Top pickVillage at Leesburg · Leesburg · 1602 Village Market Boulevard SE, Leesburg, VA 20175
Saturday, November 14 · 5pm–7pm
$0, freeAll ages
Leesburg's tree goes up on Saturday, and the whole Village turns out for it. Local performers, face painting, and free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 5. The ceremony starts at 6 with a few speeches, then the countdown. Your kids will absolutely love the countdown. The speeches, less so.
- Parking
Village at Leesburg told us every garage and lot is open and free. The main plaza, from Ulta to the roundabout by the movie theater, closes for the event, so follow the signs to the garages.
- Arrive
Come by 5 for Santa photos and a spot near the tree. Village at Leesburg told us it gets busiest around 5:30, and that the tree isn't lit right at 6: the ceremony starts then, with a few speakers before the countdown.
- What it costs
Free, Santa photos included, Village at Leesburg told us. Bring your own phone or camera; their staff will help take family shots.
- Crowds
Big. Village at Leesburg told us they average over 8,000 people, and they recommend booking dinner nearby ahead.
What to know before you go
Rain or shine, and strollers are fine, Village at Leesburg told us. Dress for cold after dark; a snack in your pocket buys you the speeches. 1602 Village Market Boulevard SE, Leesburg.
Ashburn Recreation & Community Center · Ashburn · 21105 Coopers Hawk Drive, Ashburn, VA 20148
Saturday, November 14 · 9am–11am
$7, register with the county (172746-02)Ages 3+Indoor
A pool with the volume turned down. Adaptive Aquatics' Sensory Swim gives swimmers who may need specific supports two hours of staff-supported, unstructured time, with the leisure pool closed to the public. The lifeguards are in on it.
- Parking
The rec center's own lot. The county doesn't say how full it gets on a Saturday morning, so come early for a space near the door.
- Arrive
The session runs 9 to 11am. Arrive 15 minutes early to change. The county doesn't say whether you can come later in the session, so ask when you register.
- What it costs
$7, registered with the county (172746-02), ages 3 and up.
- Crowds
The leisure pool is closed to the public during the session. The county doesn't say how many swimmers share it, so ask when you register.
What to know before you go
This week's Sensory-friendly pick. Kids 11 and under need a caregiver 16 or older with them in the center. Need an accommodation? Contact PRCS at prcsaccess@loudoun.gov or 703-777-0343. 21105 Coopers Hawk Drive, Ashburn.
Hal & Berni Hanson Regional Park · Aldie · 22831 Hanson Park Dr, Aldie, VA 20105
Saturday, November 14 · 10:30am–11:30am
$8 a child, register with the county (174213-01)Ages 4–12Indoor
A rainbow in a jar at 10:30, then borrow the good stuff. After class, the Nature Center desk lends out binoculars, bug catchers, magnifying glasses and a disc golf set for free. Saturday morning, sorted, for $8.
- Parking
Hanson is a big regional park and the county doesn't publish parking details. Follow the signs to the Nature Center and allow a few extra minutes.
- Arrive
Get there by 10:15 for the class. The kits go out from the front desk until 4, and they aren't offered on Sundays.
- What it costs
$8 a child for Rainbow in a Jar (ages 4 to 12), registered with the county. The kits are free, with no registration. Two kids: $16.
- Crowds
The class is capped, so it won't be a crowd. The park gets busier on weekend afternoons, so the morning is the calm part.
What to know before you go
Register in PRCS Connect (174213-01). The kits: binoculars, bug catchers and magnifying glasses, or discs for the disc golf course across the parking lot.
Rust Library · Leesburg · 380 Old Waterford Road NW, Leesburg, VA 20176
Saturday, November 14 · 2pm–3pm
$0, freeAges 5+
A talk about very good dogs, then the very good dogs. KC Zanercik of Heeling House explains what therapy and service dogs actually do, and afterward the dogs stay to say hello. Your kids will absolutely love the second half.
- Parking
Rust Library told us the easiest spot is right in the library lot.
- Arrive
Rust Library told us to get there 10 to 15 minutes early to park and settle in. The talk starts at 2 and the dogs stay afterward, so plan on the full hour.
- What it costs
Free. Rust Library told us there's no registration: just drop in.
- Crowds
Rust Library told us it's hard to predict for a drop-in. Dogs draw a crowd, so a few minutes early gets you a seat in the Large Meeting Room.
What to know before you go
Rust Library told us the talk is pitched at elementary age and up, but younger siblings are welcome; preschoolers do best if they can sit and listen for a bit before the dogs come out. Ask before petting: working dogs have rules. 380 Old Waterford Road NW, Leesburg.
Loudoun Museum · Leesburg · 16 Loudoun St SW, Leesburg, VA 20175
Saturday, November 14 · 2pm–3:30pm
$0, free with RSVPAll ages
Two dances from 1776, taught in an hour and a half, for free. Loudoun Museum's class needs no experience and no costumes, just comfortable shoes. Nobody has to know you practiced in the kitchen.
- Parking
Street parking and town garages in downtown Leesburg. The museum doesn't publish parking, so allow 10 minutes.
- Arrive
Come 10 minutes early to check in. The class runs 2 to 3:30.
- What it costs
Free, but RSVP is required on the museum's sign-up page.
- Crowds
RSVPs cap the room. The museum doesn't say how many it takes, so book soon.
What to know before you go
Open to all ages. The museum itself is free and open Friday to Sunday, 10 to 4. 16 Loudoun Street SW, Leesburg.
Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve · Leesburg · 21085 The Woods Rd, Leesburg, VA 20175
Saturday, November 14 · 5:45pm–7pm
$10 per person, ages 13 and upAges 13+Outdoor
A lantern-lit walk at dusk through Banshee Reeks' history, ending inside the 1840s stone house with real ghost-hunting gear. It's 13 and up, which is the whole appeal. Bring the teenager who says nothing scares them.
- Parking
Free. Banshee Reeks told us the main lot sits right next to the Visitor Center, about a ¾-mile drive down the signed gravel driveway off The Woods Road.
- Arrive
Meet at the Visitor Center by 5:40. It starts at 5:45, after dark.
- What it costs
$10 each, ages 13 and up. Banshee Reeks told us teens under 16 need a parent or guardian, who registers and pays too. Register with the county (167509-03) by Friday, November 13 at 5pm.
- Crowds
Small group: Banshee Reeks told us 16 spots were left as of Monday, so register soon.
What to know before you go
Rain or shine, indoors and out, Banshee Reeks told us. Dress for the cold, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a flashlight if you like.
Teen & Adult Birding Banshee · Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve · Leesburg · Saturday, November 14 · 8am–10am · $0, free · Ages 13+
Binoculars at 8am, for the teen who's already up.
See full eventFOSL Book Sale and Winter Clothing Drive · Sterling Library · Sterling · Saturday, November 14 · 9:30am–4pm · All ages
Books in, a coat donated. Good trade.
See full eventTrails & Tales Trek · Lovettsville Community Park · Lovettsville · Saturday, November 14 · 10am–11:30am · $10, register with the county (176720-03) · Ages 3+
A story, then the trail it's about. Dress for the weather.
See full eventCommunity on Purpose · Claude Moore Recreation Center · Sterling · Saturday, November 14 · 10am–1pm · All ages
Bring diapers or a sleeping bag for the donation drive and leave with a volunteer plan.
See full eventFamily Storytime · Ashburn Library · Ashburn · Saturday, November 14 · 10am–10:30am · $0, free · Ages 5 and under
Ten o'clock stories at five libraries. Pick the closest.
See full eventCritters and Crafts with Loudoun County Animal Services · Purcellville Library · Purcellville · Saturday, November 14 · 1pm–2pm · $0, free · Ages 5–14
Make a toy for a shelter pet. Your own pet will be jealous.
See full eventClaude Moore Park Open House · Claude Moore Park · Sterling · Saturday, November 14 · 1pm–3pm · $0, free · All ages
A free afternoon at the park, if Saturday needs one more stop.
See full eventThinkLink STEM Playground · Ashburn Library · Ashburn · Saturday, November 14 · 3pm–4pm · $0, free · Ages 5–11
High schoolers running a STEM playground for younger kids. Everyone wins.
See full event 
