Rainy day activities for kids? (Arlington, Annandale: house, theater, mall)

[dvdmon]

So with all this rain recently we've been looking for things to do rather than sitting in the house all day with our 4-year-old. We don't want to just go to the Mall or other places where we are compelled to spend lots of money! And of course H1N1 is a concern, so places that are teaming with other kids (or adults) are also not good options. We've considered area nature centers, but not sure those would hold enough interest for a very active 4-year-old to last more than a half hour max... Any ideas?

[normie]

Rainy Day Activities - Keep Kids Busy Inside with Rainy Day Activities

Some great suggestions here. My grandkids also like the Air and Space Museum in Sterling and the climbing wall in Claude Moore park. But 4 might be a little young for those things.

[cdmurphy]

As normie mentioned, the Air & Space Museum (Udvar-Hazy) is great - it's a giant hangar with lots of open space - you're not smushed close together with germy people like other museums. There are two different flight simulator rides ($) and lots of neat things to see, including the control tower, which has great views. There's also an IMAX theater. The only downside is the parking fee - $15 - but when you consider that there's no admission fee, it's really not that bad if you mentally divide it by the number of people in your car (that's how I make myself feel better about it, anyway). We've taken visitors of all ages there - my 15-month-olds even enjoyed it.

[OrangeFish]

The Powhatan Springs rain garden in Arlington is fun.

Powhatan Rain Garden

[michgc]

Have you tried the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale? It will hold a 4-year old's attention for awhile. They have some climbing things, dress-up, animals, buttons to press, etc. I've brought my kids there a few times, and it's always fun for an hour or so. Plus it's pretty close to Vienna.

Hidden Oaks Nature Center

I agree about the play areas and the germs. It's hard to get away from. I haven't tried the new Chick-fil-A in Fairfax, but it looks like they have a big play area - indoors, I think.

[MaNova]

Originally Posted by cdmurphy

As normie mentioned, the Air & Space Museum (Udvar-Hazy) is great - it's a giant hangar with lots of open space - you're not smushed close together with germy people like other museums. There are two different flight simulator rides ($) and lots of neat things to see, including the control tower, which has great views. There's also an IMAX theater. The only downside is the parking fee - $15 - but when you consider that there's no admission fee, it's really not that bad if you mentally divide it by the number of people in your car (that's how I make myself feel better about it, anyway). We've taken visitors of all ages there - my 15-month-olds even enjoyed it.

If you go after 4:30 (museum closes at 5:30), parking is free.. At least it used to be.

I too like this museum for it's many interesting features- as well as the anti-claustrophobic layout.

[normie]

Just curious--what did you end up doing? Hope the day went ok.