Northern Virginia Christmas Tree Farms It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… but it’s not complete without the tree! For some families, setting up the tree begins with taking an artificial pine out of a storage box. But people who love the fresh scent of natural pine, the holidays entail the search for that “perfect” tree. A trip to a Christmas tree farm is a tradition for some families, and we in Northern Virginia have good options Continue Reading...
Cox Farms cancels Fall Festival for 2020, announces new option
For families which, after having to forgo so many things this spring and summer, were looking forward to fall, we have some bad news. Well, more like "bad news, good news" -- Cox Farms just announced that it will NOT be doing its legendary Fall Festival (nor its nighttime Halloween event, Fields of Fear). While some businesses, including attractions and entertainment venues, have started to open up again (usually with some restrictions), Cox Continue Reading...
50 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day
By Patricia Hall, Fairfax Family Fun Spring has sprung, and this week we celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day. In 2020, these celebrations take an ironic turn, as much of what we can do is limited to online activities, when the idea of both holidays is to celebrate nature and the natural environment. Due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home orders in much of the country, the festivals and large volunteer projects that normally Continue Reading...
Wayside Farm Fun hosts its annual fall festival
By Patricia Lee Hall, Fairfax Family Fun It's that time of year again! A day taking a hayride, picking gourds at a pumpkin patch, trying to find your way through a corn maze, visiting animals, and enjoying all the other activities that make for a fun autumn day. Wayside Farm Fun in nearby Berryville, Virginia, offers this -- plus lots more! -- during its annual fall festival. This 20-acre family farm just outside of Loudoun County offers Continue Reading...
Tips for picking your own apples
Apples are aplenty in autumn, and for some local families, picking your own fruit is a fun activity. Apple picking can be a nice way to spend a little outside time in the fall and it helps kids appreciate the work that farmers do and how our food grow. Our guide to local apple picking in Northern Virginia list seven farms that offer pick-your-own options. Among the apple varieties you may find are Gala, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Continue Reading...
Area fun continues with fall festivals!
By Patricia Hall, FairfaxFamilyFun.com Autumn is almost here (officially) and that means that festival season continues, with pumpkin patches and fall festivals joining the already-long list of area community events celebrating various foods, cultures, and neighborhoods. For some families, fall is an even better time for these events since the cool, crisp air is more comfortable than the summer heat, and the changing colors of the season make Continue Reading...
Win passes to Leesburg Animal Park Pumpkin Village!
By Patricia Hall, FairfaxFamilyFun.com Open year-round, Leesburg Animal Park is a popular site for families and animal lovers in Virginia. With dozens of animals from all over the world (mostly outside, but with a few indoor exhibits), an indoor playground, live shows, a gift shop, and more, there's plenty to do. But in the fall the fun kicks up a notch with Pumpkin Village, Leesburg Animal Park's autumn festival. The outdoor fall festival Continue Reading...
Great Country Farms hosts Apple Gala and Cider Festival
While Great Country Farms makes for a fun family outing just about any time of year, its special events make a visit to this fun farm and outdoor playground extra-special. Coming up soon is the annual Apple Gala & Cider Festival September 1-2 and 8-9, 2018. That second weekend is First Responders weekend, with complimentary family admission for first responders (must show ID). The farm will celebrate the start of the apple picking and Continue Reading...
Animals, trucks, rides, and more fun at the Fairfax 4-H Fair
By Patricia Hall, FairfaxFamilyFun.com The annual Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival is coming up soon! The annual event at Fairfax County's Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon takes place August 2-5, 2018. Over four days, guests can enjoy 4-H exhibits, music, food, a touch-a-truck, carnival rides, a tractor pull, community vendors, and more. Admission is free, and parking is free the first two days. The 4-H component alone has lots to see, Continue Reading...
Let’s help save Claude Moore Colonial Farm!
One of Northern Virginia's great resources for educational fun is in danger of closing its doors -- but help may be on the way! As some (or maybe many!) of you already know, Claude Moore Colonial Farm was facing a bleak future when early this year is operating group announced it could not reach an agreement with the National Park Service (NPS). Claude Moore Colonial Farm is a recreated 18th century farm that serves as a living history, Continue Reading...
