ML Interest Tag: computer-science

Amazon Wants to Build Your Child’s Robotics Skills

by Erica Loop

Calling all future engineers! Amazon and the FIRST robotics program recently announced new grant funding to expand access to robotics clubs, computer science education, teacher professional development and even a tour of a local Amazon fulfillment center.

The Amazon Future Engineer Robotics Grant will provide funds to 100 schools across 21 states (in underserved areas), including $10,000 to expand access to in-school computer science education. The mentor-based programs will help kiddos in kindergarten through twelfth grade to build STEM skills that will benefit them now and for years to come. The robotics-based grant adds to the existing funding Amazon provides through its Future Engineer program.

photo: Courtesy of Business Wire

So how exactly is the Amazon Future Engineering Robotics Grant changing the lives of students? According to Dave Levin, co-founder of KIPP Public Schools in Columbus, Ohio, “The Amazon Future Engineer Robotics Grant is a game changer for middle and high school students throughout 53 KIPP schools around the country.” Levin also added, “The generosity of Amazon will ensure more KIPP students than ever will have the opportunity not only to pursue successful careers in STEM, but help diversify the industry for future generations.”

Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST and president of DEKA Research & Development, said in a press statement, “Amazon is helping FIRST in our goal to make robotics teams and programs available in every school.” Kamen went on to say, “In FIRST, every kid on every team can go pro. They gain a hands-on learning pathway in technology, computer science and engineering that propels them forward and inspires innovation.”

The Amazon Future Engineer program started in 2018, using a four-part childhood-to-career model. Through annual grants the program aims to inspire and educate over 10 million children, providing a projected total of 100,000 students in more than 2,000 high schools access to computer science classes as well as 100 $10,000 four-year college scholarships!

—Erica Loop

 

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Amazon Wants to Train Your Kids to Become Future Engineers

by Shahrzad Warkentin

STEM careers are rapidly growing and yet the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there won’t be enough computer science graduates to fill the demand. Amazon is looking to change that with a pivotal investment in students through its Amazon Future Engineer program.

Amazon announced it will fund computer science courses in more than 1,000 high schools across the country. This investment is part of the $50 million the company has pledged towards computer science and STEM education in the United States. More than 700 of those high schools are classified as Title I, meaning they primarily serve students from low-income communities.

photo: Courtesy of Amazon

“We want to ensure that every child, especially those from underprivileged communities, has an opportunity to study computer science,” said Jeff Wilke, CEO Worldwide Consumer for Amazon. “We are excited more than 1,000 schools will now provide these courses, and look forward to adding 1,000 more schools over the coming months.”

The funding will provide for Intro to Computer Science and AP Computer Science classes through curriculum provider, Edhesive. This will include preparatory lessons, tutorials, professional development for teachers, curriculum for students and live online support for teachers and students. All students participating in the program will receive a free membership to AWS Educate, which provides them with free access to the AWS Cloud for their coding projects and tutorials on cloud computing.

“Our students are hungry for computer science education, but we could not get the funding to bring this class to our school,” said Chad Bobb, a teacher at Pike High School, a Title I school in Indianapolis, Indiana. “Amazon Future Engineer allows us to open our students’ eyes to something that is both interesting and can lead them into rewarding, thriving careers.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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Here’s How Mattel Plans to Get 10 Million Kids Coding by 2020

by Erica Loop

It’s a lofty goal, but Mattel’s “10 million kids coding” partnership with Tynker shows both company’s commitment to helping our kiddo’s get the STEM skills they’ll need to succeed. So how are Mattel and Tynker planning on helping millions of children learn how to code? We’ve got the scoop on this technology collab!

This isn’t the first time the two companies have partnered in an effort to help children learn about coding. In 2015 they developed Hot Wheels and Monster High programming experiences for children. Through both programs, Mattel and Tynker helped nearly 4 million children build tech skills and discover the wide world of coding.

In 2018 the collaboration will bring kiddos seven Barbie coding lessons, with the aim of teaching girls about computer science. These experiences will also help children to learn about careers such as Astronaut, Robotics Engineer and Pet Vet.

CTO of Mattel, Sven Gerjets, said (in a press release about the partnership), “Through this collaboration, we continue our commitment to providing meaningful play experiences that are fun while helping kids with STEM learning, an important 21st-century learning skill.” Gerjets went on to add, “By exposing kids to STEM experiences on Tynker through Mattel characters they know and love, they may develop a passion for science and computing that could lead to a career in a STEM-related field.”

Along with the Barbie-themed experiences, this collaboration will also include a Mattel Code-A-Thon with teacher outreach as well as promoting the 2018 Computer Science Education Week Hour of Code through their Barbie, Hot Wheels and Monster High content.

Are you helping your child to learn how to code? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

—Erica Loop

 

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The 11 Best Educational Apps for Kids

by Kipp Jarecke-Cheng

Thanks to an ever-growing crop of educational apps aimed at kids, screen time doesn’t have to be mindless! When it’s time to let the kids on the tablet or phone, indulge their brains with engaging and educational apps that’ll teach them about science, computing, math, foreign languages and much more. Kids can get their STEM skills on with our picks of some of the best apps that will teach and entertain. Read on to find out more about our favorite educational apps.

1. Hopscotch: Make Games

While there are plenty of apps on the marketplace designed to make computer programming more accessible to young learners, few are as simple to use and kid-friendly as Hopscotch. Aimed at kids ages 8 and older and created by a group of Brooklyn-based parents, educators and computer scientists, Hopscotch features a proprietary visual programming language (similar to Scratch) that helps young and beginner programmers develop basic coding skills and create neat digital projects—like games and interactive widgets—using drag and drop programming blocks. For inspiration, Hopscotch’s website features many games created by kids using the app.

Available for iOS, free with additional subscription options starting at $7.99/monthly.

2. Crazy Gears

Understanding the fundamentals of how mechanics work can instill interest in engineering for kids who like to tinker. Crazy Gears is an award-winning digital puzzle game that replicates the functions of real moving parts and mechanical engines that will engage young engineers’ critical-thinking skills. By manipulating gears, chains, rods, and pulleys, players pull themselves through higher levels and learn how different mechanisms affect one another when constructing a machine. There are no right or wrong answers to solving puzzles, so mastering challenges through creativity is the name of the game. While the app is aimed at kids ages five through nine, the puzzles are intriguing and satisfying for older kids and parents, too.

Available for iOS, $2.99

3. The Robot Factory by Tinybop

What’s not to love about robots, right? Tinybop’s ingenious robot-making app lets young scientists create, test and collect robots on their mobile devices. From building exoskeletons to adding various robo-embellishments, Robot Factory is a fun, creative way to excite kids’ imaginations. Featuring an open-ended construction kit, players can pick from 100 parts to build thousands of different robots as well as add color schemes and specially recorded sounds. Kids will enjoy collecting and sharing robot stickers, while parents will appreciate no in-app purchases or third-party ads.

Available for iOS, $2.99

4. Monster Math

Filled with an assortment of surprising and silly characters, the Monster Math app takes junior mathematicians—grades one through three—on math-filled adventures that teach them about common core math skills. Featuring Maxx, a smart and kooky monster character, players help Maxx save his friend Dextra while practicing basic skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. A practice mode lets players solve math problems without the time constraints of needing to save characters during regular game play, and a multiplayer mode lets players invite friends to play together in real time.

Available for iOS and Android, free with in-app purchases and additional premium subscription options starting at $17.99/annually.

5. LightBot

Featuring 50 levels and 20 challenges, LightBot is a programming puzzle app that teaches players how to use programming logic to level up through the game. By guiding a robot to light up tiles and solve problems using basic computer coding commands, the app nurtures an appreciation and understanding of procedures, loops, and conditionals—all basics to computer programming. Available in nearly 30 languages and no in-app purchases, LightBot is a fun and addictive way to learn how to code.

Available for iOS, Android and Kindle, $2.99.

6. DragonBox

Empowering kids with a love for math, award-winning edutainment company DragonBox offers a wide assortment of gaming apps aimed at young learners ages four through nine and older. From math basics to algebra and geometry, DragonBox apps feature colorfully designed and animated games that guide kids through a variety of math skills through fun, interactive challenges. Created by a high school math teacher in 2011, DragonBox apps have been lauded by parents and educators alike, and featured in a variety of media outlets around the world.

Available for iOS, Android and Kindle, starting at $4.99.

7. Anatomy 4D

Using augmented reality, Anatomy 4D takes students and educators on an extraordinary journey inside the human body and heart, revealing the spatial relationships of organs, skeleton, muscles, and body systems. Featuring beautiful and realistically rendered graphics, the app’s cutting-edge technology provides an in-depth and interactive way to explore human anatomy. The app works by printing images from a library of images within the app, then using your mobile device to scan the image, the augmented reality experience comes to life.

Available for Android, free.

8. Stories by Gus on the Go

For parents of polyglot kids who already know about the acclaimed Gus on the Go language apps, which are available in 30 languages, a new series of apps called Stories by Gus on the Go take foreign language learning to the next level with read-along animated story books that will delight kids ages three and older. Currently available in French, Greek, Hebrew and Spanish, Stories by Gus on the Go features classic children's stories, including “The Three Little Pigs” and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” as well as fun interactive games that help to reinforce foreign language vocabulary.

Available for iOS, free.

9. ScratchJr

Inspired by the eponymous visual programming language created by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, ScratchJr is a pared-down app that teaches kids as young as five years old the basic coding skills needed to program their own interactive stories and games. Using drag and drop programming blocks, players can make characters move, dance and sing. Through problem solving and design, young coders can create cool digital projects while developing skills in computer science and critical thinking.

Available for iOS and Android, free.

10. The Elements

Based on author Theodore Gray’s internationally best-selling book of the same name, The Elements app is a scrumptious visual exploration of the elements that make up everything around us. More than a simple reference app, The Elements showcases the building blocks of our universe through engaging words and photographs. Like the book, the app neatly mixes art and science, but the app’s interactive environment affords deeper dives into the rich details about each element. Parents and kids alike will never look at the periodic table in the same way again.

Available on iOS, $8.99.

11. DuoLingo ABC

DuoLingo ABC
DuoLingo

This free English literacy app teaches children ages 3-6 how to read. The app is designed specifically for younger users to enjoy independently. It includes over 300 fun, bite-sized lessons teaching the alphabet, phonics, and sight words. Duolingo ABC is aligned with Common Core standards and based on recommendations by the National Reading Panel.

Available on iOS.

 

What are your favorite STEM and educational apps for kids? Tell us in the comments below!

—Kipp Jarecke-Cheng

images courtesy app developers

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LA’s Best STEM Classes for Girls (and Boys!)

by Shahrzad Warkentin

While some kids are obsessed with robots and rocket ships before they can even pronounce the words, some future physicists need a little more encouragement to develop a love of math and science. REad on to discover the best STEM based classes and activities in the city that are designed to make a love of science fun and easy for girls and boys of all ages—even those who think they don’t have an interest in the subjects.

photo: Zaniac Learning Center

Zaniac Learning Center
Zaniac turns the classroom into a playroom with game-based learning. Presenting complex concepts, like robotics and engineering, as playtime makes learning exciting for your reluctant scholars. With classes like Digital Fashion Design (alongside LEGO Robotics) there is something to tempt kids with a variety of interests by weaving technology into subjects they are already excited about. Each after school class series meets once a week for six weeks with programs ranging from K-8. Camps are available during summer and winter breaks, and they also offer Parents Night Out events and birthday parties.

3201 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica
424-330-0008
Online: zaniaclearning.com/SantaMonica

photo: Kids Can Code

Kids Can Code
As the parents of two girls, Kids Can Code founders Chris and Priya Bradfield understand that girls are especially under-represented when it comes to higher education in computer science. They have developed classes to encourage girls to develop an interest in computer technology with the hopes that they will go on to pursue degrees and careers in the field. Besides regular coding classes for kids of all skill levels, they offer girls only coding classes to create a comfortable learning environment. They also partner with local Girl Scout troops on technology based projects and events. Weekly classes sessions are available for beginners and more experienced kids, ages 7 & up.

Various locations including Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, and Pasadena.
Online: kidscancode.org

Girls In STEM Club—Columbia Memorial Space Center
What better way to encourage girls to get involved in math and science than by forming an awesome club? With monthly meetings at the Columbia Memorial Space Center, members of the Girls in STEM Club will spend a Saturday getting hands on experience with exciting, science-based projects. They will also take part in an annual summit with mentors working in the field. The free club meetings are open to girls age 9 & up.

12400 Columbia Way
Downey
Online: columbiaspacescience.org

photo: Coding for Treasure

Coding For Treasure
Learning coding can be boring for some little techies unless they get a better understanding of the bigger picture and how the skills can be applied in the real world. During weekly classes that cover computer science and digital technology, kids will get to apply what they learn to developing their own apps, games and movies, just like real-life coders. In addition to their classes and camps, Coding For Treasure also hosts a free program aimed at inspiring girls called Tech Grrrls. Girls aged four & up can attend the monthly meetings held on Friday evenings where they can get together with other girls and mentors to learn more about technology and science and how they can get involved.

2920 Huntington Dr.
San Marino
626-451-5905
Online: codingfortreasure.com

Asteme
In answer to the age-old kid question, “When am I ever going to use math?” Asteme was born. For little learners struggling to understand the point of all those endless equations seemingly meant for pure torture, this program will introduce them to all the wonderful ways math and science are applied in the real world. Using music, art, nature and even physical activities like rock climbing, Asteme classes get kids away from desks and out exploring the real world to learn about math based concepts like engineering, space exploration, and architecture. K-8 level classes are offered in 8-week after school and weekend sessions. They also offer camps during summer and spring breaks.

11672 Gateway Blvd.
West LA
310-740-3337
Online: asteme.com

photo: Logan Heights Branch Library

Full Steam Ahead!
A reluctant tyke may leave you reluctant to pony up for a full series of classes. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a ton (or even a single dime!) to get your little one’s gears going. The Los Angeles Public Library’s program Full STEAM Ahead offers free events at various branches to inspire a love of all things science and math. The library also offers lists of books and resources to help motivate young learners.

Various LAPL branches, check the listings online for dates and locations.
Online: lapl.org/steam

photo: Shahrzad Warkentin

BONUS: There’s no need to even corral the kids into the car to get their minds tuned in to the exciting world of science. Thanks to an inspiring LA kidpreneneur, you can have a subscription box full of science activities delivered to your mailbox every month. The Top Secret Science Club is aimed at enticing kids to love science, by turning basic lessons into imaginative adventures.

Online: topsecretscienceclub.com

Is there a class that has blossomed your luddite leaning kids into total techies? Share any we missed in the comments!

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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Minecraft Mania: Pixel Perfect Parties & Play in LA

by Christina Montoya Fiedler

Creepers, survival modes, the Nether, Steve; if you’ve heard these terms floating around your house, you might have a Minecraft fanatic, er, enthusiast on your hands. Here are our favorite Los Angeles locations where kids can get crafting and moding at camps, parties and workshops.

photo: SuperLeague Gaming

Minecraft Rules at Rolling Robots
Minecraft Party Palooza
Host the ultimate party for your Minecraft loving kid at any of Rolling Robots three Los Angeles locations. Your aspiring gamer and pals can explore the expertly built Rolling Robots Minecraft server while pros help newbies and experienced players alike wade through survivor mode and pick up some new techniques along the way, like creating your own survival packs. If this all sounds like Greek (geek?) to you, you’re not alone. Parents are welcomed to join in on the fun, pick up a controller and play along. You might just get hooked; you’ll definitely get cool parent points.

Yearlong Minecraft Camps and Classes
If just a few hours at a party isn’t enough, try sending your little Minecraft maniac to a week long camp or a day long class. Level one lets builders learn all about the world of Minecraft from the bottom up. They’ll learn to build villages, spawn farm animals, fight zombies, and more. Level two slowly integrates coding (yes, coding!) into the mix by showing builders how to change the appearance of their characters (a.k.a. modding) and the game through JAVA script.

Good to know: Take advantage of the sibling discount and drop everyone off at one location for summertime fun. Half and full day camps are available.

Locations in Palos Verdes, Glendale and West LA
Online: rollingrobots.com

photo: SuperLeague Gaming

Big Screen Minecraft with SuperLeague Gaming
Forget about playing Minecraft on a teeny handheld device; try playing on a larger-than-life movie screen. Created by dads who love Minecraft as much as their kids, Super League Gaming has combined forces with AMC, Regal and Cinemark to turn theaters into giant interactive gaming arenas during a four week Minecraft tournament. Kids bring their laptops and connect to the super league server, and then real time play is projected onto the big screen. These game-offs happen on a continual basis, with locations and starting dates varying.  Check the website.

Good to know: Don’t worry if your child is new to Minecraft. Member’s of the SuperLeague’s Action Squad will be available to walk your child through any on screen issues for a frustration free week.

Online: superleague.com

photo: Digital Dragons

Parties and More at Digital Dragon
Minecraft Mania Camp for Newbies and Beyond
The motto at Digital Dragon is “learn how to create tech instead of jut consuming it,” and that’s exactly what your kids will be doing here.  At either summer week-long camp sessions or during the year at weekly classes, kids will explore the digital Minecraft world and encounter rare finds like ender dragons and withers. More advanced Minecraft fans can use modding to mold the game into their own unique version with new skins, textures, creatures, machines and maps. Just don’t tell them that they’re actually learning the basics of coding and computer science. Check the website for class and camp schedules.

Party Like Steve
It’s Minecraft as far as the eye can see, if you choose to have your birthday party at Digital Dragons. Think Creeper centerpieces and Steve themed cupcakes. Top it all off with the ultimate Minecraft tournament with your best buds. From Minecraft games to hands on crafts, it’s a full blown block building extravaganza.

3026 Nebraska Ave.
Santa Monica
424-280-4654
Online: digitaldragon.co


Bonus: Explore Los Angelcraft
Ever wonder what our city would look like if it were made entirely out of Minecraft blocks? Los Angelcraft takes you on a tour of Los Angeles as build through the eyes of a Minecraft fanatic. All the landmarks are there: Gruaman’s Chinese, L.A. Live, the Santa Monica Pier and more. Log on and see what you can spot…

Online: planetminecraft.org

What are your favorite Minecraft inspired camps and classes? Tell us in the comments below.

Christina Montoya Fiedler

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Make Her Melt: 6 Fantastic Ways to Pamper Every Type of Mom

by Katie Brown

While Mom may genuinely treasure that painted macaroni necklace or handwritten haiku, we’re pretty sure she’d also treasure some solo TLC or a surprise adventure with her #1 fans. Here are our top local picks for celebrating the special women in your life (maybe it’s you!) this Mother’s Day.

Because she puts the “om” in “Mom”

Mama yogis and tiny yogis are both welcome at lil omm, a community yoga center in the Tenleytown neighborhood of D.C. that offers child care. Give Mom a reason to practice her downward dog or mountain pose with any of the following specials.

photo: Daku Resort via flickr

Mother’s Day Mini-Retreat
You’ve spent all the days of the year loving your family, now it’s time to share that love with yourself. Make it a well deserved day about you through yoga, journaling, meditation, and a luxurious night of relaxation at this mini retreat. Get stretched-out from limb to limb and finish the session feeling empowered. This retreat is also an introduction to lil omm’s MOM’S UP workshops.

Date: May 10, 7-9:30pm
Cost: $25/person
Online: lilomm.com/workshops

Rhythm of the Seasons Mini-Retreat
Discover how seasons may affect you and learn to incorporate yoga and meditation into your lifestyle. Get inspired by other amazing ladies and blossom in creativity and harmony together. As moms who’ve supported her fam through thick and thin, this pow-wow session is for moms of all ages and stages in motherhood.

Date: May 29, 7:30-9:30pm
Cost: $40/person
Online: lilomm.com/workshops

Moms Up! Series
This series combines yoga with life coaching to help moms manage some common challenges– balance, self-doubt, energy, and stagnation. The sessions will be led by studio owner Pleasance Silicki and Alexandra Hughes of In Essence Coaching, LLC.

Date: June 14-October 11
Cost: $50/per workshop, or $160 for all four with advance registration.
Online: lilomm.com/workshops

Because she’s just as cool as the Mother of Our Country

There’s a reason history labels all the beautiful characters of life as mother figures. This Mother’s Day take a leisurely, floral walk and remember Mother Nature along with the first First Lady, Martha Washington at this lovely estate.

photo: Sue Waters via flickr

Mother’s Day Weekend at Mount Vernon
Learn more about Martha Washington (portrayed by veteran character interpreter Mary Wiseman) on the piazza at Mount Vernon. All mothers will receive a free lavender sachet!  Be sure to make time to stroll through the estate’s beautiful blooming gardens, and stop for brunch or lunch at the charming Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant.

Date: May 9 and 10, 8 am-5 pm
Cost: $17/adults ages 12-61; $16/seniors; $9/children ages 6-11; free for children under 5

Mount Vernon Estate
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, Va 22121
703-780-2000
Online: mountvernon.org

Because she can update her operating system herself, thank you very much

Bye, bye to that (only mildly true) stereotype that moms aren’t techy. Below is an ideal day out for moms and their mini-mes to get their computers on – literally.

Mother Daughter Hack-Day
Moms (and other maternal figures) can take 5th-8th grade girls to Mother-Daughter Hack Day at Thomas Jefferson High School in northwest D.C. Student organization “Inspiring Femgineers” is hosting free computer science workshops for mothers and daughters to learn how to program apps, games, and websites. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

Date: May 9, 11 am-5 pm
Cost: Free

Thomas Jefferson High School
6560 Braddock Rd
Alexandria, Va 22312
Online: eventbrite.com/e/mother-daughter-hack-day-tickets

Because she always cuts off the crusts

On Mother’s Day, treat your favorite culinary goddess to a delicious meal—we’re always partial to brunch! Here are three of our top picks, where Mom can get an adult libation (did someone say Mango Bellini?) or mussels drowning in garlic, and the kids can gorge on buttermilk masa pancakes.

photo: Ryan Dickey via flickr

El Chucho – Cochina Superior
Be it brunch or a dinner to impress, El Chucho is – dare we say it – possibly just as good as mom’s home cooking. If you’re heading there with the little ones, order up their new dish: chorizo enchiladas con huevo. It’s the delicious way to start off Mother’s Day right.

3313 11th Street NW
Washington, DC 20010
202-290-3313
Online: facebook.com/pages/El-Chucho-Cocina-Superior

Morrison House
This Old Town Alexandria Restaurant is for the family that loves to make this special day a classical affair. Enjoy an afternoon tea fit for moms and daughters, or an exception tasting menu dinner with live piano music accompaniment. It’s also a chance to get a little dressy for the fun of it.

Morrison House Hotel
116 South Alfred Street
Alexandria, Va 22314
703-838-8000
Online: morrisonhouse.com

Republic
Love to instagram your fam (and food)? The Republic’s offbeat atmosphere and refined menu of raw seafood, instagram-worthy plates and creatively named drinks is any photo-taking mom’s dream come true. Each dish might sound a tad fancy for baby foodies, but there’s traditional sides like potato latkes and monkey bread to keep little tummies happy.

Republic
6939 Laurel Ave.
Takoma Park, Md 20912
301-270-3000
Online: republictakoma.com

Because she’s lucky to get a two-minute shower

She’s so used to resorting to dry shampoo that an hour at one of these spas will leave her feeling like the ten million bucks she is. It’s time for her to feel pampered for a change.

photo: Thomas Pompernigg via flickr

Hela Spa DC
Moms can indulge in the Mother’s and Other Package for a pure natural facial, a 50 minute hot stone massage and an eye contour treatment.

Cost: $220/package

Hela Medical Spa
3209 M Street NW
Washington, DC 20007
Online: helaspadc.com

Mommy and Me Spa Escape
Get super luxurious, even down to pampering your mini-me with the Mommy and Me Spa Escape. With overnight accommodations, one Spa Minerale Manicure and Pedicure for Mom, one Happy Hands and Feet Manicure and Pedicure for Child, you won’t even have to shower at home. Or if you happen to be able to book a sitter, the Supermom Spa Retreat offers the all-out treatment that every mom deserves.

Cost: Varies per package.

Lansdowne Resort
44050 Woodridge Parkway
Leesburg, Va 20176
703-729-4036
Online: lansdowneresort.com

Ohana Wellness
Take the weight off your shoulders (along with this $10 off any massage gift card for Mother’s Day) with a stress reducing session. Swedish to Thai massage, easing pregnancy to postnatal discomforts, or even bringing your infant for joint massages, Ohana Wellness knows exactly how to reset your body to refresh mode.

Ohana Wellness
4815 St. Elmo Avenue
Bethesda, Md 20814
301-215-6388
Online: ohanawellnessbethesda.com

Because she’s patiently attended countless teddy bear tea parties

A tea party for mom and their pals, from tiny to tall, who aren’t furry and made of porcelain. Everything is less imaginary (although just as magical) at our selection below.

photo: DC Gardens via flickr

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
Overlooking Georgetown and the Potomac, Tudor Place is the perfect spot for moms and kids (ages 5 and up) to sip a cuppa and nibble on dainty sandwiches and desserts. During tea, have your silhouettes cut by a skilled local artisan—they’ll be matted and ready for an 8×10 frame upon departure. After tea, a guided tour of the mansion includes a look at 200-year-old silhouettes of the first children to grow up at Tudor Place.

Date: May 10, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Cost: $40/non-member adult; $35/member adult $20/child

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
1644 31st St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-965-0400
Online: tudorplace.org

How do you plan on spending Mother’s Day in D.C.? Tell us in the comments section below. 

— Katie Brown

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