Week in Preview: July 29th- August 4, 2013

August.

Ugh.

Just typing that word made me sad! We start school (formally) in August, and even if you start in September, turning the calendar page means that the end is near.  If you haven't dipped your toes in the water, caught fireflies, had ice cream and watched the sunset, or whatever else is on your summer bucket list, you'd better hop to it!

This week there's still plenty to do on the calendar, and here are a few features:

Monday, July 29

Bob Evans is finishing up their Kids Eat Free in July promotion, where kids eat free with adult entree purchase from 2pm-close.  

Run a mommy-group or playgroup? Call The Animated Child today to pre-book for next week's playdate.  On Mondays, mommy groups play for $4 and groups for $5 when you bring 15 or more children.  Montclair residents play for $4 after 3pm (no pre-registration needed) when they bring their rec tags, too. 

**August 9th there will be a Percy Jackson Launch Party at Bull Run Library- Prepare for the release of Sea of Monsters at the movie theatres with some Greek mythology themed activities at our very own Camp Half Blood. Register online, by phone or in person beginning July 25. This program is a young adult program.

Tuesday, July 30

At 10:30 am, Chinn Library will present "Flow Circus" with juggling, magic, and comedy combine into a performance you'll never forget as Paul Miller takes us back to one memorable summer when his eccentric uncle come to visit. Different from other adults, his wacky uncle opened up an exciting new world of play unlike any he had ever known. Children ages 2 and up, accompanied by an adult.

From 2-3:30pm, head to Lorton for a free performance of "The Wizard of Oz", recommended for ages 5 and up.  Love a freebie! 

Wednesday, July 31

Bull Run Library will host a "Pre-K Dance Party" at 10:30 am for ages 2 and up.  If you're closer to Independent Hill, they'll have children's musician Dave Brewer at the same time, same age group. 

For older children, head to Leesylvania State Park to learn about "What's in a Watershed" Where does all that water in the Potomac River comFREE Dinner & Movie!

Join us for the 1st Friday of every month for a FREE Movie and Kids Eat FREE from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the restaurant. Movie starts from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. e from? Where does it go when it flows past Leesylvania? Join us for an exploration of how water makes the world go around as we travel through the water cycle, learn about watersheds, and see the aquatic impacts of how we use the land we live on. Meet up with a ranger at the Visitor Center to begin your journey through the world of water.

For more information please call 703-583-6904.  Be sure to check scout handbooks to see if you can cross off an elective! 

**On August 7th at 3pm there will be a reptile show at Central Library.  Free tickets are available starting today. 

Thursday, August 1

Reptiles Alive! Is always a great show, and it'll be at Potomac Library today at 1pm.  Plan to arrive early to ensure a seat: Gators and lizards and snakes, oh my! Explore the world of reptiles beneath your feet with awesome, slithering creatures from all over the world. A close encounter with some of the reptilian stars will follow each program. Limit 100 persons. Children, 'tweens and teens entering grades 1-12.

Recently added to our calendar, ghost tours of Occoquan are available Thursday-Sunday with advance registration.  Adults $12, Children $6 (6-12), Children 5 and Under Free.  Reserve online here. 

Friday, August 2

Ready for a date night? The Freedom Center will cover your childcare: Parents take the opportunity to sit back and relax one Friday of every month. We provide a variety of competitive games, upbeat activities, swimming and pizza for your child to enjoy. Please pack a bathing suit, towel and wear tennis shoes. Participants must be registered by Thursday 10pm before the event freedom-center.com

Family Date Night sound more your speed? IKEA has free Dinner and a Movie! FREE Dinner & Movie!

Join us for the 1st Friday of every month for a FREE Movie and Kids Eat FREE from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the restaurant. Movie starts from 6:00pm - 8:00pm.  (This month, it's Mulan) 

Saturday, August 3

If you can get up and out the door on a Saturday morning, Leesylvania State Park has their Fishing Tournament this week! 

If worms aren't your thing, Home Depot has their Kids' Workshops the first Saturday of the month, too!  Register online before you go!  

The Lorton Workhouse is showing Winnie the Pooh, if you need an indoor option.  Join us at the Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton, VA 22079 for Winnie the Pooh: Live on-Stage! Based on the stories of A.A. Milne.  Join Pooh, Piglet and all the rest for an adventurous afternoon in the Hundred Acre Wood! The forest is in a worry when two mysterious new neighbors, Kanga and Roo, move in. On top of that, Eeyore has lost his tail again! Will Piglet come to the rescue?

Running time 75 minutes with one intermission, appropriate for all ages. Concessions available before the performance and at intermission.

Show Times: 1pm (75 minute show, with one intermission)

Tickets: $12 adults; $8 children under 12 years old

**August 11th will be the next Lowe's Build and Grow, be sure to register in advance to ensure a spot for your child at this Shrek Themed event.Build and Grow Registration

Sunday, August 4

Also new to the calendar, Miss Rivershore Charters does boat tours of the Tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday from 12noon till 1 hr before dark. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12-4 and under 4 are FREE.