With Labor Day weekend is the final celebration of summer. While families usually take one last trip to the beach, this year many will be staying more local. Whether you want to take the kids to a fireworks show or visit the elephants from home, here are 10 family-friendly events to celebrate the holiday weekend.
Crumbl Cookies Grand Opening
Thursday, Sept. 3, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Grab the entire family for a cookie run at Crumbl Cookies’ grand opening. Treat yourself to Crumbl’s weekly rotating cookie menu, including the limited Honey Graham Cracker cookie, and a refreshing cold glass of milk. // Crumbl Cookies: 203 Maple Ave. E., Vienna; free
Online Toddler Storytime with Miss Karen
Friday, Sept. 4
If your little ones are missing library time, just grab your computer for a virtual storytime. Every Friday, Fairfax County Public Library posts a new storytime video on its YouTube channel. // free
Kids Craft Event: Avocado Pillow
Through Friday, Sept. 4, noon-6 p.m.
Plan out a craft project this week with the help on Henway Hard Cider. Families can pick up their avocado pillow kit and enjoy a picnic and craft by the pond or take it home for later completion. Each purchase includes a craft kit, a kids lunch and a wrist band to play at Great Country Farms. // Henway Hard Cider: 19780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont; $19.99
Owl Hike and Meet Smoke!
Friday, Sept. 4, 8-9:30 p.m.
Hit the trails in search for owls at Potomac Overlook Regional Park’s nighttime Owl Hike. Start the evening by learning about owl behavior and their role in the ecosystem before searching for owls around the park. After the hike, participants will be able to meet Smoke, the park’s resident Eastern screeching owl. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington; $8
Introduction to Cake Decorating
Saturday, Sept. 5, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
If your teen is into baking, join them for an introductory cake-decorating class. This class will teach students how to build, fill, crumb coat and ice a cake while learning tips and tricks along the way. After class, take home your delicious creation for a nighttime treat. // Fran’s Cake & Candy Supplies: 10927 Main St., Fairfax; $90
Virtual Behind-The-Scenes Tour
Saturday, Sept. 5, 11:30 a.m.-noon
Get an up-close-and-personal view of the Maryland Zoo elephants from the comfort of home. This weekly virtual tour allows participants to see the newly renovated African elephant barn and ask any questions live about the animals. // $49 per device
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, Sept. 5, noon
Join your little ones on a scavenger hunt around Green Spring Gardens. This monthly event teaches kids and adults about different aspects of nature as they scour the garden for themed objects. // Green Spring Gardens: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria; $5
September 5th Fireworks
Saturday, Sept. 5, 8 p.m.
There’s no better family event than going to see the fireworks. Come down to Manassas to see a spectacular fireworks show to celebrate the end of summer. With the fireworks being able to be seen from most areas in the city, viewers are asked to keep their distance. // Historic Downtown Manassas: 9201 Center St., Manassas; free
Flying Circus Air Show
Sunday, Sept. 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Your family will have their eyes up in the skies instead of on their screen at the Flying Circus Air Show. Enjoy an afternoon watching incredible acrobatics and wing walking. For those daredevils, airplane rides are available first come, first served. // Flying Circus Air Show: 5114 Ritchie Road, Bealeton; $7-$15 for tickets, $50-$150 for airplane rides
Corn Maze & Apple Harvest
through Wednesday, Sept. 30, times vary
With September comes apple picking and corn mazes. Stop by Great Country Farms for the first week of its corn maze and apple harvest. Spend the weekend picking delicious apples, roasting marshmallows, feeding the goats and getting lost in the corn maze. // Great Country Farms: 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont; $10-$16
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