Fun In the Summer

(or how to remain sane with children)

2009 Edition — first web version!

Content may include language pulled directly from websites, brochures and other promotional materials for the sake of accuracy and clarity.  This guide is mostly a compilation with some additional narrative interjected.  Significant sources of information include the Fairfax County and Loudoun County government web sites and the Our Kids Newsletter (www.our-kids.com). 

This is the third year for the “Summer Fun Guide” and this is the first year it has officially gone online.  Putting it online allows us to add content as new content is available or changes, so come back often.  This guide takes a lot of work to put together and many of you have emailed with wonderful praise — if you wouldn’t mind sharing your kind words in the comments section, that will help keep us going with further editions of the Summer Fun Guide and the Fall Fun Guide and will let our blog readers (and future advertisers) know that this is a well-read part of our site.   Enjoy — from mommy desperate to stave off summer boredom to another!

Summer Activities by Type 

 Most, but not all of the activities with a date are also listed in the activities by date section.

Class and Camps to Sign Up For:

Michaels Craft stores have kid’s craft camp – For ages 5-8 and 9-12  They have renamed their kids program The Knack and classes seem to be $5 (or sometimes free!) for half hour programs – check http://www.theknackkids.com/TheKnackFaculty.aspx  or the flyer for the schedule for the store closest to you.

Lake Anne Plaza – Free Children’s Art Workshops  - Every Saturday 10 am – NEW LOCATION Reston Art Gallery & Studios 703-481-8156 Make-and-take projects, themed for the seasons. Presented by Pat Macintyre. Free.  She has not yet listed what her projects will be this summer.

Home Depot Kids Workshops – First Saturday of every month between 9am and noon- see http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?pn=Kids_Workshops&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 for more details.  Although it says ages 5-12, I know people who have taken children (boys, in particular) who were younger.  They tend to list project a month at a time.

Lowe’s Build-to-Grow Clinics – Although recommended for elementary school kids, I know people who have taken younger children – use your own discretion.  Check out https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/ for class projects, dates, and sign ups.  They only list a month or so at a time.  The classes are approximately every two weeks.

Events at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park – Located at 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly, VA 703-631-0013 

• Nature Snoopers Camp, Nature Day Camp & Junior Naturalist Camp  Walk-in or phone registration (with credit card) for Nature Snoopers, Nature Day and Junior Naturalist Camps on Tuesday, April 14, 9am-4pm. By popular demand, this year’s camp activities are history inspired, “A Step Back in Time.” Campers learn how to live on a farm, make butter and cheese, grow crops in the fields and gardens, fish for food, hunt in the forest and build temporary shelters.

Session dates:
Four, week-long camps for ages 6-11:
July 6-July 10, ages 6-8. Six-year-olds must have completed 1st grade. $130per camper.
July 13-July 17, ages 6-8. Six-year-olds must have completed 1st grade. $130 per camper.
July 20-July 24, ages 9-11. $150 per camper.
July 27-July 31, ages 9-11. $150 per camper.

These four camps run from 9:30am to 12:30pm except on Thursdays. The camp for six to eight-year-olds will include a Thursday evening session with a campfire and s’mores, and the camp for nine to eleven-year-olds will include a Thursday overnight in the park with a campfire dinner and s’mores, and morning breakfast.

• Single-session classes and events:
  • Tuesday July 21 Northern Water Snakes (8 yrs. and up), 9-11am. Assist a naturalist with a reptile survey. Head out into the outback of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park to search for and capture water snakes. Learn the habits and preferred habitats of the aggressive but misunderstood snake. Wear shoes that can get wet. Reservations and advanced payment required by 7/18. $5
  • Wednesday July 22 Evening Explorations: Night Creek Walk (All ages), 8-9pm, Cabell’s Mill. Explore Big Rocky Run Stream at night! When the park shuts down nocturnal animals come out. Bring flashlights and wear good hiking shoes for this hike to locate and identify local nocturnal critters. $5/person
  • Sunday July 26 Turtles (All ages), 10-11am, Walney Pond. Meet a naturalist at Walney pond to learn about native turtles. See turtles close up and then search for them at the pond. Reservations and advanced payment required by 7/24. $5/person
  • Saturday August 8 Stream Stroll along Cub Run 9-11am. Stroll four miles along Cub Run and experience natural and cultural history hot spots of this unique stream valley. Be entertained by stories while enjoying low impact, outdoor exercise. Meet at the Prince Way trail head off Route 29. Reservations and payment required by 8/5. $3
  • Tuesday August 11 Snake Search (8 yrs. and up), 9-11am. Assist a naturalist with a reptile survey. Head out into the outback of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park to search for, capture, identify and release reptiles. Learn the habits and preferred habitats of our native snakes. Reservations and advanced payment required by 8/8. $5
  • Sunday August 16 Lizards (All ages), 10-11am. Watch a short movie on our native lizards and see some of our lizards up close. Join a naturalist on a short hike to try and find some of these elusive reptiles. Reservations and advanced payment by 8/13. $5/person
  • Wednesday August 19 Evening Explorations: Nectar Feeders 7-8pm. Find out how to attract butterflies and our local ruby-throated hummingbirds to your yard or patio using plants and/or special feeders. Make your own simple hummingbird feeder to hang outside a window, and receive flower seedlings attractive to butterflies. Reservations required. $3/person
  • Wednesday August 26 Evening Explorations: Nocturnal Animals Campfire (Families), 7-8pm. Join a naturalist for a night hike to learn about the park’s nocturnal animals. Catch and release fireflies, locate bats with a bat detector, and search for other live animals. At the campfire roast marshmallows and make s’mores. Reservations and advance payment required by 8/13. $10/family

Libraries have lots of summer programs, divided by age.  Many of them are listed in the “by date” section but there are way too many to type — go to these sites to find what’s appropriate for your children.  Remember that most require registration and they are very popular, so give yourself two weeks in advance to register.

• Fairfax County: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/programsevents.htm
  •  ALSO, the summer reading program, Read Around the World runs June 18-September 5 at all the branches.  Preschoolers through sixth graders read 15 books (kids can have books read to them), and students entering grades 7-12 read eight books.  Participants who finish reading the required number of books by September 5 receive coupon books filled with all kinds of summer treats — read more in this post.   Kids can read any books they choose; reading suggestions can be found in This Month, the library’s newsletter (available in library branches).  I will update this when details are available.
  • Don’t live in Fairfax County?  Loudoun County residents can still get a Fairfax County library card through their reciprocal card program!
• Loudoun County: http://engagedpatrons.org/Events.cfm?SiteID=6457
  •  Check this link for story times and other activities at Loudoun County libraries.  
  • Pick up a copy of the Summer Reading Guide and sign up for the new summer reading program (track your summer reading for prizes) at: http://library.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=330
  • Did you know that Fairfax County residents can hold a Loudoun County library card?  They have a reciprocal program – you just go in and fill out a form.  Loudoun County libraries have some terrific resources Fairfax County libraries don’t have.  The reverse is also true – Loudoun County residents may have a Fairfax County card!

Bookstore Reading Programs:  Check your local Barnes and Noble, Borders, or other bookstores for summer reading programs and story times.

 And even MORE Resources:

• o http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=883 (all of the parks and rec centers have activities; see their activity guide)
• o http://www.idalee.org/parks/programs/ (Ida lee is part of Leesburg parks)
• o http://www.idalee.org/parks/events/ (great events in Leesburg, especially the 4^th of July parade is fun)
• o Parktakes – Fairfax County’s parks and rec activity guide: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes.htm

Concerts and Performances:

Theater in the Woods at Wolf Trap – http://www.wolftrap.org/Find_Performances_and_Events.aspx?v=Theatre-in-the-Woods&t=x&g=x&year=2008&month=6&click=1&x=10&y=10  With performances from late June through early August, Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods presents family-friendly shows at 10 am and 11:15 am on Tuesdays through Saturdays. Amidst 117 rolling wooded acres and nestled in a shady grove, the stage is set for lively adventures in music, dance, storytelling, puppetry, and theater. All performances are recommended for children between Kindergarten and 6th grade.  Schedule, program, and artists are subject to change.  Tickets are required for all performances for adults and children ages 3 and up. Tickets are $8.00 each for one show or $10.00 for both shows on the same day. Wolf Trap recommends that patrons purchase tickets in advance because performances quickly sell out.  Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 1(877) WOLFTRAP, or at the Filene Center Box Office.

• Tuesday, 7/21/09 10:00AM  Hobey Ford’s Goldenrod Puppets – Animalia
• Tuesday, 7/21/09 11:15AM  Cathy & Marcy’s Song Shop – Beat Box & Banjos/Christylez Bac
• Wednesday, 7/22/09 10:00AM  Hobey Ford’s Goldenrod Puppets – Animalia
• Wednesday, 7/22/09 11:15AM  Cathy & Marcy’s Song Shop – Beat Box & Banjos/Christylez Bac
• Thursday, 7/23/09 10:00AM  Hobey Ford’s Goldenrod Puppets – Animalia
• Thursday, 7/23/09 11:15AM  Cathy & Marcy’s Song Shop – Beat Box & Banjos/Christylez Bac
• Friday, 7/24/09 10:00AM  Hobey Ford’s Goldenrod Puppets – Animalia
• Friday, 7/24/09 11:15AM  Cathy & Marcy’s Song Shop – Beat Box & Banjos/Christylez Bac
• Saturday, 7/25/09 10:00AM  Hobey Ford’s Goldenrod Puppets – Animalia
• Saturday, 7/25/09 11:15AM  Cathy & Marcy’s Song Shop – Beat Box & Banjos/Christylez Bac
• Tuesday, 7/28/09 10:00AM  Maryland Youth Ballet – Caroline Goes to the Rodeo
• Tuesday, 7/28/09 11:15AM  Wolf Trap Opera Studio – Instant Opera
• Wednesday, 7/29/09 10:00AM  Maryland Youth Ballet – Caroline Goes to the Rodeo
• Wednesday, 7/29/09 11:15AM  Wolf Trap Opera Studio – Instant Opera
• Thursday, 7/30/09 10:00AM  Maryland Youth Ballet – Caroline Goes to the Rodeo
• Thursday, 7/30/09 11:15AM  Wolf Trap Opera Studio – Instant Opera
• Friday, 7/31/09 10:00AM  Maryland Youth Ballet – Caroline Goes to the Rodeo
• Friday, 7/31/09 11:15AM  Wolf Trap Opera Studio – Instant Opera
• Saturday, 8/1/09 10:00AM  Maryland Youth Ballet – Caroline Goes to the Rodeo
• Saturday, 8/1/09 11:15AM  Wolf Trap Opera Studio – Instant Opera
• Tuesday, 8/4/09 10:00AM  Rocknoceros – Painting the Town Pink!
• Tuesday, 8/4/09 11:15AM  Bob Brown Puppets – Clowning Around
• Wednesday, 8/5/09 11:15AM  Bob Brown Puppets – Clowning Around
• Thursday, 8/6/09 10:00AM  Rocknoceros – Painting the Town Pink!
• Thursday, 8/6/09 11:15AM  Bob Brown Puppets – Clowning Around
• Friday, 8/7/09 10:00AM  Rocknoceros – Painting the Town Pink!
• Friday, 8/7/09 11:15AM  Bob Brown Puppets – Clowning Around
• Saturday, 8/8/09 10:00AM  Rocknoceros – Painting the Town Pink!
• Saturday, 8/8/09 11:15AM  Bob Brown Puppets – Clowning Around

Great kid’s music – Rocknoceros – http://www.rocknoceros.com – They have set performance dates each month at Jammin Java in Vienna (Almost every Wednesday at 10:30am) and also at Clifton Town- check their web site for details.  At most performances they have a “suggested donation” – these are musicians who do this for a living after all.  This is like full-on rock concert for kids – expect dancing, singing along, etc.  A partial listing of their schedule follows:

• 7/20 Clifton Town Meeting Hall 10:30am 12641 Chapel Road, Clifton, VA
• 7/22 (2 Shows) 10:30am and 12:30 pm JAMMIN’ JAVA!  227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA 22180
• 7/29 (2 Shows) 10:30am and 12:30 pm JAMMIN’ JAVA!  227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA 22180
• 8/3 Clifton Town Hall Meeting 1030am 12641 Chapel Road, Clifton, VA
• 8/4 Wolf Trap Theatre in the Woods, Vienna VA 10am
• 8/5 Wolf Trap Theatre in the Woods, Vienna VA 10am
• 8/6 Wolf Trap Theatre in the Woods, Vienna VA 10am
• 8/7 Wolf Trap Theatre in the Woods, Vienna VA 10am
• 8/8 Wolf Trap Theatre in the Woods, Vienna VA 10am
• 8/11 Sherwood Regional Library, Alexandria VA 10am
• 8/12 (2 Shows) 10:30am and 12:30 pm JAMMIN’ JAVA!  227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA 22180
• 8/17 Clifton Town Meeting Hall 10:30am 12641 Chapel Road, Clifton, VA
• 8/19 (2 Shows) 10:30am and 12:30 pm JAMMIN’ JAVA!  227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA 22180
• 8/26 (2 Shows) 10:30am and 12:30 pm JAMMIN’ JAVA!  227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA 22180
• 9/3 6/4 11am Dulles Town Center Mall, 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Dulles, VA  Macy’s Court, Lower Level

Great kid’s music — mister don  Through his special passion for children’s music, mister don has emerged as one of the mid-Atlantic regions best-loved family entertainers.  He received the Washington Area Music Association Wammie award for Children’s Vocalist for both 2004 and 2005 and the Children’s Artist Wammie award for 2006.

• Every Tuesday, 10:30-11:15 am Jammin Java, Glyndon Shopping Center, 227 MapleAvenue East (Rte. 123), Vienna, VA. 703.255.1566 www.jamminjava.com Admission: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids
• Every 2^nd & 5th Tuesday, 6:00-8:00 pm Silver Diner Kids Night – , 12250 Fair Lakes Parkway, Fairfax, VA. 703.359.5999, Free, but tipping encouraged
• 3^rd Wednesday of each month, 5:00-7:00 pm Family Night @ Fair Oaks Mall Chick-fil-A, Fairfax, VA. Free, but tipping encouraged.
• Every Saturday is Sweet Life Saturday, 9:15-10:00 am The Sweet Life Cafe, 3950 Chain Bridge Road (Rte. 123 @ North St.), Fairfax, VA 703.385.5433 www.thesweetlifecafefairfax.com mister don or a substitute appears. Suggested contribution: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids.
• Daily Grind Coffee House & Cafe, Stone Ridge Village Center, 42020 Village Center Plaza, Stone Ridge, VA. 703.327.8702. www.dailygrindunwind.com. ADC Loudoun County Map 36, J-7. mister don appears on the 2nd Monday of each month from 4:00-5:00 pm and on the last Thursday of each month from 10:15-11:00 am. Suggested contribution: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids. Note: No show on Thanksgiving Day.
• Deja Brew Coffee House, Gainesville Square, 14630 Lee Highway, Gainesville, VA.703.754.7784. mister don appears on the first Monday of each month from 1:00-1:45 pm and on the third Monday of each month from 10:30-11:15 am. Suggested contribution: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids. Note: No show on Labor Day.
• Check mister don’s website for a complete listing of his appearances throughout VA and MD and for posted changes to his schedule: http://www.donbridgesongs.com

Great kid’s music – Oh Susannah – http://www.susannahmusic.com/home.html -

• Thursday, June 25 10:30am Jammin Java, Glyndon Shopping Center, 227 Maple Avenue East (Rte. 123), Vienna, VA.  703.255.1566 www.jamminjava.com $5/kid
• Thursday, July 2 10:30am Jammin Java, Glyndon Shopping Center, 227 Maple Avenue East (Rte. 123), Vienna, VA.  703.255.1566 www.jamminjava.com $5/kid
• Thursday, July 2 7pm Alexandria Public Library, Burke Branch 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria VA 22304, 703-519-6000, Price: Free!
• Thursday, July 14 10am and 11am Alexandria Library-Duncan Branch 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Alexandria VA
• Thursday, July 22 10:30am Jammin Java, Glyndon Shopping Center, 227 Maple Avenue East (Rte. 123), Vienna, VA.  703.255.1566 www.jamminjava.com $5/kid

Arts in the Parks Free Summer Concert Series – Saturday Children’s series 10:00am  Free children’s entertainment series concerts 10am on Saturdays in Fairfax County Parks including Ellanor C. Lawrence, Burke Lake, Lake Fairfax and Mason District.  Programs are cancelled in case of rain, so call the number for the park to check if weather is iffy.  See http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/downloads/09ArtsintheParksWeb.pdf for details.

Burke Lake Park Amphitheater  703-323-6601  7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039

• July 25 Blue Sky Puppet Theater (Puppets)
• August 1 Bob Brown Puppets (Puppets)
• August 8 Young Audiences of Virginia ‘Clowning Around
• with Shakespeare’ (Theater)
• August 15 The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s OTO Brass Quintet (Music)
• August 22 The GoodLife Theater (Puppets)

E.C. Lawrence Park Amphitheater  703-631-0013  5040 Walney Road, Chantilly, VA 20151

• with Shakespeare’ (Theater)
• July 25 The GoodLife Theater (Puppets)
• August 1 Blue Sky Puppet Theater (Puppets)
• August 8 The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s OTO Percussion Duo (Music)
• August 15 Bob Brown Puppets (Puppets)
• August 22 The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s OTO Brass Quintet (Music)

Lake Fairfax Park Amphitheater  703-471-5414  1400 Lake Fairfax Park, Reston, VA 20190

• July 25 Bob Brown Puppets (Puppets)
• August 1 Young Audiences of Virginia ‘Clowning Around
• with Shakespeare’ (Theater)
• August 8 The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s OTO Brass Quintet (Music)
• August 15 The GoodLife Theater (Puppets)
• August 22 The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s OTO Percussion Duo (Music)

Mason District Park Amphitheater  703-941-1730  6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003

• July 25 Young Audiences of Virginia ‘Clowning Around
• with Shakespeare’ (Theater)
• August 1 The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s OTO Brass Quintet (Music)
• August 8 The GoodLife Theater (Puppets)
• August 15 The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s OTO Woodwind Quartet (Music)
• August 22 Blue Sky Puppet Theater (Puppets)

Fairfax Corner Little Tots Concerts - Every other Wednesday of the month at 10:30am.  Free children’s entertainment! All shows held in the Fountain Plaza.  Cancelled in the event of inclement weather.   For More Information, please call (703) 227-0894 or visit www.FairfaxCorner.com 4245 Summit Corner Dr, Fairfax, VA  Note:  They are selling red hats for $5 (part of which goes to a children’s cancer charity) and each week, your child will get a discount for wearing that red hat, i.e. on June 3, California Pizza Kitchen offered free kid’s lunch with the purchase of $10 to children wearing a red hat.

• July 29 Mr. KnickKnack
• Aug 12 Mad Science: ABC’s of Science
• Aug 26 Animal Ambassadors Amazing Animals

Fairfax Corner Summer Concert Series  – 6-8:30 pm. Nighttime fun for the family!  Saturdays, June 12 – August 29, except 4^th of July.  Cancelled in the event of inclement weather. For More Information, please call (703) 227-0894 or visit www.FairfaxCorner.com 4245 Summit Corner Dr, Fairfax, VA

• July 25  Wes Tucker
• August 1  Eric Scott
• August 8  Merchants of Cool
• August 15 The Dreamscapes Project
• August 22  The English Channel
• August 29  International Children’s Festival Preview Event, Presented by the Arts Council of Fairfax County

Market Fun Days • Farmer’s Market Children’s Series Performances 10:30-11:15am on Thursdays beginning July 9  Free and open to the public.  In front of the Visitor Center, right next to Old Town Hall in Herndon – 777 Lynn Street.  A list of performers was not yet available.

Music Under the Stars Free to the public •• 77:30–9:00pm • Herndon Town Green 777 Lynn Street Check this site for future updates about the performers: http://www.herndon-va.gov/Content/Parks_rec/Special_events/Music_Under_the_Stars/default.aspx  

• July 18
• August 15

Friday Night Live! FNL! is a FREE outdoor concert series on the Town Green in Herndon. Hear great bands and enjoy summer at the 15th Season of FNL!  6:30 – 10:30pm Friday Night Live free outdoor concert series on the Town Green in Herndon – 777 Lynn Street, Herndon Event hotline: (703) 481-6133 http://018c41a.netsolhost.com/joomla1/  Call for weather, schedule and other updates.

• July 24 B2B
• July 31 JunkFood + Fools & Horses
• August 7 HyJink + Rise & Fall
• August 14 Gonzo’s Nose
• August 21 Drop Dead Sexy
• August 28 Go Go Gadjet

Children’s Shows at Lake Anne Village Center. 11am – 11:30am. 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. June 9 until August 27, every Tuesday and Thursday. Lake Anne Merchants present free shows for children featuring an array of characters and clowns singing songs, performing magic, and more. For the schedule, visit www.lakeanneplaza.com FREE For Children’s Shows information call: MSE Productions at (703) 620-5554

• July 21 Outback Jack
• July 23 MizzNemec’s Pretend Stories
• July 28 Chuck’s Amazing Feats
• July 30 Banjer Dan
• August 4 Country Lady
• August 6 Gleemania – Snow White
• August 11 Zee Keyboard Man
• August 13 Turley the Magician
• August 18 Amazing Phil – Juggling, Swords & More!
• August 20 Peter McCory One-Man Band
• August 25 Bingo the Clown
• August 27 Unicycle Lady Pirate Show

They also have Thursday evening concerts 7-9pm – bring a blanket or chair or enjoy outdoor dining at one of Lake Anne’s restaurants.

• July 23 Oasis Calypso & Reggae
• July 30 Uptown Vocal Jazz Swing
• August 6 Big Hillbilly Bluegrass Bluegrass
• August 13 Marty Nau Quartet Bebop Jazz
• August 20 Iona Traditional Pan-Celtic

Concerts in Loudoun County – check this website  for summer concerts in many Loudoun neighborhoods: http://www.bluemont.org/Concerts/concerts_intro.html.  Sadly, the bad economy has impacted their sponsors, but they are determined to let the show go on. 

• http://www.bluemont.org/Concerts/Town_Ashland.html
• http://www.bluemont.org/Concerts/Colonial_Beach.html
• http://www.bluemont.org/Concerts/Culpeper.html
• http://www.bluemont.org/Concerts/Fredericksburg.html
• http://www.bluemont.org/Concerts/Leesburg.html
• http://www.bluemont.org/Concerts/Middleburg.html
• http://www.bluemont.org/Concerts/Warrenton.html
• http://www.bluemont.org/Concerts/Winchester.html

Loudoun Summer Music Fest!  Family-friendly concerts http://www.liveatbelmont.com/.  Tough times are impacting this non-profit as well, so they are holding a friendraising drive right now – you can sign up to be a “Friend of the Loudoun Summer Music Fest”.  The schedule still had some unfilled info in it, but August seems to be 80’s month — check out http://www.liveatbelmont.com/schedule.html for more information.

Glen Echo Park is situated on the Potomac palisades near Bethesda, Maryland. Originally a Chautauqua retreat, then an amusement park, this National Park is now host to a variety of arts, environmental and history programs.  Enjoy a puppet show or theater performance with your family and ride the carousel.  Learn more about the environment while you play, or take a ranger-guided historic tour.  Check out all they have to offer at http://www.glenechopark.org/

Movies (great for rainy days!):

Free Drive-in Movies – Saturday evenings in August – Sully District Starlight Cinema – movies are cancelled in case of rain.  Call 703-324-SHOW (7469) for cancellation information.  http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/starlight.htm   Come experience the old-fashioned fun of the drive-in movie!  Watch from the comfort of your car, or bring your picnic blanket or beach chairs and sit in the designated seating area in front of the screen. Gates open at 6.  Pre-movie activities include music, food and children’s activities. 

Movies start at dark, sometime after 7:30pm. Location: The Trinity Centre, 5875 Trinity Parkway, Centreville, VA 20120.

• August 1 - Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
• August 8 – Kung Fu Panda
• August 15 – Hotel For Dogs
• August 22 – Monsters Vs. Aliens

Worldgate in Herndon has free movies in the summer – Centreville Road/Elden Street & Worldgate Drive • Herndon, VA 20170.  Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 am they show a G-rated and PG-rated movie., doors open at 9am.  Check http://www.worldgatecentre.com/events.asp  to view the listings and details. 

• 7/21 & 7/22 , Tale of Despereaux (G),  Evan Almighty (PG)
• 7/28 & 7/29 , Mr. Bean’s Holiday (G),  Shrek the Third (PG)
• 8/4 & 8/5 , Veggie Tales: Pirates Who Don’t… (G),  Kung Fu Panda (PG)
• 8/11 & 8/12 , Space Chimps (G),  Madagascar 2 (PG)
• 8/18 & 8/19 , Charlotte’s Web (G),  Bee Movie (PG) 

Fairfax Corner 14 CINEMA DE LUX offers “Baby Pictures” one Thursday a month at 10:00am — apparently you should check the schedule around the second week of the month.  http://www.nationalamusements.com/programs/baby_pictures.asp?page=2  This is a special opportunity for parents and babies to enjoy the latest movies in a family-friendly setting!  They tend to list only one movie at a time, so check the web site frequently, but start looking around the 12th of the month or so.

Bookworm Wednesdays is a fun and rewarding summer reading program developed to encourage young children to read during the summer months. Beginning July 8 10 am Bookworm Wednesdays entitles kids to free admission to a select children’s film when they present a book report at participating Showcase/Multiplex Cinemas or Cinema de Lux box office.  Children under six who accompany a participant and adults who accompany a participant receive free admission to the Bookworm Wednesdays movie and do not need to submit a book report. Read more at: http://www.nationalamusements.com/programs/bookworm.asp?page=1     Form available at: http://www.nationalamusements.com/forms/BWEntryForm2008.pdf  Fairfax Corner 14: Cinéma De Lux 11900 Palace Way Fairfax, VA 22030 703-502-4060 or Centreville Multiplex Cinemas 6201 Multiplex Drive Centreville, VA 20122   (703) 502-4060.  The following movies are scheduled:   

• July 22 Kung Fu Panda
• July 29 The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything
• August 5 Space Chimps
• August 12 The Tale of Despereaux

Regal Cinemas Free Movies in the Summer: http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=VA  Selected G & PG movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday. First-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity.

 Participating theaters:

• Fairfax Towne Center 10, 4110 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22033 703-591-1020
• Manassas Stadium 14, 11380 Bulloch Drive, Manassas, VA 20109 703-366-2842
• Fox Stadium 16, 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn ,VA 20148, 703-957-1027
• Countryside Stadium 20, 45980 Regal Plaza, Sterling ,VA 20165 703-404-8603

 Schedule:

• 07/21/2009-07/22/2009 Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G) Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)
• 07/28/2009-07/29/2009 Everyone’s Hero (G) Kung Fu Panda (PG)
• 08/04/2009-08/05/2009 Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G) Star Wars: Clone Wars (PG)
• 08/11/2009-08/12/2009 Charlotte’s Web (G) Barnyard (PG)
• 08/18/2009-08/19/2009 Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G) Monster House (PG)

 Farmers’ Markets:

Go to a Farmer’s Market – see a list of them at these sites:

• Fairfax County: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farm-mkt.htm
• Loudoun County: http://www.loudounfarms.org/default.asp?contentID=49
• Fairfax Corner – Tuesdays 3:30 – 6:30, through October

 Festivals:

•  Great Country Farms is always looking for a reason to celebrate – see their web site for details – www.greatcountryfarms.com.
  • July 25 & 26 Blackberry Bonanza & Wellness Fest Adm. $10.00/person (includes wine tasting)
  • August 16 & 17Dog Days Peach & Sunflower Fest – bring your dog!! Adm. $10.00/person
  • Sept. 5 & 6 Pancakes & Potatoes Weekend Adm. $10.00/person
  • Sept. 19 & 20 Cider Festival & Antique Tractors $10/person
• Reston Festival July 12 – 13, Saturday 10am to 10pm; Sunday: 10am to 7pm at Reston Town Center Admission: Free, various charge for activities. The Reston Festival is a great place for kids activities — arts & crafts, wee play tent, face painting, puppet shows and other fun things. There is a main stage with entertainment, arts & craft vendors as well as business and community booths.

 Anytime Activities:

 Parks and Playgrounds

• Learn more about all Fairfax County parks at: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/  Some favorites include:
  • Clemyjontri Park 6317 Georgetown Pike McLean, 22101 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/clemyjontri/playground.htm
  • Cub Run Rec Center 4630 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly, next to Westfields HS.  http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/wcrec.htm  In addition to the many classes and activities Parks and Rec has there, they have a fantastic indoor swimming pool with a tot lot water park, a wave pool, swimming channel, and for the big kids, a GIGANTIC slide.  They have a new playground, built just this year.  You can pay-as-you-go, buy a fast pass with 25 visits, or buy a membership for the pool and fitness center.  They now have an outdoor playground as well.
  • Burke Lake Park – 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039 703-323-6600 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burkelake/ Miniature golf, miniature train ride, carousel, ice cream parlor, picnic areas with grills and public restrooms, fitness trails, playgrounds, campground and camp store and 4.68 mile hiking/biking trail.
  • Eleanor C Lawrence Park  -  5040 Walney Road, Chantilly, VA 703-631-0013  http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ecl/ – nice hiking trails, a visitor’s center with snakes, frogs, turtles.
  • Riverbend Park – 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA 22066 703-759-9018   www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/  has hiking trails, wildflowers and birds as well as picnic area with grills and a deck overlooking the Potomac River.  Park sales offers ice cream, drinks and snacks.
  • Lake Accotink Park – offers canoe, rowboat and pedal boat rentals, an old fashioned carousel, fishing, tour boat rides, picnic shelters and facilities, playground and trails.  http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/accotink/  7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield, VA
  • Lake Fairfax – 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, VA 20190 703-471-5415 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/lakefairfax/  has a carousel, athletic fields, picnic shelter, picnic areas with grills, playground, restrooms, campgrounds and nature trail which features tubing on the rattlesnake Lazy river, a baby pool at Tenderfoot Pond, slides, water cannons, tunnels, towers and more.
  • Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole at Lake Fairfax Park  1400 Lake Fairfax Dr. Reston, VA 20190 703-471-5415  Features tubing on the rattlesnake Lazy river, a baby pool at Tenderfoot Pond, slides, water cannons, tunnels, towers and more. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/watermine/  Note:  There is a coupon on the inside, back cover of the summer Parktakes catalog for $2 off general admission.  Also, there was coupon in last year’s Fairfax County Library summer reading coupon book.
  • My new personal favorite – Hidden Pond Park and Nature Center (don’t confuse it with Hidden OAKS) 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield, VA.  This place has it all – a playground, a wonderful wooded trail, a pond full of turtles, hiking trails through the woods, bike paths, a stream, and to top it all off – a FANTASTIC nature center.  The volunteers at the nature center will often pull out a skink or turtle for the children to touch.  There are magnifying glasses to take a look and, b/c the back of the nature center is actually on the second floor, a solid window wall from which to get an eye-to-eye view of the birds at the bird feeder (and if that isn’t close enough – they will lend you binoculars).  There are puzzles, a coloring station – just all kinds of things.  This is a very kid-friendly nature center and they have put up with some very active younger siblings.  Bonus – they sell cold bottled water and popsicles for those really hot days.  And there are bathrooms.
• Learn more about Loudoun County parks at: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=883 and http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=924   Some favorites include:
  • Ashburn Park is especially nice and shady — 43645 Partlow Road, Ashburn 
  • Claude Moore Park – 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road Sterling, VA 20164 Phone: 571-258-3700  http://www.loudoun.gov/prcs/parks/claude.htm This park has a wonderful nature center with lots of hands on activities (animals skins, bones, shells, etc.), books, puzzles, usually a new activity each month to do.  Simply terrific.  There are picnic tables near the nature center, so bring a picnic!  There is also the Heritage Farm Museum (there is an admission fee for this) which is a neat please-touch type of exhibit about farm life in our area in older times.  You can weigh and measure grain in a sensory table, grind some grain, “milk” the life-sized plastic cow, pick up wooden eggs from underneath the rubber hens in the chicken coop, try on historic farm outfits, walk through a general store, ride on small tractors, etc.
  •  http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=883  (all of the parks and rec centers have activities; see their activity guide)
  • http://www.idalee.org/parks/programs/ (Ida Lee is part of Leesburg parks)
  • http://www.idalee.org/parks/events/ (great events in Leesburg, especially the 4^th of July parade is fun)
• Signal Bay Waterpark is a fun water park with a toddler play area, a lazy river, and water slides — in 2008 there were coupons in the Fairfax County Library Summer reading program to this park, so there may be again this year 9300 Signal View Dr Manassas Park, VA 20111 http://www.cityofmanassaspark.us/public_documents/manassasparkva_parksrec/signal
• Learn more about Northern Virginia Regional Parks at: http://www.nvrpa.org/  
• Van Dyke Park in Fairfax City – 3722 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax –has lots of nice features including a rock climbing wall, sand pit, sand diggers, and a pavilion, for older kids, there is a skateboard park.
• See reviews of local parks and playgrounds at: http://www.our-kids.com/public/t/?f=1&s=101&t=204&expand=true
• Do you have a terrific playground in your neighborhood?  Email me with the address or good directions!

Places to Miniature Golf in Virginia-  

Algonkian Regional Park, Broad Run Mini Golf, Bull Run Regional Park, Burke Lake Park Mini Golf, Cameron Run Regional Park, Dulles Golf Center & Sports park, Fountainhead Regional Park, Jefferson Falls Mini Golf, Locust Shade Park Mini Golf, Oak Marr Mini Golf, Pohick Bay regional Park, Upton Hill Regional Park, Woody’s Golf Range, Lucky Duck Miniature Golf Course in Lake Accotink Park  More details at: http://www.our-kids.com/public/t/?f=1&s=101&t=201 

Other activities:

• Play in the fountains at Fairfax Corner or Lake Ann in Reston.
• Visit the farm at Great Country Farms www.greatcountryfarms.com where they have a giant outdoor bouncy pillow (like a bouncy house), a corn pit (like a sand box, but with dried corn kernels), a ropes course, mazes and other fun stuff.
• Go to a pick your own farm (in addition to Great Country Farms mentioned above) – see a list at: http://www.our-kids.com/public/t/?f=1&s=103&t=215

Rainy Day List:

 A list of activities that occur any time and are good for rainy days, or day when it is just too hot to be outside.

• Dulles Town Center:
  • Dulles Express train rides inside the mall. Board at the Sears wing. Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday: 10:00am – 7:00pm Sunday: 12 Noon – 5:00pm  Ticket Pricing: $1.50 per person
  • Carousel Island Carousel – located in the upper level food court, rides are $1.50 per person.
• Bowling for Kids – BowlAmerica in Chantilly and on Dranesville Rd. both have kids bowling with bumpers, lighter balls, and ramps for the balls.
• Indoor pool at Claude Moore Park: Leisure/Water Park Pool, Monday-Friday 9:00am – 8:45pm, Saturday & Sunday, 11:00am – 7:45pm 571-258-3600
• Indoor Pool at Cub Run (see details in Parks above)
• Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum at Claude Moore Park, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, Virginia, Hours of operation: Tue-Sat: 10-5pm, Sunday: 12-5pm, 571-258-3800. See http://www.heritagefarmmuseum.org/ for more information.

• Nature Center in Broadlands – Ashburn, VA http://www.broadlandshoa.org/node/46

 Day or Weekend Trips:

•  Here is the pirate ship adventure in Annapolis, MD. It looks like it would be a lot of fun for the kids http://www.chesapeakepirates.com/   If you go to the special events section http://www.chesapeakepirates.com/captainslog/specialevents/specialevents.html there are some days that have cheaper tickets, including $5 Day on July 20^th!
• Camping – you can camp at either Burke Lake Park or Lake Fairfax Park.  Other camping ideas at: http://www.our-kids.com/public/t/?f=1&s=101&t=283
• Parktakes offers too many day trips and tours to list them all, but you can get a free subscription to the Parktakes catalog by calling 703-222-4644.  You can see a lot of them at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes.htm
• Day Out with Thomas – Join Thomas the Tank Engine^TM, a full-sized operating steam locomotive, as he greets friends of all ages. Ride a train pulled by Thomas and meet Sir Topham Hatt^TM. You’ll find lots of other exciting activities, and a complete selection of Thomas merchandise in our gift shop. –  June 13-21, September 12-20 and December 4-6.  The Strasburg Rail Road is located on Route 741, 1-1/2 miles east of the center square in historic Strasburg, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. – approx. 3 hours from DC.  Tickets are $18 for ages 2 and up, $25 for ages 2 and up if you ride Thomas and a regular train too.
• Great Wolf Lodge - in Williamsburg, VA – has an enormous indoor waterpark and was enjoyed by the families of several ladies in Susanna Circle – http://www.greatwolflodge.com/   
• Crayola Crayon Factory - in Easton, PA  http://www.crayola.com/factory/  It is closed on Mondays.
• National Zoo - 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW in DC http://nationalzoo.si.edu/  Easily done in a day, you can drive or take the Metro.  Food is available, but expensive, so you may want to pack your own lunch.  The small mammal house was a big hit with our children.  Check the website for activities and special notices specific to the day you are going.
• Museums – we certainly have a bounty of them in DC as well as the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum in Dulles.  I’ve heard the air and space museum has free parking after 4 (b/c it’s not long before closing time) so it’s a great place to take kids just to get their energy out – large space for them to roam in.
• National Aquarium in Baltimore -   501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.  http://www.aqua.org/
• Children’s Museum of Richmond –  2626 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23220 804-474-CMoR (2667)   http://www.c-mor.org/   A great hands-on museum for kids.  In addition to the exhibits (playing with shadows, water, etc.) there is a fantastic art room where kids can paint, rubber stamp and do all kinds of wonderful art projects.
• Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum (Children’s Museum) Winchester, VA – http://www.discoverymuseum.net/  A small but terrific children’s museum closer than Richmond and worth the drive.  Not as big as the Richmond one, but still fun, especially for smaller children.
• Knoebels Amusement Park http://www.knoebels.com/ review from my friend Jill: this place is in PA but we went last year and it was just great.  It is like taking a step back in time to an old-timey amusement park.  It is especially great for little ones as they have a very large selection of kiddie rides, all in a woody shaded setting.  It won Best of Philly and it does deserve it.  It is up in the Pocono area.
•  More theme park ideas: http://www.our-kids.com/public/t/?f=1&s=101&t=206

  

Special Events:

 Websites to check for listings

• www.Our-kids.com  – weekly subscription to receive email updates every Tuesday for what is going on in the DC Metro area for the following weekend and weekdays. $26 per year for a subscription.
• Loudoun Extra http://loudounextra.washingtonpost.com/events/
• Fairfax Extra http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/print/community/fairfax/index.html
• Washington Family Magazine calendar http://www.washingtonfamily.com/events.php

 Listed by Dates:

• Now – antARcTica http://www.marylandsciencecenter.org/  – Photos, sculptures and drawings of life and conditions in Antarctica.
• July 22 – Music in the Field – 10:30-11:15 – Frying Pan Farm Park 2739 West Ox Road in Herndon, VA – 703-437-9101 – Take a musical adventure with the Fairfax Symphony’s “Overture to Orchestra String Quartet”  All concerts are held in the field adjacent to the Visitor Center.Bring a blanket or folding chair – FREE. Visitors may also wish to stop by the Farmer’s Market for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables before or after each show. The market is open from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
• August 1-2 — 4-H Fair & Farm Show 9am – 5pm  Frying Pan Farm Park 2739 West Ox Road in Herndon, VA.  Find old-fashioned country fun with games, rides, and exhibits. Watch the Fairfax County 4-H exhibitors getting their project animals ready to show. See real farmers use antique equipment in the fields and around the barn. Try your hand at milking a cow or goat, shelling corn or other farm chores. FREE admission.
• August 26 – Music in the Field – 10:30-11:15 – Frying Pan Farm Park 2739 West Ox Road in Herndon, VA – 703-437-9101 – Take a musical adventure with the Fairfax Symphony’s “Overture to Orchestra Woodwind Quintet”  All concerts are held in the field adjacent to the Visitor Center.Bring a blanket or folding chair – FREE. Visitors may also wish to stop by the Farmer’s Market for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables before or after each show. The market is open from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
• Now – September 20  Wings of Fancy Butterfly Exhibit.  Brookside Gardens south conservatory located at 1500 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902. 301-962-1400   http://www.mc-mncppc.org/parks/brookside/butterfly.shtm  Walk through a garden filled with butterflies of many different species.  No strollers allowed inside, for the butterflies’ safety.
• May 23 – Sept. 27 – Chinasaurs http://www.marylandsciencecenter.org/ – A largest collection of authentic Chinese dinosaurs.
• Now – Jan. 31, 2010 – DaVinci http://www.marylandsciencecenter.org/ – Machines, sculptures, paintings and writings from the ultimate Renaissance man.

 

Summer Fun Calendar – By Date

Monday July 20

•  

Tuesday, July 21

• 9am doors open, movie shows at 10am Worldgate in Herndon Free Movies – Tale of Despereaux (G),  Evan Almighty (PG) (G movie in one theater, PG in another)  Centreville Road/Elden Street & Worldgate Drive • Herndon, VA 20170.  Check http://www.worldgatecentre.com/events.asp  to view the listings and details. 
• 9-11am Northern Water Snakes (8 yrs. and up). Assist a naturalist with a reptile survey. Head out into the outback of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park to search for and capture water snakes. Learn the habits and preferred habitats of the aggressive but misunderstood snake. Wear shoes that can get wet. Reservations and advanced payment required by 7/18. $5
• 10AM Regal Cinemas Free Movies in the Summer Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G) Spiderwick Chronicles (PG) Selected G & PG movies, first-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=VA
  • Participating theaters:
    • Fairfax Towne Center 10, 4110 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22033   703-591-1020
    • Manassas Stadium 14, 11380 Bulloch Drive, Manassas, VA 20109 703-366-2842
    • Fox Stadium 16, 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn ,VA 20148, 703-957-1027
    • Countryside Stadium 20, 45980 Regal Plaza, Sterling ,VA 20165 703-404-8603
• 10:30-11:15 am mister don Jammin Java, Glyndon Shopping Center, 227 MapleAvenue East (Rte. 123), Vienna, VA. 703.255.1566 www.jamminjava.com Admission: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids
• 11am – 11:30am Children’s Shows at Lake Anne Village Center – Outback Jack FREE 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. www.lakeanneplaza.com For Children’s Shows information call: MSE Productions at (703) 620-5554

Wednesday July 22

• 9am doors open, movie shows at 10am Worldgate in Herndon Free Movies – Tale of Despereaux (G),  Evan Almighty (PG) (G movie in one theater, PG in another)  Centreville Road/Elden Street & Worldgate Drive • Herndon, VA 20170.  Check http://www.worldgatecentre.com/events.asp  to view the listings and details. 
• Regal Cinemas Free Movies in the Summer  Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G) Spiderwick Chronicles (PG) Selected G & PG movies, first-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=VA 
  • Participating theaters:
    • Fairfax Towne Center 10, 4110 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22033   703-591-1020
    • Manassas Stadium 14, 11380 Bulloch Drive, Manassas, VA 20109 703-366-2842
    • Fox Stadium 16, 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn ,VA 20148, 703-957-1027
    • Countryside Stadium 20, 45980 Regal Plaza, Sterling ,VA 20165 703-404-8603
• 10 am Bookworm Wednesdays entitles kids to free admission to a select children’s film when they present a book report at participating Showcase/Multiplex Cinemas or Cinema de Lux box office.  Children under six who accompany a participant and adults who accompany a participant receive free admission to the Bookworm Wednesdays movie and do not need to submit a book report. Read more at: http://www.nationalamusements.com/programs/bookworm.asp?page=1   Form available at: http://www.nationalamusements.com/forms/BWEntryForm2008.pdf  Fairfax Corner 14: Cinéma De Lux 11900 Palace Way Fairfax, VA 22030 703-502-4060 or Centreville Multiplex Cinemas 6201 Multiplex Drive Centreville, VA 20122   (703) 502-4060.  The following movies are scheduled: Schedule was not yet available.
• 10:30am Oh Susannah! Jammin Java, Glyndon Shopping Center, 227 MapleAvenue East (Rte. 123), Vienna, VA. 703.255.1566 www.jamminjava.com $5/kid http://www.susannahmusic.com/home.html
• 8-9pm Evening Explorations: Night Creek Walk (All ages) Cabell’s Mill. Explore Big Rocky Run Stream at night! When the park shuts down nocturnal animals come out. Bring flashlights and wear good hiking shoes for this hike to locate and identify local nocturnal critters. $5/person
• 10:30-11:15- Music in the Field — Frying Pan Farm Park 2739 West Ox Road in Herndon, VA – 703-437-9101 – Take a musical adventure with the Fairfax Symphony’s “Overture to Orchestra String Quartet”  All concerts are held in the field adjacent to the Visitor Center.Bring a blanket or folding chair – FREE. Visitors may also wish to stop by the Farmer’s Market for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables before or after each show. The market is open from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

 Thursday July 23

• 10:30-11:15am Market Fun Days • Farmer’s Market Children’s Series Performances Free, in front of the Visitor Center, right next to Old Town Hall in Herndon – 777 Lynn Street. 
• 11am – 11:30am Children’s Shows at Lake Anne Village Center – MizzNemec’s Pretend Stories FREE 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. www.lakeanneplaza.com For Children’s Shows information call: MSE Productions at (703) 620-5554
• 7-9pm Thursday evening concerts at Lake Anne  Oasis Calypso & Reggae 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. Bring a blanket or chair or enjoy outdoor dining at one of Lake Anne’s restaurants. www.lakeanneplaza.com

 Friday July 24

• 6:30 – 10:30pm Friday Night Live! B2B Live free outdoor concert series on the Town Green in Herndon – 777Lynn Street, Herndon Event hotline: (703) 481-6133 http://018c41a.netsolhost.com/joomla1/  Call for weather, schedule and other updates.

 Saturday July 25

• 9:15-10:00 am mister don The Sweet Life Cafe, 3950 Chain Bridge Road (Rte. 123 @ North St.), Fairfax, VA 703.385.5433 www.thesweetlifecafefairfax.com mister don or a substitute appears. Suggested contribution: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids.
• 10 am Free Children’s Art Workshops by Pat Macintyre. NEW LOCATION Reston Art Gallery & Studios 11400 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 703-481-8156. Make-and-take projects, themed for the seasons.
• 10:00am Arts in the Parks Free Summer Concert Series – see schedule for performers in four parks
• 6-8:30 pm Fairfax Corner Summer Concert Series  – Wes Tucker Nighttime fun for the family!  Cancelled in the event of inclement weather. (703) 227-0894 or visit www.FairfaxCorner.com 4245 Summit Corner Dr, Fairfax, VA
• Blackberry Bonanza & Wellness Fest Great Country Farms- www.greatcountryfarms.com $10.00/person (includes wine tasting)

 Sunday July 26

• 10-11am Turtles (All ages) Walney Pond. Meet a naturalist at Walney pond to learn about native turtles. See turtles close up and then search for them at the pond. Reservations and advanced payment required by 7/24. $5/person
• Blackberry Bonanza & Wellness Fest Great Country Farms- www.greatcountryfarms.com $10.00/person (includes wine tasting)

 Monday July 27

• 10:30-11:15 pm mister don Deja Brew Coffee House, Gainesville Square, 14630 Lee Highway, Gainesville, VA.703.754.7784. Suggested contribution: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids.

 Tuesday July 28

• 9am doors open, movie shows at 10am Worldgate in Herndon Free Movies – Mr. Bean’s Holiday (G),  Shrek the Third (PG) (G movie in one theater, PG in another)  Centreville Road/Elden Street & Worldgate Drive • Herndon, VA 20170.  Check http://www.worldgatecentre.com/events.asp  to view the listings and details. 
• 10AM Regal Cinemas Free Movies in the Summer  Everyone’s Hero (G) Kung Fu Panda (PG) Selected G & PG movies, first-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=VA 
  • Participating theaters:
    • Fairfax Towne Center 10, 4110 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22033   703-591-1020
    • Manassas Stadium 14, 11380 Bulloch Drive, Manassas, VA 20109 703-366-2842
    • Fox Stadium 16, 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn ,VA 20148, 703-957-1027
    • Countryside Stadium 20, 45980 Regal Plaza, Sterling ,VA 20165 703-404-8603
• 10:30-11:15 am mister don Jammin Java, Glyndon Shopping Center, 227 MapleAvenue East (Rte. 123), Vienna, VA. 703.255.1566 www.jamminjava.com Admission: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids
• 11am – 11:30am Children’s Shows at Lake Anne Village Center – Chuck’s Amazing Feats FREE 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. www.lakeanneplaza.com For Children’s Shows information call: MSE Productions at (703) 620-5554

 Wednesday July 29

• 9am doors open, movie shows at 10am Worldgate in Herndon Free Movies – Mr. Bean’s Holiday (G),  Shrek the Third (PG) (G movie in one theater, PG in another)  Centreville Road/Elden Street & Worldgate Drive • Herndon, VA 20170.  Check http://www.worldgatecentre.com/events.asp  to view the listings and details. 
• 10AM Regal Cinemas Free Movies in the Summer  Everyone’s Hero (G) Kung Fu Panda (PG) Selected G & PG movies, first-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=VA 
  • Participating theaters:
    • Fairfax Towne Center 10, 4110 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22033   703-591-1020
    • Manassas Stadium 14, 11380 Bulloch Drive, Manassas, VA 20109 703-366-2842
    • Fox Stadium 16, 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn ,VA 20148, 703-957-1027
    • Countryside Stadium 20, 45980 Regal Plaza, Sterling ,VA 20165 703-404-8603
  • 10 am Bookworm Wednesdays entitles kids to free admission to a select children’s film when they present a book report at participating Showcase/Multiplex Cinemas or Cinema de Lux box office.  Children under six who accompany a participant and adults who accompany a participant receive free admission to the Bookworm Wednesdays movie and do not need to submit a book report. Read more at: http://www.nationalamusements.com/programs/bookworm.asp?page=1   Form available at: http://www.nationalamusements.com/forms/BWEntryForm2008.pdf  Fairfax Corner 14: Cinéma De Lux 11900 Palace Way Fairfax, VA 22030 703-502-4060 or Centreville Multiplex Cinemas 6201 Multiplex Drive Centreville, VA 20122   (703) 502-4060.  The following movies are scheduled: Schedule was not yet available.
• 10:30am  Fairfax Corner Little Tots - Mr. KnickKnack Free children’s entertainment! All shows held in the Fountain Plaza.  Cancelled in the event of inclement weather.   For More Information, please call (703) 227-0894 or visit www.FairfaxCorner.com 4245 Summit Corner Dr, Fairfax, VA

 Thursday July 30

• 10:15-11:00 mister don Daily Grind Coffee House & Cafe, Stone Ridge Village Center, 42020 Village Center Plaza, Stone Ridge, VA.  703.327.8702.  www.dailygrindunwind.com.  ADC Loudoun County Map 36, J-7.  Suggested contribution: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids. 
• 10:30-11:15am Market Fun Days • Farmer’s Market Children’s Series Performances Free, in front of the Visitor Center, right next to Old Town Hall in Herndon – 777 Lynn Street. 
• 11am – 11:30am Children’s Shows at Lake Anne Village Center – Banjer Dan FREE 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. www.lakeanneplaza.com For Children’s Shows information call: MSE Productions at (703) 620-5554
• 7-9pm Thursday evening concerts at Lake Anne  Uptown Vocal Jazz Swing 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. Bring a blanket or chair or enjoy outdoor dining at one of Lake Anne’s restaurants. www.lakeanneplaza.com

  Friday July 31

• July 31 6:30 – 10:30pm Friday Night Live! JunkFood + Fools & Horses Live free outdoor concert series on the Town Green in Herndon – 777 Lynn Street, Herndon Event hotline: (703) 481-6133 http://018c41a.netsolhost.com/joomla1/  Call for weather, schedule and other updates.

 Saturday August 1

• 9:15-10:00 am mister don The Sweet Life Cafe, 3950 Chain Bridge Road (Rte. 123 @ North St.), Fairfax, VA 703.385.5433 www.thesweetlifecafefairfax.com mister don or a substitute appears. Suggested contribution: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids.
• 10 am Free Children’s Art Workshops by Pat Macintyre. NEW LOCATION Reston Art Gallery & Studios 11400 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 703-481-8156. Make-and-take projects, themed for the seasons.
• Home Depot Kids Workshops – First Saturday of every month between 9am and noon- see http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?pn=Kids_Workshops&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 for more details.  Although it says ages 5-12, I know people who have taken children (boys, in particular) who were younger.  They tend to list project a month at a time.
• 10:00am Arts in the Parks Free Summer Concert Series – see schedule for performers in four parks
• 9am – 5pm  – 4-H Fair & Farm Show Frying Pan Farm Park 2739 West Ox Road in Herndon, VA.  Find old-fashioned country fun with games, rides, and exhibits. Watch the Fairfax County 4-H exhibitors getting their project animals ready to show. See real farmers use antique equipment in the fields and around the barn. Try your hand at milking a cow or goat, shelling corn or other farm chores. FREE admission.
• 6-8:30 pm Fairfax Corner Summer Concert Series  – Eric Scott Nighttime fun for the family!  Cancelled in the event of inclement weather. (703) 227-0894 or visit www.FairfaxCorner.com 4245 Summit Corner Dr, Fairfax, VA
• Gates open at 6, movies start at dark, sometime after 7:30pm Free Drive-in Movies Sully District Starlight Cinema – Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa – movies are cancelled in case of rain.  Call 703-324-SHOW (7469) for cancellation information.  Location: The Trinity Centre, 5875 Trinity Parkway, Centreville, VA 20120.Come experience the old-fashioned fun of the drive-in movie!  Watch from the comfort of your car, or bring your picnic blanket or beach chairs and sit in the designated seating area in front of the screen.  Pre-movie activities include music, food and children’s activities http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/starlight.htm    

 Sunday August 2

 Monday August 3

• 1:00-1:45 pm mister don Deja Brew Coffee House, Gainesville Square, 14630 Lee Highway, Gainesville, VA.703.754.7784. Suggested contribution: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids.

Tuesday August 4

• 9am doors open, movie shows at 10am Worldgate in Herndon Free Movies – Veggie Tales: Pirates Who Don’t… (G),  Kung Fu Panda (PG) (G movie in one theater, PG in another)  Centreville Road/Elden Street & Worldgate Drive • Herndon, VA 20170.  Check http://www.worldgatecentre.com/events.asp  to view the listings and details. 
• 10AM Regal Cinemas Free Movies in the Summer  Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G) Star Wars: Clone Wars (PG) Selected G & PG movies, first-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=VA 
  • Participating theaters:
    • Fairfax Towne Center 10, 4110 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22033   703-591-1020
    • Manassas Stadium 14, 11380 Bulloch Drive, Manassas, VA 20109 703-366-2842
    • Fox Stadium 16, 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn ,VA 20148, 703-957-1027
    • Countryside Stadium 20, 45980 Regal Plaza, Sterling ,VA 20165 703-404-8603
• 10:30-11:15 am mister don Jammin Java, Glyndon Shopping Center, 227 MapleAvenue East (Rte. 123), Vienna, VA. 703.255.1566 www.jamminjava.com Admission: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids
• 11am – 11:30am Children’s Shows at Lake Anne Village Center – Country Lady FREE 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. www.lakeanneplaza.com For Children’s Shows information call: MSE Productions at (703) 620-5554

 Wednesday August 5

• 9am doors open, movie shows at 10am Worldgate in Herndon Free Movies – Veggie Tales: Pirates Who Don’t… (G),  Kung Fu Panda (PG) (G movie in one theater, PG in another)  Centreville Road/Elden Street & Worldgate Drive • Herndon, VA 20170.  Check http://www.worldgatecentre.com/events.asp  to view the listings and details. 
• 10AM Regal Cinemas Free Movies in the Summer  Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G) Star Wars: Clone Wars (PG) Selected G & PG movies, first-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=VA 
  • Participating theaters:
    • Fairfax Towne Center 10, 4110 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22033   703-591-1020
    • Manassas Stadium 14, 11380 Bulloch Drive, Manassas, VA 20109 703-366-2842
    • Fox Stadium 16, 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn ,VA 20148, 703-957-1027
    • Countryside Stadium 20, 45980 Regal Plaza, Sterling ,VA 20165 703-404
• 10 am Bookworm Wednesdays entitles kids to free admission to a select children’s film when they present a book report at participating Showcase/Multiplex Cinemas or Cinema de Lux box office.  Children under six who accompany a participant and adults who accompany a participant receive free admission to the Bookworm Wednesdays movie and do not need to submit a book report. Read more at: http://www.nationalamusements.com/programs/bookworm.asp?page=1   Form available at: http://www.nationalamusements.com/forms/BWEntryForm2008.pdf  Fairfax Corner 14: Cinéma De Lux 11900 Palace Way Fairfax, VA 22030 703-502-4060 or Centreville Multiplex Cinemas 6201 Multiplex Drive Centreville, VA 20122   (703) 502-4060.  The following movies are scheduled: Schedule was not yet available.

Thursday August 6

• 10:30-11:15am Market Fun Days • Farmer’s Market Children’s Series Performances Free, in front of the Visitor Center, right next to Old Town Hall in Herndon – 777 Lynn Street. 
• 11am – 11:30am Children’s Shows at Lake Anne Village Center – Gleemania – Snow White FREE 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. www.lakeanneplaza.com For Children’s Shows information call: MSE Productions at (703) 620-5554
• 7-9pm Thursday evening concerts at Lake Anne  Big Hillbilly Bluegrass  Bluegrass 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. Bring a blanket or chair or enjoy outdoor dining at one of Lake Anne’s restaurants. www.lakeanneplaza.com

 Friday August 7

• August 7 6:30 – 10:30pm Friday Night Live! HyJink + Rise & Fall Live free outdoor concert series on the Town Green in Herndon – 777 Lynn Street, Herndon Event hotline: (703) 481-6133 http://018c41a.netsolhost.com/joomla1/  Call for weather, schedule and other updates.

 Saturday August 8

• 9:15-10:00 am mister don The Sweet Life Cafe, 3950 Chain Bridge Road (Rte. 123 @ North St.), Fairfax, VA 703.385.5433 www.thesweetlifecafefairfax.com mister don or a substitute appears. Suggested contribution: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids.
• 10 am Free Children’s Art Workshops by Pat Macintyre. NEW LOCATION Reston Art Gallery & Studios 11400 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 703-481-8156. Make-and-take projects, themed for the seasons.
• 9-11am Stream Stroll along Cub Run. Stroll four miles along Cub Run and experience natural and cultural history hot spots of this unique stream valley. Be entertained by stories while enjoying low impact, outdoor exercise. Meet at the Prince Way trail head off Route 29. Reservations and payment required by 8/5. $3

• 6-8:30 pm Fairfax Corner Summer Concert Series  – Merchants of Cool Nighttime fun for the family!  Cancelled in the event of inclement weather. (703) 227-0894 or visit www.FairfaxCorner.com 4245 Summit Corner Dr, Fairfax, VA
• Gates open at 6, movies start at dark, sometime after 7:30pm Free Drive-in Movies Sully District Starlight Cinema – Kung Fu Panda - movies are cancelled in case of rain.  Call 703-324-SHOW (7469) for cancellation information.  Location: The Trinity Centre, 5875 Trinity Parkway, Centreville, VA 20120.Come experience the old-fashioned fun of the drive-in movie!  Watch from the comfort of your car, or bring your picnic blanket or beach chairs and sit in the designated seating area in front of the screen.  Pre-movie activities include music, food and children’s activities http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/starlight.htm 

Sunday August 9

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 Monday August 10

• 4:00-5:00 pm mister don Daily Grind Coffee House & Cafe, Stone Ridge Village Center, 42020 Village Center Plaza, Stone Ridge, VA. 703.327.8702. www.dailygrindunwind.com. ADC Loudoun County Map 36, J-7. Suggested contribution: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids.

Tuesday August 11

• 9am doors open, movie shows at 10am Worldgate in Herndon Free Movies – Space Chimps (G),  Madagascar 2 (PG) (G movie in one theater, PG in another)  Centreville Road/Elden Street & Worldgate Drive • Herndon, VA 20170.  Check http://www.worldgatecentre.com/events.asp  to view the listings and details. 
• 9-11am Snake Search (8 yrs. and up). Assist a naturalist with a reptile survey. Head out into the outback of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park to search for, capture, identify and release reptiles. Learn the habits and preferred habitats of our native snakes. Reservations and advanced payment required by 8/8. $5
• 10AM Regal Cinemas Free Movies in the Summer Charlotte’s Web (G) Barnyard (PG) Selected G & PG movies, first-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=VA
  • Participating theaters:
    • Fairfax Towne Center 10, 4110 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22033   703-591-1020
    • Manassas Stadium 14, 11380 Bulloch Drive, Manassas, VA 20109 703-366-2842
    • Fox Stadium 16, 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn ,VA 20148, 703-957-1027
    • Countryside Stadium 20, 45980 Regal Plaza, Sterling ,VA 20165 703-404-8603
• 10:30-11:15 am mister don Jammin Java, Glyndon Shopping Center, 227 MapleAvenue East (Rte. 123), Vienna, VA. 703.255.1566 www.jamminjava.com Admission: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids
• 6:00-8:00 pm mister don Silver Diner Kids Night – , 12250 Fair Lakes Parkway, Fairfax, VA. 703.359.5999, Free, but tipping encouraged
• 11am – 11:30am Children’s Shows at Lake Anne Village Center – Zee Keyboard Man FREE 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. www.lakeanneplaza.com For Children’s Shows information call: MSE Productions at (703) 620-5554

 Wednesday August 12

• 9am doors open, movie shows at 10am Worldgate in Herndon Free Movies – Space Chimps (G),  Madagascar 2 (PG) (G movie in one theater, PG in another)  Centreville Road/Elden Street & Worldgate Drive • Herndon, VA 20170.  Check http://www.worldgatecentre.com/events.asp  to view the listings and details. 
• 10AM Regal Cinemas Free Movies in the Summer  Charlotte’s Web (G) Barnyard (PG) Selected G & PG movies, first-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=VA Participating theaters:
  • Fairfax Towne Center 10, 4110 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22033   703-591-1020
  • Manassas Stadium 14, 11380 Bulloch Drive, Manassas, VA 20109 703-366-2842
  • Fox Stadium 16, 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn ,VA 20148, 703-957-1027
  • Countryside Stadium 20, 45980 Regal Plaza, Sterling ,VA 20165 703-404-8603
• 10 am Bookworm Wednesdays entitles kids to free admission to a select children’s film when they present a book report at participating Showcase/Multiplex Cinemas or Cinema de Lux box office.  Children under six who accompany a participant and adults who accompany a participant receive free admission to the Bookworm Wednesdays movie and do not need to submit a book report. Read more at: http://www.nationalamusements.com/programs/bookworm.asp?page=1   Form available at: http://www.nationalamusements.com/forms/BWEntryForm2008.pdf  Fairfax Corner 14: Cinéma De Lux 11900 Palace Way Fairfax, VA 22030 703-502-4060 or Centreville Multiplex Cinemas 6201 Multiplex Drive Centreville, VA 20122   (703) 502-4060.  The following movies are scheduled: Schedule was not yet available.
• 10:30am  Fairfax Corner Little Tots - Mad Science: ABC’s of Science Free children’s entertainment! All shows held in the Fountain Plaza.  Cancelled in the event of inclement weather.   For More Information, please call (703) 227-0894 or visit www.FairfaxCorner.com 4245 Summit Corner Dr, Fairfax, VA

 Thursday August 13

•  10:30-11:15am Market Fun Days • Farmer’s Market Children’s Series Performances Free, in front of the Visitor Center, right next to Old Town Hall in Herndon – 777 Lynn Street. 
• 11am – 11:30am Children’s Shows at Lake Anne Village Center – Turley the Magician FREE 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. www.lakeanneplaza.com For Children’s Shows information call: MSE Productions at (703) 620-5554
• 7-9pm Thursday evening concerts at Lake Anne  Marty Nau Quartet Bebop Jazz  1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. Bring a blanket or chair or enjoy outdoor dining at one of Lake Anne’s restaurants. www.lakeanneplaza.com

 Friday August 14

• August 14 6:30 – 10:30pm Friday Night Live! Gonzo’s Nose Live free outdoor concert series on the Town Green in Herndon – 777 Lynn Street, Herndon Event hotline: (703) 481-6133 http://018c41a.netsolhost.com/joomla1/  Call for weather, schedule and other updates.

 Saturday August 15

• 9:15-10:00 am mister don The Sweet Life Cafe, 3950 Chain Bridge Road (Rte. 123 @ North St.), Fairfax, VA 703.385.5433 www.thesweetlifecafefairfax.com mister don or a substitute appears. Suggested contribution: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids.
• 10 am Free Children’s Art Workshops by Pat Macintyre. NEW LOCATION Reston Art Gallery & Studios 11400 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 703-481-8156. Make-and-take projects, themed for the seasons.
• 10:00am Arts in the Parks Free Summer Concert Series – see schedule for performers in four parks
• 10am – 3pm Playmobil Play Day at Once Upon A  Time in Vienna  Thanks to a tip from one of our readers — I’ve learned you can go to this toy store this Saturday and play with Playmobil toys, see the new Egyptian line, and buy Playmobil toys at a discount — apparently there will be prizes and refreshments as well.  They are also having a special 10% discount on anything “blue” this week.  See their site for details.  The store is located at 120 Church Street NE, Vienna, Virginia, 22180.
• 6-8:30 pm Fairfax Corner Summer Concert Series  – The Dreamscapes Project Nighttime fun for the family!  Cancelled in the event of inclement weather. (703) 227-0894 or visit www.FairfaxCorner.com 4245 Summit Corner Dr, Fairfax, VA
• 7:30–9:00pm Music Under the Stars Free, Herndon Town Green 777 Lynn Street Check for future updates about the performers: http://www.herndon-va.gov/Content/Parks_rec/Special_events/Music_Under_the_Stars/default.aspx  
• Gates open at 6, movies start at dark, sometime after 7:30pm Free Drive-in Movies Sully District Starlight Cinema – Hotel For Dogs - movies are cancelled in case of rain.  Call 703-324-SHOW (7469) for cancellation information.  Location: The Trinity Centre, 5875 Trinity Parkway, Centreville, VA 20120.Come experience the old-fashioned fun of the drive-in movie!  Watch from the comfort of your car, or bring your picnic blanket or beach chairs and sit in the designated seating area in front of the screen.  Pre-movie activities include music, food and children’s activities http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/starlight.htm 

 Sunday August 16

• 10-11am Lizards (All ages). Watch a short movie on our native lizards and see some of our lizards up close. Join a naturalist on a short hike to try and find some of these elusive reptiles. Reservations and advanced payment by 8/13. $5/person
• 10:00am Arts in the Parks Free Summer Concert Series – see schedule for performers in four parks
• Dog Days Peach & Sunflower Fest – bring your dog!! Great Country Farms- www.greatcountryfarms.com $10.00/person

 Monday August 17

• 10:30-11:15 pm mister don Deja Brew Coffee House, Gainesville Square, 14630 Lee Highway, Gainesville, VA.703.754.7784. Suggested contribution: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids.
• Dog Days Peach & Sunflower Fest – bring your dog!! Great Country Farms- www.greatcountryfarms.com $10.00/person

 Tuesday August 18

• 9am doors open, movie shows at 10am Worldgate in Herndon Free Movies – Charlotte’s Web (G),  Bee Movie (PG) (G movie in one theater, PG in another)  Centreville Road/Elden Street & Worldgate Drive • Herndon, VA 20170.  Check http://www.worldgatecentre.com/events.asp  to view the listings and details. 
• 10AM Regal Cinemas Free Movies in the Summer  Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G) Monster House (PG) Selected G & PG movies, first-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=VA Participating theaters:
  • Fairfax Towne Center 10, 4110 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22033   703-591-1020
  • Manassas Stadium 14, 11380 Bulloch Drive, Manassas, VA 20109 703-366-2842
  • Fox Stadium 16, 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn ,VA 20148, 703-957-1027
  • Countryside Stadium 20, 45980 Regal Plaza, Sterling ,VA 20165 703-404-8603

  10:30-11:15 am mister don Jammin Java, Glyndon Shopping Center, 227 MapleAvenue East (Rte. 123), Vienna, VA. 703.255.1566 www.jamminjava.com Admission: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids

• 11am – 11:30am Children’s Shows at Lake Anne Village Center – Amazing Phil – Juggling, Swords & More! FREE 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. www.lakeanneplaza.com For Children’s Shows information call: MSE Productions at (703) 620-5554

Wednesday August 19

• 9am doors open, movie shows at 10am Worldgate in Herndon Free Movies – Charlotte’s Web (G),  Bee Movie (PG) (G movie in one theater, PG in another)  Centreville Road/Elden Street & Worldgate Drive • Herndon, VA 20170.  Check http://www.worldgatecentre.com/events.asp  to view the listings and details. 

10AM Regal Cinemas Free Movies in the Summer  Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G) Monster House (PG) Selected G & PG movies, first-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=VA Participating theaters:

•  
  • Fairfax Towne Center 10, 4110 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22033   703-591-1020
  • Manassas Stadium 14, 11380 Bulloch Drive, Manassas, VA 20109 703-366-2842
  • Fox Stadium 16, 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn ,VA 20148, 703-957-1027
  • Countryside Stadium 20, 45980 Regal Plaza, Sterling ,VA 20165 703-404-8603
• 7-8pm Evening Explorations: Nectar Feeders. Find out how to attract butterflies and our local ruby-throated hummingbirds to your yard or patio using plants and/or special feeders. Make your own simple hummingbird feeder to hang outside a window, and receive flower seedlings attractive to butterflies. Reservations required. $3/person

Thursday August 20

•  10:30-11:15am Market Fun Days • Farmer’s Market Children’s Series Performances Free, in front of the Visitor Center, right next to Old Town Hall in Herndon – 777 Lynn Street. 
• 11am – 11:30am Children’s Shows at Lake Anne Village Center – Peter McCory One-Man Band FREE 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. www.lakeanneplaza.com For Children’s Shows information call: MSE Productions at (703) 620-5554August 25 11am – 11:30am Children’s Shows at Lake Anne Village Center – Bingo the Clown FREE 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. www.lakeanneplaza.com For Children’s Shows information call: MSE Productions at (703) 620-5554
• 7-9pm Thursday evening concerts at Lake Anne  Iona Traditional Pan-Celtic 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. Bring a blanket or chair or enjoy outdoor dining at one of Lake Anne’s restaurants. www.lakeanneplaza.com

Friday August 21

• August 21 6:30 – 10:30pm Friday Night Live! Drop Dead Sexy Live free outdoor concert series on the Town Green in Herndon – 777 Lynn Street, Herndon Event hotline: (703) 481-6133 http://018c41a.netsolhost.com/joomla1/  Call for weather, schedule and other updates.

Saturday August 22

• 9:15-10:00 am mister don The Sweet Life Cafe, 3950 Chain Bridge Road (Rte. 123 @ North St.), Fairfax, VA 703.385.5433 www.thesweetlifecafefairfax.com mister don or a substitute appears. Suggested contribution: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids.
• 10 am Free Children’s Art Workshops by Pat Macintyre. NEW LOCATION Reston Art Gallery & Studios 11400 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 703-481-8156. Make-and-take projects, themed for the seasons.
• 10:00am Arts in the Parks Free Summer Concert Series – see schedule for performers in four parks
• 6-8:30 pm Fairfax Corner Summer Concert Series  – The English Channel Nighttime fun for the family!  Cancelled in the event of inclement weather. (703) 227-0894 or visit www.FairfaxCorner.com 4245 Summit Corner Dr, Fairfax, VA
• Gates open at 6, movies start at dark, sometime after 7:30pm Free Drive-in Movies Sully District Starlight Cinema – Monsters Vs. Aliens - movies are cancelled in case of rain.  Call 703-324-SHOW (7469) for cancellation information.  Location: The Trinity Centre, 5875 Trinity Parkway, Centreville, VA 20120.Come experience the old-fashioned fun of the drive-in movie!  Watch from the comfort of your car, or bring your picnic blanket or beach chairs and sit in the designated seating area in front of the screen.  Pre-movie activities include music, food and children’s activities http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/starlight.htm 

Sunday August 23

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Monday August 24

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Tuesday August 25

• 10:30-11:15 am mister don Jammin Java, Glyndon Shopping Center, 227 MapleAvenue East (Rte. 123), Vienna, VA. 703.255.1566 www.jamminjava.com Admission: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids
• 7-8pm Evening Explorations: Nocturnal Animals Campfire (Families). Join a naturalist for a night hike to learn about the park’s nocturnal animals. Catch and release fireflies, locate bats with a bat detector, and search for other live animals. At the campfire roast marshmallows and make s’mores. Reservations and advance payment required by 8/13. $10/family

Wednesday August 26

• 10:30am  Fairfax Corner Little Tots - Animal Ambassadors Amazing Animals Free children’s entertainment! All shows held in the Fountain Plaza.  Cancelled in the event of inclement weather.   For More Information, please call (703) 227-0894 or visit www.FairfaxCorner.com 4245 Summit Corner Dr, Fairfax, VA
• 10:30-11:15- Music in the Field – Frying Pan Farm Park 2739 West Ox Road in Herndon, VA – 703-437-9101 – Take a musical adventure with the Fairfax Symphony’s “Overture to Orchestra Woodwind Quintet”  All concerts are held in the field adjacent to the Visitor Center.Bring a blanket or folding chair – FREE. Visitors may also wish to stop by the Farmer’s Market for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables before or after each show. The market is open from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Thursday August 27

• 10:15-11:00 mister don Daily Grind Coffee House & Cafe, Stone Ridge Village Center, 42020 Village Center Plaza, Stone Ridge, VA.  703.327.8702.  www.dailygrindunwind.com.  ADC Loudoun County Map 36, J-7.  Suggested contribution: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids. 
•  10:30-11:15am Market Fun Days • Farmer’s Market Children’s Series Performances Free, in front of the Visitor Center, right next to Old Town Hall in Herndon – 777 Lynn Street. 
• August 27 11am – 11:30am Children’s Shows at Lake Anne Village Center – Unicycle Lady Pirate Show FREE 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. www.lakeanneplaza.com For Children’s Shows information call: MSE Productions at (703) 620-5554

Friday August 28

• August 28 6:30 – 10:30pm Friday Night Live! Go Go Gadjet Live free outdoor concert series on the Town Green in Herndon – 777 Lynn Street, Herndon Event hotline: (703) 481-6133 http://018c41a.netsolhost.com/joomla1/  Call for weather, schedule and other updates.

 Saturday August 29

• 9:15-10:00 am mister don The Sweet Life Cafe, 3950 Chain Bridge Road (Rte. 123 @ North St.), Fairfax, VA 703.385.5433 www.thesweetlifecafefairfax.com mister don or a substitute appears. Suggested contribution: $5 for 1 child; $7 for 2 kids; $10 for 3 kids; $12 for 4 kids.
• 10 am Free Children’s Art Workshops by Pat Macintyre. NEW LOCATION Reston Art Gallery & Studios 11400 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 703-481-8156. Make-and-take projects, themed for the seasons.
• 6-8:30 pm Fairfax Corner Summer Concert Series — International Children’s Festival Preview Event, Presented by the Arts Council of Fairfax County Nighttime fun for the family! Cancelled in the event of inclement weather. (703) 227-0894 or visit www.FairfaxCorner.com 4245 Summit Corner Dr, Fairfax, VA

Sunday August 30

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Monday August 31

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We hope you’ve enjoyed your summer!

Stay tuned for the Fall Fun Guide