Blog Posts for Fort Belvoir

PCSing to the DC area can be very difficult. There are so many places to live and you usually don't have much time once you get there for house hunting leave, so it's best to do your research online before hand. North vs South Arlington - Geography North and South Arlington is separated by Route 50. North Arlington is typically safer and has larger, more expensive homes. There is less pockets of lower income families which usually indicates higher test scores and higher property values. South Arlington is typically made up of smaller houses, commercial areas, and apartment complexes. There is... read more

No School? Need a fun activity? Spend the day at Mount Vernon This time of year I feel like there is a copious amount of school-free days for our kids. If you are within driving distance of Washington DC, I recommend skipping the overcrowded Smithsonians and enjoying a just as educational, but far more peaceful day trip to Mount Vernon, George Washington's plantation and estate. Before you get in the car, visit Mount Vernon's website to pre-plan and make the most of the day spent there. Review the daily calendar and the upcoming events During the winter months, the crowds in the museum and ed... read more

Halloween Trick or Treat at Hersheypark What is better than trick or treating at Chocolate World, Hersheypark? Pretty much nothing except for celebrating Christmas with Hershey’s hot chocolate in hand as you wander through a winter wonderland! With proximity to so many military families in the Washington D.C. area, Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a perfect overnight getaway any time of year, but particularly during the fall and winter months. The crowds are thinner and the festivities make the park extra special. Plus the park offers preview hours the night before you choose to enter... read more

Kayaking is my new favorite activity to do with our family! Kayaking??? Until recently I thought you had to be a super sporty, outdoorsman to kayak. It turns out you do not have to be the great outdoorsman to rent a kayak, strap on a life jacket, and paddle out onto the water with your kids! Kayak at 3 Different Washington DC Areas on the Potomac River 1. National Harbor Rent single or double kayaks, stand up paddle boards, pedal boats, a giant yellow duck pedal boat, or a giant white swan pedal boat. Giant duck/swan are great for little kids to ride in the back seat! National Harbor location... read more

Come out of the heat and cool off at one of 6 Washington DC waterparks! 6 Washington DC Waterparks #1 The Water Mine Family Swimming Hole The Water Mine Family Swimming Hole is our family favorite! Enjoy water slides for all ages. Toddlers can have fun in the zero entry water play areas and mini slides while big kids (up to about age 12) can have a blast cruising the lazy river and shooting down big kid water slides. I LOVE that I can take my 6, 9, and almost 12 year old children to The Water Mine and everyone has fun! I also love that I can station myself in multiple areas around the water p... read more