Once a run-of-the-mill neighborhood sprinkled with bus stops and car repair shops, Brookland (not to be confused with Brooklyn in New York City) is now booming with family friendly businesses. Bordered by 12th Street NE and Michigan Ave NE, Brookland is bursting with art houses, restaurants, and play areas, making it an awesome place to roam with curious kiddos.
Play and Explore
Photo: Art Jamz via Facebook
ArtJamz Brookland
ArtJamz’s newest brick and mortar is located in Brookland along the Artist Walk on Monroe Street. If you don’t live nearby, the metro will drop you off at this painting mecca’s front doors. ArtJamz offers art classes and kid birthday parties, but for budding artists the freestyle session (Saturdays at 12 pm) is your best bet. You can walk-in or pre-pay online, gather your paints and canvas at the door, and let the creative juices run wild.
Brookland Artist Walk
716 Monroe St., NE
202-709-8096
Online: artjamzdc.com
Photo: peasap via Flickr
Turkey Thicket Aquatic Center
Located in the heart of Brookland, this indoor pool facility is designed to fit the needs of your entire family. They offer regular swimming lessons (perfect for getting Junior a jump on summertime prep), lifeguard training, and water aerobics for moms looking to shake up their workout. The pool is large enough to play a game of water polo or swim laps. There’s also a smaller pool onsite for tots. With a newly renovated park and splash center that’s located outside of the facility, it’s the perfect year-round hangout.
1100 Michigan Ave., NE
202-576-9238
Online: app.dpr.doc.gr
Photo: Serena Huang for Dance Place
Dance Place
After all of the exploration you’ll need a place to shake the jellies off. Skip on over to Dance Place, a studio that offers beginner to advanced dance classes (think: hip-hop, tap, West African, and ballet) for kids and adults. If you have a mini busy body, the Saturday morning mommy and me classes are a must.
3225 8th St., NE
202-269-1600
Online: danceplace.org
Photo: ScrapDC via Facebook
ScrapDC
If you’re looking to introduce your little one to different kind of art then look no further than ScrapDC. ScrapDC’s mission is to inspire creative use and environmentally sound behavior. There are many different programs, classes, and workshops for the whole family. So come in and explore the knitting room, the sewing club, or learn more about acceaptable donations. Grown-up classes are held on the second Thursday of every month and kiddie classes are on Saturdays.
3101 12th St., NE
202-827-4547
Online: scrapDC.org
Eat
Photo: Deane M. via Yelp
Brookland Pint
Do you love a great burger? What if a great craft beer was added into the mix? Enter Brookland Pint, the recently opened American bistro and brewery that boasts an amazing kids’ menu. While you sip your Union Snowpants, your little foodie will be on cloud nine with her Bar-b-que pulled pork sliders and beignets.
716 Monroe St., NE
202-758-2757
Online: brooklandpint.com
Photo: Askala Cafe via Facebook
Askale Cafe
Askale Cafe is an Ethiopian and American fusion cafe that prides themselves on being health conscious. You can get a delicious soy latte and a whole wheat bagel, while introducing your tiny human to a new culture and food. Save room for the beef tips, gomen (sautéed kale) and injera. With an open floor plan there’s enough space to dine in with the family (and strollers) or you can take out.
3629 12th St., NE
202-758-0077
Online: askalecafe.com
What are some of your favorite family spots in Brookland?
–Miller Jackson
Need some fresh ideas?
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