What To Do Around NoVa This Week

We’ve compiled your list of family-friendly events, from weekday activities for your early learners to weekend fun for the whole family. Scroll down to see everything from play dates at the museum, to STEM workshops, to a chili competition, Holi celebration, and more! Here’s our roundup of events happening now through March 5:

Play Date at NMNH: Colorful Corals

On Tuesdays, kids and their caregivers can explore a specific topic alongside museum educators at the National Museum of Natural History. This drop-in play date has activities designed for younger children, but all ages are welcome. This Tuesday is all about exploring coral reefs! Families will learn about coral polyps (the tiny animals that help to build-up the reef), create their own artwork inspired by coral reefs, and look up close at coral specimens from the museum’s collection. Play dates are in the Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center on the Ground Floor of the museum.

When: Tuesday, 2/28 from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Price: Free
Address: Smithsonian Natural History Museum, 1000 Madison Dr. NW, Washington, DC, 20560
See the event listing here.

Lego Creators at Ashburn Library

This Tuesday, kids are invited to use their imagination and tackle LEGO building challenges. This event is best for kids grades K-5.

When: Tuesday, 2/28 from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Price: Free
Address: Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Rd., Ashburn, VA 20147
Check out the event on the library’s website here.

Exploring the Moon

Explore the lunar features of the Moon using a high-powered telescope and learn about their origins at Turner Farm! Guests can see where the Apollo lunar landings occurred, and discuss what the astronauts found. This event is held rain or shine with alternate viewing sessions available for cloudy days. Advanced registration is required; no walk-in registration is available.

When: Wednesday, 3/1 from 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Price: $8/participant
Address: The Turner Farm, 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls, VA, 22066
Find out more and register here.

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale

Shop the huge selection at the Just Between Friends Consignment Sale – a pop-up children’s resale in Prince William County – offering savings of 50-90%. Find gently-loved and new clothes (sizes infant through teen), ​toys, shoes, books, videos, baby gear, and more!

When: Friday, 3/3 through Sunday, 3/5. Times vary each day.
Price: Attendance is free, but you need to reserve a ticket.
Address: Prince William County Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas, VA 20112
See all the details and deals here.

Special School Holiday at the Children’s Science Center Lab

School’s out on March 3! Reserve a 2-hour time slot at the Children’s Science Center Lab for plenty of STEM fun! All children must be accompanied by an adult.

When: Friday, 3/3. Times available are 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. - 4p.m.
Price: $15/attendee
Address: Children’s Science Center Lab, 11948 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA 22033
Click here to get tickets.  

AVFRD Chilly Days Chili Fundraiser at Old Ox Brewery

Come out to Old Ox Brewery this Saturday for a fun afternoon featuring chili tastings from top chefs in Ashburn, celebrity judges, and a special War Wagon Kolsch. Plus, guests will have an opportunity to touch a fire truck and purchase tickets to the 50/50 raffle!

When: Saturday, 3/4 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Price: Attendance is the cost of a donation to the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department
Address: Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Dr., Ste. 114, Ashburn, VA 20147
Click here for more info.

The Ballyshaners 40th Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade

The Ballyshaners’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade will once again march through the heart of Old Town Alexandria this Saturday! Enjoy a parade that celebrates our area’s local Irish heritage. The Ballyshaners’ parade boasts more than 2,000 participants, including pipe and drum bands, Irish dancers, and a host of other musicians and performers! So gather with family and friends along the parade route, which starts at King and Alfred Streets and ends at Lee and Cameron Streets.

When: Saturday, 3/4 at 12:15 p.m.
Price: Free
Address: Old Town Alexandria, 221 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314
See all the details here.

Holi Celebration at Sterling Community Center

Join the Sterling Community Center this Saturday for the one-year anniversary of their new center with a Holi Celebration. Celebrate this Hindu tradition by throwing around vibrant-colored powder with your family and friends! Be sure to wear white and/or clothes you don’t mind getting colors on.

When: Saturday, 3/4 from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Price: Free
Address: Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling, VA 20164
Find out more here.