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

Top Kids' Birthday Party Places Near Washington, DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 04/16/2023 - 9:37am

The birthday child will have a ball at Bowlero. Photo courtesy of Bowlero

Throwing a kids' birthday party can be surprisingly stressful for parents. You need to choose a theme, narrow down the guest list, figure out food, etc. And if you have the party at home, you also need to provide entertainment for all of those kids... not to mention the setup and cleanup. That's why you should consider one of the many great children's birthday party venues near DC. By taking the birthday party outside the home, you can just show up and have fun with your kid and their friends while someone else does the work!

Here are 25 awesome kids' birthday party venues in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. From sports centers, indoor playgrounds, and bowling alleys to escape rooms, zoos, and art studios, you're sure to find a great fit on this list for toddlers, kids, and teens of any interest.

Need more inspiration? Check out our Kids' Birthday Party Places Guide for DC, including our lists of great party venues for preschoolers and for teens.

Colorado Springs with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Colorado Springs, CO

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 04/15/2023 - 11:30am

Be wowed by the majestic rock formations at Garden of the Gods. Photo courtesy of the nature center

When my Army-officer husband got stationed in Colorado Springs, I wasn't sure how to feel about it at first. I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and Colorado Springs seemed painfully small and slow-paced to this New York City girl. But I quickly fell in love with the city's majestic mountains, gorgeous hiking trails, historic western neighborhoods, and laid-back vibe.

When our twin boys were born, we discovered that there are also a ton of things to do in Colorado Springs with kids, including amazing parks and playgrounds, a Christmas-themed amusement park, and one of the best zoos in the US. Now that the boys are older and we also have a daughter, we can't wait to go back and experience Colorado Springs again with them.

Here are the 35 best things to do in Colorado Springs with kids, from outdoor adventures and must-visit museums to kid-friendly Colorado Springs hotels and restaurants. For more Colorado family vacation ideas, check out our list of things to do in Denver with kids (other than hiking) and our visitors' guide to Boulder and the Rocky Mountains.

Best Things To Do in DC's Georgetown Neighborhood with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 04/14/2023 - 9:40am

Float along the C&O Canal on a charming canal boat. Photo courtesy of Georgetown DC

Founded in 1751, Georgetown is the oldest neighborhood in Washington, DC. Its long history is evident in charming, old-fashioned touches like cobblestone streets and historic homes and museums. But Georgetown is also loaded with modern amenities that make it one of the coolest areas in DC. It's home to M Street, one of the best shopping streets in the US, with everything from mall stores to high-end fashion boutiques. Some of the best restaurants and dessert shops in the city are in Georgetown, including those famous Georgetown cupcakes visitors flock to try. And then there's Georgetown Waterfront Park, with it's gorgeous views of the Potomac River and the Kennedy Center.

Ready to visit? Here are 20 fun things to do in Georgetown with kids, from outdoor adventures to kid-friendly shops and eateries. Check out our visitors' guides to Old Town Alexandria in Virginia; Kensington, Maryland; and Clifton, Virginia for more historic neighborhoods to explore with your family.

DC Spring Bucket List: 50 Family-Friendly Adventures

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 04/02/2023 - 9:00am

Enjoy the brilliant colors of spring at Burnside Farms. Photo courtesy of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, at virginia.org

This post is in the process of getting its 2025 update!

Spring has sprung in Washington, DC! That means it's time to put away the coats and hats and head outdoors to start checking activities off your spring fun list. There are so many things to do in DC to take advantage of the mild temperatures and the extra daylight. The cherry blossoms are blooming, spring festivals are in full swing, mini golf courses are opening back up, and the parks and playgrounds are beckoning. And on those rainy spring days, there are plenty of indoor options like museums and family-friendly shows.

Read on for our list of fun things to do in DC and its surrounding areas this spring. The list includes spring activities in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the city itself for families and kids of all ages. Get on out and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the season!

12 Best Places To Visit in the South, USA with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 04/01/2023 - 10:45am

Snorkel in the pristine waters of Key West. Coral Reef State Park. Photo by John Pennekamp

The best places to visit in the South are all wonderful in their own way. If you're looking for a warm and sunny destination to escape a cold winter, you'll find it in many parts of Florida, Georgia, and other southern states. Perhaps your family is drawn to the fabulous Orlando theme parks, the country-music scene in Nashville, or the rich history of charming cities like Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. Or, maybe you just need a good dose of southern hospitality and cooking!

Whatever your reasons for traveling down south, here are the 12 best places to visit in the South with kids. From beautiful beaches and pristine parks to world-class museums and children's attractions, there's a southern destination on this list to suit every family's interests. For even more southern family vacation ideas, check out our Southern States Vacation Guide.

Candytopia Brings a Sweet Escape to the Washington, DC Area

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Thu, 03/30/2023 - 9:00am

See sculptures made entirely out of candy at Candytopia. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters

You don't have to have a sweet tooth to be wowed by Candytopia, a new pop-up "museum" near Washington, DC. This candy-themed, selfie-inspired immersive experience opened March 17, 2023 on the first floor of Tysons Corner Center in Northern Virginia, following successful runs in Los Angeles, New York City, Houston, Atlanta, and other cities. Candytopia features 14 interactive environments with art and sculptures made entirely of candy, fun photo ops, a marshmallow pit to jump and play in, and so much more.

My family had the opportunity to visit Candytopia on the day it opened. Read all about our sweet experience, then make a sugar rush to get tickets—this candy wonderland is expected to leave town on December 31, 2023!

Visiting Washington, DC's National Mall and Memorial Parks with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 03/03/2023 - 10:00am

Climb the famous steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a gorgeous view of the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument. Photo by anjanettew via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

The National Mall and Memorial Parks are one of the top-visited tourist attractions in the US, and hands-down the most famous place in Washington, DC. Plus, it's totally FREE to visit. That's why it should be at the top of any DC vacation itinerary. But with hundreds of acres of space and over 100 monuments and memorials to explore, visiting the National Mall with kids can be quite overwhelming.

Trust me, I know—I've visited the National Mall in the heat of summer with my infant twins in a double stroller, with three little ones after my daughter was born, and now with big kids who still love to climb the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and run around on the Washington Monument's vast lawn.

With all of that Mall madness under my belt, I'm here to give you the inside scoop on visiting DC's National Mall with kids, from must-see monuments to National Mall parking to the best kid-friendly restaurants near the National Mall. For more must-visit spots for families in our nation's capital, check out our list of the top attractions in DC.

21 Best Things To Do in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 02/24/2023 - 10:00am

Step inside the ballroom of Gadsby's Tavern, where George Washington attended birthday parties in his honor in 1798 and 1799. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters

Old Town Alexandria is one of the Washington, DC area's most historic neighborhoods. Founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants, the city of Alexandria, Virginia is best known for being the adopted hometown of George Washington. He owned a townhouse in Old Town Alexandria, and his famous Mount Vernon estate is nearby.

Indeed, walking through the cobblestone streets of Old Town Alexandria feels like stepping back into colonial times. You can dine where George Washington and other presidents did (Gadsby's Tavern), sit in his pew (number 60) at Christ Church, go on historic walking tours, and visit museums that showcase the city's history. But there are also many great modern-day things to do with kids in Old Town Alexandria, including fun festivals, shopping, and the bustling Old Town Alexandria waterfront.

Here are 21 things to do in Old Town Alexandria with kids, from the famous King Street Mile to kid-friendly Old Town Alexandria restaurants. For more great neighborhoods to explore near DC, check out our guides to visiting National Harbor; Fairfax, Virginia; and Kensington, Maryland with kids.

Jennifer Marino Walters

Latest posts by Jennifer

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