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Newsletter ∙ Jan 8, 2026

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Newsletter ∙ Jan 8, 2026

Jan 8, 2026
Website ∙ Calendar

Lunar New Year Celebrations
Celebrate renewal and good fortune…
2026 is the Year of the Horse! These Lunar New Year opportunities are a great way to experience the rich beauty of East Asian traditions, culture, and entertainment… MORE

Can’t-Miss January Fun
New year, new ways to have fun…
The excitement doesn’t end with the holidays — January brings winter fun, indoor adventures, and more to kick off the year… MORE

DullesMoms’ supporters want to share some Extra! Extra! News with you

From Broadway Dreams to Big Stage Reality at Lopez Studios
Lights, camera, action! Lopez Studios Inc. Performing Arts Preparatory School’s theatre and acting classes will make your child’s acting dreams a reality! From Broadway and musical theatre to improv and theatre games, there’s something for kids ages 6-15. Register today, classes begin February 5… MORE

Now Enrolling: Programs That Build Your Child’s Social Confidence
Social Groups from The Social Learners help children develop social communication skills through play-based and STEM activities, social stories, role playing, and modeling, all led by a nationally certified Speech-Language Pathologist. Winter-spring opportunities begin soon with flexible rolling enrollment from Feb 7-Apr 25… MORE

Early Education Programs You’ll Feel Confident About
BeanTree Learning knows kids learn through play! Not only do their students use their imaginations, but alongside their friends, they learn cooperation, empathy, communication skills, and more. BeanTree’s early education programs offer play-rich opportunities for kids to reach their potential. Get to know them today… MORE

Pass It On, Pick Something New at the Hobby Exchange
Ready to swap out a hobby that didn’t stick and pick up one that might? Herndon Parks & Rec invites you to save-the-date for their annual (& family-friendly!) Hobby Exchange on February 7, 2026! At this community-driven, family-friendly event, swap gently used hobby supplies and head home with something new to enjoy — all for free… MORE

Soar Together Family Day: Explore Air & Space Technology
The National Air & Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center invites you to its Soar Together Family Day! On January 10, 2026, there will be hands-on activities for all ages, exciting demonstrations, and the chance to meet experts… MORE

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

Mave Waves at Goldfish Swim School

DullesMoms
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Mave Waves at Goldfish Swim School

By Goldfish Swim School, Jan 2025

Goldfish Swim Schools offers learn-to-swim opportunities for kids. From little splashers who have never ventured past knee-deep water to young swimmers who might need a skills refresher or confidence boost, Goldfish has a location (Alexandria, VA ∙ Falls Church, VA ∙ Reston, VA) and a class for them!

To determine where they’ll benefit most, parents are invited to check out Goldfish Swim School’s online swim-level assessment tool. With a few clicks, easily find out which level your children will make the biggest splash.

Lessons are broken up with ages and skill levels in mind so kids can make the most of their time in the pool. Not only do they learn more from skilled instructors, but from their classmates, too. Plus, this tried and true approach allows teachers to focus on specific skill sets while helping swimmers get to the next level.

Levels include:

Mini ∙ Ages 4-35 months
The Mini level is for the youngest of swimmers who are just starting out with lessons or have a tiny bit of lesson experience.

Junior ∙ Ages 3-4
Goldfish’s Junior level is for young children who are considered to be beginner to intermediate swimmers.

Glider ∙ Ages 4-12
Like the Junior level, but for the older crowd, the Giider level is for children who are considered to be beginner to intermediate swimmers.

Pro ∙ Ages 4-12
If your children live for the pool, are comfortable with various swim skills, and are more advanced swimmers, the Pro level is for them!

Within each level, advancement is based on Goldfish’s 3-star rating system:

1 Star
Your little fish can perform new skills introduced with the help of their swim instructor.

2 Stars
Young swimmers can perform new skills with just a little help from their instructor or independently.

3 Stars
These fish get three stars for the ability to fully perform a skill independently and consistently!

Once your kiddo has three stars for each skill introduced, they’re ready to swim up to the next level! This star system removes deadlines and allows kids to learn at their own pace — progressing when they are ready.

Goldfish makes it easy to track your child’s progress, too! Their app (Android ∙ iOS) gives you access to a Digital Progress Report to celebrate each stroke of progress. Plus, as children earn their stars and move up levels, it shows detailed schedules and more.

First and foremost, swim lessons encourage water safety skills — teaching kids how to stay safe in and around water — crucial for reducing the risk of drowning. However, did you know mastering new skills boosts children’s self-esteem and encourages a sense of independence and accomplishment?

Swim lessons even help kids work on social skills as they interact with their new friends and instructors. Plus, swimming is known for its therapeutic and calming effects, both beneficial for everyone’s mental and emotional health (especially in Goldfish’s 90° heated pools!).

New to Goldfish Swim School?
See them in person. Schedule a tour or sign up for a free trial lesson at your preferred location, including:

  • Alexandria, VA
    3155-B Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
    (703) 348-3261
  • Falls Church, VA
    7395 Route 29, Ste. K, Falls Church, VA 22042
    (703) 348-3261
  • Reston, VA
    12340 Pinecrest Rd., Reston, VA 20191
    (703) 348-3261

#Goldfish

Raise Your Steins: Oktoberfests

DullesMoms
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Raise Your Steins: Oktoberfests
This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

Food, Wine, & Beer Fests › Oktoberfests

It’s that time of year to dust off your lederhosen!

You’re invited to discover all the German-inspired music, food, and beer our area has to offer at these Oktoberfests. While some are adults-only, some are family-friendly:

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


#Oktober, #Oktoberfest, #Oktoebrfests, #October, #Octoberfest, #Octoberfests, Octoberfests, October Fest, October Fests, Oktober Fest, Oktober Fests, Festival, beer, craft, brewery, wine, distillery, meadery, music, company, brew, brews, draft, flight, sample, tasting, near me, family friendly, family-friendly

Free Admission @ Udvar-Hazy Center

Liz Jones
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Free Admission @ Udvar-Hazy Center

Big Calendar of Fun › Free Admission

Aviation and space artifacts abound at the National Air & Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA! Admission is free! Plus, after 4 pm, parking is free, too (parking is fee-based until 4 pm).

Family-friendly fun delivered straight to your inbox!

Commonly known as the Udvar-Hazy Center, this Smithsonian museum is the second location of the National Air & Space Museum (the original of which is located on the National Mall in Washington, DC). Like its sister museum, the Udvar-Hazy Center showcases the history and science of aviation, spaceflight, planetary science, and terrestrial geology/geophysics.

  • Observation Tower
    Watch planes take off and land at Washington Dulles International Airport and get a 360-degree view of the surrounding area.
  • Simulators
    Fly jet-age combat sorties in simulators that let you perform 360-degree barrel rolls! These opportunities are fee-based.
  • Drop-In Storytimes
    On Tuesdays and Thursdays, drop in (confirm times here) to hear a story about air and space read by one of our Museum educators. Perfect for the youngest air and space enthusiasts!
  • Airbus IMAX Theater
    See large-format films projected on a screen five stories high, with six-channel digital surround sound. This opportunity is fee-based.
  • Restoration Hangar
    Watch as our specialists reconstruct, repair, and preserve our rare artifacts.
  • Discovery Stations
    These portable carts provide opportunities for active looking, discussion, and hands-on activities related to aviation, space exploration, astronomy, and planetary geology.
  • Collection Highlights
    Discover the collection items currently on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.

This unique destination has been delighting visitors from all over the globe — from families looking to learn something new to aerial and space enthusiasts. You’ll be amazed by the museum’s exhibits, simulators, and thousands of aviation and space artifacts.

While there, visit the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar, home to the museum’s biggest artifacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, a Concorde, and a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. The museum also boasts an IMAX Theater (featuring a screen 5 stories high!) and an observation tower offering a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of Dulles Airport and the surrounding area.

Admission to this museum is free, and parking is fee-based (free after 4 pm; learn more here).

Details:
Website

Location:
National Air & Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center ∙ Chantilly, VA

LEARN MORE

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

#UdvarHazy

Top Halloween Costumes: 1983-2019

DullesMoms
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Top Halloween Costumes: 1983-2019

Did you know the global Halloween market was valued at 4.7 billion dollars in 2024 — with North America accounting for approximately 40% of that revenue? Dressing up is a beloved annual tradition, changing drastically throughout the decades, reflecting popular (and unpopular!) characters, ideas, and more.

Growing up, were any of these part of your memories?

2024

  • Beetlejuice Characters
  • Inside Out 2 Emotions Characters
  • Superheroes
  • Taylor Swift

2023

  • Barbie
  • Super Mario Characters
  • Wednesday Addams

2022

  • Encanto Characters
  • Spider-Man
  • Squid Game

2021

  • The Mandalorian’s Grogu (Baby Yoda)
  • Black Widow
  • Among Us Crewmates

2020

  • Animal Crossing Characters
  • Harley Quinn
  • Classic Monsters

2019

  • Toy Story 4 Characters
  • Frozen Characters
  • Superheroes

2018

  • Black Panther Characters
  • Incredibles 2 Family Characters
  • Dinosaurs

2017

  • Wonder Woman
  • Despicable Me 3 Minions
  • Star Wars Characters

2016

  • Pokemon Go Characters
  • Suicide Squad’s Harley Quinn
  • Classic Witches & Zombies

2015

  • Star Wars: The Force Awakens Characters
  • Minions Movie Characters
  • Superheroes

2014

  • Frozen Characters
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Characters
  • Ninja Turtles

2013

  • Despicable Me Minions
  • Monsters University Characters
  • Superheroes

2012

  • The Avengers Characters
  • Brave Merida
  • The Dark Knight Rises Batman

2011

  • Harry Potter Characters
  • Transformers
  • Angry Birds

2010

  • Toy Story 3 Characters
  • Avatar Na’vi
  • Iron Man

2009

  • Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
  • Harry Potter Characters
  • Twilight Characters

2008

  • The Dark Knight Characters
  • High School Musical Characters
  • Iron Man

2007

  • Transformers Characters
  • Pirates of the Caribbean Characters
  • Hannah Montana

2006

  • Pirates of the Caribbean Characters
  • Superman
  • Cars Characters

2005

  • Star Wars Characters
  • Batman
  • Fantastic Four Characters

2004

  • Spider-Man
  • The Incredibles Family
  • SpongeBob SquarePants

2003

  • Pirates of the Caribbean Characters
  • The Lord of the Rings Characters
  • Finding Nemo Characters

2002

  • Spider-Man
  • Harry Potter Characters
  • Star Wars Characters

2001

  • Harry Potter Characters
  • Shrek Characters
  • Lord of the Rings Characters

2000

  • X-Men Characters
  • Harry Potter Characters
  • Classic Monsters

1999

  • Star Wars Characters (The Phantom Menace)
  • The Matrix Characters
  • SpongeBob SquarePants

1998

  • Rugrats Characters
  • Power Rangers
  • A Bug’s Life Characters

1997

  • Hercules Characters
  • Batman & Robin
  • Men in Black Characters

1996

  • Space Jam Characters
  • The Hunchback of Notre Dame Characters
  • Toy Story Characters

1995

  • Toy Story Characters
  • Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
  • Pocahontas Characters

1994

  • The Lion King Characters
  • The Mask
  • The Flintstones

1993

  • Jurassic Park Characters
  • Aladdin Characters
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

1992

  • Batman Returns Characters (Batman, Catwoman, Penguin)
  • Beauty & the Beast Characters
  • X-Men Characters

1991

  • Terminator 2 Characters
  • The Addams Family
  • Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Characters

1990

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
  • The Simpsons Characters
  • Edward Scissorhands

1989

  • Batman (Michael Keaton’s Batman)
  • The Little Mermaid Characters
  • Ghostbusters

1988

  • Beetlejuice
  • Who Framed Roger Rabbit Characters
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

1987

  • Masters of the Universe (He-Man, Skeletor)
  • Star Wars Characters
  • The Care Bears

1986

  • Ghostbusters
  • Transformers Characters
  • G.I. Joe Characters

1985

  • Back to the Future Characters
  • Rainbow Brite
  • She-Ra & He-Man Characters

1984

  • Ghostbusters
  • Gremlins
  • The Terminator

1983

  • Return of the Jedi Characters (Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Ewoks)
  • He-Man & the Masters of the Universe
  • Care Bears

1982

  • E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
  • Tron Characters
  • Smurfs

1981

  • Raiders of the Lost Ark Characters (Indiana Jones)
  • The Fox & the Hound Characters
  • Pac-Man & Ms. Pac-Man

1980

  • Star Wars Characters (The Empire Strikes Back)
  • The Blues Brothers
  • Classic Superheroes (Superman, Wonder Woman)

1979

  • Alien Characters (Xenomorphs)
  • Muppet Show Characters
  • Buck Rogers

1978

  • Grease Characters (Danny, Sandy)
  • Superman (Christopher Reeve’s Version)
  • Classic Monsters (Dracula, Frankenstein)

1977

  • Star Wars Characters (A New Hope)
  • Charlie’s Angels
  • Wonder Woman

1976

  • Rocky Balboa
  • The Six Million Dollar Man
  • Bionic Woman

1975

  • Jaws Characters (Shark, Quint)
  • Planet of the Apes Characters
  • The Pink Panther

1974

  • The Godfather Characters
  • The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Characters
  • Scooby-Doo Characters

1973

  • The Exorcist (Regan)
  • Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Characters
  • The Brady Bunch Characters

1972

The Lorax Characters

Classic Disney Characters (Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck)

Gilligan’s Island Characters

1971

  • Willy Wonka Characters
  • Classic Superheroes (Batman, Superman, Spider-Man)
  • The Addams Family

1970

  • Scooby-Doo Characters
  • Sesame Street Characters
  • Flintstones Characters

1969

  • Scooby-Doo Characters
  • The Beatles
  • Space Astronauts (Inspired by Apollo 11 Moon Landing)

1968

  • Planet of the Apes Characters
  • Batman & Robin (Adam West TV Series)
  • The Monkees

1967

  • The Jungle Book Characters
  • Star Trek Characters
  • The Pink Panther

1966

  • Batman & Robin (Adam West TV Series)
  • The Green Hornet
  • Bewitched Characters

1965

  • The Sound of Music Characters
  • Thunderbirds (Marionette TV Series)
  • Classic Disney Characters (Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck)

1964

  • The Addams Family
  • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (TV Special)
  • Mary Poppins Characters

1963

  • The Flintstones Characters
  • The Jetsons Characters
  • Classic Monsters (Dracula, Frankenstein, Mummy)

1962

  • James Bond Characters
  • Rock Hudson & Doris Day Movie Characters
  • Zorro

1961

  • The Alvin Show Characters (Alvin & the Chipmunks)
  • 101 Dalmatians Characters
  • Peter Pan

1960

  • The Lone Ranger
  • Popeye & Olive Oyl
  • Davy Crockett

Butterfly Pavilion: Free Admission on Select Days

DullesMoms
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Butterfly Pavilion: Free Admission on Select Days

The Butterfly Pavilion is temporarily closed due to unplanned maintenance. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Big Calendar of Fun › Butterfly Pavilion

Did you know Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History boasts an indoor Butterfly Pavilion, home to hundreds of live, fluttering butterflies? Even better? This unique feature is free on select days.

Family-friendly fun delivered straight to your inbox!

The Butterfly Pavilion is a brightly lit, climate-controlled environment (80°) where you can stroll among butterflies and blooming plants. Butterflies fly freely around the Pavilion, landing on plants and sometimes people! You’ll see butterflies from all over the world, including the US, Mexico, Central and South America, Africa, India, China, and Southeast Asia.

On most *Tuesdays, admission is free! The Pavilion is open Tuesday through Saturday and requires the purchase of timed-entry tickets (available only on-site at the Butterfly Pavilion Ticket Desk). However, on Tuesdays, admission is free. Please note that you should always call ahead to confirm, as access to this special exhibit may be subject to last-minute closures.

As with other weekdays, a timed-entry ticket is still required (available only on-site at the Butterfly Pavilion Ticket Desk). Please keep in mind that this opportunity is very popular, so it’s wise to visit the museum early and go straight to the ticket desk for your timed-entry pass (there’s always a chance it could “sell out”). See all the important details at the link below.

Great for kids, the 2nd-floor Butterfly Pavilion is adjacent to the Insect Zoo — the oldest continuously operating insect zoo in the United States! The zoo features many species of live insects, a nursery room where visitors can peek at insect larvae and pupae, and lots of opportunities to interact with volunteers and examine insects up close.

Details:
Website

Dates:
Wed-Sat (fee-based) ∙ Tues (free admission*)

Location:
National Museum of Natural History ∙ Wash, DC

*Always call ahead to confirm, as access to this special exhibit might experience last-minute closures.

LEARN MORE

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

#ButterflyPav

Free Online Art Generators for Kids (& Parents, Too!)

Liz Jones
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Free Online Art Generators for Kids (& Parents, Too!)

By DullesMoms, Jan 2024

Let your kids get creative without the mess! Check out these free online art generators (no downloads required) where kids can explore and create a variety of art!

  • Weave Silk
    Wow! A flick of your mouse creates a beautiful, flowing, silk pattern!
  • Sesame Street Art Maker
    More than online drawing, painting, and more — get creative and make a pizza or decorate a birthday cake, too!
  • Scrap Coloring
    More than a site that allows you to color images — kids can color with dozens and dozens of patterns!
  • Draw a Stick Man
    A seriously cool site where even the youngest child can draw a stick man and watch it come to life in an interactive episode they choose.
  • This is Sand
    Definitely for older children, this took me a minute and a few clicks to figure out. But once I did, it quickly became a favorite. Kids can create sandscapes by piling different-colored sand in any pattern they choose.
  • ABCYa
    An easy-to-use site lets kids draw, paint, color, or stamp on a virtual canvas with a few clicks.
  • Toy Theatre
    Toy Theatre allows you to choose from 40+ art generators, including some really cool snowflake generators, animations, mirror art, and more!
  • Bomono
    A click here and a click there creates moving art!
  • Curious Corner
    Curious Corner, a children’s educational site by the Art Institute of Chicago, offers storytimes, match-up games, and a play-with-art section. Children create portraits, Cornell Boxes, and masks.
  • Flaming Text
    Make a logo, or decorate your name, this digital art maker is intuitive and appeals to all ages!
  • Family Echo
    What a cool way to build a family tree! Kids will better understand how everyone connects through this interactive generator I built!
  • Word Cloud Generator
    This cool word cloud art generator lets you create unique pieces of art!
  • Make Beliefs Comix
    After a few clicks, you’ll be creating your own drag-and-drop comic strips!

Last Updated Dec 29, 2025

Dopamine Land

DullesMoms
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Dopamine Land
These opportunities are over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

Big Calendar of Fun › Dopamine Land

Dopamine is your brain’s very own party planner! This magical molecule is the reason you feel a rush of excitement when you bite into your favorite chocolate, score a goal, or even just receive a compliment. Your body’s happiest little helper now has a place to call home: Dopamine Land!

Dopamine Land is our area’s newest happiness-boosting destination experience designed to delight visitors of all ages. Now open until late summer, Dopamine Land invites you to get happy!

Until December 31, 2025, immerse yourself in a world filled with colors, happiness, and mood boosters! Its 11 exhibits include:

  • Decompression Room
    Visitors can relax and unwind in a serene space, adorned with sheer curtains and cozy seating, guided by Anima’s soothing voice.
  • Euphoria Grove
    This peaceful oasis helps guests reconnect with nature and experience the calming effects of their surroundings, discovering how natural elements can boost dopamine levels.
  • Infinity Bliss
    Guests enter a captivating world of endless colors and reflections, weaving through twinkling lights that offer a unique opportunity for self-reflection.
  • Lucid Dreams
    Visitors embark on an interactive adventure into the world of dreams, exploring a visually stunning room that captivates without requiring sleep.
  • Pillow Fight
    In this high-energy exhibit, visitors engage in a thrilling pillow fight, where sound, light, and action combine for an exhilarating experience.
  • Rhythm Studio
    Guests can join a music session with award-winning beatboxers SPIDERHORSE, learning how rhythm and beats can stimulate dopamine — or they can explore the studio solo.
  • Sensory Lab
    This exhibit goes beyond visual experiences, allowing visitors to explore how touch, scent, sound, and taste can trigger dopamine through a series of multisensory stations.
  • Shadow Wonderland
    Guests immerse themselves in storytelling, using shadows to create enchanting tales and discover the magic of light and darkness.
  • Surprise Party
    This interactive exhibit invites visitors to engage with the glowing walls, with each touch and pull heightening the anticipation and excitement.
  • The Bubble Bar
    The journey begins and ends in this lively bar area, where guests can dive into a ball pool, enjoy a snack, or pick up souvenirs from the Dopamine Land store.
  • The Writer’s Loft
    Visitors are encouraged to erase negative thoughts and spread positivity on an unconventional blank canvas, creating a space filled with uplifting messages.

Unlike traditional museums, Dopamine Land offers a fully interactive experience. Every exhibit stimulates the senses, evokes positive emotions, and creates lasting memories.

Details:
Website

Dates:
Fri-Sun, until late November

Location:
5333 Wisconsin Ave. NW ∙ Wash, DC

LEARN MORE

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

Prince William County Library Branches

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Prince William County Library Branches

Discover all your local library has to offer — from learning opportunities learning, special events, and interactive labs — there’s something for all ages!

Explore your branch, or discover a new one today:

City of Alexandria Library Branches

DullesMoms
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City of Alexandria Library Branches

Your local library is more than a place of books — it’s a crossroads of learning, community, special events, and more!

Explore your branch, or discover a new one today:

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