KidsFest, honeybees, and OFC Ignite this weekend

Free weekend plan · Burke, VA • Free • Sat, Aug 29 • Plan on about an hour

Playdate Cafe

Kids can play with toys while adults talk with other parents. For children ages 0 to 5 with an adult.

When: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Signup: No registration listed · Drop in

Bathrooms: Public restrooms available

Parking: Free library parking available

Try this: Sing, bounce, and pick a book

1. Sit near the edge so you can feed, soothe, or step out without fuss.
2. Help your baby clap, bounce, or move along with the songs.
3. After storytime, let them look at a few board books before you head home.

Bring: Small blanket, Feeding supplies, One quiet comfort item

Easy exit: If your baby gets fussy or needs to eat or nap, head home whenever you need to.

If plans change · Arlington, VA • Free • Sat, Aug 29 • Plan on about an hour

Sensory Storytime at Central

An inclusive storytime adapted for children with sensory needs and their families. For children ages 2 to 11 with an adult.

When: 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM

Signup: No registration listed · Drop in

Bathrooms: Public restrooms available

Parking: Free library parking available

Try this: Sing, bounce, and pick a book

1. Sit near the edge so you can feed, soothe, or step out without fuss.
2. Help your baby clap, bounce, or move along with the songs.
3. After storytime, let them look at a few board books before you head home.

Bring: Small blanket, Feeding supplies, One quiet comfort item

Easy exit: If your baby gets fussy or needs to eat or nap, head home whenever you need to.

This is a closer option if the first place is closed or crowded, or you want less driving.

Free weekend plan · Reston, VA • Free • Sat, Aug 29 • Plan on 60 to 90 minutes

KidsFest

Climb aboard trucks, meet birds of prey, try hands on science, get face paint, and catch live entertainment.

When: 11 AM to 4 PM

Try this: Let your toddler choose three favorites

1. Start with whatever your child runs to first.
2. After a few minutes, ask them to pick two more things they want to try.
3. After a water or snack break, give them one last turn and head out.

Bring: Water, Snack, Sun or weather protection

Easy exit: When your toddler starts slowing down, let them choose one last playground favorite before you go.

If plans change · Arlington, VA • Free • Plan on about an hour

Long Branch Nature Center

Free Arlington nature center with a children's Discovery Room, live animals, seasonal exhibits, gardens, a viewing pond, and nearby trails.

When: Sun 1 PM to 5 PM · Mon closed · Tue to Thu 10 AM to 6 PM · Fri and Sat 11 AM to 7 PM

Signup: Exhibits do not require signup. Some programs may.

Bathrooms: Accessible restroom available

Parking: Limited free parking

Try this: Copy the animals

1. Let your child choose an animal or display.
2. Copy how that animal moves or sounds.
3. Pick one more thing to see before snack and the trip home.

Bring: Water, Snack, One small comfort item

Easy exit: If your child loses interest, say goodbye to one last animal and head home.

This is an easier outing if the weather changes, the first place is closed or crowded, or everyone needs a shorter day.

Free weekend plan · Great Falls, VA • Free admission; food and vendor purchases cost extra • Sun, Aug 30 • Plan on 60 to 90 minutes

Honey Harvest Festival

Petting zoo, music, crafts, honeybee talks, vendors, and Peter and the Wolf.

When: 11 AM to 5 PM

Signup: Drop in; no registration listed

Parking: Limited onsite parking; attendants may direct families to nearby offsite parking

Try this: Let them choose the details

1. Help your child get started, then let them pick a color, shape, sticker, or decoration to make the project their own.
2. Halfway through, ask if they want to add anything or change a color.
3. Before you leave, ask them to show you their favorite part.

Bring: Water, A bag or folder for bringing the project home

Easy exit: Let your child choose one last stop, then leave before the walk back becomes a battle.

If plans change · Arlington, VA • Free • Plan on about an hour

Gulf Branch Nature Center

Free Arlington nature center with live animals, natural history exhibits, pollinator gardens, a restored log cabin, and wooded trails.

When: Sun 1 PM to 5 PM · Mon closed · Tue to Thu 10 AM to 6 PM · Fri and Sat 11 AM to 7 PM

Signup: Exhibits do not require signup. Some programs may.

Bathrooms: Restroom inside the nature center

Parking: Limited free parking

Try this: Follow your child's lead

1. Let your child choose what to see first.
2. Let them choose the next few stops as you go.
3. Before you leave, ask what they would want to see again.

Bring: Water, Snack

Easy exit: Let your child choose one last stop, then leave before the walk back becomes a battle.

This is an easier outing if the weather changes, the first place is closed or crowded, or everyone needs a shorter day.

Free weekend plan · McLean, VA • Free • Sat, Aug 29 • Plan on about an hour

OFC Ignite

Back to School Kickoff and Tailgate Party on Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM. Drop in for ping pong, board games, arcade games, refreshments, and the Sensory Room.

When: 9 AM to 1 PM

Try this: Let them choose the details

1. Help your child get started, then let them pick a color, shape, sticker, or decoration to make the project their own.
2. Halfway through, ask if they want to add anything or change a color.
3. Before you leave, ask them to show you their favorite part.

Bring: Water, A bag or folder for bringing the project home

Easy exit: If everyone starts losing interest, choose one last stop and head home.

If plans change · McLean, VA • Free • Plan on 60 to 90 minutes

Clemyjontri Park

Large accessible playground with wide paths, restrooms open throughout the year, and room for different ages to play.

When: Daily, 7 AM to dusk

Signup: No signup needed

Bathrooms: Yes · Year round restrooms

Parking: Free 81 space lot · Overflow across the street at Langley Forks Park · Can fill on weekends

Try this: Let your child lead the walk

1. Let your child choose the route and identify two landmarks that will help everyone return.
2. Photograph or sketch five clues showing animals, water, plants, or how the park is used.
3. At the end, rank the clues from easiest to hardest to notice and explain the top choice.

Bring: Water, Walking shoes, Phone camera or small notebook

Easy exit: If everyone starts losing interest, choose one last stop and head home.

This is an easier outing if the weather changes, the first place is closed or crowded, or everyone needs a shorter day.