Family Friendly

Young families looking for fun can look for giraffes and cheetahs on an open-air safari bus tour at the 30-acre Roer’s Zoofari in Fairfax County. Roer’s Zoofari even has special activities for little ones, including birthday parties, field trips, and animal encounters with your child’s favorite animal.

Swim, splash and slide the day away at waterparks across the Northern Virginia area, including Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole, Atlantis Waterpark, Pirate’s Cove and the indoor Cub Run RECenter in Fairfax County, Great Waves in Alexandria, Volcano Island, and AV Symington Aquatic Center in Loudoun County, Ocean Dunes Waterpark in Arlington, Splash Down Water Park in Manassas and Water Works in Prince William County.

Whether they are in elementary school or middle school, stimulate your child’s mind and burn off energy in Northern Virginia. Appropriately named for its location in the woods of Wolf Trap National Park, the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods features music and dance performances, puppetry, and storytelling for children ages 4 and up. Children, families, and school groups explore STEM concepts through hands-on exhibits, activities, and programs at the Children’s Science Center Lab, Northern Virginia’s first interactive museum.

After exercising the mind, take on 70 unique and exciting obstacles including a 320-foot zipline and Tarzan swings at Go Ape in Fairfax County. Several trampoline parks, laser tag adventures, and bowling alleys are also scattered across Northern Virginia.

Looking for family fun with your high school-aged child? Find out if a lead foot runs in the family as you race the kids in high-speed indoor go-karting at Autobahn’s Manassas and Loudoun County locations. Locations also include axe throwing for even more family-friendly fun and competition.

For a slower pace but equally fun time, play your way through Monster Mini Golf in Fairfax County, where glow-in-the-dark miniature golf courses keep the Halloween spirit going year-round. Another thrilling adventure your teen may be up for is an escape room in Northern Virginia. Your teens will have fun trying to solve the puzzles involved in escaping their chosen room, while they use their creative thinking, communication, and team-building skills.

Fun for adults and kids of all ages, Fairfax County is the perfect getaway or place to kick back and call home. Whether you are looking to spend time on a farm, explore nature-filled landscapes, or have exciting indoor activities for those cold winter days, there’s something here suited for everyone.

The natural museums and historic sightseeing are a must. Get away from the crowds and experience some outdoor recreation by spending the day near the Potomac River. You could also take the path less traveled on several hiking trails, like the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail, Cub Run Stream Valley Trail, or Scott’s Run Nature Preserve. There’s also no shortage of family-friendly parks and community gardens throughout the area.