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
  • Best Summer Camps Poll
  • In This Issue
  • Home
    • Things to Do
  • 8 parks & rec events to attend this week
carlyle house in autumn
  • Things to Do

8 parks & rec events to attend this week

From camping with the family to a walking tour around Alexandria, get outdoors and enjoy the fall scenery at one of these events.

By Michele Kettner October 12, 2020 at 1:03 pm

With the fall foliage about to hit its peak around NoVA, it is the perfect time to visit a local park. This week, get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful fall weather by attending one of these eight fun parks and rec events.

Colors of the Fall

Wednesday, 10 a.m.

Right now is the best time to check out the fall foliage. Make your way over to the Sully Historic Site with your favorite art supplies and create a masterpiece of your surroundings. Participants can bring chairs and blankets to the event. // Sully Historic Site: 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly; $20

Community Arts Outdoors

Wednesday, 3-4 p.m.

Take a break from virtual learning and head outside for a fun art project. With Halloween less than two weeks away, attendees will be making DIY Halloween masks. Registration is required for all participants. // Fort Ethan Allen Park: 3829 N. Stafford St., Arlington; $9

Fall Garden Tour & Tea

Thursday, 1 p.m.

Spend an afternoon sipping on tea as you roam the gardens. Take a tour with the Master Gardener as you view the fall plants of Green Spring Gardens. Participants will also receive individual tea boxes to go with their afternoon tea. // Green Spring Gardens: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria; $36

Campout in the Park

Friday, 5 p.m.-10 a.m.

Enjoy some family time out in nature with a special camping trip along the river. Set up your sleeping arrangements then go enjoy some fun games and explore your surroundings. Pre-registration is required. // Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area: 6600 River Road, Fredericksburg; $20 per individual, $65-$75 per family of four

Death Comes to Carlyle House

Friday, 6-8 p.m.

Make your way to the Carlyle House Historic Park to learn about grieving rituals during the 18th century. Guests will learn about the death of John Carlyle and how the family mourned their loved one as they tour the home. // Carlyle House Historic Park: 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria; $10

Kids Virtual Fishing Tournament

Saturday, 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Lake your little ones out to the creek, river or pond for a day of fishing. The top three anglers with the biggest fish will be awarded prizes. Participants will also receive an informational pamphlet, a poster and coloring book. // Widewater State Park: 101 Widewater State Park Road, Stafford; free

Geocache Adventure

Sunday, 11 a.m.-noon

Grab your smartphone and trek Mason Neck State Park as you search for geocaches. With hidden caches around the trails, lose track of time as you search for hidden treasures. // Mason Neck State Park: 7301 High Point Road, Lorton; free

Green Family Walking Tour

Sunday, 3:30-5 p.m.

Learn about the history of Alexandria and the Green Furniture factory with a walking tour. The tour will go over James Green and his father William, who started the factory, as their family became prominent members in Alexandria. Reservations are required. // Carlyle House Historic Park: 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria; $15

For more parks news, subscribe to our Parks & Recreation 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

9-Year-Old Killed in Herndon E-Scooter Crash

Stupid Good BBQ Wins NoVA Wars: Barbecue Edition

Where to Find Japanese Arcades and Gachapon Machines in NoVA

Here’s Your 2026 Voting Guide for Virginia’s August 4 Primaries

The 2027 Best Summer Camps Survey Is Now Open

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

indoor golf simulator close up

Five Iron Golf to Open at Capital One Center in Tysons

family floating down river on tubes

Cool Off at 6 Summer Water Tubing Spots Near Northern Virginia

Crowd watching kids row in homemade cardboard boats on Lake Anne during regatta

The 16 Best August Events in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC

  • 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

great happy hours, august 2026 cover

Copyright © 2026 Northern Virginia Magazine

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