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

50 States, 50 Kid-Approved Adventures You’ll Never Forget

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Thu, 10/23/2025 - 9:00am

The Grand Canyon is one of many incredible views on this list! Photo courtesy of the author

While traveling with kids can be a logistical challenge, it's totally worth it: there's nothing quite as magical as seeing the world through children's eyes. Traveling to different countries is amazing, of course, but there are plenty of kid-friendly adventures all across the USA.

We've shared the best family activities in every state and DC. Whether it's a national park, a zoo or museum, a cool city, a theme park, or another unique attraction, each pick is truly worth the trip—a one-of-a-kind, kid-approved adventure. We've picked one must-do activity per state and provided insider tips and family-friendly hotels for each one to help you plan some bucket-list family trips.

Read on for our favorite kid-approved adventures in the USA. Then check out our Kid-Friendly Travel Guide for more family vacation ideas in the US and abroad, from the most unique family vacations in the USA to our 100 best family vacation destinations.

Free Stuff For Kids in the Mail: Free Books, Toys, Magazines & More

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 10/18/2025 - 1:08pm

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program mails one free, high-quality book per month to children ages 0-5! Photo courtesy of the Dollywood Foundation

Free stuff for kids in the mail refers to books, magazines, toys, posters, stickers, and other items that companies and organizations send to children when parents sign up online or by mail.

In today's digital age, kids are often missing out on the joy of running to the mailbox and finding something addressed to them—a letter from a pen pal, a card from Grandma, etc. But there are many companies and organizations that will send your child free stuff in the mail just by signing up online. Whether it's free books or magazines, free stickers or toys, or free beauty samples for teens, your child will relish the surprise of receiving an envelope or a package with their name on it.

Check out this list of 20 organizations and companies that will send your child free stuff in the mail. For more freebies near you, visit our Guide to Free Things To Do with Kids in your city for local free events. And, our massive list of birthday freebies for kids includes everything from free food at restaurants to free perks at stores.

Pumpkin Hill at Nalls Produce: A FREE Hidden Gem for Fall Family Fun Near DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 10/12/2025 - 10:00am

Take a picture in front of the famous pumpkin wall at Nalls Produce! Photo courtesy of the author

For over 30 years, visiting Nalls Produce and Garden Center in Franconia, Virginia has been a fall tradition for many families. Each autumn, Nalls opens Pumpkin Hill, a free play area with tunnels to crawl through, a mountain of pumpkins to climb, farm animals to meet, and a famous pumpkin wall that provides the perfect family photo op.

But despite its popularity, I'd still call Nalls a hidden gem. That's because if you don't know about it and you're driving by, blink and you'll miss it. From the street, Nalls looks like a small garden center and produce stand. But pull into the parking lot and you'll find a fall wonderland for families. Pumpkin Hill is geared towards toddlers and preschoolers, but older kids and grown-ups will also love soaking up the autumn vibes.

I recently stopped by Nalls Produce's Pumpkin Hill with my husband and 11-year-old daughter. We walked away with lasting memories and some pretty perfect pumpkins. Read on to learn all about what to expect at Nalls in the fall. Then check out our DC Fall Activities Guide for more autumn fun with kids, including our ultimate fall bucket list.

How to Get Free Baby Stuff: Diapers, Formula, Baby Gear, and More

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Tue, 10/07/2025 - 1:00pm

Have sweet dreams of all the free baby stuff you'll get. Photo by Garrett Jackson courtesy of Unsplash

Free baby stuff includes diapers, formula, baby gear, and samples that companies and organizations offer to new and expectant parents.

Free baby stuff can be a life saver for new moms and dads. After all, the cost of all those diapers, wipes, baby food, and other baby gear quickly adds up. But there are plenty of places that offer free baby stuff to offset the costs of newborn and infant care.

From baby registry welcome boxes to free baby samples to diaper rewards programs, there are many free items that new and expectant parents can get from companies. Plus, don't underestimate the generosity of friends, family, and neighbors.

This guide covers free baby samples, diaper and formula programs, registry welcome boxes, and local ways to get free baby stuff. Check out our Baby and Maternity Guide for more of the best baby gear, as well as our Guide to Free Activities, Events, Classes, and Camps for Kids for other ways to save.

Best Kids' Ride On Toys for Kids of All Ages for a Gift That Will WOW

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Tue, 10/07/2025 - 12:00pm

The Licensed Land Rover Ride On Car Toy is one of the coolest ride on toys for kids.

Ride on toys are the perfect gift to give a child if you really want to "wow" them. After all, what's more fun than zooming around town—or the house—on two, three, or four wheels? Plus, many kids' ride on toys have the added benefit of building balance, coordination, muscle strength, and fine motor schools.

We've rounded up 21 of the best ride on toys for kids of all ages, from toddlers all the way through teens (and even adults). These kids' ride on toys run the gamut from ride on horse toys to scooters to tricked-out electric cars for kids. With these ride on toys, your kiddo will surely be cruising the neighborhood in style.

Find more awesome gifts for kids, from the best first birthday gifts to the best gifts for tweens and teens, in our Mommy Poppins Gift Guide.

Jump on the Banned Wagon in DC for Banned Books Week!

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 10/03/2025 - 8:32am

The Banned Wagon is headed to DC for Banned Books Week! Photo courtesy of Penguin Random House

Banned Books Week is October 5-11, 2025, and the Banned Wagon is hitting the road! Powered by Penguin Random House and presented in partnership wth EveryLibrary and First Book, the Banned Wagon celebrates the freedom to read and share ideas, highlights the value of open access to information, and shares the harm of censorship.

The Banned Wagon makes stops in Washington, DC on Sunday, October 5 and Wednesday, October 8. Visit the wagon to receive a FREE banned book for each person while supplies last! Everything from picture books to novels will be available.

Read on to learn more about the Banned Wagon and where to find it, about banned books, and about how you can help fight book banning. Our list of 30 banned children's books you should read today shows just how important this mission is. You'll find it in our Guide to the Best Kids' Books.

Fall Bucket List for Kids: 31 Top Things To Do Near DC This Fall

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 09/19/2025 - 8:49am

It's not fall without a visit to the pumpkin patch. Photo courtesy of Great Country Farms

Fall is just around the corner in DC, and that means gorgeous weather, no stifling humidity or bugs, and beautiful fall foliage. It's the perfect time to enjoy all of the wonderful outdoor things to do in DC that are on our fall bucket list for kids, like pumpkin picking, petting zoos, and tons of family-friendly fall festivals. There are also Halloween events galore, amazing exhibits and shows to see, and exciting fall train rides.

Read on for our list of 31 things to do in DC this fall and its surrounding areas with kids. The list includes fall activities in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the city itself for families and kids of all ages. For even more ideas for autumn activities, check out our DC Fall Day Trips Guide for 2025.

The 12 Best FREE Hidden Gems & Secret Spots for Kids in DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 09/05/2025 - 10:00am

Planet Word has a 22-foot talking word wall!

Tired of visiting the same old DC attractions with the kids? We've rounded up the best free hidden gems in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia that are full of history, fun, and quirkiness—without the crowds or admission fees. Whether your child loves history, art, airplanes, or is just in it for the snacks, these secret spots in DC for families provide unique outings that feel like real discoveries.

Here are the 12 best free things to do in DC with kids that are off the beaten path. These unique DC attractions for kids include secret parks in DC, quirky museums in DC, and more fun, free, kid-friendly DC spots.

Visit our Guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids for more family fun that doesn't cost a time, including our ultimate list of 101 free things to do in DC with kids.

Jennifer Marino Walters

Latest posts by Jennifer

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