Arts in the Parks

Starting this week at Lake Fairfax and Frying Pan Park are free shows for Families.  My friend went to several of these shows last year and thought it was so much fun, and FREE of course! The shows begin at 10 am.  At Frying Pan Park the shows begin this Wednesday and every Wednesday until August 18.  At Lake Fairfax the shows begin this Saturday and every Saturday until August 21st.  Print out this schedule and go check it out! Some of the performers are Rocknoceros, DinoRock, Bob Brown Puppets, and more!
Click on the title of this Post to find directions to the parks and more information.

Clemyjontri Playground

This park is truly amazing and hopefully you have already been there!  My pictures are very limited because the park is enormous.  But if you click on the Fairfax County link above, they actually have some great pictures and they have a small explanation of each section.  Some information that might be helpful is that if you have more than one small child you might want to consider bringing another adult.  There are so many places to go in this park and it is really hard to watch more than one child since it can be very crowded and there are so many places to wander.  The other important factor is the weather.  On a hot day this park can get VERY hot so you might want to try and get there in the early morning when the sun hasn't been out as long.  As you can see it is very stroller friendly.  There is a bathroom as well.  According to the web site the Carousel in the middle of the park opens every day starting May 31. But it is only open from 9:30 - 1 pm during the week.  Weekends it is open from 9:30 - 6:30 pm.  The fee is $1.50 to ride.  There is also a very large picnic pavilion if you would like to bring lunch. Go check it out!

Ashburn Park (Dinosaur Park)

We finally made it to Dinosaur Park in Ashburn recently.  I had heard a lot about it but it is a bit of a drive from Reston.  The park is wonderful and my kids loved it!  I tried to get some pictures that showed the layout but it is a really big park that has several different structures.  It is shaped like a circle so everything is fairly close together.  I loved the shade the trees provide and there is a picnic area as well.  It is all mulch so regular strollers might have a tough time but there is a path that is on the side.  I also failed to get pictures of the swing sets. There are at least 2 of them with toddler swings too! Hopefully this link will help you get there: http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=13348122675655718407&q=ashburn+park+ashburn+va&gl=us

Baron Cameron Playground

This is one of my favorite playgrounds. It really provides everything I need for the kids at this
age. It is located right next to a soccer field so they can run around. It has a shaded picnic area. The swings are great and the structure provides slides, a fire pole and a tunnel. There is also a dog park across the parking lot that is fun to visit.
When I had a toddler that like to wander off I didn't worry that much because I knew any dangerous area (the road) was far away.

Frying Pan Park

So much to do...How do you choose? These are the words on the brochure at Frying Pan Park in Herndon. I completely agree. I wish my pictures did it more justice but it was a little cloudy that day.
When you drive into the farm there is a mailbox with brochures in it - take one! They are very helpful. It also has a newsletter that explains the events that season. When you park you should be able to see the great playground next to the country store. The playground is wonderful and usually you can see horses from it.
The country store is adorable and has some really unique items. You also check in there if you want to take a hike. They have backpacks that you can borrow and use for your hike with children. It contains a map you can follow, and other fun things (bug magnifying containers).
If you don't want to hike (not for strollers), you can go see the farm animals: horses, chickens, peacocks, rabbits, goats, pigs, sheep, and cows. There is also a wagon ride ($3) that takes you through the woods and fields of Frying Pan Park. During the ride, you learn about the plants and animals that live there.
The web site shows the hours of operation and the 2008 birthing schedule :)

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

The last time I visited these gardens was about two years ago and I thought it was so beautiful. Last week was the second time and- WOW - I think I went at a perfect time. It seemed like so many of the gardens were in bloom and they were so amazing. Here is a list of the gardens that are blooming at different times of the year. The gardens are located in Vienna and admission is $5 for you (age 18 - 54) and free for the kids. We had a wonderful time walking around, looking at the flowers, seeing the turtles and the fish in the water, and saw some great birds. My kids love being outside and they were able to run ahead of me but I knew they were safe and I could usually see them. This is a great place to walk or jog and get lots of exercise. Here is their web site.

Lake Anne Park

What a great park- right here in Reston! This is located down the street from the village center and it has so much to offer. My boys were able to control the fountains with a button, and there is a mist that comes from the sides of the structure. They loved it! You can see that behind it is a fun playground and down a path is a volley ball court where the kids can play in the sand. It also has a covered area with picnic benches, tennis courts, and a basketball court. There is just so much to do for kids of all ages. Go see for yourself! Here is the Reston Association's info about it.

Map of Parks in Reston

Reston Asociation does have a link on their web site that shows parks/ playgrounds and recreational areas. If you click on this link and then the district that you want to look at it will give you a brief description of the park and some images of the structures available. It is fairly limited but it does help!

Cabots Point Playground

I was just introduced to this playground It is a great area close to the South Lakes shopping center. Not only does it have this structure with swings and wonderful trees to give you shade but it has a field to play in as well.

If you pass the South Lakes Village Center on the right, you turn left onto Cabots Point Lane. You can't miss the park, it will be on your right when you turn down the road.

We really enjoyed our day here!

Reston North Park

With the warmer weather we have been able to get outside a lot more - thank goodness! Sometimes we get to the playground and my kids just end up kicking the dirt, but I don't mind, it's just nice to be outside again. Reston North Park is the park behind Home Depot on Reston Parkway and Stevenage Rd. It has swings and 2 playgrounds. Here are some photos: