CertifiKID Weekly Buzz for D.C. & Baltimore: September 28th

We've rounded up the hottest local family happenings, trends, topics, and events in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore to kick off your weekend! 

Local Buzz

The Smithsonian's National Zoo just opened a brand new pollinator-themed playground, "Me and the Bee"! Sponsored by Land O'Lakes, this new 4,900-square foot space is an inclusive playground with ADA-accessible features. "Zoo visitors will 'shrink' to the size of a bee and step through a honeycomb to discover larger-than-life-sized figures of European honeybees and blue orchard mason bees." Team CertifiKID can't wait to check it out in person!

Trending on Social

Cam from "Modern Family" may have just won best Halloween costume of the year. He was caught filming on location this week in LA dressed as Meghan Markle, complete with fascinator hat. #Winning 

Hot on the Blog

Lawnmower Parenting is now a 'Thing'
We've all heard about "helicopter parents" constantly hovering over and micro-managing their child's every move. Just when we thought parental involvement couldn't possibly get any any more over the top, enter the "lawnmower parent." Read more on the blog.

New Deal of the Week

Based on the hit Will Ferrell movie, this is a holiday classic the whole family will love! HURRY, limited discount tickets are available and some performances are already sold out!

Picks for Your Weekend

Fiesta DC | Saturday, Sept. 29th Parade: 1 - 5:30 p.m. & Sunday, Sept. 30th Festival 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Wash, D.C.
This annual celebration of Latin culture features a Parade of Nations on Saturday (Constitution Ave. NW between 7th and 14th Street) with dance troupes and local performers and a Festival on Sunday (Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 3rd and 7th Street) with live performances, food and more. 

Fiesta DC By S Pakhrin from DC, USA  [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Baltimore Book Festival | Fri., Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Inner Harbor
The Baltimore Book Festival is back this weekend at the Inner Harbor with lots of fun activities for kids and families. Highlights include appearances and book signings by both local and national best selling authors, live adult and children's entertainment, cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, "A Wrinkle in Time" themed Crafts Corridor, Poetry in Motion visual theatre and creative movement games for kids, and a Storybook Parade on the Inner Harbor Promenade on Saturday at 11 a.m. 

Photo: David Robert Crews from Baltimore, MD [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

FALL FAIRS & FESTIVALS

It looks like we finally have a dry weekend ahead -- perfect for fall fun at one of our local farm festivals or fairs! Save some $$ by heading to one of these CertifiKID faves.

Photo: Winterbrook Farms Fall Festival by Ivette Cruz

Corn Maze in the Plains | Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | The Plains, VA
Five-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayride, huge outdoor play area for kids, farm animals and petting zoo. 

Jumbo's Pumpkin Patch Fall Festivities | Fri., Sat., & Sun. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Middletown, MD
Corn maze, pick-your-own pumpkins, petting zoo, and hayrides. 

Fall for Fairfax KidsFest | Sat. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Fairfax, VA
Fairfax County's annual Fall for Fairfax festival is this weekend. This 2-day event includes 25 acres of fun for families with a KidWay MidWay offering almost 20 different rides and attractions geared to children ages 2-12, fall-inspired activities like scarecrow making and pumpkin painting, live performances, pony rides, petting zoo, model trains, delicious festival food and more. 

Maize Quest Fun Park | Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. & Sun. 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. | New Park, PA
Located just over the Maryland line less than an hour from Baltimore, Maize Quest offers 30+ fun attractions and the "Largest Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patch" in the East. Get lost in the stalks with their 2018 Mad Scientist: Mastermind of Mazes corn maze! 

Sharp's Farm Corn Maze | Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Brookeville, MD
Six-acre educational corn maze, mini corn labyrinth, field of popcorn (pick your own to take home to pop!), hayride, pick-your-own pumpkins, farm animals, farm museum, and more. 

Wayside Farm Fall Festival | Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Berryville, VA
Emoji-themed corn maze, hayrides, pig races, 30-ft. mega slide, jumping pillow, pedal tractor races, playground, farm animals and more! 

Winterbrook Farms Fall Festival | Friday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Thurmont, MD
Four separate corn mazes and 20+ fall activities, including beeline zip lines, moo choo train rides, slides, tractor tire mountain, round bale rollers, pedal kart track & trike track, cornhole, rubber duck races, farm animals, and more. 

Fan Photo of the Week

Make sure to use #WhereKidsPlay to tag photos of your family fun on Instagram or Twitter, and we may feature yours next week!

Behind-the-Scenes Happenings

CertifiKID headed to the woods of Pennsylvania this week for our annual team retreat. Lots of quality bonding time, laughter and chocolate eating were shared by all. 

Have any local happenings, news, trends or events to share? Comment below and let us know!

Tags: weekly hot list Washington, D.C. Baltimore kids families events things to do

CertifiKID was founded by a mom with a passion for helping parents provide the best experiences for their children on a budget. From outings to adventures, classes to camps, theater to sporting events, amusement parks to getaways, CertifiKID provides the best family-friendly experiences at unbeatable prices. Sign up for family-friendly deals in your area and start saving!