Summer really isn’t summer without a visit to Wolf Trap! You’re invited to make memories as you dance and tap your toes along with your favorite artist or discover someone new!
Sept 4, 2026 Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration
Featuring Melvin Seals, Jacklyn LaBranch, Tom Hamilton, Grahame Lesh, John Morgan Kimock, & Kanika Moore
w/ the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO)
Sept 5, 2026 Hook in Concert
w/ the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO)
This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!
Families are invited to honor and celebrate America’s veterans at the National Veterans Parade on November 8, 2026! Now in its fourth year, this Veterans Day weekend tribute carries extra meaning in 2026 as the nation celebrates America’s 250th birthday.
The parade marches along the National Parade Route, heading up Constitution Avenue from the National Archives to the White House. Expect military and ceremonial units from every branch, Veterans Service Organizations, marching bands, ROTC and JROTC groups, and plenty of red, white, and blue patriotic pride!
This year, the celebration expands into a full weekend of events:
Parade & Field Show for Marching Bands
On Saturday, November 7, marching bands take over the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the WWII Memorial.
NVP5K Run
Kick off parade day with a 3.1-mile run/walk that follows the parade route through the National Mall and historic Washington, DC.
Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend! Veterans Service Organizations and groups interested in marching must register by November 1.
Hey Moms and Dads — an evening out is closer than you think!
Check out these Loudoun County Parks & Rec Parents Night Out opportunities that give us grown-ups a chance to enjoy a child-free evening while kids enjoy a night filled with fun, games, and new friends!
Celebrate Purcellville showcases this Loudoun County town’s charm, culture, and community spirit!
This week-long event, culminating in a fun afternoon festival on October 17, 2026, invites families to explore local history and the outdoors and discover new places to dine, shop, and have fun.
With your Celebrate Purcellville Passport from October 10-17, 2026, join in a town-wide scavenger hunt, a nature trivia walk along the Chapman DeMary Trail, and a storybook stroll at the Suzanne R. Kane Nature Preserve. Plus, collect stickers from participating businesses and organizations for a chance to win prizes when you turn them in at the October 17 festival.
Don’t miss these special events happening throughout the week:
Oct 17, 2026 Fall Festival
The week wraps up in festive style at Dillon’s Woods with music, carnival games, a dunk tank, face painting, glitter tattoos, and food and beverage vendors — plus, it’s the place to turn in your completed passport for a chance to win prizes!
Oct 16, 2026 Car Seat Check
Stop by the Purcellville Police Department to make sure your little one’s car seat is properly secured and safe — and snag a passport sticker while you’re there, too!
Oct 11, 2026 Storybook Walk Ribbon Cutting
Help officially unveil the brand-new Storybook Walk at the nature preserve — an interactive way to enjoy a great tale while soaking up some fresh air.
Oct 10, 2026 Purcellville Library Book Sale
Shop pre-loved books, DVDs, and music for all ages, with proceeds benefiting library programs for children, teens, and adults (rain date October 11).
Oct 10, 2026 Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company Open House
Little ones will love touch-a-truck, fire engine rides, an inflatable safety house, and a train-to-be-a-firefighter kids’ obstacle course!
One of Northern Virginia’s favorite holiday traditions, this festive parade down Main Street beginning at 11 am features marching groups, live entertainment, and plenty of seasonal fun! It’s an annual day-after-Thanksgiving tradition for kids and kids-at-heart!
Stick around (or come back!) as the sun sets for the lighting of Reston Town Center’s iconic holiday tree in Fountain Square at 6 pm — a can’t-miss way to kick off the season!
The Center for the Arts at George Mason University invites families to experience the magic of performing arts together through their Family Series! Their live shows spark imagination and make the arts feel accessible, exciting, and fun!
Located on GMU’s Fairfax campus, the Center for the Arts brings world-class performances to an impressive 2,000-seat venue. The 2026-2027 season is packed with excitement:
Nov 15, 2026 Make It Wow!
Presented by Wow in the World, this fast-paced interactive game show invites kids and families to help turn wildly creative ideas into jaw-dropping inventions! Packed with science, trivia, music, challenges, laughs, and plenty of audience participation, this imaginative experience delivers big energy from start to finish. Recommended for ages 5 & up.
Feb 20, 2027 Mario the Maker Magician
Blending comedy, robotics, and magic into one unforgettable performance, Mario the Maker Magician brings homemade contraptions, classic illusions, and laugh-out-loud fun to the stage. Known for appearances on Sesame Street and more, this inventive show delivers plenty of surprises for kids and grown-ups alike. Recommended for ages 5-12.
Feb 28, 2027 Three Little Pigs & Other Tales
Presented by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, beloved storybook favorites like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, and The Three Billy Goats Gruff come together in this charming puppetry-filled adventure. Follow a brave raccoon and clever mouse on a treasure-seeking journey as this special production blends gentle humor, imaginative storytelling, and meaningful lessons about friendship and courage. Recommended for ages 3-7.
Apr 11, 2027 The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System
Presented by TheatreWorks USA, kids and families are invited to blast off on an out-of-this-world adventure with Ms. Frizzle and her class! Based on the beloved Scholastic book series, this lively musical transforms an ordinary field trip into an unforgettable journey through the solar system, blending science, storytelling, music, and imagination into one fun-filled theatrical experience. Recommended for ages 5-9.
May 1, 2027 Gandini Juggling: Heka
Not part of the Family Series, but great for families!
Presented by world-renowned contemporary circus company Gandini Juggling, this dazzling performance blends juggling and magic into one mesmerizing show where objects vanish, reappear, float, and transform right before your eyes! After more than 6,000 performances in 50 countries, this clever, charming troupe delivers big laughs, plenty of “how did they do that?” moments, and pure wonder for the whole family. Kids’ tickets (up to 12th grade) are half price.
While Wolf Trap’s outdoor Filene Center is the region’s classic summer stage, The Barns at Wolf Trap is its intimate, indoor counterpart just up the road. The venue is set inside restored 18th-century barns, complete with original hand-hewn beams and excellent acoustics.
From fall through spring, The Barns hosts an eclectic lineup of bluegrass, folk, comedy, and more. In summer, it returns to being the home to Wolf Trap Opera.
Feb 11-13, 2027 Nashville Emerging Artists Night
Featuring Max Boyle, Adam Wendler, Andrea Vasquez, Brody McKinney, Chad Michael Jervis, & Jenny Tolman; with Jack Dratch Feb 11 ∙ Feb 12 ∙ Feb 13
Potomac Music invites you to a celebration filled with music, makers, and more! Join them for their 5th Annual Fall Fest on October 17, 2026!
This special day (perfect for families!) will feature 50+ local craft vendors, live music, and pumpkin crafts and games for kids.
Come hungry — there will be plenty of food trucks to choose from, plus adult drinks, including local brews from Bunnyman Brewing and spooky season-inspired cocktails from the Workhouse Arts Center.
This special event raises funds for the Lorton Community Action Center, which supports low-income individuals, senior citizens, and families in Fort Belvoir, Lorton, Newington, and other parts of southeast Fairfax County. Admission is free.
Whether your little one is ready for a first splash or your big kid is perfecting their freestyle, Northern Virginia has a swim lesson for every age and stage!
Below, you’ll find private swim schools and county rec center programs across Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, and most teach indoors year-round, so there’s no need to wait for summer to dive in!
ARLINGTON & ALEXANDRIA
Alexandria Swim Academy
Alexandria, VA
The City of Alexandria’s year-round Red Cross learn-to-swim program offers lessons for ages 6 months to adult at Chinquapin Park Recreation Center and the Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility.
APS Aquatics School
Arlington, VA
Arlington Public Schools runs learn-to-swim classes for babies and toddlers through adults at the Wakefield, Washington-Liberty, and Yorktown high school pools, plus stroke and diving classes for kids ready for more.
British Swim School
Arlington, VA
Survival-first lessons for ages 3 months to adult, including an adaptive program for swimmers with developmental, sensory, or physical differences.
Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center
Arlington, VA
Home to Arlington’s only 50-meter pool, the county’s aquatics center near Crystal City offers year-round classes for parent-and-child, toddlers, kids, teens, and adults, plus adapted classes and private lessons for ages 4 and up.
Swim Box
Arlington, VA
One-on-one lessons for all ages in a warm-water current pool, with video feedback to fine-tune every stroke.
YMCA
Alexandria, VA
The Y’s Alexandria branch offers group swim lessons for kids, plus adult classes from beginner to advanced.
YMCA
Arlington, VA
Nationally certified instructors teach swimming to kids, teens, and adults at the Y’s Arlington branch near Virginia Square.
FAIRFAX CO
Aqua-Tots Swim School
Centreville & Falls Church, VA
Year-round indoor lessons for ages 4 months to 12 years, plus adaptive lessons and adult classes.
Audrey Moore Rec Center
Annandale, VA
From babies as young as 6 months to adults, this Annandale rec center offers year-round learn-to-swim and skill-building classes.
Big Blue Swim School
Chantilly, Fairfax, Falls Church, & Springfield, VA
Weekly lessons year-round for babies through age 12, and families can start or pause anytime.
British Swim School
Burke, Chantilly, & Falls Church, VA
Survival-first lessons for ages 3 months to adult, taught in warm indoor pools at partner hotels and fitness clubs.
Cub Run Rec Center
Chantilly, VA
Swim lessons splash across both pools at this Chantilly rec center, from its lap-lane competition pool to a leisure pool with water slides, as part of Fairfax County’s year-round program for babies through adults.
Goldfish Swim School
Falls Church & Reston, VA
Play-based lessons for ages 4 months to 12 years in a toasty 90-degree pool, plus family swim times.
Herndon Community Center
Herndon, VA
The Town of Herndon’s indoor pool offers swim lessons for kids and adults.
Kids First Swim School
Springfield, VA
Parent-and-me classes, small-group, semi-private, and private lessons, and adult lessons in a warm teaching pool.
Machine Performance Center
Vienna, VA
Swim lessons and stroke training for swimmers ready to build technique.
Mount Vernon Rec Center
Alexandria, VA
Little ones can start in parent-and-child classes at 6 months, while older kids, teens, and adults build skills in group, small-group, and private lessons at this Fairfax County rec center.
Oak Marr Rec Center
Oakton, VA
This Oakton rec center offers swim lessons for every stage, from parent-and-tot classes for babies and toddlers to stroke technique for school-age swimmers and lessons for adults.
Providence Rec Center
Falls Church, VA
Looking for one-on-one help in the water? Alongside group classes for ages 6 months to adult, this Fairfax County rec center offers private and semi-private lessons for kids 3 and up, teens, and adults.
Reston Community Center
Reston, VA
Swim lessons for all ages at RCC’s indoor aquatics center.
South Run Rec Center
Springfield, VA
Preschoolers can splash into beginner classes at this Springfield rec center, part of Fairfax County’s year-round learn-to-swim program for babies through adults.
Spring Hill Rec Center
McLean, VA
Part of Fairfax County’s year-round learn-to-swim program, this McLean rec center offers lessons for babies, kids, teens, and adults, from first splashes to polished strokes.
The St. James
Springfield, VA
Swim lessons at Springfield’s sports and wellness complex.
YMCA
Reston, VA
Swim lessons for kids and adults at the Y’s Reston branch.
LOUDOUN CO
Aqua-Tots Swim School
Chantilly, Leesburg, & Sterling, VA
Year-round indoor lessons for ages 4 months to 12 years, plus adaptive lessons and adult classes.
Ashburn Rec & Community Center
Ashburn, VA
Loudoun’s newest rec center features a 50-meter competition pool, a leisure pool with a lazy river, and lessons for all ages.
Big Blue Swim School
Sterling, VA
Weekly lessons year-round for babies through age 12, and families can start or pause anytime.
British Swim School
Ashburn & Sterling, VA
Survival-first lessons for ages 3 months to adult, taught in warm indoor pools.
Claude Moore Rec & Community Center
Sterling, VA
This Loudoun County rec center offers parent-and-child classes from 6 months, plus kids, teen, adult, and private lessons.
Dulles South Rec & Community Center
South Riding, VA
This Loudoun County rec center offers parent-and-child classes from 6 months, plus kids, teen, adult, and private lessons.
Goldfish Swim School
Ashburn, VA
Play-based lessons for ages 4 months to 12 years in a toasty 90-degree pool, plus family swim times.
Ida Lee Park Rec Center
Leesburg, VA
The Town of Leesburg’s rec center offers swim classes for kids and adults.
Propel Swim Academy
South Riding, VA
Year-round lessons for ages 3 months and up, plus Stroke School for swimmers sharpening their technique.
SafeSplash Swim School
Sterling, VA
Group, semi-private, and private lessons for ages 4 months to adult, including lessons for swimmers with special abilities.
Swim Box
Sterling, VA
One-on-one lessons for all ages in a warm-water current pool, with video feedback to fine-tune every stroke.
British Swim School
Gainesville & Manassas, VA
Survival-first lessons for ages 3 months to adult, taught in warm indoor pools.
Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center
Woodbridge, VA
Prince William County’s aquatics center offers year-round lessons for ages 6 months to adult, following the American Red Cross program.
Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center
Manassas, VA
One of Northern Virginia’s largest aquatic centers, this George Mason University facility has two indoor pools and year-round Red Cross swim lessons for kids and adults, from first-timers to confident swimmers.
Sharron Baucom Dale City Rec Center
Dale City, VA
Year-round lessons for ages 6 months to adult in a heated indoor pool with a gradual-entry ramp.
SWIM LESSON FAQs
What age can kids start swim lessons?
Earlier than you might think! Several swim schools start parent-and-child classes at 3 or 4 months, and county recreation centers in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William begin at 6 months. Little ones splash alongside a parent until they’re ready to swim on their own.
Swim school or rec center: what’s the difference?
Private swim schools usually run weekly lessons year-round in extra-warm pools, so you can jump in anytime. County recreation centers offer lessons in sessions you register for ahead of time, and popular classes fill up fast, so mark your calendar for registration day.
Can my kids take swim lessons in the winter?
Absolutely! Most spots on this list teach in indoor, heated pools year-round, and winter lessons are a great way to have kids splash-ready by the time pools open for summer.
Are there swim lessons for kids with special needs?
Yes! Arlington County’s adapted classes at Long Bridge, Fairfax County’s Adapted Aquatics program, Loudoun County’s adaptive aquatics offerings, British Swim School, Aqua-Tots, and SafeSplash all offer lessons designed for swimmers with disabilities or unique needs. Contact each location to find the best fit.
Do any of these places teach adults?
They sure do! The county recreation centers, British Swim School, Kids First, SafeSplash, Propel, and Swim Box all welcome grown-up swimmers, whether you’re learning from scratch or polishing your strokes.
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
