Category Archives: Del Ray Baby Activity

Jan 18, 2016

Wondering what to do this winter?

Winter is always a tough time at my house. I always panic and worry that my kids are getting too much screen time and not enough activity time. If you’re looking for something exciting for your kids to keep them occupied, here are a few places you can sign up for a wide variety of classes:

Kid’s Classes you can sign up for at Local Motion Studio. They offer creative movement, ballet, modern and yoga classes for kids. They also offer workshops throughout the year, so also look out for these special classes.

Tippy Toes Dance offers Mommy & Me, Ballet and Hip-Hop classes at Mind the Mat Studio on Mount Vernon Ave. Classes are ongoing and available for enrollment.

UpCycle CRC‘s has a variety of arts based classes for children of all ages taking place in their studio at 1712 Mt. Vernon Ave. They offer a Materials Playgroup for ages 1-3 yrs. with a caregiver, Preschool Explorers class, and Elementary Kids Workshop.

Ms. Lynne of MLYNA Ballet on Mount Vernon Ave. has registration open for the Winter/Spring Sessions. They offer ballet classes at 100 E. Windsor Ave.

The City of Alexandria offers a fantastic array of classes through their department of recreation, parks and cultural activities. The Winter 2016 Program Guide is available online. You’ll find swimming classes, youth sports and recreation classes. Some of the exciting options for recreation classes includes Youth Technology, Martial Arts, Dance, Creative Arts and Music classes.

There are activities and story times every day at one of the city’s four public libraries. Check their calendar for times and dates.

Alexandria Soccer Association is offering winter Tot Soccer starting Jan. 23rd. The ASA Tots Soccer program is a unique opportunity to introduce your child to soccer. The program is designed specifically for the youngest players, ages 2 through 4 years old.

Sep 11, 2014

First Annual Soccer Cleat Exchange sponsored by Del Ray Baby

Del Ray Baby will host an informal soccer exchange to help out our community. If last season’s cleats are a bit too tight please join us to exchange them for a larger pair. We’ll be working on the honor system. Everyone is invited. Please tell your friends and teammates. If you bring a pair of shoes, you may take a pair.

How It Works

Clean your out-grown cleats, tie the laces together and clearly label with size.
Place your old clean cleats in the appropriate size location.
Take home the pair that you need.

Location

Mount Vernon Community School/Recreation Center on Mt. Vernon Ave. on the outdoor basketball court (Across from Los Tios)

Time & Date

Monday, Sept. 15th at 6 p.m.

Other Notes

Please clean cleats up before bringing them
If the cleats have holes or broken soles please don’t bring them
Please only soccer cleats — no baseball or American football

We look forward to seeing everyone!

Jan 23, 2014

Alexandria City Libraries-Fun Kids’ Activities

I have wonderful memories of visiting my local library growing up and all the wonderful books that I discovered and all the magical places and people I met in those books. We all know that Alexandria city’s libraries have kids books, parenting books and even a fantastic selection of kids videos but did you know about all the amazing events and story times that the Alexandria city library‘s host every day? To give you an idea of how many fantastic programs the city’s four library branches host each day, I’m including a list of all the free events for children that will be held through the end of January. Pick out your favorite events and have tons of FREE fun!

Nov 30, 2013

Where Should President Obama Shop?

There’s been talk of the Obama family getting out to do some holiday shopping on Small Business Saturday in the neighborhood. There are lots of places on the Avenue to scoop up great items for Sasha & Malia who are quickly growing before our eyes from adorable kids into beautiful young women! But what about the younger kids and babies on the Obama’s Christmas list? Well no need to fret POTUS! We’ve got you covered!

Del Ray Variety will be celebrating Small Biz Saturday with some special treats for their customers. Fill your FREE “SHOP SMALL” reusable tote bag & receive 10% off EVERYTHING in your bag! (Limited to first 20 customers. Must ask for bag at front counter.) They will also have a rainbow loom kit giveaway! Receive one entry per person with any purchase, the drawing will be held at 8:30pm (don’t need to be present to win). Plus, browse 100’s of new holiday items – gifts, outdoor lights & décor, games & more and receive personal shopping advice on the best gifts.

At The Purple Goose they will be offering all clothes on Sat. for 30% off! Purple Goose is an amazingly unique children’s boutique with the best fashions, accessories and toys for newborns through age 14.

Obama will probably sigh in agreement that alas his girls have outgrown Bellies and Babies Consignment Boutique but perhaps this is the perfect spot for friends and family members with newborns. This fantastic upscale consignment boutique also carries new popular retail baby items such as Ergo Baby Carriers, Alden & Anais Swaddlers and hand-made baby gifts. There’s always a terrific selection of consignment clothing for kids from newborn to around age five or six.

POTUS won’t want to miss Kiskadee for a great gift for Michelle. Their selection of boutique designer women’s clothing is amazing. But there are also some adorable gift items for kids that can be found upstairs! Kiskadee has been my neighborhood go to for the best fashions and accessories.

My all time favorite gift buying spot in Del Ray is Show of Hands. Show of Hands showcases a diversity of local artists by providing them with a venue to showcase and sell their unique, handcrafted artwork. There’s something for everyone on your list including your Del Ray Baby!They will have their seasonal promotion “Spend $100 and get $10” cards. For every $100 spent in the shop they will give you a $10 gift certificate. The cards are available until December 31, but the great thing is the $10 gift certificates never expire.

Not sure what to give? Chocolate is always the answer! My babies have loved picking up sweet treats from Artfully Chocolate as long as they can remember! Artfully Chocolate is the area’s first cocoa bar with a vibrant and colorful art gallery. They feature artisinal chocolates and sweet treats that everyone will savor.

Nov 29, 2013

Here comes Santa Claus!

You’ve been waiting all year and now it’s time to welcome Santa Claus to Alexandria! Here’s where you’ll find the big man in town!

Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony: Friday, Nov. 29, 6 p.m., Old Town Alexandria’s Market Square (301 King Street). Celebrate the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony. Admission is free and the event will be held rain or shine. Mayor Bill Euille and Mr. and Mrs. Claus will light the city’s tree and there will be a community singalong with the Alexandria Harmonizers and the Alexandria Choral Society.

Light Up the Village at Shirlington: Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Shirlington. Families are invited to take photos with Shirlington’s Santa Claus and participate in activities for children. Horse-drawn carriage rides through the village will also be available.

santa 3

Del Ray Tree Lighting and Luminarias: Friday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. Alexandria’s Del Ray community will come together at the corner of Mount Vernon and E. Oxford Avenues to sing carols light the neighborhood tree. Santa is expected to drop by and will likely be available for photos. Mount Vernon Avenue will be lit with hundreds of luminarias.

Breakfast with Santa at Union St. Public House: Breakfast is table-service and we will have a very special menu, including some all-time favorites like Eggs Benedict and Belgian Malted Waffles. Only $13.50 per child and $22 per adult. Cost includes breakfast, milk, soda, coffee, tea, tax, gratuity, and, of course, a visit with Santa. Six seatings each day starting at 8:30 am.

Landmark Mall: Visit Santa in the Center Court any day until Dec. 24th

Santa Claus is Coming to Old Town: Santa and Mrs. Claus are back in Old Town Alexandria to take pictures with children every Saturday and Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This opportunity is presented by the Old Town Boutique District in partnership with the City of Alexandria and the support of area businesses.

See Santa at Pentagon City: Santa even has special hours for photos with pets! He takes breaks to feed the reindeer at 1 and 5 p.m. More info here.

Scottish Walk Parade: The Campagna Center’s Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade draws nearly 30,000 individuals and families. Tourists travel from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to participate in this celebrated community event. More than 100 Scottish Clans, pipe and drum bands, Scottish dancers, re-enactment groups, Scottie dogs, dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus will march through the streets of Old Town. Parade begins at St. Asaph and Wolfe St.

Breakfast with Santa: Join Del Ray United Methodist Church’s Free Annual Breakfast with Santa on Sat., Dec. 7th at 9 a.m.

Visit Mrs. Claus: Greenstreet Gardens at 1721 W Braddock Rd will have a fun twist on visiting Santa. Visit their open house on Saturday, Dec. 30th and meet Mrs. Claus. Have your picture taken with her and give her your letter for Santa.

Whistle Stop Toys and Hobbies: Santa is coming to Whistle Stop Toys and Hobbies on Friday, November 29th. Along with Mrs. Claus and one of his cute little elves! Come take a picture with him and enjoy some holiday cheer!

Brunch with Santa at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City: Enjoy holiday brunch with a very special guest, Santa Clause! Sing your favorite holiday tunes along with our Christmas carolers, and receive a special gift. Reservations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct 25, 2013

Get ready for a busy weekend!

This weekend promises lots of fun! Here’s the scoop on what’s going on:

Saturday

George Washington’s Mount Vernon will host their Fall Harvest Family Days (Oct. 26-27, 9am – 5pm). This weekend event includes wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, a
straw maze, apple roasting, corn husk doll making and early American music. Potomac River sightseeing cruises are half price this weekend only. Another great event the entire family can enjoy!

Bring your little “monsters” for a day of Halloween surprises, mask making, Sesame Street character fun and much more at the National Children’s Museum! Make sure to wear your best Halloween costume!
Special storytimes will take place at 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. featuring The Hallo-wiener by Dav Pilkey and Annie Was Warned by Jarrett J. Krosoczka.
In the Center for Learning and Innovation, they’ll have a Monster Mash Workshop (Green Room) where kids will be able to make their own little monster!
In the Blue Room, children ages 3 and under will make paper bag pumpkins and flying bats. Other activities for NCM’s youngest visitors include fishing for apples, Jack-o’-Lantern tic tac toe amd pumpkin switch-a-roo!
See more at: http://www.ccm.org/events#sthash.K3ryU1hn.dpuf

Drop-in studio time at UpCycle Creative Reuse Center runs Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a $5 fee or a $15 maximum for a family to come in and craft.
http://www.upcyclecrc.org/

If you are looking for something to do with the wee ones visit the Frog Pond Fall Festival. There will be games, food, face painting, pumpkin decorating, crafts, music, etc. all for a suggested donation of $5. It is also a great chance to check out this full-day nature-based preschool. (There are goats!!! That was the selling point for me, anyway.) 10AM to Noon, 7204 Harrison Lane

Old Town Theater’s Vaudeville Matinee for Kids will be from Noon-3 p.m.

Trick n treating with Shirlie on Saturday, October 26th from 2-4pm! http://villageatshirlington.com/events/upcoming-events/trick-or-treat-with-shirlie/
Dress in your Halloween costume and stroll through The Village and pick up treats at your favorite restaurants and shops.

Hooray For Book will have author Jennifer O’Connell in the store from 2-3 p.m., just in time for Halloween. Her book Ten Timid Ghosts is a delightfully spooky counting book that teaches children how to count backwards. Ages 3+

The Del Ray Montessori School’s Multi-Family Yard Sale, Sat., Oct 26 from 9:00 am – noon at 100 East Windsor Avenue, Alexandria

Head to Old Town Farmers’ Market tomorrow morning, Sat. Oct. 26, 2013 from 9-10 AM. Join a witch and a warlock at the bandstand in the reading of “Doggie Tails With Alex and Andria In Alexandria.” A local PTA fundraiser, proceeds from the book sales will go directly to area City of Alexandria Elementary School PTAs.

This Saturday is Trick or Treat with the Boutiques in Old Town Alexandria! Thirty-seven stores in Old Town will be handy out treats of all sorts to you and your little ones. The event runs during regular store hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday

This coming Sunday is the Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade to be held on October 27th at 2 pm. In past years, more than 5,000 have participated in this annual event which included over 2,000 children, special dignitaries and elected officials; over 50 pets in Halloween costumes; and 25 decorated strollers.

Dust off that jogging stroller and join us for a morning of rocking and strolling at National Harbor. Check in begins at 8am and Run/Walk will begin at 9am. Rock on to Rocknoceros, the coolest band in the DC-area (and maybe even the world!) for kids of all ages
http://rocknstroller5k.com/

Harvest Days is continuing at George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Trick or Treat with the Boutiques 2013

This Saturday is Trick or Treat with the Boutiques in Old Town Alexandria!

Thirty-seven stores in Old Town will be handy out treats of all sorts to you and your little ones. The event runs during regular store hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This is such a fun event and a great way to spend the day as a family.

Many of the Old Town Boutiques will be having special events celebrating Halloween!

At Pink and Brown you can have your child’s photo taken in costume on Halloween and win major prizes! On Halloween (October 31) from 11 am to 5 pm. Bring your child into the store in their favorite costume for the free photo and you will be automatically entered to win a $100 Pink & Brown gift card. Pictures will be posted in store and on Facebook. Encourage your friends and family members to vote for your child’s photo starting on November 2. The winner–the child with the most votes–will be announced on November 10. Spend $25 or more at Pink & Brown on October 31 and you will automatically be entered to win a gift basket worth $200.

Hooray for Books will have an author event on Saturday from 2-3 p.m. They are pleased to have author Jennifer O’Connell in the store, just in time for Halloween. Her book Ten Timid Ghosts is a delightfully spooky counting book that teaches children how to count backwards. This activity is for kids ages 3+

Monday’s Child will be offering a bonus 20% off all day Saturday!

Oct 21, 2013

T.H.E. Baby Shower 2013

T.H.E. Baby Shower is coming to Alexandria tomorrow evening!

Event Highlights Include:

Baby Bump Photoshoot – Show off your baby bump or your new mini-me at our fun photo session

The Cravings Station – Indulge in delicious treats and refreshing beverages, and learn how healthy also can be tasty

Just for Me Corner – Learn how to incorporate exercise and beauty in your new life as a mommy. Feel the importance of massage therapy — relax | relate | release

Mini-Seminars – An introduction to answers to your most pressing questions about being a parent — Connections to the experts who can guide you along the way

Exhibitors – A diverse group of local and national companies offering an array of products and services for you and your little one

Mini-Seminars include the following topics:

Delicious, Nutritious Baby Food: Why You Should Consider Homemade
Hosted by Lisa Barrangou, Ph.D., Author of RealSmart Baby Food
Dr. Lisa Barrangou discusses why you should consider making homemade baby food rather than relying on commercially processed foods for baby. She shares quick tips and strategies that will allow even the busiest of parents to create a well-balanced, diverse offering of meals for baby, without spending countless hours in the kitchen.

Simplifying Work-Life (& Baby!) Balance
Hosted by Katie O’Brien, Life Coach for New Moms
Work-life balance with a new baby can be tricky. Moms tend to put their needs, values and desires aside to care for their beautiful new baby (whether still in the womb or after baby has arrived). While babies do need a high level of care, that doesn’t mean mommas don’t.
Join Katie O’Brien, life coach for new moms, for a mini-workshop and learn how to make your work-life balance simpler. Learn how to easily blend your needs and wants with those of your career and your family so you can create a win-win for everyone.
The feeling of loss of control, while normal for new moms, is completely optional. Make the 24 hours in a day work for you instead of against you. By learning how to utilize time with a better awareness it can actually appear that you are shifting it to work for you, instead of against you. In this workshop begin to design a solution that will finally allow you to simplify your work-life balance with your new baby.

Cloth Diapering 101
Hosted by Cheri Chapman, Owner of Chapman Hill BABY
Why choose cloth diapers? There are so many reasons! Cloth diapers are soft against your baby’s skin. Cloth diapers are also free of the many chemicals contained in disposable diapers. Our common sense tells us that cloth diapers are the ultimate in recycling because they are used again and again, not entering a landfill until they are nothing but rags. Of course, some people want more than this common sense approach–they want facts

Breastfeeding Basics
Hosted by Fleur May, MSN, RN from Inova

Sep 24, 2013

4th Annual Alexandria Story Festival

What’s the best free event in Alexandria for children and families that you may have never heard of? The 4th Annual Alexandria Story Festival of course!

This fun festival has been growing each year and this year offers an incredible line up of authors and performers. This year won’t disappoint! This is a don’t miss event for families.

The 4th Annual
Alexandria Story Festival
Saturday, September 28, 2013
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
T.C. Williams High School
3330 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302
As always, the Alexandria Story Festival is a FREE event for children and their families.

2013 Author Presentations

Jonathan Auxier – Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes
John Belemans Marciano – The Nine Lives of Alexander Baddenfield,
Madeline and the Old House in Paris, Madeline at the White House, Madeline and the Cats of Rome, and others
Erin Cabatingan – A is for Musk Ox, Musk Ox Counts
Elisabeth Dahl – Genie Wishes
Martha Freeman – The Case of the Diamond Dog Collar, The Case of the Ruby Slippers,
The Year My Parents Ruined My Life, and others
Shannon Jones – KeeKee’s Big Adventures in Paris, France
Anne Marie Pace – Vampirina Ballerina Hosts a Sleepover, Vampirina Ballerina
Erica Perl – King of the Zoo, Chicken Butt, and others
Trevor Pryce – An Army of Frogs: A Kulipari Novel
Mark Tatulli – Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic, Lio: Making Friends,
Lio:There’s a Monster in My Socks, and others

Schedule of Events

Picture Book Panel: 10:00 am – 11:15 am
Cafeteria Stage
(in alphabetical order)

John Bemelmans Marciano
Erin Cabatingan
Shannon Jones
Anne Marie Pace
Erica Pearl

Chapter Book Panel: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Cafeteria Stage
(in alphabetical order)

Jonathan Auxier
Elisabeth Dahl
Martha Freeman
Trevor Pryce
Mark Tatulli

Performances/Presentations

Kaleidoscope for Kids Activity: 10:30 am – 11:15 am
Titan Den (for students in grades 3 and up)

Arts on the Horizon’s The young Spectaculars and the Front Yard Adventures: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Black Box Theater (performance for youngsters)

Lulu Delacre: Canta, Baila, y Viaje por el mundo!: 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
Black Box Theater (for Spanish speaking students and families)

The Alexandria Story Festival is hosted by
Wright to Read, Hooray for Books!, ACPS Face Center and Carson Scholars Fund.

Jul 31, 2013

First Thursday- Did you know?

Tomorrow, August 1st from 6-9 p.m. is First Thursday – Did You Know

The Del Ray Business Association will be sharing interesting facts about local businesses and Del Ray through a scavenger hunt and educational demonstrations. For the Scavenger Hunt, pick up the clues and map at 6pm at the Farmer’s Market. Find the answers by visiting local businesses and their tables along the Avenue. Seichou Karate, Del Ray Variety, Rich Rosenthal Brincefield Manitta Dzubin & Kroeger, A Shot in the Dark, The Plannery, Nanny Next Door, Jason Fuchs of Wells Fargo Advisors, Del Ray Artisans, and Sediment Press will be participating.

Mount Vernon Community School will be the featured non-profit of First Thursday and will have a booth at the Farmers Market. At the booth you can:
■Purchase MVCS t-shirts
■Sign up to join/renew your PTA membership
■Drop off “Boxtops for Education“
■Register your Giant, Target, Safeway and Harris Teeter cards so MVCS can earn money with each purchase
■Get the latest on the MV Big Flea and other PTA programs and activities
■Learn how to become a community partner
■Donate school supplies

There will also be demonstrations at the Farmer’s Market Lot starting at 6:30 Turn Your Favorite Bar Soap Into A Liquid Soap (Truly Life) 6:45 Karate Student Demo (Seichou Karate) 7:15 A Skit (Del Ray Variety)

Many businesses will have tables set up along Mt. Vernon Avenue. Many will have fun activities and demonstrations. Get your face painted at Nanny Next Door’s table near A Show of Hands. Watch Meghan from A Shot in the Dark demonstrate the rule of thirds at A Shot in the Dark’s table near the Farmer’s Market.