Check Out This Week’s Family-Friendly Events

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, there’s plenty of themed events happening around Northern Virginia. Whether you’re looking to add some Valentine’s activities to your calendar or just explore something new in the area, we’ve got you covered.

Keep reading for our list of 12 events happening now through February 12. There’s something for everyone, from lego club and family dances, to tea parties and movie screenings:

Little Hands on the Farm

This February, children ages 2-5 are invited to Frying Pan Farm for the Little Hands on the Farm program! Children learn about farm life by spending time with a farm animal, listening to stories, making crafts, and performing introductory-level farm chores.
When: Monday, 2/6 and again on Tuesday, 2/21 from 9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Price: $10. An adult must accompany each child.
Address: Frying Pan Farm, 2739 West Ox Rd., Herndon, VA 20171
Find out more here.

Free Admission to the Butterfly Pavilion at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History boasts an indoor Butterfly Pavilion, home to hundreds of fluttering butterflies. And on Tuesday, admission is free! The Butterfly Pavilion is a brightly lit climate-controlled environment (80°), where you stroll among butterflies and blooming plants. Butterflies fly freely around the Pavilion, landing on plants and sometimes people! Like other weekdays, a timed entry ticket is still required on Tuesdays (only available on-site at the Butterfly Pavilion Ticket Desk). This opportunity is very popular, so visit the museum early and go straight to the ticket desk for your timed-entry pass!
When: Tuesdays in February (2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28)
Price: Free, but you need timed tickets from their ticket desk
Address: Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560
See all their hours and regular ticket prices here.

Spark!Lab

Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors! The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 - 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with art, history and creativity!
When: Wednesday, 2/8 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., with other recurring dates throughout February
Price: Free, first come, first served
Address: American History Museum, 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560
See more here.

Lego Club at the Library

Calling all Master Builders to come to Lego Club! This drop-in program is open to students in Grades K-5. No registration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
When: Wednesday, 2/8 from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Price: Free
Address: Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046
Click here to learn more.

Nature Storytelling at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Explore the parks through books! Hear a story, enjoy nature activities, take a short hike, and finish with a craft. Topics will change seasonally. A parent must accompany each registered child in the program. This event is best for children ages 3 - 6.
When: Thursday, 2/9 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Price: $10/participant
Address: Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Rd., Chantilly, VA 20151
Register here.

Snack & Paint Night at the Old Firehouse

Whether you are a beginner or an expert artist, or just love snacks or want to get your hands dirty, come on down to the Old Firehouse for Snack & Paint night on February 10! Led by a professional art teacher, this activity encourages families to work together to create their own masterpieces while having lots of fun.
When: Friday, 2/10 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Price: $10/person. All materials are provided.
Address: The Old Firehouse, 1440 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, VA 22101
Click here to sign up.

Enchanted Princess Ball - Baltimore

Get ready for a day of magical fun for the whole family, brought to you by Dream Parties! This is a special event packed with stage performances, dancing, picture opportunities and some magical entertainment! Your little one will get to participate in princess games, story time sing along, learn some ballroom dance moves and more. This event is geared towards your 3 - 7 year olds, though all are welcome.
When: Saturday, 2/11, with ticket access time ranging from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Price: Tickets range from $15 - $25/guest depending on access tier.
Address: Sheraton Baltimore Washington Airport Hotel - BWI 1100 Old Elkridge Landing Road Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
See all the details and get tickets here.

Queen of Hearts Tea Party at Colvin Run Mill

Bring family and friends to the mill and celebrate Valentine’s Day with this heart-themed tea party! At this special event, kids and adults alike will enjoy tea, savory and sweet treats, play 19th-century parlor games. This event is best for children ages 3 and up, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
When: Saturday, 2/11 from 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Price: $15/guest
Address: Colvin Run Mill, 10017 Colvin Run Rd., Great Falls, VA 22066
Click here to register.

Valentine’s Day Tea at Oatlands

Enjoy an elegant Valentine’s Day-themed tea at Oatlands Historic House and Gardens! Treat yourself to a traditional English Tea, held in the historic Carriage House, with English scones, Devon cream, classic tea sandwiches and sweets, local preserves, and Oatlands’ exclusive tea blend.
When: Saturday, 2/11 with various time slots
Price: $70/attendee
Address: Oatlands Historic House & Gardens, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Ln., Leesburg, VA 20175
Click here to visit their website and purchase tickets.

Nature DIY Valentines at the Park

Nothing says “I love you” quite like a handmade card! Drop in on February 11 and use natural materials to create your own card just in time for the holiday. Materials will be provided for cards that kids can make. This activity is best for kids ages 4 - 12.
When: Saturday, 2/11 from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Price: $9
Address: Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Rd., Chantilly, VA 20151
See more info on their website.

Native Cinema Showcase Screening: Encanto

Enjoy this special screening of the believed film Encanto sponsored by the American Indian Museum! Encanto tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift—from super strength to the power to heal—every child except one, Mirabel (voice of Stephanie Beatriz). But when she discovers that the magic surrounding Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might just be her exceptional family’s last hope.
When: Saturday, 2/11 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Price: Free
Address: Rasmuson Theater, National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street and Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20560
Find out more here.

The VIP Dance at Herndon Community Center

Families are invited to the Herndon Community Center this Saturday for the VIP dance! Grab your VIP – Very Important Person – for an unforgettable night! Formerly called the Father-Daughter Dance, this semi-formal event is open to kids ages 4-12 and a special adult in their lives. Guests will enjoy dessert, a photo booth, and a CandyLand candy station while they dance the night away!
When: Saturday, 2/11 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Price: $50 per child/adult dance partners
Address: Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon, VA 20170
Find out more and register here.