Written by Kirstin Hawthorne (July 2024)

Summer in Northern Virginia is the perfect time to soak up the sun and enjoy all the season has to offer. With warm days and endless opportunities for fun, it’s the best time to get out and explore. Whether you’re cooling off at a waterpark, picking fresh fruit, or enjoying a concert under the stars, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your friends and family, and let’s dive into this summer bucket list to make the most of these seasonal favorites during the sunny days ahead!

Listen to a Summer Concert at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

• Enjoy outdoor concerts and performances in a unique natural setting.
• Pack a picnic and relax on the lawn during a show.

Pick Your Own Fruits at Local Farms

• Visit farms like Great Country Farms in Bluemont for peach and blackberry picking and even the infamous big dig potato harvest.
• Participate in farm festivals and enjoy fresh produce straight throughout the season.

Cool Off at SplashDown Waterpark

• Spend a day enjoying at the area’s largest water park that includes slides, a lazy river, and splash zones.
• Perfect for families looking for a fun way to beat the summer heat.

Attend the Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival

• Enjoy traditional fair activities, including rides, games, and livestock shows.
• Taste a variety of fair foods and participate in family-friendly events.

Explore the Luray Caverns

• Visit the stunning underground caverns and cool off from the summer heat.
• Enjoy the Garden Maze, rope adventure park, and Car & Carriage Caravan Museum.

Shop Local Farmers Markets

• Wander through a farmers market like the Cherry Dale Farmers Market in Arlington or the Reston Farmers Market.
• Enjoy fresh, local produce, artisanal goods, and delicious food vendors.

Take a Summer Cruise on the Potomac River

• Hop on a riverboat cruise departing from Alexandria or National Harbor.
• Enjoy sunset cruises, themed dinner cruises, and scenic day trips.

Play Mini Golf 

• Enjoy a fun round of mini golf at popular spots like Monster Mini Golf in Chantilly or Burke Lake in Fairfax Station.
• Perfect for family outings or a casual date night, with courses offering creative themes and challenging holes.