Temperatures have been steadily rising and parental creativity on how to spend the summer days has been dropping.
Luckily, there’s a lot planned for kids around NoVA this weekend, and none of the events require trekking through an Excessive Heat Warning in the nation’s capital.
Cirque Du Soleil’s Volta
July 25 to Sept. 29, 8 p.m.
Spend a night under the big top with Cirque Du Soleil. You’ll catch jaw-dropping acrobatics and vibrant music during the company’s new show, Volta. Viewers are immersed in a storyline that follows a game show contestant who finds his individuality through a world of people following societal norms. // 8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons; tickets start at $45; All ages
Blue Sky Puppet Theater
July 27, 10 a.m.
Time to see what’s in The Jester’s Box for this week’s performance of Arts in the Parks. This 35-minute puppet performance takes the audience through the journey of Ralph, who attempts to entertain King NFAFETMHL (the king who Never Found Anything Funny Enough To Make Him Laugh) in hopes of getting fame and gold. // Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly; free; Ages 2 and up
Fishing Derby
July 27, 11 a.m.
Pack up your fishing pole (or borrow one from Leesburg Animal Park) for the monthly Fishing Derby in July. If your kiddo can snag the biggest fish, they win a prize! Please note that the derby is only catch and release. Also, be sure to check out all of the other activities around the park like the petting zoos. // Leesburg Animal Park: 19280 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg; $14.95; Ages 6 and up
Cooking with Kids: A Ladybug’s Summer Picnic
July 27, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Who doesn’t love a way to spend some time indoors during the heat, and getting to make your own snacks while you’re at it? Bring the kids to learn how to make delicious “bug” snacks such as ants on a log, butterfly salad, caterpillar pudding and homemade lemonade. // Wegmans Upstairs Cafe: 2281 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg; $10; Ages 4 and up
Family Ninja Night
July 27, 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Spending the night watching American Ninja Warrior just got real. At CrossFit Loudoun, the whole family can learn a ninja workout and test their own athletic abilities throughout the gym. Maybe you’ll even find your family’s new favorite workout. // CrossFit Loudoun and Northern Virginia Ninja: 21531 Blackwood Court, Suite 110, Sterling; $20 for entire family; Ages 5 and up
Groovy Nate
July 27, 10 a.m.
In a show that’s described as “Sesame Street meets Parliament Funkadelic,” this educational show will feature exotic instruments and occasional puppet characters to keep kids of all ages entertained. Look out for dance breaks and sing-alongs, too. // Reston Town Square Park: Fountain Drive, Reston; free; Ages 2 and up
S’more Fun 5K
July 27, 6 p.m.
There’s nothing quite like toasting some marshmallows, grabbing a piece of chocolate and smashing it all between two graham crackers. If you’re looking for a way to get up and active with the kids, but still enjoy a sweet summer treat, sign up for the S’More Fun 5K where you can jog your way to the fire pits and even score a custom campfire mug. // Bull Run Regional Park: 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville; $35; Ages 5 and up
Disney Pixar’s Coco: In Concert Live in Film
July 27, 8:30 p.m.
Bring the songs and sounds of Disney Pixar’s Coco to life at Wolf Trap, where viewers can enjoy the movie while listening to the live performance of Michael Giacchino’s musical score, including the Academy Award-winning Best Original Song, Remember Me. // Filene Center: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna; tickets start at $40; All ages
Make Your Own Emoji
July 27, 5:30 p.m.
Technology is the way of the future, but it can also be a fun way to spend an evening. At Apple Pentagon City, take the kids to create their own emoji, where they will learn to draw colorful faces and objects on Apple iPads using the Procreate app and Apple Pencils. // Apple Pentagon City: 1100 S. Hayes St., Arlington; free; All ages
Films in the Park
July 28, 7 p.m.
Watching the sunset at Mosaic can be a peaceful way to end a weekend, and the kids can enjoy this week’s showing of The Jungle Book. The movie follows Mowgli, a boy who was raised by a family of wolves who must navigate a journey of self-discovery through the woods, meeting an array of animals along the way. // Strawberry Park at Mosaic: 2910 District Ave., Fairfax; free; All ages
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