It happens – in the middle of juggling groceries, doctor’s appointments, and after school activities you get the dreaded email:
“REMINDER: SCHOOL CLOSED TOMORROW.”
You think, “How could I possibly forget my children would be home?” I have at least two meetings scheduled and then I need to race myself to an appointment. EEK!
Take a breath and give yourself some grace. It’s so hard to keep track of everything, all the time.
Fortunately, there are some solutions for when you find yourself in a scheduling bind! The DC Area is home to several reputable drop-in daycares and kid-friendly co-working spaces. Drop-in day care centers are helpful during holidays and school breaks, and for accommodating irregular work schedules or just when you need some time to yourself. And, of course, family-friendly co-working spaces allow you to your work done while your children are attended to and having fun.
Drop-In Daycare Centers
Pathways Learning Academy | Arlington, VA
Address: 4238 Wilson Blvd 2nd Floor Arlington, VA 22203
Hours of Operation: M-F, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Purchase child care services in advance and use them whenever needed. Flex Care cards can be purchased 5 days at a time and can be used during the school year or summer. You need to call 48 hours in advance to reserve a spot prior to using one or all of the days on your Flex Care card. The schools put an emphasis on health and safety and a STEM curriculum.
Pouch | Arlington, VA
Address: 5107 Washington Blvd, Arlington VA 22205
Hours of Operation: M-F, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
This small daycare provides a safe and nurturing environment to prepare your littles for preschool. Each day of the week has a different activity including STEM, reading, sensory play, yoga, and Spanish. Spots must be reserved in advance and they do not accept walk-ins.
Bright Horizons | Various Locations in DC & VA
Address: Various Locations
Hours of Operation: Varies by Location
Drop-in day care is offered at several Bright Horizons locations, including Courthouse, Old Town, Crystal City, and L St. NW. Call your local center to confirm availability – drop-in hours are not available at all Bright Horizons locations.
Some federal employees may qualify for back-up childcare with Bright Horizons, which offers in-home and daycare center options. Bright Horizons also partners with military families to provide tuition assistance.
University for Kids| Washington DC, Various Locations
Address: Various Locations
Hours of Operation: Select Days, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Drop-in care is only available to kids currently enrolled in University for Kids and their siblings. You must book care in advance and cannot cancel. There are also options available to provide lunch for children during drop-in days.
La Petite Academy | Various Locations
Address: Various Locations in DC, MD, and VA
Hours of Operation: Varies by Location
La Petite Academy uses Flex Care cards, which can be purchased 5 days at a time and can be used during the school year or summer. You need to call 48 hours in advance to reserve a spot prior to using one or all of the days on your Flex Care card. Your child has access to healthy food and physical activity while in their care.
The Tot Space | Rockville, MD
Address: 1321A Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
Hours of Operation: M-F, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The Tot Space offers drop-in sessions by the hour in Rockville, MD for potty trained children ages 3-6. Each hour features a focus like yoga, art, sports, or music. You can book in advance online or show up as a walk-in. The Tot Space also offers a parents’ night out on the last Saturday of each month from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Kid-Friendly Co-Working Spaces
Cowo & Creche | Alexandria, VA
Address: 2034 Eisenhower Ave. Ste 200, Alexandria, VA 22314
Hours of Operation: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Cowo & Creche is for parents who need to drop in care for their little one every now and then as the need arises. There are three Flex Plans available for purchase, giving parents access to the co-working spaces and childcare for one child. Cowo & Creche has evolved into a religious-exempt model where parents can drop their child off or stay and work if they choose.
Mulberry Lane Play Cafe | Alexandria, VA
Address: 2016 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA 22301
Hours of Operation: M-F, 8:30 AM -5:30 PM, Sat + Sun, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Mulberry Lane is a Play Cafe that offers supervised play for children ages 1-6. The cafe offers flexible passes so that children can play for up to 3 hours while parents remain on site.
Two Birds | Various Locations
Address: Various Locations in DC, MD, and VA
Hours of Operation: Varies by Location
Two Birds is primarily a childcare center and preschool for infants – Pre-K4, but it also offers complimentary co-working spaces to parents who have children enrolled in one of their schools. A child must be enrolled for a parent to have access to the co-working space. Locations include West End, Old Town, Tenleytown, and Silver Spring.
Check out our Childcare Guide for more information on childcare providers in the DC area!
