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.
For Families with Small Kids
Image courtesy Launch Entertainment Park/Facebook
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 Entertainment Park 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.
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 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 Lucy Burns Museum, or the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum (limited hours). Find a full list of DC & #FXVA museums here.
Shopping in Tysons Corner Center
Got a fashion-forward tween or teen? Here's their ultimate rainy-day escape. People literally 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 these other great areas.
Instagrammable, Immersive Experiences
Let your teen enjoy all things sweet at the newly-opened Candytopia exhibit in Tysons Corner Center. This candy wonderland is the ultimate sugar rush experience, complete with larger-than-life candy installations and interactive exhibits that will transport you to a world of pure imagination. (Candytopia is a limited engagement, only open through May 31, 2023.) Also recently opened in Tysons Corner Center is the Dr. Seuss Experience! This interactive exhibit is a feast for the senses, complete with colorful displays and larger-than-life installations that bring some of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters to life. (Dr. Seuss Experience is a limited engagement, only open through June 30, 2023.)
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, and Escapology has fully immersive experiences.
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 20 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
Photo courtesy of CMX CineBistro Tysons
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 and Showplace ICON Theatre. Plus, coming soon to Reston Town Center - LOOK Cinemas!
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 couple's 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.
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 perfecting 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
Photo courtesy Caboose Commons via Facebook
Hit Up a Tasting Room
With nearly 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.
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 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 #FXVA 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!
