Skip to content
  • X

Subscribe

Magazine | Newsletters
  • Food & Drink
  • News
  • Culture
  • Style
  • Home
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Things to Do
  • Travel
  • Best of NoVA
  • Best Restaurants
  • Top High Schools
  • NoVA Wars: BBQ
  • In This Issue
  • Home
    • Family
  • Get out of the house and head to these 5 weekend activities with the family
dad and daughter looking through telescope
  • Family

Get out of the house and head to these 5 weekend activities with the family

Break out of your summer boredom with a trip to the circus, magic show, or observatory.

By Michele Kettner July 7, 2021 at 2:04 pm

Now that the kids have been out of school for a few weeks, summer boredom among your little ones may be starting to set in. Instead of heading to the pool again, try out one of these fun family activities for the weekend.

Friday Night Skywatching

Friday, 8:30 p.m.
Take a break from the screens and celebrate the start of the weekend outside. Take a peek into the night sky at the park’s own observatory. Everyone will love checking out the stars, planets and galaxies as they light up in the summer sky. The Turner Farm: 925 Springvale Rd., Great Falls; free

The Great Zucchini

Saturday, 10-10:45 a.m.
Magic will definitely be in the air at Burke Lake Park this weekend. Experience the wonder and silliness that is The Great Zucchini. The show will be full of rainbow streamers, puppets, disappearing objects, and the cute Ruffles the Rabbit. Burke Lake Park: 7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax Station; free

Columbia Pike Drive-In Movie Night

Saturday, 8:30 p.m.
It may only be July, but it is never too early to start preparing for Halloween. So, pack the family into the car for a special screening of The Addams Family. The 2019 rendition follows the spooky family as they prepare for the arrival of their relatives. Arlington Career Center: 816 S. Walter Reed Dr., Arlington; free

Ladybugs: Fierce or Friendly

Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
You probably see ladybugs all the time, but what do you actually know about them? If your knowledge in ladybug facts is lacking, head over to the nature center to learn about the bright creatures. Families will be able to release ladybugs into the garden, learn about their good fortune, and much more. Hidden Oaks Nature Center: 7701 Royce St., Annandale; $7

Garden Bros Nuclear Circus

Through Sunday, times vary
There’s nothing like a summer trip to the circus. With endless entertainment and stunts, the three-ring show will keep the whole family entertained. From the human cannonball and wheel of death to acrobats and the strongest man in the world, the circus is the place to be this weekend. Prince William County Fairgrounds: 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas; $14.50-$55 per adult, free for kids

Feature image, © astrosystem/stock.adobe.com

For more family-friendly fun, subscribe to our Family newsletter.

Michele Kettner

Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.

  • Email

Trending in NoVA

JD Vance Leases Middleburg Property from Chuck Kuhn

Vote for Northern Virginia’s Best Barbecue Spot in the 2026 NoVA Wars: Barbecue Edition

Warrenton Winery Is Closing After Nearly 20 Years in Business

3 Northern Virginia Wineries Hit the Market

7 State and County Fairs to Visit This Year in Virginia 

things to do newsletter

Our Top Stories In Your Inbox

Our newsletters delivered weekly.

Subscribe

Feeds

RSS Feed Follow in Feedly

You May Also Like

cat experiencing separation anxiety

How to Help Your Pet Deal with Separation Anxiety

shipgarten restaurant

6 Budget-Friendly Family Events in Northern Virginia

Older woman working at desk

A Growing Number of Seniors Are ‘Unretiring’ by Reentering the Workforce

  • X

Company

  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Writer’s Guidelines
  • Internships
  • Terms of Use

Magazine

  • Magazine
  • Subscription
  • Newsletter
  • Back Issues

Talk to Us

  • Contact Us
  • Submit an Event
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Shopping

  • Subscription
  • Back Issues
  • Plaques
  • Realtor Client Gift Subscriptions

On Newsstands Now

NoVA 250 - July 2026 cover image

Copyright © 2026 Northern Virginia Magazine

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Hey AI.