Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center
The brutal weather sent us to Buddie Ford in search of adventure this week. As you can see, they have hands-on activities for all ages, a story corner, animals, and …
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Recommendation: Hilda at Reflections in McLean
I have a curly-top kid who didn’t like getting his head wet. His whole life, washing his hair had been a struggle. And since he was bald for a great deal of his life, he was pretty big by the time hair cutting came up. What we needed was someone who not only could make his curly hair look good without giving him a buzz cut, but someone who could navigate this quirk of his without making it worse. I am lucky enough that the awesome stylist, Hilda, who cut my own hair when I was a child is still available at Carla’s in McLean. (And, by the way, she makes MY hair look great, too, even during the whole Post Partum Hair Loss phase.)
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Treasure Island Mini Golf
If you are looking for someplace to go for your child’s first miniature golf experience, you can’t go wrong at Treasure Island miniature golf at Pohick Bay Regional Park. The kids loved the cute pirate theme, but what will really float your boat is that the self-contained miniature golf area is not near any busy roadways, is shady, and has good visibility across the entire play area.
Read MoreNall’s Produce
Nall’s Produce is more than just a produce stop, although it’s very definitely that, too. It’s a destination. Kids will love their annual pumpkin tunnel, but it’s worth a visit just on a regular day, too. Not only can your kiddo visit the chickens, ducks, geese, and koi, they can help you pick out plants for your garden, and pull them in a Radio Flyer wagon to get a ticket written up before you go inside to pay. They can pick out a piece of fresh fruit to buy and eat as a snack or learn the names of all the potted perennials. Reluctant vegetable eaters might even get a little excited about trying new foods if they see them being stocked by forklift!
Read MoreToo hot for you out there?
Head over to your nearest thrift store and pick up some “indoor day” toys. (While you’re there, you can donate all the stuff your kids are done with, for the next mom. Everyone wins!)
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River Farm Park Children’s Garden
I always refer to this place as one of NOVA’s “little known treasures,” because so many people don’t know it’s there! Once you’ve visited, you’ll say, “I can’t believe I didn’t know about this place!” because it is so amazing you’ll be shocked no one has mentioned it to you. It’s located inside George Washington’s River Farm and is open daily, unless the grounds are rented for a wedding. So if you’re planning a weekend trip, call first or have a backup plan in mind in case it’s closed.
Read MoreTreasure Trove (McLean)
1315 Chain Bridge Road
McLean, VA 22101
703-356-8704, TTY 711
Farm Fresh & In Season This Week
With lots of fresh things and plenty of people watching, who doesn’t love a trip to the farmers’ market? Fortunately, you don’t have to go far, as there are various …
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Upton Hill Regional Park Playground
This playground is built in what was once a water feature, so there are two levels. My kid loved the fact that there were steps and a little bridge, but it was a hot, sunny day, and the equipment was just a bit too hot to play on. There’s plenty of shady, grassy space to play in, even if the day is very hot.
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Lee District Soft Play Room
The Lee District Soft Playroom is the ultimate romper room on a rainy day. With a ball pit and movable soft climbing toys that can be rearranged infinitely, this room …
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Chessie’s Big Back Yard
The rubber surface underneath is deep and springy. It will provide very adequate cushioning for any falls. Also, the equipment is fun, varied, and without many high dropoffs. The woodland theme is fun and the railings are very safe. With appropriate supervision, the equipment here would be fun for any age child.
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Dora Kelley Nature Preserve
If the water is low and you are not afraid of getting your feet (and your wheels!) wet, you can take the stream across the ford and hook up with the Holmes Run trail . Just hang a left when you get to Morgan Street and you’ll see the trail head across North Beauregard. If you prefer to skip the ford, just take the other fork and turn right when you get to Beauregard St.
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