Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Things to do in Northern Virginia with kids
16
items Having lived in the Fairfax County area for five years with young kids, I can confidently recommend a mix of nature, play, and family-friendly spots that make this area so special.
Map
Sections
4
Nature
Indoor play
Educational
Art
Nature
Hidden Pond Nature Center in Springfield is a lovely local nature spot that’s perfect for families and outdoor lovers. It’s nestled in about 25 acres of woodland and features quiet walking trails, a scenic pond, streamside paths, and plenty of wildli...
Hidden Pond Nature Center
For a fun family outing, I recommend Burke Lake Park in Fairfax County. It’s a spacious park centered around a beautiful 218-acre lake, perfect for walking, biking, and fishing. The park has playgrounds, picnic areas, a miniature train, and boat rent...
Burke Lake Park
A working demonstration farm where kids can see animals up close and enjoy historic buildings and seasonal events.
Frying Pan Farm Park | Park Authority
Offers woodland trails, ponds, gardens, live animal exhibits, and interactive nature displays, great for kids and families to explore the outdoors and learn about local wildlife.
Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Nature trail, fun playground equipment, splash area in summer.
Chessie's Big Backyard
Inclusive playground with carousel and sensory play zones.
Clemyjontri Park
Outdoor performances and music programs for kids in a natural setting.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
I highly recommend Green Spring Gardens for families with kids who love nature and learning. It’s a beautiful 30+‑acre public garden and historic site with winding paths, themed demonstration gardens, ponds, a tropical greenhouse, and changing season...
Green Spring Gardens
Indoor play
For a fun, educational outing with young kids, I recommend the National Children’s Museum in Washington, D.C. It combines hands-on STEM, arts, and imaginative play exhibits designed specifically for toddlers through elementary-aged children. The muse...
National Children's Museum
Hands-on STEM exhibits for toddlers through elementary kids.
Children's Science Center Lab
Brick building zones, rides, and creative play spaces all under one roof.
LEGO® Discovery Center Washington, D.C.
Educational
For an engaging and educational outing, I recommend the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. It’s perfect for older kids and families interested in espionage history, gadgets, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore spy tools, practice...
International Spy Museum
Air & Space Museum with planes, space exhibits, and interactive displays.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Art
Paint Your Heart Out in Historic Occoquan is a charming local art studio where creativity comes alive for kids and adults alike. In their bright, welcoming space you can paint pottery, create mosaics, hand‑build with clay, or customize your own ceram...
Paint Your Heart Out Inc
It’s a fantastic way to boost creativity, build confidence, and give kids hands‑on art education outside of a traditional classroom
Kidcreate Studio - Alexandria
For a fun and eco-friendly experience, check out Upcycle in Alexandria! It’s a creative studio where kids and families can transform recycled materials into amazing art projects, promoting sustainability and creativity in a hands-on way.
UpCycle Creative Reuse Center