By Jessica Godart
Avoid the brain drain with some educational but fun activities to take part in with your kids this summer.
From acting to crafting to dancing and singing, the Center for the Arts features dozens of programs specified for kids this summer. Acting classes include a litany of options such as technical and sound design, auditioning, Broadway, stage lighting and more. For those more vocal with their talents, there are individual coaches available and voice-training seminars.
Perhaps art is more your style? Learn to draw everything from flowers to critters. Or maybe you prefer the digital age? Digital imaging, cartooning and media mash-ups classes are all on the list. Beginner drawing classes, storybook art, pastels, jewelry, even photography and Photoshop courses are offered.
For a more mature crowd still looking to avoid the brain drain, learn a new dance such as West Coast Swing dancing or ballroom style – if you’re prepping for a wedding perhaps the ballroom dancing prep session made especially for wedding season is more your style.
Something for everyone can be found at the art center and you can find a list of classes and their prices here.
Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory
9419 Battle St.
Manassas, 20110
Reston Zoo
Located off of Hunter Mill Road in Vienna, the zoo offers wagon rides, a petting area, a reptile house and so much more. As kids interact with the animals, they are taught about each one and learn interesting facts with hands-on experience. During the wagon ride, kids and parents have the opportunity to experience a safari-type escapade while mingling with antelope, zebra, ostrich and camels. Throughout the tour, a guide narrates what the kids are seeing and provides tidbits about each animal.
Reston Zoo
1228 Hunter Mill Road
Vienna, 22182
Get the full 18th century experience with your kids as they travel back in time to 1771, when life was just a little bit simpler. The Claude Moore Colonial Farm features several educational programs specifically designed to teach kids farm skills, how to live like a colonial settler. For children ages 10-17, there is a volunteer program where they will take on the role of a child in the 18th century, complete with period outfit and chores to provide upkeep of the farm.
On July 19 and 20, parents and kids also have the opportunity to join the farm for their Summer Colonial Market Fair. During the fair, there will be merchants selling period toys and clothes, fencing lessons, hands-on crafting and even the chance to make a candle with just a wick and wax. Period food and music are also available as families relax in an 18th century atmosphere.
Check out the calendar of events for details and links for prices.
Claude Moore Colonial Farm
6310 Georgetown Pike
McLean, 22101
The Sully Plantation Historic Site hosts living history events throughout the summer ranging from the Revolutionary War to World War II. With kid-friendly events such as a hand-sewing workshop and ice cream making, the plantation provides entertainment for the entire family.
On July 12 and 13, WWII camps will be set up throughout the site with portrayed soldiers and civilians performing different jobs during the war. With the price of admission, parents and kids will be able to experience life in the 1940s in a real WWII camp site and also take a tour of the Sully House at the plantation.
Sully goes back even further in time on Aug. 16 and 17 with the Civil War Encampment Weekend. Watch federal and Confederate troops as they re-enact battles and meet them as they portray what camp life was like 150 years ago. Also including a house tour with price of admission, the site will host artifacts belonging actual residents of the plantation in the mid-19th century.
Click here for details and prices on workshops and living history days.
Sully Plantation
3650 Historic Sully Way
Chantilly, 20151
