In a region as rich with entertainment as Northern Virginia, there’s really no excuse to be bored. Check out the best places for kid-friendly fun, live music, and more. For even more reader favorites, check our full list of 2026 Best of NoVA winners.
Indoor Amusement
WINNER: Level99
Level up a night out at this interactive adult gaming experience at Tysons Corner. The venue features more than 50 immersive rooms that challenge visitors both mentally and physically. After the action, refuel at Level99’s Victory Brewing, a full-service restaurant and bar. McLean
RUNNER-UP: Lucky Strike – Tysons Corner
McLean
Kids Classes (Arts, Dance, Music)
WINNER: Potomac Music
Now based in the Workhouse Arts Center, Potomac Music offers instruction in string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments, as well as vocal lessons. Kids can take private or group classes, and Potomac Music also offers summer camps for ages 4 to 17. Lorton
RUNNER-UP: Encore Performers
Chantilly
Kids Indoor Entertainment
WINNER: Lego Discovery Center
Kids can immerse themselves in a world of imagination at this family attraction. Lego Discovery Center features 12 interactive zones, including the 4D Cinema, the Imagination Express ride, and Mini World, where visitors can see intricate city dioramas made of millions of Lego blocks. Springfield
RUNNER-UP: Up! Ultimate Adventure Park
Ashburn
Kids Party Venue
WINNER: ZavaZone – Sterling
Kids can bounce, jump, climb, and play at ZavaZone’s high ropes and ninja warrior courses, giant slides, parkour zone, trampolines, and more. The indoor adventure park offers several options for parties, from a basic one-hour booking to an all-inclusive package with food and drinks. Sterling
RUNNER-UP: Romp n’ Roll
Fairfax
DUAL WINNER: Live Music Venue and Outdoor Concert Space
WINNER: Wolf Trap
Founded in 1966 as the country’s only national park dedicated to the performing arts, Wolf Trap is an iconic Northern Virginia institution. It hosts national touring artists and local musicians across its three venues, offering an experience for everyone. Catch a show on the lawn of the Filene Center or inside the historic Barns at Wolf Trap. Or enjoy a family-friendly show at the nature-surrounded Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods. Vienna
RUNNER-UP (Live Music Venue): Capital One Hall
McLean
RUNNER-UP (Outdoor Concert Space): Jiffy Lube Live
Bristow
Museum
WINNER: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
There are more than 3,000 aviation and space artifacts at the Chantilly outpost of the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum. Stroll through the two hangars to see fighter jets and the iconic Space Shuttle Discovery. Or stop by for free events like sungazing and story times. Chantilly
RUNNER-UP: George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon
Pick-Your-Own Farm or Orchard
WINNER: Great Country Farms
Whether it’s apples in the fall or strawberries in the spring, Great Country Farms is a go-to spot for pick-your-own fun. It hosts regular festivals to celebrate the different harvests, and the market is a must-visit for tasty snacks and jarred goods. Bluemont
RUNNER-UP: Burnside Farms
Nokesville
Feature image courtesy Wolf Trap
This story originally ran in our June issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
