Bounce/Trampoline Space
Flight Fit N Fun
Let your kids burn some energy while bouncing up and down at this 15,000-square-foot trampoline park in Springfield. Wall-to-wall trampolines, plus extras like a Battle Beam and Airborne Basketball (and even an easy foam pit for the littlest jumpers) make this a guaranteed afternoon of fun. // 7200 Fullerton Road, Springfield
Skyzone
Reach for the sky! At this indoor trampoline park, kids have an array of options (freestyle jumping, air basketball, dodgeball and more) to bounce to their heart’s delight. But we might love the evening jumping sessions most of all, when they turn out the lights, turn on the lasers and crank the music for an all-out bouncing party. // 7807 Sudley Road, Manassas
Kids Party Venue
Sportrock Climbing Centers
Let your kid be a birthday party hero with a bash at Sportrock, where kids get to practice their belaying skills (i.e. conquer an indoor rock wall) before feasting on cake in the private party room. // 5308 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria and 45935 Maries Road, Sterling
Tiny Dancers
Is there anything sweeter than a tiny dancer in a tutu? This jewel box of a dance studio not only teaches the next generation of ballerinas, it also hosts birthday parties. Whether you want to dress up as a fairy princess or a swashbuckling pirate, the 90-minute parties for ages 3 to 6 include storytime, crafting and, of course, dancing. Of late, the studio has been hosting virtual classes. // 621 S. Washington St., Alexandria; 10875 Main St., Suite 113, Fairfax; 2985 District Ave., Suite 175, Fairfax
Pottery Studio
Big Dog Pots Pottery
This quaint pottery studio has been a longtime hit among the artistic set. Pick some fun pottery (whether it’s a classic bowl or a tchotchke to go on your bookshelf) and paint something that’s uniquely you. // 8287 E. Main St., Marshall
Paint Your Own Pottery
This studio is popular with adults and kids alike, who all come for the pottery painting and stay for the fun extras. Our favorite? The paintbrushes and chocolate kit available for purchase. Because isn’t painting while sampling candy just the best? The Fairfax City studio is also offering pottery to-go for those that want to paint at home. // 10417 Main St., Fairfax
Indoor Kid Entertainment
Big Dog Pots Pottery
Kids love creating their own pottery creations and taking it home after it’s been fired up in the kiln. Currently, Big Dog is offering curbside pottery options. You order and pick up—and paint from the comfort of your own home. // 8287 E. Main St., Marshall
Sportrock Climbing Centers
If your kids are climbing the walls from summer boredom, Sportrock may be the answer. The climbing gym has lessons and free climb for little belayers. Or, if you’re still more comfortable with outdoor fun, the popular climbing center offers guided field trips to Great Falls National Park. //5308 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria and 45935 Maries Road, Sterling
Laser Tag
Lasertag2you
For generations now, kids have loved laser tag. And, especially now, laser tag in the open air of your own backyard is cool for the kids—and offers peace of mind for parents. The mobile laser tag company brings everything you need, from laser guns to live scoring tools, for an afternoon of outdoor fun. Whether for a birthday party or just an event to beat summer boredom, it’s a unique way to have an active adventure. // 9202 Cascade Falls Drive, Bristow
Shadowland Laser Adventures
If your kids have been inside playing video games all summer, get them out of the house and into a real-live video game experience with Shadowland. The center dubs itself as “more than just laser tag,” with immersive scripts and scenarios to give kids a truly cool experience—without sitting in front of a screen. // 5508 Franconia Road, Alexandria
Petting Zoo
Roer’s Zoofari
While most zoos were closed during the height of the pandemic, Roer’s offered a drive-thru zoo, where drivers can get up close and personal with llamas, ponies, ostriches and more. Buy a cup of carrots or lettuce to entice them to your car for a photo op. Post-drive, the zoo offers a walk-through experience where you can ride a camel and pet even more animals. // 1228 Hunter Mill Road, Vienna
Editor’s Pick: Temple Hall Farm
Bring the kids for a fun, guided farm tour, including the chance to pet some cute farm animals on weekends. Farm tours run through September, and in October the popular NoVA park usually hosts a fall festival, including a corn maze and even more animals to interact with. // 15855 Limestone School Road, Leesburg
Public Park
Burke Lake Park
Also named a Best Picnic Location, Burke Lake Park has it all. From water sports to mini-golf to an ice cream shop, you could visit every weekend and not run out of things to do. // 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station
Editor’s Pick: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
This lovely spot is so gorgeous, it’s not uncommon to see families there with professional photographers having their portrait snapped. But there’s more to do here than pose: Walk the grounds of the 95-acre gardens to see all manner of flora and fauna. In winter, the park’s annual Winter Walk of Lights is a holiday must for many Northern Virginians. // 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
Picnic Location
Burke Lake Park
Picnics have never been more appealing and Burke Lake Park—part of the Fairfax County system of public parks—has it all spread out on 888 acres. Ride the carousel, go fishing, hit some balls at mini-golf or take a walk around the lake, all before tucking in to a delicious picnic. // 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station
Great Falls Park
If you’ve lived in Northern Virginia for any amount of time, chances are you’ve been to Great Falls Park. The stunning views and hiking trails for all levels make it a must-visit. But if you’ve never packed a picnic to just soak in the views, we highly recommend experiencing the national park. // 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
Water Park
Editor’s Pick: Super, Awesome & Amazing at The St. James
The name says it all: Super, Awesome & Amazing offers all sorts of indoor fun for kids (think trampolines, climbing walls and a birthday party room), including a water park that lets kids splish and splash during all four seasons. While temporarily closed at press time, parts of The St. James complex were reopening. // 6805 Industrial Road, Springfield
The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole
Legend has it that Pete the Prospector searched for gold here back in 1849. He didn’t strike gold but today families can spend the day slipping and sliding at the water park that sprung up around his mountain mine site. From three-story water slides to splash pads for the little ones, there’s something for everyone at this summer fun hot spot. // 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston
This post originally appeared in our September 2020 Best of NoVA print issue. For more like this, subscribe to our newsletters.
