It’s the end of the line for the Reston Summer Bucket List 2015. Looking for things to do between now and Labor Day? Here they are, all in one list (note: we did not include the one-time only events, as those are now in the past).
- Reston Town Center Frozen Treat Crawl
- Great Things in Great FallsÂ
- Find Reston’s Hidden ArtÂ
- Sip Summer in a Glass
- Float a Lazy River
- See a Free Kids Show
- Camp Out Close to Home
- Take a Lake Anne Boat Ride (rentals extended to late September)
- Play Some Kid-Sized Tennis
- Visit the New Children’s Science Center
- Pick a Patio
- Lunch at a Food Truck
- Rock Out in Herndon
- Learn to SUP
Photo by Sean Bahrami for Reston Association
Every weekday in August, Reston Now will be offering suggestions for a Summer Bucket List — things to do, places to check out and activities to try in and around Reston before summer’s end.
Obviously, different ideas will appeal to different residents in different age groups.Â
Reston Summer Bucket List No. 18: Get to know Great Falls
We are looking again to the folks at the Fun in Fairfax VA blog, who are experts in local field trips.
We know how to get to nearby Great Falls National Park and take your basic hike and peek at the Potomac River. Fun in Fairfax has a list of “8 Great Things to Do in Great Falls,” which covers what’s beyond the park.
Fun in Fairfax suggests, of course, a hike, and they offer several routes leading to and through the park. They also say to dig into history at the Visitors Center, grab a pint at the nearby Old Brogue Pub, and playing at the playground at the Great Falls Grange.
See Fun in Fairfax VA’s entire list.
Photo: Great Falls National Park/Credit: Julie McCoolÂ
Every weekday in August, Reston Now will be offering suggestions for a Summer Bucket List — things to do, places to check out and activities to try in and around Reston before summer’s end.
Obviously, different ideas will appeal to different residents in different age groups. But we are open for ideas. If you have any “must-dos” of summer (even better: with a photo of you/your family participating in said event), email us at [email protected] and we will consider it.
Reston Summer Bucket List No. 17: Find Reston’s Hidden Art
We are turning over today’s bucket list item to our Reston-based friends at Fun in Fairfax VA, a local blog that has great ideas for area field trips for all ages.
Fun in Fairfax VA recently took a stroll to find some of Reston’s finest — but sometimes hard to find — public art.
Some places to check out: the kid-designed mosaic at Hunters Woods Elementary School and the Glade Underpass; the inviting and user-friendly Swing near the North Shore underpass; Lake Anne’s Sunboat; and, finally, the piece of the Berlin Wall that lives outside a Reston office building.
To read more art walk suggestions, visit Fun in Fairfax VA.
Photo:Â Emerge Mosaic by Glade underpass in Reston/Credit: Julie McCool
Every weekday in August, Reston Now will be offering suggestions for a Summer Bucket List — things to do, places to check out and activities to try in and around Reston before summer’s end.
Obviously, different ideas will appeal to different residents in different age groups. But we are open for ideas. If you have any “must-dos” of summer (even better: with a photo of you/your family participating in said event), email us at [email protected] and we will consider it.
Reston Summer Bucket List No. 16: Paddle a BoatÂ
You don’t need to own your own pontoon boat to enjoy a Reston lake experience.
Head over to Lake Anne Plaza, where there are pedal boats, canoes and kayaks waiting for you.
The boat rental stand, operated by Reston Association, is open through Labor Day.
Rentals cost $6 an hour (cash only). You can get rental tickets at Reston’s Used Book Shop, 1623 Washington Plaza (703-435-9772).
Boat rental hours:
Thursdays, 4 – 8 p.m.
Fridays, 4 – 8 p.m.
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Boat operator must be at least 16 years of age. A parent or legal guardian (18 years of age or older) must sign a waiver/agreement and accompany passengers under the age of 16. Swimming is not permitted and pets are not allowed in boats.
Every weekday in August, Reston Now will be offering suggestions for a Summer Bucket List — things to do, places to check out and activities to try in and around Reston before summer’s end.
Obviously, different ideas will appeal to different residents in different age groups. But we are open for ideas. If you have any “must-dos” of summer (even better: with a photo of you/your family participating in said event), email us at [email protected] and we will consider it.
Reston Summer Bucket List No. 15: Frozen Treat Crawl at Reston Town Center
It’s late August. It’s hot. Cool off with some ice cream or other frozen treats.
Why not head to Reston Town Center, where you can try different types in one outing?
It goes like this:
- Iceberry for soft frozen yogurt
- Ben & Jerry’s for ice cream
- Pitango for gelato
- Ted’s Bulletin for a milkshake (adult or otherwise)
- Gelato cone to go at bartaco
- Coke float at BRB
- More fro yo at sweetgreen
Did we leave any out? Let us know. And if you complete the crawl, let us know your favorite.
Every weekday in August, Reston Now will be offering suggestions for a Summer Bucket List — things to do, places to check out and activities to try in and around Reston before summer’s end.
Obviously, different ideas will appeal to different residents in different age groups. But we are open for ideas. If you have any “must-dos” of summer (even better: with a photo of you/your family participating in said event), email us at [email protected] and we will consider it.
Reston Summer Bucket List No. 14: Reston Century 2015
There is still time to register for the Reston Century Bike Ride, the annual day of distance riding through the Virginia countryside sponsored by the Reston Bike Club.
More than 1,000 riders are signed up for the event, which begins at Reston Town Center at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday and goes 36, 67 or 104 miles to Ashburn, Leesburg and rural Loudoun County and back, depending on your route. See the routes on the Reston Century website.
Online registration is closed, but day-of-ride registration will be open on site and is $75.
Other things you need to know:
- All riders must wear a helmet.
- An adult family member must accompany children under 15. Riders under 18 must have a signed waiver from a parent/guardian.
- The Reston Bicycle Club will host a post-ride party under the RTC Pavilion from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for no additional cost for all participating cyclists. Your friends and family can join you for $15 per person. Stop by the RBC tent for special sponsor discounts and coupons.
- Proceeds benefit various local support and non-profit organizations.
Every weekday in August, Reston Now will be offering suggestions for a Summer Bucket List — things to do, places to check out and activities to try in and around Reston before summer’s end.
Obviously, different ideas will appeal to different residents in different age groups. But we are open for ideas. If you have any “must-dos” of summer (even better: with a photo of you/your family participating in said event), email us at [email protected] and we will consider it.
Reston Summer Bucket List Item No. 13: Kid-Sized Tennis
The U.S. Open begins next week in New York City. But every Serena Williams or Andy Murray had to start somewhere — and Reston has an ideal spot for getting started.
Reston Association’s North Shore Tennis Courts are built for kids under 10.
In 2012, with the help from a grant from the United States Tennis Association, RA turned two regular courts into six kid-sized ones.
The courts are 36 instead of the regulation 78 feet, making it easier for the youngest players to volley, serve and really get a grip on their strokes.
The courts, located at 11515 North Shore Dr., are open to all RA members. For more info about junior lessons and leagues, visit RA’s Tennis Page.
Photo: RA Kid-Sized Courts/Credit: Sean Bahrami, RA
Every weekday in August, Reston Now will be offering suggestions for a Summer Bucket List — things to do, places to check out and activities to try in and around Reston before summer’s end.
Obviously, different ideas will appeal to different residents in different age groups. But we are open for ideas. If you have any “must-dos” of summer (even better: with a photo of you/your family participating in said event), email us at [email protected] and we will consider it.
Reston Summer Bucket List Item No. 12: Sip Summer in a glass.
What does summer taste like? Depends on who is doing the tasting.
To us, there is a drink at the new Reston outpost of Barcelona that comes pretty close.
The Summer Street Sling is one cool drink — Chamomile-infused Tito’s Vodka, fresh pink grapefruit and lemon juices and Scrappy’s Grapefruit bitters over ice.
At $9.50, it is a slightly pricey taste of summer, but highly refreshing on one of the last hot days.
Every weekday in August, Reston Now will be offering suggestions for a Summer Bucket List — things to do, places to check out and activities to try in and around Reston before summer’s end.
Obviously, different ideas will appeal to different residents in different age groups. But we are open for ideas. If you have any “must-dos” of summer (even better: with a photo of you/your family participating in said event), email us at [email protected] and we will consider it.
Reston Summer Bucket List Item No. 11: Free Kids ShowsÂ
Before naptime is a great time for the preschool set to take in a show. Reston’s got a small circuit of free entertainment for the tots, so get going.
On Mondays through October, Mr. Kick Knack plays at 10:30 a.m. in the Reston Town Center Pavilion.
Mr. Knick Knack (real name Steve Rossi) has been singing and playing around Northern Virginia for years. Â He plays guitar and sings songs like My Heart is Like a Family and I’m So Glad —Â it’s all happy, danceable and appropriate for the smallest kids.
Over at Lake Anne Plaza, there are still two more weeks of the Tuesday morning kids shows. These shows (also free) are from 11 to 11:45 a.m. in the area near the climbing structure by Lake Anne Coffee House.
Aug. 18 features the Unicycle Country Lady. Aug. 25 will feature Bert the Nerd’s comedy, juggling and other cool stuff.
Photo: Bert the Nerd/Courtesy Bert the Nerd
Every weekday in August, Reston Now will be offering suggestions for a Summer Bucket List — things to do, places to check out and activities to try in and around Reston before summer’s end.
Obviously, different ideas will appeal to different residents in different age groups. But we are open for ideas. If you have any “must-dos” of summer (even better: with a photo of you/your family participating in said event), email us at [email protected] and we will consider it.
Reston Summer Bucket List Item No. 10: Children’s Science Center Lab
Today’s suggestion will actually take you just slightly out of Reston. Head for Fair Oaks Mall, where the new Children’s Science Center is a fun, educational — and air-conditioned — place to pass part of the day.
After many years of fundraising and as a touring exhibit, the Children’s Science Center Lab finally opened its doors in late June.
The Lab is Northern Virginia’s first interactive museum where children, families and school groups can explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts through hands-on activities and programs.
The Lab is geared towards children ages 2 to 12. It features an Experiment Bar; Inspiration Hub: Hands-on exhibits demonstrating real-world applications of STEM; Tinker Shop: A space for making, creating, building based on open-ended engineering design challenges; and Discovery Zone: Hands on learning designed for budding scientists aged 5 and under.
The Lab is open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $12; discounts for seniors and military; children under age 2 are free. Visit Childsci.org for more info.
Photo: Children’s Science Center Lab/Courtesy Children’s Science Center via Facebook.
Every weekday in August, Reston Now will be offering suggestions for a Summer Bucket List — things to do, places to check out and activities to try in and around Reston before summer’s end.
Obviously, different ideas will appeal to different residents in different age groups. But we are open for ideas. If you have any “must-dos” of summer (even better: with a photo of you/your family participating in said event), email us at [email protected] and we will consider it.
Reston Summer Bucket List No. 9: Float the Lazy RiverÂ
What better way to while away a hot summer day than on a pool float? You don’t even have to do any work — the 2.5-mph current of The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole’s Rattlesnake River will move you.
The river is one of the features of The Water Mine, which recently underwent a $5.5 million expansion that includes a big, new water slide to appeal to older kids and teens.
The Water Mine, located at Reston’s Lake Fairfax Park, recently set a new attendance record after the new features opened Aug. 1. It has announced it will extend the summer 2015 season too. Instead of closing Labor Day, The Water Mine will remain open weekends in September, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To see various ticket prices, visit The Water Mine’s website. Happy floating!
Photo courtesy of Fairfax County Park Authority
Every weekday in August, Reston Now will be offering suggestions for a Summer Bucket List — things to do, places to check out and activities to try in and around Reston before summer’s end.
Obviously, different ideas will appeal to different residents in different age groups. But we are open for ideas. If you have any “must-dos” of summer (even better: with a photo of you/your family participating in said event), email us at [email protected] and we will consider it.
Reston Summer Bucket List Item No. 9: Pick a PatioÂ
Reston loves to dine outdoors, so Reston has no shortages of patio dining.
From Clyde’s at Reston Town Center to random tables outside the North Point Giant, there is a place to dine al fresco at all cuisines and price points. Here are some of our favorites. Did we miss one? Add your top choice in the comments.
- PassionFish (Reston Town Center)
- Il Fornaio (Reston Town Center)
- Vapiano (Reston Town Center)
- Mon Ami Gabi (Reston Town Center)
- Clyde’s (Reston Town Center)
- Neyla (Reston Town Center)
- World of Beer (Reston Town Center)
- Barcelona (Reston Town Center)
- Bartaco (Reston Town Center)
- Cafesano (South Lakes Village Center)
- Ariake (Hunters Woods Village Center)
- Buffalo Wing Factory (Hunters Woods Village Center)
- Vinifera (Westin Reston Heights)
- Kalypso’s (Lake Anna Plaza)
- Singh Thai (Lake Anne Plaza)
- Cafe Montmartre (Lake Anne Plaza)
Photo: Kalypso’s at Lake Anne Plaza
Every weekday in August, Reston Now will be offering suggestions for a Summer Bucket List — things to do, places to check out and activities to try in and around Reston before summer’s end.
Obviously, different ideas will appeal to different residents in different age groups. But we are open for ideas. If you have any “must-dos” of summer (even better: with a photo of you/your family participating in said event), email us at [email protected] and we will consider it.
Reston Summer Bucket List Item No. 8:Â Learn to SUP
Dock boats, canoes, kayaks. They are all longtime occupants of Reston’s lakes.
But there is a new way to navigate Lakes Thoreau, Anne, Audubon and Newport — via paddleboard.
Stand up paddleboarding (SUP for short) has gained popularity the last few years, with many lakefront residents now owning their own boards.
But a local Reston business will let you try out SUP via lessons.
Surf Reston Stand Up Paddleboarding offers many weekly sessions at all four of Reston’s lakes.  Start with an intro class to learn the basic skills and safety. There is also a yoga/fitness paddleboard class  Most classes are $40 a session.
Check out Surf Reston’s website for more information and registration.
Photo courtesy Surf Reston via Facebook
Every weekday in August, Reston Now will be offering suggestions for a Summer Bucket List — things to do, places to check out and activities to try in and around Reston before summer’s end.
Obviously, different ideas will appeal to different residents in different age groups. But we are open for ideas. If you have any “must-dos” of summer (even better: with a photo of you/your family participating in said event), email us at [email protected] and we will consider it.
Reston Summer Bucket List Item 7: Camp Out Very Close to Home
So this is the year you are going to try camping with your kids. You can take a test run without leaving your zip code.
Reston’s Lake Fairfax Park has a campground, along with other park amenities such as ballfields, trails, fishing, a skate park and the recently expanded Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole.
Because Lake Fairfax is so close by, it is a good starting point for sleeping under the stars. The park has 136 campsites, which start at $28 a night (rates vary, including senior discounts and different scales for tents vs. campers. Visit the website for more details).
Each site has a picnic table and fire pit and parking for at least once car. Electric hookup is available at 54 sites. Pets are allowed. There are bath houses with potable water, toilets and hot showers.
So give it a try — and plan for the Appalachian Trail for next summer.
More information and reservations on the park website.
Every weekday in August, Reston Now will be offering suggestions for a Summer Bucket List — things to do, places to check out and activities to try in and around Reston before summer’s end.
Obviously, different ideas will appeal to different residents in different age groups. But we are open for ideas. If you have any “must-dos” of summer (even better: with a photo of you/your family participating in said event), email us at [email protected] and we will consider it.
Reston Summer Bucket List Item 6: Popsicle Pool PartyÂ
It’s the last week for many Reston Association pools, so now is the time to catch any special events happening.
On Tuesday, Aug. 11, RA is hosting “Popsicle Mania,” the association’s  roving summer frozen treat event for kids.
This one is at Autumnwood Pool, 1601 Walnut Branch Rd. in Reston at 2 p.m. Free Popsicles for all the kids!
Event is canceled in case of rain or threat of rain.
Can’t make it to this Popsicle Mania? There are other ones: Dogwood Pool on Aug. 19 at 2 p.m. and Ridge Heights Pool Sept. 16 at 6 p.m.
