The best things to do in Fairfax County

“Public 18-hole, par 71 layout with greens, rolling fairways & several water hazards, plus a shop.”

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Small, standard theater offering an array of discount movies, plus popcorn, candy & soda.”

“Kid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.”

“Masterpiece Mini Golf turns 18 artist-designed holes into a bright, brain-tickling walk through art history, with interactive installations and little learn-as-you-go moments.”

From the Alexandria newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Ocean Dunes Waterpark turns a regular afternoon into a mini shore trip with a 500-gallon dumping bucket, twisty slides, waterfalls and splashy squirters that drench away the August blahs. Bring the crew this week, then wander over to Climb UPton if you’ve still got energy.”

From the Arlington newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Mount Vernon Country Club sits on one of George Washington’s original farms, pairing exceptional golf and a pro shop with a pool, restaurant, and a lively slate of social events. They also offer full-service catering for weddings and meetings, so it doubles as your go-to celebration spot.”

From the Alexandria newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Thinking about a members-only upgrade this week? Chantilly National Golf & Country Club pairs 18 holes with world-class racquet sports, an Olympic pool, and legit dining, plus lessons for you and the kids. A Northern Virginia pillar since 1959, it also nails weddings and corporate shindigs.”

From the Manassas newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Monster Mini Golf Chantilly brings indoor, glow-in-the-dark putt-putt to life with towering monsters, plus an arcade, laser tag, a laser maze, mini bowling, and VR.”

From the Manassas newsletter, September 3, 2026

“When you need a quick cooldown, Atlantis Waterpark at Bull Run brings two legit slides, a 230-foot open run, a wild 170-foot ride in the dark, a 500-gallon dumping bucket play zone, and a big main pool for actual relaxing. Swing by this week and make it feel like summer again.”

From the Manassas newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Mini-golf course located on a rooftop.”

“Belle Haven Country Club is the members-only spot where golf swings, tennis rallies, and pickleball dinks share equal billing. Beyond the courts and fairways, it's a reliable home base for good dining and polished meeting spaces, perfect when you want something close, calm, and decidedly Alexandria.”

From the Alexandria newsletter, September 30, 2026

“Launch Family Entertainment Herndon packs wall-to-wall trampolines, a Ninja Course, X-Treme Dodgeball, basketball hoops, laser tag and a loaded arcade that basically dares your crew to burn off energy. Perfect for spontaneous kid chaos or leveling up a birthday, while you catch your breath nearby.”

From the Manassas newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Need a low-lift hang this week? Upton Hill Mini Golf brings a beautifully designed, 18-hole layout that’s actually fun, whether you’re sneaking in a quick game after work or corralling the whole crew to test whose short-game is truly Arlington-worthy.”

From the Arlington newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Whether the week has you melting or the kids need to burn energy, Pirate's Cove Waterpark brings the big pirate play structure with a 300-gallon dumping bucket, splash pads and two legit slides at Pohick Bay Regional Park. Grab a buddy, pick your splash zone, and reset your summer mood.”

From the Fredericksburg newsletter, August 21, 2026