Things to Do on Maternity Leave in Alexandria — And Beyond
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! While you may enjoy cuddling up with your new baby at home, after a while, you’re probably going to want to get out and about. There are so many fun things to do on maternity leave in Alexandria — for both mom and baby! Whether you’re looking for a way to get back into shape, meet other moms, and/or find a class suitable for your baby, there’s an option for you. So read on for our list of the best things to do on maternity leave in Alexandria.
FITNESS
Mind the Mat
2214 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301
Mind the Mat offers fantastic Mom and Baby yoga classes (aimed at pre-crawling babies). These classes do it all – get you out of the house, back in shape, and meeting other new moms! No prior yoga experience is necessary for these classes. Many of the poses are done with baby in arms (or sleeping babies stay next to you during class). The closing relaxation includes infant massage! No previous yoga experience is necessary and poses are modified as needed. Breastfeeding and changing diapers during class are welcome. Mind the Mat also offers Mom and Baby Pilates for moms who are at least six weeks postpartum.
FIT4MOM
FIT4MOM is a fitness program designed specifically for moms — in every stage of motherhood. Its signature class, Stroller Strides, is a total-body workout designed for moms with kids in tow (though not required!). The class consists of strength training, cardio and core work, all while entertaining the kids with songs and activities! Classes are offered in locations (both indoors and out) throughout Alexandria. FIT4MOM also offers mothers-only social events and playgroups.
Barre3
277 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Allison highly recommends Barre3 in Old Town. Not only does she love the fusion ballet-yoga-Pilates classes but also its fantastic childcare. Barre3’s “Play Lounge” is offered during its morning classes (reservations are highly recommended). Barre3 has onsite showers as well so you can even shower in peace after your class.
Old Town Sport and Health
209 Madison Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
The Old Town Sport and Health now has a Kids Club playroom, allowing you to take advantage of the club’s fantastic facilities (including a virtual cycle studio, a turf workout area and much more) and comprehensive group fitness offerings while baby is under professional care. The Kids Club is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday – Thursday evenings from 5 – 8 p.m. — plus weekends!
CLASSES FOR BABY
Music Together Alexandria
Music Together is a well-known program that develops kids’ natural enthusiasm for music and movement. Its 45-minute classes are designed for children from infancy to age five. Ten week-sessions are offered at two Alexandria churches. Not sure yet? Sign up for a free demo here. Live in the Mount Vernon area?.
The Little Gym of Alexandria at Van Dorn
291 South Van Dorn Street
The Little Gym of Alexandria offers expertly designed parent-child movement classes for babies from four months and up. These classes are a great way to meet other parents too! Check it out with a free demo class. When the baby is a bit older, you can take advantage of The Little Gym’s Parents’ Survival Night (for kids ages 3 – 12), plus its gymnastics, karate, sports, dance classes and summer camps.
Live in South Alexandria? No problem. Another LIttle Gym is located in the Huntley Meadows area of Alexandria (6911 Telegraph Road)
FUN FOR MOM
Crybaby Matinee at Angelika Theater
2911 District Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22031
Check out this high-tech boutique cinema in Fairfax’s Mosaic District for a baby-friendly movie every Monday at 11 a.m. Relax and enjoy grown-up films without worrying about your baby crying or needing to be fed. The lights are dim, the volume is low, and the theater even has a changing table in the back. Best of all? The tickets are just $8! You can also enjoy a fantastic latte or savory bite from its cafe during the show.
Walk The Malls
Tyson’s Corner Center
8075 Tysons Corner Center, McLean, VA 22102 
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City
1100 S. Hayes Street, Arlington, VA 22202
Feeling cooped up? Head over to Tyson’s Corner Center or Pentagon City Mall and do some laps around the mall with the baby in the stroller. Check out the great stores then head to the Nordstrom’s Women’s Lounge. This area, designed just for moms, is peaceful, cozy, and private for when you need to feed the baby or just take a rest. You can also grab a coffee at Ebar or lunch at Marketplace Cafe, both right within Nordstrom’s.
Be sure to check out our post on stroller friendly restaurants in Alexandria (LINK).
MOMS Club of Alexandria NE
This is a fantastic group for moms living in zip codes 22301, 22302, 22305 and 22314. This local chapter of the national MOMS (MOMS Offering Moms Support) Club offers special events, regular playgroups, Moms’ Night Out, sunshine meals (for new moms), a book club, a running club, and much more. If you don’t live within these boundaries, find your local MOMS club here.
The Bottom Line
From Pilates to playgroups, from movement to movies, there are so many great options for both mom and baby to stay occupied during maternity leave. Alexandria is home to countless opportunities that will make this special time even more memorable.
Did we miss your favorite things to do on maternity leave in Alexandria? Please drop us a line and let us know so we can add it to our list.
