If the weather isn't great but you want (or need) to get out of the house with your kids, here are some ideas:
Drop-In Play Times
Reston Community Center- Tot Time on most Tuesdays & Fridays
- Free, for ages 0-4 at the Hunters Woods location
- Kids love this drop in play group and parents enjoy socializing with one another. Toys, games, books and music are provided. Parent/guardian must fully participate in the activities. This program is not appropriate for children older than the advertised age range.
- January 23-May 25 (No class: March 23, 27, 30, April 3, 6)
Herndon Community Center- Kiddie Play Zone on Wednesdays
- Bring your toddler, and enjoy open play, tumbling on the mats and kiddie basketball. This is a great way to socialize your children. Kids can run and exercise in the entire gym. Parents supervise their own children. $5 drop-in fee.
- Jan 10-Feb 28
Great Falls Library Playdate Cafe- most Fridays
- Adults with children come to play and have coffee and meet new friends.
Herndon Library Playdate Cafe- time varies
- Toys and play space for children. Coffee and conversation for adults. For ages 5 & under with adult.
Small Change Consignment- Tues-Sat
- Has some toys children are welcome to play with while you shop.
Indoor Playgrounds
Onelife Fitness Reston- Kidz Klub open every day, hours vary
- Kidz Klub has a toddler/baby room with toys, and another room with a giant indoor climbing/play maze. They also have a basketball court room with balls for kids.
- Open to members only, but you can get a free day pass.
Worldgate Sport & Health- Kidz Klub open every day, hours vary
- Kidz Klub has one room for 3 and under with many toys and play structures, and another room with an indoor play/climbing maze for older kids. They also have a basketball court for kids.
- Worldgate has an indoor pool with family swim time and swimming lessons.
- Open to members only but you can get a free day pass.
Chuck E. Cheese- open every day in Herndon
- Games, activities and food for kids
*There are other indoor playgrounds close to Reston, Herndon & Great Falls but this article only includes on the indoor playgrounds within Herndon, Reston & Great Falls.*
Storytimes
Scrawl Books- most Fridays, except this January because they are moving to a new location in Reston.
Reston Library, Herndon Library, and Great Falls Library offer a variety of story times for different ages. You can view current story times and register on Fairfax County Library's website.
Arts and Crafts Activities
Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE)- Tues-Sat
- Art Buckets for kids are available for a self-guided program for learning and creating art. Designed for preschool and elementary-level kids. Cost $5 a bucket.
- Occasionally offers free kids activities and workshops
Artspace Herndon- sometimes offers art classes and activities for kids
Reston Art Gallery- free crafts for kids on Saturdays (except during January 2018)
Michaels- most Saturdays
- Kids craft activities on most Saturdays ages 3 and up for $2. Drop in.
Home Depot- first Saturday of the month
- Kids workshops-craft varies
- All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron, and pin.
Nature Activities
Walker Nature Center- open most days except Tuesdays & holidays
- Offers nature-themed classes for kids ages 18m-up for a small fee. You can register on the Reston Association's website.
Frying Pan Farm Park- open every day, indoor class times vary
- Offers farm-themed classes for kids. You can register on Parktakes.
- Occasionally offers drop in playtimes. There are two upcoming indoor playdates on Jan 9 and Jan 23.
Great Falls National Park- open daily
- The Visitor Center has a Children's Corner with games and puzzles. The highlight of the room is the please-touch table, where children can explore items they may encounter in the park.
- The Junior Ranger program is a great way for kids to explore the park, while earning their own Junior Ranger badge. This program is designed for children ages 5 and up. Two books are available at the Visitor Center desk.
Trampoline Park
Launch Trampoline Park- recently opened in Herndon.
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