So Very Vienna: Weeknight and Weekend Family-Friendly Activities

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There are a lot of kid-friendly activities going on in the Vienna area. Quite the family-oriented place, no? Stay-at-home parents can find lots of weekday activities (see my blog category to the right, "Family Fun in the Area" for ideas). But I had a reader comment on my post about government support for families that she was looking for the weeknight and weeknight activities - key family time for parents who work full-time.

Far be it from me to deny a reader request! 

Since my Bug is 14 months old and goes to sleep at 7 p.m., we don't do a lot of evening activities. But we sure keep busy on the weekends! Here is a list of options for weeknight and weekend fun for the whole family.

Weeknight Family Activities

• Evening programming at Patrick Henry Library. Currently the library offers the "Goodnight, Sleep Tight" story time on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. for children ages 1 - 5 with adults. Check the schedule for changes, and note the new Patrick Henry registration policy: show up 30 minutes early to get in rather than register online. Also remember to look at nearby Oakton and Pimmit Hills branch schedules.
• . Fridays, 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Vienna Community Center. You bring the rollerskates and safety gear, the Community Center provides the space.
• Vienna Town Green concerts. You know summer is on its way when there's music on the Town Green. The outdoor music season opened on May 13, with shows on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and select Wednesdays. Generally shows start at 6:30 p.m., but check the schedule before you go. June 29, July 6 and July 13 are kids shows in particular. Bring a picnic and enjoy!
• Watermine Water Park. I haven't been here yet, but there is a Fairfax County waterpark in Reston that is supposed to be cool. It's open until 8 p.m. from June 22 through August 7 (not on Wednesdays, though), and then until 7 p.m. through Labor Day. Buy a season pass by May 30 and save some moolah. Also open on weekends.

Weekend Family Activities

• Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. This beautiful park / nature trail has a wide variety of programming on weekends. I think they also may have some weeknight activities. A short drive to Chantilly.
• Fairfax County Rec Center Classes. The rec centers offer swim classes on the weekend for sure - I know because we started Bug in one when she was too small to be there! See the schedule at centers like Oak Mar and Providence to find swim and other classes for kids. You'll need to register for a class series in advance.
• JW Tumbles in Herndon. Last I knew, this indoor play space has not only classes, but open-play on Sunday afternoons.
• Jammin Java. In addition to their weekday morning kids shows, Jammin Java regularly has weekend morning shows. Check the schedule for what's coming up.
• Music Together of Vienna. Music Together has classes on weekends at the Community Center and Cuppett Performing Arts Center. Register for a class series in advance.
• Parks in Vienna. There are several parks in the area that would be great for weekend jaunts for free play. Check them out!
• Vienna Town Green concerts. Doing double duty as a weeknight and weekend family activity.
• Watermine Water Park. Also double duty as weekend activity.
• Wolftrap's Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods. Geared for kids aged three and up, children can enjoy live theater in nature (children under three are free). Tickets go fast, so order now (on sale April 30).

Places to Look for Activities

For more ideas, check out these sites where you can search for events in the Vienna area:

• Fairfax Events Calendar
• Fairs and Fun - fairs in the area and a bit further away (Blackbeard Pirate Festival first weekend in June!)
• Events in NoVA

And if you want to play on your own schedule, check out this blog post with links to a bunch of other blogs about play.

Have fun!

For more So Very Vienna, visit its home here.