Tag Archives: DMV Family Fun

May 1, 2022 · 10:23 pm

Ideas for Celebrating Mother’s Day Around the DC Area (2022)

Mother’s Day is an occasion worth making extra special plans for (in my totally unbiased opinion 😉). This round-up, similar to previous years, but updated for right now, has ideas to help make it a great one for all of the honorees — whether it’s spent as a family, with friends, or even solo. With recommendations that range from fairly mellow to very active, totally free to a total splurge, there’s sure to be something to make every mom’s day. Happy Mother’s Day!

If Mom Hearts Art
Where: Local Museums in DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by museum
See some art that mom will enjoy, perhaps something that’s not on the usual kid museum circuit, and pair it with a family-friendly brunch nearby. A few suggestions: 1) Head to the Hirshhorn early to try for free day-of passes to Yayoi Kusama’s One with Eternity at the Hirshhorn, or for a no-passes-necessary experience there, check out Laurie Anderson: The Weather. 2) Experience the new Afro-Atlantic Histories at the National Gallery of Art. From any of the museums on the the National Mall, head up to Penn Quarter for brunch at Zaytinya or Jaleo. 2) Go to the Phillips Collection in Dupont Circle then dine at Firefly. 3) See Pixelbloom at ARTECHOUSE (get a glimpse) then go The Wharf for a special meal — you have your pick of dining options (I recommend Hank’s, Lupo Marino, and Officina).

Go chasing waterfalls at Patapsco Valey State Park

Walk in the Woods
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
Take a hike to enjoy the day. See flowers in bloom, tramp in places with scenic views, walk and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. Bring along a picnic for lunch al fresco, too.
Huntley Meadows – The park in Alexandria has an easy, scenic loop through woods and wetlands.
Riverbend Park to Great Falls – The hike is a particular favorite for a special day, though parking can fill up fast, so go early and have a Plan B just in case.
Patapsco Valley State Park – It’s huge with a great variety of hiking trails, including one to waterfalls, lots of nice picnic spots, and more opportunities for active recreation.
Pohick Bay Regional Park and Fountainhead Regional Park – Both parks in Lorton, VA, have nice hiking trails as well as paddling rentals.
Wye Island NRMA – A couple of years ago, we enjoyed a beautiful Mother’s Day hike at this spot on the Eastern Shore. (KFDC Tip: Pair it with a crab feast while you’re out there.)
Harpers Ferry – The charming historic town and great hiking makes it a perfect day trip destination for a celebration.
This go-to KFDC post has even more suggestions for great hikes with the fam.

Relax at the scenic Barrel Oak Winery after a Sky Meadows hike

Hike & Sip
Where: A couple of DMV locales
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies
Like the suggestion above, but elevated with a post-hike visit to a family-friendly winery or restaurant. Two outings I recommend for this: Hit the trail at Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, VA, then go to the nearby Barrel Oak Winery. The Sugarloaf Mountain hike/The Comus Inn combo in Dickerson, MD, also makes for a fab day, or enjoy sips and small bites at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard right down the road after your walk in the woods.

Fancy hats are among the treasures to be found at Mansion on O

Celebrate Mom Treasure Hunt
Where: Mansion on O Street | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Through May 8
Admission: $50
Spread the love as you search for special heartfelt items found only at O Museum in The Mansion on this heart centered treasure hunt. There are over 100 rooms to explore and 70 secret doors (!!) to find (you’re guaranteed to see at least 60 of the legendary spaces, but the secret doors are much harder to discover). This visit also includes yummy chocolate and a glass of champagne for mom, and other guests can purchases beverages at the cash bar. Read more about the O Museum in this KFDC post and this one.

The Azaleas at the Arboretum are spectacular right now

Do Some Garden-ing
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
Instead of bringing flowers to mom, take her to them instead! With the bloom season upon us and landscapes bursting with color, a visit to a garden makes for a lovely outing, especially when there’s often more to do than see the plants and flowers. Explore, play, and see the amazing azalea bloom at the National Arboretum. Enjoy one of the prettiest places in the city at Dumbarton Oaks Garden. Stop and smell the roses (and more) and see the rest of the beautiful grounds at Brookside Gardens. Wander around Green Spring Gardens on a scavenger hunt. Venture out to the gorgeous Meadowlark Botanical Garden. You can bring along a picnic to many of these places and make it a whole day’s outing.

Blue crabs, one of the best treats of the season

A (Crab) Feast Fit for a Queen
Where: Eastern Shore, MD
When: Ongoing
Admission: Depends on how much you order!
This is how we like to celebrate. The start of blue crab season is perfect timing for the special day, and you really can’t beat a feast of the steamed Old Bay-spiced treats at a waterfront crab house on a nice day. Cantler’s in Annapolis is an institution, and Mike’s Crab House in Riva is also popular with delicious crabs, gorgeous scenery, and a great outdoor tiki bar waiting area if tables aren’t immediately available. We’ve had a couple of super fun Mother’s Day celebrations at Kentmorr’s restaurant and beach scene. Keep it closer to home (but forego the waterfront) at Quarterdeck, Ivy City Smokehouse, and Bethesda Crab House. Wherever you go, make reservations, because special occasion days guarantee crowds. You can also pick up crabs from from The Fish Market at The Wharf and enjoy feast at home — get them already steamed or still alive and DIY. (And, FYI, all of the above recommendations are based on first-hand experience!)

Pontooning on the Patuxent

Mother’s Day on the Patuxent
Where: Solomons Island, MD
When: Mother’s Day weekend (or anytime)
Admission: Rates vary by boat & time
This was an excellent way we celebrated Mother’s Day with friends awhile back. A pontoon boat outing on the Patuxent River was a super fun and relaxing time for all. Pack a cooler, don the swimsuits, slather on sunscreen, and get ready for a fantastic day on the water. Afterwards, treat yourselves to ice cream on Solomon’s Island or even stay for dinner at one of the many waterside restaurants there.

Enjoy some bowling after your brunch

Brunch & Bowl
Where: Pinstripes | Georgetown, DC
When: May 8, 10am – 3pm
Admission: $40/adult, $15 /age 6-12, free/5 & under
Dine and play on Mother’s Day! Treat mom to a yummy Buffet Brunch that includes a Signature Waffle Station, Carving Station, Sweets Table, and more. Don’t forget about the Bottomless Mimosas and Aperol Spritzes! Plus, each mom will get complimentary flowers on behalf of the Pinstripes team. Stay for some family bowling (or bocce) after — be sure to reserve a lane in advance to ensure you get a game time — and note that it costs extra. Read more about Pinstripes in this KFDC post.

For Soccer Moms
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: May 7, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at
For moms who are DC United fans or just enjoy some good sports action, start the Mother’s Day celebration a little early at a soccer match. The United are hosting Houston Dynamo on Saturday evening, and it’s always exciting to watch our MLS team play. Plan on dinner before or some fun after — there are plenty of places for it in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. For a family meal, I recommend The Salt Line, All Purpose Pizza, El Bebe, Agua 301, and Due South. If you make it an adult outing and go for drinks after, try Dacha Beer Garden or the new Solace Outpost.

Enjoy the views and a fun activity as you paddle the Potomac

Go with the Flow
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
For other Mother’s Day adventures on the water, a bunch of places around the area rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and stand up paddleboards. Fletcher’s Cove is a popular place to go and has a great riverside area to hang out and picnic when you’re off the water. We spent a wonderful Mother’s Day awhile back at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis — with lots of options for outdoor recreation along with paddling, it’s particularly awesome. This post has a round-up of even more places to navigate the local waterways.

***More Ideas***
* An activity for moms that doesn’t involve the whole gang: Spa day!
* Open Table’s suggestions for 50 DC restaurants for this Mother’s Day.
* Washingtonian has a round-up of fun foodie things to do on Mother’s Day.
* The Mother Of All Mother’s Day Movie Lists…

Ideas for Mother’s Day Celebrations Around the DC Area

With my “babies” last Mother’s Day at Wye Island NMRA

Mother’s Day is an occasion worth making extra special plans for (in my totally unbiased opinion 😉). This round-up has ideas to help make it a great one for all of the honorees — and to help the rest of the fam plan it. With recommendations that range from fairly mellow to very active, totally free to a total splurge, there’s sure to be something to make every mom’s day. (And make sure she gets some “me” time, too.) Happy Mother’s Day!

Walk in the Woods
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
Take a hike to enjoy the day. See flowers in bloom, tramp in places with scenic views, walk and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. Bring along a picnic for lunch al fresco, too.
Huntley Meadows – The park in Alexandria has an easy, very scenic loop through woods and wetlands.
Riverbend Park to Great Falls – The hike is a particular favorite for a special day, though parking can fill up fast, so go early and have a Plan B just in case.
Patapsco Valley State Park – It’s huge with a great variety of hiking trails, including one to waterfalls, lots of nice picnic spots, and more opportunities for active recreation.
Pohick Bay Regional Park and Fountainhead Regional Park – Both parks in Lorton, VA, have good hiking trails as well as paddling rentals.
Wye Island NRMA – Last Mother’s Day we enjoyed a beautiful hike at this spot on the Eastern Shore. (KFDC tip: Pair it with a crab feast while you’re out there.)
Harpers Ferry – The charming historic town and great hiking makes it a perfect day trip destination for a celebration.
This go-to KFDC post has even more suggestions for great hikes with the fam.

Hike & Sip
Where: A couple of DMV locales
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies
Like the suggestion above, but elevated with a post-hike visit to a family-friendly winery or restaurant. Two outings I recommend for this: Hit the trail at Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, VA, then go to the nearby Barrel Oak Winery.
The Sugarloaf Mountain hike/The Comus Inn combo in Dickerson, MD, also makes for a fab day, or enjoy sips and small bites at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard right down the road after your walk in the woods.

Strawberry Fields
Where: Farms around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by location
Enjoy the day outdoors gathering fresh strawberries. The pick-your-own season has begun with at least one area farm welcoming visitors to their strawberry fields, and more may open by Sunday. See this post for details on where you can harvest your own fruits and veggies, several offering much more than just picking.

Do Some Garden-ing
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
Instead of bringing flowers to mom, take her to them instead! With the bloom season upon us, and landscapes bursting with color, a visit to a garden makes for a lovely outing, especially when there’s often more to do than see the plants and flowers. Explore, play, and see the amazing azalea bloom at the National Arboretum. Stop and smell the roses (and more) and see the rest of the beautiful grounds at Brookside Gardens. Wander around Green Spring Gardens on a scavenger hunt. Venture out to the gorgeous Meadowlark Botanical Garden. You can bring along a picnic to many of these places and make it a whole day’s outing.

A (Crab) Feast Fit for a Queen
Where: Eastern Shore, MD
When: Ongoing
Admission: Depends on how much you order!
This is how we like to celebrate. The start of blue crab season is perfect timing for the special day, and you really can’t beat a feast of the steamed Old Bay-spiced treats at a waterfront crab house on a nice day. Cantler’s in Annapolis is an institution, and Mike’s Crab House in Riva is also popular with delicious crabs, gorgeous scenery, and a great outdoor tiki bar waiting area if tables aren’t immediately available. We’ve had a couple of super Mother’s Day celebrations at Kentmorr’s restaurant and beach scene. Keep it closer to home (but forego the waterfront) at Quarterdeck, Ivy City Smokehouse, and Bethesda Crab House. Wherever you go, make reservations, because special occasion days guarantee crowds. You can also pick up crabs from from The Fish Market at The Wharf and enjoy feast at home — get them already steamed or still alive and DIY. (And, FYI, all of the above recommendations are based on first-hand experience!)

Go with the Flow
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
For other Mother’s Day adventures on the water, a bunch of places around the area rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and stand up paddleboards. Fletcher’s Boathouse is a popular place to go and has a great riverside area to hang out and picnic when you’re off the water. We spent a wonderful Mother’s Day a few years ago at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis — with lots of options for outdoor recreation along with paddling, it’s particularly awesome. This post has a round-up of even more places to navigate the local waterways.

Get in the Frame with a Motherhood Mini Session

Where: Pop-up Studio at Three Littles | Northeast DC
When: Mother’s Day, sessions from 11am-6pm
Admission: $99 to reserve your mini sessions time

Alex Friendly is passionate about getting mothers in the picture, which is why she’s offering these Motherhood Mini Sessions. Mothers are so often the ones who take all the pictures, but these casual mini sessions make capturing images with your kids as easy and stress-free as possible. There won’t be any pressure to be perfect, to figure out how to get your kids to sit still, to plan the matching outfits. Just come as you are, wearing the kind of comfortable clothes that make you feel happy while playing on the floor together. She’ll capture the joys of motherhood and celebrate everything that you overcame this past year. Each session is 10-15 minutes with 10-15 final images available for purchase starting at $225, which means you only buy the images you actually want. To find out more, check out Alex’s Booking Guide or book your session directly by clicking here.

A few more good (related) things:
* Washingtonian has some really good suggestions for the weekend, too.
* Eater DC’s running guide to Mother’s Day brunch, sweets, and dinner specials.
* This book that you can purchase from Steadfast Supply.

Ideas for Mother’s Day Celebrations Around the DMV

Beach fun (and blue crabs) with my babes last Mother’s Day

Moms’ big day is right around the corner, and it’s an occasion worth making extra special plans for (in my totally unbiased opinion 😉). Whether you prefer to coordinate your own celebration or enjoy made-just-for-the-day events, this round-up has ideas to help make the occasion a great one for all of the honorees. Happy Mother’s Day!

Rosslyn Blooms! Flower Festival
Where: Central Place Plaza | Rosslyn, VA
When: May 11, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Mother’s Day a little early and drop by the region’s premier spring flower market, the Rosslyn Blooms! Flower Festival. Petworth florist Holley Simmons of She Loves Me will bring her unique cut-flower creations and live indoor plants to Central Place Plaza for a day filled with shopping, fun, and activities for all ages. There will be two kids’ workshops for ages 8-12 — free but registration is required — plus coloring and sticker stations for younger children throughout the day. All other workshops are open to public, and recommended for ages 16+. Although all the workshops are subsidized by the Rosslyn BID, there is a registration fee for the adult workshops. Space is limited, so make sure to sign up soon!

A Day with the (First) First Lady
Where: Mount Vernon Estate | Mount Vernon, VA
When: May 11-12
Admission: $18/adult, $11/ages 6-11, free for 5 and under
Join the Mother of our Country, Martha Washington, for special Mother’s Day activities at Mount Vernon, her digs with George back in the day. Stroll through the magnificent gardens in bloom and enjoy a tour of the mansion grounds. Moms will also receive a lavender sachet from Lady Washington while supplies last. You might also consider dining at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, where they’ll have a special Mother’s Day buffet. Note: The above admission prices are online rates; they are slightly more at the door.

Do Some Garden-ing
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
Instead of bringing flowers to mom, take her to them instead! With the bloom season upon us, and landscapes bursting with color, a visit to a garden makes for a lovely outing, especially when there’s often more to do than just look at the plants and flowers. Stroll among the many multi-tiered plats at Dumbarton Oaks. Explore, play, and see the amazing azalea bloom at the National Arboretum. Wander around Green Spring Gardens on a scavenger hunt. Venture out to the gorgeous Meadowlark Botanical Garden. Relish in the peace at the Brookland Monastery. Or stop and smell the roses (and more) at the U.S. Botanic Garden. You can bring along a picnic to many of these places and make it a whole day’s outing.

Open Studio: Celebrate Mothers
Where: Freer|Sackler Gallery | National Mall, DC
When: May 11
Admission: Free
Join the museum on Mother’s Day weekend to experience Empresses of China’s Forbidden City, 1644–1912! Take a family-friendly tour and learn about the lives of Qing dynasty empresses (12:30pm and 2:30pm). Drop in anytime to create your own royal portrait and greeting cards inspired by the exhibition. All ages are welcome with adult companions.

Gospel Brunch
Where: The Hamilton | Downtown DC
When: May 12, 10:30am
Admission: $45
Enjoy a tasty meal and a soul-stirring show this Mother’s Day. The Hamilton will present an all-you-can-eat buffet filled with breakfast classics and Southern dishes to warm anyone’s down-home heart along with a performance by the Howard Gospel Choir. Admission also includes a choice of one morning specialty mimosa, bloody mary, or soft drink. Hallelujah to that!

Family Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: May 12, 2pm
Admission: $19/adult, $17/child
For moms who love some sleuthing (a penchant for Harry Potter helps, too), the next Wizard School Scavenger Hunt by Watson Adventures happens to fall on Mother’s Day. The fun, unique activity for families has you on a mission competing against other teams to find art that echoes characters, places, and enchanted objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies, with the help of clever Harry Potter-themed clues. Spots are still left in the 11am session. And while the website says it’s for ages 10 and up, kids younger than that definitely can partake, too! This KFDC post has more about this awesome adventure.

Free in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring | Sandy Spring, MD
When: May 12
Admission: $12-56, free for Mom
For adventurous moms who love the outdoors, particular being in the trees, an afternoon in the aerial adventure forest of the Adventure Park at Sandy Springs is the perfect way to spend the day — especially when mom’s admission is on them. Buy one ticket and get her ticket free using the promo code MOM19. (FYI: This is one of my very favorite adventures in the area — read more about it here and here.)

Mission: Grand Opening
Where: International Spy Museum | L’Enfant Plaza, DC
When: May 12
Admission: FREE for moms (see below for rest)
The International Spy Museum is officially opening its doors to the public at its new L’Enfant Plaza location! With interactive exhibitions and installations, the foremost collection of spy artifacts in the world, and first-person accounts from top intelligence officers and experts, the new Museum places visitors in the shoes of the spies. Admission is $24.95/adult, $13.95/age 7-12, free/6 & under. In celebration of Mother’s day, all moms will receive free admission on Sunday. To access a free ticket in advance, call the Call Center at 202.393.7798. Moms can also obtain tickets onsite that day only. Note that same-day tickets are subject to availability. Read more about the Spy Museum (at its former location) here.

Paint with Mom
Where: Art Jamz | Dupont Circle, DC
When: May 12
Admission: $30
Get artsy with mom and paint a beautiful nighttime scene with a Mom and Baby owl perched on a Cherry Blossom branch. You and mom will use two canvases to create one scene, while Mom sips on a complimentary craft cocktail. ArtJamz Instructors will take you through the steps and Mom will leave with a whimsical scene to take home and treasure forever.

A (Crab) Feast Fit for a Queen
Where: Eastern Shore, MD
When: Ongoing
Admission: Depends on how much you order!
Take advantage of the start of blue crab season to celebrate! And you really can’t beat a feast of the steamed Old Bay-spiced creature at a waterfront crab house on a nice day. Cantler’s in Annapolis is an institution, and Mike’s Crab House in Riva is also popular with delicious crabs, gorgeous scenery, and a great outdoor waiting area if tables aren’t immediately available. Last year, we had a super Mother’s Day at Kentmorr’s restaurant and beach scene. Keep it closer to home (but forego the waterfront) at Quarterdeck, Ivy City Smokehouse, and Bethesda Crab House. Wherever you go, make reservations, because special occasion days guarantee crowds.

Walk in the Woods
Where: Around the DMV
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
Take a hike as you celebrate. See flowers in bloom, tramp in places with scenic views, walk and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. Bring along a picnic for lunch al fresco, too. A particular favorite for a special day is the hike from Riverbend Park to Great Falls. The wetlands at Huntley Meadows offer a nice hike and great views. Pohick Bay Regional Park and Prince William Forest Park are both great places to walk in the woods, too. A day trip to Harpers Ferry also makes a great outing. And this go-to KFDC post has even more recommendations for good places for the whole family to hit the trail.

Mother’s Day on the Patuxent
Where: Solomons Island, MD
When: Mother’s Day weekend (or anytime)
Admission: Rates vary by boat & time
This was a really great way we celebrated Mother’s Day with friends a few years ago. A pontoon boat outing on the Patuxent River was a super fun and relaxing time for all. Pack a cooler, don the swimsuits, slather on sunscreen, and get ready for a fantastic day on the water. Afterwards, treat yourselves to ice cream on Solomon’s Island or even stay for dinner at one of the many waterside restaurants there.

Go with the Flow
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
For other Mother’s Day adventures on the water, a bunch of places around the area rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and stand up paddleboards. Fletcher’s Boathouse is a popular place to go and has a great riverside area to hang out and picnic when you’re off the water. We spent a wonderful Mother’s Day a few years ago at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis — with lots of options for outdoor recreation along with paddling, it’s particularly awesome. This post has a round-up of even more places to navigate the local waterways.

Mother’s Love Treasure Hunt
Where: Mansion on O Street | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Throughout May
Admission: $35
Think with your heart and feel with your mind as you search through themed rooms and behind secret doors. The folks at O Mansion will never ruin the surprise of finding a secret door by giving you a map, so be sure to keep your eyes open. If you find two secret doors you are an above average sleuth! There are easy clues and hard clues on this treasure hunt — but everyone is sure to have fun. You can also enjoy a special brunch on Mother’s Day, May 12 ($85/person). Get a glimpse and read more about the Mansion on O in this KFDC post.

Kick It
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: May 12, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
If mom is a soccer fan, take her to the DC United game against Sporting Kansas City. You can make an afternoon and evening of it — plan for an early dinner in the The Yards area, then walk over to the Audi Field for the match. Some restaurant recs: The Salt Line, Due South, Osteria Morini, All Purpose Pizza, and Chloe.

Up in the Air
Where: Preakness Balloon Festival | West Friendship, MD
When: May 10-12
Admission: Free, but parking is $20/vehicle
If you really want to splurge and do something extra cool, book mom on a hot air balloon ride at the annual Preakness Balloon Festival. You can also just go and enjoy the view of them floating above along with fun festivities on ground. With many hot air balloons, rides & games, helicopter tours, a ferris wheel, hot dog eating contest, skydiving show, balloon glow after dusk, and live music, mom is practically guaranteed an awesome day. Free Flight balloon rides start at $250 and there are fees for most activities.

Giveaway: American Pops Orchestra Presents “A Very Silly Vaudeville” at Arena Stage!

The American Pops Orchestra is returning to Arena Stage with a new show that is sure to delight the whole family! At A Very Silly Vaudeville, famed Broadway tapping duo, Mary Michael Patterson and Cary Tedder, will guide the audience on a journey through APO’s modern take on classic American vaudeville acts of yesteryear. This talent extravaganza will feature magic, dancing, singing and lots of audience engagement.

The entertaining adventure will take place on November 17 at 11am in the Molly Smith Study at Arena Stage. Tickets are $17-32 and can be purchased online here. Of course, you can also try to win them through the giveaway below.

* * * * *

Giveaway: For a chance to win a Family 4-Pack of Tickets to A Very Silly Vaudeville at Arena Stage on November 17, simply leave a comment below telling me your or your child’s favorite dance move or type of dance. Get an extra chance to win by entering on the KFDC Facebook Page, too! This giveaway will run through November 5, 2018, then a winner will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!