Pack a picnic lunch, load up the minivan, and head to one of these great spots for encounters of the furry, feathered, and scaled kind!
Shown in order of distance from Dulles Airport…
Frying Pan Farm Park
Herndon, VA ∙ Approx 5 miles from Dulles Airport
Enjoy Fairfax County’s oldest working farm, dating back to the 1930s! Visit the farm animals and enjoy the trails, playgrounds, and even a wagon ride. The farm also hosts many special events and seasonal festivals.
NOVA Wild
Vienna, VA ∙ Approx 10 miles from Dulles Airport
As you drive by a Northern Virginia suburban neighborhood, you might catch a glimpse of something wild! NOVA Wild invites you to discover a world of natural wonders from across the globe, right here in Fairfax County! Boasting 20 acres of wilderness, guests can experience nature firsthand!
Leesburg Animal Park
Leesburg, VA ∙ Approx 20 miles from Dulles Airport
Not only get the chance to see a wide variety of animal friends at this 21-acre local park, but enjoy hand-feeding many, as well! Plus, enjoy live animal shows, an indoor playground, and can’t-miss seasonal festivals!
Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Washington, DC ∙ Approx 25 miles from Dulles Airport
Offering free admission daily, the National Zoo, a Smithsonian institution founded in 1889, is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. A diverse variety of animal life calls this 163-acre park home, including 2,700 animals representing more than 390 species.
Great Country Farms
Bluemont, VA ∙ Approx 35 miles from Dulles Airport
Plenty of friendly barnyard friends await your visit at this working farm, including cows, chickens, pigs, and miniature horses. Make a day of it by playing on rope swings or a giant jumping pillow, picking fresh produce, playing a round of putt-putt, enjoying a country hayride, and much more!
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
Updated Sept 5, 2026
