Friday Fives #8 - Last Weekend Before School Starts

It's Friday and yes, the last weekend before school returns next week.  I know i'm not the only parent celebrating!  So this weekend, i've been thinking about different things I could do with my boys to give them one last hooray before they pick up their backpack and walk to the bus stops.  In today's Friday Fives, here are five suggestions for things to do before school returns on Monday for Prince William County Schools in Northern Virginia and other surrounding school districts.

1.  Pool
Yes, the pool is a free and great place to enjoy the last few days of summer vacation.  Many of the communities in Northern Virginia have a community pool that are accessible to the residents of each neighborhood.  Taking a splash, is a great way for the kids to relax and unwind.

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2.  Visit the Museums
We're so close to Washington D.C. and all of what it has to offer.  There are countless museums and statues to visit.  With the cooler temperatures we've been experiencing this would be a perfect weekend to take advantage.
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3.  Watch a Movie
Whether you visit the movie theater or rent a Redbox movie, it a great way to spend time together as a family before school and homework returns.  

Top 10 popular kid movies:

1. Toy Story
2. Little Mermaid
3. Frozen
4. Finding Nemo
5. The Lion King
6. The Wizard of Oz
7. Beauty and the Beast
8. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
9. The Karate Kid
10. Ratatouille

4.  Visit a Theme Park
Living in the  Washington DC  Metroplex, we have the privilege of having immediate access to two theme parks:  Kings Dominion and Six Flags America.   If you are a roller coaster enthusiast and love the joys of a thrill ride, then these parks are you.  There are several rides like Bourbon Street Fireball, BatWing Coaster, Big Easy Speedway and more.  For those that know me, I love to eat a good treat.  Six Flags America offers several different cuisine options.  Did you know they offer military a 20% discount  off one day General Admission ticket at the Guest Services Center. 

To buy a ticket to Six Flags America, here.     

5.  Getaway to the Beach
Why not visit the beach before the colder temperatures roll in.  Ocean City, Maryland is less four hours away from Northern Virginia.  It's the perfect back-to-school getaway.  There is the beach, water, and more.  There is so much to do in Ocean City ranging from fishing, golfing, walking the boardwalk and even riding the roller coaster.  Yes, even Maryland Crabs.

Bonus:  The first day of school will be taxing and i'm sure many kids will come home beat from all the work they will be doing that day.  I discovered this video from Food Network for Strawberry Oatmeal Bars.  I watched the video with my kids and they immediately stated, "Mom will you make this for us?"  So, i'll be baking this for them as an after school treat.  To print the recipe, visit here.

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I wish you and your children the best school year.  Don't forget to take pictures of your children as they prepare to leave for school as you'll want to remember how they've grown and change.  You'll even be able to compare their growth to the last day of the school year.  

Have a happy and safe weekend (last one before school starts).

XO,
​Tamieka