Here are a few ideas for making Valentine’s Day fun for the entire family. From our family to yours; we wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day! 

ScreenshotVALENTINES DAY -FAMILY NIGHT

• Date: February 10, 2026
• Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: Silver Diner- Waldorf, MD
• Details: Enjoy a family dinner and complimentary family photos.
• Link

DADDY DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT

Date: February 11, 2026

Time: 5:00PM-7:00PM

Location: Chick-fil-A- California, MD

Details: Dads, it’s time for a special night out with your girl! Join us for Daddy–Daughter Date Night on February 11 from 5:00–7:00 PM at Chick-fil-A First Colony Center. Enjoy quality time, great food, and sweet memories you’ll both treasure!

Link

PIZZA WITH PARENTS

• Date: February 12, 2026
• Time: 5:00PM- 8:00PM
• Location: Boston Pizza- Waldorf, MD
• Details: Who’s ready for Pizza with Parents? ( formerly known as Daddy Daughter Dinner) Looking for a place to take your kiddos out for a pre valentines date night? Thursday, February 12 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Call to make your reservation we are very limited on seats available for this event!
• Link

SNEAKER BALL DANCE

• Date: February 13, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Location: Dr. Brown Elementary School- University Dr. Waldorf ,MD
• Details: This PTO sponsored event sounds like a lot of fun. Cupid called- he wants YOU on the dance floor! Come on and dance your heart out to an encore of DJ.
• Link

SWEETHEARTS PRESCHOOL PROM

• Date: February 13, 2026
• Time: 6:30PM- 8:30PM
• Location: Somers Community Center
• Details: Join us for a night to remember with your little sweetheart at Sweetheart’s Pre-K Prom on February 13! Begin your night with a red carpet entrance, followed by an evening of dancing, games, and light refreshments!
• Link

VALENTINE’S DAY PAINT PARTY

• Date: February 14, 2026
• Time: 11:00AM
• Location: Joyful Studio- La Plata, MD
• Details: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an easy-going, fun painting session! Join us for a fun-filled, relaxing moment of creativity to celebrate Valentine’s Day! With this Instructor-led painting session, you’ll receive painting materials and one canvas!
• Link

VALENTINE SKATE

• Date: February 14, 2026
• Time: 12:30 PM – 1:50 PM
• Location: Capital Clubhouse- Waldorf, MD
• Details:
• FSCSM invites you to join us at Capital Clubhouse for a Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Skate! During the event, the FSCSM Junior Board will be on site with a fundraising table.
•  Bring your loved ones, friends, and family for a fun day on the ice
   Stop by the FSCSM Junior Board fundraising table to pick up something sweet for your Valentine
   Support Junior Board activities and leadership opportunities
• We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
• Link

VALENTINE’S DAY ICEDREAM SOCIAL

• Date: February 14, 2026
• Time: 4:00PM- 6:00PM
• Location: Chick-fil-A- La Plata, MD
• Details: Join us for dinner and enjoy a complimentary kids IceDream® cup—just our way of adding a little extra joy to your evening. This event is perfect for babysitters, grandparents, or anyone spending the evening with littles while parents enjoy a date night. And for our students and high schoolers—it’s a fun, affordable way to take someone special out for a sweet and simple dinner date. Our IceDream® cups can be topped with Chick-fil-A® favorites like chocolate chunk cookie pieces, brownie, Hershey’s® chocolate syrup, Oreo® crumbs, and cherries.
• Link

VALENTINE’S DAY PARENTS NIGHT OUT

• Date: February 14, 2026
• Time: 6:00PM- 9:00PM
• Location: My Gym- Waldorf, MD
• Details: Event for kids ages: 3yrs 6mos to 10yrs. REGISTER: https://www.mygym.com/waldorf/events
  Kids’ Night Out Drop-Off event: Kiddos will be mixing love potions, growing crystal hearts, making glow valentine cards, and more Fun themed Activities includes: Chemistry Love Potions, Make Glow Hearts, Ninja Obstacle Courses, Games, Relays & Zip Line, PLUS Pizza & Movie.
• Link

VALENTINE’S MAKERS MARKET- DEFROSTED EDITION

• Date: March 14, 2026
• Time: 9:00AM- 2:00PM
• Location: Annmarie Gardens
• Details: Our Valentine’s Market has been rescheduled to Saturday, March 14, due to icy conditions. We’re leaning into the moment and welcoming you to our Belated Valentine Maker’s Market (Defrosted Edition); because you still deserve to treat yourself or your special someone.
• The Valentine Maker’s Market offers a curated selection of handmade and locally produced goods, making it a destination for thoughtful Valentine’s gifts. Shoppers can browse a wide range of products, including small-batch chocolates, jewelry, leather goods, pottery, clothing, and more, from both indoor and outdoor vendors, all featuring homemade, handmade, or homegrown items crafted with care.
• Link

***The Playful Parent is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to advocating learning through play and promoting family bonding. This is a FREE resource page, and The Playful Parent is not paid to advertise businesses. If you would like your kid-friendly event added please email me at theplayfulparent@yahoo.com.***

New Years Eve has always been a special holiday to me; as it is also my birthday! I enjoy celebrating the past, and ringing in the new year with family and friends. Here are a few ideas that I hope spark inspiration, and help your family have a memorable New Year celebration.

PARTY PLANNING

MOVE UP THE CLOCK- One of my favorite suggestions is to move up the clock so to speak! It may come as a surprise that celebrating without breaking the bed time routine is an option. If you are a parent with small children staying up until midnight is less than desirable! A family-friendly idea is to counts down to a NOON Years Eve. Our family has tried this out and loves it! We do all the same exciting things, just to 12 noon instead of midnight. Some families have recommended celebrating at 9PM as another alternative.

BALLOON DROP- We usually attend the My Gym Noon Years Eve party and our kids go wild over the balloon drop. This is pretty easy to create at home. You can use a plastic disposable table cloth as a tarp to hold balloons in. Here is a tutorial by Miss Mae’s Day

CONFETTI CRACKERS- Check out these awesome balloon confetti poppers by Little Bins for Little Hands that are a great STEM activity as well as a fun party favor!

COUNT DOWN BALLOON- Each hour leading up to the big moment, pop a balloon to reveal a fun activity. The excitement will build up as you near closer and closer to the big moment! The balloons double as decoration for an added bonus. Check out this tutorial by Twinkle Twinkle Little Party.

CREATE A CRAFT- Kids will have lots of fun designing their star wands and noisemakers to ring in the New Year. Visit Projects with Kids for free printable wand patterns.

PASS THE DICE GAME- Free printable and instructions on how to play this game can be found at Play Party Plan.

WHERE TO RING IN THE HEW YEAR FAMILY STYLE

HAPPY NEW YEAR- ST MARYS LIBRARY

Date: Dec 31, 2025

Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Location: St. Mary’s Library’s (Lexington Park, Charlotte Hall & Leonardtown)

Details: All the fun of a new year’s party for our young friends with early bed times! Ring in a happy NOON year with songs crafts and activities and an exciting countdown. Celebration will take place at Charlotte Hall, Leonardtown and Lexington Park Branches. Be sure to register!

Cost: FREE

Event Link 

HAPPY NEW YEAR- CALVERT LIBRARY 

Date: Dec 31, 2025

Time: 11:15AM & 12:15PM

Location: Calvert Library (Fairview, Southern, Twin Beaches and Prince Frederick)

Details: Ring in the new year early with festive story time fun for preschoolers and children.

Cost: FREE

Event Link 

NOON YEARS EVE PARTY- MY GYM WALDORF/ST MARYS

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM

Details: Celebrate the New Year as a family with balloon drop, juice toast, treats & more!
Cost: Lifetime Members $29.99- This event always sells out, be sure to register early!

EVENT LINK

ANNMARIE’S GARDEN IN LIGHTS

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: Annmarie Gardens

Details: Celebrate the final evening of 2025 at Annmarie’s gardens in lights show.
Cost: $

LINK

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT SCARY STROKES

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: 6:00PM-9:00PM

Location: Scary Strokes- 2960 Technology Place, Suite 106, Waldorf, MD

Details:  Enjoy unlimited mini-golf, a $10 arcade card, arts and crafts, board games, and a festive balloon drop. Family-friendly fun for all ages. Ticket required.

Event Link

FIRST NIGHT ALEXANDRIA

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: Festivities start at 2:00PM

Location: Alexandria, VA

Details: On Tuesday, December 31, the festivities begin at 2:00 PM with engaging performances for children and a day party for all ages. At 7:30PM, enjoy a spectacular family-friendly fireworks display over the waterfront before diving into an evening of live music, comedy, and more on 12 stages scattered throughout the charming streets of Old Town inside museums, churches, retail spaces, and other unique venues. As the countdown begins, gather for a breathtaking midnight fireworks finale, capping off a magical evening and welcoming 2025 in unforgettable style.

LINK

FIREWORKS AND DRONES DISPLAY

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM- 12:30AM

Location: The Inner Harbor Amphitheatre – Baltimore, MD

Details: Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) is thrilled to announce New Year’s Eve festivities on December 31, 2025, at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. This year, we’re adding an incredible element to the tradition: a mesmerizing drone show by Image Engineering, experts in laser entertainment. At midnight, the skies will dazzle with a custom drone display alongside fireworks, led by Mayor Brandon M. Scott It’s a fusion of tech and tradition, aligning with Baltimore’s status as a tech hub.

LINK

NOON YEAR’S EVE

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Location: Calvert Marine Museum

Details: Enjoy a family friendly celebration with themed crafts, a juggling show, dance party with the Otter mascot, sparkling ginger ale toast, and a confetti blast at noon. Crafts available while supplies last. Members only.

LINK

From our family to yours…Happy New Year!!! May 2026 be full of fun and many blessings.

The holidays are always an extra special time of year. The kids are off from school, and everyone is taking off work to enjoy extra quality time. The stress of everyday life seems to melt away as we bond over traditions. Things like baking cookies, cuddling on the couch while watching Christmas movies and making special visits to see relatives become priorities. It’s the perfect time to take a winter weekend getaway. Our family has visited Christmas town as a holiday tradition for the past 12 years. Christmas Town is our favorite place to visit to get into the holiday spirit. From November 14, 2025, through January 4, 2026, the park has been transformed into a winter wonderland. In addition to five roller coasters and twenty-five rides, guests are treated to spectacular seasonal shows, live holiday music, festive foods and over ten million sparkling lights. Through our years of experience, I hope to share some helpful tips and reasons why you won’t want to miss a trip to Williamsburg this year!

HOWL-IDAYS AT SNOWLAND

It is an extra special treat to stay at Great Wolf Lodge around the holiday season, when the lobby is transformed into a winter wonderland. The atmosphere sets the tone for getting everyone into the holiday spirit. The entire hotel is adorned in lights and festive decorations from November 24, 2025 to January 6, 2026. Kids and the kid at heart will get a thrill out of the nightly snowfall, which is truly magical. The resort offers an array of free activities including: winter howl-i-days story times, frosty fest family dance parties, scavenger hunts, special events like BINGO, arts & crafts and photos with Santa.

REASONS TO STAY ANYTIME OF YEAR

Great Wolf Lodge truly knows how to make every holiday extra special. With four seasonal themes each year: Spring-a-palooza, Summer Fun in the Sun, Howl-o-ween, and Snowland; there’s always something fun going on anytime of year. In addition to annual celebrations they offer a plethora of activities to keep the littles busy.

IN-DOOR WATER PARK- This is probably one of the best features of the hotel. The water park is a great place to have a splashing good time! The water park is HUGE!!! Enjoy the slides: Howling Tornado, Sliding Boarding, River Cannon Run and Alberta Falls and Whopping Hollow. Don’t miss out on the other sections of the water park: Totem Towers, Raccoon Lagoon, Fort Mackenzie, Slap Tail Pond, Hot Springs, Chinook Cove and Cub Paw Pool.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE- Great Wolf Lodge has something that everyone in the family can enjoy. On campus you will find not only a pool but also: MagiQuest, Ten Paw Bowling Alley, Oliver’s Mining, Northern Light Arcade, Laser Trail, Virtual Frontier, Howl In One Miniature Golf, and Build A Bear. You can purchase activity passes or pay for activities as you go. There’s also a bar if you’d like to order a cocktail and relax. Great Wolf Lodge isn’t just for the kids, its for parents too!

STAY, EAT AND PLAY-The lodge has everything you need on campus so that you can stay and play stress free. From restaurants serving kid friendly food to coffee shop and Kids Club to Magi Quest; everything you need is right on site. They even have a Paw Pass that comes with everything your little one needs to stay entertained for the entire weekend. You can get meal packages or just pick and choose when you want to grab a meal on site. There is a in house Dunkin Donuts, Cafe, Pizza Parlor and Grill.

TIPS

• Plan for the season you go. If you go during Howl-O-Ween bring a costume to trick or treat in. If you go during Snowland, bring matching family pajamas. Make it special and fun!
• Enjoy an extended stay at the lodge by sticking around a while on check out day and enjoy more time at the attractions. Check-out is at 11AM, so we usually pack up our car and head back inside for more time at the water park or MagiQuest.
• Make friends with the staff – I was impressed by the team at GWL; they are amazingly friendly and extremely helpful! Everyone wants to see you having fun safely. I got the sense that the staff really enjoys working with kids. The front desk staff is knowledgeable about the area and local attractions. They can also make suggestions about packages are available at the lodge.
• Make sure that you sign-up to become a member (which is free) for special rates on rooms. You can also download the app to help navigate and plan out your trip.
• Save money- the three best tips I can share about booking a room, is to go during off peak season, reserve a room on a week day and use Groupon to catch a great deal. Also, if you are military be sure to call and ask about a discount.
• Great Wolf Lodge provides life jackets to guests for FREE! I like to bring our own because it is what my little one is already familiar with and it helps set them apart visually. I also dress my kids in bright distinctive colors so I can spot them quickly.
• While beach towels are provided in the water park, they have to stay in the water park. I recommend bringing a robe (beach towel) to stay cozy in while walking up to your room. I like to bring a little cover dress for myself.
• To make the room extra cozy, I always bring my little ones favorite stuffed animal and blanket.
• The rooms are extra spacious. Even the standard room fits a family of six comfortably. We splurged and got a upgraded suite with bunk beds. The kids thought it was cool to have their own special cabin.
• Pack water bottles and snacks. Things can really add up fast. So if you are on a budget bring a long a few things to keep in the room or bring down to the pool. Our room had a microwave, mini fridge and small table to eat at.
• If you have time to visit Busch Gardens while you are in town I highly recommend it! If you are there during the winter holiday Christmas Town is truly remarkable.

INFORMATION

GREAT WOLF LODGE – WILLIAMSBURG

Address: 549 E Rochambeau Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23188

Phone: 800-551-9653

GREAT WOLF LODGE WEBSITE

*** A discounted rate was provided to write this article. This was not a paid or complementary stay; all information is my own non-bias opinion. All content and photography are property of The Playful Parent.***

BREAKFASTS WITH SANTA & OTHER SANTA EVENTS

• Weekends Now- Dec 24: All Day- Photo’s With Santa @ St. Charles Towne Center in Waldorf- $
• Weekends Nov 29-Dec 28- 5PM-9PM: Jingle All the Hay@Mrs. Moos in Prince Frederick- $
• Dec 3: 6PM-8PM- Dinner With Santa @Chick-fil-A Smallwood- FREE
• Dec 5: 4:30PM-6:30PM- Tree Lighting Ceremony @ MWR Pax- FREE
• Dec 6: 8:30AM-12PM- Breakfast with Santa @ Patuxent High School – $
• Dec 6: 9AM- Breakfast With Santa @Fitzie’s Marina Restaurant & Pub- $ 
• Dec 6: 9AM-11AM- Breakfast With Santa @ Nanjemoy VFD- $
• Dec. 6: 10AM- Polar Express Showing & Pictures with Santa @RC Theatres Lexington- $1
• Dec 6: 10AM-4PM: Visit With The Grinch @Southern Trail Distillery in Mechanicsville- $
• Dec 6: 11AM-1PM- Breakfast with Santa @ Hughesville VFD- $
• Dec. 6: 12PM-4PM Pictures with Santa @Tractor Supply Store in Huntingtown- $20
• Dec 6- 3PM-7PM: Santa is Coming to Jake’s Produces in Prince Frederick- FREE
• Dec 6: 3PM-7PM- Dinner With Santa @ Drift Inn Crab House- $
• Dec 6-Dec 7- 10AM-2PM: Meet Santa @ Hidden Lake Christmas Tree Farm in Port Republic- FREE
• Dec 6: 10AM-12PM: @Visit With Santa Wild Bird Unlimited – FREE
• Dec 6: 10AM-1PM- Winter Wonderland@ Marbury Baptist Church- FREE
• Dec. 6: 10AM-2PM- Christmas Open House@ Southern States- FREE
• Dec 6: 11AM-1PM- Holiday Lunch With Santa @Hughesville VFD- $
• Dec 6: 11AM-1PM- Photos With Santa @ Your Space Waldorf- FREE
• Dec 6: 11AM-2PM- Meet and Greet With Santa @ Cottage Boutique in Charlotte Hall
• Dec 6 :12PM-2PM- Christmas Parade @ North Beach Boardwalk- FREE
• Dec 6: 12:30PM- 3rd Annual Santa Run @ Tractor Supply in Charlotte Hall- FREE
• Dec 6: 4PM-9PM- Holiday Festival @Village Green in Indian Head- FREE
• Dec 7: 9AM-1PM- Breakfast With Santa @ Rod n Reel – $
• Dec 7: 9AM-1PM- Breakfast With Santa @ Newburg VFD- $
• Dec 7: 10AM-3PM- Candy Cane Lane @ Ridge VFD- FREE
• Dec 7: 11AM-2PM- Cookies & Cocoa With Santa@ Baldus in La Plata – FREE
• Dec 7: 12PM-2PM- Lunch With Santa @Bel Alton VFD- $
• Dec 7: 12PM-3PM- Photos With The Brinch @ Paws Pet Care in Leonardtown – $
• Dec 7: 3PM-6PM: Old Tyme Holiday Gathering @Town Hall in La Plata – FREE
• Dec 11: 6PM-8PM: Visit With Santa @ Westlake VFD in Waldorf- FREE
• Dec 12: 5:30PM-7:30PM: Cookies & Cards With Santa @ Chick-fil-A La Plata- FREE
• Dec 12-14: All Day- Annual Kris Kringle Market @ La Plata Fair Grounds – $
• Dec 13: 8AM- Breakfast With Santa @ Ape Hangers in Bel Alton- $
• Dec 13- 9AM-5PM- A Very Christmas @Parkers Creek in Port Republic- FREE
• Dec 13: 9AM-12PM- Breakfast With Santa @ Solomons VFD- $
• Dec 13: 9AM-5PM- Photos With The Grinch @ Town Market – FREE
• Dec 13: 10AM-12PM- Visit With Santa @Wild Birds Unlimited in Lexington Park- FREE
• Dec 13: 11AM-2PM- Pictures With Santa@ Harley-Davidson in Hughesville- FREE
• Dec 13: 11AM-3PM- Holiday in the Hanger @ Pax Naval Air Museum- FREE
• Dec 13: 1PM-3PM- Swim With Santa@ CCPR Wade Pool in St Charles High School- $
• Dec 13: 3:30PM-5PM- Bowling With Santa @ Lord Calvert Bowling- $
• Dec 13: 4PM-9PM: Solomons Christmas Walk @ Calvert Marine Museum- FREE
• Dec 13: 5:30PM- Pictures With Santa @ Dentsville VFD- FREE
• Dec 13: 6PM-9PM- Jolly Jingle PJ Jam @ My Gym Waldorf- $
• Dec 14: 8AM-1PM- Breakfast With Santa @ Tall Timbers- $
• Dec 14: 8AM-1PM- Breakfaster With Santa @Hollywood VFD- $
• Dec 14: 1PM-3PM- Storytime & Cookies With Santa @ UCTIC in Lexington Park- FREE
• Dec 17: 4:30PM-7:30PM- Dinner With Santa @ Nicolletti’s Pizza- FREE
• Dec 17: 6:30PM- Cookies With Santa @ CCPR Billingsley Center- $
• Dec. 19: 5PM-6:30PM- Grinch Tales @ My Gym in Waldorf- $
• Dec 20: 8AM-12PM- Breakfast With Santa @ Prince Frederick VFD- $
• Dec 20: 8AM-11AM: Pastries With Pinch @ SOMD Blue Crabs in Waldorf- $
• Dec 20: 9AM-5PM: Pictures With Santa@ Town Market in Leonardtown- FREE
• Dec 21: 5PM-7PM- Children’s Drive Thru Christmas Party@ Mechanicsville VFD- FREE
• Dec 21: 9AM-11AM- Breakfast With Santa @Botanical Cafe in Leonardtown- $
• Dec 21: 9AM-1PM- Breakfast With Santa @ Rod n Reel- $
• Dec 27: 6PM-9PM- Polar Express Party @ My Gym in Waldorf- $

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT RUNS

NANJEMOY VFD- VFD LINK-  Santa’s coming to Nanjemoy! We will be escorting Santa through Nanjemoy on December 12th &13th.

NEWBURG VFD- Get ready! This Sunday, December 14th at 2:00 PM, Santa Claus will be trading in his sleigh for one of our fire trucks as he rides through the neighborhoods in our first-due area with the Newburg Volunteer Rescue Squad & Fire Department! Click on NVFD LINK for updates.

NORTH BEACH VFD– On December 20th, Santa Claus is Cruisin’ the Town from 1pm to 4 pm LINK

PRINCE FREDERICK- PFVFD Santa Runs start December 8th and run thru December 11th. See image or visit PFVFD LINK– for details.

POTOMAC HEIGHTS– Santa Claus is coming to town! We are excited to once again escort Santa through our response area on Sunday December 18-20, 2025. See the Potomac Heights Facebook Events for nightly locations and details at PHVFD LINK.

SOLOMONS VRD- VFD LINK– Santa Run schedule is up. Check out their events page for each night’s route!!

TENTH DISTRICT VFD- Santa will make his way around town on December 21, 2025. See schedule above or visit  VFD LINK for more information.

WALDORF VFD COMPANY 3–VFD LINK – Waiting for details, still no schedule posted yet.

WESTLAKE STATION 12-  VFD LINK – Open house to see Santa. See flyer or visit there Facebook Event for details.

THANK YOU

WHAT IS ICE!?

ICE! INFORMATION & ACTIVITIES

Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center- 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD

Hours: November through January 2, 2026

Admission: Tickets start at $35 for general admission. Children ages 3 and under are FREE! Going on a weekday earlier in the season rather than on weekends and peek season hours can be cheaper. For 25% off tickets to ICE! featuring The Polar Express use code: ICEPARTNER25.

Website: Link

Activities: Tickets to ICE! includes admission to the display. However, there are other activities available that cost additional money. You can purchase bundles to save money or add activities individually to make your experience unique.

• Gingerbread House- This fun, sticky and interactive decorating tradition just got even sweeter. Choose from three decorating kits to put together and then meet The Gingerbread Man himself! ($)
• Mrs. Claus Christmas Tradition- Gather around for warm and cozy fun with the jolliest hostess of all – Mrs. Claus! Delight in the reading of holiday classics and singing of Christmas carols while enjoying cookies and milk. ($)
• Snowball Blaster- Build and toss real snowballs to boost the power of the snowmaking machines and earn points in this experience at Snow Factory, the mechanized, snowy play space.
• Snow Flow Mountain Slide- In this mechanized, snow play space you will slide through factory conveyor belts that have frozen solid and ride tubes down a thrilling plummet slide or hilly ice coaster at Snow Factory.

To learn more about each activity see this link.

TIPS FOR ICE!

• Check out the informative Instagram video for details about ICE! – Link
• Ways to save- Military Discount are offered, get discount codes by following the Gaylord National Resort Facebook Page or catch a deal on Groupon. You can also purchase Gold pass that include: ICE! display, unlimited Ice Tubbing and Snoopy Scavenger Hunt. You save up to 30% by getting a platinum pass which includes: ICE! display, unlimited Ice Tubbing and Snoopy Scavenger Hunt, Snowball Blast, Gingerbread decorating, Ice Skating and the Mrs. Claus Traditions show. All there is a discount code offered to Playful Parent fans for 25% off tickets to ICE! using code: ICEPARTNER25.
• Bundle Up- I’m sure it’s obvious that it will be cold. The ice needs to stay frozen! You will be provided with a warm blue parka with a hood. However, I highly recommend you double up by wearing your own jacket, as well as wear a hat, gloves, and scarf. Don’t forget socks, one year one of my boys who dresses himself forgot socks, and he was miserable! Be aware that the parkas do not have pockets, YOU WILL NEED GLOVES! Parkas come as small as size 2T. I recommend baby wearing your smallest baby and get a slightly bigger parka to button over the baby.
• Dress in Bright Colors- Since every visitor is wearing the same blue parka; you will need a way to set your kids apart. I put my children in bright colored hats to make them more distinctive.
• Don’t Rush- Over the years I have learned to take my time. If your kids have the attention span for it, visit each exhibit and admire what you see. Engage in conversations about what you see and take photos.
• Interactive Exhibits- One of my kids favorite part of the adventure is the slide and tunnels. Take your time on these. You can go down the slide as many times as you want. Veterans tips, have one adult stays at the top and the other stay at the bottom to keep an eye on the kids. There is an attendant at the top to help as well.
• Take Photos- Keep in mind that your camera or phone could freeze. That being said, I would take my camera out periodically to snap a few memorable shots.
• Take advantage of parking validation. Park in the Gaylord Hotels Self Parking. Just show receipt of attending the event outside the winter village area. They will discount your ticket for three hours and under parking down to $20.
• Three times a day 7:30PM/8:45PM/9:15PM there is a tree lighting display that is phenomenal. You can watch it up close near the village on the lobby floor. However, I recommend going up to the second level and watching it from the balcony on the ballroom level floor. The view is absolutely stunning. You can also view the Cirque show from a far here. This years evening Cirque show is at 6:30PM. Arrive a few minutes early to grab a spot, than hang around after for the grand finally tree lighting display.
• Check out the full range of Christmas on the Potomac events at Gaylord National Resort to ensure you hit all the extra activities! Including the gingerbread house display in the lobby.
• Play Learn & Grow- Before you go watch videos about the making of ICE! – Link Here

BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE…CHRISTMAS ON THE POTOMAC

National Harbor hosts a year-round line up of amazing events and super-fun activities for families — right on the gorgeous waterfront. See the Christmas on the Potomac Calendar for more information, dates and times of weekly events. Mostly every Saturday throughout the holiday you can catch Santa on the Carousel and at the Capital Wheel. As well as, see free movies on Sunday’s, witness the spectacular tree lighting daily and view fireworks on select nights. At The Gaylord be sure to go to the atrium to watch the Christmas Tree light show and stop by the lobby to see the gorgeous gingerbread display.

There are so many scrumptious restaurants. While we were visiting Christmas on the Potomac we ate at Red Stone Grill. The ribs and rotisserie chicken are amazing. Not to mention the kids menu is great and comes with a cool activity to keep the little’s entertained. I also always enjoy the view of the Potomac. Don’t miss out on riding the Capital Wheel for breath taking views and making extra special family memories.

THANK YOU

***Thank you for taking the time to read this article; I hope that it was helpful to your family. The Playful Parent is a non-profit 501c3 that provides free resources to the community. The Playful Parent is NOT paid to promote events or attractions. Discounted or complimentary partnership is always appreciated but not a requirement. All content and photography are intellectual property of The Playful Parent.***

One of our favorite annual fall traditions is to take the kids to Kings Dominion’s Tricks and Treats Event. Guests of all ages can join the PEANUTS gang for amazing fall fun including: pumpkin decorating, hay mazes, ghostly games, costume parade, trick-or-treating, not-so-scary live entertainment and more! This scare-free festival makes for the perfect fall/ Halloween activity for littles and everyone in the family. Here’s why you don’t want to miss out on The Great Pumpkin Fest at Kings Dominion…

WHAT IS TRICKS AND TREATS

Many readers are probably wondering why I’m recommending to bring small children to a Halloween event at Kings Dominion with such enthusiasm. Most of the time, scary is what comes to mind when associating Halloween and a theme park! However, Kings Dominion has designed their featured fall event “Tricks and Treats” to be all fun and no fear!

Through out the fall every Saturday and Sunday September 20 – November 2, 2025 from 11AM to 6PM, Kings Dominion celebrates the ultimate fall festival, The Great Pumpkin Fest! In addition to everyone’s favorite family rides at Kings Dominion, Guests can participate in a collection of scare-free Halloween activities including: venturing through a hay maze, decorating the perfect pumpkin, watching Halloween-themed live shows and more! Ghosts, goblins, and ghouls are thrilling to adults and some older kids but absolutely terrifying for the little ones! I love that Kings Dominion makes it easy for the entire family to enjoy a Halloween event together no matter what age.

PLAN OUT YOUR DAY

The first thing you want to do after getting through the gates is make your way to the height check station to see what rides your kids go on! Then make your way to Planet Snoopy which is where you will find all the activities and programs for kids.  We spent most of our day in Planet Snoopy riding all the rides and seeing the shows.

• Rides- Some of our favorite rides that go great with the Halloween theme are the Great Pumpkin Coaster, Boo-Blaster and the Kite Eating Tree. I love that Planet Snoopy is decorated in festival fall fun… As the kids ride on PEANUTS Turnpike and Road Rally the pass by inflatables and other adorable decorations.
• Trick or Treating- It’s so fun to get dressed up and go from station to station collecting candy.
• Special Activities- Some the awesome activities only available at The Great Pumpkin Fest include: Halloween-themed live shows where you can jam out to classic music like Monster Mash. At Sally’s Pumpkin Painting Patch you can pick our the perfect pumpkin, decorate it and take it home. Get lost in a mini straw maze at Franklin’s Scarecrow Hollow. Jump on into Pig Pen’s People Washer where your little one can scope and play in a giant corn pit.
• Photo Opportunities- Be sure to stop in front of the festival decorations for a picture. There are dozens of cute places to capture moments.

When the day is coming to an end, we leave enough time for two last stops. The second to last stop you should make is the treat tail. You can get a bag to walk and round and get filled with treats. This is over by the Driving School ride. I personally like to end the day by picking up a pumpkin before 5 PM. I suggest picking your pumpkin up last, so it’s not a pain to carry around the park all day. We usually do not decorate ours and save it as an activity to do at home.  If you don’t want to stay for “The Haunt” Kings Dominion scary event than you will want to exit the park around 6 PM. At 7 PM things turn terrifying really fast! The music changes, fog comes over the ground and creepy things appear.

TRICKS TO MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE A TREAT

We have been season pass holders at the park for years now. I have a lot of tips and tricks from attending over the years. Here’s what we’ve learned over time:

• Speaking of season passes. I highly recommend purchasing seasons passes. Kings Dominion has something fun each session. The summer of course has a full water park open to season pass holders, fall highlights Halloween. Season passes include entry into the park all year round, as well as free parking. Adult season pass holders are also eligible to sign their children ages 3-5 up for a FREE pre-k pass!  It’s definitely a bargain. With Kings Dominion joining Six Flags there are a lot of great deals right now that include joining now and having membership for 2025-2026!
• Kings Dominion is the first theme park in Virginia to become ADA certified. Be sure to check out The Playful Parent Family Guide to see all the accommodations and tips for visiting this theme park.
• Be sure to take time to stop and get pictures with the Characters and decorated photo spots so you capture some fond memories.
• Dress up in costume when you go. Going in costume will make the experience extra special.
• Don’t forget to pick the perfect pumpkin. It’s great that the cost of admission includes a small pumpkin for the kids.
• Visit the family center if you have infants and toddlers or even a little one who gets sensory overload. Did you know the family care center has changing tables, wipes, a nursing room with rocking chair and even bottle warmers? Not to mention two calm down rooms. The calm down room has comfy chairs and doors that close to those with sensory needs. There are also family style bathrooms in the family care center that aren’t usually busy because no one really knows about the center.
• If you plan on staying late (after 6 PM) be sure to get a 2025 No Boo! necklace to give yourself scare immunity from the monsters lurking inside the Halloween Haunt. Wearing this necklace significantly reduces the likelihood of being scared by monsters in scare zones. Cannot be used in any of the mazes.

INFORMATION

Address: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047

Hours: Weekends September 20- November 2, 2025

Cost: Day Pass start at $49/Season Pass Available/ Children 3 and under FREE

Website: https://www.kingsdominion.com

Playful Parent Guide: Visiting Kings Dominion with Kids Guide

***The Playful Parent was not paid to promote Kings Dominion, sharing information and my unbiased opinion about our family’s favorite spots around the DMV area is an honor. I want to thank Kings Dominion for inviting us out for the day, so we could get all the information to write this guide and help parents plan their trip to Tricks and Treats Festival. All content and photos from the article are intellectual property of The Playful Parent protected by the DCMA.***

Accessibility Bridge Corporation hosted an event this week to help bridge the gap between what exists and what’s possible. The event offered not only a movie preview of an enlightening documentary film called The Ride Ahead, but also awareness, networking, and fundraising opportunities. In attendance, there was the superintendent of CCPS, representative from CC Parks and rec, day care providers, board members from CC Chamber of commerce, CCPS staff, and disability advocates; all with the common vision to see the growth of advocacy and accessibility in our county and beyond.

ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY BRIDGE CORPORATION

Accessibility Bridge Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to promote the inclusion of individuals with disabilities by providing resources that focus on reducing barriers, increasing access, and enabling individuals with disabilities to engage in their desired aspects of life. This organization’s biggest initiative is to partner with organizations to build capacity to support individuals with disabilities by helping them design programs, implement strategies, and monitor results. Our goal is to foster inclusive environments for all. Programming includes:

• Educational Equity: Accessibility Bridge’s Educational Equity Program is designed to provide educational resources for students with autism and/or intellectual impairments that will assist in bridging the gap in the educational divide.
• Mental Wellness Programs: People with disabilities encounter structural and ideological barriers, with societal stigma contributing to poor mental health. The CDC reports that adults with disabilities experience frequent mental distress nearly five times more often than those without disabilities. Accessibility Bridge is pleased to collaborate with The SonRise Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that hosts a weekly Sunday support group call. This group facilitates open dialogue among parents caring for black children, regarding teen and young adult mental health. Offered free of charge via Zoom, the group provides a camera-free environment, enabling parents who may be experiencing challenges to access comfort and support.
• Athletic Initiative: The goal of the Brick 44 Athletic Initiative is to bring awareness, resources, and support to competitive athletes with disabilities. Participation in athletic activities is the context in which people form friendships, develop skills and competencies, express creativity, achieve mental and physical health, and determine meaning and purpose in life.
• Caring Cards Project: ABC is dedicated to empowering and encouraging people with disabilities and one way we accomplish this is through the Caring Card Project! Volunteer by sending cards filled with kindness, cheer, and gift cards if you would like! The Caring Card Project connects people across the United States in a thoughtful and meaningful way. Please join ABC in embracing our friends and reminding them that they matter and are loved.
• Autism Programs: The Autism outreach programs aim to increase understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism within the community by offering education, resources, and support. Our resources focus on raising acceptance and awareness, providing training for professionals and community members, and connecting individuals with autism and their families with necessary services.
• Hidden Disability Sunflower Initiative: Some disabilities or chronic illnesses are not obvious to others, which can cause confusion or skepticism about a person’s need for support. People may sometimes judge disability based only on appearance. The Hidden
• Disabilities Sunflower initiative was established to foster inclusivity, acceptance, and understanding. This symbol enables individuals to voluntarily indicate that they have a hidden disability. Wearing the Sunflower signifies that the individual may need additional support, patience, or consideration.

To learn more please visit, https://accessibilitybridge.com.

THE RIDE AHEAD

The film The Ride Ahead follows Samuel Habib, whose goals are pretty typical for a 21-year-old. Moving out of his family’s New Hampshire home. College. Establishing his career. Dating. Sex. Yet every rite of passage is fraught with challenges. Unexpected seizures and uncontrollable movements caused by his rare genetic disorder. Friends’ homes that are inaccessible to his wheelchair. His labored speech and use of a communication device are barriers to a social life. He craves more independence and a family of his own one day. “But no one tells you how to be an adult,” he says, “let alone an adult with a disability.” Samuel is determined to avoid the statistical realities: unemployment, isolation, institutionalization. A turning point comes when he starts talking to disabled adults, who have been through all he is going through now. And when he begins to channel their insights, a roadmap for himself, and for other young adults like him, begins to take shape. Be sure to check out this awesome initiative at https://www.rideaheadfilm.com.

MY TAKE AWAY

I highly recommend watching this film to gain a better understanding of the joys and challenges that individuals with disabilities face on a daily basis. Even while growing up in a neuro-diverse home, and having a career in the field of mental health, I felt the film had a big impact. Through programs like the ADA, things have come a long way for individuals with disabilities. However, after watching this film, I can tell we have a long way to go still. Advocacy, accessibility and services are needed to support these individuals with continuing education programs in the high education setting, and with professional development in the workplace. As a community, we can be better voices for ableism, independence and relationship building. We need to stand up to make sure playgrounds, public buildings and sidewalks are available in our community so we can all play, learn and grow together.