with 22 water slides, and loads of indoor attractions (plus an outdoor pool), the resort is the largest Great Wolf Lodge location to date.

Great Wolf Lodge Maryland hosted my family for a weekend in late August, and we partook in almost all of the resort's activities. My 12-year-old twin boys and 8-year-old daughter all had a fantastic time.

Read on for my honest review of Great Wolf Lodge Maryland, including tips and tricks on making the most of your family's stay. Then check out Mommy Poppins' reviews of Great Wolf Lodge Poconos and SoCal. You'll find even more great places to stay on your next family vacation in our Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels Guide.

Jennifer Marino Walters

Latest posts by Jennifer

Pages