Finding the perfect activity to keep the kids happy and busy during summer break, or any day off, can certainly be a challenge. But if you’re staying home with no vacation plans in sight, there is still plenty to do and see in Northern Virginia, especially with a myriad of museums across the area. Here are five options to keep your children entertained, engaged, and enlightened.
Children’s Science Center
The Children’s Science Center will be the perfect daycation for those mini scientists and hands-on learners. This interactive museum, located in Fair Oaks Mall, is known for its engaging exhibits and activities that allow kids to interact with anything science-, technology-, engineering-, and math-related. And if you can’t stay with the kids, don’t worry. The center offers week-long summer camps, including Galactic Getaway for the astronomy enthusiasts and Chemistry Creations for the chemistry fans. 11948 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax
Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum
Why not teach your children about Loudoun County’s history? The Heritage Farm Museum showcases events and exhibits that honor the county’s rich farm heritage. Start the day with the “Loudoun’s First Farmers” exhibit, where you’ll discover artifacts used by indigenous people to farm the area. If the kiddos get tired of learning history, take them to the Children’s Farm, where they can be a farmer for the day in the interactive exhibit, or venture off to Grandma’s Kitchen, where they can use appliances and furnishings from before the electrification of farm homes. 21668 Heritage Farm Ln., Sterling
Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center
Located near charming Old Town Fairfax, the museum features “The Fairfax Story” exhibition, which delves into the county’s vast history. 10209 Main St., Fairfax
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The Udvar-Hazy Center never disappoints when it comes to new and exciting exhibitions. For kiddos with an interest in astronomy or aeronautics, walk through the Human Spaceflight and World War II Aviation exhibits. For the older kids, there is a wide selection of interactive flight simulator rides to try out. 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, free, $15 for parking
International Spy Museum
The go-to choice for espionage fans should be the iconic International Spy Museum With multiple floors of exciting exhibitions, including one where you can learn code-cracking, you won’t have to worry about any signs of boredom from the kids. Plus, the museum provides free hands-on workshops for anyone looking to discover inner spy skills. 700 L’Enfant Plz. SW, Washington, DC
Feature photo by Renee Sklarew
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