Summer is a time to step outside the confines of our homes, make the most of longer days, and the warmer weather. For many, it's a chance to take a break from the daily grind, kick back, and soak up the sun. For others, it's an opportunity to embark on new adventures and learn new things. And for some, its a challenge to create activities and life-long memories for their kids as they celebrate summer vacation. With its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, historic sites, and attractions, there is no shortage of options for summer fun in Northern VA. This article will guide you through a variety of exciting summer activities to enjoy. So grab your sunscreen, sunglasses, and get ready for a summer of adventure!

Discover NoVa's Outdoor Wonders

Northern Virginia is blessed with a beautiful natural landscape, offering numerous opportunities for outdoor fun. Explore Shenandoah National Park, known for its breathtaking views, where trails like Old Rag Mountain offer challenging hikes and trails like Dark Hollow Falls and Overall Run Falls offer the opportunity to experience gorgeous waterfalls. If you're looking for a hike a little closer to home, visit Great Falls National Park. While there are a variety of amazing hikes available in the park, the falls can only be seen from three overlook points. For those drawn to water activities, Lake Fairfax Park and Burke Lake Park are perfect for kayaking, fishing, or simply lounging by the water. For the cycling enthusiasts, take a ride down the historic Washington & Old Dominion Trail that spans 45 miles from Shirlington to Purcellville.

If you prefer water activities, you can spend a sunny day at Burke Lake Park, where you can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lake. Or, if you're a fan of biking, take a ride down the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, a 45-mile long path that winds through some of the most picturesque towns in the region. Moreover, Northern Virginia offers countless well-tended golf courses, lush vineyards for wine tasting, and pick-your-own-fruit farms that encapsulate the essence of summer, allowing locals and tourists to immerse themselves in the charm of NoVa outdoors.

Savor the Season at Local Festivals

Northern Virginia boasts an impressive lineup of summer festivals and fairs that highlight the area's rich culture, heritage, and community spirit. The Loudoun County Fair is a classic fair offering livestock shows, a rodeo, a carnival, musical entertainment, and traditional contests like the pie-eating contest and the Kiss-a-Pig fundraiser. The Purcellville Wine & Food Festival features local wineries, vineyards, breweries, eateries, vendors, art demonstrations, live music, and more. The yearly Middleburg Summer Sidewalk Sale is a shopper's delight, where retailers offer fantastic deals during this three-day sale. 

Immerse in History

For the kids and adults alike that miss school in the summer months, take advantage of the rich history in Northern Virginia and learn something new this summer! From colonial times to the Civil War, the region has played a crucial role in shaping the United States. Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate to learn more about the life of America's first President. Or, journey back to the Civil War era at the Manassas National Battlefield Park, where you can follow self-guided tours of historic battlefields. The Old Town of Alexandria, with its cobblestone streets and red-brick sidewalks, offers a unique combination of colonial charm and contemporary cool mixed with tons of activities for the whole family. Get out of the heat, and enjoy the Air Conditioning in the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, an annex of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum that showcases thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery and the Enola Gay.

Enjoy Outdoor Performances

Summer concerts and musical performances are a much-anticipated highlight of the season! At the heart of this vibrant scene is the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Vienna, the only national park dedicated to presenting the performing arts. From pop to country, opera to ballet, and theatre to jazz, performances on its Filene Center stage make for unforgettable summer evenings spent among friends enjoying the weather and the sounds of your favorite bands. Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow is another popular outdoor venue, hosting an impressive lineup of top-tier musicians. Just an hour outside Northern Virginia, you'll find Merriweather Post Pavillion, a venue hosting popular artists like Post Malone, Fall Out Boy, Five Seconds of Summer, and more. Additionally, smaller community-based concerts abound throughout the summer months, like the Summer Concert Series at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton or the Town of Vienna's Summer on the Green Concert Series.

Cool off at Water Parks

Beat the summer heat by making a splash at one of Northern Virginia's water parks. The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole is a Reston favorite with its interactive play area, slides, sprays, showers, and its famed "Rattlesnake River". Ocean Dunes Waterpark in Arlington is a beach-themed water experience, featuring a large swimming pool, towering water slides, a splash pad, and a 500-gallon dumping bucket. Part of the Pohick Bay Regional Park, Pirate's Cove Waterpark offers a large leisure pool, towering water slides, interactive play features, and a dedicated area for toddlers. Located in Algonkian Regional Park, Volcano Island boasts a Polynesian theme, complete with a giant volcano that periodically 'erupts' with water. SplashDown Waterpark in Manassas is Northern Virginia's largest water park, featuring 70-foot tall waterslides, a Lazy River, Cannonball and Tropical Twister slides, and a leisure pool. 

Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, Northern Virginia in the summertime has something for everyone. So don your summer hat, slather on some sunscreen, and prepare to make unforgettable memories under the NoVa sun!