Since my last review, I ended up purchasing a family membership to the Children's Science Center…read moreand it is the BEST purchasing decision I have made all year. It's close proximity means that I have a go-to spot to bring the kids on school breaks, rainy days, cold days, or whenever we simply have nothing to do. While there are a few standing exhibits, the staff does a really good job at changing things up (and keeping things topical) so each visit feels special. And the best part... SLIME. We've made slime conductors, spider slime, fluffy slime, snowflake slime, glow-in-the-dark slime .. basically alll the slime. The experiment lab always has a slime option and it is a highlight of every visit. My eldest daughter went from barely reading and needing help at the beginning of our membership to fully reading and creating experiments on her own. It is so much fun to see. For the littles, there is a small playroom with building blocks, magnatiles, books, and those large blue fort/construction material building materials. My two-year old loved spending time in this room but now that she is three she likes making her own hovercrafts and setting them sail in the wind tunnel. The staff is SO kind, SO helpful, and so passionate about what they do. I love how they offer volunteer/internship opportunities to teens and will also set up special traveling science labs to Title I schools. If you are a member you also get discounted or free visits to children's science museums all across the United States which has made this membership 100% worth it for our family. If you are looking for an experience gift to give a little one this year, I highly recommend the Children's Science Center!

Had a great time with my toddler today. She's not quite two so her admission was free and there's a…read more$2 discount for purchasing tickets in advance. I was worried there wouldn't be enough activity for her age but she had a blast playing with exhibits and blocks in the interactive room. She also made "play dough" as an experiment. The staff were all friendly and helpful, we will definitely be back.

My kids enjoyed this so much they loved the paintings and candy it's so yummy I wish I could stay…read morethere forever.

Took my 3 and 6 years old to Candytopia on a Friday afternoon. We got there at a perfect time…read morebecause there was no line and it wasn't crowded inside. We also didn't purchase tickets ahead of time and it was fine. My kids enjoyed getting free candy in each room and the interactive rooms were the most fun for them. Tickets in my opinion were a bit expensive but what activity isn't now a days. It's great for a one time experience.

What sets the Reston Museum apart is the vibrant energy and rich history you experience the moment…read moreyou walk in. Reston's story is not only unique but also a meaningful blueprint for other communities striving to create something exceptional.

Free storefront museum in the shopping area near Lake Anne. They have exhibits on the history of…read morethe area and how Reston was a planned community in the 1960s. I also learned there was a Virginia Gentleman bourbon distillery in the area until the late 80s. There was a friendly volunteer working there and they sell lots of Reston souvenies and t-shirts but I didn't buy anything. It's interesting to check out for a few minutes if you're in the area and there's a restroom as well.

Cyndy's Bottom Line: Historic landmark in Falls Church…read more This house was the home of civil rights advocates and educators Dr. Edwin B. Henderson and Mary Ellen Henderson (for whom Falls Church's middle school is named).

This is a pretty small model railroad museum in what used to be an old train station along the W&OD…read moreTrail. *** Note: They are only open ONE Saturday per month from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Check their website to see when they will be open next and plan ahead to go for a visit. *** My two boys and I actually really like this place. The only reason I downgraded it to 3-stars was due to their very limited open hours, and it's a pretty small place. It'd be nice to be able to bring friends to visit, but there's only been once when we've had friends visiting coincide with the weekend they were open. However (comma) it's DEFINITELY worth a visit. If you're a local, then plan ahead and go check it out. Next to the building, they have a real red caboose you can climb through. Inside the building, you can watch the model trains running. There's a little trolley model train that the kids can operate and earn their own "engineer's license." You probably won't need more than an hour to visit, but it's a neat thing to get out of the house and see with your kids.

This museum is AMAZING! Clean, quiet, open 364 days a year and IT'S FREE! If you are passionate…read moreabout history and like guns you will absolutely love this museum. I went on a Saturday but learned that during the week there is an extremely knowledgeable curator. I highly recommend this museum. Also they have a range at the museum so definitely don't forget to check that out as well.

Epic collection of firearms with a rich history. The staff at the museum were very professional and…read moreanswered all my questions thoroughly. The firearm collection is very extensive and goes beyond my highest expectations. We were immediately greeted at the front desk by Zack. He was very informative about the museum. 98% of the museum is made up of donations. About 8,000 firearms donated are in storage. Bill, one of the staff, was very helpful and talked about James Joseph "Whitey" Bulger Jr.. I was impressed at the arrangement of the firearms and how they were organized in a meaningful way. It would take many hours to go through and read all the exhibits. We spent about two hours there. I was very impressed with the exhibit of weapons used in Hollywood movies. I adored the exhibit with taxidermy animals especially the bear. The Buffalo Bill and George Washington exhibit were very eye catching as well. The most spectacular moment in the museum was hearing about and see an exhibit piece owned by one of America's most notorious criminals, Charles Manson. The museum curator, Ernie, gave me vivid details of how the gun was confiscated by the police. Admission to the museum is free and one of Fairfax's finest and unique local attractions. Strongly recommend this museum.

Over the last three months we've had 8 large prints and oils re-framed here. All came out great!…read more Of course, it's not cheap but I bet it's still cheaper than Michael's even with their discount coupons. Talented people work in this small shop and help guide you to the right matting, frame, and glass. Recommended!

This shop is pricy, slow, over-promise customers, AND make mistakes but won't admit. The…read morecraftsmanship is average. The owner handles artworks without care. Not recommended. Would not return.

This place is a community of makers. I've learned a lot so far, from woodworking to metalworking…read more Sewing, embroidery, Cnc milling, laser engrave and cutting, blacksmithing, there is so much to do and meetups with experts in the community. I joined about 2 years ago after Techshop shutdown, and I needed another place to continue my making needs. The hours is a little confusing at first, and they just recently revamped the website. So usually the makerspace is opened in the weekdays after 7pm and closes around 11pm-ish. Weekend I think is officially after 1pm til nighttime. On Friday nights there is alternating crafting and board game nights. And a tip for people who want to check it out, you don't have to wait for an open house specifically. To start, everyone has to take their "green go" class to learn the rules and structure of the place. (Keyword: community, it's all volunteer run). Then take the initial safety class per equipment and afterword you can either enter the lab by day passes, or pay $50/month to use the tools. There's another tier called key members that are community members that has contributed and volunteered, and are trusted with the keys to the place so you can go use the lab whenever. Definitely a really cool place!

This review is for the Operations only (I've watched YouTubes and have attended events in the past…read morethat were super cool, and I'm a fan of the maker community). Jennyfer was very rude, condescending, and unwelcoming to me. I have never felt so uncomfortable with anyone on the phone before. I emailed with an inquiry on availability for rental space and provided some ideas for volunteering that I could provide to the community. Not only did she imply that I had written "a lot of info to share via email," but then proceeded to ask me to what I wanted on the phone as if I was in an interrogation. She said, "Oh, I am sorry, I don't think you know who I am. Let me introduce myself....I manage Nova Labs and the Innovation Center... " This is unwarranted display of power and "gatekeeping" for a non-profit community organization. I had only visited the space several years ago when my friend had his office there. I am not aware of the politics or structure that she was implying about whether or not I was approvable in her eyes in becoming a member and volunteer with Nova Labs as well as whether I am qualified to rent an office space that should only be for"people who make things" not those who work at a desk. I make things using my computer and with my hands. Really disappointed and sad that this all just happened.

The Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition is worth checking out while it lasts until the end…read moreof August. It is easy to find once you are at Tysons Corner Center and isn't far from the entrance that leads to the Metro. They did a good job on disability access with both word and audio on the interactive guides. The exhibit is also very easy to navigate for those with wheelchairs and other mobility issues. The staff is also very friendly. It is a bit costly for the time it takes which is only about an hour, but is well worthwhile as it contains portraits and stories from her Official Royal Photographer, Anwar Hussain. We even took our favorite stuffed animal, Princess, who is a tribute to Diana which the staff loved.