You’ve driven by it, but have you ever stopped by this riverside park?
Gravelly Point, right at the northern threshold of Runway 1/19 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, offers families a soaring experience! With its prime location, you can watch planes land and take off, roaring just 100 to 200 feet overhead.
This unique spot along the George Washington Memorial Parkway is one of the best places in the US for airplane spotting. The park is open from 6 am-10 pm daily, and features open lawn space perfect for soccer, frisbee, or picnics.
Getting there is a breeze. Drivers can reach the park from the parkway’s northbound lanes and pull right into the free on-site parking lot, while walkers and bikers can arrive via the Mount Vernon Trail, which runs through the park and leads to scenic spots along the Potomac River. The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail cuts through the park, too.
Because aircraft fly so close overhead, noise-canceling headphones or ear protection for toddlers and sensory-sensitive visitors is recommended.
At SoHo Performing Arts, creativity shines, and young performers take center stage!
With a heart for nurturing talent and building confidence, they offer dynamic programs in musical theatre, drama, dance, and homeschool arts — all led by professionals passionate about inspiring the next generation. Kids explore acting, singing, dancing, and stage performance while building creativity and teamwork.
Even better? Every participant in the production classes earns a role! Plus, almost all programs end with fully staged public performances, complete with costumes, sets, and lighting!
Join them for their 2026-2027 season! All classes meet at SoHo’s new Hamilton location in western Loudoun County.
Nov 2, 2026-Mar 29, 2027 Harry Potter & the Cursed Child ∙ HS Edition
On Mondays, kids and teens ages 9-17 will rehearse and perform a full-scale production. They’ll learn acting, stage movement, and character development, culminating in live performances at Franklin Park Arts Center in late March.
Nov 16, 2026-Apr 26, 2027 Matilda Jr
On Mondays, young performers, ages 7-16, will explore acting, singing, and dancing through theatre games, vocal training, and scene work. They’ll build toward a fully staged musical that culminates in a live performance for family and friends.
Nov 23, 2026-Mar 29, 2027 Cinderella (Youth Edition) ∙ Homeschool
On Mondays, homeschoolers, ages 7-17, will rehearse and perform Rodgers & Hammerstein’s beloved fairy tale. They’ll learn acting, singing, and stage movement, culminating in two public performances.
Nov 25, 2026-Mar 31, 2027 Matilda Jr
On Wednesdays, kids and teens ages 7-16 will rehearse and perform a fully staged, Broadway-style musical. They’ll learn acting, singing, and ensemble performance, culminating in two public performances.
Dec 16, 2026-Mar 31, 2027 Vocal & Acting Academy ∙ Homeschool
On Wednesdays, homeschoolers, ages 8-14, will develop vocal technique, harmony, and acting skills while exploring songs from Broadway, Disney, and pop. They’ll practice improv and solo, duet, and ensemble singing. No experience required!
Dec 16, 2026-Mar 31, 2027 Broadway Jazz & Lyrical Dance
On Wednesdays, dancers ages 9-14 will blend high-energy Broadway jazz with expressive lyrical movement. They’ll work on turns, leaps, flexibility, and musicality through choreography inspired by Broadway and contemporary music. All levels welcome!
From magic and music to puppets and more, Arts in the Parks offers a summer filled with exciting live programs and performances at Fairfax County Parks! Even better? Performances are free to enjoy!†
Celebrating its 40th year, the City of Fairfax’s annual Holiday Craft Show invites families to visit favorite vendors, discover new ones, and find the perfect holiday gifts for loved ones (& themselves!).
From November 21-22, 2026, artisans from across the US, plus many local makers, will gather for this premium arts and crafts festival, which began as a small show in 1987. With so much to explore, there’s something for everyone on the shopping list!
Plus, little ones will love photos with Santa! When it’s time for a break, families can grab a hot lunch from the concession stand and relax in the dining area before continuing their shopping.
Admission is free for kids 18 and under; tickets are sold at the door only.
Summer mornings just got a whole lot more fun! Paragon Theaters in Falls Church, VA, invites families to kick back with the Kids Summer Movie Series — a weekly lineup of favorite flicks that’s big on fun and small on price.
Every Wednesday and Thursday, catch a screening for just $2, plus special concessions. The 2026 summer lineup includes:
Trade the checkout line for open fields and fresh air! These farms and gardens let families gather blooms straight from the source and make the perfect bouquet ever — a handmade one!
Just outside Leesburg, Hope Flower Farm & Winery invites you to cut your own blooms across 25 lush acres of rural Loudoun County. Something new blooms each week, plus special festival weekends like Tulip Days, Peony Days, and Dahlia Days. No experience needed — staff will walk you through it, and all supplies are provided!
Fields of Flowers
Purcellville, VA ∙ Approx 25 miles from Dulles Airport
Wander through acres of gorgeous blooms and cut your own bouquet at this Purcellville hidden gem! Fields of Flowers is a self-guided, honor-system experience — buckets, scissors, and a workstation are provided. Open on select days starting in mid-May, beginning with peonies. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram for bloom updates before you visit!
Sunflowers with a purpose! Rocky Point Creamery — a family farm since 1883 — plants two acres of sunflowers each year as a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, with 100% of donations going to the cause. Usually at peak bloom in late summer, cut your own, snap photos, and treat yourself to a scoop from their 80+ homemade ice cream flavors. Follow their Facebook page for bloom updates!
Summers, usually June through mid-July, breathe in the good stuff at Seven Oaks Lavender Farm! Pick your own lavender and herbs, browse the Lavender Shop, and settle in for a picnic surrounded by beautiful blooms. Kids will love the bunnies, playhouse, and sandbox. Learn more about seasons, hours, and get your tickets online.
Hollin Farms
Delaplane, VA ∙ Approx 40 miles from Dulles Airport
Just an hour from DC, Hollin Farms is a fourth-generation working farm with stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views, located right next to Sky Meadows State Park. Beyond the you-pick produce, a charming cut-your-own flower garden blooms June-September with zinnias, sunflowers, cosmos, and more. Check their website and Instagram for the latest availability.
Flora Flower Farm
Berryville, VA ∙ Approx 40 miles from Dulles Airport
Simple, sweet, and completely self-serve! This Berryville you-pick flower farm runs roughly May-September (the blooms call the shots). It’s an honor farm with electronic payments — buckets, clippers, and to-go cups are provided. Expect a bright, ever-changing mix that has included zinnias, dahlias, cosmos, sunflowers, and snapdragons.
No cutting here — just pure, wide-open beauty! Each summer, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources plants sunflowers across this 2,000-acre wildlife management area along River Rd, creating a breathtaking sea of blooms. The flowers feed mourning doves, songbirds, and pollinators, so admire and photograph to your heart’s content — just leave the blooms in place. Follow updates on Facebook and Instagram to catch peak bloom!
Homestead Farm
Poolesville, MD ∙ Approx 45 miles from Dulles Airport
One of Montgomery County’s most storied farms, Homestead Farm has been family-owned since 1763 — and its 230 acres are as charming as ever. Admission includes farm animals, picnic tables, and a grassy area by the pond. Zinnias and sunflowers typically hit full bloom July-September. Check their pick-your-own schedule and Instagram for the latest updates!
Butler’s Orchard
Germantown, MD ∙ Approx 45 miles from Dulles Airport
This beloved family-owned farm spans more than 300 acres with 25+ varieties of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Traditionally hosted in August, Butler’s Orchard’s annual Sunflower Spectacular invites you to stroll through fields of stunning blooms. Admission includes the sunflower fields, you-pick areas, and five acres of farm park fun with giant slides, farm animals, and pedal tractors. Check their crop calendar for bloom updates.
Valley View Acres
Middletown, MD ∙ Approx 45 miles from Dulles Airport
Set on a 154-acre family farm, Valley View Acres invites families to wander through more than 40 acres of colorful sunflower and wildflower fields! On select weekends during the summer pick to your heart’s content for one flat fee per person. Visit them online for full details and FAQs. Please note this is a cash-only event — no pre-sales; pay at the gate.
Larriland Farm
Woodbine, MD ∙ Approx 55 miles from Dulles Airport
A true country farm experience, Larriland’s cutting gardens burst with color, usually beginning in late June (previous crops have included zinnias, snapdragons, marigolds, and celosia). And the picking doesn’t stop at flowers — strawberries, tomatoes, pumpkins, and a long list of seasonal fruits and veggies round out a full farm visit. Check their Today’s Harvest page or follow them on Facebook and Instagram for bloom updates.
A fifth-generation farm rooted in organic practices, The Homestead Farm at Fruit Hill Orchard is a breath of fresh air in the Shenandoah Valley. Pick your own flowers and fruit in season, let the kids play, and unwind on the back porch overlooking the pond and orchard. Their Sunflower Festival is a seasonal highlight and a gorgeous backdrop for family photos. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for season updates!
Braehead Farm
Fredericksburg, VA ∙ Approx 60 miles from Dulles Airport
The last remaining farm within the Historic City of Fredericksburg, Braehead Farm has been family-owned since 1937 — and it’s so much more than a flower stop! At select times, pick your own sunflowers, gladiolas, and zinnias, then let the kids loose in the Family PlayGrounds with hay barns, corn pits, sand piles, and swings. Animal lovers will adore the rescue farm with goats, alpacas, horses, donkeys, pigs, and a visual honeybee hive! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for bloom updates.
Tuck a flower-picking stop into a full day of farm fun! Their half-acre garden blooms with 15+ varieties (typically June-October) — past flowers have included zinnias, sunflowers, snapdragons, and Black-Eyed Susans. While you’re there, explore you-pick berries, cherries, peaches, and apples in season, and don’t leave without something from the bakery… their fruit pies and apple cider donuts are legendary. Check their Facebook and Instagram for bloom updates!
This isn’t your average sunflower field! Clarksville Flower Farm cultivates three acres of unique varieties bred for stunning color, not size. And the fun doesn’t stop at the flowers — a petting farm with calves, alpacas, goats, and piglets, plus farm train rides, a 100-foot mega slide, and play areas make this a full family outing. Follow them on Instagram for frequent bloom reports!
Twenty-five years in the making, The Sunflower Garden has grown from a small patch into three stunning gardens bursting with 30 types of wildflowers and cut varieties — with sunflowers still stealing the show! Pick your own bouquets, stock up on seasonal veggies, and soak up the best of summer from early July through late September. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for season updates.
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
In the heart of Fairfax County, the Bull Run Festival of Lights offers an annual holiday light display for your family!
Daily, from November 14, 2026-January 3, 2027, this dazzling drive-thru display lights up 2.5 miles of Bull Run Park. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car — turn off your headlights and follow the magical glow!
Then, keep the merriment going at the end of your drive! Admission includes visits to the Holiday Village, Holiday Stable, and carnival — browse for holiday gifts, visit the petting zoo, and soak up more festive fun; carnival and camel rides are available for an additional fee.
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Want to skip the crowds? Plan your visit Monday-Thursday — weekends and the weeks before and after Christmas are the busiest. Purchase discounted tickets online.
All aboard for tiny trains, big engines, and nonstop fun! Virginia and the surrounding states are home to historic depots, museum exhibits, and miniature trains perfect for a family outing.
Discover the story of the C&O Railway through preserved equipment, scale models, and exhibits highlighting the people, places, and technology that kept it moving.
All aboard for colorful indoor fun! Located on the first floor near Center Court, this trackless train takes little riders on a memorable trip around the mall.
Home to the Northern Virginia Model Railroaders, this historic station features a permanent HO-scale layout that families can see during special open houses.
This Smithsonian Affiliate brings railroad history to life with historic locomotives, engaging exhibits, and train rides along America’s first commercial mile of railroad.
Located in an 1884 railroad station complex, this museum features engaging exhibits, a caboose play area, and great views of trains traveling along the active tracks.
During the holiday season, model trains travel through imaginative displays featuring miniature landmarks made from plants and other natural materials.
