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Fun in Fairfax VA
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  • 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.

Dyke Marsh and Mount Vernon Trail Hikes Near DC

Dyke Marsh boardwalk in spring

Hike through the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve and part of the Mount Vernon Trail for beautiful views of a Potomac River freshwater tidal wetland near Washington DC. These easy out-and-back … Read more

Huntley Meadows Park Wetlands and Boardwalk Trail in Northern VA

Unique Wetland at Huntley Meadows Park in Northern Virginia

Huntley Meadows Park is a hidden gem of Northern Virginia with a half-mile accessible boardwalk, woodland trails, and a unique hemi-marsh wildlife habitat. The park is one of those great … Read more

Short Hikes to Overlooks with Beautiful Virginia Views

Hawksbill Summit View Shenandoah NP

These fun short hikes lead to overlooks with gorgeous Virginia views, from easy walks near DC to more challenging climbs in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The short hikes on our list … Read more

Visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond Virginia

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden tulips and Conservatory, Richmond Virginia

What better way to celebrate nature’s beauty than with a relaxing stroll through the paths and Conservatory of the beautiful Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Virginia. In spring you’ll find an … Read more

Difficult Run Hike to the Potomac River on the Fairfax Cross County Trail

Colorful Fall Foliage on the Difficult Run Trail, one of the Best Fall Hikes in Northern Virginia

The Difficult Run trail is one of our favorite short hikes close to Washington DC. The hike follows a beautiful, shady stream and passes through the eastern side of Great … Read more

US National Park Pass: How to Purchase and Special Discounts

annual US national park pass

A US National Park Pass covers entrance fees to over 2000 parks and recreation sites across the United States, giving travelers budget access to some of America’s most beautiful public … Read more

Hike Riverbend Park to Great Falls Park on an Easy Riverside Trail

Hike Riverbend Park to Great Falls Park and enjoy an easy 3-mile trip with beautiful Potomac River and waterfall views. This is one of our favorite family hikes in Northern … Read more

10 Great Falls Park Alternatives When Entry Lines Are Long

View of the Potomac, Riverbend Park, Great Falls VA

Here are 10 Great Falls Park alternatives worth visiting when park entry lines back up with crowds clamoring for scenery, picnic spots, and time with friends and family. You will not enjoy the same … Read more

Beautiful Rose River Loop Hike: Shenandoah National Park Waterfalls

Rose River Loop Hike Shenandoah National Park VA

The Rose River Loop Hike is one of the most scenic waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park Virginia because it follows falls and cascades for more than half of its … Read more

Big Devils Stairs Hike to a View in Shenandoah National Park Virginia

View from Big Devil Stairs hike Shenandoah Virginia

The Big Devils Stairs hike is a moderate 5.5-mile out and back trip to a beautiful viewpoint at the edge of a gorge, in the North District of Shenandoah National … Read more

Hiking and Eagles on the Mason Neck Peninsula in Northern Virginia

Bay View Trail boardwalk Mason Neck SP

With 9,000 acres of national, state and regional parkland, the Mason Neck peninsula in Fairfax County, Northern Virginia is an overachiever of exploring fun. One of our FuninFairfaxVa Facebook friends described … Read more

6 Favorite Scenic Places to Relax in Fairfax County Virginia

Rockers near the entrance to Meadowlark Botanical Garden

Beautiful weather makes us want to take a hike, but it also makes us want to chill. Here are 6 scenic places to relax and soak up nature’s beauty on a lovely … Read more

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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.

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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.

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