Get out on the ice this holiday season to learn a new skill or show off your expertise at these Washington, DC ice skating rinks

There are so many ways to enjoy the winter weather and holiday season locally, from seeking out festive light displays in Washington DC to enjoying the snowfall by playing at the region’s best snowtubing resorts and parks. But one of our absolute favorite winter activities is ice skating at rinks that either pop up seasonally or stick around year round. These spots often have other fun features such as amazing light displays, holiday shopping for unique gifts, and snowy play spaces for kids. Are you new to skating and nervous to hit the ice? Fortunately, these rinks are ready to accommodate all skill levels. 

1. Enchant Christmas

The Enchant forest is a breathtaking trail through millions of shimmery holiday lights on ice. After you finish gliding through the ice trail, take the kids to meet Santa, check out the giant light maze, and play in the kids' play place. For parents, end the adventure with a little shopping in the Christmas market. They also have cubbies available for storage. And if parents aren't skating, they can hang out at the nearby bar and still keep an eye on the kiddos. 

Dates: Nov. 25-Jan. 1

1500 S Capitol St. SE
Washington, DC
Online: enchantchristmas.com


2. The Sculpture Garden Ice Rink

This DC ice skating rink boasts the "best backdrop." Ice skate among the grand architecture of national museums and contemporary large-scale sculptures in the Sculpture Garden Ice Rink. Through March 5, reserve your ticket that grants you two 45-minute skate sessions. When you've had your fill of icy temperatures and skating, head to the Pavilion Cafe for a warm drink, bowl of soup, or other tasty treat. There are also a variety of skate lessons to choose from for those less experienced. 

Dates: Nov. 26-March 5

7th St. and Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC
Online: pavilioncafe.com

3. Washington Harbour Ice Rink

This winter, Washington Harbour Ice Rink morphs from fountain to ice skating rink until mid-March. Twirl and swirl in hour-and-a-half increments before the rink is closed for a quick cleaning and refresh before the next session. Rent a penguin for little skaters who aren't yet steady on their blades. 

Dates: Nov. 18-March 12

3000-3050 K St. NW
Washington, DC 
Online: thewashingtonharbour.com

4. Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

Cameron Run Regional Park has transformed itself into a magical winter village, complete with light displays, fire pits, a market filled with holiday treats, and an ice skating rink. Through Jan. 1, admission includes both the village and one hour of skating. From Jan. 7 through Feb. 26, only the ice rink will remain and it will be open on weekends and holidays only. While admission to the village only can be purchased at the door, skating tickets must be purchased online in advance. Skating tickets are non-refundable but can be changed to another date and time before your scheduled session. 

Dates: Nov. 18-Feb. 26

4001 Eisenhower Ave.
Alexandria, VA 
Online: novaparks.com

5. Color Burst Ice Rink

The Color Burst Ice Rink at Merriweather District makes a great family-friendly outing. Admission is limited so be sure to buy your tickets in advance. Various celebrations and themed events are planned for the season, in addition to music and pop-up food and beverage. If you're still hungry, give one of the nearby restaurants a try.

Insider Tip: Season passes are available for $99. 

Dates: Nov. 18-Feb. 28

6000 Merriweather Dr.
Columbia, MD
Online: merriweatherdistrict.com

6. Columbia Ice Rink

You can enjoy public sessions and lessons at this DC area ice skating rink where reservations are not required. Check the calendar for times and dates of public skate sessions, along with special event skates such as Teen Night and Skate Party. 

Insider Tip: CA Fit&Play, Play, 5Day Golf&Play, and Golf Fit&Play members skate free during public sessions. The skate rental fee is $4.25 for everyone. 

Dates: Public skating sessions are daily, year-round (minus July)

5876 Thunder Hill Rd.
Columbia, MD
Online: columbiaassociation.org

 

7. Reston Town Center Ice Rink

This shopping and dining area turns its open-air pavilion into an ice rink every winter. The skate shop has more than 500 pairs of skates in figure skating and hockey styles, plus double-bladed, flat-edge skates for beginners. You can also reserve private ice time for your parties of up to 100 guests.

Insider Tip: All sales are nonrefundable but you can reschedule your session as long as you email them prior to your scheduled session time. 

Dates: Nov. 17-March 12

1818 Discovery St.
Reston, VA 
Online: restontowncenter.com

8. Silver Spring Ice Skating at Veterans Plaza

Enjoy some loops around a rink that sits in the middle of a shopping and dining center. You must purchase your ticket before your arrival; reservations can be made two weeks in advance. Reservations are guaranteed up to 10 minutes after your scheduled skate time. You'll get to be on the ice for an hour and 20 minutes.

Dates: Now through the last week in March

8523 Fenton St.
Silver Spring, MD
Online: silverspringiceskating.com


9. Rockville Town Square Ice Rink

At 7,200 square feet, this outdoor rink is said to be the biggest between Baltimore and Washington. Rockville Town Square has shops, restaurants, and even a spa (just saying) to peruse after you hang up your blades. Reservations are required and can be made up to two weeks ahead of time. 

Dates: Now through mid-March

131 Gibbs St.
Rockville, MD
Online: rockvilleiceskating.com

10. Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating

This ice skating rink in the Washington DC area is a whopping 6,840 square feet—the largest outdoor rink in Northern Virginia and the second largest in the state. Little ones can grab a penguin aide, and youth skating and hockey lessons are available. Reservations are required and can be made up to two weeks in advance.

Dates: Now through mid-March

1201 S Joyce St.
Arlington, VA
Online: pentagonrowskating.com

 

Don’t stress about what to do for the long weekend cause your family-friendly fun guide to Labor Day weekend around San Francisco is now live

While summer typically draws to a close with Labor Day weekend for most of the country, things are just starting to heat up on our end. With summer like temperatures that typically extend now through Oct., the fun doesn’t stop. And with the upcoming long weekend, now’s the perfect time to tick off those remaining items on your summer “must-do” list like exploring these hidden gems around SF, finally tackling our SF guide to some of our favorite kid-friendly museums or tackling the 40′-long metal slides in Bernal Heights. From art fairs and concerts to baseball games and movies on the beach, here’s where we’re spending Labor Day weekend in the Bay Area with our kids.

Kings Mountain Art Fair
Sept. 3-5: Enjoy the craft and ware of local, independent artists among gorgeous Redwood forests while kids craft at Kiddie Hollow. Breakfast, lunch and cookies all made by the volunteer fire brigade will complete your day. Event details.

Stanford Football: Cardinal Kids Day
Sept. 3: Kids get in free with a paying adult (tickets start at $15) so cheer on the Cardinals as they face off Colgate with pre-game family activities such as food trucks, games and inflatables. Event details.

National Cinema Day
Sept. 3: Go to the movies on National Cinema Day for just $3 per ticket. Major chains like AMC and Regal Cinemas, along with college campus theaters and some smaller independent theaters, are set to participate. Check the website to find a participating theater near you. Event details.

156th Scottish Highland Gathering and Games
Sept. 3 & 4: Grab your kilt and bagpipes and head to games! The country’s largest and oldest Scottish gathering and games ends with a Grandstand concert with over 600 pipers and drummers for a spectacular show. Event details.

First Sundays at Presidio Tunnel Tops
Sept. 4: Have you checked out the new Tunnel tops? If not, family-friendly First Sundays is the perfect way to do so. Food vendors, live music and performances, a ranger-led campfire talk plus unbeatable views of the Golden Gate Bridge? WINNING. Event details

Bizerkeley Food Festival
Sept. 4: This vegan food festival will feature Soul, Latininx, Filipinx and more cuisines with food samples, live music, a Kidz corner and adoptable cats and dogs in case your family is looking for one. Event details.

Golden Gate Park Band Concert
Sept. 5: Haven’t made it out this summer for a free concert at the bandshell? Now is your chance with Dr. Danielle Gaudry directing-be sure to check out the SkyStar wheel! Event details.

Related: 11 Hidden Gems in San Francisco We’re Pretty Sure You’ve Never Visited

@thelisamichelle

I love my Giants but this coach sure has made it even better to watch 🥵#gabekapler #sfgiants #fortheladies #yourwelcome #mlb #goodness #momsoftiktok

♬ Fantasy – Mariah Carey

SF Giants Baseball
Sept. 2-4: Take me out to the ball game! The Giants host the Phillies in a three game series—catch one (or all three!) of the games this weekend. We're totally just watching the field—promise. Event details.

Movies on the Beach
Sept. 2: Pack a picnic and a beach blanket for the entire family to enjoy Sing 2 on the beach. Event details

Monterey County Fair
Sept. 1-5: Carnival rides (and games!), funnel cakes and live music—it's all at the fair and we can’t think of a better way to spend the end of summer at the fair. Event details

Boogie & BBQ in Bolinas
Sept. 5: Don’t forget the dancing shoes as Bolina’s annual Labor Day fest brings out dancing in the streets, a BBQ, and silent auction. Event details

Free Shakespeare in the Park
Sept. 3-4: Catch a free performance of the delightful, romantic comedy>Much Ado About Nothing this weekend. Event details.

Alameda Point Antiques Faire
Sept. 4: The largest antiques show in Northern California beckons with over 800 booths selling furniture, clothing, jewelry and more. What might you find?? Event details.

Museums with First Sunday Free Admission Days
Sept. 4: First Sun. are always free at the Asian Art museum & OMCA.

Related: Must-Go: Bay Area Museums that Deliver Epic Fun (& Learning)

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a New York City tradition that’s been happening for 94 years. Is it cancelled for 2020? No, but, thanks to Covid-19, it’s different this year. (You know, like everything else.) Here’s what you can expect from The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2020: when it is, how you can see it, who’s performing, and what floats and balloons will be flying high. (Still looking for the best Thanksgiving food in NYC? We found it right here!) Happy Thanksgiving!

When It Is & How to Watch

iStock

For the first time in its history, the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be a televised event exclusively, with no public spectators. 

It will air nationwide on NBC-TV, Thursday, November 26, from 9 a.m. to Noon, in all time zones. 

On hand to host will be familiar NBC personalities Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker.

Changes To the Parade in 2020

Mimi O'Connor

Necessary changes have been made to keep everyone safe. 

The parade will not cover the traditional 2.5-mile parade route; instead the action will be focused solely in and around the Herald Square area of Midtown Manhattan, where Macy's flagship is located. 

You won't see the armies of balloon handlers and staff, as the overall number of participants has been reduced by approximately 75 percent. No kids under 18 this year, either, and of course masks and social distancing will be in play. 

Will the Balloons Fly This Year?

Mimi O'Connor

Yes! But those signature character balloons will be flown without the traditional 80-100 handlers as in previous years. Instead, the parade will employ five rigged specialty vehicles to help them achieve lift-off. 

New Balloons

Macy's

It's a big day for YouTubers and ambitious infants. Two new balloons are joining the parade lineup this year. "Red Titan", the character inspired by YouTube personality Ryan of Ryan’s World is the first balloon based on a YouTuber creation to be part of the parade.

Also debuting is Boss Baby, based on the opinionated animated character from film and tv. 

And, getting the chance to take fly again (after some damage last year) is artist Yayoi Kusama's balloon "Love Flies Up To The Sky," pictured here. 

And Four New Floats!

Macy's/Olay

New floats joining the lineup include a green and gold turkey from Jennie-O, a Christmas in Town Square from Lifetime, a Black woman astronaut from Olay and a madcap scene featuring cat and mouse Tom & Jerry. 

Celebrity Appearances, Musical Performances & Santa

slgckgc via flickr

The stars will still come out to shine and perform this year. Keep your eyes peeled for celebs like Dolly Parton, Leslie Odom Jr., Patti Labelle, the New York City Ballet, Bebe Rexha and Noah Cyrus. (Plus many more!) 

And yes, the finale of Santa's arrival will mark the official start of the holiday season! 

Broadway Performances & The Rockettes

hamiltonmusical via Instagram

The razzle dazzle of Broadway shows will still take place, with performances from the casts of Hamilton, Jagged Little Pill, Mean Girls and Ain't Too Proud. Plus, the Rockettes will rock it as always. 

What About the Marching Bands?

Karmakazesal via Flickr

The bad news: previously-selected regional High School and College Marching Bands performances will be deferred to the 2021 Macy’s Parade.

The good: locally-based professional marching and musical ensembles will step in to provide some rousing tunes.

Can We Attend the Balloon Inflation?

Kowarski via Flickr

Sadly, no: Macy’s traditional giant balloon inflation public event, traditionally held the night before the parade, will not take place.

But! Macy's has created "Parade 101", a guide to the parade with S.T.E.A.M.-inspired videos and activities, including "The Fundamentals of Inflation!" Check it out here! 

—Mimi O’Connor

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December in Las Vegas is full of free and cheap things to do with your family and we’ve gathered up a slew of our favorite events to keep your kids busy. From Christmas light displays to free museum days, there’s something for everyone this month in Las Vegas. Scroll through the list and mark your calendars for the best kids activities this month.

Holiday Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolates Factory

yelp

For 26 years, Ethel M has proudly decorated their 3-acre cactus garden for the holidays with over one million lights for the public to enjoy. This ‘gem in the desert’ is lit up every night until 10 p.m. through Jan. 5. Event details

Sunday Storytime with a Librarian

iStock

Join a librarian from Whitney Library for a nature-themed story time and craft. Dec. 1 and 15. Event details

Holiday Magic at the LINQ Promenade

LINQ Promenade

Holiday Magic returns to The LINQ Promenade which will transform into a modern winter wonderland with festive décor and a holiday show featuring seasonal songs mixed with hip-hop favorites—all accompanied by LED-costumed dancers, stunt acrobatics, street “elves” and snowfall. Event details

Build a Christmas Countdown Calendar at Home Depot

Home Depot

Create your own countdown to the holidays, and have a blast with your child while doing it. Kids develop hands-on skills with sanding, nailing and applying stickers. With help from parents and store associates, your child will make a merry memory this holiday season. Dec. 7. Event details

Glittering Lights

Glittering Lights

Drive through this wonderland of Christmas lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Event details

Santa's Wonderland Comes to Bass Pro

pexels

Santa’s Wonderland returns to Bass Pro Shops and families are invited to enjoy this magical Christmas village offering free photos with Santa and free family holiday activities including fun crafts and games. Features include rustic Christmas cabins, holiday characters and live elves set amongst a dazzling backdrop of snow-covered hills and illuminated Christmas trees. The Santa’s Wonderland Christmas village offers remote control trucks, laser/foam toy arcade, Lincoln Logs building area and much more. Kids can also spend time at one of the activity tables where they can write a letter to Santa, color and do fun crafts, all for free. Event details

Visit Sam's Town at Mystic Falls Park

yelp

Take a leisurely stroll in the park day or night in Mystic Falls Park® at Sam's Town. Relax to the sound of a rolling waterfall, complemented by the soft chirping of birds in live trees reaching up toward the skylight 10 stories above. Daily through Dec. 22. Event details

Museums on Us Weekend

iStock

Bank of America cardholders can get free admission to many museums the first full weekend of the month, including the DISCOVERY Children's Museum. Dec. 7-8. Event details

Magical Forest at Opportunity Village

Opportunity Village

 The Magical Forest is a winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, nightly entertainment, great food and endless holiday cheer. Event details

Snow in the Square

pixabay

Town Square brings holiday cheer to Las Vegas in the form of snowflakes with Snow in the Square at Town Square Park. Each show lasts 10 minutes and is choreographed to everyone's favorite holiday music. Daily through Dec. 23. Event details

Stroller Strides at the District

Stroller Strides

Come get your workout in and bring the kids along. Stroller Strides Las Vegas classes meet on The Green in Phase 2 of The District at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Event details

—Kate Loweth

RELATED STORIES

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Kick off your holiday season with a visit to one of these epic Christmas light displays in and around Las Vegas. From lights covering cactus to downtown winter wonderlands to massive drive-through lights displays, these Christmas events are sure to wow. Here are some of the best places to see Christmas lights in Las Vegas.

Sam's Town at Mystic Falls Park

Daniel S. via yelp

Take a leisurely stroll in the park day or night in Mystic Falls Park® at Sam's Town. Relax to the sound of a rolling waterfall, complemented by the soft chirping of birds in live trees reaching up toward the skylight 10 stories above.

Dates: Nov. 29-Jan. 1
More info: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Holiday Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolates

Katie A. via yelp

Grab you camera and your friends and come enjoy a holiday experience in the desert like no other. 

Dates: Nov. 5-Jan. 5
More info: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Glittering LIghts

Drive through this winter wonderland to see many different Christmas holiday scenes to get you in the holiday spirit.

Dates: Through Jan. 5
More info: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Snow in the Square

pixabay

Town Square brings holiday cheer to Las Vegas in the form of snowflakes with Snow in the Square at Town Square Park. Each show lasts 10 minutes and is choreographed to everyone's favorite holiday music.

Dates: Nov. 16-Dec. 23
More info: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Sam's Town at Mystic Falls Park

yelp

Take a leisurely stroll in the park day or night in Mystic Falls Park® at Sam's Town and enjoy the laser lights show and holiday decorations.

Dates: Through Jan. 1
More info: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Magical Forest at Opportunity Village

Opportunity Village

The Magical Forest is a winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, nightly entertainment, great food and endless holiday cheer.

Dates: Nov. 29-Jan. 4 (closed Dec. 25)
More info: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Las Vegas Christmas Town at Cowabunga Bay

Las Vegas Christmas Town

Christmas Town at Cowabunga Bay is a thrilling holiday attraction—the entire park will be filled with holiday decorations, spectacular lights and displays, family winter activities and delicious holiday foods and drinks.

Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 31
More info: tinybeans.go-vip.net

—Kate Loweth

RELATED STORIES

Best Events for Las Vegas Kids & Families in November (and Most are Free!)

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The Brutally Honest Dad’s Guide to the Grand Canyon with Your Kid

Are you planning your next family vaycay? Budget Direct Travel wants to help. Using TripAdvisor reviews, the site created a map of the world’s highest rated places for kids to visit.

Budget Direct looked at TripAdvisor data from August and September 2019, searching each country’s best things to do page. The travel pros then applied the “Good for Kids” filter to further refine the results.

So where are the best places to travel with your kiddos? The top picks in North America include Green Iguana Conservation Project in Belize, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and Varadero Beach in Cuba.

 

Europe’s best attractions include the War Childhood Museum in Sarajevo, the medieval town square in Krakow, Poland and much more!

When it comes to the best places to visit with kids in Africa, Budget Direct’s data suggests Ranch Yassmina Djerba La Douce on the Tunisian island of Djerba and Bab’s Dock in Benin.

If you’re traveling to Asia, some of the top-rate choices include South Korea’s Spirited Garden and the Living Land Company in Laos.

Travelers to South America may want to check out Mi Teleferico cable car in La Paz, Bolivia and families ready to trek across the globe should visit, according to the data, Tamworth Marsupial Park.

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of Budget Direct Travel

 

RELATED STORIES

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Keep cool as summer heats up with movie theaters that beat the heat and won’t burn a hole in your pocketbook. Not only will your little movie-goers appreciate a break from summer camps, you’ll love the fact you just drive everyone to one spot. We’ve searched San Diego for cheap seats to make your summer sweeter and “reel” cool.

Photo: Leah Singer

Regal Theaters: $1 Summer Movie Express
Nothing planned? Pack up and head to your local Regal theater before nap time for $1 movies all summer long. Every Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the summer, you can catch second-run, family-friendly flicks that are entertaining and affordable. You’ll find favorites such as The Lego Movie, Despicable Me 2, Hotel Transylvania 2, Minions and The Peanuts Movie. Each theater offers two movie choices that play both days.

Dates: June-Aug. (check local schedule)
Times: Weds. & Thurs., 10 a.m.
Online: regmovies/summerexpress

Oceanside Place Cinemas
401 Mission Ave
Oceanside, Ca

San Marcos 18
1180 West San Marcos Blvd.
San Marcos, Ca

Mira Mesa Stadium
10733 Westview Pkwy
San Diego, Ca

Parkway Plaza
405 Parkway Plaza
El Cajon, Ca

Rancho San Diego Stadium
2951 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, Ca

Photo: Richard Pyrker via Flickr

Reading Cinemas: $1 Reel Kids Summer Movies
If you missed it the first time around, check out these reel cool favorites: Spongebob, Lego, Minions and more at Reading Cinemas’ summer kids series. You can grab some discount movie fare too. Check theaters for showtimes.

Dates: June 15-Aug. 11
Times: Weds. & Thurs., 10 a.m.

Town Square
4665 Clairemont Dr.
San Diego, Ca
858-274-9994
Online: reading/townsquare

Grossmont Center
5500 Grossmont Center Dr.
La Mesa, Ca
619-465-3030
Online: reading/grossmont

Photo: James Emery via Flickr

UltraStar Cinemas: in Mission Valley
First-run flicks with buttery popcorn, and free parking? Yes, please! Centrally-located in Hazard Center, this theater has free underground parking, $6 – $8 movie prices, and typically shows one or two of the latest littles’ flicks. Not only do they have cheap seats for new films, they also have a $1 second-run summer series. Don’t forget to check out the $6 kiddies tray that comes with popcorn, drink and fruit chews.

7510 Hazard Center Dr.
San Diego, Ca
619-685-2841
Online: ultrastar/missionvalley

Photo: Davidag via Flickr

South Bay Drive-in Theater
Kick it old school at a drive-in. Not only do you get two movies for the price of one, you also can bring your own snack and beach chairs (or there is a snack bar with movie food). Pack up the car and treat your brood to the big screen.

Cost: $9/adult; $1/kiddo (5-9); free for kids under 5
Time: Varies

2170 Coronado Ave.
San Diego, CA
619-423-2727
Online: southbaydrivein.com

Do you have a favorite place to get cheap movie seats in San Diego? Let us know in the comments below.

–Nikki Walsh

Kids who are read to are more likely to recognize the letters of the alphabet, count to 20, and write their own name. Plus, it’s fun! When you just aren’t in the mood to “do the voices” yourself (or perhaps you’re desperately searching for an unreserved copy of Americanah for your book club), make plans to hit up one of these popular story time events (um, get there early!) and know you’ve done something good for your book worm today.

Photo: Mosaic District via Facebook

Stories from Strawberry Park 
Every Tuesday at 10 am, a different story teller or story telling group (from Voices in the Glen, a local story telling guild) entertains kids 10 and younger with interactive tales based on a theme (think: dragons, pirates, holiday seasons). The crowd typically convenes at the Mosaic District’s Strawberry Park between Target and the Angelika Film Centre, but meets inside the theater itself from October through April or during inclement weather.

2910 District Ave. (Fairfax, Va)
Online: mosaicdistrict.com

123 Andrés 
Performing all over the DMV (and beyond), Andrés Salguero is a musical celebration of Latin culture—he’ll captivate your kids (and you) in both Spanish and English as he sings about friends, colors, and the origins of your salad! Check out his online calendar to plan ahead and start practicing your salsa.

Online: 123andres.com

Young Readers Center 
Every Friday at 10:30 am, the Library of Congress hosts an early literacy program for infants and toddlers. The librarian reads several books that revolve around a theme (Independence Day, France, etc.), and families are free to access the incredible non-circulating children’s collection before and after the event.

Thomas Jefferson Building Room LJ G29
10 First St., NE (Capitol Hill)
Online: read.gov

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum 
Did you know your little astronaut’s favorite Smithsonian also hosts story time? Admission is free and the dates vary, but each session includes a hands-on activity based on the selected read-aloud story (with themes such as hot air balloons, famous aviators, creatures with wings, and the planets).

Independence Ave. at 6th St., NW (Federal Center)
Online: airandspace.si.edu

Rockville Library 
The flagship Montgomery County library hosts Family Storytime on Saturdays at 10:30 am, making it a great option for weekday working parents. The stories, songs, and rhymes are geared for all ages (but most appropriate for elementary school-aged kids). Bonus: you can “bookend” your story time with Saturday brunch or lunch at one of Rockville Town Square’s nearby restaurants.

Online: rockvilletownsquare.com

Where is your favorite place to take your kid for story time? Tell us in the comments below. 

—Katie Brown

Need some retail therapy, but on mommy/daddy duty for the day? Get your fix anyways with our round-up of the best neighborhoods to window shop, where you can indulge your passion while your kids oohh and ahhh…without breaking a thing.

Photo: Dawn Price Baby via Facebook

Georgetown
What better place to window shop than D.C.’s own favorite shopping destination? There are plenty of stores for mom (think: Kate Spade, Zara, Hu’s Shoes, and The French Apartment) and kiddo alike (Tugooh Toys, Dawn Price Baby, Little Birdies Boutique, and Georgetown Candy Bar). Wisconsin Avenue and M Street might be the center of the neighborhood, but side streets like P have great secret spots too (Check out Ella Rue and Just Paper and Tea).

Online: dccool.com

Photo: ShashiBellamkonda via Flickr

Reston Town Center
Fountains, plazas, shops, restaurants, parking—what more could you want from this tiny neighborhood spot? Reston Town Center has evolved into one of the best shopping districts this side of the Potomac because of all the fun window displays. Whether you’re searching for something special, need a break from the monotony of the mall, or just want to cruise around outside, RTC is the place to be; Paper Source, South Moon Under, Anthropologie, and Francesca’s offer eye catching displays that might even have your kiddos saying “let’s go in!” There’s also Mayflowers, Bow Tie Cinemas, and Red Velvet Cupcakery that will definitely grab their attention.

Online: restontowncenter.com

Photo: Lettie Gooch via Facebook

U Street / Shaw
U Street might be one of the coolest nightspots, but it’s also a super fun spot to stroll along and window shop. Great inspiration for home décor, groovy clothes, cool music, and off the beaten path goodies dot the streets. Whether you’re looking for some place to walk (and shop!) with the kiddos, or you just want a different spot to wander, U Street and Shaw are the perfect mix of urban funk and family friendliness. Stores like Lettie Gooch, Millenium Decorative Arts, Junction, and Crossroads Trading Company will have you coming back for more.

Online: washington.org

Photo: Visit Annapolis via Facebook

Annapolis
Miniature sailors will love spending the day in Annapolis. From boats to ships, anchors to life vests, almost every window display is mesmerizingly nautical. A walk down Maryland Avenue will showcase the Lil Lamb Boutique, Ekka Hands that Create, the Annapolis Country Store and more. Turn down Main Street to see Kokopelli, Nautical North Charts & Maps, VIVO, and the Spice & Tea Exchange.

Online: visitannapolis.org

Photo: Old Town Boutique District via Facebook

Old Town Boutique District
Whether you love to shop in this century, or your heart lives in the past, the Old Town Boutique District is the perfect mixture of old and new. Windows abound with colorful jewelry, riding toys, home décor and more. Tucked down side streets are fabulous shops boasting vintage finds, rare antiques, candy and more. Little ones will love the fountains in the town square, and you’ll dig the variety King Street and the boutique district offers. Kiddos might just drift off to sleep with visions of fairies, and George Washington dancing in their heads. Some standout displays are housed in the windows of Pink and Brown, Lou Lou, Vintage Mirage and European County Living.

Online: oldtownboutiquedistrict.com

Photo: Hamad Masoumi via Flickr

Middleburg
If you’re looking for a quick getaway to stroll around, window shop and grab some lunch, then head out to Middleburg. With its quaint streets, and Hunt Country charm, the littles will be enthralled by horses, and you’ll feel the stress of the beltway roll off your back. A walk down Washington Street showcases treats from The Fun Shop, Hunt Country Yarns, Wylie Wagg, Christmas Sleigh, Richard Allen Clothiers, Salamander Touch and more. No need to travel all the way to England for a little bit of sophistication. Middleburg shopping is only a few short miles away.

Online: middleburgonline.com

Where do you go to window shop with your kids? Tell us in the comments below.

—Hilary Riedemann