Government Shutdown

There are many exciting things to do in Fairfax County, even though the federal government is experiencing a partial shutdown. The majority of our attractions are open for business, including George Washington's Mount Vernon, Sully Historic Site and the Workhouse Arts Center, plus many more. For more information on what you can still see and do on your vacation, read below!
 

Federal Government Shutdown Information

• Despite the shutdown, we have over 80 attractions in Fairfax County that are open for business.
• Metro is open.
• The airports are open, the trains are still running and other transportation options remain unchanged.
• There are hundreds of dining options in Fairfax County awaiting your reservation. Find one here.
• For family-friendly activities, check out some of the things you can do with your children in Fairfax County. Read more here. 

! What You Need to Know During Government Shutdown !

National Park Service-affiliated sites, including the National Mall and its monuments and memorials as well as Great Falls Park, remain open and accessible but with limited access. Ranger-led tours, gift shops, visitor centers, and restrooms, however, will be unavailable. Wolf Trap shows remain unaffected, but please note that National Park Service ranger tours and other park-related amenities may not be available.

All Smithsonian Institution sites and museums (including Chantilly's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center) as well as the National Gallery of Art and National Zoo, are currently closed to the public due to the shutdown. For the latest updates from the Smithsonian, click here.

Want more information on what's open in Washington, DC? Visit our friends over at Washington.org for a rundown.

Discounts & Deals for Federal Employees:

*Discounts for federal government workers are available at select attractions, theaters, and restaurants in the area. 

George Mason University's Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center will be offering $5 tickets for January performances to Federal employees. To purchase, present your Federal ID in person at each venue's box office. Valid for new purchases only. Discount limited to two tickets per federal ID. Subject to availability. Performances include MOMIX (1/25/19), Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra (1/26/19), and The Phantom Tollbooth (1/27/19) at the Center for the Arts and We Shall Overcome (1/20/19) and The Phantom Tollbooth (1/26/19) at the Hylton Center.

The Children's Science Center is offering free admission to all federal government employees until further notice. To receive free admission, furloughed employees and contractors must show their federal ID or badge at the Guest Services Desk. The free admission offer includes entrance for Federal employees, contractors and family members of their household.