Skip to content
Fun in Fairfax VA
Fun in Fairfax VA
  • Home
  • Explore
    • Towns and Cities
    • Parks and Nature
    • Hike and Bike
    • History and Museums
  • Events / Seasonal
    • Holiday Season
  • Dine/Drink
  • Getaways
  • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Press + Collaborations
    • Disclosures + Usage
  • Home
  • Explore
    • Towns and Cities
    • Parks and Nature
    • Hike and Bike
    • History and Museums
  • Events / Seasonal
    • Holiday Season
  • Dine/Drink
  • Getaways
  • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Press + Collaborations
    • Disclosures + Usage

Parks + Nature

Parks in Northern Virginia offer DC area residents and visitors beautiful places to enjoy nature and fun activities for kids and families. The region boasts a huge collection of national, regional, county, and town parks including waterfront parks at local lakes and along the Potomac River. Nature trails, playgrounds, marinas, and kid-friendly features like miniature trains and carousels offer fun for every age.

15 Best Nature Trails in Northern Virginia for Wildflowers and Wildlife

Bluebells at Riverbend Park, one of the Best Nature Trails in Northern Virginia

Here are the best nature trails in Northern Virginia (and nearby) to see wildflowers in bloom and wildlife at play. We have personally hiked every trail on our list, and … Read more

30 Fun Spring Bucket List Adventures in Virginia DC Maryland

High Potomac River Fills Mather Gorge from the River Trail at Great Falls Park

Our spring bucket list will inspire a whole season of fun outings for every age and ability in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland. Whether you are active or relaxed, adults-only … Read more

New NOVA Wild Reston Zoo Opens with Light Show

NOVA Wild Great Migration Light Show at the Reston Zoo in Northern Virginia

The NOVA Wild Reston zoo in Northern Virginia is back with a new name, new management, and the return of favorite animal experiences. Formerly Roer’s Zoofari, the animal park’s popular … Read more

Green Spring Gardens: An Oasis of Beauty and History

Pond at Green Spring Gardens

Green Spring Gardens packs a lot into its 31 acres—demonstration gardens, a horticulture center and library, ponds, and a network of paved and natural paths. Designated a National Historic Site, the … Read more

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Virginia, DC, and Maryland

Pink Blooms at the Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial one of the Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC, photo by Charles McCool of McCoolTravel

This complete guide to where to see cherry blossoms in Virginia, DC, and Maryland includes popular and hidden locations plus my tips on when and how to see the blooms. … Read more

See Stunning Kenwood Cherry Blossoms in Maryland (a DC Alternative)

A canopy of cherry blossoms in the Kenwood Maryland neighborhood

Visit the Kenwood cherry blossoms to see a stunning display of blooming cherry trees in a quaint Bethesda Maryland neighborhood. The Kenwood neighborhood is one of the best places to … Read more

Beautiful Burke Lake Park Outdoor Fun in Northern Virginia

Fall Foliage at Burke Lake Park in Virginia

Visit beautiful Burke Lake Park in Northern Virginia to hike, bike, paddle, camp, and enjoy family fun at Fairfax County’s largest lake. This Northern Virginia gem is a fun year-round destination with … Read more

National Park Free Entrance Days in the United States

Sunset view from the Stony Man Overlook on Skyline Drive

2025 National Park free entrance days offer an extra incentive to visit new and favorite United States parks. On these special days, all National Parks waive admission fees, and many … Read more

Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day in Northern Virginia

Class at Huntley Meadows

The annual National Kids to Parks Day is celebrated with special events at parks across the country. Sponsored by the National Parks Trust, the event encourages kids to appreciate nature and public lands and … Read more

5 Ways to Enjoy Fall Foliage in Shenandoah National Park

Mid-October Fall Foliage in Shenandoah National Park View from The Pinnacle

Enjoy fall foliage in Shenandoah National Park with these 5 ways to explore the lush nature and sweeping views from Skyline Drive. Our tips will help you get the most … Read more

Visit Beautiful Sky Meadows State Park in Northern Virginia

Colorful Fall Foliage at Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area in Northern Virginia

Visit Sky Meadows State Park in Northern Virginia for beautiful hiking, scenic views, history, star-gazing, fishing, and family-friendly events. The park is perfect for a day trip from Washington DC, just … Read more

Theodore Roosevelt Island Hike at the Edge of Washington DC

Arlington Footbridge to Theodore Roosevelt Island

A Theodore Roosevelt Island hike offers an unexpected slice of nature at the edge of DC, with a network of dirt paths, a long boardwalk, an interesting tidal marsh, and … Read more

Older posts
Newer posts
← Previous Page1 Page2 Page3 … Page7 Next →
Julie McCool is a travel writer and the creator of Fun in Fairfax VA a Northern Virginia travel blog.

Join me, Julie McCool, and explore the best of Northern Virginia parks, hikes, historic sites, restaurants, breweries, wineries, seasonal events, and more. I'm a Northern Virginia local, so you get first-hand tips and accurate information.

My Virginia travel guides are a resource for residents and visitors alike. Go beyond the standard tourist spots and discover fun things to do in Virginia, the Washington DC region, and beyond.

Amazon Affiliate Program Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Join us on Social Media

  • About Us
  • Press and Media
  • Disclosures / Privacy Policy
  • Contact Fun in Fairfax VA

Find Your Fun

  • Blog
  • Towns + Cities
  • Parks + Nature
  • Hike + Bike
  • Events + Seasonal
  • Dine + Drink
  • Getaways

Disclosure

Some of the links in articles may be affiliate links where we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only link to products/services we recommend.

About Us

Join me, Julie McCool, and discover fun things to do in Virginia, the Washington DC region, and beyond. I'm a Northern Virginia local, so you get first-hand tips and accurate information.

©2025 Fun in Fairfax VA