Local Children's Activities

There are numerous child-friendly activities in the greater Washington, D.C. area. This is a list of local (Herndon/Reston/Sterling) children's activities that I have enjoyed with my children, both of whom are under five.

Cabin John Park

Cabin John Park is the Park of Parks. It has several large play areas for children of all ages. It also has a miniature train that runs during the summer months for a small fee. What sets Cabin John apart from other parks, besides its sheer size, is its location. CJP is an older style park, complete with mature trees. So, even on the hottest summer days, it's tolerable (at least for a short time). We love to go for the day, have lunch and then enjoy a nice nap in the car on the way home.

For local lunch, try California Tortilla. They offer children's mini burritos which my kids, the fussiest of eaters, love.

Cabin John is easily a 25-30 minute drive, but well worth the time.

Frying Pan Park

Frying Pan Park is the home of numerous farm animals. The children can walk along and check out cows, donkeys, chickens, turkeys, etc. In addition, you can enjoy a tractor drawn hayride for $2.00/person over 2.

FPP is home to several annual events, including an egg hunt, hayrides with Santa, and "Putting the Animals to bed." These events require registration and charge additional fees.

Reston YMCA's Moms in Motion

I joined the MiM a few months after my first child was born. I still join them whenever I can. The MiM meets twice a week to walk local trails with our children. During the winter months we sometimes meet inside at the Y or at the pool for water aerobics. The group is lead by Jody Rook. For specific details on time, place, and activity, contact her at jodyrook@aol.com or 703.919.8444.

Park at The Grange

For a closer park, try the park at the Grange, off Old Georgetown Pike. It also has a surround of mature trees, helping to keep it cool during the summer. It's substantially smaller the CJP, but still a very nice place to spend an afternoon.

Walker Nature Center

Walker Nature Center is a great place to take your children once they can walk. There are paved, fine gravel, and mulch trails. I was able to walk them with a Snap 'n Go stroller. Walker tends to be a quiet place with not very steep trails, so you can let your little ones run ahead without fear that they'll be hit by speeding cyclists or whatnot. It's a great place to run out a little pre-nap energy.

Water Mine

We have a love-hate relationship with the Water Mine. The Season Passes are a great local value for water play in the summer -- especially if your HOA does not have a pool. But, the changing rooms are sketchy and the staff tends toward preoccupied teenagers. But, if you change at home and avoid the big summer holidays, (and don't forget your antibacterial wipes) you might enjoy it too!

Day (or more) Trips

Knoebel's

Knoebel's rocks! It's easily an overnight trip, possibly more depending on how far you like to drive in a day.

Knoebel's is not the place to go if you're looking for anything swanky -- like for the ride operators to have all of their teeth. But for deals and fun kids rides, you can't beat it. On weekends they do not charge admission fees to the park. You simply pay for the rides you want to ride. Children's rides are generally under $1.00. We spent 2 days there in 2005 and we didn't spend $30 in tickets.