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Early Childhood

Tips for Shopping With Little Ones

Jenny L. Heinbaugh
August 1, 2019

How can parents plan for a successful shopping trip or simply get out of the house and enjoy their local shopping center? Whether it be something to do in the summer to combat boredom or getting started on back-to-school shopping, below are suggestions how little ones can enjoy the shopping experience as well!

TOP TIPS

  • Play Areas: Clarksburg Premium Outlets and Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets offer play areas for little ones to get the wiggles out in between stores or to explore while one parent shops.

  • Westfield PlaySpace (Montgomery and Wheaton): Let your little ones have fun while you keep a close eye on the action. Kids can climb and explore the bright, colorful play area filled with animal characters, large puzzles and plenty of space to stretch those active little legs.

  • While shopping, kids will love the Washington Nationals Play Park, the Carousel and The Dulles Town Center Express Train at Dulles Town Center Mall.

  • Walking/Bike Trails: Clarksburg Premium Outlets is conveniently located near multiple bike and walking trails. Kids can look forward to taking a fun ride through the trails after shopping for those cool new shoes.

  • Take a Break From Walking: Shoppers at Clarksburg Premium Outlets and Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets can take a tour of the centers and window shop by train! The pay-per-ride option is a great way to entertain little train enthusiasts and allow them to take a quick break from walking.

  • Westfield Family Lounge (Montgomery and Wheaton): Need to relax, recharge, or just catch your breath? The Family Lounge is a comfortable area where you and your little ones can take a break from shopping. This special spot for families features toys, kid-friendly TV programs, private nursing areas and baby changing stations.

  • Snacks: No shopping trip at Clarksburg is complete without a quick pit stop at the pretzel or ice cream shop to re-energize and continue shopping!

  • Free Pizza: What kid doesn’t love pizza? Every Wednesday, children can enjoy a free cheese pizza with a paying adult at Clarksburg Premium Outlets’ Rise Pies Handcrafted Pizza.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL TAX-FREE SHOPPING

Maryland Tax Free Week is Sunday, August 11 – Saturday, August 17

Virginia Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is Friday, August 2 – Sunday, August 4

BACK-TO-SCHOOL STEAM FAIR

Washington Parent Magazine is Kicking-Off the start of Maryland Tax-Free Week, August 11-17 with a

Back-To-School

STEAM FAIR

(Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Math)

at Clarksburg Premium Outlets – A Simon Center

(Exit 18 OFF I270, Conveniently Located Just 10 Miles North of Shady Grove Road)

Sunday, August 11, 2019; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Introduce your family to exciting STEAM programs for kids of all ages and speak one-on-one with representatives.

  • Coding, Robotics & Gaming

  • Dance, Music & Movement

  • Science Demonstrations

  • Mommy & Me

  • Animal Encounters

  • Community Resources

Enjoy a FREE, Family-Fun Fair:

  • Giveaways & Prizes

  • Face Painting, Moon Bounce, Balloon Twisting

  • Entertainment Stage

  • Musical Entertainers, Dancers & More

  • Back-to-School Savings

  • Complimentary VIP Savings Passport at Guest Services Kiosk with Discounts at 40+retailers