2018 Best for FAMILIES Results!

We asked, you voted! For more than 20 years, Washington FAMILY has been running our annual Best for FAMILIES survey. Each year, we ask our readers to vote for their favorite people, places and things to do in the DMV. And now, after tallying more than 16,000 online votes, this year’s survey results are here!

From the best family-friendly restaurant to the best gym or play place, read on to discover the best of what the D.C. area has to offer.

Education & 
Activities

 

 Best Arts Program

Tiny Dancers

tinydancers.com

621 S. Washington St. 
Alexandria, VA

10875 Main St., Ste. 113
 Fairfax, VA

2985 District Ave., Ste. 175
 Fairfax, VA

Tiny Dancers, for children ages 2-12, features a literacy-based ballet, tap, hip hop and musical theater program that provides dancers with an outstanding technical foundation in a fun, nurturing environment. Beginning with their exclusive Wiggletoes classes for ages 2-3 and continuing throughout the program, students are encouraged to learn through creative self-expression, exploration of movement and age-appropriate choreography. The curriculum uses choreographed stories — along with hundreds of custom-made costumes and props — as a teaching vehicle for dancers 2-5. As students master the fundamentals and mature as dancers, they graduate from fairy tales to a more intensive focus on technique, style, interpretation and choreography.

Best Ballet or Dance Studio

Tiny Dancers

tinydancers.com

621 S. Washington St.
 Alexandria, VA

10875 Main St., Ste. 113 
Fairfax, VA

2985 District Ave., Ste. 175
 Fairfax, VA

• Runner-Up •

Bella Ballet

Best Baseball Camp

Virginia Baseball Club

• Runner-Up •

Potomac Nationals

Best Child Care/Daycare Center

Bright Eyes Early 
Learning Center

• Runner-Up •

Minnieland Academy

• Editor’s Choice •

KinderCare

Best Children’s Cooking Classes

Tiny Chef’s

Best Children’s Theatre or Drama Instruction

Acting for Young People

afyp.org

4260 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax, VA

Best Children’s Yoga Classes

Heart & Soul Yoga

• Runner-Up •

Evolve Kids Yoga with 
Cathy Burke, E-RYT

Best Day Camp

Tiny Dancers

tinydancers.com

621 S. Washington St.
 Alexandria, VA

10875 Main St., Ste. 113
 Fairfax, VA

2985 District Ave., Ste. 175
 Fairfax, VA

Tiny Dancers, for children ages 2-12, features a literacy-based ballet, tap, hip hop and musical theater program that provides dancers with an outstanding technical foundation in a fun, nurturing environment. Beginning with their exclusive Wiggletoes classes for ages 2-3 and continuing throughout the program, students are encouraged to learn through creative self-expression, exploration of movement and age-appropriate choreography. The curriculum uses choreographed stories — along with hundreds of custom-made costumes and props — as a teaching vehicle for dancers 2-5. As students master the fundamentals and mature as dancers, they graduate from fairy tales to a more intensive focus on technique, style, interpretation and choreography.

• Runner-Up •

Whitman Summer Camp

Best Foreign Language Instruction

PandaTree

pandatree.com

Kids love learning Mandarin or Spanish with PandaTree’s live online video lessons. Engaging tutors make it fun for kids, ages 2-15, to build language fluency with each lesson tailored to the student. Interactive lessons get kids talking with stories, games, role plays and even virtual 3D tours. For kids between the ages of 2 and 5, PandaTree for Preschoolers is now available featuring videos, songs, puppets and games. Between lessons, kids return to their hub to practice and play personalized word games. Parents love the convenience of language lessons in their living room — no driving required. Try a 25-minute lesson free by 08/31/18 using code WASHFAM18.

Best Gymnastics Center

Capital Gymnastics National Training Center

Best Martial Arts Instruction

TopKick Martial Arts

Best Montessori

Oneness-Family School

onenessfamily.org

6701 Wisconsin Ave. 
Chevy Chase, MD

For 30 years, Oneness-Family School’s premier holistic learning environment has served families who value student-centered, project-based learning and personal growth alongside rigorous, evidence-based curriculum. OFS features hands-on and interdisciplinary learning in traditional core academics, STEM, the arts, languages, civics, conflict resolution and community service. This curriculum fosters nimble and collaborative thinkers, creators, builders and leaders with “big picture” perspectives who are prepared to succeed in a changing, challenging world. In small, dynamic classes, students tap into their natural passion for learning and individual interests. Oneness-Family School classrooms are alive with the spark of student engagement and initiative.

Best Music Instruction

International School 
of Music

ismw.org

10450 Auto Park Ave, Bethesda, MD

 Best Overnight Camp

Camp Tall Timbers

camptalltimbers.com

1115 Reflection Ln., High View, WV

At Camp Tall Timbers, we’ve been serving up fun and rewarding camp experiences every summer for more than 45 years. Located in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Camp Tall Timbers is convenient from throughout the DMV. Our camp offers a wide variety of entertaining, engaging, and inspiring activities for boys and girls from ages 7 to 16. Our camp experience promotes independence, decision-making, socialization, skill building, confidence, creativity and self-discovery in a safe, nurturing environment. Campers are encouraged to be themselves, try something new, unplug and have fun! We know what parents expect and what kids enjoy.

• Runner-Up •

Camp Rim Rock

Best Preschool Program

Georgetown Hill 
Early School

georgetownhill.com

14901 Dufief Mill Rd.
North Potomac, MD

Georgetown Hill Early School was founded in 1980 by Ellen Cromwell as a kindergarten enrichment program in Montgomery County. In 1983, our PLAN® curriculum was approved by MSDE, and thus began our school! After nearly 40 years of service, we continue to carry out Ellen’s essential belief that the best programs in early childhood can make learning a time of thriving and joy for children and families. Our formula for achieving this has always been the same; a child-centered focus, teachers who both care and are cared for, and a hands-on approach to learning. The result – a true school family.

Best Private Elementary School

The Langley School

• Runner-Up •

Pinecrest School

pinecrestschool.org

7209 Quiet Cove, Annandale, VA

Best Private High School

The Siena School

thesienaschool.org

1300 Forest Glen Rd.
Silver Spring, MD

Best Private School (overall)

Grace Episcopal School

Best SAT/ACT Test Prep

PrepU

prepututor.com

Best Special Needs Camp

Fitness for Health

Best Special Needs School

The Siena School

thesienaschool.org

1300 Forest Glen Rd.
Silver Spring, MD

Best STEM Program

Feynman School

feynmanschool.org

6300 Tilden Ln., Rockville, MD

Feynman School helps young gifted students grow. We celebrate each student’s intellectual curiosity and sense of self, promote inquisitive and creative thinking and foster caring and concern for others. Here, children revel in learning and prepare for full, fulfilling lives. We look for children with the high learning potential and appropriate maturity to thrive in a learning environment that is not only accelerated but in depth. As our students grow, our curriculum grows with them.

Best Swim School

Goldfish Swim School

goldfishswimschool.com

• Runner-Up •

British Swim School Central Maryland

Best Tutoring Program

PrepU

Best Yoga/Pilates Studio

Heart & Soul Yoga

• Editor’s Choice •

Yoga District

Best Youth Sports League

McLean Little League

• Runners-Up •

Annandale Boys and Girls Club

Arlington Soccer Association


 

Food

Best Caterer

Aldo’s Italian Kitchen

aldositaliankitchen.com

2850 Eisenhower Ave. 
Alexandria, VA

District Taco

• Runner-Up •

Lebanese Taverna

Best FAMILY Friendly Restaurant

Uncle Julio’s

• Runner-Up •

Spartan’s Family Restaurant

• Editor’s Choice •

Cactus Cantina

Best Farmer’s Market

Mosaic Central 
Farm Market

Best Food Truck

Dave’s Dogs

Best Grocery Store

Wegmans Food Markets

wegmans.com

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a 92-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland and Massachusetts. The family-owned company, recognized as an industry leader and innovator, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016. Wegmans has been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by FORTUNE magazine for 20 consecutive years, ranking #2 in 2017.

Best Health Food Store

MOM’s Organic Market

• Runner-Up •

Whole Foods Market

• Editor’s Choice •

TPSS Takoma Park Coop

Best Ice Cream/Frozen 
Yogurt Shop

SweetFrog

• Editor’s Choice •

Dairy Godmother

Best Local Bakery

Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe

• Editor’s Choice •

Fresh Baguette

Best Local Cheap-Eats Restaurant

District Taco

• Runners-Up •

El Paso Mexican Restaurant

CAVA

Best Local Cupcake Shop

Baked and Wired

• Runners-Up •

Georgetown Cupcake

Confections

Best Local Cup of Coffee

The Swiss Bakery

Northside Social

• Editor’s Choice •

Tryst

Best Local Outdoor/Patio Dining

Clare and Don’s 
Beach Shack

• Runners-Up •

Secret Garden Occoquan

Madigans

Best Local Restaurant with 
a Kid’s Night/Special

Silver Diner

Best Local Romantic Restaurant

L’Auberge Chez Francois

Best Local Sports Bar

Glory Days Grill

glorydaysgrill.com

 

Health

 

Best Allergy or Asthma Doctor

Dr. Courtney Blair

Best Children’s Dentistry

Little Pearls Dentistry for Children

littlepearlsdentistry.com

19465 Deerfield Ave., Ste. 302 Leesburg, VA

Best Children’s Therapist/Psychiatrist

Expressive Therapy Center

Montgomery County – North

10810 Darnestown Rd., Ste. 103
North Potomac, MD

Montgomery County – South

4400 East-West Hwy., Ste. 28
Bethesda, MD

Northern Virginia/DC

1320 Vincent Place
McLean, VA

expressivetherapycenter.com

For over 20 years Expressive Therapy Center has provided the DC area with a myriad of therapy services. We offer an array of therapeutic supports including testing, family therapy, parenting support and general assistance for individuals, groups, and couples.  Expressive Therapy Center offers an approach that is unique to each client by utilizing a range of techniques, including art, play, movement and traditional talk therapy. Our center can accommodate all ages from newborns to adults, with our group therapy options beginning at PreK.  We take the time to personally match each individual with a therapist and a specialized approach to best meet each individual’s needs.

• Runners-Up •

Fitness for Health OT & PT Program

Ashburn Psychological

Skills on the Hill, LLC

Best Dentist or Orthodontist

Gerlein Orthodontics

Hughes Orthodontics, Alexandria

Best Dermatologist

Dr. Janelle Nelson

Dr. Melissa Abrams of DermAssociates

McLean Dermatology and Skincare

Best Eye Doctor (Optometrist)

Treehouse Eyes

treehouseeyes.com

10215 Fernwood Rd., Ste. 401 A 
Bethesda, MD

8100 Boone Blvd., Ste. 150
 Tysons Corner, VA

Best FAMILY Doctor

Children’s Medical Associates of Northern VA

Best FAMILY Therapist/Psychiatrist

Creative Health Solutions – OT, Speech

Best Fertility Clinic

Shady Grove Fertility

Best Gym or Health Club

Golds Gym

• Runners-Up •

Fitness for Health

Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center

• Editor’s Choice •

VIDA Fitness

Best Hospital

INOVA Fairfax Hospital

• Runner-Up •

Virginia Hospital Center

Best Midwife

Arlington Women’s Center

Best Nutritionist/Dietician

Dr. Casandra McFarland, Envision Health Chiropractic and 
Wellness Center

envisionhealthchiropractic.com

121 Congressional Ln., Ste. 702 Rockville, MD

Best OB/GYN

Capitol Women’s Care

Best Orthopedist

OrthoVirginia

orthovirginia.com

Alexandria, Arlington, Burke, Fair Oaks, Fairfax, Herndon, McLean, Reston,

Springfield, Tysons Corner

OrthoVirginia of Northern Virginia is the area’s largest provider of expert orthopaedic and sports medicine care with over 40 physicians, 10 office locations, 8 physical therapy clinics and an outpatient surgery center. Our physicians are highly specialized in providing surgical and non-surgical treatment for joint pain, knee, shoulder, hip, hand, foot and ankle problems, as well as trauma treatment and sports medicine just to name a few. If you have acute or chronic pain stemming from your joints, back, bones or muscles, contact an OrthoVirginia location near you. Our skilled teams 
of expert doctors, physical therapists and staff can help put your life back 
in motion.

Best Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Skills on the Hill

skillsonthehill.com

405 8th St., N.E., Washington, D.C.

3508 Lee Hwy., Arlington, VA

Best Pediatrician 
Northern VA Pediatrics

• Runners-Up •

Children’s Medical Associates

Kaiser Permanente

Best Personal Trainer

Carolyn Siegel – Mommy Bootcamp

Best Physical Therapist 


Dr. Jill Wagner, Progressive Pediatric Physical Therapy

progressivepediatrics.net

150 South Washington St., Ste. 203
Falls Church, VA

Best Urgent Care

Patient First

patientfirst.com

Multiple locations in the D.C. Metro area. Please visit our web site for a location near you.

All Patient First Medical Centers are open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the year, including holidays. Patient First provides non-appointment urgent care for routine injuries and illnesses, as well as primary care for patients who do not have a regular physician. Each Patient First center has on-site digital x-ray, on-site laboratory, and on-site prescription drugs. Patient First operates medical centers in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Currently, we have eighteen Washington, DC metro area medical centers and look forward to opening in Falls Church in December 2018.

Best Weight Loss Program 
or Doctor

Weight Watchers

 

Home 
Improvement

 

Best Deck/Porch Builder

Long Fence

Best Electrician

Michael & Son

michaelandson.com

Locations in D.C., Maryland & Virginia

• Runner-Up •

Southern Electric

Best Furniture Store

Belfort Furniture

belfortfurniture.com

22250 Shaw Rd., Dulles, VA

Voted “Best Furniture Store” in Loudoun County since 1995, Belfort is more than an ordinary furniture store, it’s a source of inspiration, expert advice and latest trends. Belfort is a locally owned, family run business that offers a superior shopping experience for our customers. As a Top 100 Furniture Retailer in the USA, Belfort is the Washington, DC’s largest furniture store featuring over 100,000 square feet of quality, brand name home furnishings and premium mattresses for every decor and budget. We offer in-stock and custom order options. Make one stop to see inspiring displays of furniture for every room and in-home 
design services

• Runner-Up •

Arhaus

Best General Repairs/Handyman

Moss Building and Design

Best Heating & Air Conditioning Company

Michael & Son

michaelandson.com

Locations in D.C., 
Maryland & Virginia

• Runner-Up •

FH Furr

Best Home Builder

Toll Brothers

tollbrothers.com

19775 Belmont Executive Plaza
 Ste. 250, Ashburn, VA

7164 Columbia Gateway Dr.
 Ste. 230, Columbia, MD

Toll Brothers, an award-winning Fortune 500 company, embraces a dedicated commitment to qualify customer service. Since 1967, Toll Brothers had been creating luxury communities in the best locations across the country. In Northern Virginia and Maryland, Toll Brothers builds luxury homes in exceptional communities — including master-planned communities and those for active adults — from the low $300s to over $2 million. For four years in a row, Toll Brothers has been ranked the #1 Home Builder Worldwide on the Fortune Magazine “World’s Most Admired Companies” list.

Best Interior Decorator

On the Purple Couch, LLC – A Place to Create

Best Kitchen Designer

Cheryl Home Depot, 
Fairfax Circle

Best Painting Company

Hometown

WOW One Day Painting

Best Plumber

Pat’s Aquatics

Best Remodeling Company

Moss Building and Design

 

Party

 

Best Kid’s Birthday Party Venue

Tiny Dancers

tinydancers.com

621 S. Washington St.

Alexandria, VA

10875 Main St., Ste. 113

Fairfax, VA

2985 District Ave., Ste. 175

Fairfax, VA

Tiny Dancers, for children ages 2-12, features a literacy-based ballet, tap, hip hop and musical theater program that provides dancers with an outstanding technical foundation in a fun, nurturing environment. Beginning with their exclusive Wiggletoes classes for ages 2-3 and continuing throughout the program, students are encouraged to learn through creative self-expression, exploration of movement and age-appropriate choreography. 
The curriculum uses choreographed stories — along with hundreds of custom-made costumes and props — 
as a teaching vehicle for dancers 2-5. As students master the fundamentals and mature as dancers, they graduate from fairy tales to a more intensive focus on technique, style, interpretation and choreography.

• Runner-Up •

Rockin’ Jump

rockinjump.com

Best Kid’s Party Entertainer

Great Zucchini

• Runner-Up •

Mad Science

Best Place for a Team Party

Rockin’ Jump

rockinjump.com

The Ultimate Trampoline Park, 
Rockin’ Jump features open jump arenas, slam dunk zone, trampoline dodge ball, basketball, stunt bag, rock climbing wall plus private party rooms and café. Fun for the entire family! 
A member of the ASTM.committee that sets trampoline park safety standards, we demonstrate leadership in training staff to support a safe and fun experience. Safe, fun and simply the best — come check us out!

Best Party Supplies

Party City

 

People

 

Best Cosmetic Surgeon

Dr. David Allison

Dr. Poindextor

Dr. Shlomo Widder

Best Financial Planner

Alexia B. Redick, 
New York Life

newyorklife.com

1190 Sunrise Valley Dr., Ste. 301 Reston, VA

As a licensed Agent and Registered Representative of New York Life Insurance Company I offer a variety of products that can help you meet a number of insurance and financial needs, including, but not limited to college funding, retirement, managing costs for extended periods of care and lifetime income strategies. Please contact me to help you fully analyze your needs and recommend appropriate solutions. Neither New York Life Insurance Company, nor its agents, provides tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, or accounting professionals before making any decisions. Any testimonial on this site is based on an individual’s experience and may not be representative of the experience of other customers. These testimonials are no guarantee of future performance or success. I am not licensed in all jurisdictions.

Best Home Cleaning Service

Merry Maids

Maid Brigade

Best Local FAMILY Photographer

Jessica LS Photography

jessicalsphotography.com

[email protected]

Two-time winner

• Runner-Up •

Norma Fayak Photography


normafayakphotography.com

125 Mill St. #9, Occoquan, VA

Best Local News Personality

Doreen Gentzler

Best Local Professional Athlete

Alex Ovechkin

• Runner-Up •

Bryce Harper

Best Mechanic

Mike Stanoyevitch at Bethesda Sunoco

Best Mortgage Loan Officer

First Fidelity 
Funding Group

Best Nanny Service/Babysitter

Let Mommy Sleep

• Runner-Up •

SeekingSitters

Best Personal Organizer

The Make Room Organizer

Best Radio DJ/Show

Morning Edition – NPR

The Kane Show – Hot 99.5

Best Realtor

Kate Haldeman, 
Samson Properties

• Runner-Up •

Laurel Chinn

Best Swim Instructor

Toni McGillen – SwimKids, Leesburg, VA

 

Pets

 

Best Pet Groomer

Olde Towne Pet Resort

Best Pet Sitting/Boarding

Olde Towne Pet Resort

Best Pet Store

PetSmart

Best Pet Trainer

Kissable Canine

Best Veterinarian

Montrose Animal 
Health Center

Caring Hands

 

Places

 

Best Amusement Park

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Best Place of Worship

Cherrydale United Methodist Church

Best Concert Venue

Wolf Trap

• Runner-Up •

The Anthem

Best Family Day Trip

Harper’s Ferry

• Runner-Up •

Shenandoah National Park

Best Ice Skating Rink

Fairfax Ice Arena

• Runners-Up •

Reston Town Center

Kettler Ice House

Best Indoor Play Facility

Monkey Joe’s Dulles

• Editor’s Choice •

Badlands

Best Indoor Swimming Pool/
Rec Center

Chinn Aquatics and 
Fitness Center

Best Local Brewery

Old 690

• Runner-Up •

Caboose Brewery

• Editor’s Choice •

Dirt Farm Brewing

Best Local Getaway/Resort

Wintergreen Resort

Best Local Shopping Center 
or Mall

Tysons Corner Center

• Runner-Up •

Mosaic

Best Local Winery

Stone Tower Winery

• Runners-Up •

Barrel Oak Winery

Paradise Springs Winery

Best Movie Theater

Angelika Film Center

• Editor’s Choice •

The Avalon Theatre

Best Museum

Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

• Editor’s Choice •

Hirshhorn Museum

Best Petting Zoo

Leesburg Animal Park

leesburganimalpark.com

19270 James Monroe Hwy.

Leesburg, VA

Best Roller Rink

Skate-N-Fun Zone

Best Stadium

Nationals Park

Best Water Park

Water Country USA

Splashdown Waterpark

 

Retail

 

Best Children’s Consignment or Resale Store

529 Hollin Hall

• Runner-Up •

Little Lords and Ladies

Best Hair Salon for Children

Cartoon Cuts

Best Local Car Dealer

CarMax
Honda of Tysons

• Runner-Up •

Lustine Toyota

Best Children’s 
Clothing Store

Gymboree

Target

Best Children’s Furniture Store

Pottery Barn Kids

• Runner-Up •

Belfort Furniture

belfortfurniture.com

22250 Shaw Rd., Dulles, VA

Best Children’s 
Shoe Store

Nordstrom

Shoe Train

Best Selection of 
Children’s Books

Barnes & Noble

• Runners-Up •

Child’s Play

Politics and Prose

Best Local Toy Store

Doodlehopper for Kids

Best Place to Buy Musical Instruments

Fox Music Falls Church

Best Place to Buy Outdoor Play Equipment

Play N’ Learn’s Playground Superstores

Best Place to Buy 
Outdoor Play Equipment

Costco

 

Style

 

Best Accessories Store

Charming Charlie

Best Day Spa

Red Door Spa

• Runner-Up •

Sugar House – Old Town Alexandria

Best Hair Salon/Colorist

Red Door Spa

Best Jewelry Store

Mystique Jewelers

White & Ivory

Best Makeup Store

ULTA

Best Mani/Pedi

Red Door Spa

Best Men’s Clothing Store

Nordstrom

Best Personal Shopper/Stylist

Jessica Monte

• Editor’s Choice •

Trunk Club

Best Shoe Store

DSW

Best Upscale Consignment

Current Boutique

Best Women’s Clothing Store

Loft

 

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