What to do with a 16 month old? (Richmond, Alexandria: daycare, live)

[janu98]

As the weather around here gets warmer (FINALLY!!!!) What are some things we can do with our 16 month old DS? This weekend we are planning to go to Children's Museum of Richmond (2 hours away) I feel like there is not much to do around here with toddlers. Sure there's plenty to do with older kids, but not much geared toward little ones. I would love to join a mommy group but i work full time so that is not possible, unless they have mommy groups on the weekends!

Any ideas?

[tamitrail]

Where do you live?

Are there any Gymboree or Little Gym's around you? They usually have some weekend classes. What about the Y or some other gym type thing? When the weather gets warmer, you could take swimming lessons together. What about the parks and rec in your area? Leesburg has a cute little animal park, not sure when it opens for the season. You could also go to other zoos or travel into Baltimore and go to the aquarium. Where does your child stay during the day when you're at work. If it's daycare, check with them and see if they know of any weekend programs.

[mlv311]

There is a lot to enjoy with a toddler even if you are limited to weekend outings. Fairfax County has many great parks. Burke Lake Park has several playgrounds, a carousel and a mini train. The kids also enjoy having a picnic there and going to the lake to see the ducks. Clemyjontri is great for small children. The Reston Zoo is a nice place to take small children because it's smaller than the National Zoo. Frying Pan Park is nice for kids to see farm animals and pet them. You can sign up for classes through the Fairfax County Park and Rec Dept or you can look into classes at Music Together, Gymboree, My Gym or The Little Gym. You can go swimming in one fo the rec centers (unless you have a community pool). The libraries offer programs for children of different ages (most are during the weekdays though). Some bookstores have storytime and crafttime on weekends. A good website for finding out what is going on in the area is gocitykids.com

[janu98]

Thanks soo much!! I am going to chech these places out right now!!

[tamitrail]

Yes, I forgot about story time and craft time. Those are great suggestions also.

[springfieldva]

Great list MLV!

Also:
Hidden Pond nature center (Springfield) and Hidden Oaks nature ctr (Annandale).
Cub run rec center (Centreville - has an awesome indoor pool).
Old Town Alexandria - you can take a "pirate cruise" on the Potomac.

[twinmma]

I have 17 month old twins and have been figuring some thing out...
-The Broadlands has a Nature Center that is nice
-Hadley Park is in Dulles and the ground is rubber so it is good for that age to run around on.
-I joined Little Gym but will not sign up again...expensive and all mine do is run around-they don't really play on the things or participate in the activities. (just a weird age...they don't listen!)
-Reston Zoo
-Leesburg Airport...I am touring this with a mothers group soon. Maybe you can just call and see if you can take your son there.
-Firestations. Call and ask if you can take a tour
-Local Library. I know Ashburn has a lot of nice story times and music classes you can sign up for...once a week I believe. Nice to have a schedule like that.
-The Dulles Mall has an indoor play ground. I like to go before the mall opens and let the kids play before it gets too crowded and we then leave.
-Walks. I bought a Radio Flyer wagon with a top and they LOVE it. I take them on the trails here in Ashburn. The other day I took two balls and we had a pit stop and chased the balls and such. It was fun!
There are lots of parks around here...just have to tour around and find them. Mine like to go and look at the ducks!

[janu98]

Thank you thank you!!!! I can't wait to try some of these places out! We are going to the Childrens Muesum tomorrow, I hope its worth the 2 hour ride!!