Candied Comfort! DC’s Most Iconic Fall Desserts

by Wendy MillerOctober 13, 2021

Summer desserts are easy—a scoop of ice cream, sorbet, or gelato and everyone’s happy. But as the weather begins to cool down and the darkness creeps in earlier, you might be craving something that provides a little more comfort. Get ready to snuggle up to DC’s best sweets; we rounded up the city’s most iconic fall desserts so you can tuck in to a satisfying sweet treat. Whether your favorites are cinnamon, chai or pumpkin, grab your utensils and get your fall flavor on!

Butler's Orchard

What says autumn more than apples and apple cider? A quintessential fall treat, apple cider donuts do double duty as a delicious breakfast or dessert. And The Farmer’s Porch at Butler’s Orchard is offering up some major fall treats. In addition to the traditional pumpkin pie or pumpkin roll, they offer apple cider donuts by the donut or the half-dozen. But perhaps the best reason to make the 40-minute drive is their Apple Cider Donut Sundae: an apple cider donut with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and caramel topping.

Insider tip: Due to the 40-minute drive and the orchard requiring reservations, it’s worth making a day of this. Pick your own Halloween pumpkins, enjoy the huge slides, and spend some time with the farm animals before enjoying dessert (before or after dinner!).

Butler’s Orchard
22222 Davis Mill Road
Germantown, MD 20876
Online: www.butlersorchard.com

Rise Bakery

If you or your little one often feel like you have to miss out on dessert because you’re gluten-free, Rise Bakery has you covered. Plus, many of their dishes are also dairy, soy, egg, and/or nut free! They’ve got some deliciously tempting treats on their menu that just scream autumn. Some of our personal faves: their apple pie (or the vegan apple pie), pumpkin cheesecake with ginger molasses cookie base, pumpkin roll, carrot cake, cinnamon roll, or cinnamon coffee cake. Yeah, there’s plenty to love.

Insider tip: There’s a super-small seating area so plan to take your treats to-go. You can walk to Kalorama Park in about five minutes to enjoy your desserts.

Rise Bakery
2001 L St NW Ste 140
Adams Morgan
Online: www.riseglutenfree.com

Rocky Point Creamery

Ice cream might not be your first idea of the ideal fall dessert, but if you head to Rocky Point Creamery, it just might become your first idea. Offering unique flavors like Pumpkin, Salty Caramel Pretzel, and Caramel Apple (on rotation, so check their Facebook page to know when it’s available), their ice cream goes from summer refresher to fall comfort. They also have a Green Apple Sorbet for dairy-free dessert. Not to miss: check out their Halloween candy-themed flavors, such as Reese’s Pieces, M&M, Almond Joy, Trick or Treat, and Monster Mash. Yum! Sometimes they offer spur of the moment flavors, so make sure to check their Facebook page each week to know what’s on offer!

Insider tip: This ice cream shop is on a working farm, so your littles can wave to real-life dairy cows and climb a farm tractor converted into a slide!

Rocky Point Creamery
4323A Tuscarora Road
Tuscarora, MD 21790
Online: www.rockypointcreamery.com

Crepeaway

Got a little pancake-lover in the house? Then they’ll probably love Crepeaway. Crepes are very similar to pancakes but much thinner, and Crepeaway serves them up with a variety of sweet-tooth satisfying choices. First, they add Nutella chocolate, then they add your choice of powdered sugar, cinnamon-sugar, fruits, berries, or cookies. There are a lot of options here, so it’s unlikely anyone’s going to leave disappointed. If you’re not sure what to order, ask the staff for recommendations.

Insider tip: They offer both pickup and delivery, but you will want to make sure you can eat your crepes as soon as possible so they’re still hot. They do lose a little of their yumminess as they cool down.

Crepeaway
2001 L St NW Ste 140
Downtown
Online: www.crepeaway.com

District Doughnut and Coffee

If you thought doughnuts were just a breakfast food, you’ve never been to District Doughnut and Coffee. These delectable doughnut flavors are swapped out seasonally, but you’ll sink your teeth into delicious scratch-made Vanilla Bean yeast dough year-round. Their fall menu includes Pumpkin Crème Brulee, Pumpkin Glazed, Pumpkin Cheesecake, and Apple Cider Bites.

Insider tip: While these specialty doughnuts are delicious any time of day, swing by early in the day to make your selections. By late afternoon, you may have limited options or none at all. They’re that good!

District Doughnut and Coffee
5 locations in DC and VA
Online: www.districtdoughnut.com

Le Diplomate

Your little one's picky palate may not be ready for French food in general, but their immature taste buds will appreciate this vanilla bean crème brûlée. The toasted sugar crust has the perfect amount of crunch, while still remaining a creamy, rich dessert. It comes with a French cookie on the side, too. For some truly autumnal flavors, try their Apple Tart Tatin or the Milk Chocolate Pot De Crème.

Insider tip: The crème brûlée, like their other desserts, is sized for sharing so grab a spoon!

Le Diplomate
1601 14th St NW
Logan Circle
Online: www.lediplomatedc.com

Baked & Wired

If you’ve got a unicorn or rainbow lover in the house, head to Baked & Wired for a cupcake that looks like it was baked and frosted by Lisa Frank herself. It's a funfetti cake topped with buttercream frosting and brightly colored sprinkles; frosting colors change regularly for extra fun. Their fall assortment is a dozen delicious cakecups for $52.80. You get four each of pumpkin, dirty chai, and chocolate doom flavors. You might want to wipe the drool of your chin before you go.

Insider tip: Some of the cupcakes have adult-themed names. If you have a non-reader, it probably is a non-issue.

Baked & Wired
1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW
Georgetown
Online: www.bakedandwired.com

Osteria Marzano

Does your tot love Nutella? S’mores? Anything and all things gooey? Then they’ll adore this Nutella pizza meant for sharing. It’s thin pizza dough topped with mascarpone, Nutella, pistachios and mini-marshmallows. Rich and delicious, this dessert is the best combo of pizza and dessert.

Insider tip: Even if it’s just you and the kiddo, order this full-size pizza. The leftovers will taste just as delicious reheated in the microwave tomorrow.

Osteria Marzano
6361 Walker Ln
Metro Park VI (#140)
Franconia, VA
Online: www.osteriamarzano.com

Boqueria

If your little has never had churros before, this Spanish tapas restaurant’s delectable dessert may spoil them on traditional churros forever. Boqueria offers churros con chocolate, the traditional fried dough with a cinnamon-sugar dusting that you dip in thick hot chocolate. They also have churros rellenos, filled with either Nutella or dulce de leche. Whichever ones you get, your kiddo is guaranteed to love them.

Insider tip: The main dining area at the Penn Quarter location can get a bit loud when it fills up. You may want to swing by during quieter periods if your little one is sensitive to loud noises.

Boqueria
777 9th St. NW
Penn Quarter

1837 M St. NW
Dupont Circle
Online: www.boqueriarestaurant.com

Tiger Fork

Does your munchkin live on waffles for breakfast? One of the most beloved hand-held foods just got more fun with... bubbles! At Tiger Fork, the bubble waffle is served with two scoops of ice cream plus “fun stuff." The “fun stuff” is a random assortment of toppings from sprinkles to crushed cookies to pixie sticks chosen by the kitchen. You might not know what toppings you’ll get, but you know sugar overload is guaranteed!

Their Baonut holes are fried bao with cashew sauce and cinnamon and sugar. Like a traditional donut hole but with that extra flair, these are utterly delicious. If you want to have that fall bonfire feel with a little something special, try the Chinese S’more. It’s roasted marshmallow with chocolate five-spice streusel and ice cream.

Insider tip: They only serve the bubble waffle at dinner.

Tiger Fork
922 N St.NW
Blagden Alley
Online: www.tigerforkdc.com

Indique

Indique offers Gulab Jamun, a milk solid donut hole drizzled with honey and served with vanilla ice cream. This melt-in-your-mouth dessert comes out piping hot with a super-soft texture and a hint of rose flavor. You might even catch a hint of cardamom in the ice cream. Plus, it’s perfectly pint-sized, making it an excellent dessert for littles.

Insider tip: If you plan to go at brunch, make sure you get a reservation. They get very busy!

Indique
3512-14 Connecticut Ave. NW
Cleveland Park
Online: www.indique.com

The Source

The Source by Wolfgang Puck offers a 15-layer carrot cake that is worth its weight in gold. While a serving looks light and thin, this rich dessert is easy to share (and is topped with ginger ice cream. Yum!).

Insider tip: Take your little on their birthday, and the restaurant will write their name on the menu!

The Source
575 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC
Online: www.wolfgangpuck.com

Firefly

Make dessert an extra special occasion by bringing the kids to Firefly for dinner. Firefly doesn’t advertise it on the dessert menu, but they have the perfect make-your-own dessert for kids. Before dinner, each kid is given cookie dough to decorate to their own satisfaction. While you eat, the cookie is baked and then served to your little one as dessert. This might be the perfect dessert: a pre-dinner activity to keep them busy, and a dessert they’re guaranteed to eat since they made it themselves!

Insider tip: The atmosphere is a bit upscale, so if the kids are cranky, it might be better after a nap.

Firefly
1310 New Hampshire Ave. NW
Dupont Circle
Online: www.firefly-dc.com

—Wendy Miller

featured photo: Pexels

Dinnertainment: 7 Theme Restaurants That Deliver Epic Adventures

Play With Your Food: 13 Restaurants That Keep Little Hands Busy

Dear Kids, I Hope You Never Thank Me for This

By Melanie Forstall

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

February 2, 2021

Photo: Melanie Forstall

I recently saw a young teen publicly thank his parents on social media. It wasn’t a generic, thanks-for-all-that-you-do, kind of post. This one stopped me in my tracks. This specific nod to the parents was, “Thank you for giving me everything I want.”

My first few thoughts lingered around the possibility that this was a status symbol of sorts, enjoyed by everyone involved with giving this child everything he wanted. It rang similar to the current requirement on social media that families need to be super busy. If families today aren’t completely overscheduled, their status is somehow less than. I guess, maybe, if a parent gives a child everything he or she wants, somehow that raises their false status, too?

My husband and I are far less concerned with status, and way more concerned with raising kind, happy kids who will hopefully grow up to be emotionally resilient adults. Probably why this post stood out to me. Neither of us want to give our kids everything they want.

Our kids are talented swimmers. Our daughter, specifically is not only talented, she’s also a very hard worker. She’s willing to practice as much as she needs to remain a strong competitor as well as be a valued member of her team. As a middle schooler, she sets personal goals and works hard to reach them.

This season, her goal was to swim the individual medley (IM). This is a tough race: 100 yards, 1 lap of each stroke, a total of 4 laps. Her goal was to swim it competitively under 2 minutes. After a few weeks of practice, she swam it and exceeded her goal. Next, she set her sights on the championship meet at the end of the month. Before that though, she wanted one more race experience so she requested her coaches pace her in the IM for the next meet.

The day arrived for the meet placements and she was left out of the IM. She looked a bit worried, so I encouraged her to go and talk with her coaches. She did and to her dismay, she was, in fact, left out of the race. I asked her coaches if she could be added to the race, but it was too late. She held back tears but forged ahead and jumped into the pool for practice.

It was a mistake. Her coaches are human and they make mistakes, too.

Her disappointment was compounded for several reasons. Her biggest competition was not going to be at this next meet, giving her a strong possibility of winning the race. Her best friend was going to be there. She wanted one more race experience before the championship meet. She folded under the layers of disappointment and began to cry as soon as we got into the car.

I could have made a phone call. My husband and I could have made unreasonable requests. I probably could have called the board of directors and caused a scene to get my child added back into the race she so desperately wanted to swim. We could have caused a lot of people to do a lot of extra work to make my child happy. I could have gone to extreme lengths to give my child everything she wanted.

Have you seen that quote that encourages you to drink plenty of water and gets lots of sun? Good advice for us because we are essentially houseplants with complex emotions. How in the world can we expect our children to learn how to deal with complex emotions if we never allow them to experience them?

My husband and I could have made unreasonable requests in an effort to relieve our daughter from feeling complex emotions. But how would that have served her in the long run? Sure, it was hard for her but we all have to learn how to deal with disappointment. We have to learn how to accept the fact that people we love mistakes. We have to learn how to accept the fact that not everything in life will go our way.

The one thing I hope my kids never thank me for—giving them everything they want.

As humans, we are hard-wired to struggle. It’s not my job as a parent to keep my kids from ever having to struggle. Instead, it’s our job as parents to give them the tools to properly deal with the struggle.

After having time to be sad and disappointed, we talked with our daughter about what she ultimately wanted. We couldn’t change the circumstances, but it was worth at least exploring what she could personally get out of the situation; what it would take to get a positive outcome from this experience.

We talked with her coaches and after giving it some thought, she agreed to swim the event as an unofficial swimmer. That meant, her times wouldn’t count and she wouldn’t score any points. She couldn’t officially win, even if she technically did. She’d still get the opportunity to have another race experience.

It was a wasn’t everything she wanted.

She was able to live through the disappointment and still see the upside. She was able to accept the reality but still find the positive. She didn’t throw away the experience because it wasn’t perfect.

My job as a parent is not to keep my kids happy. Let’s face it, of all the emotions we have, happy is easy. Our kids do not need practice with being happy. They do need to be prepared to face disappointment, sadness, and anger. They need experience in extending the same grace to others that they would want in return. They also need practice in accepting situations for that what they are without expectations for us to swoop in and fix it.

I hope my kids are grateful for all of the things we do for them, but for many reasons more importantly, I hope they are thankful for the things that we didn’t do.

Melanie Forstall

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Melanie Forstall is a full-time mother, full-time wife, full-time teacher, and never-enough-time blogger at Melanie Forstall: Stories of Life, Love, and Mothering. She holds a doctorate in education and yet those many years of schooling have proved to be utterly useless when it comes to actual mothering.

The Essentials for Running Your Business During Naptime

by #MomLifeNovember 11, 2020

Emily Ryan

Emily Ryan is a Mailchimp Expert and owns her own email marketing agency, Westfield Creative, where she has helped clients for the last 5 years with their email campaigns.

Let’s be real. When you have your own business and you work from home AND you have a baby…there will be A LOT of days where you only get work done during naptime. “Work while baby sleeps” is a real thing and you can be surprisingly productive during this time. While some naps are better than others, if you have the right setup (and mindset), naptime can be a time to grow your business significantly.

As a mother who worked from home through two babies (and little help), here are my absolute favorites and also my work from home must-haves. From the coziest sweatshirt to a great baby monitor, here is what got me through the many naptimes when work was calling.

1

Infant Optics Video Baby Monitor DXR-8

Keep taps while you work during naptime. A must have.

$165.99

A great monitor is so worth the investment. I can be at peace working away during the baby's nap, if I have a great monitor. A video is so helpful and one with a microphone so you can talk to baby from your office is also great. This monitor was our favorite.

BUY NOW

2

Strong As A Mother Coffee Mug

A great coffee mug can sometime make or break your work day.

If you're having a tough day trying to work and watching your baby, sometimes a great mug is all you need (and great coffee). This is one of my favorites to remind me that I will get through it!

BUY NOW

3

Women's Crewneck Fleece Pullover - A New Day

The coziest work from home sweatshirt ever.

$20

This has been my go-to work from home sweatshirt for AGES. The fit is amazing, the have such fun colors and it's just so comfy.

BUY NOW

4

Logitech H390 USB Wired Headset

Block out the baby screaming on calls with a great headset.

$20.99

When you work from home and take a lot of calls, you need a great headset. Not only do clients appreciate the great sound, but it helps when baby is screaming in the background.

BUY NOW

5

Ingenuity InLighten Twinkle Tails Bouncer

Place baby in a great bouncer by your desk. Best WFH hack ever.

$59.99 BUY NOW

There are so many times when you have to get work done and the only solution is to put your baby beside you in a great bouncer. This was our favorite and works like magic every time.

This Is the Best Deal We’ve Ever Seen on Apple AirPods

by Karly WoodNovember 4, 2020

With everyone home more often using tech these days, it’s probably high time you get your own set of earphones. In anticipation of Black Friday, Walmart is getting ahead of the game and releasing sales as early as today––and you don’t want to miss the killer deal on Apple AirPods.

Starting at 7 p.m. EST on Nov. 4, you can snag the newest generation of Apple AirPods at Walmart for only $99. Normally, the wireless earbuds will set you back $129!

photo: Apple/Composite: Red Tricycle

Apple AirPods come with a wired charging case, up to three hours of talk time, and are super easy to set up with all your devices. You’ll also have easy access to Siri and super quick charging times.

Head to walmart.com at 4 p.m. PST/7 p.m. EST to grab this deal before it sells out.

––Karly Wood

17 of the Best Gifts to Give Dad for the Holidays

Target Is Celebrating Veterans Day with Special Military Discount

When Bright Children Struggle to Learn: How to Build Confidence & Joy

By Dr. Deborah Ross-Swain & Dr. Elaine Fogel Schneider

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

March 23, 2019

Photo: cegoh via Pixabay

Noah is a bright third-grader who has always struggled to learn. Nothing comes easy for Noah despite his Herculean efforts, outside tutoring and documented intellectual abilities. He gets in trouble in class for not being organized, daydreaming, not completing assignments and “not trying hard enough.” Noah feels defeated because even with all of the extra help he’s getting, nothing is getting easier. Reading, spelling and math are still struggles. Noah doesn’t learn like his classmates and can’t feel the success they do. He is sad, frustrated and feels “stupid.”

Noah has a learning difference—not a learning disability or disorder. Noah isn’t stupid. Actually Noah is very bright and can learn many things that his classmates themselves would find challenging.

There are many students like Noah in classrooms across America—bright, yet with learning differences, who struggle to learn core subjects like reading, spelling and math. Unfortunately, their lack of success with learning makes them feel bad about themselves and can affect their desire to learn. Without success, they are robbed of experiencing confidence and joy. When children face daily tasks or situations in which they consistently fail, they will feel defeated, frustrated, sad and anxious. Constant academic struggles and lack of success are huge robbers of confidence and joy in bright children with learning differences.

Every child needs to be supported, encouraged and recognized for his or her unique talents. When learning differences aren’t identified and investigated thoroughly, these struggling students are often misunderstood. Frequently they hear: “You need to try harder;” or “You need to listen better;” or “You have a bad attitude.” Comments like these from parents and teachers only make them feel worse. They also act as confidence and joy robbers.

All children want to be successful. But, if their brains are wired in such a way that they have difficulty focusing, listening, getting organized or focusing for extended periods of time, no consequences, threats or bribes can change the way their brains work.

Parents and professionals can help insure these bright but learning different children experience confidence and joy by using DEAR strategies:

Detect

Put on a detective’s hat and determine the child’s learning st‌yle, interests and areas of natural talent. Identify what teaching strategies allow for the child’s learning success.

Encourage

Involve them in activities, tasks and events that allow them to use their natural talents. Encourage professionals working with these children to develop teaching st‌yles that work with the child’s learning st‌yle and natural talents.

Advocate

Go to bat for your child in order for him or her to experience success, confidence and happiness. Involve professionals working with your child to go to bat as well.

Repeat

Repeat activities, strategies, skills and learning situations that work well in allowing for the child’s mastery, sense of well-being and feelings of success. Confidence and joy are natural by-products of success.

With success, confidence and joy, the bright but struggling child’s relationship with learning can change from “I’m stupid” to “I can learn,” and from “I can’t” to “I can!”

Dr. Deborah Ross-Swain & Dr. Elaine Fogel Schneider

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Dr. Deborah Ross-Swain is a licensed speech-language pathologist and CEO of the Swain Center for Listening, Communicating and Learning. Dr. Elaine Fogel Schneider is CEO of TouchTime International. Drs. Swain and Schneider’s new book, Confidence & Joy, provides parents with tools to help children with learning differences realize lifelong success.

A Georgetown Kind of Day

by rttriciamirchandaniNovember 8, 2018

This is the perfect time of year to get out and about in our hometown. And where better to spend a day than among the cobblestone streets and charming scenery of Georgetown. Here are our suggestions on what to see, where to eat, and how to play.

Photo: Dumbarton Oaks Gardens

See

Begin your day by just wandering down M Street. Be sure to make it to the Old Stone House, the oldest house in D.C. It’s temporarily closed for rehabilitation but makes for a fun bit of history as you stroll. When you’re ready to veer off the beaten path of the Georgetown’s main street for a little more history and nature, you’ve got a couple choices.

Tudor Place
Head north on 31st street to Tudor Place, an 1816 estate offering daily tours.

Cost: $10/adults; $3/kids
1644 31st St., NW
Online: tudorplace.org

Dumbarton Oaks Gardens
Keep walking north and make your way to Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, a museum surrounded by beautiful gardens, perfect for running and playing.

1703 32nd St., NW
Online: doaks.org

C&O Canal Towpath
Wander towards the river and pick up a stretch of the C&O Canal Towpath.

Online: nps.gov

Georgetown’s Hogwarts
Make your way to Georgetown University and check out our own local Hogwarts—known to students as Healy Hall.

O St. at 37th St., NW
Online: georgetown.edu

Photo: Il Canale

Eat

All of that walking will work up an appetite and you’ll find no shortage of restaurants in Georgetown. For our favorites, check out:

Pinstripes
Delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere is enough to draw us in. But add in bocce and bowling with game-side food service and we can’t stay away.

1064 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Online: pinstripes.com

Il Canale
Pizza for the kids. A truly authentic Italian experience that will have you feeling as though you’ve made it to Naples for the adults. Everybody’s happy. (illcanale.com)

1065 31st St., NW
Online: ilcanale.com

Dessert
If you’re in Georgetown, then you’re having cupcakes. Our favorites are the classics: Georgetown Cupcake, Sprinkles, and Baked & Wired.

Photo: Daniel Lobo via flickr

Play

With full bellies, find a place to play for the rest of the day.

Georgetown Waterfront
While the splash park is gone for the season and ice skating hasn’t started yet, the Georgetown Waterfront still offers plenty of space to run around, a Labyrinth to follow, lovely river views and overlooks, and a functioning steam gauge.

Online: georgetownwaterfrontpark.org

Big Wheel Bikes
Take a break from walking and hop on a set of wheels. Big Wheel Bikes offers bike rentals so you can go farther and see more.

1034 33rd St., NW
Online: bigwheelbikes.com

—Tricia Mirchandani

featured image: NPS

18 Completely Free (and Totally Fun) Things to Do in D.C.

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in Town

Science Says Forgetful Pregnancy “Baby Brain” Is Actually Real

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 15, 2018

photo: pedroserapio/Pixabay

Every pregnant woman has experienced that phenomenon that seems to cloud your brain as your adorable baby bump continues to expand. No, you’re not losing your mind. Baby brain or mom brain might make you feel like a screw is loose, but in fact it is just one more of the challenging side effects of pregnancy. More research confirms what we’ve long suspected that pregnancy brain is 100 percent real.

A new study conducted by researchers at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia confirmed that cognitive function does in fact decline in women during pregnancy. The researchers analyzed data collected from 20 different studies on the subject of changes in cognition connected to pregnancy. The data used included 709 pregnant women and 521 non-pregnant women. The study concluded that pregnant women had lower overall cognitive function, memory, and executive function than non-pregnant women, especially during the third trimester.

More research is needed to determine how much of an impact this decline has on pregnant women, but as senior researcher Melissa Hayden explains, “These small reductions in performance across their pregnancy will be noticeable to the pregnant women themselves and perhaps by those close to them, manifesting mainly as minor memory lapses (e.g., forgetting or failing to book medical appointments). But more significant consequences (e.g., reduced job performance or impaired ability to navigate complex tasks) are less likely.”

Did you experience baby brain when you were pregnant? Share your thoughts in the comments.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Liked this story? You’re going to love these…

A Mom’s Brain Is Hard-Wired to Respond to Baby’s Cries, According to Study

Moms’ and Babies’ Brains Sync up When Looking at Each Other, Research Finds

If You’ve Ever Thought You Had Mommy Brain, Check This Out

Finally! Netflix Offers New Mode Parents will LOVE for On-the-Go Viewing

by Red TricycleSeptember 30, 2016

In case your family is traveling by car, train, plane, or boat this holiday season, you all can stay entertained with Netflix. The company announced on Wednesday that it’s launching an offline mode for “many of your favorite streaming series and movies” at no extra cost to members. No Wifi? No problem. Some of the downloadable titles the kiddos can watch include Kung Fu Panda 3, Paddington, Minions. And for the parents: Orange Is the New Black, Stranger Things, Narcos and The Crown.

Photo: Wired

Once you’ve updated to the latest version of Netflix on Android or iOS (due out today for both), a download button will appear next to the play button for shows that allow it, letting you save content to watch later on when you might not have any internet connection.

What do your kids binge-watch on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!

Curious Circus: A New Rocktastic Circus You Gotta See

by Allison RasmussenOctober 31, 2014

If you’ve got a pint-sized Recess Monkey fan, step right up for this all-new, out of this world show. Big Top Rock: Curious Circus combines the rocktastic music of Recess Monkey’s latest album WIRED with performances from Teatro ZinZanni’s renowned dinner show and acts from Seattle’s circus stars of tomorrow. Throw in some silly inventions, a bit of magic and a flying machine and you’ve got an unforgettable hour of family entertainment. Let the show begin!

Photo: Bob Suh

Step Right Up
As soon as you enter the circus tent, you’ll behold an exciting stage complete with lights and a disco ball. Little fans can grab a front row seat in the kiddie mosh pit (don’t worry, you won’t find any pushing or crowd surfing here, just the best seats in the house). To kill time before the show, begin practicing your dance moves or have your little spectators see if they can spot Waldo.

Photo: Bob Suh

Now For The Main Attraction
Come one, come all and join the Mother of Invention as she invites you to her Exhibition of Ideas and Inventions. You will see magic tricks by Alexander the Great, trapeze arts, inventions of Professor Loco, and Dr. Aeroflot’s flying machine all while listening to Recess Monkey play songs from their newest album, WIRED. We won’t give away the ending, but be sure to watch what happens when a giant cake is wheeled out. We couldn’t think of a better way to end an awe-inspiring show. Psst… Be sure to sneak a few glances at your little showgoers. We guarantee their eyes will be plastered to the stage, mouth open in wonder as they take everything in, making you feel like the coolest parent in town.

photo: Bob Suh

The Incredible Cast
There are some amazing people who make this show possible and they deserve a shout-out. The always-popular trio, Drew, Jack and Korum who make up Recess Monkey, will have your kiddos dancing and singing from the moment the show starts. Other performers include Charly Castors, Terry Crane, Ian Green, Jude Sack, and Téa Kazitova, Cara Hunter, and Alana Richardson from the Scoil Rince Slieveloughane School. Don’t even get us started on all the work and planning that goes on behind the scenes!

photo: Bob Suh

Snacks and a Show
If your crew needs a mid-morning pick-me-up, you’ll be glad to know you can order snacks such as popcorn, Top Pot Donuts, Trophy Cupcakes, fruit cups, cookies, water, and sodas when you arrive. The menu even includes adult beverages… Mimosas anyone? Best part? You can take everything inside the tent and nosh while you watch.

photo: Bob Suh

Browse the Boutique
Be sure to take some time to browse the boutique located inside the front doors. This is where you’ll find glitzy masks complete with feathers and jewels, colorful hats, jewelry, pins, boas, beads, bangles, and more. All items are one-of-a-kind pieces only available at Teatro ZinZanni. Psst… Be sure to shop quickly, the boutique is only open for a brief time before and after the show.

Zinzanni Institute for Circus Arts
If your little one can’t stop talking about the show long after it has ended, it might be time to think about enrolling him or her in Camp Zinzanni. During camp, little circus buffs (ages 5-17) will be taught the basics of circus arts by some of the world’s greatest circus artists. Hint: This is an awesome way to get your kids away from the TV and to work out their bodies and minds. Check the website for all the details and upcoming camp dates.

photo: Bob Suh

Good to Know
While it’s okay to take pictures before and after the show, it’s a no-go during the main event, a fact they will kindly remind you of before things get rolling. If you are attending with a group of eight or more, be sure to contact the box office for discounted rates. Also, most importantly, don’t forget to don your feather boas, masks, and hats. All things silly are welcome and encouraged.

photo: Bob Suh

Teatro ZinZanni
222 Mercer St.
Seattle, Wa 98109
206-802-0015
Online: zinzanni.com/seattle/shows/family
Tickets: tzseattle-tickets.zinzanni.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=39

Dates: Now through Dec. 28, 2014
Hours: Doors open at 10 a.m.; show runs from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Cost: $19/person for booth seating; $22/person for chair seating; babes under 1 are free

Will you be attending Big Top Rock: Curious Circus? Let us know about your experience in a comment below.

—Allison Rasmussen

Local Pumpkin Treats That are Majorly Kid-Friendly

by Ayren Jackson-CannadySeptember 28, 2014

In between drowning ourselves in pumpkin latte, we’ve uncovered some of the tastiest, kid friendliest goodies to be had in the DMV. So indulge you taste buds—STAT, and make your kids wish Autumn lasted all year long.

Photo credit: Uprising Muffin Company via Facebook

Pumpkin Muffins at Uprising Muffin Company
For those craving pumpkin any time of year, head to Uprising Muffins because their pumpkin muffins are a spring, summer, fall, and winter favorite. But, if you like a little sparkle with your pumpkin then join them on Wednesdays and Saturdays when they serve their pumpkin muffins with cream cheese, candied walnuts and a pumpkin spice glaze (OH MY).

1817 7^th St., NW (TK)
202-290-1196
Online: uprisingmuffins.com

Pumpkin Empanadas at DC Noodles
Picky eaters might be surprised at how much they like the crispy pumpkin empanadas with fresh cucumber relish from DC Noodles. There’s two per order so little ones can share, or devour both on their own. Parents who are fond of a little spice in their dishes should try the Red Curry noodles with Asian pumpkin. It tastes like fall with a little bit of summer hanging on.

1412 U St., NW (U St. Corridor)
202-232-8424
Online: dcnoodles.com

Photo credit: Baked and Wired via Facebook

Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches at Baked and Wired
If your kiddos are a fan of ice cream sandwiches and pumpkin pie, they’ll fall hard for Baked and Wired’s Pumpkin Schmunkin ice cream sammies. Made with fresh pumpkin ice cream and some uber chewy (and tasty!) molasses ginger spice cookies, Princess I won’t Eat That, will be asking for seconds, and maybe even thirds.

1052 Thomas Jefferson St., NW (Georgetown)
703-663-8727
Online: bakedandwired.com

Pumpkin Bread Pudding at DC Puddin’
Bread pudding lovers rejoice— there’s an Americanized version and it’s fantastic. Bonus? In the fall, you can get it dripping in fresh pumpkin (and brown butter). So share with your kids the gooey goodness of this British staple .

DC, Eastern Market, White House Farmers Market, HHS Farmers Market and the DC Puddin’ Food Truck
Phone: 202-725-1030
Online: dcpuddin.com

Photo credit: Pumpkin City Cheesecake via Facebook

Pumpkin Cheesecake at Capitol City Cheesecake
Capital City Cheesecake is proof that sisters do get along! Meagan and Caitlin took an amazing cheesecake recipe and turned it on its head with the addition of their own unique take on pumpkin cheesecake. Kids (and their siblings) will chow down on the creamy, spicy goodness. Indulge him when Junior asks for more as soon as you pull out of the parking lot.

7071 Carroll Ave. (Takoma Park, Md)
301-270-7260
Online: capitalcitycheesecake.com

Pumpkin Gelato at Dolcezza Gelato
If your kids are jonesing for some summer ice cream cones or you’re trying to relive your time abroad, a visit to Dolcezza Gelato should quell any longing for summer…or Europe. With their enticing, old school décor, and the incredible crookneck pumpkin gelato, everyone in your brood might just start speaking Italian—or English with an Italian accent.

2905 District Ave. (Fairfax, Va)
703-992-8701
Online: dolcezzagelato.com

Photo Credit: Pie Sisters via Facebook

Pumpkin Pie at Pie Sisters
We love pie. Like really, really, love pie. So we were super excited to see Pumpkin Pie on the Pie Sister’s menu for fall. You can order a cuppie, a bite, or a whole pie to devour at your leisure. One thing is for sure though, little ones will go ga ga for the sweet, creamy pumpkiny treat that only shows up when the leaves start turning.

3423 M St., NW (Georgetown)
Online: piesistersdc.com

Pumpkin Rolls at Weber’s Cider Mill Farm
If you’re searching for a true autumnal trifecta then Weber’s Cider Mill is the place to go. Pumpkin roll? Check. Apple Picking? Check. Pumpkin Pie? Check. Weber’s features fresh cream cheese filling in their pumpkin rolls and a creamy, pumpkiny custard in their pies. Need more coaxing? Little one’s can check out the farmers market and they even have sugar free pies if Junior’s tummy is a little sensitive. Bonus? A homemade fudge counter. Yum.

2526 Proctor Ln. (Parkville, Md)
410-668-4488
Online: weberscidermillfarm.com

—Hilary Riedemann

Shout out—in the comments section below—your favorite D.C. area food spot to scoop up a yummy pie treat.

Butler's Orchard

Rise Bakery

Rocky Point Creamery

Crepeaway

District Doughnut and Coffee

Le Diplomate

Baked & Wired

Osteria Marzano

Boqueria

Tiger Fork

Indique

The Source

Firefly

Related reads

Melanie Forstall

Related reads

1

Infant Optics Video Baby Monitor DXR-8

2

Strong As A Mother Coffee Mug

3

Women's Crewneck Fleece Pullover - A New Day

4

Logitech H390 USB Wired Headset

5

Ingenuity InLighten Twinkle Tails Bouncer

Related reads

Detect

Encourage

Advocate

Repeat

Dr. Deborah Ross-Swain & Dr. Elaine Fogel Schneider

Related reads

See

Eat

Play

Related reads

Liked this story? You’re going to love these…

Related reads

Related reads

Related reads

Related reads