Improve your chances of a winning family date with this game plan
You are a single parent who has finally found someone you deem worthy enough to be around your children. The big question is: Where do you go to introduce them, especially if they have children of their own? Picking a place that is low-key and public can take the pressure off everyone. Here are some ideas for a blended family outing on a Saturday:
11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Skate alongside cartoon characters like Tweety Bird, Scooby-Doo, a polar bear and a penguin during the Cartoon Skate at the Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion. Gliding on the ice together is sure to bring on the laughs, and the skating will continue until March 13, weather permitting. Once spring returns, the pavilion is center stage for family-friendly performances like Mr. Knick Knack on Mondays and the Concerts on the Town series on Saturdays. Other events are held within the RTC complex, like this year’s 25th Annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival on May 21-22.
1:30 p.m.: After all that skating, you’ll want to sit back and relax over a casual meal at one of the many family-friendly eateries near the pavilion. Just one block away on the corner of Market and Library Streets is Ted’s Bulletin with crowd-pleasing American fare. Or walk a block toward Fountain Drive and treat your taste buds to fine dining with an Eastern Mediterranean influence at Neyla. A third option is farm-to-fork regional food at the Hyatt’s Tavern 64 on the corner of Market and President Streets.
3 p.m.: Just two more blocks on Market Street will bring you to an art exhibit designed for children at the Greater Reston Arts Center. Featured in the GRACE art exhibit is artwork by students from over 40 local schools as part of their art literacy program. Exhibits featuring youth artwork continue through mid-April, and there are always new exhibits throughout the year.
5:30 p.m.: Drive less than 30 minutes to Fairfax and treat the group to dinner at Samurai Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar. The children will get a kick out of watching the chef slice, dice and fire their food up in front of their eyes. If dinner theater isn’t your style, drive just minutes to the other side of George Mason University (GMU) for burgers and wings at Red, Hot & Blue. A third option if no one can agree is grabbing a pie at Paisano’s Pizza with pizza and lots of Italian entrees.
8 p.m.: A 10-minute drive from dinner, the Fantasia Live show at GMU’s Center for the Arts is the perfect way to end the day. The beloved Disney movie Fantasia and its sequel, Fantasia 2000, are accompanied by a classical orchestra performance suitable for all ages.
