Skip to content
  • X

Subscribe

Magazine | Newsletters
  • Food & Drink
  • News
  • Culture
  • Style
  • Home
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Things to Do
  • Travel
  • Best of NoVA
  • Best Restaurants
  • Top High Schools
  • NoVA Wars: BBQ
  • In This Issue
  • Home
    • Family
  • Family-Friendly Things to Do Before the Kids Head Back to School
girl on swings at fair
  • Family

Family-Friendly Things to Do Before the Kids Head Back to School

With the new school year starting for most next week, squeeze in a little more fun with the family before the end of summer.

By Michele Kettner August 18, 2021 at 3:10 pm

Before you start packing lunches and running to catch the bus, enjoy one last weekend of summer fun. From a trip to the fair to a movie at the ballpark, soak up the last days of summer at these family activities.

Luau Skate Party

Friday, noon-10 p.m.
There is no better way to close out the summer than with a Luau. Break out your best Hawaiian shirt and grab your hula leis for a day in the tropics. Plus, bring along your littlest ones for a chance to meet Dora. Skate N Fun Zone: 7878 Sudley Rd., Manassas; free admission

The Wizard of Oz Movie Party

Saturday, noon
We’re off to see the wizard at Alamo Drafthouse & Cinema. As you watch the movie, break out your ribbon wands, bubbles, and lollipops as you dance and sing on your way to Emerald City. Alamo Drafthouse & Cinema: 15200 Potomac Town Pl., Woodbridge; $14.30

Movies at the Pfitz

Saturday, 7 p.m.
Board the Hogwarts Express and join Harry Potter for his first year at the famed wizarding school with a showing of Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone. Make sure to pack your Bertie Bott’ s, chocolate frogs, and butterbeer for a true moviegoing experience. Pfitzner Stadium Complex: 7 County Complex, Woodbridge; $35

Owl Prowl and Campfire

Sunday, 8 p.m.
Before your kids head back into the classroom, enjoy one last campfire. As you munch on s’mores by the campfire, listen for owls as they wake from their slumber. Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: 5040 Walney Rd., Chantilly; $9

Arlington County Fair

Through Sunday
Nothing says summer like a trip to the fair. Round up the family for a night full of fun. Whether you want to take in the local performers and spend the night riding the ferris wheel and playing games, you’ll find something for the whole family to enjoy. Thomas Jefferson Community Center: 3501 Second St. South, Arlington; free

Feature image, © Aleksandra Suzi/stock.adobe.com

For more ways to spend summer with your kids, subscribe to our Family newsletter. 

Michele Kettner

Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.

  • Email

Trending in NoVA

Study Ranks Parents in 2 NoVA Zip Codes Among Most Stressed in the U.S.

Asian Department Store Planned for Loudoun County

Massanutten’s New ShenandoaH2O Hotel Set to Open This Fall

See How Mahjong Fever Has Spread Across Northern Virginia

Vote for Northern Virginia’s Best Barbecue Spot in the 2026 NoVA Wars: Barbecue Edition

things to do newsletter

Our Top Stories In Your Inbox

Our newsletters delivered weekly.

Subscribe

Feeds

RSS Feed Follow in Feedly

You May Also Like

people sit on the floor in front of the Smithsonian exhibits during a sleepover event

Spend the Night at the Smithsonian This Summer

a couple sitting on a couch looking stressed

Study Ranks Parents in 2 NoVA Zip Codes Among Most Stressed in the U.S.

children playing with parachute

The 2027 Best Summer Camps Survey Is Now Open

  • X

Company

  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Writer’s Guidelines
  • Internships
  • Terms of Use

Magazine

  • Magazine
  • Subscription
  • Newsletter
  • Back Issues

Talk to Us

  • Contact Us
  • Submit an Event
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Shopping

  • Subscription
  • Back Issues
  • Plaques
  • Realtor Client Gift Subscriptions

On Newsstands Now

NoVA 250 - July 2026 cover image

Copyright © 2026 Northern Virginia Magazine

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Hey AI.