Looking for something to do to keep the older ones off of the Xbox and iPhone all summer? Alexandria has plenty to keep the not-so-little ones busy this summer, video screens (mostly) not included. There are plenty of indoor activities for those days when it’s just too hot already by the time your tween or teen reluctantly rolls out of bed.
Chris Militzer/Miliman12 Photography
The Apothecary Museum
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum regularly offers 45 minute tours exploring the world of the mad scientist, complete with fun experiments and demonstrations. If your kids are into Harry Potter, take note that July 31, the museum will offer special tours exploring the real world science and medicine from the Harry Potter books. Find out if dragon’s blood and mandrake root are real things, and be sure to bring a camera! The museum started as a family-owned business in the late 1700s. 105-107 S Fairfax St., alexandriava.gov/Apothecary.
For something a little more active, take the kids to Sportrock, where they can literally climb up the walls. Climbers of all skill levels are welcome to take part in a variety of one time courses to introduce you to this impressive facility. The experienced staff are also here with many class-es to help develop proper techniques and encourage the love of climbing! 5309 Eisenhower Ave., sportrock.com.
If there’s an athlete in the family, take them to the batting cages. Prime Time Baseball in Alexandria’s West End (5420 Eisenhower Ave., primetimebaseball.co) has indoor batting cages you can reserve by the hour. Outdoor batting cages are available at Cameron Run Regional Park, also on Eisenhower Ave. Check hours and availability at novaparks.com/parks/cameron-run-regional-park.
Kalista Diamantopolous
If there’s a budding artist in your family, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative. Spend an afternoon choosing and painting your own ceramic master-piece, creating a mosaic, or your own colorful planter. Paint This! at 1013 King St. has all of the equipment you need to create your work of art, including glazing and firing. Learn more at paintthis.com.
Located in Del Ray, Clay Queen Pottery offers classes for all skill levels. Learn how to create your own pieces and pots on the wheel, with individual attention available to help the learning process. 2303 Mt. Vernon Ave., call 703-549-7775 for more information.
Time for some fresh air? The Potomac Riverboat Company offers a fun boat ride down the Potomac River to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate where you can explore the Be Washington Interactive Theater. This interactive experience allows you step into various scenarios to see if you would be able to make the same decisions that our first president and commander in chief did. The cost is free with admission. The kids may also enjoy walking around the house and gardens, seeing the blacksmith at work, the grain facilities and more on the estate grounds. Learn more about both at potomacriverboatco.com and mountvernon.org.
Sometimes you want to tell your kid to take a hike! But this time you’ll want to go with them if you head to Huntley Meadows Park in Fairfax County. The park is home to a 19th century Federal period villa, in addition to vast wetlands, wildflower-filled meadows, forests and some of the best wildlife spotting in the region. 3701 Lockheed Blvd., fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows.
Another great hiking option: Winkler Botanical Preserve nestled in Alexandria’s West End (5400 Roanoke Ave.). If you go, try to find the well-hidden “Hobbit House" just beyond the cabin to the north of the trail.
Or, opt for a kayak or boat rental! Whether you have an experienced sailor ready to take out one of the 19’ Flying Scots, a 14’ Sunfish, or would rather have a leisurely paddle around Dyke Marsh in a canoe or kayak, Belle Haven Marina and the Mariner Sailing School has all the gear you need to head out, plus fun classes. The friendly staff will get you and the kids on the water and ready to see ospreys, bald eagles, and numerous fish as you explore the coastline. Learn more at saildc.com.
Need to fill up the tank after a long day of play? There are so many great restaurants that are kid-friendly in Alexandria that it’s hard to choose.
For dinner, try Tokyo Japanese Steak House. It’s hard not to have a good time when you’re watching the dinner show here, complete with egg flipping, catching shrimp in your mouth, and onion volcanoes. This is a traditional Japanese hibachi grill with steak, salmon, and chicken along with the staples of shrimp and shrimp teriyaki, along with a full sushi bar. 66 Canal Center Plaza, tjsh.com.
Chris Militzer/Miliman12 Photography
For dessert, hit up Del Ray’s Dairy Godmother, the go-to place for frozen treats in Del Ray. Kids of all ages love this retro throwback frozen custard and sorbet shop with all of its exotic flavors such as beignet, crunch bar, or honeydew melon. 2310 Mt. Vernon Ave., thedairygodmother.com.
