Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This week’s column is sponsored and written by Mackenzie Horne of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Mackenzie at 571-594-9136.
Thinking of moving to Great Falls, Vienna, or McLean? Are you wondering what to do for fun with your kids — here is the scoop!
Great Falls Village Center, located in the heart of Great Falls, is quiet, tree-lined, and where memories are made. On the Green, kids can run freely and burn off their energy from having an ice cream at the Great Falls Creamery or after an evening meal with friends at the Old Brogue. From May to October, you can attend Concerts on the Green… bring a picnic blanket, pick up some pizza from Deli Italiano, and enjoy live music with friends and neighbors.
A few weeks ago, we were there with friends and the 5- and 6-year-olds were rocking out, dancing, cartwheeling, and even getting shoutouts from the band.
Ever notice how some kid-friendly spots don’t open until 10 a.m.? I don’t know about you, but my kiddo is up and ready for Saturday morning activities well ahead of this time frame!
If you are Saturday morning early birds, put Katie’s Cars and Coffee on your calendar! It is a great place to walk around with the kids, grab a cup of coffee, and see some amazing vehicles. Plus, it goes on all year round (weather permitting) every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
No matter the time of year, there is something fun to do together as a family. From the 4th of July Fireworks at Turner Farm to the Celebration of Lights in December. Keep an eye out for the Colvin Run Mill who also hosts Santa in the Mill every year!
Are you looking for some great playgrounds? Check out the Great Falls Grange, which has a fantastic playground for kids of all ages, including a merry-go-round, swings, monkey bars, and a large baseball field.
Clemyjontri Park is truly a special place, where children of all abilities can play side-by-side. This park is a place where children who use wheelchairs, walkers, or braces, or who have sensory or developmental disabilities, can have a parallel playground experience of fun and exploration. My daughter loves going on the well-maintained carousel in the summer and always tries to snag the zebra!
Some of our family’s favorite places to go with kids include Wolf Trap Performing Arts with their robust kid-friendly offerings, NOVA Wild with its drive-through safari and petting zoo, Reston Farm Garden Market which my daughter likes to call the ‘Piggy Farm’ because she loves going to see the pigs, goats and chickens that are free to visit any day of the week. There are so many amazing options to choose from!
Want to grab a cup of coffee and connect about all the things? Call me, text me, email me anytime. These kids are such powerful inspirations for living our best lives, and I am here for you as you think about finding the perfect place to call home!
