family fun

By Jennifer Halter During this time of year, it’s very common to hear discussions or see posts on social media about the importance of giving thanks. Here are some great ways you can get the entire family involved in learning the importance of showing gratitude, not only for this month, but throughout the entire year. At Home At mealtime, go …

By Jennifer Halter October is here and that means cooler temps and more opportunities to enjoy all the beautiful sights and sounds of the new season. Northern Viriginia offers no shortage of fabulous fall foliage to admire during this time. As a family, we try to explore the outdoors as much as possible before the cold winter months have us wanting to hibernate. One of …

Provided by Bull Run Mountains Conservancy Bull Run Mountains Conservancy (BRMC)’s annual Halloween Safari will be held on Oct. 20, 26, and 27. Come participate in the region’s most unique Halloween event as you take a nighttime hike through the Bull Run Mountains and meet native “wildlife,” this year with brand new animals and a longer trail! The night begins after you park your …

By Jennifer Halter September. Although some are sad to see summer officially come to an end this month, there are many who are equally as excited to kick off the new season of autumn. With cooler temperatures on the horizon and a variety of festivals and other activities on tap, fall is the perfect time to make plans to get outdoors. One of our favorite …

By Jennifer Halter August is the month where many families start preparing for back to school time and getting back into routines. It’s not always an easy feat when the kids have been used to being on-the-go or having lazy days and just going with the flow. Instead of waiting until a few days before school is back in session to focus on the new normal, …

By Jennifer Halter The newness of summer break is wearing off and, as a result, you may be hearing more comments such as “I’m bored!” or “There’s nothing to do!” around your house. As parents and caregivers, we know that there’s always something that can be done, like cleaning bedrooms, helping with chores, or other household tasks, but the kiddos aren’t trying to listen …

Story and Photos By Amanda Causey Baity When the weather starts to warm up, I always think of movie nights, which my family loves. Movie nights are even more fun when you bring them outdoors. My family only does this a few times a year since it takes a little extra effort, but the results and memories are worth it. On the day of movie …

Story and Photos By Amanda Causey Baity Although National Kite Month took place in April, as long as the wind is blowing and the sun is shining, it’s always a great day to fly a kite. Every time I think about loading up the kids for this activity, I immediately think of “Mary Poppins,” one of my all-time favorite movies. The iconic “Let’s Go Fly …

Provided by Occoquan River Maritime Association (ORMA) More than a hundred and fifty recreational boats are anticipated to take part in the Blessing of the Fleet on May 19. The Occoquan River Maritime Association (ORMA) is sponsoring the event. The Blessing of the Fleet is open to all boats in the area, drawing from a fleet of some 2,500 boats …

Provided by Town of Dumfries The Town of Dumfries holds the distinguished honor of being the oldest-chartered town in Virginia. In colonial days, Dumfries was a major port town bustling with activity from the thriving tobacco trade and the center of commerce, society, and politics in Prince William County. “The history of our town’s charter is an example of how …