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

Free Stuff For Kids in the Mail: Free Books, Magazines, Toys, and More

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Thu, 01/18/2024 - 12:08pm

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program mails one free, high-quality book per month to children ages 0-5! Photo courtesy of the Dollywood Foundation

In today's digital age, kids are often missing out on the joy of running to the mailbox and finding something addressed to them—a letter from a pen pal, a card from Grandma, etc. But there are many companies and organizations that will send your child free stuff in the mail just by signing up online. Whether it's free books or magazines, free stickers or toys, or free beauty samples for teens, your child will relish the surprise of receiving an envelope or a package with their name on it.

Check out this list of 24 organizations and companies that will send your child free stuff in the mail. For more freebies near you, visit your city's Guide to Free Things To Do with Kids. And, our massive list of birthday freebies for kids includes everything from free food at restaurants to free perks at stores.

Best Travel of 2023: Our Favorite Cities, Beaches, Hotels, and More for a Family Vacation

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 12/30/2023 - 11:40am

Head overseas to breathtaking Seoul, South Korea and make a stop at the Coex Aquarium. Photo by Diana Kim

Here at Mommy Poppins we've definitely got the travel bug, and we love to share our favorite family travel destinations with all of our readers. Luckily, we went to some pretty awesome places in 2023. We soaked up the sun on beaches from Florida to Belize; explored amazing US cities in the South, Midwest, and West; caught thrills at some great theme parks and water parks; and even went abroad to Seoul, South Korea and Oslo, Norway.

We shared some less-conventional types of travel, too. Outdoorsy families will love our lists of the best US glamping spots, family-friendly river rafting trips, and even some fabulous kid-friendly wineries in Napa, Sonoma, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Here are our favorite family vacation destinations of 2023, including some great hotel and resort suggestions. Check out our Family Travel Guide for even more great places to visit with your family—we've got big plans in store for 2024!

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.

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.

Jennifer Marino Walters

Latest posts by Jennifer

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