Deer Forest Recreation Area in Reston, VA!

Since the weather will not make up it's mind I decided to post about Deer Forest Recreation Area located in the Deer Forest neighborhood in Reston. Deer Forest is a neighborhood in the North Point District of Reston and is also known as District 3 to the Reston Association. The park is located off of Reston Parkway just down the way from the North Point Village Center.

The Deer Forest Recreation Area includes a large piece of play equipment and two sets of swings for younger and older children. Even in the winter time the park has tons of shade. There are a few benches and a picnic table to stop and take a break. Right next to the play area is a large grassy area big enough for the kids to run around and play ball. Sadly there is not a restroom for the area but if you have a potty training kiddo you could head over to the North Point Village Center for a public restroom. As in many parts of Reston walking trails cross by the area and wind through the homes. So if you live in the area you may just be able to walk to the park along one of the great trails that wind through Reston. But in case you have to drive to check out the park just  park along Deer Forest Road off of Reston Parkway.

This Fairfax County park is a great community park and located in a very nice neighborhood of single family homes with great older trees and large yards. Just another example of why Reston is a coveted area to settle down.

One Loudoun Coming Soon to Loudoun County!

The much anticipated One Loudoun has finally broke ground. One Loudoun has been labeled as "Loudoun County's New Downtown." The large project will be developed off of Loudoun County Parkway and Harry Byrd Highway (Rt. 7). Suburban communities like Lansdowne, Ashburn and Sterling will benefit from the proximity of this project. Now Loudoun County residents won't have to travel to Reston Town Center to find all these amenities in one place.

One Loudoun is going to be a pedestrian friendly atmosphere with lots of walking paths and natural spaces. The large development will include shopping, restaurants, an Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, corporate office space, and a four star luxury hotel. In addition the community will include new single family homes by Camberley Homes and townhomes by NV Homes in all different price ranges.

I'm looking forward to all the walking paths and natural spaces for the kids to run around during the spring and summer months. When everyone is done playing we can go grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants that are going to be in One Loudoun.

Play N' Learn Playground Superstore Free Play Days in Chantilly, VA!

Today we checked out the Play N' Learn Playground Superstore Free Play Days in Chantilly, VA! We had heard about the stores Free Play Days from a great Mommy website called SuperNOVAMommy. The Play N' Learn Showroom is tucked back in an industrial park off Route 50 and Stonecroft Blvd. They sell wood playsets, netted trampolines, basketball hoops, and game tables.

The Play N' Learn Free Play Days offer parents and kids a way to get out of the weather while playing on playground equipment in the showroom from 10- 1 on Monday and Thursdays. They also have netted trampolines and basketball hoops for the kids to test out. The showroom flooring is just carpet over concrete so just be aware if the kids fall they might hurt themselves. There are super clean restrooms and water fountains. It was very popular when we went and from what I understand they don't put a cap on attendance and the play time is for the 6 and under crowd.

I talked with one of the sales reps and she told me that if you are a customer of Play N' Learn you can come and play any day as a bonus for buying their product. If you live in the area you should go check out the Free Play Days at Play N' Learn Playground Superstore!

Jumping Jack Sports in Ashburn, VA!

Today we checked out Jumping Jack Sports in Ashburn, VA! Since we couldn't be outside today we decided to hit up this local favorite in Ashburn. Jumping Jack Sports is located in the same strip mall as the Sports Bounce of Loudoun. Remember to wear your socks  as shoes are not allowed on the inflatables.

My boys had a blast running through the inflatable obstacle course, climbing the rock wall and jumping in the bounce house. My littlest guy wasn't left out either, there were plenty of ride on toys and balls for him to kick around. During the open play session they had a monitor person not just watching the kids but helping them over the tougher parts of the obstacle course. He even took my youngest son down the big slide and from then on I couldn't get him out.

The open play sessions change from week to week so it's best to check their website for dates and times. In addition to open play, Jumping Jack Sports offers sports classes for children and  for a fee you can hold your child's birthday party here. Restrooms were available and clean. No snacks are allowed inside the building so the play area was very clean.

Even though the open play session was only an hour and a half the kids were pooped out once we got home and took a long nap. If it's yucky outside come check out Jumping Jack Sports in Ashburn.

Stratton Woods Park in Reston, VA!

Since the good weather is still upon us we checked out Stratton Woods Park in Reston, VA. This cute park is located off of Fox Mill Road and Fairfax County Parkway.

The 30-acre park has lot of different activities including baseball fields, soccer fields, a tennis court, volleyball court, basketball courts, hiking trails and a playground. The playground equipment was in great shape and in the summer time would have plenty of shade since it sits back in the middle of a nature area. Once you park in the lot you head down the trail to reach the equipment. I didn't see any restrooms but according to the Fairfax County site they do have facilities on the park property.

There are a few picnic tables around the playground so the little ones can take a break or enjoy a snack. My kids really loved this park and I can't wait to take them back in the spring time when the trees are filled out. The great part about this Fairfax County park is it's location to single family homes and townhomes so if you live in the area you should check it out!

Generous George's Positive Pizza and Pasta Place in Herndon, VA!

A few months ago a friend of mine heard about a restaurant in Herndon, VA that was kid friendly, Generous George's Pizza and Pasta Place. We have gone several times over the last six months because the concept of making your own pizza never gets old for the kiddos.

The decor of the restaurant is funky and colorful so great for kids who are normally wiggly when sitting down to eat. When the kids sit down they get their very own chefs hat to put on! The menu offers lots of different Italian options including pastas, pizzas and subs. The reason we go to Generous George's is for their make your own pizza menu. For a reasonable price the wait staff brings out a personal size pizza dough already rolled out along with sauce, cheese and any toppings you have chosen for your pizza. It is your job to put your pizza together and the wait staff swings back by to pick up your newly decorated pizza to throw it in oven. When we were in a larger group this process took a little longer than when we went just as a family. The kids always have such a great time putting their pizzas together "me self" as my oldest son is always saying. If the kids getting wiggly while waiting for their pizzas they could always head into the small game room. The restrooms are also very clean.

Getting to Generous George's is a little odd. GPS is the best way to locate the restaurant that is tucked back in between Strayer University and Sunrise Valley Drive at 2321 Dulles Station Blvd, Herndon, VA 20171. Check it out with the family I'm sure you'll have a good time!