Outdoor Family Adventures in Northern Virginia

Nestled amidst scenic landscapes, from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the picturesque banks of the Potomac River, Northern Virginia boasts a wealth of activities. Families can explore expansive parks, embark on picturesque hikes, or engage in water sports.

Northern Virginia provides an inviting playground for all kinds of families. Here are our recommendations for how to get outdoors and create memories with you family in Northern Virginia. 
 

Find Family-Friendly: Farm Visits | Hiking & Biking | Camping | History & Parks
 

On the Water

Splash Around with Harpers Ferry Adventure Center

From tubing and whitewater rafting to an aerial adventure course and ziplining, there is something everyone in the family can enjoy at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center in western Loudoun. Located on the banks of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, this is the perfect place to get on the water for a remote and relaxing afternoon.

Kayak, Paddleboard, and Boat — or Just Relax by the Waterfront

• Get all the gear and guidance you need from local businesses like Penguin Paddling and Hampton’s Landing Marina.
• Rent kayaks to explore the lakes, bays, and waterways of Fairfax County, from the scenic eagle-watching opportunities at Mason Neck State Park to the serene lakefront parks at Burke Lake or Lake Fairfax.
• Enjoy a family picnic (with takeout) at one of Alexandria’s vibrant waterfront parks on the Potomac River.

Farm Visits

Pick-Your-Own Fun at Great Country Farms

Take a scenic drive through the country for a stop at Great Country Farms. Featuring 400 acres, there is plenty of room to do everything from pick-your-own fruits and vegetables and visit animals to play a game of mini golf or fish in the pond.

Visit The Little Goat Farm at the Lake

Located on beautiful Lake Manassas in Prince William County, Virginia, The Little Goat Farm at the Lake provides guests healthy, sustainable food as well as goat, alpaca, llama, bee products, and free-range eggs. Enjoy special events such as Goat Yoga, Open House Farm Tours, Private Tours, Newborn Snuggling, & Private Parties. Reservations are required.

Snuggle Goats at Silver Maple Farm

Visitors to Silver Maple Farm in Berryville enjoy intimate goat experiences through their popular Goat Snuggle and Goat Yoga sessions. Held in a beautifully restored 1800s bank barn, these events offer a chance to interact with friendly goats in a serene setting. Each session is limited to 20 participants, ensuring a personal and relaxed atmosphere. Reservations are required. 

Fruit & Fresh Cider at F.T. Valley Farm

F.T. Valley Farm, nestled in Sperryville, offers a charming pick-your-own experience with more than 24 varieties of apples, peaches, and nectarines. Visitors can enjoy weekend activities such as guided hayrides, live bluegrass music, and local food vendors, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The farm also operates a market selling grass-fed beef, freshly pressed apple cider, jams, and other locally crafted goods, making it a delightful destination for families and day-trippers alike.

Experience Farm Life at Arcadia Farm

Plan ahead for a volunteer day at Arcadia Farm to help build garden beds, tend to the chickens, seeding and/or weeding, and learn about farm life.

Meet Baby Animals at Frying Pan Farm Park

Enjoy quality time with the farm animals (and babies!) at local favorite, Frying Pan Farm Park. The farm preserves and interprets farm life of the 1920s to 1950s, but is also home to a country store, old-time carousel, an equestrian center, and beautiful nature trails.    

Hasve a Berry Good Time at Mackintosh Fruit Farm         

​Mackintosh Fruit Farm in Berryville offers a delightful pick-your-own experience from May through October, featuring a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables such as peaches, blackberries, sunflowers, greens, and squash. Visitors can enjoy farm-fresh meals at The Kitchen, shop for local goods at the Market, and unwind with drinks and live music at the Cider Room, especially during Friday Happy Hours.

Hiking & Biking

Discover Theodore Roosevelt Island

Escape to the great outdoors in the middle of an urban environment with a trip to Theodore Roosevelt Island, a 91-acre wooded island sanctuary featuring miles of trails designed for hiking or running.

Walk along Neabsco Creek Boardwalk

This ¾ mile long boardwalk allows hikers access to wetlands where the tall grasses and marsh filter pollution from the river and provide a rich habitat for local animals and birds. Neabsco Creek Boardwalk is also part of the Potomac Heritage National Trail, which was established by Congress in 1983 designating an 800-mile trail network stretching from the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania to the Potomac River, winding through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. 

Spot Planes at Gravelly Point

Take a walk or a bike ride along the Mount Vernon Trail to Gravelly Point Park and watch planes fly to and from nearby Reagan National Airport. Its unique location, just a few hundred feet from the north end of Reagan's runway 1/19, makes it one of the best spots in the United States for airplane-spotting. Bring a picnic lunch, toss a ball or frisbee, and explore nearby trails on the Potomac River on your bike. 

Where to Rent Bikes in Northern Virginia 

Support local bicycle businesses while picking up a coffee or juice before hitting the bike trails in Fairfax County. A couple of great ones to start with that are located directly off the Washington & Old Dominion Trail (a 45-mile paved stretch through three counties) include Green Lizard Cycling in Herndon and The Bike Lane in Reston.

Bike into D.C. or along the riverside Mount Vernon Trail with rentals from Unlimited Biking or Pedego Electric Bikes in Alexandria. While cycling, scan the tidal marsh for creatures across the food chain, from darting fish to sun-tanning turtles to stately bald eagles. 

Camping

Leesylvania State Park

The picturesque Leesylvania State Park has five tent-only campsites — one large group campground and four individual campsites for visitors arriving by canoe or kayak. The group campsite contains several picnic tables, benches, running water, and a large fire pit with a grill top. There is also plenty of room for recreational activities in the large field adjacent to the campsite.

The individual sites are located near a small boat launch and contain a picnic table, a fire pit with grill top, and a lantern hook. Leesylvania State Park is known for great fishing, beaches with swimming areas and historical hiking trails.

A universally accessible fishing pier, playground, boat launch, boat storage area, snack bar and store, visitor center and gift shop are available. A 20-station fitness trail and canoe and kayak rentals also are available.

Algonkian Regional Park

Rent one of 12 vacation cottages along the Potomac River at Algonkian Regional Park in Loudoun. With decks, grills, full kitchens and multiple bedrooms, these cottages are perfect for a secluded vacation destination spot. While at the park, tee up at the 18-hole golf course, hike the trails or utilize the boat launch to get out on the water.

Prince William Forest Park

With 3 front-country campgrounds, 1 back-country campground and 5 cabin camps, Prince William Forest Park offers prime tent and RV camping in the Northern Virginia/DC area. 

The park gives visitors a unique opportunity to camp in, hike through, and explore 15,000 wooded acres filled with wildlife and more than 300 years of human history. Campers can enjoy an array of outdoor activities at the park including the 37 miles of hiking trails, on and off-road biking, bird watching, an orienteering coarse, as well as streams and ponds for fishing.

History, Parks & More

Get Your Steps in on a Great Walk

Explore self-guided Great Walks in Alexandria with themes ranging from centuries-spanning architecture to photo-friendly artwork to expansive Black history and more. For each walk, check out our accompanying Google Map to plan your route—though you’ll be tempted (and welcome) to detour.

Visit the Air Force Memorial

Located on a beautiful hillside vista, the Air Force Memorial honors the service and sacrifice of U.S. airmen with three stainless steel spires evoking an image of jet and space vehicle flight. The Air Force Memorial is open to the public, and admission and parking are free. The memorial is located adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and is about a mile walk from both Pentagon City Station and Pentagon Station.

Explore Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park

The wooded, 38-acre Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park is a sensory experience for your tots with a log cabin, interactive exhibits and a working blacksmith’s forge. Other great Arlington parks include Quincy Park near Virginia Square and Rocky Run Park in Clarendon.

Swing through the Trees at Go Ape

Soar through the forests on one of the four courses offered at Go Ape Zip Line & Treetop Adventure in Springfield. Kids and adults will find the courses challenging and fun. 

Meet Wild Animals at NOVA Wild

Meet kangaroo joeys and capybaras, spot cheetahs and lemurs, and drive through an interactive safari featuring Asian water buffalo, emu, and zebras, all at NOVA Wild in Vienna. 

Travel through Time at Colvin Run Mill

Colvin Run Mill is an often overlooked 19th century historic site that is home to a working waterwheel, miller’s house and blacksmith forge, scenic walking areas, and a general store where you can purchase cornmeal and flour that was produced on site.

Learn & Hike at George Mason's Gunston Hall

Learn about the life of Founding Father George Mason, the father of the Bill of Rights, at his iconic home, Gunston Hall. Archaeology and hiking opportunities are exciting add-ons to the mansion tour.
 

Keep planning your Northern Virginia vacation with our complete city guides. Just choose your destination! 

• Alexandria
• Arlington
• Fairfax County
• Prince William County
• Middleburg