Party in honor of the summer solstice and take part in the statewide initiative “Play All Day.” The event’s mission is to provide free programs and services for community members from sunrise to sunset.
With Juneteenth and Father’s Day happening the same weekend, many communities have chosen to hold their events June 20 or June 21. Here are some of the Play All Day events happening in NoVA.
Arlington
June 20
Arlington is planning a slew of summer solstice Play All Day events, beginning with yoga at the Long Bridge Aquatics and Fitness Center and ending with a community picnic at Lubber Run Community Center. In between, Carlin Hall’s Early Childhood staff is hosting a free Preschool Playdate in the Park. The theme is “The Great Outdoors” and will include songs, stories, artmaking, and a nature-themed scavenger hunt.
Teens are welcome for a late afternoon “Level Up at the Mill” event, with teen-oriented sports, games, ice cream, a dunk contest, and more. For those who wish to have a more laid-back approach to Play All Day, a Spades card tournament will take place at Walter Reed Community Center.
Manassas
June 20
Explore Manassas community spaces at multiple locations including Old Town Manassas and the Stonewall Park Pool. Activities include free admission to the Manassas Museum, which is also the place to pick up a Play All Day passport to collect stamps at participating locations. Dean Park is hosting outdoor sports and picnic activities, while the City of Manassas Community Center will be offering lots of giveaways.
Loudoun
June 21
The Sterling Community Center is hosting a family-friendly day with moon bounces, water play, and summer treats. For families who love to dance, the Dulles South Recreation & Community Center will have a Zumba session. Little ones can get some of their energy out at “Jump Jam” at the Dulles South Recreation & Community Center, where there will be plenty of inflatables, music, and interactive games.
At Claude Moore Park, there are plans for cooking, fishing, and archery classes. Franklin Park is also hosting events like “Play Like its 1776!” where guests can try their hand at games that Americans played at the time like hoop rolling and cup and ball.
Prince William
June 21
Adults are welcome to attend a hike at James S. Long Regional Park, and those ages 5 and older can go on a hike at Rollins Ford Park. Both will provide instruction by experienced staff. There will also be Father’s Day fishing at Silver Lake Regional Park (which currently has a waitlist) with lessons on casting, baiting, and other fishing techniques. Those ages 18 and older can try kayaking at Silver Lake Regional Park.
Reston
June 21
Play All Day in Reston kicks off with early morning Tai Chi. A sing-along featuring The Lion King will be at the Leila Gordon Theatre at RCC Hunters Woods and families are invited to cool off at the Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center all afternoon. RCC Lake Anne is hosting a 3D art exhibit featuring large and small ceramics and pottery pieces, as well as paintings and drawings inspired by classes offered at the Reston Community Center.
Herndon
June 21
Herndon residents are welcome to attend “Popsicles in the Parks” in honor of Play All Day. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bready Park Playground and at Haley Smith Park from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., families are welcome to cool off with free popsicles, as well as games and activities. Parks and recreation staff will also be on hand to answer any questions throughout the day.
Feature image, Nicholas Felix/peopleimages/stock.adobe.com
