Best Bets for Families in Northern Virginia, July 15-17

Friday:

Visit the Sully Historic Site between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. for Dairy Days. Help churn butter, crank ice cream and play 18th century games. Reservations are suggested.

One World, One Sky, follows Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky at the Air and Space Museum's Planetarium. The show ends this month and is only shown on Fridays at 10:30am. You can pick up tickets for free at the box office, but it is probably worth it to pre-order your tickets and pay the $2 processing fee to guarantee a seat.

Head out to Fauquier County for the annual county fair! Tons of animals, entertainment and lots of old-fashioned fun.

Alexandria hosts outdoor movies this weekend, showing Avatar on Friday evening. Show starts at 8:30pm, but you are encouraged to arrive early and purchase dinner from a vendor. Proceeds from food sales will benefit the Boys and Girls Club.

Saturday:

Check out one of free the Arts in the Parks concerts at 10 a.m. This week's performers: Blue Sky Puppet Theatre, Percussion Duo, Brass Quintet, and The Great Zucchini.

Rocknoceros presents their hometown debut of "Colonel Purple Turtle" at Jammin Java. Definitely get your tickets in advance, they are almost sure to sell out!

Visit the Market Fair at Claude Moore Colonial Farm. It is has been described as "like a Ren Fair only smaller, higher quality, and less expensive".

Beat the heat this weekend at Alexandria's Christmas in July celebration. If your little pirate wants to go on a cruise, this is the day to do it-- get a free child's ticket with every adult ticket purchased. Santa and Mrs. Claus stop by the Christmas Attic from Noon to 2 p.m.

Sunday:

Fauquier's County Fair and the Market Fair both continue. Other than that, no big special events are happening. Making it a geat day to visit a favorite park!