Katie Sivinski

Latest posts by Katie Sivinski

12 Kid-Friendly Spots to See the DC Cherry Blossoms

Submitted by Katie Sivinski on Fri, 03/22/2024 - 9:15am

The famous DC cherry blossoms will make the whole family smile. Photo courtesy of Wonderlane Photography, Flickr Attribution 2.0 Generic

Springtime brings one of the most iconic symbols of the season—the blooming of the famous Washington, DC cherry blossoms. Each year, more than 1.5 million visitors flock to the nation's capital to take part in the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a citywide celebration of the pink and white blooms. The festival includes lots of fun events like the Blossom Kite Festival and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.

This year's National Cherry Blossom Festival is taking place now through April 14, 2024. Due to higher than average temperatures, the trees have already reached peak bloom and are dazzling visitors of all ages. And you don't have to attend one of the festival events to enjoy them.

Here are 12 great places to see the DC cherry blossoms with your family, from the famous (and busy) Tidal Basin to some lesser-known gems. Whichever spot you choose, the blooms will be breathtaking just the same.

For more ways to keep the kiddos busy all season long, check out our Spring Fun Guide for Kids and Families in Washington, DC.

Best Places for Kids' Haircuts in DC, From Baby Haircuts to Cool Teen Spots

Submitted by Katie Sivinski on Fri, 02/02/2024 - 10:00am

You can't trust just anyone with baby's first haircut!

Whether your toddler is ready for their first haircut or your teen is begging you for the trendiest new style, kids' haircuts can be a real challenge. Even a tiny trim can be a herculean feat if you've got a little one who squirms and wiggles, and one wrong snip can spell disaster for a teen with very specific tastes.

Luckily, there are several salons and stylists in the DC area that specialize in kids' haircuts. Some of these awesome spots offer kid-friendly perks like cool chairs, TVs and video games, treats, and special first-haircut packages. Others have stylists trained in the latest Insta-worthy cuts and styles for teens.

Here are 12 of the best places for kids' haircuts in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. You'll find even more ways to pamper your kids in our list of kid-friendly spas and and kid spa parties near DC.

Amazing Indoor Water Parks Near DC for Families

Submitted by Katie Sivinski on Fri, 01/26/2024 - 9:05am

The massive water park at Great Wolf Lodge in Maryland features a whopping 22 water slides. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters

When It's cold outside and the kids want to splash and swim, head to one of these top indoor water parks near DC.

Winter can be cold and dreary in the Washington, DC region. With outdoor water parks, swimming pools, and splash pads closed, many area families pack away their swim gear until summer returns. But you don’t need warm weather to enjoy a fun water adventure with your family. There are plenty of indoor water parks near DC that are sure to guarantee splashes and laughs for kids, whether you want a simple afternoon outing or an all-day excursion.

We've rounded up 13 great indoor water parks for families that are all less than a three-hour drive from DC. So dig out those goggles and swimsuits and get ready to make a splash!

For more indoor fun in DC, check out our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for DC Kids.

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Submitted by Katie Sivinski on Fri, 12/08/2023 - 10:15am

Enjoy Christmas dinner in a rustic setting at Mia's Italian Kitchen. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

Don't feel like cooking this year? Here are 15 restaurants open on Christmas Day in the DC area.

You've decked the halls, trimmed the trees, and bought the presents. Now it's time to plan your holiday dinner. If you've run out of steam, don't stress. There are several restaurants open on Christmas in DC and the surrounding areas that will give your family a memorable meal without all the cooking and cleanup.

Here are 15 family-friendly restaurants open on Christmas in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia in 2023. Many of these restaurants are serving up special Christmas menus, and most are offering special pricing for children. Make reservations soon, as these restaurants open on Christmas are sure to fill up quickly!

For ideas on fun things to do with kids before or after your Christmas meal, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids, which includes our roundup of what is open on Christmas Day near DC.

Visiting Titanic: The Exhibition at National Harbor Near DC with Kids

Submitted by Katie Sivinski on Fri, 11/03/2023 - 9:30am

Kids will enjoy touching a real iceberg. Brrr!

It's been over 100 years since the Titanic sank and 25 years since James Cameron's movie Titanic premiered, and people continue to be fascinated by arguably the most famous shipwreck of all time. Now DC-area residents can learn more about the doomed ship at Titanic: The Exhibition, open in National Harbor through May 12, 2024.

At Titanic: The Exhibition, visitors can experience what it was like to be a passenger on that fateful day through an audio tour that includes historical details from one of the world's Titanic experts, Claes-Göran Wetterholm. A visit will have you remembering details from the movie, confirming indeed how accurate it was in depicting the ship and the timeline of its sinking.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Titanic: The Exhibition and enjoyed the deep dive (couldn't resist) into the facts and stories surrounding the Titanic. Read on for some interesting tidbits I learned, as well as insider tips for planning your visit. Then check out our guide to visiting National Harbor with kids to make a day of it at this waterfront entertainment destination.

DC's National Independence Day Parade with Kids: Tips and Tricks

Submitted by Katie Sivinski on Fri, 06/23/2023 - 9:18am

Plenty of patriotic pride is on display at the National Independence Day Parade. Photo courtesy of the parade

July 4th in Washington, DC is always a huge spectacle, and it starts with the famous National Independence Day Parade. DC's 4th of July parade is a fun and festive experience jam-packed with colorful floats and balloons, lively marching bands, and notable people waving to the crowd. Kids love to be in on all the patriotic fun, but it's good to plan ahead to ensure the experience is as memorable and stress-free as possible.

Read on for our tips and tricks on visiting the National Independence Day Parade with kids. Then continue your 4th of July festivities with our lists of the best spots to watch the DC fireworks on the National Mall and the best 4th of July crafts, recipes, and other activities for kids. Don't forget to wear your red, white, and blue!

Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays Near DC

Submitted by Katie Sivinski on Fri, 04/28/2023 - 4:12pm

If you're looking for more than just the average lunch or dinner out for your child's birthday, the DC area is full of fun restaurants that provide a truly memorable birthday meal. Whether it's games your family can play, amazing desserts you can savor, a killer birthday song, or an interactive experience, these fun restaurants near DC offer some special touches to make your kid's birthday extra festive and special. With all types of cuisines and options in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, you're sure to find a fun birthday restaurant that works for your family.

Read on for 15 fun restaurants for kids' birthdays near Washington, DC. Check out our Kid-Friendly DC Restaurants Guide for even more fun options for a fabulous birthday meal, from the best theme restaurants for families to restaurants where kids can play.

Why Your Kids Will Love The Dr. Seuss Experience Near Washington, DC

Submitted by Katie Sivinski on Fri, 04/21/2023 - 10:00am

See what creatures you can find! Photo by the author

The Dr. Seuss Experience recently opened in Northern Virginia's Tysons Corner Center near Washington, DC, following successful runs in Houston, Chicago, and several other cities. The experience immerses visitors into the zany world of Dr. Seuss. Whether it's the Cat in the Hat making trouble or Horton protecting the Whos, Dr. Seuss has had a place in children's imaginations for decades. Now kids and their families can step inside the pages of some of Seuss's most popular books.

At The Dr. Seuss Experience, kids can wind their way through a mirror maze, meet beloved characters, and even take a ride on a carousel. Eye-popping, silly Seuss scenes bring the popular books to life and provide some amazing photo ops.

My family recently got to visit The Dr. Seuss Experience for a media preview (oh, the places we go here at Mommy Poppins) and had a great time. Read on for my full review, and be sure to purchase tickets soon—this unique experience is only in town until September 30, 2023.