Week in Preview July 23-29, 2012

Welcome to late July and early August.  It's that magical time of year in Virginia where the days are (mostly) unbearably hot and humid, and the afternoons and evenings bring brief respite in the form of very sudden thunderstorms. Yay.

In all seriousness, I love the thunder- it's my favorite thing in the world to fall asleep to.  I don't love the whining, hot children or trying to fit in a hike or playground time between the heat/sun and lightening!

Here, then, are a few indoor picks for the week, with a few outdoor ideas scattered in for the brave and/or heat loving among us!

Monday, July 23
At 10:30, head over to the Dale City library (intersection of Dale Blvd and Minnieville Road) for "Crafty Critters and Insect Exploration" brought to you by the PWC Gypsy Moth and Mosquito Control Board.  Your child will create an insect-themed craft while learning about insect habitats, body parts, lifecycle and more.  This activity will take place at several libraries at various dates and times- check the details on the calendar for more information!

Tuesday, July 24
Tuesdays at 12, Tea Time Tea Room in Gainesville, Virginia offers a story time complete with lemonade.

Superstar Plants will be featured at the "Plant Olympics", held today at 2pm at Potomac Library.  The program is limited to the first 30 children, so plan to arrive early. This program will be held on multiple dates at various locations, so be sure to check the details on the calendar to find the day and location that work best for you.

Wednesday, July 25
It's Parent/Tot Playdate time at Waterworks Waterpark in Dale City! Swim from 9-10:30am for $3.50 per child.

Beowulf T. Wonderbunny will be the star of Little Tots at Atlas Walk in Gainesville, Virginia at 10:30am.  Read our review of this great program here.

Bull Run and Central Libraries will be offering "Sing and Dance with Vanessa Trien" at 10:30am and 3pm, respectively.  This program will also be held at other libraries and dates, so be sure to read the complete details on the calendar.

Thursday, July 26
Lawrence the Magician – Come be amazed, astounded and have your funny bone tickled as Lawrence the magician once more takes the stage at Locust Shade.  This program begins at 10am and is $4 per person over age 2.  Want to know what to expect? Check out our Locust Shade review here.

There are a few JoAnn Fabrics classes this week.  We've got a list of them right here.  Today's is a Sew Sweet Pillow camp.

Friday, July 27
Bubble Camp happens each Friday, and my daughter LOVES it! The cost is $35 which includes lunch, craft, and fun from 9-3. Pre-register by calling 703-590-3320

Check out the calendar for movie nights and kids night out options.  There's nothing wrong with a date night for you on a Summer Night!

Saturday, July 28

At 1pm head over to Brentsville Courthouse for story time.  It's $2 per child. 

Lorton Workhouse has a free community concert at 7pm.  Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and come enjoy the music! Picnics are welcome, too. 

Speaking of Lorton Workhouse, they'll also be having a Music Together preview class today.  You must pre-register using this link. 

Sunday, July 29
At 12:10 you can head to Prince William Ice Center for a refreshing day inside, and get some exercise, too.  We love spending time on the ice as a family, and while you're there, check out their summer camp offerings for hockey and figure skating.

At 3pm you can check out a free concert in Old Town Manassas including ice cream afterwards.  That'll take the edge off the heat a little, anyway!