Fun for the whole family!

Research has shown there are many benefits to playing with your child. For one, playing with your child is one way to help him or her develop social skills and self-control. As they interact with you and others, they learn how people behave in social settings. They also learn what’s acceptable by taking their cues from you.

Playing with your child also benefits you, as well. Science has shown that when parents play with their child, the hormone, oxytocin, is released. Oxytocin is associated with trust and relationship building.  Another benefit of oxytocin is that it counteracts the effects of stress, reducing blood pressure, anxiety and fear – all undeniable benefits for parents!

Ready to play? Check out our family friendly offerings below that you can sign up to do alongside your child or children.

Kiddie Tyme – Two sessions, Jan. 3 – May 25 (ages 1-5) and Jan. 6 – May 26 (ages 1-3) 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Children can romp and play in our gymnasium at Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center with fun toys and gym equipment. Join us anytime—no preregistration is required, and guardians are free with a limit of 4 children per adult. Guardian must attend with their children. Kiddie Tyme follows PWCS closures. $3 per visit or $30 for 10 visit punch pass.

Learning is Fun

Prepare your little one for preschool and kindergarten routines with this super fun parent/child class. By playing and learning together, children will build their social, emotional, cognitive, and language skills. Each class will include art, sensory & STEM experiences, and both fine and gross motor activities. Get your child ready for their next step in education. There are several sessions beginning January 17 and running through May. Click here for more information.

Family Adventure Day – Wildlife is Everywhere (ages 2-5) – Saturday, February 4, 10:00 – 11:30 am

Wildlife is everywhere-on land, in the air, in water, both inside and outside! Through observations, crafts, and exploration we will discover the wildlife here at Gro Nature Preschool. This program is designed for children with parent. Click here to register.

Paint, Squish & Explore (ages 2-3) – Two sessions available starting in February & April

More than just an art class! We have combined sensory play, science concepts, and process-oriented art to give your child hands-on experiences and tons of fun. Ages 2-3 is a parent/child class. (There is also a drop-off program for ages 4-5.) Register here.

Family Adventure Day – Hiking Tikes (ages 2-5) – Saturday, March 4, 10:00 – 11:30 am

Spend the morning hiking a few of James Long Park’s many trails with your child. We will investigate animal tracks and observe signs of spring! There will be stories, games and more! Click here to register.

Nature Buddies – Tall, Tall Grass (ages 2-3) – Tuesday, March 7-21, 1:00 – 2:30 pm

What kind of creatures live in the grass, under leaves and in the creek? Come explore with us. We’ll spend most of the day outdoors learning about creepy crawlies, pollinators and more. Dress for the weather and to get muddy. Program is designed for children with parents. Register today.

St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt (ages 3-5) Friday, March 17, 10:30 am – 12 noon

Wear your green and bring your luck! We will be looking for leprechauns and hunting for gold and other trinkets. Light snacks, story and a craft. Wear something green. This is a parent/child class. Register here.

Family Adventure Day – Bug Detectors (ages 2-5) – Saturday, April 1, 10:00 – 11:30 am

What are bugs? What kinds of bugs live in our Gro Nature forests? We will explore the Gro Nature forests and experience fun bug related activities. Parents and children are invited to join us to learn and discover the awesomeness of these cool creatures. Click here to register.

Spring Into Nature (ages 3-5) – Friday, April 14, 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Come explore with us. Our adventures will include outdoor explorations, art projects, stories, and more. This parent/child program will be held outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather. Register today!

Family Adventure Day – Sports Sampler (ages 2-5) – Saturday, May 6, 10:00 – 11:30 am

This program is designed for parents to work alongside their little sportster sampling a variety of sports. Come prepared to play and learn basic sports

techniques! Click here to register.

We’ve also got family archery classes, an outdoor survival class, an art class and a health and wellness class for you to play and learn alongside your child. You can check out details for these classes and much more in the winter edition of Leisure.