Snow covered the Town Green between the W&OD trail and the Council Chamber Building on Tuesday, Jan. 21. For Winter Fun, Food and Entertainment, see page 6
Winter Fun Activities in Herndon
Between snow days and teacher workdays, it’s easy to worry that your family may spend the day indoors with nothing to do. Luckily, the town has a variety of classes and children’s activities to offer at the Herndon Community Center, live music at downtown restaurants, and plays to be seen performed by the town’s own professional acting company.
Here are some ideas to get started for winter fun plans:
Kid’s Night Out: Get Your Game On!
Children ages 5-11 are invited to come enjoy a pizza dinner, a movie, and activities at the Herndon Community Center from 6:30-10 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7. Parents must register children by 4 p.m. on Feb. 7; cost is $15.
Adult/Child Cooking Classes: Fun with Food
Want to learn to make some new dishes with children? Family Friendly Cooking at the Herndon Community Center will teach how to make Chesapeake Chicken Pasta Salad, Fish Fingers and Three Cheese Chicken Enchiladas together. The one-hour session will be on Friday, Feb. 7 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.; cost is $35.
Live Jazz at Ice House Café and Oyster Bar
If looking for a way to get out and enjoy some live music, Ice House Café has night booked for the next few months featuring live jazz music from artists such as “Fast Eddie and the Slow Pokes” (Feb. 8), “The Real Live Jazz Quartet” (Feb. 14) and “Bad Influence” (Feb. 22). For more information call the Ice House Café at 703-437-4500.
Art House Cinema and Brew: “Surviving Picasso”
Take a break on a Friday night at the Herndon ArtSpace with a movie, microbrew, and popcorn. Friday, Feb. 7, the ArtSpace will be hosting a screening of the 1996 biopic of the legendary artist played by Anthony Hopkins. Cost is $10.
Tennis Lessons at Herndon Community Center
The giant bubble outside the Community Center provides a way to stay warm and keep active. Classes are available in the categories of Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced — for all ages. The next session of 1-hour classes begins Feb. 24. Call 703-787-7300 for more information.
Preschool Storytime at Herndon Fortnightly Library
Bring young ones for Wednesday morning story time at the library. Topics for February include Valentine’s Day stories as well as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Storytime begins every Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Bluegrass Barn: Chris Jones & the Night Drivers
Chris Jones has won awards for his songwriting and hosted his own SiriusXM radio show. See the critically acclaimed bluegrass artist live at Frying Pan Park on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 7p.m. Food and beverages will be sold and tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door.
Shakespeare’s Richard III, performed by NextStop Theatre Company
Formerly known as the Elden Street Players, Herndon’s NextStop theater company will put on a creative rendition of the famous tale of the villain, directed by Dr. Lindsey Snyder. Preview performances will be held Jan. 30-31 for $20 per ticket. The play will run from Feb. 1-23 at The Industrial Strength Theater for $25 per ticket.
Annual Father Daughter Dance
This semi-formal event provides fathers, as well as uncles and grandfathers, a chance to share a special evening of music, dancing, food and memories with their daughters, ages 4-12. The dance will be at the Herndon Community Center from 6:30-9 p.m.; cost is $50 per couple.
Schools’ Out! Winter Camp
Herndon Community Center will be hosting two days filled with arts and crafts, swimming and games starting at 7 a.m. until 6 p.m on Jan. 30-31. Bring swimsuit, towel, a packed lunch, and sneakers. This is a perfect way to keep children active during Fairfax County’s teach workdays oat the end of the quarter. Register by phone or in person at HCC or go online at www.herndon-va.gov/webtrac.
Museum Without Walls Family Nights
The Children’s Science Center brings its Mobile Lab to area elementary schools from 6-8 p.m. for educational activities. Upcoming dates include St. Joseph School on Feb. 12, Belvedere Elementary on Feb. 19, and Franklin Sherman Elementary in McLean on Feb. 24. For more information visit the center’s website at http://childsci.org/.
Casino Night to benefit The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, Fairfax County region.
The Ritz-Carlton of Tysons Corner is hosting a benefit on behalf of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, Fairfax County Region, on Friday, March 7, from 6:30-11:30 p.m. The event is open to the public.
Casino night admission includes an open bar, dinner buffet, gaming, and dancing. Live and silent auction prizes include weekend get-a-ways, dinner at award-winning restaurants, hotel-dinner-limo packages, sporting event tickets and more.
Guests receive funny money and a bidder number. Use the winnings from Black Jack, Texas Hold 'Em, Craps towards raffle tickets for prizes.
Tickets are priced at $95 per person or $175 per couple. The Ritz-Carlton offers a Casino Night overnight room rate specially-priced at $119.