

For example, one of my favorite afternoons with friends was going museum-hopping in Old Town Alexandria, VA: the city contains various small house-museums accessible under a single pass. Beyond just Smithsonians and Planet Word, there are many independent museums and exhibits worth visiting in a group. One of the perks of living in DC is access to hundreds of museums you haven’t even heard about, often for free. Find another Museum, Historic house, or Exhibit! The Glenstone Museum includes unconventional art and great trails. Some of my favorites are Manassas Battlefield (lots of open trails and hills with beautiful views) and Gravelly Point (planes right above your head, an active rail line – awesome for transit-spotting).ĩ. Gravelly Point Park in Arlington (Courtesy of LuzWanderer )ĭraw: If you’re looking for a park to hike or picnic at, typical choices like Great Falls, Burke Lake, Scott’s Run are great, but other parks work just as well. Location: Every 4th Friday in Downtown Fairfax Cityĭraw: Live music in a walkable area, direct bus connection from TJ.


#Claude moore rec center water slide free
Rock the Block Fairfax City (and other free live music spots) Notes: Amenities vary by specific rec center.Ī gathering for the monthly Rock the Block in Fairfax City. Location: Multiple, some of the best are: Claude Moore Rec Center – Sterling, Long Bridge Aquatics Center – Arlington, Cub Run Rec Center – Chantillyĭraw: While often overlooked as a hangout activity for high schoolers, these are an awesome, low cost way to have fun! Claude Moore, for example, includes pools, a lazy river, a 3-story tall water slide, a hot tub, and a rock climbing wall. Other local kayak and paddleboard rental options include Belle Haven Marina in Alexandria, and Penguin Paddlers in Occoquan.Ĭlaude Moore Rec Center in Sterling, VA. For those looking to avoid heading to DC, Fairfax County Park Authority operates boat rentals in Virginia, but they require adult supervision for those under 18. Notes: Must be at least 16 to Kayak alone, minors require a parent-signed waiver. Location: Multiple, including Georgetown, the Wharf, and AlexandriaĬost: $18 for Single Kayak, $22 for Paddleboard, $24 for Double Kayakĭraw: Fun, collaborative, physical activity, great for talking and exploring! Sometimes, you can come across a rope swing on the shore, and that adds some exhilaration as well. Kayaking/Paddleboarding ( Boating in DC ) All visitors require valid, government issued ID (learner’s permit, license, or passport).ĭraw: Apple Picking is a fun, outdoor activity that allows you to enjoy your bounty later.īoating in DC’s Key Bridge kayaking rental location is scenic and fun.ĥ. Notes: Those under 16 need a parent supervision to enter. (Stay Arlington)ĭraw: Beautiful views, awesome picture opportunities, right on top of a metro station. Notes: Requires advance timed passes on Planet Word’s website. Not only are there several activities, but it’s also easily accessible from the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. (Planet Word Museum)ĭraw: Imagine a place with interactive exhibits, hidden doors, photo booths, meticulous decoration, and Karaoke: that’s the Planet Word Museum. The Planet Word Museum contains voice-activated interactives and a photo booth – attractions not common in most museums. Includes various lawn games like Bocce and Chess, food trucks, a dog park, a sculpture garden, live music, and a mini-golf course. Despite the numbering, this list follows no particular order.ĭraw: A rooftop park in Tysons, opened in 2020, and easily accessible by metro. While this list is geared toward hangouts, these activities are all family friendly as well.

It also concentrates on low-cost attractions, as well as those accessible by transit. Either way, this is the list for you: Replete with fun, inclusive, low-cost activities!įor this list, the focus is on less-well-known places, which is why we exclude places such as Georgetown, The Wharf, Mosaic, and Smithsonian Museums. Have you ever felt at a loss of things to do with friend groups? Perhaps you’ve read the article about public transportation and are looking for places to go.
