Jennifer Marino Walters

Jennifer Marino Walters is the DC and travel editor for Mommy Poppins and the author of over 20 beloved children's books. A proud mom of three—plus twins!—she lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and busy brood. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find Jennifer cheering from the sidelines of a baseball game, supporting her daughter’s cheerleading squad, diving into a good book, or exploring new destinations. Connect with her on Instagram @jmwalters718.

Latest posts by Jennifer

Red Jacket Beach Resort: A Perfect Cape Cod Escape for Families

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 07/26/2025 - 10:00am

Red Jacket Beach Resort is the perfect Cape Cod escape.

Finding the perfect place to stay on Cape Cod with kids can be tricky: The grown-ups want to relax and unwind, while the kids just want to have fun. And if you've got a large or multigenerational family coming along, you'll need a place that can fit everyone.

Enter Red Jacket Beach Resort and Spa in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts. Situated on the banks of Parker's River, Red Jacket Beach Resort offers both a private stretch of beach on Nantucket Sound and gorgeous river sunsets. Plus, there is plenty to keep the whole family busy: indoor and outdoor pools, pickleball courts, and tons of family and kids' activities in the summer including science workshops, magic shows, live music, and so much more. Accommodations range from standard guest rooms to vacation cottages that sleep 12.

Read on for more info about all that Red Jacket Beach Resort has to offer. Then visit our Guide to Cape Cod and the Islands with Kids to help you plan your perfect family getaway on the Cape, including our list of 60 fun things to do on Cape Cod with kids.

Step Into the World of Peppa Pig at a New Immersive Experience at CAMP Washington, DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 07/25/2025 - 10:00am

Step through the magic door and into Peppa's world at PEPPA PIG x CAMP. Photo courtesy of the experience

PEPPA PIG x CAMP: An Immersive Adventure is officially open at CAMP Washington, DC at Tysons Corner Center in Virginia! This picture-perfect, 5,000-square-foot experience invites families to step through the Magic Door of the toy store to explore, laugh, and play their way through multiple interactive rooms filled with party prep, dino discoveries, and plenty of giggle-worthy fun.

Read all about what to expect at PEPPA PIG x CAMP. Then find more indoor places to play in our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and More Indoor Fun for Kids in DC.

Heat Wave Hot List: 30 Cool Things to Do in DC to Beat the Heat with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 07/20/2025 - 10:31am

DC's free public swimming pools are some of the best places to beat the summertime heat. Photo courtesy of DC Parks and Recreation

One can argue that summer is one giant heat wave in DC. After all, the city is known for its high temperatures and soupy humidity. But there are periods when the temps soar well into the 90s—and even the 100s—that even the most seasoned residents find the heat unbearable. That's when families need to abandon the parks, playgrounds, and hiking trails and find other fun ways to beat the heat.

Here are 30 things to do with kids to keep cool during a DC heat wave. These ideas include outdoor water activities, air-conditioned spots like indoor playgrounds and museums, and activities you can do from the comfort of your own AC. For more family fun this summer, check out our Summer Activities Guide for DC Kids.

Safe and Fun Teen Nighttime Activities Near DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 07/18/2025 - 9:00am

You're never too old for a foam pit! Photo courtesy of Sky Zone

As my 14-year-old twins have gotten older, they and their friends have been wanting to spend more time together in the evenings and at night. But sometimes they get bored of being at each other's houses, and let's be honest—us parents don't always want a bunch of teenagers hanging around at night. However, we also don't want to worry too much about their safety when they go out after dark.

Luckily, there are many safe places in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia where teens can hang out and have fun with their friends. Some of them, like rec centers and malls, are free or cheap. Others will require your teen to spend some part-time job or birthday money, or to beg you for some cash (and can you really put a price on a few hours of peace and quiet?).

Here are 15 safe and fun teen nighttime activities in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Find more ways to entertain the big kids in your life in our Teen and Tween Activities Guide!

Only in DC Birthday Parties for Kids: Unique Birthday Parties for All Ages

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 07/13/2025 - 10:00am

LEGO® Discovery Center Washington, DC is the perfect birthday spot for little builders.

Looking to throw your DC child a truly unique birthday party they wouldn't be able to have anywhere else? The Washington, DC area offers several one-of-a-kind spots for kids' birthday parties, from interesting museums to working farms to a dueling piano bar.

Here are a dozen places in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia to through a unique birthday party for children of all ages. Our Kids' Birthday Party Places Guide for DC is full of more fun ideas, including our list of the top kids' birthday party places near DC.

DC Area Theme Park News: Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens Williamsburg Turn 50; Six Flags America Closing

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 07/06/2025 - 10:00am

Are you brave enough to conquer Rapterra? Photo credit: © Kings Dominion 2025

Looking to catch some thrills at an amusement park this summer? You're in luck: there's a lot going on at the DC area's theme parks. Both Kings Dominion in Doswell, VA and Busch Gardens Williamsburg turn 50 this year and have opened new roller coasters. Kings Dominion is also celebrating its anniversary all summer long with a Golden Summerbration featuring new entertainment, food, and merchandise.

Six Flags America in Bowie, MD is marking a different kind of milestone—it's officially closing after this summer. You have until November 2, 2025 to visit one last time with your family.

Check out our Washington, DC Theme Parks and Water Parks Guide for more info on the area's fun amusement parks, including our guide to visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg with kids.

60 Unforgettable FREE Summer Activities for Kids in DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 06/08/2025 - 12:00pm

Cool off at one of the area's many great splash pads this summer. Photo courtesy of Montgomery Parks

School's almost out, summer is unofficially here, and we're on a mission to keep kids busy and having fun all summer long without breaking the bank. Luckily, there are tons of free summer activities in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for kids, from free outdoor movies to free swimming pools.

Here is a list of 60 free kids' activities in DC to make summer 2025 the best one yet. How many of them can your family fit in before school starts again?

Our Washington, DC Kids Summer Guide and our Guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids are full of more ideas for summer fun. And don't forget: we are constantly updating our event calendar, so keep checking back for more summer activities!

Our Epic Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in DC with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 05/25/2025 - 11:06am

Take the kids to Nationals Park this summer. Photo courtesy of MLB

Looking for summer activities for kids? Check out our ultimate summer bucket list for kids DC!

School is almost out for summer in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, which means your family will soon have plenty of time to start checking activities off your summer bucket list. There are so many fun ways to enjoy the great weather on nice days and to beat the heat on hot or rainy days all season long.

Read on for our epic summer bucket list of 50 things to do with kids in summer 2025 in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. For more fun summer activities, visit our Washington, DC Kids Summer Guide, which includes our roundup of 28 summer festivals and fairs that are perfect for families.

Jennifer Marino Walters

Latest posts by Jennifer

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