With the holiday gatherings being more lowkey this year, you might be looking for some fun ways to entertain the family heading into Thanksgiving. Whether you want to catch a movie or go ice skating, here are seven family-friendly outings to enjoy before the holiday week.
Rock the Rink!
Friday, 7:30-9 p.m.
Lace up the skates and get back on the ice at Reston Town Center’s Rock the Rink event. Spend your Friday night with the family as you skate and play around to your favorite songs and artists. Advanced registration is required. // Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion: 1818 Discovery St., Reston; $9-$17
Goose Creek: Leonid Meteor Shower Watch Party
Friday, 11:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Let your little ones stay up late to catch the Leonid Meteor Shower. Bring along some blankets, a telescope and a camera to catch this amazing event in the sky. Participants are asked to bring their own face masks. // Battle of Upperville | Goose Creek Historic Park: State Rt. 832, Middleburg; $8
Hike With Your Hound
Saturday, 10-11:30 a.m.
Let your pup tag along on a family hike by the reservoir. Join a naturalist for a hike through the woods as you take in the beauty of fall and learn more about your natural surroundings. Pre-registration is required. // Motts Run Reservoir: 6600 River Road, Fredericksburg; $6
Santa’s Sleigh Family Photos
Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Now is the perfect time to get in your holiday pictures. Dress your family in matching sweaters or your holiday bests for a festive photo on Santa’s sleigh. After the photoshoot, visit the horses, ducks and pigs on the property for a special treat. // Middleburg Humane Foundation: 5000 Cunningham Farm Drive, Marshall; $25
Native American Campfire Cookout
Saturday, 3-4:30 p.m.
Warm up by the fire for a local history lesson. Learn how local Native Americans survived, harvested and cooked at this special cookout. Once the fire starts roaring, try out some native recipes and cooking techniques to create your own tasty dish. // Riverbend Park: 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls; $12
Alamo Drive-In: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Sunday, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Get in the holiday spirit with a pre-December showing of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Pack the family in the car and travel to Whoville for a funny and heartfelt message about the true spirit of Christmas. // Alamo Drafthouse: 20575 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn; $40 per car
Concert in Lights!
Through Dec. 24, 6-9 p.m.
Get out of the house and enjoy live music at Spotsylvania Towne Centre. Concert in Lights combines the beautiful holiday lights with a live performance for a truly festive evening. // Spotsylvania Towne Centre: 137 Spotsylvania Mall, Fredericksburg; free
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