Best Things to Do in Fairfax County, VA

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View of the rocky shorelines of Great Falls Park, one of the best things to do in Fairfax County, VA

Homebuyers looking to relocate to the Northern Virginia area will not only find themselves conveniently close to major cities like Washington, DC, Alexandria, and Arlington but also surrounded by some of the best things to do in Fairfax County, VA, that are fun, educational, and adventurous.

Summary:

Best Things to Do in Fairfax County, Virginia, Overall
Outdoor Activities in Fairfax County, VA
Historical Attractions in Fairfax County, VA
Fun Family Things to Do in Fairfax County, VA
Fairfax County Theatre Events
Best Things to Do in Fairfax County, VA, Conclusion

Best Things to Do in Fairfax County, Virginia, Overall

Who says the suburbs aren’t as fun as the cities? The suburbs of Northern Virginia prove otherwise, thanks to the seemingly endless list of fun things to do in Fairfax County, VA. Here are a few of our favorite activities in the area:

Go golfing: One of the top Fairfax County attractions is the area’s golf courses. The area is covered with pristine courses featuring a variety of difficulty levels. These courses are open all year, weather permitting, and sprinkled throughout the county. In fact, Pulte® new construction homes in Fairfax, VA, are just eight miles from the Burke Lake Golf Course, making it easy for residents to enjoy a round of 18 any day of the week.

Sample and socialize: Fairfax County has several wineries and breweries, perfect for a date night or an outing with friends. These are great spots to try a new or beloved drink and enjoy the local scenery of northern Virginia. Residents can also purchase a Locally Poured Field Guide Savings Pass, where each stop in the guide gives paying customers a gift with their purchase, such as a magnet, sticker, or a discount on their bill.

Get creative: Whether you’re planning a night out, looking for a fun spot to have a celebration, or want to try your hand at the arts, Fairfax County has several shops offering the chance to create DIY projects, such as painting classes, pottery creation, and candle making.

Visit the Workhouse Arts Center: This one-of-a-kind attraction is one of the more unique Fairfax County things to do. The Workhouse Arts Foundation renovated a former prison and turned it into this magical space for art, creation, and community. Showcasing art exhibitions, as well as classes and workshops for both adults and children, the center hosts several community events throughout the year, such as their annual Haunted Trail. The center also houses the Lorton Prison Museum and a theatre for performing art.

Explore nearby cities: When you live in Fairfax County, you gain easy access to the nation’s capital. A free Saturday is a perfect opportunity to browse the museums and monuments of Washington, DC. You could also visit nearby Arlington and Alexandria, with Arlington being less than seven miles from Pulte new construction homes in Vienna, VA.

Indulge in shopping: Fairfax County is home to an abundance of malls and shopping centers, like Springfield Town Center, Fair Oaks Mall, Reston Town Center, and Tyson’s Corner Center. Another popular spot is the Mosaic District, a 31-acre shopping area with a weekly farmers market, well-known brands, local boutiques, restaurants, and public art displays. The area has so many murals that visitors can take a self-guided tour to see them all.

Kayakers on the Potomac River near waterfalls, one of the things to do in Fairfax County, Virginia

Outdoor Activities in Fairfax County, VA

Fairfax County offers outdoor adventures that rival the things to do in Loudoun County. While the county’s proximity to Washington, DC, and other major northern Virginia cities have their fair share of appealing activities, don’t overlook the many outdoor recreational options available to you in Fairfax County, such as beautiful waterways, trails perfect for hiking or biking, and plenty of scenic views. Here are a few must-visit outdoor Fairfax County attractions:

Lake Fairfax Park: Spanning almost 500 acres, Lake Fairfax Park is a popular spot. Visitors have access to a skate park, water park, biking and hiking trails, sports fields, and campgrounds. The park also has an events calendar, including classes and camps.

Burke Lake Park: Another popular spot, Burke Lake Park, has an astonishing 888 acres and a 4.7-mile trail that loops the lake it’s named after, offering areas for fishing, boating, and camping. You can take a bike on the trails, or kids can hop on the carousel or miniature train. There are mini golf and disc golf courses. Burke Lake Park also has an events calendar with classes, camps, and special events.

Mason Neck State Park: This state park sits on the border of Virginia and Maryland, and its peninsula shape means it’s surrounded by water on most sides. Be sure to check the park’s website before visiting so you can make the most of your trip, as the hours and options change slightly with the seasons, such as the availability of kayaking and canoeing launches. However, what remains unchanged is the miles and miles of paved and unpaved hiking and biking trails open for exploration. Thanks to the Friends of Mason Neck State Park, the park now has enhanced access with four trails of varying accessibility levels for wheelchairs and walking aids.

Fountainhead Regional Park: If you’re looking for a spot to go mountain bike riding, Fountainhead Regional Park should be on your list. In addition to the trails for biking, the park has equestrian and hiking trails, as well as launches for kayaks, paddleboards, and boats on the Occoquan Reservoir.

Great Falls Park: The only U.S. national park on our list is Great Falls Park, which gained this designation in 1966. The park covers 800 acres along the Potomac River and offers children’s programs and guided tours. You can go fishing, boating, climbing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Pack a picnic, go bird watching, and then end the day with a view of the Great Falls the park is named after. Be sure to also learn about the Patowmack Canal, a national historic landmark.

W&OD Trail: The Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park, or W&OD Trail, covers multiple counties in Virginia, including Fairfax. You can hop on and off this converted railroad track (which covers 45 miles) at several locations. You’ll want to figure out the best path, depending on if you’re biking, hiking, or skating.

Historical Attractions in Fairfax County, VA

Northern Virginia is steeped in history, and these renowned spots are popular Fairfax County tourist attractions:

Mount Vernon: Unique to Fairfax County is the home and final resting place of George Washington, America’s first president, and it’s one of the best things to do in Fairfax County, Virginia, especially for history buffs. Mount Vernon sits along the Potomac River in the southeastern part of the county. Walk onto the wharf, reconstructed in 1880, and gaze out over the river, view Washington’s home, numerous gardens, a farm, a distillery and gristmill, and explore two museums. In 2025, the purchase of one ticket allows you to return as many times as you’d like for the rest of the year.

Gunston Hall: Twelve miles south of Mount Vernon is Gunston Hall, home to another Founding Father, George Mason. Explore the house and grounds, go for a hike, or browse the museum.

Colvin Run Mill Historic Site: This historic site includes a mill, a general store, and a blacksmith shop. The mill, still in working condition, was built in the early 1800s. The general store is now a museum with items on display that would have been sold when the store was functional from the 1890s to the 1940s. In addition to browsing the buildings, the area has hiking trails to explore.

A family plays with paper boats by the shore of a lake, one of the Fairfax County things to do

Fun Family Things to Do in Fairfax County, VA

Fairfax County has plenty of things to do for families, including several local parks with playgrounds, sports fields, trails, and plenty of fun spaces for kids to explore. Whether you’re seeking things to do during summer vacation or on a rainy day, these are a few local favorites for every household:

Clemyjontri Park: This unique and colorful playground was built to be accessible to all children, offering ramps and rubber surfaces so kids of all abilities can easily interact and play together.

Nottoway Park: In addition to sports courts and a trail, this park hosts “Nottoway Nights” each summer, which are free public concerts. Check the park’s website for an updated calendar of events.

Fairfax festivals and events: The City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation Department offers events throughout the year, such as the Chocolate Lovers Festivals, Easter egg hunt, July 4th celebration, holiday markets around Thanksgiving and Christmas, a festival of lights in December, and more.

Jolly Yolly Kids Indoor Playground: Perfect for a rainy day (or any day!), this indoor playground is ideal for parents with energetic and playful children. The Fairfax location also has camps throughout the year. In addition to making our list, Jolly Yolly has a 4.7-star rating on Google, with more than 600 reviews as of February 2025.

Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods: This program is offered by the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, mentioned below, has a program. During the summer months (June–August), kids can enjoy interactive concerts, puppet shows, live music, and more. Before or after a show, have a picnic in the meadow or explore the rest of the park.

Fairfax County Theatre Events

One of the top things to do in Fairfax County, VA, is to attend performances at local venues. These spots offer excellent entertainment options that can appeal to all ages:

City of Fairfax Theatre Company: Enjoy new shows each season, from Shakespearean classics to contemporary musicals.

Capital One® Hall: This venue offers shows from local nonprofits and traveling companies, as well as tribute bands and comedy tours. The space also features Broadway in Tysons performances.

Soricha Tea & Theater: Sip Korean tea while you enjoy a traditional Korean performance. Reviewers on Google also rave about this venue, giving it 4.7 stars as of February 2025 and praising the restaurant’s beverages and desserts.

Union Stage Presents: A team of three brothers, the Brindley Brothers, have been snatching up spots around Fairfax County and turning them into popular arts and nightlife venues, including a movie theater and a pizza joint.

Center for the Arts: Located at George Mason University, this venue supports budding artists on their journey, serving as a stage for the university’s students and international performers.

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts: Here, you’ll find the only national park with land specifically dedicated to the performing arts. From May through September, Wolf Trap hosts live music and musicals surrounded by the park’s natural beauty.