Live Fairfax: Ultimate summer fun — Fairfax County family bucket list

Sponsor June 9, 2023 at 12:33pm

Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.

Get ready to make this summer an epic adventure for your family in Fairfax County!

From thrilling outdoor escapades to cultural discoveries and delectable delights, we’ve compiled the ultimate Summer Family Bucket List to ensure an unforgettable season of fun. So put on your sunscreen, grab your shades, and join us as we explore the best activities and hidden gems that our area has to offer.

Get ready to create memories that will have your family reminiscing for years to come, because this summer, Fairfax County is the place to be for excitement, laughter, and quality time together.

Let the summer adventures begin!

Visit Great Falls Park: Explore the beautiful Great Falls Park located along the Potomac River. Enjoy scenic views, hiking trails, and picnic areas perfect for a family day out.
Explore the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: Located near Dulles International Airport, this museum features an impressive collection of aviation and space artifacts. It’s a great place for kids and adults alike to learn and be inspired.
Spend a day at Mount Vernon: Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate and gardens. Take a tour of the mansion, visit the museum, and learn about the life of the first U.S. president. The property also hosts special events during the summer.
Enjoy water activities at Lake Fairfax Park: Rent paddleboats or go fishing at Lake Fairfax Park. The park also offers a water park, hiking trails, and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for a family outing.
Explore Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: Discover the beauty of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with its stunning landscapes, colorful flowers, and serene walking paths. The Children’s Garden section is especially designed to engage and entertain young visitors.
Take a trip to the National Zoo: So, this one is not located in Fairfax County, but the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is so close. Home to a wide variety of animals, it’s the perfect place to explore exhibits, attend animal feedings and demonstrations, and enjoy a fun-filled day surrounded by wildlife.
Attend a Rock the Block summer concert at Old Town Square in Downtown Fairfax or outdoor movie Films in the Park at Mosaic: Many parks and town centers in Fairfax County offer free summer concerts and outdoor movie screenings.
Discover the Workhouse Arts Center: Visit the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, where you can explore galleries, attend art classes, and enjoy live performances. The center often hosts family-friendly events and exhibitions.
Go on a nature hike: Fairfax County offers numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. Check out parks like Burke Lake Park, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, and Hemlock Overlook Regional Park for beautiful trails suitable for families.
Enjoy a day at the water park: Cool off at one of the water parks in Fairfax County, such as Atlantis Waterpark in Centreville or the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole in Reston. These parks offer slides, pools, and water play areas perfect for summer fun.