Category Archives: Sports

August 24, 2026 · 10:29 am

Enter to Win a Fall Season of Rowing with TBC Racing ($1,200 Value)!

Looking for a new sport for your middle schooler? Here’s their chance to get out on the Potomac and discover rowing!

TBC Racing is giving away one full registration to its Fall 2026 Middle School Discover Rowing program — a $1,200 value!

The DC-based nonprofit rowing club serves middle and high school athletes throughout the region. Their programs give young athletes the opportunity to challenge themselves, become part of a team, and experience DC from an entirely different perspective — from the water. Designed for kids ages 12+ with little or no previous rowing experience, Discover Rowing introduces athletes to the fundamentals of the sport while building fitness, confidence, teamwork, and new friendships.

Over the eight-week season, athletes will learn the basics of the rowing stroke, boat handling, water safety, and how to work together as a crew — all while training on the Potomac River in the heart of DC. The season wraps up with an opportunity to put those new skills to work and race in the Tail of the Potomac regatta on October 31!

The Fall 2026 Middle School Discover Rowing program runs from September 7 to October 31. Practices are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 4-6:30pm, at Thompson’s Boat Center in Georgetown. An indoor training facility at the Watergate is available when weather prevents rowing outdoors.

Visit the TBC Racing website for more information and registration. And be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a full Fall 2026 Middle School Discover Rowing season and give your child the opportunity to discover their new favorite sport!

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GIVEAWAY! For a chance to win one full registration to the TBC Racing Fall 2026 Middle School Discover Rowing program ($1,200 value), simply leave a comment below telling me the activity your family is looking forward to most this fall. This giveaway will run through August 31, 2026, then a winner will be picked at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!

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This giveaway is sponsored by TBC Racing, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think would appeal to KFDC readers.

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Filed under 2026, Class, DC, Extracurricular, Fall, Middle Schoolers, Sports, Tweens

Tagged as After School Rowing Program, Extracurricular Activities for Middle School Kids, Kids Learn to Row, Rowing Program Near Me, Rowing Programs in DC, Sports Programs for Kids in DC, Sports Programs for Kids Near Me, TBC Racing

June 15, 2026 · 4:17 pm

The St. James: Sports, Camps, Classes, & More for the Whole Family

An unassuming entrance to a mega sports nirvana

If you’re looking for a place where kids can stay active, learn new skills, and have a blast year-round, The St. James in Springfield, VA, should be on your radar. The massive sports, wellness, and entertainment complex offers an incredible variety of programs for kids (and adults!) of all ages, from summer camps and sports leagues to gymnastics and dance training to an active entertainment center and indoor waterpark to fitness areas and workout classes… and even more!

We first visited not long after its opening in 2018, and I took the kids to play at the Super, Awesome, and Amazing activity center and waterpark several times over the years. But besides watching a family friend’s hockey match, I hadn’t really experienced much more than that there — until last week when I was invited to spend a day at the St. James. They were introducing a new partnership with Ajinomoto Foods (did I mention they also have a restaurant on premises?) and asked if I wanted to come for a tasting and a full St. James experience. That was an easy “yes!”

What stood out most was just how substantial The St. James is. Not only is the complex enormous — a whopping 450,000 square feet! — with high-quality sports facilities and professional-grade venues, the offerings are extensive. Even more, I learned just how great a destination it is for the whole family.

Summer Camps That Make Life Easier for Parents

A standout offering at The St. James right now is its extensive lineup of summer camps. There are sports-focused camps, specialty camps, and multi-activity programs designed to keep them active, engaged, and having fun throughout the summer. A feature parents will especially appreciate: lunch is included! That’s one less thing to think about during the morning rush, and makes camp drop-off even easier for busy parents. And speaking of drop-off, if you’re in DC and can’t make the drive out to Springfield, transportation is available as an add-on from Eastern Market, Georgetown, and Navy Yard. So, whether your child loves sports, wants to try something new, or simply needs an active and engaging summer experience, there are camp options for a wide range of interests and age groups.

Sports Programs Galore

The St. James is much more than a camp destination. Throughout the year, kids can participate in a wide range of classes, leagues, and programs, including:

• Baseball • Soccer
• Basketball • Softball
• Boxing • Squash
• Cheer • Swimming
• Cross Country • Track & Field
• Dance • Volleyball
• Field Hockey • Wrestling
• Football • Gymnastics
• Futsal • Lacrosse
• Golf • Ice Skating
• Hockey

Whether your child is trying something for the first time or looking to develop competitive skills, there are programs available for a variety of ages and experience levels. And they all take place in impressive, state-of-the-art facilities.

More Than Just Sports

While the sports programs and facilities are a big draw, many visitors go just for some of the other fun and entertaining elements. The Super, Awesome & Amazing adventure center lives up to its name and is a great place for kids to be active indoors, with all kinds of climbing apparatuses, inflatable obstacle courses, ninja-style challenges, and more. There is also an arcade full of video games for a little break from the physical activity. (And FYI, they offer birthday parties!)

And if you want to make a splash, there is an indoor waterpark with slides, sprays, and dump buckets that is open year-round. Birthday parties offered there, too!

Along with facilities for kids, there are fitness and wellness amenities for adults, including the Performance Club and Courted Spa, where I enjoyed an Aescape massage (more on both below). There is also the Vim and Victor cafe, a virtual driving range for golf practice (that can be reserved for social gatherings), and an Olympic sized swimming pool for laps.

Plenty for Parents, Too

While kids may initially be the reason families visit The St. James, adults will find plenty to love as well. During my visit, I had the chance to explore the Performance Club, a premium fitness center for members ages 12 and older. The three-level space has an impressive selection of cardio and strength equipment, functional training areas, and plenty of room to work out without feeling crowded. I also participated in a stretch class that worked with my timing, but there are a variety of classes on the schedule.

Something worth noting is that membership at The St. James includes 20% off sports programs, camps, private lessons, and youth training. A friend of mine got a membership when her son was playing hockey there, so she could use the facilities while he was practicing — and get a discount on his program.

One of the more intriguing experiences was trying an Aescape massage at the Courted Spa. This innovative wellness experience uses advanced technology to give a customized massage tailored to your body, essentially a robotic massage. While you’re on the table, your are looking at a digital tablet below, and you can see exactly what the “robot” is doing and adjust it acording to your preferences — more or less pressure, focus on certain spots, etc. You can also select music and ambiance. It was quite really good — it worked my tight muscles, but still felt relaxing, and I just zoned out and forgot a machine was doing the work.

Refuel at Vim & Victor

After working up an appetite, I had the opportunity to sample the new menu items from Ajinomoto Foods at Vim & Victor, the on-site restaurant Their array of delicious dumplings are now part of the menu that offers a variety of healthy and flavorful options. How great is it to have an eatery right there, making it easy to grab a meal, snack, or post-workout bite without leaving the facility? Parents can get food (or even drinks) while kids are at sports practice, or you can easily feed them there after a training sessions. Vim & Victor also makes all the lunches for the summer camps, providing kids with yummy, heathy meals so parents can cross t hat task off the to-do list.

So, are you ready to check out The St. James? Explore more on their website or go see for yourself!

The St. James
Where: |6805 Industrial Road | Springfield, VA
When: Mon–Fri, 5:00am – 11pm | Sat-Sun, 6am – 10pm (but activity times vary)
Admission: Varies by activity/program
Explore membership options!

Where to Watch the World Cup with Kids Around DC

A (TV) screen shot of the 2022 World Cup

We’re just days away from the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup! You might be looking for places to watch the action, since it’s always so much fun to share in the excitement of it all with other footy fans. So if your goal is to have a great time experiencing the World Cup with the kids, here are some family-friendly recs for viewing the matches around the DC area, from pubs to patios and biergartens to large outdoor watch parties. Happy World Cup!

FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone
Where: 3rd – 4th Streets | National Mall
When: Daily, June 11 – July 19
Admission: Free
Perhaps one of the better events of Freedom 250 is this weeks-long World Cup watch party right on the National Mall. Along with live matches being shown on a giant screen, there will be interactive exhibits, music, food, and youth soccer programming.

Summer of Soccer Watch Zone
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Daily, June 11 – July 19
Admission: Free (register in advance)
Catch all the World Cup action on Pearl Street at The Wharf. Every day of the tournament, they’ll fire up the big screen one hour before the first match and end with the 9pm game. (Note that Team USA and Argentina matches will be shown regardless of start time.) Have some food and drinks from nearby eateries, cheer on your teams, and maybe even enjoy some extra fun on the waterfront.

World Soccer Rooftop Watch Party
Where: Hi-Lawn | Union Market, DC
When: June 11 – July 19
Admission: Free, but plan to buy food/drinks
Hi-Lawn is transforming their signature turf lawn on the Union Market rooftop into a giant soccer pitch-inspired viewing experience, complete with a painted field design, a massive LED screen (+ more smaller ones) airing matches daily, and more crowd-favorite programming throughout the tournament. Kids are welcome all day Sunday – Thursday, and until 7pm on Friday and Saturday.

Matchbox
Where: Capitol Hill & Penn Quarter, DC
When: June 11 – July 19
Admission: The cost of your food/drinks
The restaurant known or its wood-fired pizza is very welcoming to kid, and all Matchbox locations around the area will be broadcasting the tournament on multiple big screens with full audio. However, three are hosting the primary, high-energy fan watch parties: Capitol Hill, Penn Quarter, and Rockville. It will be sound-on for all USA and other key matches and a fan-driven atmosphere. (PS: Kids eat free on Tuesdays!)

United in Play (Downtown)
Where: Franklin Park | Downtown DC
When: June 12-14
Admission: Free
The Downtown DC BID Along with DC United are hosting this fan experience celebrating soccer and the spirit of the city. These free, family-friendly watch parties will feature live match broadcasts, youth soccer activities, local food vendors, music, and interactive programming designed for fans of all ages.

United in Play (Navy Yard)
Where: Tinghey Plaza | Navy Yard
When: June 19-21
Admission: Free
The Navy Yard BID is also joining DC United to host World Cup watch parties and more fun during the tourney. There will be fun pop-ups for all ages, food, drinks, and more with other soccer-obsessed fans.

The Brig
Where: Capitol Hill, DC
When: Throughout the tournament
Admission: Cost of your food/drinks
Known for its year-round watch parties and being welcoming to kids, The Brig has a cool, casual patio and is always fun for watching big sports events. They set up extra screens along with the TV’s over the bar. And the menu easily is a kid-crowd pleaser with chicken strips, big pretzels, burgers, sausages, and tater tots. It will get crowded with non-kid peops, but vibe is great and not too crazy.

World Cup Watch Parties
Where: Dacha Beer Garden | Navy Yard, DC
When: Multiple dates
Admission: Cost of your food/drinks
The breezy outdoor spot across from Nationals Park by the river will have watch parties throughout tournament long, most of them during the day when it’s kid-friendly. Cheer on team USA and play games, win prizes, and maybe score some swag during each match. They’ll be showing USA, Belgium, and Germany matches. Bonus: It’s right next to a little spray ground, where kids can run around it hey get antsy, as well as a short walk from Yards Park for some hang time pre- or post-match.

Elephant & Castle
Where: 1201 Pennsylvania Ave NW | Downtown DC
When: Throughout the tournament
Admission: The cost of your food/drinks
With a “classic British pub experience,” the World Cup is a major event here, and they’l be showing every match live with sound on 21 tellies. It’s kid-friendly and even has a menu just for young guests, but be aware that it will likely get rowdy. They wont be taking reservations during the World Cup; seating is first come, first served.

VIRGINIA

Watch the World Play
Where: Mosaic District | Fairfax, VA
When: June 11 – July 19
Admission: Free
Head to the lawn in Mosaic’s Strawberry Park to see select matches of the world’s biggest soccer tournament. A jumbo screen will show them daily, plus you can enjoy food and drink specials and more activations. There will be some special watch parties throughout the tournament, so check back on their website for dates and details.

Shipgarten
Where: Tysons, VA
When: Throughout the tournament
Admission: The cost of your meal/food
The indoor/outdoor biergarten in Tysons will be showing all the matches on 150+ screens. It’s super kid-friendly with a playground, plus face painting and moon bounces for young patrons on weekends. There will be watch parties for certain big games, and all ages are welcome. If you go on one of their Family Festival days, there will be extra themed fun!

Alexandria Bier Garden
Where: Old Town Alexandria, VA
When: Throughout the tournament
Admission: The cost o your food/drinks
An official tournament headquarters in Old Town, there will be crystal-clear big screens and excellent audio to capture all the stadium excitement. Kids are very welcome, and the indoor and outdoor spaces, games, big Bavarian pretzels, and extensive food options are great for young guests. Note that kids eat free on Monday nights!

Soccer at Starr Hill
Where: Starr Hill Biergarten | Tysons, VA
When: Throughout the tournament
Admission: Free
Located at The Perch, a park-like space 11 stories up at Capitol One Center in Tysons, the Starr Hill Biergarten hosts watch parties on massive screens. Open grassy spaces make it nice for kids, and it’s a lively vibe for all ages. There are often food truks and casual bites. And you can pair your match viewing with a visit to Perch Putt!

MARYLAND

Worldwide Soccer Match Screenings
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: June 11-19
Admission: Free
Everyday throughout the World Cup, National Harbor wil be showing live matches on the giant screen on the Plaza. Pack your chairs, grab food to go from one of the restaurants, and watch the action. June 12, will be a special FIFA World Cup 26 Watch Party & Beer Garden. Cheer on your team, plus enjoy interactive games, giveaways and prizes throughout the night, and, for adults, Beer Garden on the Belvedere overlooking the Plaza. The evening of international matchups will include Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina at 3pm, followed by USA vs. Paraguay at 9pm.

Matchbox
Where: Rockville, MD
When: Throughout the tournament
Admission: The cost of your food/drinks
The restaurant known for its wood-fired pizza is very welcoming to kid, and all Matchbox locations around the area will be broadcasting the tournament on multiple big screens with full audio. However, three are hosting the primary, high-energy fan watch parties: Capitol Hill, Penn Quarter, and Rockville. It will be sound-on for all USA and other key matches and a fan-driven atmosphere.

Sports & Social Bethesda
Where: Pike & Rose | Bethesda, MD
When: Throughout the tournament
Admission: The cost of your food/drinks
The big sports bar with with a massive media wall and over 20 HDTVs will be showing all of the World Cup matches. It’s said to be generally kid-friendly, especially during the day or early evening, with a special kids menu and interactive social games. It’s aso dog-riendly with anoutdoor patio that welcomes pups! Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended.

Do you know of other great kid-friendly places to watch the World Cup? Let us know in the comments!