Head to Great Falls for a hike and spectacular scenery — for free!
This Weekend Round-Up is somewhat abbreviated as we’re away for Spring Break, but these quick links and listings will lead you to loads of ongoing things to do, seasonal activities, and a few special events. Happy Weekend!
Find ideas and inspo in these go-to posts:
* Spring Things to Get Excited About
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Best Outdoor Spots
* Peaceful Places
* Indoor Outings
* Bike Rides
Free Parking
Where: National Parks
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
National Park Week starts on Saturday, and it’s kicking off with a fee free day, so there’s no entrance fee to national parks that usually charge admission. Take advantage and hit the trail at Great Falls, Shenandoah, Prince William Forest, Harpers Ferry, or head up to Baltimore to explore Fort McHenry. Find even more parks to visit here.
Root for the Home Team
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Starts at $14/ticket
Single game tickets are now available to the public to catch a Nats game in person at the ballpark! That includes this weekend’s series against the Diamondbacks. Tickets will be sold in socially distanced pods of 1 to 6 tickets. Safety measures like assigned entrances, mobile food orders, extra signage, and masks required are in placed for Covid. Let’s go, Nats!
Tulips Galore
Where: Burnside Farm | Nokesville, VA
When: Friday (Saturday & Sunday sold out)
Admission: $20.50/adult, $10.50/child
Experience a bit of Holland in Northern Virginia at Burnside Farms’ annual festival as blooming tulips stretch along acres of fields in an array of colors and varieties. Even more, you can pick your own to bring home. Admission for the event has increased this year, but also includes bouncy fun, a play area, and five tulips to pick. Purchase timed-entry tickets in advance. And if you find the entry price steep, know that there are more, great (free) flower blooms on the way — see what else is coming up around the area.
Drive-In Time
Where: Alexandria Drive-In Movie Theater | Alexandria, VA
When: Friday & Saturday, 8pm
Admission: $40/car
Catch a flick from the comfort of your car — an ideal way to enjoy some entertainment out of the house and social distance. Trolls will be on the big outdoor screen on Friday night, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back on Saturday. Food trucks will be there both nights offering savory and sweet concessions with online ordering through Goodfynd! Purchase movie tickets in advance!
Fairy & Gnome Home Festival
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: Sunday (timed-entry)
Admission: $7/age 2+
This annual festival at one of the most enchanting places will delight the whole family — and we know from experience. Festivities are scattered throughout the beautiful grounds, creating a charming journey for young (and young at heart) guests. They’ve reconfigured the outdoor event to accommodate social-distancing and low-touch precautions, providing an an experience for families to imagine, create, and explore! Let kiddos dress in their magical finery and bring some chairs or a picnic blanket. Advance, timed-entry tickets are required for admission and “unicorn” rides. Read more about Annmarie Sculpture Garden and get a glimpse in this KFDC post and this one.
NoVa Parking
Where: Several parks in Northern Virginia
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Not only are many of the locales within the NoVa Parks system great places to go for outdoor recreation, other activities within some of them are now available. Batting cages, mini golf, kayak and canoe rentals, and disc golf are some of them. Find things to do by activity, or check out individual parks and see what they have going on.
Go for a Spin
Where: Cabin John (Bethesda) & Wheaton Regional Park, MD
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $2.50
All aboard! Montgomery Park’s Cabin John Train and Wheaton Train and Carousel are open for the season on weekends. Take kiddos for a spin around the parks on replicas of an 1863 steam locomotive. Or go for whirl on the Carousel (Wheaton only). Plan for time on the playgrounds, too — both offer lots of fun for little ones. Read more about Cabin John here and Wheaton here.
Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Parks around Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts all kinds of events on weekends for guests of all ages. Join a Campfire Friday at Lake Fairfax Park. Create a bird-themed craft at Sully Historic Site. Take older kids on a nature kayaking adventure. Details and registration for these and more activities this weekend and beyond are available here.
StoryWalk: Rainbow Weaver
Where: Downtown Kensington, MD
When: Starting Saturday through May 15
Admission: Free
The Noyes Library Foundation presents its newest StoryWalk! Families are invited to read the book Rainbow Weaver by Linda Elovitz Marshall, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri, on posted signs on a self-guided stroll through Capitol View-Homewood Local Park (2929 Edgewood Road, Kensington, MD). The book focuses on a young girl who wants to weave like her mother and the women of her Guatemalan village. A QR code to scan at the StoryWalk will take users to the Foundation’s website for crafts and printable coloring pages related to the book.
