Movies and TV were ruled out since the weather was predicted to be amazing. Without enough bikes on hand and with chores in the yard to accomplish, we decided to cut the day in half. We would "farm" at home and then after lunch we would head to a local gem known as Frying Pan Farm Park.
Morning "farming" was a blast. 6 small humans ran around the yard collecting fallen twigs and small branches from a recent wind storm, filling the fire pit and creating a respectable kindling pile by the fence. Rakes, hoes, and small shovels were distributed between the 4 willing workers while Sassy and a friend hit the tree swing. The farm crew headed to the raised beds and started turning them over to start the process of readying for the spring planting. We hit a jack pot of undiscovered potatoes from last fall and filled a bucket with spuds that headed upstairs for lunch.
Yard tools returned to the shed, one little friend and I headed to the kitchen to scrub and peel taters while the remaining crew found some scrap boards and worked on creating temporary rabbit shelters while waiting for lunch.
Our little garden haul made a tasty side dish of potato salad, and as more kids filtered in they set up the table, got drinks, and washed hands. Bellies fed, I asked the boys to take the compost to the yard and we got ready for the real farm. One minor compost mishap and a borrowed pair of skinny jeans later (sorry Captain!) we piled in the cars and took off for Frying Pan.
Free parking abounds and we settled on a central spot to maximize our chances at enjoying everything. Frying Pan does offer a Carousel and Tractor rides during the spring/summer season, but they are merely add on options. The best parts of the park are free for everyone.
Being experienced park goers, we skipped the crowded animal areas to start with and headed past the big horse barns (also a potty stop) for a scramble on some truly epic boulders that make for great games of king of the hill and hide and seek. From there we followed a horse trail into the woods and made for the rocky Horse Pen Creek waterfall for an hour of scrambling, moss touching, rock climbing and pebble skipping. It is a small creek in a busy suburban area, so hand sanitizer (or hanitizer as it is often called in our home) is recommended after exploration.
Once we were all creeked out, we headed over to the barns and pens full of traditional Virginia farm animals. Frying Pan Park boasts a varied collection of pigs, rabbits, goats, sheep, cows, horses, chickens, ducks, turkeys, and even peacocks. Animals are often bread on the farm and new baby animals are available regularly to the absolute delight of all farm goers. There is also an impressive collection of traditional farm buildings and equipment, and the farmhouse that has been restored to its depression era state when dairy farming was at its peak in Virginia.
To cap off the day we walked down to the little white farm store next to the playground. It is adjacent to the carousel which will open later this spring. We got juice boxes and 10 cent candy sticks then hit the play ground to burn off the remainder of the energy. Some of the best features of this playground are that it is near the bathroom/water fountain and divided into toddler and older child sections to minimize physical collisions between different sized kids.
Nova Mom On The Go recommends this Herndon area park for a great day out with kids of all ages!
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