The Gardner School is committed to supporting parents to ensure every child’s learning journey continues beyond the classroom. To help, we’ve created an exclusive guide to Northern Virginia’s free attractions, events, and activities that are tailored to meet the needs of preschoolers and their families! Our guide highlights unique opportunities for fun and learning so you can discover new and exciting adventures in our beautiful communities.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center – National Air and Space Museum (Chantilly)
This is one of our favorite places to visit with preschoolers because there is so much to see and discover inside this massive museum. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center houses tons of historically significant air and spacecraft, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, the Enola Gay, the Concorde, and the SR-71, to name just a few. Thousands of small artifacts that document the history of flight are also on display. Don’t miss the observation tower where you can get a close-up view of the planes coming in to land at Dulles International Airport. Admission is free, but you do have to pay $15 to park unless you arrive after 4:00 pm.
Friday Night Live! (Herndon)
Free outdoor concerts from May through August are a win for you and your preschooler! Herndon’s Friday Night Live! series is celebrating its 30th season this year with a great lineup of musicians. Bands start around 6:30 pm, so bring dinner to make the most of your night out with the whole family.
Frying Pan Farm Park (Herndon)
There are so many reasons to love Frying Pan Farm Park, and the live farm animals are certainly at the top of our list! They have horses, chickens, peacocks, rabbits, sheep, goats, cows, and pigs for you to pet, or you can watch the cows get milked daily at 4:00 p.m. And, if you want to upgrade your free experience, it only costs a few dollars to hop on a wagon ride or take a spin on the carousel.
Farmers Market (Manassas)
Whether you’re looking for some fresh produce or just want to enjoy live entertainment, farmers markets are a wonderful gathering place for families with little ones. Farmers Market Saturdays and Farmers Market Thursdays in Manassas are both award-winning, and it’s easy to see why! Starting with just four vendors in 1987, it has now evolved into one of the largest and most popular markets in Virginia. Stroll past nearly 100 vendors as you introduce your preschooler to fresh produce, flowers, and other local goodies.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (Vienna)
When the weather is nice, pack a picnic and head to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. It’s free for children ages five and under and is only $6 for adults. There are multiple gardens to explore, three lakes, and a koi fish pond your children will love!
Washington Capitals Practices (Arlington)
The only thing cooler than getting to watch your heroes hone and display their skills up close is getting to watch them do it for free! All Washington Capitals NHL team practices are open to the public, free of charge, and take place at MedStar Capitals Iceplex.
The code GARDNER can be used for $5 off any fan club!
A Partner For Parents
The Gardner School offers an engaging curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our caring teachers encourage children’s curiosity while supporting a strong educational foundation.
Interested in enrolling your child at one of The Gardner School locations in Northern Virginia? Find a location near you and reach out to schedule a tour! We’re always here to answer your questions.