Lake Anne Village: updated

I wanted to add these pictures to the blog since my last post only had a tiny picture of Lake Anne. There is a fountain that kids can play in and you can also feed the ducks. They still have a few more summer shows so check it out if you get a chance! Here is the link that contains the web sites of all the stores and restaurants located there.

Reston Zoo

I was pleasantly surprised when I went to the Reston Zoo a few months ago. There was so much space for the kids to run around and my 2 and 3 year old boys loved it. It was just the perfect size for a fun morning activity. They had some animals I had never seen before too! Check the web site for admission prices and hours.

Reston Town Center Sprayground

This blog title may shock you since I am not sure if Reston Town Center has a "sprayground". So I am hoping someone will tell me if this is in fact a fountain that is ok for children to run around in.
I took this picture in the middle of a weekday and it was obviously empty, but I was so excited since I had heard that in the new area of the Town Center there were fountains similar to Fairfax Corner. Well, they certainly don't compare to those, but they are closer!

Fairfax Corner Sprayground

I am a new fan of "spraygrounds". If you are a parent you probably know exactly what this is but may not have heard the word for it yet. According the the Washington Post article it is a play area of fountains. The article highlights several in the area. Two parks it mentions in Arlington are right off of 66 so it might be worth a stop in or out of the city!
You definitely need to see the one in Fairfax Corner though- The same man who designed the fountains at the famous Bellagio Hotel in Vegas designed these fountains. Click here for hours and more pictures of the fountain. They are especially wonderful for parents with multiple young children. It is less stressful than going to the pool!

Movie ratings

To go along with the last post this is a great web site. It is called Common Sense Media and it rates movies, books, TV shows, web sites and games. Please check it out because I would love to see it grow and have more ratings. I can look at it to see which videos are appropriate for my 3 year old and it will tell me the content just in case I haven't seen it in a while, or at all. I hope it can help you too!

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.

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 Town Center

Last week we were able to see one of the Monday shows that Mr. Knick Knack performs at the Town Center. He plays there every Monday during the summer at 10:30 am. Click here to see the schedule of events for the Town Center.

Starbucks

I am a huge fan of Starbucks. I love the treats they offer me in the middle of the day when I need an extra burst of energy. Here is a link that shows you the Starbucks close to you and even ones with a Drive-thru. It is wonderful driving to get a coffee as your little ones sleep in the back seat!