It's that time of year again when back-to-school commercials appear on every channel, reminding families to start shopping for the new school year once again. Let's welcome the new school year with a fresh new wardrobe, the coolest school supplies, and the best deals on budget-friendly gear from some of Fairfax County's best retail shopping centers. Ensure your kids start the school year strong and finish even stronger with the ultimate back-to-school guide, featuring the best shops and local Fairfax County Back to School events to bid farewell to summer. Buckle up everyone, because class is back in session.
Ready, set, learn!
Fairfax Corner
A premier hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, Fairfax Corner has everything you need for back to school to make it your best year yet. Update your wardrobe with backpacks or packable jackets from REI or 15% off on clothing from LOFT (deal for students and teachers only). Find the perfect new running shoes for upcoming sports tryouts from Potomac River Running. Students from preschool to high school age can receive 15% off items purchased and teachers can receive 10% off items purchased. Create the dorm of your dreams with furniture and room decor from the new IKEA Plan and Order Point storefront. An onsite team is available here to ensure you receive your purchases in a timely fashion. Additionally, The Nest Egg offers stationery supplies, agendas, and more dorm decor items to help you achieve your academic goals in a productive, personalized study space. Students looking to get a break from the books can look forward to great deals on entertainment spots within Fairfax Corner. College students can get a special student discount to watch their favorite movies at the Cinemark Fairfax Corner 14 Theater. Escapology is also offering discounted escape room games for students and faculty (at a minimum of 4 people in a group) - only $19.99 per person on Tuesdays!
Fair Oaks Mall
Courtesy Fair Oaks Mall
Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax is a top shopping destination, offering more than 160 stores and services to help students get ready for the new school year. Find all the staples, from the perfect first-day outfit (because there will be photos) to all the essential supplies for success. Shopping is always exciting, but the deals make it even better. For instance, Vans offers 30% off all backpacks when you buy new shoes—perfect for starting the year with fresh footwear and a stylish backpack. Plus, Vera Bradley has a major sale on their backpacks, and don't forget to pick up a matching lunchbox! Just because school is starting doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. The Children's Science Center Lab is bringing excitement to learning with their interactive museum to dive into the world of STEM. All learners are welcome to explore a rotating selection of experiments at the Experiment Bar and test their building skills at the Tinker Shop as they tackle engineering design challenges.
Mosaic District
Mosaic District is a trendy, upscale shopping center with a plethora of shops for your back-to-school essentials. Students can eat in style with monogrammed lunchboxes with bento box containers from Pottery Barn. Choose delicious and nutritious lunchbox goodies to fill these with from Mom's Organic Market. Keep your school notes and events organized with journals, pens, stationery, and more from Paper Source. The store also offers fun school supplies such as stickers and watercolors to create a fun learning experience for students. Plus, find textbooks, fun reads, or even more stationery options at the Barnes and Noble located in the shopping center. Last but not least, check out Mosaic's District's newest clothing store: Southern Tide! Adding a bit of Southern and coastal inspiration to their clothes, students can create the perfect back-to-school outfit to look professional and put together to start the new year.
Reston Town Center
Reston Town Center is a popular outdoor destination, featuring more than 50 retailers and hosting iconic events throughout the year and the back-to-school season is no exception! Come celebrate a new era of learning with family fun entertainment! Reston is pulling all the stops with face painting, beloved character visits, free ice cream, and to elevate your style, special fairy flitter hair styling. Afterward, shop at Scrawl Books for art supplies, journals, and new books for those much-needed textbook breaks.
Springfield Town Center
Springfield Town Center offers a unique shopping experience with a wide array of fashion, retail, and entertainment options. Spend the day exploring premier clothing and shoe stores and don't miss stopping at the LEGO Discovery Center to kick off back-to-school season with a smile. There's no doubt that children are attracted to all things Disney or Nintendo-themed, so head to BoxLunch to find Pokémon backpacks and Strawberry Shortcake hoodies, and be sure to check their full list of back-to-school must-haves here. For a new 'do, visit Cartoon Cuts, where kids will instantly be entertained and walk out with a stylish new look!
Tysons Corner Center
Tysons Corner Center is home to more than 300 world-class stores and some of the best restaurants in the DMV area, making it one of the top 10 shopping centers in America. Head to Tysons Corner Center for all the "who’s who" of retail, including the newest addition, Primark, which as the only location of Primark in Virginia is offering the latest trends at the best prices. For more back-to-school looks, Cotton on Kids offers a great selection for all students. Keep a lookout for Encanto-themed water bottles, bags, tees, and art supplies at the CAMP retail shop (plus, explore the Madrigal's Casita itself behind a speakeasy-style door within the store!). Mark your calendars for August 10 as the Children’s Entrepreneur Market comes to The Plaza for a back-to-school bash featuring handmade products and inventions to support young business owners. Think of it as a farmers’ market but run entirely by kids, teaching them the power of entrepreneurship and leadership.
Tysons Galleria
Tysons Galleria is home to some of the finest upscale shops in the area and a wide selection of boutiques for trending back-to-school shopping. Lily Pulitzer has some of the prettiest school accessories known for their iconic floral and fun prints. Stay organized with their agenda bonus pack, walk the halls with a new printed backpack, and keep all your gadgets tidy with their tech pouch set. Once there, you might as well browse their comfortable dresses and skirts, perfect for recess. Need a new set of uniforms? Vineyard Vines' back-to-school deals should be your first stop. Find backpacks, lunch boxes, and clothes to prepare for the fall breeze. Before school starts, take advantage of Bowlero's Summer Season Pass specials, including two free rounds of bowling, free shoe rental, arcade games, and food and beverage discounts. A little family competition won't hurt anybody!
Want more? Check out these fun back-to-school events happenings:
Back to School Bash
This free event at Taco Rock in Oakton is a great way for families to relax and spend time together before the new school year! From moon-bouncing to face painting along with delicious tacos available for guests to buy, there is plenty for families to enjoy at the bash.
Parent & Me Class: Back To School Cookie Decorating Class
With instruction from professional Chef Dawn Alston of Navy Cakes, parents and their children can learn tips and tricks on the cookie decorating process at Fran's Cake and Candy Supplies in Fairfax. Participants can package their cookie concoctions at the end of class to bring home to enjoy with their families and receive a discount on supplies from the shop too! Register today for this fun bonding experience.
Family Skate and Dance Night-Back To School Flashback to the '90s and '00s
Enjoy a groovy night of fun at a Family Skate and Dance Night! Dance the night away to '90s and '00s music while showing off your era-inspired outfits! Refreshments are provided and tickets are only $10. Purchase yours today and enjoy a fun night to remember with family.
Deals:
Head to Noodles & Company's for an exclusive catering discount for the back-to-school season from 8/12 - 9/13. Start the school year with plenty of fuel and order a delicious catered meal.
There are only twelve days of summer vacation left before school starts and, as Phineas and Ferb put it, "The annual problem for our generation is finding a good way to spend it." So, before the school bell rings, make the most of your summer with trips to splash pads and spray grounds, attending summer concerts, and checking out the ultimate guide to free summer activities in Fairfax County! Share your best deal snags with us on social using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax.
