If you like action, then check out all the outdoor activities and sports you can enjoy when looking for things to do in Northern Virginia near Washington, DC. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous date night idea or a way to get the family outdoors, you’ll find great options in Fairfax County! After you've worked up an appetite, check out the many outdoor seating options that local restaurants offer. Many of the outdoor activities listed below can be enjoyed year-round. Check out our Hiking Trails page, Parks page and Local Attractions page for more fun ideas. Scan our listings below and we're sure you'll find fun activities for you and your entire family.
Outdoor Activities & Things to Do in Northern Virginia
Top Outdoor Attractions in Fairfax County
Looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure in Northern Virginia? Then check out our Outdoor Adventure Getaway itinerary that includes outdoor activities and destinations. These getaway ideas are perfect for either someone looking for extreme adventure or if you are someone looking to leisurely enjoy the great outdoors.
Latest Articles On The Outdoors

- 7 minute read
Compiled by the Fairfax County Park Authority staff. Whether you’re a nature photographer or simply an animal lover, winter is a…

- 3 minute read
It's official - winter is finally here in Northern Virginia! Sledding is a classic winter activity that's both festive and…

- 5 minute read
Fall is the perfect time to get outside people! There's something about the smell of those freshly fallen leaves (you know what…

- 6 minute read
The leaves are beautiful, the air is starting to get cool and crisp, the days are getting shorter, and the time to get outside is NOW…

- 5 minute read
Horseback riding is not just a sought-after vacation adventure, but the wellness benefits of horse riding have been widely proven…

- 5 minute read
Updated for 2023 Golf is steeped in great tradition and history, much like our nearby Nation’s Capital. During the past few…
On The Blog

- 7 minute read
Compiled by the Fairfax County Park Authority staff. Whether you’re a nature…

- 3 minute read
It's official - winter is finally here in Northern Virginia! Sledding is a classic…

- 5 minute read
Fall is the perfect time to get outside people! There's something about the smell of…

- 6 minute read
The leaves are beautiful, the air is starting to get cool and crisp, the days are getting…
{{title}}{{:link.url}}{{/}} {{:hasDeets()}}- {{:~var.isBlog}}{{:timeToRead}}
- {{timeToRead.minutes}} {{timeToRead.label}} {{/}}{{/}}{{:~var.isListing}}{{:address}}
- {{address}} {{/}}{{:phone}}
- {{phone}} {{/}}{{/}}{{:~var.isEvent}}{{:venue}}
- {{venue.title}} {{/}}{{:recurrence}}
- {{recurrence}} {{/}}{{/}}{{:~var.isOffer}}{{:listings}}
- {{#listings}} {{title}}{{!@last}},{{/last}}{{/}} {{/}}
- {{formattedDate()}} {{/}}
{{plainDescription(helpers.var.config.descriptionTruncation)}}
{{/}} {{:isDTN}}{{/}}
Sponsored
Sponsored {{title}}{{:link.url}}{{/}} {{:hasDeets()}}- {{:~var.isBlog}}{{:timeToRead}}
- {{timeToRead.minutes}} {{timeToRead.label}} {{/}}{{/}}{{:~var.isListing}}{{:address}}
- {{address}} {{/}}{{:phone}}
- {{phone}} {{/}}{{/}}{{:~var.isEvent}}{{:venue}}
- {{venue.title}} {{/}}{{:recurrence}}
- {{recurrence}} {{/}}{{/}}{{:~var.isOffer}}{{:listings}}
- {{#listings}} {{title}}{{!@last}},{{/last}}{{/}} {{/}}
- {{formattedDate()}} {{/}}
{{plainDescription(helpers.var.config.descriptionTruncation)}}
{{/}} {{:isDTN}}{{/}}ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7p8TVmmWcp51ksrm8y6ipnmefqsGlu86rqmg%3D