Rainy days in Fairfax County, Virginia don't have to be a dreary affair! There are plenty of exciting activities to keep you entertained while staying cozy and dry indoors. From discovering the latest exhibits at local museums to sipping on a warm beverage while indulging in your favorite book, our local attractions have got you covered. Embrace the rainy weather and embark on an adventure that's sure to brighten up your day! Here's our guide to a rainy day in Northern Virginia, whether you’re visiting by yourself, on a couple’s trip, or on a family getaway.
For Families with Small Kids
Laser Tag
Set your phasers to "fun" and strap on your vests for a blood-pumping adventure at Ultrazone Laser Tag And Amusement Center in Bailey's Crossroads and Shadowland Laser Adventure Center in Alexandria. Wind your way through a darkened labyrinth and fog-filled passageways while dodging (and shooting) lasers!
Trampoline Parks
Looking to jump for joy and burn off some energy? At Flight Adventure Park, thrill-seeking kiddos will love Lunar Dodgeball, Airslam Basketball, Bailout Jump, and Battle Beam. Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Springfield has all the excitement of trampolines alongside rock climbing, a "Wipeout" game with a giant spinning sweeper arm, a Ninja Warrior Course and a Warped Wall. Launch Family Entertainment in Herndon also boasts a Ninja Course, Launch Pad, Dodgeball, Launch N Dunk Basketball, Large Arcade, and Krave Restaurant.
Arcade Games Galore
From classic arcade games to state-of-the-art virtual reality experiences, Dave & Busters in Springfield and Fairfax has over 140+ of the best arcade games. Fun Land of Fairfax also boasts over 100 arcade games and an indoor entertainment facility that includes go-karts, laser tag, a ropes course, rock climbing, and more!
Indoor Mini Golf
Inspire a little friendly competition at an indoor mini-golf center! Monster Mini Golf in Chantilly is an 18-hole course that features a glow-in-the-dark, monster-themed attraction - complete with an animatronic ogre. Another glow-in-the-dark mini-golf experience unfolds in The Dark Tower, located inside the aforementioned Shadowland Laser Adventures in Alexandria. This mini-golf course puts you in the middle of glowing dragons, ancient passageways, bubbling elixirs, and cauldrons. See the rest of Fairfax County’s mini golf course here: Best Mini-Golf in Fairfax County
For Families with Tweens & Teens
Interactive Museums
Feast your eyes on hundreds of space artifacts and aircraft, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, at the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Enjoy plenty of things to do at Udvar-Hazy Center, including flight simulators, a look inside plane restoration, and a huge dose of aviation facts and curiosities. The onsite Airbus IMAX Theatre showcases a variety of movies and documentaries shown in the highest quality on a jaw-dropping 86-foot-wide screen.
For even more great indoor museum experiences, check out sites like the National Museum of the United States Army, the Lorton Prison Museum and Lucy Burns Gallery, or the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum (limited hours). Find a full list of DC & Fairfax museums here.
Shopping in Tysons Corner Center
Got a fashion-forward tween or teen? Here's their ultimate rainy-day escape. People travel from all over the world to shop in the Tysons area. Why? Because there are two, large, back-to-back malls there—Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria. Together, they hold roughly 400 brands and represent the Mid-Atlantic’s premier shopping experience, from SPANX to Prada. For even more shopping in Fairfax County, check out these other great shopping hubs.
Virtual Game Reality Experience
Sure, your teen can stay home and play video games all day long, but what if they could step into a world where they truly felt like they're living inside a game? Sandbox VR in Tysons is a futuristic VR experience that transports players into gaming realms using 3D body trackers, custom hardware, and haptic suits, providing an unimaginable sense of immersion. Whether it's entering the world of Squid Games or engaging in an adrenaline-pumping zombie thrill-ride, Sandbox VR offers endless possibilities for transformative gaming experiences.
Escape Rooms
Ready to escape and solve the mystery? Put on your thinking cap and head to these escape rooms: Bond’s Escape Room is the largest on the East Coast, Cyber Raccoon has digital features, Escape Room Herndon is ranked #1 in the state on TripAdvisor, Escapology has fully immersive experiences, and Break from Reality is the newest kid on the block.
Fun DIY Experience
Get those creative juices flowing at Icreate! Whether you're painting your own bear sculpture, dipping a scarf, or trying your hand at water gun painting, there's something for every artist. Rainy days are the perfect excuse to get inspired, so head to Icreate for a fun and hands-on art adventure!
For a Solo Day
Treat Yourself
Chances are, if you're taking a solo day, you're in dire need of relaxation. Calm the mind, body, and soul with massages, saunas, body scrubs, reflexology, and more. Enjoy pampering at one of our local spas to relax and kiss all of your cares goodbye for the day.
Artistic Appreciation
One of the best parts about visiting an exhibit solo is being able to take your time both reading and admiring at your leisure. Heading to a place like the Workhouse Arts Center, the Emerson Gallery, or ArtSpace Herndon is a feast for the eyes and minds.
Bookstore or Library Adventures
Spend a cozy afternoon browsing the shelves of one of Fairfax County's many independent bookstores, such as Bards Alley or Scrawl Books. Or, to borrow a few books, check out Fairfax County's extensive library system.
Visit a Coffee Shop
Curl up in one of Fairfax County's many coffee shops (over 25 of them!), such as Chateau de Chantilly or Caffe Amouri, and indulge in a warm drink while reading a book or catching up on work.
For Couples
Catch a Movie in Luxury
What better way to spend a rainy day than catching the latest flick? Elevate the movie-going experience with an expansive kitchen and bar menu, reclining and heated seats, and even food delivery to your theatre at the CMX CineBistro or the LOOK Cinemas experience in Tysons and Reston. Make sure to check out all of the movie theatres in Fairfax County to find different screenings!
Take a Spa Day
Self-care isn't just about taking care of yourself - it's about taking care of each other too! Take a load off and relax together at one of Fairfax County's many spas that offer everything from poultice rooms and saunas to couples' massages.
Go Candle-Pouring
Take your special someone to Paddywax Candle Bar in Reston to create your own personalized candles from start to finish. Choose your favorite "vessel" and fragrance, and you'll be led through the candle-pouring process. Coming this summer: District Candle Lab joins the roster at Mosaic District.
Wine & Chocolate Tasting
You've been to a winery wine tasting, but have you been to a chocolate factory wine tasting? See how chocolate is made while sipping on perfectly paired wine. River-Sea Chocolate Factory selects wine from vineyards and wineries located abroad that follow sustainable growing practices. In this guided experience, you'll get an opportunity to sample five chocolate bars and three wines.
For Friends
Hit Up a Tasting Room
With more than a dozen local breweries to choose from, there are plenty of places to discover your favorite locally brewed beer. From a Hawaiian-themed tasting room at Ono Brewing to arcade games at Mustang Sally, there's a variety of taprooms for any type of friend group. Fairfax County is home to two historic wineries - Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton, VA, and The Winery at Bull Run in Centreville, VA. Both have indoor tasting room spaces to enjoy. Also, enjoy indoor wine tasting at urban micro-winery, Woodlawn Press Winery, and Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Reston. Make sure to check out all of the wineries and breweries in Fairfax County to find your favorite spot!
Sip & Paint
Take a painting class together at a local art studio like Muse Paintbar or Pinot's Palette. It's a great opportunity to unleash your inner artist while spending quality time with your favorite people.
Catch a Concert
Catch big-ticket performances at renowned performing arts venues like The Barns at Wolf Trap, George Mason University’s Center for the Arts, Capital One Hall, and others. Score tickets to free or minimally priced shows at local hotspots like Jammin' Java and The State Theatre.
Bowling Fun
Bowling is a classic activity to enjoy with friends, and Fairfax County offers a variety of bowling alleys for a fun-filled day or evening out. At Bowl America, you can choose from multiple locations throughout the county, and enjoy a retro atmosphere with classic arcade games, delicious food, and, of course, bowling. For a more modern experience, Bowlero (soon to be Lucky Strike!) is a blacklight bowling, retro-inspired hangout powered by interactive arcade games, signature cocktails, an outrageous menu of Oversized Shareables, and... nostalgia. Find bowling alleys in Fairfax here.
Next time the weather doesn't cooperate with your outdoor plans, don't let it dampen your day - simply check out some of the many indoor attractions and experiences that Fairfax County has to offer. With so many fun and unique options, you are sure to find something to enjoy no matter the weather!
