A fabulous family-friendly environment is one of the top draws for the Loudoun/Clarke/Winchester corridor. Our region is an excellent place to raise a family, with highly-rated schools, recreation facilities, and plenty of parks and outdoor spaces for adventures. But when it’s chilly, drizzly, and gray, parents and kids can go stir-crazy. Fortunately, our region boasts top-notch indoor activities and entertainment for families. Here are a few ideas for keeping kids busy and active during the winter months.
Bowl: After decades of declining popularity, bowling is undergoing a nationwide resurgence for adults and families. Loudoun County boasts one of the coolest bowling facilities around. The Branch in Leesburg offers classic, family-friendly bowling with terrific food and drinks. Two childhood friends purchased and renovated a historic bowling alley near Leesburg’s bustling downtown, transforming it into a gathering place for adults, teens, and families. The Branch Bowling & Restaurant offers classic upscale bowling, a mouthwatering menu, an arcade with old-school video games, air hockey, Skee-Ball, and more.- Swim: Ida Lee Recreation Center in Leesburg is a crown jewel of the town’s parks and recreation department. The facility’s indoor pool is ideal for exercise, lessons, or family fun. Other indoor aquatic facilities include Round Hill Aquatic Center, which offers a smaller pool ideal for younger kids, and Jim Barnett Park in Winchester.
- Skate: Bush Tabernacle roller skating rink in Purcellville is a top choice for inexpensive family fun. The rink is located in a historic 19th Century building. Folks have been roller skating at the rink since the 1930s. The facility has undergone extensive renovations in recent years. It’s now owned by the Town of Purcellville and is a favorite for kids of all ages. Admission is only $7 and includes skate rentals. It’s just right for a family outing and is open on weekends and school holidays and weekday skating for homeschool students.Another great skate is Mac’s Roller Rink and Arcade. Reminiscent of times gone by, skating at Mac’s is just $6, with $2 skate rentals. Mac’s is easy to get to, located between Berryville and Front Royal, on Route 522.
Bounce: Altitude Trampoline Park in Leesburg now occupies the former Atomic Trampoline space at the Village at Leesburg retail center. The facility offers 16,000 square feet of trampolines, a foam pit, and a tumble track for longer tumbling runs. It’s a huge hit with the tween and early teen crowd and lots of fun for younger children.- Explore: The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum is a longtime favorite for parents and kids alike. With unique hands-on exhibits, the facility focuses on learning through play. Children can explore four levels of exhibits covering 19,000 square feet, engaging in everything from a model veterinary clinic to a construction site. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy, explore and let off steam.
- Escape: Escape Room LoCo in downtown Leesburg is another local hotspot for family fun. The business welcomes teams of two to eight people to solve puzzles to “escape” from their chosen room. Escape Room LoCo has multiple fun rooms, with new themes added regularly, including a room geared toward younger children and families.
Northern Virginia Rocks for Families and Kids
Loudoun County and its western neighbors are a paradise for kids and families. With tons of welcoming neighborhoods, excellent schools, recreational facilities, and kid-centered businesses, it’s hard to find a better environment. It’s one reason Yvonne Holland has called the region home for decades. As a career realtor, Yvonne is passionate about helping families find just the right community in terms of budget, schools, and amenities. If you’re looking for a family-friendly community, let’s talk.
