Tag Archives: Kids Activties in Northern Virginia

June 24, 2014 · 9:24 am

{Giveaway} LEGO Mania Returns to BrickFair ’14

Calling all LEGO enthusiasts! BrickFair, the nation’s largest annual LEGO fan festival, is retruning to the area August 2-3. And you have a chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to the event.

BrickFair ’14 will bring together LEGO fans from across the country to showcase their amazing brick constructions, from tiny intricate works to elaborate, towering creations. Over one thousand exhibitors will be there to display their designs, along with vendors selling all things LEGOS — T-shirts, hats, mini figures, models, and more.

It’s not all just looking and buying. Visitors can get hands on in the Stay-n-Play Area chock full of bricks so you can build with and get creative. And some of the models are interactive, inviting guests to examine them even more closely (but be gentle!).

This will all take place at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Va, August 2-3 from 11am – 4pm both days. Tickets are $12/ages 4 and up, free for ages 3 and under, but right now you can get a discount through Goldstar and try to win a four-pack for your family through the giveaway.

GIVEAWAY: I have two four-packs of tickets for BrickFair ’14 up for grabs. For a chance at winning one of them, simply leave a comment below telling me your favorite summer activity. To be eligible, you must like KidFriendly DC on Facebook. This giveaway will run through July 6, then the winners will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!

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Filed under All ages, Annual, DC, Exhibit, Giveaway, Summer, Virginia, Weekend

Tagged as BrickFair '14, DC LEGO event, DC Summer Events, Discount Tickets, Giveaway, Kids Activities in DC, Kids Activties in Northern Virginia, kids in DC, Things to do with Kids in Washington DC, Washington DC Kids Activities

August 15, 2012 · 7:13 am

A Wildlife Fix at Long Branch Nature Center

Watching pond activity at Long Branch

One day a few weeks ago, Sasha asked if we could visit some animals. It was one of those 100-degree days, so the obvious places — the Zoo and area farms — were out. I thought about where else we might see some wildlife sans sweltering conditions and decided to take her to a nature center. And I figured it would be a good opportunity to check out one we hadn’t been to yet, so we headed to the Long Branch Nature Center in Arlington. (After that intro, you’re probably wondering why the feature photo is outdoors. I’ll get to that!)

The indoor part of the center isn’t very big, but there are at least 10 terrariums where you can get a close look at snakes, turtles, frogs and toads.

Wall of Wildlife

Eye to eye with a turtle

Just off the main room is a small area with an indoor pond. An outdoors scene on the wall wraps around it, fish swim in the waters, and turtles hang out on the rocks along the sides. There is also a Discovery Room where kids can find nature-related toys and games, books, and activities.

Bringing the outdoors in

Busy in the Discovery Room

That was about it…in the indoors part, anyway. We saw everything in less than an hour, so I told Sasha we could take the “scenic route” on the way out and see the outdoor sights, despite feeling like we were in swampland. After having a look at a rescued owl out back, we followed a path to a small pond, where we could see turtles, small fish, and lots of dragon flies buzzing around. We skipped a hike on a longer path that winds through the woods — something to save for another day.

Off to explore

Captivated by pond activity

Ironically, we probably spent more time outdoors than we did inside (so much for staying cool!), but I guess the real thing is always better.

Long Branch Nature Center is located at 625 S. Carlin Springs Road in Arlington. Hours are Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 1-5pm, closed Monday. Admission is free. They also host birthday parties for children ages 4 and up — see the website for more.

LEGOS Galore at BrickFair 2012 + Ticket Giveaway!

Heads up, LEGO enthusiasts! BrickFair ’12, the nation’s largest annual LEGO fan festival, is coming to the area August 4-5, and you have a chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to the event.

BrickFair brings together LEGO fans from across the country to showcase their amazing brick constructions, from tiny intricate works to elaborate, towering creations. Over a thousand exhibitors will be there to display their designs, along with vendors selling all things LEGOS — T-shirts, hats, mini figures, models, and more.

And it’s not all just looking and buying. Visitors can get hands on in the Stay-n-Play Area chock full of bricks for guests to build with and get creative.

This will all take place at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Va, August 4-5 from 11am – 4pm both days. Tickets are $10/ages 4 and up, free for ages 3 and under. Be sure to check out this FAQ about the event, so you know what to expect.

GIVEAWAY: Want a chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to BrickFair ’12? Then simply leave a comment below that says, “I want those BrickFair tickets.” To be eligible, you must like KidFriendly DC on Facebook and follow on Twitter (let me know that you did). A winner will be drawn at random and announced this weekend. Good luck!