3 Lake Ridge Tot Lots

Lake Ridge has several tot lots which are fantastic for a few reasons.  First, they're less crowded.  Unlike Fantasy Playground, which is a "destination park", these are more like neighborhood play spots, which are still fun but have less than 1.3 million children. Second, they're shaded.  If you have a sun-sensitive child (or heat-sensitive), these can be great options.  Finally....I don't know, I always feel like there should be 3 things.  Maybe I'll come up with one if you read to the end, but I'm not making any promises.

So....we have:
Corner of Antietam and Seminole

Recently renovated, this playground has some really fun play spaces and has both baby swings and "big kid" swings.  It's mulch (as opposed to pea gravel, which is the bane of my feet's existence), but as a word of caution, there's a "creek" behind it that is really a drainage area, so you'll want to exercise your best judgement about whether your kids should be able to jump in it with reckless abandon.  Mine have been known to play by it and have not yet sprouted 3rd arms. Parking is street only, which is limited until 5pm. No public restrooms.
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Intersection of Mohican and Stoneford

This particular play area is close enough to Fantasy Playground that you could hit it with a rock.  Not really, and you shouldn't throw rocks, but it is close, which is nice if it's too crowded and you need to switch.  It's up in the woods and hard to see from the street, but trust me, it's there.  Street parking.  If you walk just past the playground, there's a basketball court.  No public restrooms.
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2/3rds of the way down Mohican between Edgemoor and Calloway (but on the left)

Are you noticing that all of the play structures look very similar? Me, too.  This particular one is nice because it's shaded, but right next to an open field so that you could have some younger kids playing or take some older ones with a soccer or football, and everyone could have a great time! Street parking, no public restrooms, mulch.
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So, you get the idea.  There are a total of 18 tot lots in Lake Ridge, and they tend to follow a pattern.  Want to share your favorite location with us? Leave a comment with the GPS or intersection!

Summer Camps

Here's what we have so far.  This list will continue to grow.  If you'd like to add your business or organization's camp option, please email us. It's totally free to add your camp to our list! 

All Summer (Choose Weeks)
Last year I spent a ton of time making the Park Authority Camps easier to search and sort through.  This year, they've done a way better job than I ever could- check out their website where you can search, compare, etc, or pick up a "Summer Camp Guide" which is listed by location by date this year, rather than by topic like last year!! Great job Park Authority!! 


YOUTH SPORTS, Virginia Training Center ’s Summer Camp Program gives kids of all gymnastics backgrounds and ages a chance to develop new skills, make new friends and above all have loads of fun!  Gymnastics Camp is open to kids ages 5 - 15.   The kids will participate in gymnastics, jump rope, arts and crafts, swimming, putt-putt golf, movies and more. A weekly schedule will be handed out on the first day of each week of camp.  Gymnastics camp is offered weekly.  Some weeks feature a second, specialty camp, too.   half day ($140) or full day ($190) 


Edgemoor Art Studio offers 8 weeks of "Art Rocks" Art camp for all ages.  Days are divided with younger children in the morning and older kids in the afternoon.  All supplies and snacks are included.


The Little Gym of Gainesville offers a full summer of programming with a different theme each week.  Classes are for ages 3-8 years old, and are priced by the day, rather than by the week, making it a good flexible option for part-time parents. 


The State Park Program offers a teen training program that actually includes a $500 stipend!  Have older kids? Check it out on their website.


George Mason University's "Potomac Arts Academy" offers several options throughout the summer for ages through high school.  


Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation will offer camp all summer beginning Monday June 25.  Full day is 8:30 to 4:30, and half day is 8:30 to 12:30.  Registration begins March 1st.  Camps range in price from $80 to $175 a week depending on the number of hours and whether or not you are a LRPRA member.  Contact the Recreation Dept., (703) 491-2154 for details.


Gymboree Bubble Camp- Every Friday. Get the fun of camp without the daily commitment! Bubble Camp is a drop-off program for “potty independent” 3-5 year olds which offers Play, Music, Art, Sports, School Skills, parachute time, traditional games and signature Gymboree activities all in one day!  Camp is every Friday in June, July and August from 9AM-3PM. The cost is $35 and includes snack and lunch.  Call or email for weekly themes and reservations. 


LRPRA Summer Camp begins Monday, June 25th.  Full Day Camp is from 8:30am-4:30pm, half day camp is 8:30am-12:30pm.  Registration begins March 1st.  Non-refundable deposit of $25/week due at registration.  703-491-2154.  Member and Non-Member rates, multi week discount, prices start at $160/$80 (member full/half day) and $175/$90 (non-member full/half day).


Swim Kids offers weeklong sessions all summer for $99 per week.  It's 5 classes per week, leaving plenty of time for other activities. 


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June 25-29
“On the Home Front” Camp
Ages 8-13; $130 per child.
This camp will include activities associated with the various periods of history at Brentsville. Children will conduct a historic mock trial in the 1822 Courthouse, cook a snack, create historic crafts in the ca.1850 Haislip Farm House, learn about a school day in the one-room schoolhouse, and engage with nature with a hike to identify animals and plants along Brentsville Nature Trail. 9am-Noon daily.
Brentsville Courthouse, 703-365-7895 



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July 9 - 13
Rippon Lodge Colonial Camp
Ages 8-12; $150 per child,
Step back in time and spend your mornings in 18th Century Virginia. Explore the daily activities and life of kids living in Prince William County during the colo- nial period. Living history, live music, hands-on dem- onstrations and special guests will be featured daily. Activities will include; crafts, games, history, music, food and much more.  9am-Noon Daily
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 703-499-9812 


YOUTH SPORTS will offer a specialty camp for tumbling.   Half day ($140) or Full day ($190) ages 5-15. A schedule will be handed out the first week of camp.

July 16-20
Basic Civil War Camp
Ages 8 – 13, $130 per child
Children will participate in activities designed to de- velop a better understanding of soldier life during the American Civil War. Activities include “Enlist in Vir- ginia’s Army”, “Life in Camp,” “Infantry Drill,” “Did Civil War Soldiers Really Eat that Stuff?”, “Civil War Medicine” and a field trip to Manassas National Battle- field Park. 9am-Noon Daily.

Brentsville Courthouse, 703-365-7895 


YOUTH SPORTS will offer a specialty camp for cheerleading.   Half day ($140) or Full day ($190) ages 5-15. A schedule will be handed out the first week of camp.


July 23-27
YOUTH SPORTS will offer a specialty camp for Boys Training.   Half day ($140) or Full day ($190) ages 5-15. A schedule will be handed out the first week of camp.


July 30-August 3
YOUTH SPORTS will offer a specialty camp for cheerleading.   Half day ($140) or Full day ($190) ages 5-15. A schedule will be handed out the first week of camp.




Super Story Adventures Going on a Bear Hunt, visit Grandma with Red Riding Hood, help protect the pigs from the Big Bad Wolf! If this is your kind of adventure and your up for the fun then join us. Swim Tuesday and Thursday. M-F 8:30a-12p 7/30-8/3 $60/M; $65/R; $72/NR Ages 3-5 Potty Trained Only, Manassas Park Community Center 703.335.8872


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August 6-10
Basic Civil War CampAges 8 – 13, $130 per child
Children will participate in activities designed to de- velop a better understanding of soldier life during the American Civil War. Activities include “Enlist in Vir- ginia’s Army”, “Life in Camp,” “Infantry Drill,” “Did Civil War Soldiers Really Eat that Stuff?”, “Civil War Medicine” and a field trip to Manassas National Battle- field Park. 9am-Noon Daily.

Brentsville Courthouse, 703-365-7895 




Ready, Set, Go!!! We are going to explore the world of transportation. Wheels, tracks, water and air; we will have hotwheel races, boat races, build train tracks and more. We will end the week with bring you bike to camp day (Safety First, don’t forget your helmet). Swim Tuesday and Thursday. M-F 8:30a-12p 7/30-8/3 $60/M; $65/R; $72/NR Ages 3-5 Potty Trained Only, Manassas Park Community Center 703.335.8872

YOUTH SPORTS will offer a specialty camp for "mind and body".   Half day ($140) or Full day ($190) ages 5-15. A schedule will be handed out the first week of camp.

August 13- 17

YOUTH SPORTS will offer a specialty camp for jump rope.   Half day ($140) or Full day ($190) ages 5-15. A schedule will be handed out the first week of camp.

August 20-24
Advanced Civil War Camp
Ages 8 – 13, $150 per child
Children will participate in activities built on funda- mentals that they learned during the Basic Civil War Summer Camp (see July 16- 20, August 6-10 ). Par- ticipants will drill their peers, learn an artillery drill, explore non commissioned officers’ administrative responsibilities, spend a day with Confederate Gen- eral Robert E. Lee and take a field trip to Manassas National Battlefield Park. Participants MUST have at- tended the Basic Civil War Camp. 9am-Noon daily.
Brentsville Courthouse, 703-365-7895 




Creative Campers
Do you like to get messy, create, and have fun? We will finger paint, dough creations, chalk drawings and more in this exploratory art camp. Swim Tuesday and Thursday. M-F 8:30a-12p 7/30-8/3 $60/M; $65/R; $72/NR Ages 3-5 Potty Trained Only, Manassas Park Community Center 703.335.8872




YOUTH SPORTS will offer a specialty camp called Splash Down Adventure.   $220. ages 5-15. A schedule will be handed out the first week of camp.



August 28 – 30
History Mini Camp
Ages 8-12. $20 per day or $50 for all three days
Explore the daily lives of kids living in Prince William County in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Every day will feature a different time period. Activities will include crafts, games, history, music, food and much more. 9am-noon daily.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 703-499-9812 


YOUTH SPORTS will offer a specialty camp called Pirates Cove Water Adventure.   August 27-31st $220 ages 5-15. A schedule will be handed out the first week of camp.


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NEARBY BUT NOT PWC:
Fairfax- 
Got a Lego/Engineering Fanatic? Check out Play-Well's Summer camps! Various Fairfax locations will offer camps all summer long.


The Plains-
Wakefield School is offering summer programs in everything from Lego design and sports to baking, arts, nature and music. Check out our full program offerings at 

Giveaway: The Secrets to Spending Less Workshop

 Sherri Gray, aka "The Money Mom" wrote a guest piece a few weeks ago that was our highest visited piece for 6 days!  Clearly you all love the advice she's got to share!

Sherri offers workshops, in addition to her web-radio program each Wednesday, and she's got one coming up on March 24th called "The Secrets to Spending Less".  In it, Sherri says you'll learn how to "save on food, clothes, & household products including how I saved $2,400 in one year using coupons."

The workshop is scheduled for the 24th from 6:00pm-7:00pm in Manassas.  You can register for $10 at Sherri's Website, and you can opt to attend in person or via phone.  

However, if you'd like to start learning to spend less with a bang, you can enter to win a seat at "The Secrets to Spending Less" by emailing The Money Mom with "Spending Less Workshop" in the subject line.  The winner will be announced Thursday, which will give you time to register if you don't get a free ticket!

Thanks to The Money Mom for this great, educational giveaway!!  Good luck! 

The Week in PreView March 19-25th 2012

Happy Sunday!! Here's your list of kid-friendly Prince William County events for this week!  There's lots more on our calendar, too!

Monday
One of our favorite library events, Lunch Bunch, happens once a month at the Chinn Park Library at 12pm.  Pack a lunch for your munchkins and head over to see Squirt the turtle and listen to stories while you nosh!  After, if there aren't preschool classes out, you can play on the playground adjacent to the Chinn Center right next door!

In the evening, Jump N Jimmy's will be holding a fundraiser for the Kolos Family to support a medical crisis in their family.  Bounce between 5pm-8pm for $10, and while the kids bounce, you can shop with local HBB's who are donating a percentage of their sales to the Kolos', too. 

Tuesday
Tuesday is the first day of spring, and Rita's Italian Ice shops will be offering a free regular ice to each customer in honor of the start of the season!!  It appears all stores will be participating.

It's Toddler Tuesday at the Manassas Museum! This program offer toddlers and their caregivers an opportunity to enjoy music, story-telling and crafts, and include a special take-home surprise. Prior registration is encouraged as space is limited, and is $10 per child.

There is a 7pm-8pm HOPE meeting for parents who have lost children this Tuesday, as well.

Wednesday
I'm not going to lie, I feel like Wednesday is library story day and that's about it.  The weather is getting nice, though, so why not check out a local park or playground? We've got some great reviews here!  Do you know of an event missing from our Wednesday calendar? We'd love to hear about it!!

Thursday
Be sure to check out our list of Easter events in the county and surrounding areas!! If you live in Triangle or Quantico, today is the day to register for the Stafford Parks and Rec programs!  You'll also want to call ahead if you're wanting to attend this weekend's Egg Hunts at Pump it Up Manassas!

Live on the other edge of the county? Princess Genevieve will be at the Warrenton Chick Fil A for Family Night! A little closer in, it's also CFA Famly night at the Signal Hill Location.

Friday
From 5pm-9pm, you child gets $1 off each game at Laser Quest Woodbridge with their student ID! This would be a fun one for your older children.  

Younger kids (or the non fake shooting inclined) may prefer to head to the Manassas Park Community Center for their Lego Challenge night from 7-8pm.

Saturday
It's time to shop for spring!! St. Paul UMC and Old Bridge UMC's Preschools will both be hosting consignment sales at their respective locations.

This Saturday there's also a few fun low-cost events (Build and Grow and The Knack) but if you've got some wiggle room in your budget and a girl, call ahead and reserve a space at the Rippon Lodge American Girl Tea! $25 per person, girls must be 5 or older. 703-499-9812.

Sunday
Central Park Funland in Fredericksburg will host their annual Spring Fling, 4 hour wristbands starting at $20, Face painting, Buzzy from B101.5 on site.  It's a drive, but for the price and special activities could be a worthwhile Sunday excursion.

Featrued Organization Friday: Rockin' for Preemies/Preemies Today

Last Week: Coups for Troops
Relevant This Week: St. Baldrick's- it's a different group hosting this weekend, but Chick Fil A Bristow will be getting their shave on, too!


Hubby and I had a little laugh about this.  Somehow the idea of a "preemie" and the idea of "rockin out" don't seem to go together- but whatever, we're about helping babies.

Preemies Today provides support, education, outreach, and a sense of support to families facing a premature birth situation.  They provide local support in the form of care packages, family outings, support groups, a "Take a Break" program, and annual celebration and silent auction, in addition to a host of online support options. 

Preemies Today is will be the beneficiary of a "Rockin For Preemies" Concert featuring Rocknoceros and special guests Groovy Nate and Music Together.  While this isn't in PWC, it will be a great kid-friendly event benefiting families in Prince William County, so pack up the kids and head to Fairfax for a great concert for a great cause!  We'll have this on our calendar, but put it on yours, too!

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Concert

The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra has a concert this weekend (March 18th) at the Hylton Performing Arts Center! I especially love that all the FSO concerts feature $5 student tickets!! 

Check out their special treatment for kids! 

FSO’s Concert:

Students should be sure to stop by the FSO table at this performance to pick up a Student Passport and a free gift!

·         Date:  Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 3:00 p.m.

·         Location:  Hylton Performing Arts Center

·         Cost:  Student Tickets only $5 – Adult Tickets begin at $25

·         Tickets:  Available beginning at 1:00 p.m. on March 18^th.  Students must be present when purchasing their tickets.

·         Parking:  Parking is free in lot adjacent to the Hylton Center.

Students are invited to join the FSO’s Student Passport Club to receive a gift at this performance and throughout the season.  Members of the Club will enjoy the following benefits:

·         Special program notes and activity sheets for each concert

·         Personal passport to be stamped at each event

·         Gift at each event

·         Invitation to a special reception prior to the FSO’s final concert on May 12^th with an opportunity to meet FSO musicians and play many different instruments.

He said WHAT???

Oh my gosh, y'all! It's a reader question that has so much background, it had to be a blog post!!  Check it out!!

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First off - thanks so much for your blog - it is beyond awesome!!! (I could have taken this part out, but it's nice to hear!)

I think I have a topic for the group that may yield some interesting answers.  

 

A couple of us moms went to IKEA today for lunch for the kids and a retiree gentleman was behind us in the line.  He tried to overtake us and ended up tripping on one of the kids.  He then yelled at us to learn to take care of our kids.  Well, we just gave him the look of death and stayed mum bc no one wanted to cause a scene.  He again tripped up near one of the kids bc one of the moms went to get some ketchup and her kids was w/ her.  He yelled "G-d d----t!!!" and stormed away. So our question was:

How do you handle a situation where a stranger questions your parenting skills and what did they question?

Which also reminds me - last year I took my kids to Costco and we decided to stop for a quick snack in the cafe area.  An older woman scolded me for allowing my 1 yr old daughter to sit on the table are bc "other people put their food there."  I thanked her sarcastically for her input and turned my back on her.

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I have two answers to this question.  The part of me that loves Jesus (and don't give me hate mail about being political or religious, I'm just stating a personal opinion, here) really wants to be kind and understanding and compassionate to people from a different era who aren't around kids, or even necessarily other people on a daily basis.  

 

The more human part of me wants to whip around and go "Obviously your momma didn't raise you well since you're cursing in front of a toddler!".

 

The side that wins typically has a direct correlation to how much sleep I've gotten the night before.  

 

How about you, readers? How do you handle a situation where a stranger questions your parenting skills (and what did they question)?