Wee Play - Thanksgiving week

Special Thanksgiving Week

Open Play Sessions

for ages 1 - 5

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

9:30 - 11:00 AM

November 24, 25, 26

$5 each child enrolled families,

$8 non-enrolled children.

Non-walking siblings free.

Wee Play Update

Wee Play in Herndon has started its Fall Classes but I wanted to make sure I corrected the Open Play schedule which has changed slightly.

Open play is now 4 - 5 PM Mondays and Wednesdays

This is better for my family since 5 - 6 pm was too late!

Udvar-Hazy Center - National Air and Space Museum

This morning we made our way to the Air and Space Museum out in Chantilly. It took me about 15 minutes to get there once I was on the toll road. It truly is a fun place to go, especially for little boys. My sister and I had four boys with us, all under the age of 7. We parked right next to the fountain in front (the easiest place to unload small children because of the sidewalk area and the distraction of the fountain). They admired it for a while, threw pennies in (they could have done that for hours) and then we were on our way. The National Aviation and Space Exploration Wall of Honor is beautiful and a great 'runway' for the kids. By the way, parking is $12 but the museum is free to all visitors. There is a bag check in front where they tell you that drinking throughout the museum is ok, but snacks can only be eaten in the McCafe area. Which is where we usually finish our museum visit. Kids will probably be very excited to get a McDonald's Happy Meal after they run and walk around the museum!
We decided to go straight to the Donald D. Engen Observation Tower where you can watch the airplanes take off and land at Dulles Airport.
After the observation tower we headed downstairs to see the other exhibits. As you can see from the picture there is so much space and we actually did not lose any children, thank God! The boys were so interested in all the planes and interactive touchscreen computers that we were there for about an hour and a half before we realized we should end the trip (meltdown time). We enjoyed eating our lunches (half packed, half McDonalds - it is a little pricey) and then we said hello and goodbye to the gift shop and made our way to the car (with another stop at the fountain).
Oh this is important! The bathroom facilities all have changing table areas and are SO clean!
So go check it out, if you click on these pictures you can zoom in and get a better idea of the place. Have fun!

Movies!

Some days you really just want to see a movie - maybe when it is in the 90s outside or raining or you just feel like some popcorn! Fairfax Corner has "G" rated movies every Saturday and Sunday morning at 10 am. This month the new Thomas movie is playing and I think my boys will love it. Tickets are $3.50 and you can get a discount at the concession stand as well. Enjoy!

Here is a link that will give you more info. There is also great shopping at Fairfax Corner. Check out their web site for all the stores.

Jammin Java

This is one of my favorite places to go with the kids. It is so fun to hang out, sip coffee, and watch your child dance and sing along to performers. Actually my children didn't dance for a while, they just stared, but now that they are older they participate a lot more. They have shows every weekday morning at 10:30. It is located in Vienna so it takes a little while to get there but it is worth it. All the singers are so much fun and really have a great love for kids. I am amazed at their patience! I believe it is $5 a child and then a few bucks less with each additional child. Here is the schedule.

Reston Regional Library

I am embarrassed to say that I just started using the library frequently a few months ago. I had gone a year ago and been so worried about the noise of my 2 sons that I left quickly. Now I love going, I am still working on the volume level with my boys but they love it too. I don't know why I ever bought DVDs! They have so many that you can borrow (Thomas the train, Scholastic, Barney, Dora, etc.) and they give you a week with them. There are also tons of books and cassette tapes if your child likes listening to stories while following along. I can also put books on hold so that they are waiting for me and I don't have to drag the kids through looking for titles.

I haven't hit the story hour yet, it doesn't quite fit my schedule, but hopefully by the end of the summer. Here is the link. You might also want to check out this event list that includes all the libraries in Fairfax County. There is a separate list for older children.

MOMS Club of Reston

If you are home with your children at all during the week I would encourage you to join the MOMS Club of Reston. It is a great group of women who are looking for playgroups and support. It also offers a babysitting co-op, mom's nights out, and monthly activities. Click and email here if you are interested.

Loudoun Gym

I recently went to an Open Gym at the Loudoun Gymnastics center and my boys loved it. There is a carpeted area that you see in the picture but also trampolines to jump on and even a foam pit! It is a large place so if you have more than one child you may want to bring some help, it is hard to keep track of your kids. Open Gym times vary so just check their calendar. The cost is 8 or 9 dollars an hour (it lasts only an hour) depending on the season. It is conveniently located near Dulles Town Center so maybe you can get some shopping in after your toddler passes out in the stroller :)

Wee Play!

I discovered Wee Play in Herndon through the Reston Moms Club and really enjoyed our time there. I enrolled in 2 sessions with my son and I feel like it helped him get ready for preschool the following year. They offer classes for toddlers up to age 5 but they also have Open Play times:

5 - 6 pm Mondays

4-5 pm Wednesdays

Check the web site for class descriptions and directions

Barnes and Noble

I have 2 boys that love trains and I love books so this is a frequent hang out for us. It is located conveniently next to the Town Center and it has a Starbucks attached! Click this link to get directions and store hours.

Storytime: Tuesdays and Saturdays 11 am (ages 3-6)

The children's area is in the back of the store with a great train table and seats for little ones. The restroom is also in the back and it has a changing station in the hasndicap stall.