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The weekend guide for families in Loudoun

This weekend · Fri, Nov 6 – Mon, Nov 9

Lanterns on Saturday, trains all weekend, and Monday off for Diwali.

We pick the family events worth your weekend, then check the parking, cost, crowds and what to know before you go.

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Lou

Hi, I'm Lou, your LoCo guide. Here's where I'd start this weekend.

  • Saturday at Hanson Park: the $5 glow-jar class at 3:30, then the free Luminary Walk from 4:30. See Saturday
  • The Sunday planetarium is $15 a child and it's a registered class, so book it now. Book this now
  • Monday is off for Diwali. Putt & Play at Douglass Community Center in Leesburg is $5 a child, noon to 3. See Monday

Thanksgiving in Loudoun

Thanksgiving week, planned

Pie pre-order deadlines, four turkey trots, where to eat, and what's open on Thursday.

See the guide

Our top picks for the weekend

  1. Fri
    The model train show in Purcellville

    Friday, November 6 · 9:30am–3pm

    Runs Friday to Sunday, 9:30 to 3 · Purcellville Library
  2. Sat
    Glow jars, then the Luminary Walk

    Saturday, November 7 · 4:30pm–6:30pm

    Free walk, 4:30 to 6:30 · $5 glow-jar class first
  3. Sun
    Mars, indoors, at Hanson Park

    Sunday, November 8 · 11am–2:30pm

    $15 a child, ages 4 to 12 · register ahead
  4. Mon
    Mini golf in a gym for $5

    Monday, November 9 · 12pm–3pm

    $5 a child · noon to 3 · no school for Diwali
If it rains FridayRain is likely Friday. The model train show at Purcellville Library is indoors, so it stays the plan. Save the Fairy Folk Trail for Saturday or Sunday: it runs daily through November 21.

Sensory-friendly this weekend

One calmer pick every week for families with sensory needs.

Sun
Sensory Room Open Access, Ashburn Rec CenterA room built to be calm: bubble tubes, fiber-optic light sprays, a light-up peg board, an interactive floor, swings and soft rockers, in 45-minute Open Access sessions for all ages.

Sunday, November 8

Ashburn Recreation & Community Center · Ashburn

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This weekend's guide is presented byWorld of Pizzas Bar & Grill

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Loudoun's go-to spots for families

Hand-checked places to eat, play and plan, by category.

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The weekend guide for families in Loudoun

Hand-picked events, and what to know before you go.

The weekend guide

— or read on —

Our take

Three days, so spread them out. Saturday is the one to protect: the 3:30 glow-jar class at Hanson Park, then straight out onto the Luminary Walk as it gets dark. Monday is the easy one: mini golf in a Purcellville gym for $5.

Friday

Fri, Nov 6

Model Railroad Extravaganza

Purcellville Library · Purcellville · 220 E Main St, Purcellville, VA 20132

Friday, November 6 · 9:30am–3pm

All agesIndoor
Illustrated scene for Model Railroad Extravaganza

Northern Virginia NTRAK fills the Purcellville Library with big N-scale layouts, trains running past model towns and rivers, three days running. Bring a toddler. Leave with a toddler who now has opinions about scale.

Parking
The library doesn't publish parking for the show. Purcellville's library lot is small for a weekend crowd, so allow time to park on Main Street.
Arrive
Before lunch. It closes at 3, and Friday morning is the quiet window if you have a little one at home.
What it costs
Call before you go: 703-737-8490
Crowds
The library doesn't publish numbers. Mornings beat afternoons almost everywhere.

What to know before you go

Fri, November 6 to Sun, November 8, 9:30 to 3, in the Storytime Area at 220 East Main Street. Can't do Friday? It's the same show Saturday and Sunday.

See full event

Turkey Time Campfire · Claude Moore Park · Sterling · Friday, November 6 · 10:30am–11:45am · $6 · Ages 5+

Turkey calls on a trail walk at Claude Moore Park, then marshmallows at the campfire. A school day, so it's one for preschoolers and homeschoolers. Register with the county.

See full event

Fairy Folk Trail · Scott Jenkins Memorial Park · Hamilton · Friday, November 6 · 8am–5pm · Free · All ages

Starts Friday: follow the signs to find the fairy folk along the path at Scott Jenkins Memorial Park in Hamilton. Free, daily 8 to 5 through November 21, so it works after school.

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Thanksgiving Dinner Bag Drive · Loudoun Hunger Relief · Leesburg · Friday, November 6 · Free to take part; you supply the groceries · All ages

Give back this weekend: pack a Thanksgiving dinner bag for Loudoun Hunger Relief (stuffing, four cans of vegetables, boxed potatoes, gravy, cornbread mix, cranberry sauce, a dry dessert mix) and drop it at the garage bay door, Friday 9 to 3 or Saturday 9 to noon. Hand the kids the list and the cart.

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This weekend's guide is presented byWorld of Pizzas Bar & Grill

Saturday

Sat, Nov 7
Top pick

Luminary Walk at Hanson Park

Hal & Berni Hanson Regional Park · Aldie · 22831 Hanson Park Dr, Aldie, VA 20105

Saturday, November 7 · 4:30pm–6:30pm

FreeAll agesOutdoor
Illustrated scene for Luminary Walk at Hanson Park

Lanterns around the pond at Hanson Park, on the night before Diwali, for free. Do the $5 glow-jar class first and your kids walk the trail carrying their own light. It's the best two hours of the weekend.

Parking
Visitors describe a big lot with restrooms and paved, stroller-friendly paths. The county doesn't say which lot is closest to the pond, so allow a few minutes.
Arrive
Sunset is just before 5, so aim for 4:45 to 5:15 when the lanterns are at their best. Doing the 3:30 class? Walk straight out at 4:30.
What it costs
Free. A family of four pays nothing, or $10 if two kids do the glow-jar class.
Crowds
The county doesn't publish numbers, and visitors say weekends are busier. It runs two hours: if the path is busy at 5, it won't be at 6.

What to know before you go

Chemistry Kids: Bioluminescence runs at 2:30 and 3:30, $5, ages 4 to 12, and kids make the glowing jar they carry on the walk. Register with the county (174212). The clocks went back on Sunday. Hanson Park's answer is lanterns.
See full event

Claude Moore Park Open House

Claude Moore Park · Sterling · 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Rd, Sterling, VA 20164

Saturday, November 7 · 1pm–3pm

FreeAll ages
Illustrated scene for Claude Moore Park Open House

Claude Moore Park opens up the 1779 Lanesville farmhouse and Frogshackle Nature Center for two hours, free. A farmhouse from 1779, open for two hours, for free. Your kids will want the insect hunt anyway.

Parking
Free. Use the Old Vestal's Gap Road entrance for the Visitor Center.
Arrive
The county doesn't say whether to start at the farmhouse or the Visitor Center. Come at 1, pick up the scavenger hunt flyer at the Visitor Center, and work out from there.
What it costs
Free for a family of four, scavenger hunt included.
Crowds
The county doesn't publish numbers. It's two hours and free, so earlier beats later.

What to know before you go

The Insect Scavenger Hunt runs daily through November 30: grab the flyer in the Visitor Center and hand it in at the end for a treat.
See full event

Pumpkin Village Fall Fest · Leesburg Animal Park · Leesburg · Saturday, November 7 · 9:30am–5pm · $14.95 Wednesdays, $19.95 weekdays and value weekends, $24.95 prime weekends; under 2 free · Ages 10 and under

The last farm-style outing of the year: Pumpkin Village's final weekend at Leesburg Animal Park, $19.95, under 2 free. Weekend tickets are online only, and it closes at 5 now the clocks have gone back.

See full event

Pathway of Pages · Woodgrove Park · Round Hill · Saturday, November 7 · 7am–7pm · Free · All ages

A story walk along the trail at Woodgrove Park, Round Hill. Free, daily 7 to 7 through November 21.

See full event

Dark Sky Patch Program · Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve · Leesburg · Saturday, November 7 · 5pm–6:30pm · $12 · Ages 5+

A talk on light pollution, then a night hike of about a mile on uneven ground at Banshee Reeks. It's built around a Girl Scout patch, so check with Banshee Reeks (703-737-8894) that non-scouts can join before you register.

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From our partner

Sat & Sun

Presenting partner

World of Pizzas Bar & Grill
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Wood-fired, the Neapolitan way

Kids' menu
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World of Pizzas Bar & Grill

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Our tip

Get the Family Feast for the table (two large pizzas, garlic knots and a salad), then add one world pie for the grown-ups to pass around.

Partner content. Our weekend picks are never for sale.

Sunday

Sun, Nov 8

Planetarium: The Red Planet

Hal & Berni Hanson Regional Park · Aldie · 22831 Hanson Park Dr, Aldie, VA 20105

Sunday, November 8 · 11am–2:30pm

$15 a childAges 4–12Indoor
Illustrated scene for Planetarium: The Red Planet

A portable planetarium show about Mars, then every kid decorates a craft rover. Mars, indoors, for $15. The kids decorate their own rover, which is more than NASA lets anyone do.

Parking
The county doesn't say where the planetarium sets up, and the Nature Center is closed on Sundays. Check your registration confirmation or email hansonpark@loudoun.gov, and allow a few minutes to find it.
Arrive
It's a registered class, so arrive a few minutes before 11 or 1.
What it costs
$15 a child, and one adult comes with each child. Two kids is $30.
Crowds
Capped class, so no crowd to beat, just a booking to make.

What to know before you go

Ages 4 to 12. Register with the county (174208-01 for 11am, 174208-02 for 1pm).

See full event
Sensory-friendly pick

Sensory Room Open Access, Ashburn Rec Center

Ashburn Recreation & Community Center · Ashburn · 21105 Coopers Hawk Drive, Ashburn, VA 20148

Sunday, November 8

All agesIndoor
Illustrated scene for Sensory Room Open Access, Ashburn Rec Center

A room built to be calm: bubble tubes, fiber-optic light sprays, a light-up peg board, an interactive floor, swings and soft rockers, in 45-minute Open Access sessions for all ages. Sunday at 11 is our pick: the room before lunch, and the rest of the day is yours. Bubble tubes and soft light for 45 minutes. Some parents will want a turn.

Parking
The county doesn't publish parking for the center, and the pool and gym draw weekend traffic. Give yourself 10 spare minutes to park and find the room.
Arrive
Sessions run 45 minutes and start on the hour: Saturday at 6pm and 7pm, Sunday at 11am, noon and 1pm, Monday at 3pm and 4pm. Get there 10 to 15 minutes early so nobody starts rushed.
What it costs
Call before you go
Crowds
Sessions are timed at 45 minutes. The county doesn't say how many families share one, so ask when you call.

What to know before you go

This week's Sensory-friendly pick. Kids 11 and under need a caregiver 16 or older with them anywhere in the center. Need an accommodation? Give PRCS advance notice at prcsaccess@loudoun.gov or 703-777-0343. Make a morning of it: the center also has a soft sensory playroom and an inclusive playground outside. The room is new, so there aren't many parent reviews yet. Tell us how it goes. 21105 Coopers Hawk Drive, Ashburn.
See full event

Birding for Beginners · Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve · Leesburg · Sunday, November 8 · 8am–9:30am · $5 · Ages 9+

An early start with a field notebook at Banshee Reeks, 8 to 9:30, $5, ages 9 and up. No binoculars needed, and it runs in any weather.

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Little Explorers Camping Play Lab · Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve · Leesburg · Sunday, November 8 · 9am–4pm · Free · All ages

Banshee Reeks' camping-themed play corner is free, 9 to 4. Pair it with the birding walk.

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Revolutionary Stories: Indigenous Americans and the American Revolution · Loudoun Museum · Leesburg · Sunday, November 8 · 2pm–3:30pm · Free, reservation requested · All ages

A free talk on Indigenous Americans and the Revolution at the Loudoun Museum, 2pm. Reserve a seat. Best for older kids.

See full event

Monday

Mon, Nov 9

The question this week

What do you do with Monday off?

Three ways to fill the Diwali school holiday, from free to drop-off.

Putt & Play

Douglass Community Center · Leesburg

Monday, November 9 · 12pm–3pm

Best value

$5 a childAll ages, noon to 3

Best for
Burning energy indoors without a ticket booth
Know this
Mini golf, moon bounces and scooters in the gym. Douglass Community Center · Leesburg

Discovery Room at Claude Moore Park

Claude Moore Park · Sterling

Monday, November 9 · 9am–5pm

Free

Free9 to 5, weekdays

Best for
Little naturalists and a quiet morning
Know this
Weekday-only, so Monday is the rare chance. Claude Moore Park · Sterling

Banshee Reeks day-off program

Drop-off

$40Ages 6 to 11, 9am to 1pm

Best for
Working parents who need the morning
Know this
Pack a nut-free lunch. Register with the county (167240-05). Banshee Reeks · Leesburg

Putt & Play

Douglass Community Center · Leesburg · 405 E Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176

Monday, November 9 · 12pm–3pm

$5 a child, grown-ups freeAll agesIndoor
Illustrated scene for Putt & Play

Mini golf, moon bounces and scooters in the gym at Douglass Community Center in Leesburg, on the Diwali school holiday. Mini golf in a gym, on a Monday, for five dollars. The rare holiday plan that costs less than the coffee.

Parking
Free parking at the Douglass Community Center, 405 East Market Street, Leesburg.
Arrive
It runs noon to 3. Come at noon for the emptiest course.
What it costs
$5 a child. Grown-ups are free.
Crowds
The county doesn't publish numbers. It's cheap and indoors on a school holiday, so expect company after lunch.

What to know before you go

All ages. PRCS activity 104708-03. The county isn't sure whether you need to register, so sign up ahead to be safe.

See full event

Build & Bounce · Loudoun Valley Community Center · Purcellville · Monday, November 9 · 11am–1pm · $5 a child · Ages 1–6

For ages 1 to 6: building and bouncing in the gym at Loudoun Valley Community Center in Purcellville, 11 to 1, $5 a child. Drop in, no booking. Runs again Tuesday at the same time. Get there right at 11: preschool pickup fills the front lot from about 11:20.

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Discovery Room at Claude Moore Park · Claude Moore Park · Sterling · Monday, November 9 · 9am–5pm · Free · All ages

Free, weekdays only, so Monday off is the rare chance: Claude Moore Park's hands-on nature room, 9 to 5.

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Naturalist-Guided Pokémon Go · Hanson Park Nature Center · Aldie · Monday, November 9 · 3pm–4pm · Free · All ages

Pokémon Go with a park naturalist at Hanson Park, 3 to 4, free. The rare walk your 9-year-old will lead.

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The spot your neighbors haven't found

Before it fills

Book this now

Sat, Nov 7

Chemistry Kids: Bioluminescence, Hanson Park$5, ages 4 to 12, 2:30 or 3:30. Kids make the glow jar they carry on the Luminary Walk.Pre-register with the county

Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8

Pumpkin Village, final weekend$19.95, under 2 free. Weekend tickets are online only, no sales at the gate.Buy tickets

Fri, Nov 6

Turkey Time Campfire, Claude Moore Park$6, ages 5 and up, 10:30 to 11:45. Turkey calls, then marshmallows.Pre-register with the county

Your turn

What should we know for next weekend?

Found a brilliant family event, or spotted something we should check? Send it our way.

hello@loudoungo.com
LoudounGo

The weekend guide for families in Loudoun

Hand-picked events, and what to know before you go.