Fun Day Trips for Families This Spring in NOVA (Northern Virginia) Spring To Do: Northern Virginia Edition

Spring Adventures for Families in Northern Virginia

Spring is an extra exciting time in Northern Virginia because not only do we have the Cherry Blossoms in Washington D.C., our nation's capital, but we also have a resurgence of green, spring blooms, bluebirds, and all of the quintessential elements of an idyllic spring since we live in a climate with four distinct seasons. As the snow melts away, start planning what you and your family can do to get out and enjoy the weather!!

Here are some fun ideas to make the most of your springtime in Northern Virginia. Spring To Do Northern Virginia:

1. Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.

A springtime visit to the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. is a privilege of those living in Northern Virginia (or any of the people who visit from all over the world, but we are extra close!!) Take the Metro (WMATA: Home) or drive and park using the ParkMobile app (https://parkmobile.io/).

The planting of cherry trees in Washington DC originated in 1912 as a gift of friendship to the People of the United States from the People of Japan. (NationalParkService.gov)

It's a gorgeous and an Insta or Tiktok worthy photo op, too!

Make a day of it and get lunch or visit a museum or the monuments while you're in town. D.C. is beautiful in the Spring. 🌸

Fountain outside of Washington, D.C. Botanical garden

Washington, D.C. in the springtime

2. National Aquarium in Baltimore

One of my favorites - support animals and the ocean while you enjoy and escape from everyday reality and visit aquatic animals and marine life. The National Aquarium in Baltimore (https://aqua.org/) is a must visit place while you're in the Northern Virginia area. You can easily spend an entire day from open to close in the aquarium. It's also a great place to bring kids, but not required. =)

Shark at Baltimore National Aquarium

But if you wanted to extend your day beyond the aquarium, the Baltimore Harbor is right outside the aquarium doors and offers a perfect Spring location for walking, dining, shopping, and sightseeing. There are food options nearby like The Cheesecake Factory or Hardrock Cafe, but there's also a full dining area inside the aquarium. Make sure you don't miss the mesmerizing jellyfish exhibit! You will also get to witness the dolphin training. 🐬

Jellyfish at Baltimore National Aquarium

3. Harper's Ferry, West Virginia

Another Spring to do in Northern Virginia is a visit to Harper's Ferry, WV, a perfect outing for Spring weather for a mix of history and outdoor adventure. This historic town is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. There are coffee shops and souvenirs for a day of walking and sightseeing, but of course there is a rich historical education you can experience with a history tour, and there is also beautiful hiking and scenery. There is a reason school children visit this town on field trips - it is a must-visit for Northern Virginia!

View from street in Harper's Ferry, WV

A street in Harper's Ferry, WV

4. EatLoco Farmers Market

Hooray! The farmer's market is back! The EatLoco Farmers Market runs from spring to fall, with individual vendors running of their own schedules depending on their product. Located in Loudoun County, there are an abundance of choices that make it a fun and exciting place to spend a Saturday morning. I hope you like dogs, because you will likely see many of them socialize along with their people. The market features local produce from farms in VA and WV, artisanal goods ranging from crochet toys to cayenne pepper limeade and freezedried candy, and delicious food (Crabs! Cheesecake!). It's an opportunity to support local vendors, as well, and enjoy fresh, seasonal products in the beautiful spring air.

5. Loudoun and Fairfax County Parks

We are so luck to live in Northern Virginia. The Fairfax and Loudoun Park authorities steward a huge range of parks from Meadowlark Botanical Garden with gorgeous scenery and a wedding venue to Great Falls Park with hiking and waterfalls. The parks and recreations departments also host camps for kids and activities for the community. In my opinion, these amenities are on the list of why to move to or why to stay in Loudoun or Fairfax County. Not only is there natural phenomenon cared for, but there are also activities such as mini golf, splash pads, hiking trails, waterslides!!!, walking platforms over the lake, and even a ride-on train and carousel. A few other parks of note are Claude Moore, Clemyjontri, Burke Lake, Huntley Meadows and Hal and Bernie Hanson, but you can visit their websites and explore them all!!! (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ and https://www.loudoun.gov/4136/Parks-Trails)

Loudoun and Fairfax host children's sports and programs

6. Take a Scenic Hike

Northern Virginia is home to numerous beautiful hiking trails that are perfect for a spring day. Some popular options include Great Falls Park, Shenandoah National Park, and the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail. These trails offer stunning views, fresh air, and a chance to connect with nature.

7. Visit Local Farms and Orchards

Another unique and cool thing about Northern Virginia is that many of the local farms are open to the public to lean about the animals and production there. Many of them cater to children, too, whether they're visiting on a school field trip or on a weekend with their families. See baby pigs and chicks being born, pet goats, jump on a giant outdoor trampoline, or take a hay ride. Adults may be more interested in walking the vineyards, picking produce, or patronising the farm stand to buy some fresh local fruits and vegetables. Many farms offer pick-your-own fruit and vegetable options! Visit their websites to see weather it's peach, strawberry, or apple season. =) Some popular farms to visit include Cox Farms, Great Country Farms, and Hollin Farms.

Cows out to pasture in Loudoun

Baby animals at Cox Farms

8. Attend a Spring Festival

Northern Virginia hosts a variety of spring festivals that are perfect for families. Some popular events include the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival, and the Herndon Festival. These festivals offer live entertainment, food, and fun activities for all ages.

For more information on any of these activities, you can reach out to me to point you in the right direction. maureenlandes@gmail.com (202) 827-5069

Northern Virginia is truly such a fantastic wealth of beauty and exciting options to enjoy the season of spring. Whether you're looking for educational experiences, outdoor adventures, or a relaxed day of sightseeing and fun, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

I would love to be your resource for Northern Virginia! Subscribe to be notified of market updates and new blog posts, or reach out to get in touch and save my contact info for your house sale or purchase. Feel free to pass my name on to your family and friends relocating to the area, as well. Have a great day and a beautiful Spring!!

Cherry blossoms in Brambleton, VA

Maureen Landes, Realtor

Relocation Specialist , New Construction Specialist (202) 827-5069