Grand Daughter Visit

Hi B.,
We like to do really cheap or free things as a family, and it's hard in the fall and winter when the weather doesn't necessarily cooperate. I was going to suggest IKEA if there isn't one where she lives, but then I remembered what weekend you were inquiring about. :)

Some of our favorite activities that are cheap or free are: the new Air and Space Museum at Dulles (neat, lots to see, and indoors), watching planes takeoff and land at Gravelly Point by the National Airport, Mount Vernon, nature center at Hidden Pond. You could also have spa day and get manicures (little girls LOVE it and it's not very $$).

Have a safe and happy holiday!

I'm not sure where you live, but several of the Fairfax County Rec Centers (like Cub Run) have indoor pools with "beachfront" entry pools that you can walk into. The one at Cub Run has a kiddie slide, too. You can buy a day pass that is reasonable for a family of four. I know my son gets very excited about swimming off-season. Here is the link to get more info http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/recenter.htm

Enjoy your granddaughter's visit!

I'm not sure where you're located, but for cold-weather, indoor fun, my 3-year-old son loves the play space by the food court at the Tysons Corner Mall. Tysons Corner also has a Build-a-Bear shop that she might like. There are also several toy stores around that have train tables that my son could play at for hours - Tree Top Kids or Doddlehopper, both on Route 7 in Falls Church. I think there is a paint-your-own-pottery place right behind the Doddlehopper and another in Fairfax City. We also like to spend an afternoon at the library, picking out books and videos. He's even happy just running errands with me, especially if he thinks he's "helping." Hope that helps!

A visit to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum is always a hit with my kids. We have been multiple times. It is huge so don't forget to visit the bug zoo. We stayed in this section alone for at least a half hour. If it isn't too cold on that day you can ride the carousel which isn't too far away. And if you are up for the metro ride there that is an adventure in itself. (my kids also love the air and space museum and the native american museum)
Enjoy your visit!