Northern Virginia is full of rocking concert venues, educational museums, and can’t-miss seasonal activities. Bring on the fun at these locations.
Art Gallery
WINNER: Workhouse Arts Center
The Workhouse Arts Center is home to contemporary exhibits that feature art from local, regional, and national artists. Inside its three primary galleries are pieces by more than 60 artists — who also have their own studios on the campus. Before or after you head into the gallery, stop by Bunnyman Brewing Cafe for cool sips and sweet treats. Lorton
RUNNER-UP: Torpedo Factory Art Center
Alexandria
Holiday Event
WINNER: Bull Run Festival of Lights
There’s a reason this Christmas lights venue is on everyone’s holiday bucket list. The 2.5-mile drive-thru display illuminates the park with intricate light arrangements, from the “toy factory” section to Santa’s flight school. At the end of the trail, a magical carnival awaits with a Ferris wheel, bonfire, and other winter treats. Centreville
RUNNER-UP: Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
Vienna
Indoor Kids Entertainment
WINNER: Lego Discovery Center
The immersive Lego Discovery Center allows little ones to let their imaginations soar. With 12 different interactive zones, kids can spend the afternoon riding the Imagination Express, navigating the laser maze, or enjoying free play and activities at Creative Club. Springfield
RUNNER-UP: Jolly Yolly Kids
Fairfax
Kids Classes (Arts, Dance, Music)
WINNER: Potomac Music
Over the last five years, Potomac Music has been making an impact among NoVA’s youngest musicians. With various programs and private lessons featuring piano, stringed instruments, brass, drums, and more, your child can choose the musical instrument and instruction that fits them best. Lorton
RUNNER-UP: Lopez Studios Inc.
Reston
Kids Party Venue
WINNER: Sportrock Climbing Centers
Skip the arcade and trampoline park for an unforgettable birthday party at Sportrock. The rock climbing studio offers party packages at all of its locations. Your event will include 90 minutes of climbing, plus access to designated party rooms where you can enjoy food, cake, and present time. Alexandria, Sterling
RUNNER-UP: Children’s Science Center Lab
Fairfax
Live Music Venue
WINNER: Wolf Trap
The concert venues at Wolf Trap are perfect for any season, whether you’re catching a show on the lawn or inside The Barns. While Wolf Trap’s venues stand out on their own, they become even more special when you realize it’s the only national park dedicated to performing arts. Vienna
RUNNER-UP: Capital One Hall
Tysons
Museum
WINNER: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
You don’t have to travel into DC to take advantage of this Smithsonian museum. The Chantilly location is dedicated to air and space exploration, with more than 3,000 artifacts scattered throughout the hangars. In addition to the Space Shuttle Discovery, historic helicopters, and WWII planes, the museum is equipped with the Airbus IMAX Theater. Chantilly
RUNNER-UP: National Museum of the United States Army
Fort Belvoir
Outdoor Concert Space
WINNER: Wolf Trap
It’s not really summer until you catch a concert on the lawn of the Filene Center. The outdoor amphitheater features more than 7,000 seats and additional spots on the luscious grassy hill. This year, stars like The Roots, John Legend, and Maren Morris will grace the iconic stage. Vienna
RUNNER-UP: Jiffy Lube Live
Bristow
Pick-Your-Own Farm or Orchard
WINNER: Great Country Farms
The pickings are endless at this Bluemont farm. Nearly every season features a new fruit, vegetable, or flower available to pick. Some of the farm’s annual festivals to add to your summer calendar include the Pick Your Own Blackberry Bonanza, Summer of Sunflowers, and Peach Fuzztival. Bluemont
RUNNER-UP: Braehead Farm
Fredericksburg
Public Park
WINNER: Great Falls Park
Head to this national park for breathtaking waterfall views, endless hiking trails, and scenic picnic spots. The 800-acre park along the Potomac River includes three overlooks to watch the falls and more than 15 miles of trails. Mark your calendar for the upcoming free admission days on June 19, August 4, September 27, and November 11. McLean
RUNNER-UP: Occoquan Regional Park
Lorton
Pumpkin Patch
WINNER: Belvedere Plantation
When you visit this Fredericksburg farm, you’ll come for the pumpkins but stay for the endless fall entertainment. Whether you’re looking for the biggest gourd or want a quick photo shoot session, kick-start your day with a wagon ride to the expansive pumpkin patch. Afterward, enjoy the other 30-plus attractions, from the Candy Cannon to the Fun Barn. Fredericksburg
RUNNER-UP: Nalls Produce
Alexandria
Theater House
WINNER: Hylton Performing Arts Center
If you haven’t been to this hub for a performance, you’re missing out. Between the 1,123-seat Merchant Hall and 242-seat Gregory Family Theater, theatergoers will be able to grab tickets for for operas, ballets, and family-friendly musicals. Highlights for the 2025–2026 season include Pilobolus, Frankenstein, and Cirque Mechanics. Manassas
RUNNER-UP: Signature Theatre
Arlington
Water Park
WINNER: Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole
Summer days are meant to be spent at this Reston water park. Float in the wave pool or chase an adrenaline rush on the park’s seven speedy slides to keep cool in steamy temperatures. For out-of-water fun, head to the batting cages or mini golf course. Reston
RUNNER-UP: Great Waves Waterpark
Alexandria
Feature image of Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center by Eric Long, courtesy National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution
