KIDS AND TOTS VIRGINIA
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Outdoor Play Areas and Parks
There are many parks and outdoor play grounds in the area. Info and locations for Northern Virginia can be found at these links - Arlington County and Fairfax County.
The parks include lakeside parks, riverside parks, farms, gardens. The facilities include nature and visitor centres (which often run kids/family activities and special events for free or a nominal charge) picnic areas, nature trails, mini golf, boat rentals, fishing.
It is worth noting that Arlington Co spray their playgrounds for mosquitoes, while Fairfax Co does not.
A few worth highlighting, as they are superb for kids, are
Clemyjontri in Mclean is an amazing play ground and well worth a visit.
Hayes Park which has water sprays is another favourite.
Lake Fairfax which has a water park (The Water Mine) suitable for all ages of children.
Frying Pan Farm a real farm which has lots of activities for children.
Great Falls National Park which has a great visitors center on the VA side and an interesting boardwalk on the MD side, stunning views and is nice for a woodland walk/ramble with kids. Also has BBQ’s on the VA side. Entrance fee is $5 for a car and occupants and will last three days.
School Playgrounds
Lots of schools have wonderful playgrounds that are not fenced in and can be used out of school hours. Many churches do too and can usually be used during the school day, unless they are being used by a church pre-school.
There are many parks and outdoor play grounds in the area. Info and locations for Northern Virginia can be found at these links - Arlington County and Fairfax County.
The parks include lakeside parks, riverside parks, farms, gardens. The facilities include nature and visitor centres (which often run kids/family activities and special events for free or a nominal charge) picnic areas, nature trails, mini golf, boat rentals, fishing.
It is worth noting that Arlington Co spray their playgrounds for mosquitoes, while Fairfax Co does not.
A few worth highlighting, as they are superb for kids, are
Clemyjontri in Mclean is an amazing play ground and well worth a visit.
Hayes Park which has water sprays is another favourite.
Lake Fairfax which has a water park (The Water Mine) suitable for all ages of children.
Frying Pan Farm a real farm which has lots of activities for children.
Great Falls National Park which has a great visitors center on the VA side and an interesting boardwalk on the MD side, stunning views and is nice for a woodland walk/ramble with kids. Also has BBQ’s on the VA side. Entrance fee is $5 for a car and occupants and will last three days.
School Playgrounds
Lots of schools have wonderful playgrounds that are not fenced in and can be used out of school hours. Many churches do too and can usually be used during the school day, unless they are being used by a church pre-school.
Indoor Play Areas
Most malls including Tysons and Fair Oaks have indoor play areas – you have to stay with your child and they get pretty manic at weekends, but they do make weekday shopping possible with toddlers!
There are several dedicated soft play establishments in the area. Some where you can take your child and for a fee (about $8) let them play in the enclosed area
while you can have a bit of a rest. Check the websites for the times of open play. They also do a range of classes from ballet, music and movement to art.
Some only do classes and don’t have open play. All can be hired out for birthday parties.
MoBu Kids in Falls church. For under 5’s but has a sibling area for older children. Has open play and classes, and an adults coffee area
House of Bounce in Manassas. For 3-adult. A huge play area with massive bouncy castles and an adults coffee area. Open play only.
Alexandria Soft Playroom. For under 5’s. No classes, parent supervised play only
JW Tumbles. For 4mths-9 yrs. Classes only.
Jonah’s Treehouse. For under 5’s. Classes only.
Gymboree. For under 5’s. Classes only.
There are several dedicated soft play establishments in the area. Some where you can take your child and for a fee (about $8) let them play in the enclosed area
while you can have a bit of a rest. Check the websites for the times of open play. They also do a range of classes from ballet, music and movement to art.
Some only do classes and don’t have open play. All can be hired out for birthday parties.
MoBu Kids in Falls church. For under 5’s but has a sibling area for older children. Has open play and classes, and an adults coffee area
House of Bounce in Manassas. For 3-adult. A huge play area with massive bouncy castles and an adults coffee area. Open play only.
Alexandria Soft Playroom. For under 5’s. No classes, parent supervised play only
JW Tumbles. For 4mths-9 yrs. Classes only.
Jonah’s Treehouse. For under 5’s. Classes only.
Gymboree. For under 5’s. Classes only.