copyright J.J. Newby

Local schools are about to end the scho0l year and break for summer.  How do I know?  Not because my own kids are counting down the days, but because I’m getting emails from parents — some I know in real life and some I don’t — asking me in frantic tones, “ARE YOU DOING THE SUMMER FUN GUIDE?!”

Oh…. do you mean, THIS SUMMER FUN GUIDE?

Yes! As long as I have kids to entertain over the summer, I will produce the Summer Fun Guide!  I plan to add one more section and once that is complete, your very, very favorite section… the famous “by-date” section will go up, but the concerts, movies, anytime, libraries, local parks and even a few weekend excursions and day trips are up, so that ought to tide you over in the meantime.

It’s hard for me to believe what started out as a Word document in 2006 a few months after JavaGirl was born is now something people look forward to every year!  Thank you for asking about it — your emails remind me that the hard work that goes into it is worth it not just for me for all the parents out there who sometimes need that extra boost during the summer.  Please share the link with everyone and let them know about the blog as well!  I promise to be much more consistent about my posts upon completion of the SFG!

The Summer Fun Guide by-date section is up!  Right now it is up as a PDF as I keep running into some misbehaving code.  Rather than continue to delay putting it up, it’s in PDF format, and when/if I get the kinks worked out, I’ll put it back in the usual format.  I will keep updating it as I find new activities, so check back often!

You can go to the guide, or go straight to the by-date page.  Remember, most, but not all activities are on the by-date section.

Enjoy!

As I look at the calendar, I realize that we have less than a month left of summer vacation.  If you are a “local” (such an odd phrase for a web site) have you taken advantage of the Summer Fun Guide?  I wanted to point out a late addition for this weekend — Playmobil Day at Once Upon a Time toy store in Vienna, but the entire weekend is packed with activities:

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