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
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