Date Night + Family Outings Guide
(Written by Emily Thomas)
As parents and caregivers, we get so caught up in day-to-day life that we forget to schedule some time for ourselves. Plus there’s the organizational angle: Where to go? What to do? How do I find a great sitter (good thing we’ve got you covered on that one!)
One of the best ways to reconnect is to plan a date night or family outing! We have gathered up some of the best spots in our cities to enjoy the company of your loved ones.
Maryland
Food + Drinks = Community (@rhousebaltimore)
R. House all started with ten chefs who believed that uniting to launch
their restaurants was better than going it alone. At first glance it may look like just a food hall and bar, but it truly is a community. A gathering place, a kitchen table, an office, and a front stoop rolled into one. Just around the corner from the Baltimore Museum of Art, R. House is located in Remington, one of Baltimore’s top destinations for artists, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, makers, and innovators. In geography, identity, and spirit, Remington is the heart of the city with a diverse neighborhood where people take pride in their community. Pop in for a meal followed by a museum trip or maybe grab a cocktail at the bar while enjoying the company of others.
Learn With the Best (@baltchefshop)
With three full service kitchens Baltimore Chef Shop is an award winning one-of-a-kind teaching kitchen in the heart of vibrant Hampden, a food-lover's haven in the city of Baltimore. Here you can join in on hands-on cooking and baking classes where you can learn the techniques of professionals. Classes are aimed at all skill levels, including kids and teens classes for ages 8-17, couples cooking classes, and multi-week kitchen techniques series. You can even arrange for a group cooking party with your friends!
For our Annapolis/Severna Park fams, the Annapolis Culinary & Community Center at the Whole Foods Market Annapolis plans fun events and classes for all. From Kids’ Clubs to cooking classes, date nights to healthy eating classes – there is something for everyone!
Oldie But Goodie (@mustangalleys)
Mustang Alley is not your average bowling alley. Featuring 12 lanes of classic Duckpin bowling, a chef-inspired menu, a vibrant bar, and a private event room, Mustang Alley’s concept of an upscale retro bowling alley is one that is unique to the Baltimore City area.
Everyone Is An Artist (@the_avam)
The American Visionary Art Museum is truly a sight to behold. From the mirror laden permanent exhibit “Bling Universe” to the rotating exhibitions and the ongoing workshops open to the community - it is the official national museum, education center, and repository for intuitive, self-taught artistry. The AVAM specializes in original thematic exhibitions that seamlessly combine art, science, philosophy, humor and especially social justice and betterment. Visionary Art as defined for the purposes of the AVAM, refers to “art produced by self-taught individuals, usually without formal training, whose works arise from an innate personal vision that revels foremost in the creative act itself." In short, visionary art begins by listening to the inner voices of the soul, and often may not even be thought of as 'art' by its creator.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth (@vaccaros_pastry_shop)
Going on 67 years, Vaccaro’s is a staple in the Baltimore area. With a cafe menu of traditional Italian sweets made up of Italian Cookies, Cannolis, Rum Cake, Granita, Gelato and more there is a sweet for everyone in this little shop. In addition to desserts Vaccaro’s also offers a full cafe with delicious cappuccinos and the like. Cozy up at a table and enjoy a little slice of heaven, or take it to go and stroll the streets of Little Italy (with locations also in Canton Square and Hunt Valley).
Skate the Day Away (@annapolistowncenter)
Experience Annapolis Town Center’s ‘coolest’ destination! Their real ice rink is open from January 6 through February 22. Bring your own skates or rent a pair from us! NO RESERVATIONS NECESSARY. Admission is first come, first serve! For every adult admission, Tuscan Prime is gifting you a $11 bounce back card to use at their restaurant!
In search of some local indoor activities? Don’t forget to check out Annapolis Moms Network Indoor Activity Guide for more fun family outings! (@annapolismomsnetwork)
Denver, CO
Psychedelic Art Exploration (@meow__wolf)
Meow Wolf is a collective of 300 creatives (110+ from Colorado) three years in the making. This 4-story immersive art exhibition is home to 70+ unique installations, rooms, and portals. Together, they tell an unforgettable, cathartic tale of converged worlds. Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station is unforgettable, transformational, and not to be missed! Discover immersive psychedelic, mind-bending art and an underlying rich narrative as you take a journey of discovery into a surreal, science-fictional epic. From within the Convergence Station you also have access to other avenues of art, such as the Galleri Gallery, which is a flexible, rotating space that offers artists in Denver a national platform to showcase and sell their artwork and the Perplexiplex event space is a collaboration between Meow Wolf and the interactive technology and projection masters at Moment Factory. Local and national artists take the stage during specially ticketed shows throughout the year, and during normal exhibition hours.
Dessert as Science (@inventingroom)
The Inventing Room Dessert Shop is a creative dessert bar inspired by the whimsy in the 1971 “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” movie. This shop creates magical & seemingly impossible treats right in front of their guests with demonstrations galore. The “Sugar Science - Dessert Time Machine” takes you on a whimsical tasting journey exploring some of the origins of their favorite confections. Learn how your favorite desserts and candies were made in the past and how they might be presented in the future of dessert. From glow in the dark cotton candy to sundaes topped with liquid nitrogen magic, this sweets shop is sure to wow you!
Eat, Drink and Shop Retro (@garagesale__vintage)
Garage Sale Vintage was founded on a passion for nostalgia. You'll discover curated items from vintage vendors across the USA- from 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and Y2K era. You can shop from an unbelievable selection of vintage vinyl records. You even have an opportunity to re-discover your love for retro games like pinball while enjoying a house-made craft cocktail. (Locations in Denver and Lakewood, CO.)
Chill Vibes / Dance Club (@beacondenver)
With a dress code of “High Vibes and Big Smiles”, Beacon is an immersive art and dance bar designed as a combination of wildly themed and high-vibe spaces. They are a creation of our community of friends and artists and are designed to encourage conversation, playfulness, and creating memorable experiences through our quirky, intimate environments and interactive cast of inclusive bartenders. Inspired by their experiences at festivals, burns, and cities, they work exclusively with artists to create a space where “over the top” is the bare minimum. This is more than your average bar/dance club. Here you’ll find Beacon’s Art Bizarre held every month, a Backyard Oasis to gather with friends outdoors and an intimate dance floor called Dance Floor Under a Cloud which was designed with connection in mind without compromising the sound experiences, in addition to a number of other spaces to commune.
Creativity + Community (@upstairscircus)
Upstairs Circus is a DIY workshop-meets-bar concept where people can gather together to create unique leather working, woodworking, jewelry making, art and design projects. You are able to join in on a “Project Social”, which are at regularly scheduled times in which patrons gather together and make DIY, art & craft projects with a group. Or you can pick your own project to create from their “Project Menu”. There are 25+ projects to choose from - from leather working to jewelry making & more! Once you’ve decided which is your fit, simply reserve a spot! Upstairs Circus give you the time, supplies, tools and tutorials to make a masterpiece. Work at your own pace, enlisting our Creative Assistants for project tips, advice or help!
Boston, MA
Lace Up Your Skates (@frogpondboston & @skatingclubbos)
Throughout the city’s early history, Bostonians raced boats on Boston Frog Pond in the summer and skated when it froze over in the winter, yet shrinking city budgets eventually led to the pond’s decline. The pond leaked, and there was not always water to fill it, and the skating rink failed from lack of maintenance. It was revived in 1995 when the city built a new skating rink and leased the whole facility to the Boston Common Frog Pond Foundation. Today, Boston Frog Pond is co-operated with The Skating Club of Boston. And lucky for us, there are now year-round, family-friendly activities including the summer spray pool, historic carousel, winter ice skating, professional figure-skating shows, and special events!
Get Your Game On (@versusboston)
Gather up your quarters and enjoy some classics at Versus. They tout more than 30 arcade games including Ms.Pac Man, Mortal Kombat, TMNT and Space Invaders, various pinball games and Skee-Ball. There are also cornhole stations, shuffleboard, a giant Connect 4, tabletop Jenga, air hockey and Xbox and PlayStation consoles. With all of these amazing games to relive your childhood plus a pub bar menu, you won't be leaving any time soon!
Sing-a-Long! (@howlatthemoon)
Originally created as a dueling piano bar when established in 1990, Howl at the Moon has transformed into an ultimate entertainment experience with locations in major cities across the US. Versatile and talented musicians perform favorite songs from 80’s rock, 90’s pop and today’s dance hits on pianos, guitars and more. Their high-energy live music shows are centered around dance hits and party anthems that will get you dancing and singing along in no time!
A Foodies Paradise (@yummy_walks & @secretfoodtours & @bitesofboston)
Boston is known as “America’s Walking City”. We think walking is the best way to truly experience a neighborhood. Our tours highlight different neighborhoods that are filled with history, interesting architecture, and wonderful restaurants and markets. Trying traditional foods along the way completes the cultural experience. Food Tours All about giving everyone a giant, mouth-watering taste of life in Boston – the food, the culture, the history, and the people. share delicious food, support local businesses and entrepreneurs, and highlight the rich cultural history of off-the-beaten path destinations in Massachusetts and beyond! Some amazing food tour groups offering private and group tours are Yummy Walks, Secret Food Tours, Off The Beaten Path and Bites of Boston.
An afternoon spent on our walking food tour, eating, exploring, and experiencing some of Boston’s most vibrant and delicious neighborhoods is what long-lasting food memories are made of. Savor specialties from multiple local eateries all while learning the stories behind the Chefs and Owners that bring Boston’s food scene to life.
Blown Away (@diabloglassschool)
Feeling creative and a bit adventurous? Diablo Glass School offers beginner through advanced classes in glassblowing, flameworking, fusing and slumping, and stained glass. Diablo opened in 2001, creating a public access glass arts studio in Boston. They pride themselves on providing a place where people of all ages and skill levels are welcome to learn about glassblowing and other glass techniques in a warm, inviting, and fun atmosphere. At Diablo you can attend group workshops or book private classes for up to three people. Creating something truly unique through glass work will leave an impression and you will see a part of your personality in the piece.