Jennifer Swope

Jennifer Swope, a DC resident since 2003, transitioned from humanitarian work to freelance editing in 2012 to stay home with her two kids. This shift sparked her passion for finding fun ways to keep them entertained—and inspired her to contribute to Mommy Poppins. When she's not navigating DC's chaos with her kids, she and her husband love watching sports, planning their next trip, and attending concerts. Follow Jennifer on Instagram @jenniferswope.

Latest posts by Jennifer

25 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Fri, 11/29/2024 - 10:09am

Take a lighted trail walk at Reston's Winterfest. Photo courtesy of Winterfest

This December is filled with sparkles and merriment, from holiday lights and parades to menorah lightings and New Year's Eve events.

You've seen our round-up of must-do Christmas events and holiday activities, and hopefully you've added some of them to your December to-do list. Smithsonian institutions have reopened just in time to bring back one of the DC area's most iconic holiday light shows, ZooLights at the National Zoo. Another must-do holiday event, Season's Greenings at the US Botanic Garden, has a dinosaur theme this year. It's also FREE!

If you're looking for a unique holiday show, try Imagination Stage's The Snowman and the Snowdog. My kids have always loved this theater's productions, and I can't recommend them enough.

And if you need a break from the holiday madness, check out the FREE Embassy Showcase Winternational, when over 70 embassies from around the world come together to share their food, culture, art, and traditions.

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in DC: Parades, Holiday Lights, and More Things To Do

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Tue, 11/26/2024 - 8:49am

Kick off the holiday season with a ride on the Polar Express at the B&O Railroad Museum. Photo courtesy of the B&O Railroad

Looking for the best things to do in DC this Thanksgiving weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

We can't believe Thanksgiving weekend is already here! This year, we are grateful for meaningful time with family and for all of the magical moments families will make at holiday events around DC. From Christmas lights displays like Merriweather Symphony of Lights to a festive holiday parade to taking a ride on The Polar Express, there is an activity for your entire family.

Lots of Nutcracker shows also start this week, and Santa will soon follow! Your kids can get ahead on their lists with a breakfast with Santa at B&O Railroad Museum.

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Sun, 11/24/2024 - 12:13pm

Enjoy snow every night at Winter City Lights. Photo by Kyle Lanzer courtesy of the Winter City Lights event

The DC area is always merry and bright with so many Christmas light shows, holiday lights drive-thrus, and other festive displays. I know I'm having trouble selecting the one (or three) my family will visit because they're all so good.

Light Yards is always a fun and quick stop, especially when you get to swing on the bells as they light up. For years, I've been wanting to check out the Holiday Boat Parade which is visible from both The Wharf and Alexandria. And then there are the tree and menorah lightings, neighborhood displays, and twinkles all over the area.

Below I've compiled the ultimate list of 33 amazing Christmas light shows, holiday lights drive-thrus, and tree and menorah lightings around the DC area.

While you're in a festive mood, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids. And remember, we are constantly updating our events calendar with more Christmas events and holiday activities all over the DC area. Whatever you celebrate, we're wishing you all the wonders of the season!

12 Things To Do to Celebrate Día de los Muertos in DC

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Sun, 10/13/2024 - 10:00am

The Wharf goes all out for Dia de los Muertos! Photo courtesy of Wharf DC

Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2. It honors the memory of deceased relatives through ofrendas (home altars), marigold flowers, calaveras (decorative skulls), and food.

The DC area has a rich Latino culture and hosts several family-friendly events for people of all backgrounds to gather. From family days at Smithsonian museums to a festival on the National Mall, there are many opportunities to celebrate Día de Los Muertos—and nearly all of them are FREE!

For more autumn activities, visit our Fall Fun Guide for Washington, DC Kids. And don't forget to check our family activity calendar, as we're always adding more events.

Family-Friendly Fun for Oktoberfest Near Washington, DC

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Mon, 09/23/2024 - 2:59pm

Get in on the action at the Gaithersburg Oktoberfest. Photo courtesy of the festival

While we can't all go to Munich for the annual Oktoberfest celebration, we can celebrate Oktoberfest near DC at a variety of family-friendly events. From dachshunds racing at The Wharf to a month-long kid festival at Shipgarten, these festivities include food and fun for all ages. Read on for our list of Oktoberfest events near DC you won't want to miss.

For more autumn activities, visit our Fall Fun Guide for Washington, DC Kids. And don't forget to check our family activity calendar, as we're always adding more events.

Best Attractions and Things To Do in DC that are Kid-Friendly

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Sun, 08/18/2024 - 11:57am

Wegmans Wonderplace is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Photo courtesy of Wegmans Wonderplace at the National Museum of American History

It can be hard to narrow down the best things to do in DC with kids. As our nation's capital, the DC area is full of some of the best attractions in the world for families, including fantastic museums, breathtaking monuments, immersive experiences, and tours of government buildings. And the best part is, many of them are free!

Read on for our list of the best attractions and things to do in DC that are kid-friendly. If you want even more, check out these top attractions in DC, as well as our lists of free museums near DC and best museums for kids in the DC area. And don't forget to check our calendar often, as we're always adding more events and attractions.

Fun Bowling Alleys Near DC for Kids and Families

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Sun, 07/21/2024 - 10:00am

Bowling is a fun activity the whole family will enjoy! Photo courtesy of The Main Event

Bowling is one of my family's favorite ways to hang out and have some friendly competition, especially on those days where the weather keeps us inside. And with loads of family-friendly bowling alleys throughout the DC area, you're sure to find one near you.

These bowling alleys in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia feature kid-friendly amenities like bowling bumpers and ball ramps, making it the perfect activity for bowlers of all ages and skill levels. Some of them even offer a Kids Bowl Free deal during the summer, through which children get two free games every day of the summer.

For more indoor activities with kids, check out our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces, which includes our lists of everything from laser tag arenas to trampoline parks.

Best Pride Events Near DC for Families

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Fri, 05/24/2024 - 10:00am

The Capital Pride Festival is just one of many ways to celebrate pride in the DC area. Photo by Ted Eytan courtesy of the event

Looking for the best Pride events near DC to celebrate Pride Month this June? Read on for our fun list!

Our area is known for its vibrant LGBTQA+ community, so June is full of parades and celebrations of Pride. The Capital Pride Parade has a new route this year, but still offers its Family Playtime area. Family Pride Day at Glen Echo is a fun afternoon full of kid-friendly activities. And Arlington leads the kick-off of Pride Month with a Block Party at National Landing.

Read on for our list of the best Pride events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. For more summertime activities, be sure to check out our Summer Activities Guide. And remember, we are constantly updating our events calendar with more fun things to do.

Jennifer Swope

Latest posts by Jennifer

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