Bounce/Trampoline Space
Winner: Skyzone
If you need a break, let your little ones happily wear themselves out with an afternoon of bouncing. They’re sure to burn off that extra energy in no time by exploring everything from freestyle jumps and the foam zone to dodgeball and SkySlam. Multiple locations
Runner-Up: Flight Fit N Fun
This bounce space offers endless adventures for the entire family. Sure, the trampolines are where everyone will spend most of the day, but don’t miss out on the laser race, arcade, or battle beam—a gladiator-style challenge with foam sticks on the balance beam. 7200 Fullerton Rd., Springfield
Indoor Kid Entertainment
Winner: Sportrock Climbing Centers
It’s never too early to get your kids into rock climbing. The center not only offers Friday Night Heights for your weekly date nights out, kids can also sign up for summer camp and lock-ins for a full climbing experience. Multiple locations
Runner-Up: Jolly Yolly Kids
If it’s a rainy day and you’re looking for indoor fun, look no further. The center includes a multi-level play area full of slides and obstacles, a ball pit, and a baby play area. 11001 Lee Hwy., Ste. D, Fairfax
Kids Party Venue
Winner: Sportrock Climbing Centers
Your kids and their friends will love testing their strength and agility on the rock wall. Before racing to the top during the 90-minute session, everyone gets dedicated instruction to make sure they enjoy their climbing time. Multiple locations
Runner-Up: Tiny Dancers
Transform your child into the cutest prima ballerina, hip-hop queen, or musical maestro at their next birthday party. With in-studio and virtual options available, kids will join an instructor for a dance party, games, and crafts. Multiple locations
Laser Tag
Winner: LaserTag2You
These outdoor laser-tag battles are for the whole family. The mobile laser-tag company brings the game to you, offering a handful of different games and props to take your competitions to the next level.
Runner-Up: Ultrazone
Just strap on a vest and enter another world at this ultimate laser adventure that’s fun for all ages and backgrounds. Players will be completely immersed in another world as they compete in multiple games in the fog-filled arena. 23520 Overland Dr., Sterling
Petting Zoo
Winner: Roer’s Zoofari
The whole family will love the intimate safari experience at Roer’s. Whether you want to drive or walk through the zoo, your little ones will love feeding and getting cuddly with the sheep, goats, zebra, and many more barnyard and exotic favorites. 1228 Hunter Mill Rd., Vienna
Runner-Up: Leesburg Animal Park
Donkeys, llamas, and cows! Enter the petting zoo, which includes a feeding area, exotic animal exhibits, and pony rides, for an up-close animal experience. 19246 James Monroe Hwy., Leesburg
Pick-Your-Own Farm or Orchard
Winner: Valley View Farm
Nothing beats farm-fresh fruits, especially when you get to pick the cream of the crop right off the tree. From cherries and blackberries to apples and peaches, you have access to endless local produce all summer long. // 1550 Leeds Manor Rd., Delaplane, valleyviewva.com
Runner-Up: Hartland Farm and Orchard
This family farm provides beautiful scenes and the juiciest fruit during the prime growing seasons. Whether you have a hankering for blueberries, apples, or cider, this is the place to be. 3064 Hartland Ln., Markham
Picnic Location
Winner: Burke Lake Park
Who doesn’t love lunch with a water view? With almost 900 acres of open space, trails, and lake views, skip the table and pack up your basket and blanket for an al fresco dining experience. 7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax Station
Runner-Up: Great Falls Park
With picnic tables scattered around this popular park, including near the overlook, the sound of rushing water makes a soothing addition to lunchtime. 9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean
Places to Stargaze
Winner: Great Meadow
If you want a great view of the stars on a summer night, the equestrian park is the place to be. During the day, it’s open for some of the most prestigious steeplechase races in the region, but at night, the park welcomes the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club for public viewing nights. 5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains
Runner-Up: Burke Lake Park
This expansive park is ideal for stargazing—whether you want to lie on the grass or paddle a kayak at one of the special events, you’ll get a great view of the sky. 7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax Station
Pottery Studio
Winner: Paint Your Own Pottery
Home accents are extra special when you make them yourself. This mobile art studio has everything you could think to customize, like mugs, serving platters, and figurines. Just return it for firing, and you’ll have the cutest memento. Mobile studio
Runner-Up: Kiln & Co.
Whether you’re looking for DIY kits or paint-your-own kitchenware, you can find it here. As you dab glaze onto your unique creations, get lost in chatter—and the studio’s delicious custard—for a relaxing day out. 138 Church St. NW, Vienna; 455 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church
Public Park
Winner: Burke Lake Park
Everyone can find something fun to do at this Fairfax park. Whether you want to take a walk around the lake, ride the carousel, or test your mini-golfing skills, there’s a diversion for the whole family. 7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax Station
Runner-Up: Clemyjontri Park
This McLean park is definitely for the kids. Open to children of all abilities, the park includes sensory-rich equipment, wider openings, and ramps connecting all structures on its playground, swings, and carousel. 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean
Pumpkin Patch
Winner: Cox Farm
Pumpkin season may still be a few months away, but it’s never too early to start planning fall festivities. While you pick out the biggest pumpkins in the patch, the family can also enjoy hayrides, slides, and the conundrum maze. 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville
Runner-Up: Burke Nursery & Garden Centre
With a name like the Pumpkin Playground, you’re sure to find your picture-perfect gourd. You and your kiddos will love wandering the outdoor setup for pumpkins of all sizes as you snap photos by the Halloween-inspired backdrops for some spooky memories. 9401 Burke Rd., Burke
Water Park
Winner: SplashDown Waterpark
Nothing says summer like a trip to the water park. As the largest in NoVA, SplashDown encompasses a lazy river, crazy slides, and a water obstacle course. 7500 Ben Lomond Park Dr., Manassas
Runner-Up: The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole
With a gold rush theme, swimmers and loungers will enjoy Rattlesnake River, Pete’s Peak, and Prospectors Plummet, one of the park’s three-story waterslides. // 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston
This story originally ran in our June issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
