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Ireland @ The Wharf

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‹‹ More St. Patrick’s Day Fun

Cead Mile Failte (a hundred thousand welcomes)! The Wharf is excited to welcome you for some Irish-themed fun on March 14, 2026!

Ireland at the Wharf, an all-day, family- and dog-friendly event, hosted on DC’s beautiful waterfront, is packed with live music, Irish-inspired food, and fun.

Details:
Website

Date:
Mar 14, 2026

Location:
The Wharf ∙ Washington, DC

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

McLean Chocolate Festival

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This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

‹‹ More Food, Wine, & Beer Festivals

Sink your sweet tooth into some yummy fun at the McLean Chocolate Festival!

Celebrating all-things-chocolate on March 15, 2026, you’ll have the opportunity to sample, admire, and purchase a wide variety of chocolatey confections! On-site chocolatiers will make the 14th annual festival the sweetest place to be. Plus, enjoy demonstrations and live entertainment throughout the day, along with a children’s game room.

Admission is just $3 and includes a tote bag; children under 4 are free!

Details:
Website

Date:
Mar 15, 2026

Location:
McLean Community Center ∙ McLean, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Egg-Stravaganza @ Walker Nature Center

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‹‹ More Easter Fun

Spring Break fun is blooming at Walker Nature Center’s Egg-stravaganza! Gather the family and enjoy a day full of egg-citement on April 2, 2026!

Little explorers will love collecting colorful eggs along a woodland walk. Plus, discover which animals are hatching, and search the pond for frogs and turtles. Children can also see real bird nests and life-size eggs up close, stroll the storybook trail, and enjoy a special photo op with a giant bunny or Walker the Woodpecker!

Pre-purchase your admission online; link below.

Details:
Website

Date:
Apr 2, 2026

Location:
Walker Nature Center ∙ Reston, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Splish! Splash! Underwater Egg Hunt

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‹‹ More Easter Fun

Uh-oh! The Easter Bunny is missing his eggs! But don’t worry…they’ve been found floating around the Reston Community Center Pools, and Mr. Bunny needs your children’s help to collect them!

Hop over to Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center on March 21, 2026, to splash, swim, and hunt for the mysteriously missing eggs. Some treats will float for little ones, while some will sink for children ready for more adventure. Each participating child will receive a goody bag upon completion of the event.

Caregivers should plan to join their non-swimmers in the water to participate. Pre-registration required; link below.

Details:
Website

Date:
Mar 21, 2026

Location:
Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center @ RCC Hunters Woods ∙ Reston, VA

LEARN MORE

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

The Best Public Schools in Virginia

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Niche has released its 2026 Best Schools list — and Northern Virginia always dominates! Did your child’s school make the list?

Based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents, here are Niche’s top-ranked Virginia public schools:

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Niche’s top 25 Virginia public elementary schools:

  1. Arlington Traditional Elementary School
    Arlington, VA
  2. Waxpool Elementary School
    Ashburn, VA
  3. Innovation Elementary School
    Arlington, VA
  4. Tabb Elementary School
    Yorktown, VA
  5. Coventry Elementary School
    Yorktown, VA
  6. Oak Street Elementary School
    Falls Church, VA
  7. Bethel Manor Elementary School
    Yorktown, VA
  8. Dare Elementary School
    Yorktown, VA
  9. Taylor Elementary School
    Arlington, VA
  10. Waller Mill Elementary School
    Williamsburg, VA
  11. Mt. Vernon Elementary School
    Yorktown, VA
  12. Kent Gardens Elementary School
    McLean, VA
  13. Sangster Elementary School
    Springfield, VA
  14. Jamestown Elementary School
    Arlington, VA
  15. Old Donation School
    Virginia Beach, VA
  16. McNair Elementary School
    Herndon, VA
  17. Navy Elementary School
    Fairfax, VA
  18. Poplar Tree Elementary School
    Chantilly, VA
  19. Goshen Post Elementary
    Aldie, VA
  20. Madison’s Trust Elementary School
    Ashburn, VA
  21. Westbriar Elementary School
    Vienna, VA
  22. Colvin Run Elementary School
    Vienna, VA
  23. Mosaic Elementary School
    Fairfax, VA
  24. Oak Hill Elementary School
    Herndon, VA
  25. Virginia L. Murray Elementary School
    Ivy, VA
MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Niche’s top Virginia public middle schools:

  1. Tabb Middle School
    Yorktown, VA
  2. Grafton Middle School
    Yorktown, VA
  3. Lylburn Downing Middle School
    Lexington, VA
  4. Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School
    Falls Church, VA
  5. Dorothy Hamm Middle School
    Arlington, VA
  6. Rocky Run Middle School
    Chantilly, VA
  7. Rachel Carson Middle School
    Herndon, VA
  8. Longfellow Middle School
    Falls Church, VA
  9. Brambleton Middle School
    Ashburn, VA
  10. Williamsburg Middle School
    Arlington, VA
  11. Queens Lake Middle School
    Williamsburg, VA
  12. Old Donation School
    Virginia Beach, VA
  13. Stone Hill Middle School
    Ashburn, VA
  14. Frost Middle School
    Fairfax, VA
  15. Cooper Middle School
    McLean, VA
  16. J. Michael Lunsford Middle School
    Chantilly, VA
  17. Thoreau Middle School
    Vienna, VA
  18. Swanson Middle School
    Arlington, VA
  19. Plaza Middle School
    Virginia Beach, VA
  20. Eagle Ridge Middle School
    Ashburn, VA
  21. Yorktown Middle School
    Yorktown, VA
  22. Franklin Middle School
    Chantilly, VA
  23. Great Neck Middle School
    Virginia Beach, VA
  24. Hidden Valley Middle School
    Roanoke, VA
HIGH SCHOOLS

Niche’s top 25 Virginia public high schools:

  1. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology
    Alexandria, VA
  2. Independence High School
    Ashburn, VA
  3. Lightridge High School
    Aldie, VA
  4. Rock Ridge High School
    Ashburn, VA
  5. Deep Run High School
    Glen Allen, VA
  6. John Champe High School
    Aldie, VA
  7. Open High School
    Richmond, VA
  8. Oakton High School
    Vienna, VA
  9. Grafton High School
    Yorktown, VA
  10. Washington Liberty High School
    Arlington, VA
  11. Riverside High School
    Leesburg, VA
  12. Yorktown High School
    Arlington, VA
  13. McLean High School
    McLean, VA
  14. Tabb High School
    Yorktown, VA
  15. Ocean Lakes High School
    Virginia Beach, VA
  16. Langley High School
    McLean, VA
  17. Richmond Community High School
    Richmond, VA
  18. Meridian High School
    Falls Church, VA
  19. Blacksburg High School
    Blacksburg, VA
  20. Freedom High School
    South Riding, VA
  21. Briar Woods High School
    Ashburn, VA
  22. Stone Bridge High School
    Ashburn, VA
  23. Lake Braddock Secondary School
    Burke, VA
  24. Princess Anne High School
    Virginia Beach, VA
  25. James Madison High School
    Vienna, VA

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Herndon Parks & Rec

‹‹ More Summer Camps

Herndon Parks & Recreation summer camps in Herndon, VA

Herndon Parks & Recreation always has something exciting going on! That’s why Northern Virginia Magazine has recognized them as one of its Best Summer Camps. Get excited about their summer opportunities — perfect for kids and teens looking to make new friends, learn new skills, and more! 2026 opportunities include:

Aquatics Camps

Teens are invited to dive into leadership, skill-building, and hands-on experience at the Herndon Community Center Pool. Designed for youth ready to take the next step, these Aquatic Camps strengthen swim and water-safety skills while introducing future aquatics opportunities.

June 22-26 & July 13-17, 2026
Junior Lifeguard Training
Ages 11-14
Designed for youth interested in becoming lifeguards, this camp builds strong swimming skills and introduces basic rescue techniques. Participants will learn from experienced instructors and gain insight into lifeguarding responsibilities, developing confidence, responsibility, and aquatic awareness in a supportive setting.

June 22-26, 2026
Splash Into Swim Instruction
Ages 12 & Up
Ideal for those interested in becoming swim instructors, this mini-camp will introduce the fundamentals of teaching lessons. Campers will practice core skills used by Water Safety Instructors and assist in live lesson settings, taking an important first step toward aquatics leadership.

Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Camps

Herndon Parks & Recreation’s CIT Camps give teens the chance to grow as leaders in a supportive, high-energy camp setting. Whether assisting with tennis instruction or stepping into broader camp leadership roles, participants build responsibility, communication skills, and confidence — all while gaining meaningful, hands-on experience.

Weekly, June 22-Aug 21, 2026
Odyssey CIT Program
Ages 13-16
The Odyssey Counselor-in-Training Program gives teens hands-on experience in a dynamic camp setting. Participants will shadow counselors and help plan and lead activities, building confidence, leadership skills, and practical experience for future roles.

Weekly, June 22-Aug 14, 2026
Tennis CIT Programs
Ages 14-15
Herndon Parks & Recreation’s Tennis Counselor-In-Training Program will provide teens with real-world experience assisting at tennis camps. Participants will help run drills and support younger campers while strengthening responsibility, communication skills, and leadership on the court.

Dance Camps

This summer, kids can step into the spotlight with high-energy dance and musical theatre camps that build creativity, confidence, and self-expression. Whether they love to move, sing, or act, there’s a program for every age and experience level — helping them grow on stage and beyond.

June 15-18 & Aug 3-7, 2026
Fairy Tale Dance Camp
Ages 3-6
Campers will step into a magical world of stories, singing, dancing, crafts, and a daily Princess of the Day celebration. Young dancers will dress up, build confidence and creativity, and finish the week with a Royal Ball performance for family and friends.

July 6-10, 2026
Cheer & Tumble Camp
Ages 6-12
Campers will learn cheer skills, including motions, jumps, tumbling, and dance technique. Grouped by age and ability, participants will build strength and confidence, culminating in a Game Day performance for families.

July 13-17, 2026
K-Pop Star & Hip Hop Camp
Ages 5-10
Campers will explore K-pop through age-appropriate hip hop choreography, themed crafts, and games. They’ll build confidence as they learn energetic routines and wrap up the week with a mini K-pop concert for family and friends.

Aug 10-14, 2026
Disney Hip Hop Camp
Ages 5-10
Campers will dance to favorite Disney hits in this high-energy camp featuring themed choreography, games, and crafts. The week will conclude with a concert performance for families.

Aug 17-21, 2026
Lights, Camera, Action: Dance & Musical Theater Camp
Ages 6-12
This dynamic camp will blend dance, acting, and singing to build confidence and stage presence. Campers will prepare a family-friendly musical to showcase on the final day.

Odyssey Camps

Herndon Odyssey Camps offers campers a summer filled with team challenges, crafts, games, swimming, and fun! Weekly field trips — from the Farmer’s Market to water parks and museums — add to the excitement as campers build friendships, confidence, and teamwork skills!

Weekly, June 22-Aug 14, 2026
Herndon Odyssey
Ages 6-11
Adventure will begin at Bready Park with this high-energy, primarily outdoor camp filled with team challenges, crafts, games, swimming, and structured activities. Weekly field trips — including local markets, water parks, farms, and museums — will add to the fun as campers build friendships, confidence, and teamwork skills in a supportive setting.

Aug 17-21, 2026
Herndon Odyssey: The Final Countdown
Ages 6-11
Campers will wrap up summer with one final week of Odyssey fun at Bready Park. This limited-enrollment session will offer the same exciting mix of activities and field trips, giving campers an energetic and memorable close to the season.

Nature Camps

Herndon Parks & Recreation’s Nature Camps invite campers to explore the outdoors at Runnymede Park through hands-on, themed adventures. As they hike trails, observe wildlife, and participate in interactive science activities, they’ll build confidence, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world!

June 22-26, 2026
What’s the Buzz?
Ages 5-10
Campers will explore the important role pollinators — from bees to butterflies — play in nature and discover how to help protect them through hands-on outdoor activities.

June 29-July 2, 2026
Runnymede Rangers
Ages 5-10
Campers will step into the role of a park ranger as they explore local trails and learn how to protect wildlife and care for community parks through outdoor adventures.

July 6-10, 2026
Water Wonders
Ages 5-10
Campers will dive into freshwater ecosystems to discover aquatic species and learn about the balance of life beneath the water’s surface through guided exploration.

July 13-17, 2026
Virginia Is for Nature Lovers
Ages 5-10
Campers will explore Virginia’s state symbols and native wildlife while building curiosity and a deeper connection to the natural world.

July 20-24, 2026
Herndon, a Natural History
Ages 5-10
Campers will discover how Herndon’s landscape has changed over time through outdoor exploration and engaging environmental activities.

July 27-31, 2026
Taking Flight
Ages 5-10
Campers will learn how birds and other animals adapt to life in the air as they explore the science of flight through observation and interactive activities.

Aug 3-7, 2026
Branching Out
Ages 5-10
Campers will explore the world of trees and discover how they support wildlife and healthy ecosystems through hands-on investigation.

Aug 10-14, 2026
Jeepers Creepers!
Ages 5-10
Campers will take a closer look at insects and other small creatures as they learn about their unique abilities and important roles in nature.

Theatre Camps

Step into the spotlight this summer with Moonlit Wings Theatre Camps — where creativity, confidence, and collaboration take center stage! Young performers will sing, act, and dance while building storytelling skills, stage presence, and teamwork in a supportive, energetic environment.

July 22-26, 2026
Action! Pop Star Spotlight
Ages 7-14
Lights up, music on! Campers will take center stage, singing and dancing to pop hits. Through improv games, character creation, and a talent show, they’ll build imagination and confidence. All levels are welcome, culminating in a mini-performance for family and friends.

July 20-31, 2026
Applause! Movie Musicals Mania
Ages 7-14
Campers will bring beloved movie musicals to life, performing scenes and songs inspired by favorites like Beauty and the Beast and Encanto. Through theatre games and collaboration, they’ll build stage presence and confidence, ending with a mini-performance on the final day.

Tiny Chefs Camps

A summer of hands-on cooking adventures awaits culinary creators! Designed to build confidence, creativity, and real-world skills, Tiny Chef camps give kids the chance to explore a variety of recipes, cuisines, and techniques.

July 6-10, 2026
The Great Cupcake Showdown
Ages 6-12
Campers will start by mastering baking basics — measuring, mixing, and decorating — then face off in friendly teams to earn the Best Cupcake title. It’s perfect for beginners and future pastry pros alike.

July 27-31, 2026
Chopped!
Ages 6-12
Inspired by the cooking challenge format, campers will prepare meals and adapt to secret ingredients. Creativity and quick thinking will shine as they refine their skills in a fast-paced, fun environment.

Aug 3-7, 2026
The Great Food Truck Race
Ages 6-12
Campers will prepare daily dishes while designing their own food truck concept. From appetizers to desserts, they’ll explore presentation, menu planning, and creativity while honing practical cooking techniques.

STEAM Camps

These special STEAM Camps challenge young innovators to think critically, collaborate creatively, and solve real-world problems through hands-on experiences. From designing race cars to engineering builds, campers boost confidence while having fun.

June 29-July 2, 2026
The Great Race
Ages 6-12
Campers will team up with Maya and Rafael to design and build imaginative go-karts. They’ll explore propulsion, simple machines, and engineering concepts while testing their creations on a custom track.

July 20-24, 2026
Animal Adoption Match Up
Ages 6-12
Campers will solve animal care challenges through creative thinking and teamwork. They’ll build empathy and problem-solving skills while innovating in a hands-on environment.

June 22-26 & Aug 10-14, 2026
STEM Fun Camp: The Bricks Challenge
Ages 6-12
Campers will use building blocks to solve engineering challenges. They’ll design structures and machines, apply physics and problem-solving, and build confidence as young engineers.

Sports, Games, & More Camps

Weekly, June 22-Aug 14, 2026
Sports Camp
Ages 6-12
Ultimate Sports Camp will offer a high-energy mix of traditional sports, creative games, and team challenges to keep campers active and engaged. Led by Overtime Athletics coaches, the camp will foster confidence and sportsmanship. Each week will bring a variety of sports, skill development, friendly competitions, and exciting camp-wide games to keep the fun going.

Weekly, June 22-Aug 14, 2026
Tennis Camp
Ages 7-13
Tennis Camp will deliver a summer of skill-building and fun. In a lively, supportive setting, campers will engage in on-court and off-court activities — warming up, conditioning, drilling, and match play. Players will be grouped by ability, ensuring everyone — from beginners to seasoned players — can develop technique and confidence.

Weekly, June 29-Aug 7, 2026
Teen Discovery Camp
Ages 12-15
Teen Discovery offers kids ages 12-15 an engaging summer of exciting day trips paired with opportunities to build responsibility and independence. In a supportive environment, they’ll build decision-making skills while enjoying a balanced mix of fun, friendships, and personal growth, with fresh destinations and field trips throughout the season, including:

  • June 29-July 2, 2026: Skyline Caverns
  • July 6-10, 2026: Kings Dominion
  • July 13-17, 2026: Climb Upton
  • July 20-24, 2026: Kings Dominion
  • July 27-31, 2026: Vertical Rock
  • Aug 3-7, 2026: Kings Dominion

July 13-17 & Aug 17-21, 2026
Chess Camp
Ages 6-12
Campers will build strategy and critical thinking skills at Silver Knights Chess Camp. Open to all levels, campers will be grouped by ability for focused instruction and steady progress. Students will learn key tactics and play daily matches in a fun, supportive environment. All equipment will be included, and each camper will receive a T-shirt and a chess set.

CONNECT

☎️ 703-787-7300
🌐 Website
🌐 Summer Camps
🔗 Facebook ∙ Twitter ∙ Instagram
📌 Locations around Herndon, VA, including the Herndon Community Center
📌 Fairfax County

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Social Learners

‹‹ More Summer Camps

The Social Learners offers thoughtful, relationship-centered speech, language, and social-communication services for children and families. Co-founded by nationally certified speech-language pathologists, the organization focuses on helping kids connect with peers, caregivers, and the world around them.

The Social Learners supports kids as they learn to participate in conversations, play collaboratively, and build meaningful relationships throughout the year, including during the summer. They invite kids, ages 4-12, to join them:

Summer opportunities are designed to help kids build the social and communication skills they need to connect with others and form friendships. Through a mix of dramatic play, fine- and gross-motor activities, team-building challenges, and hands-on STEM projects, children practice essential social-cognitive skills in a fun, supportive setting.

Two age-based group options are offered in Loudoun County (24757 Arcola Mills Dr, Dulles, VA), each designed for children who communicate verbally and can participate in group activities without one-on-one support:

CONNECT

🌐 Website
🌐 Summer Camps
🔗 Facebook ∙ Instagram
📌 24757 Arcola Mills Dr, Dulles, VA
📌 Loudoun County

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

The Enchanted Egg Quest

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

‹‹ More Easter Fun

A fairy-tale spring adventure awaits! Families are invited to step into a storybook world at The Enchanted Egg Quest on March 21, 2026.

Hosted at Franklin Park, children can wander enchanted trails, search for hidden eggs, and soak up the magic of the Fairy Tale Forest. Even more exciting, they’ll enjoy whimsical music, charming photo spots, and the chance to discover a legendary golden egg!

Details:
Website

Date:
Mar 21, 2026

Location:
Franklin Park ∙ Purcellville, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Flashlight Egg Hunt

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

‹‹ More Easter Fun

Grab your baskets and find those flashlights!

On March 27, 2026, enjoy a Flashlight Egg Hunt at Glyndon Park. When the sun goes down, the egg hunt begins with eggs hidden in brush and bush for kids to find by flashlight!

Before the hunt begins, there will be games and music for everyone to enjoy, and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Little ones (under age 5) can also collect eggs at a 6:45 pm egg hunt event just for them. The evening wraps up with the flashlight egg hunt at 7:45 pm.

Register in person at the Vienna Community Center or online (link below).

Details:
Website

Date:
Mar 27, 2026

Location:
Glyndon Park ∙ Vienna, VA

LEARN MORE

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Cherry Blossom Parade

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is returning to Constitution Avenue on April 11, 2026!

This 10-block parade, hosted along Constitution Avenue NW (between 7th & 17th Streets), features colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and more in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship.

While viewing the parade along its planned route is free, tickets for reserved grandstand seating are now on sale!

Image courtesy of NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org

Details:
Website

Date:
Apr 11, 2026

Location:
Constitution Ave NW ∙ Washington, DC

LEARN MORE

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.