By Patricia Hall, Fairfax Family Fun Ropes courses continue to climb in popularity as great ways for people to get exercise, enjoy time outdoors, and challenge themselves. The structures that have participants walk on wobbly bridges, go through obstacles, and make their way along challenging paths from high above -- often coming back down to the ground via zip line -- are popular with children and adults. Well-known courses exist nearby in Continue Reading...
National Park Week offers free admission to all parks
Spring is here and many families are getting outdoors more -- and this coming week is an especially good times to do so as the National Park Service (NPS) and National Park Foundation celebrate National Park Week, April 15-23, 2017. Highlights of the annual celebration include: Free admission on the weekends of April 15–16 and 22–23: All national parks will give you free admission Junior Ranger Day on April 15, with many fun programs Continue Reading...
Northern Virginia polar plunge events benefit charities
By Patricia Hall, FairfaxFamilyFun.com Do you find winter weather "balmy?" Are you willing to do something wild and wacky for a good cause? Each winter, some brave, good-humored, or good-natured souls jump into a bitterly cold waters for a good cause: to help one of the area "polar plunge" or "polar dip" events that benefit charitable organizations. Coming up over the next few weeks in 2017 are the Polar Bear Plunge at National Harbor on Continue Reading...
Timeless excitement for all ages at Medieval Times
We were invited to tour the Baltimore/DC Medieval Times castle, and couldn't say no! Read on to find out why we love this attraction and what makes it great for a family day out. By Patricia Hall, Fairfax Family Fun The jousting, the feeling of traveling back in time, the novelty of eating a meal just with your hands... Whatever initially draws you to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, when you leave, chances are good that you and Continue Reading...
What’s new at Busch Gardens Christmas Town
By Patricia Hall, Fairfax Family Fun It often has been named the most beautiful theme park in the world, and that's during the regular operating season. During the holidays, Busch Gardens tops itself with millions of lights and decorations for the annual Christmas Town event. Open now through January 2, 2017, Christmas Town makes for a lovely way to get in the holiday spirit. This year, the theme park is giving visitors more attractions to Continue Reading...
Wayside Farm Fun Fall Festival: a hidden gem in Berryville
By Patricia Hall, FairfaxFamilyFun.com Pumpkin patch, hayrides, straw tunnels, a corn maze, farm animals, pig races, and even pumpkin smashing... where to begin? If you want to experience a full day of fun on the farm, head to Berryville, Virginia, to visit Wayside Farm Fun. This 20-acre family farm in Clarke County (just past Loudoun County) each year hosts a fall festival that features enough for the whole family to do, without the hustle Continue Reading...
Enjoy frightening good times at Fields of Fear
By Patricia Hall, FairfaxFamilyFun.com What happens at Cox Farms when the last of the Fall Festival guests have left and the animals have "gone to bed?" On certain nights, the normally cheerful grounds at the farm become.... the Fields of Fear! Sure, the hugely popular Cox Farms Fall Festival is a daytime, not-at-all-scary, all-ages event, but the farm's nighttime event is totally different and, for some, it can be totally terrifying! Fields Continue Reading...
Celebrate National Roller Coaster Day at Busch Gardens
By Patricia Hall, FairfaxFamilyFun.com Did you know there is a National Roller Coaster Day? There sure is, and in 2016 it takes place on Tuesday, August 16. Roller coasters are one of the top choices for thrill seekers, and our own Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, less than three hours from Northern Virginia, boasts plenty of big, exciting rides. In honor of National Roller Coaster Day, here's a look at some of the "epic" coasters you can enjoy Continue Reading...
Where to go camping in Northern Virginia
Making s'mores, fishing, hiking, sleeping under the stars, connecting with nature... these are just some of the things associated with camping. Camping is a great way to spend time together as a family and it often can be a simple (and inexpensive) getaway. In Northern Virginia, you don't have to travel too far to find parks with camping facilities suitable for an overnight stay, weekend trip, weeklong vacation, or more. See below for Continue Reading...
BioBlitz events in Northern Virginia and DC
By Patricia Hall, FairfaxFamilyFun.com Kids are "natural scientists," so here is something that is perfect for them -- and really, for anyone of any age with a curiosity about our natural world: the BioBlitz coming up this weekend, May 20-21, 2016. At a BioBlitz, you team up with volunteer scientists and educators along with other members of your community to try to identify as many species of plants, animals, and organisms in one place as Continue Reading...
