9 Ways To Stay Warm This Winter And Still Have Fun
1. A Day at the Museum
Northern Virginia, DC, and the surrounding area is chock full of fun (and heated) museums, including a multitude that are of the famous Smithsonian brand. The world-renowned Smithsonian museums are a DC tourists' staple for sure, but what a lot of people don't know is that one of the hottest Smithsonian museums isn't in DC at all. The National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is right here in Fairfax County near Dulles International Airport. Here you can see the Space Shuttle Discovery up close and personal, or take selfies with the Concorde and SR-71 Blackbird.
2. History is Always Hot
You've come to the right place if you want to brush up on your history. George Washington didn't lead this country to freedom just so we would have to stand outside in the cold to appreciate all his hard work. Mount Vernon's bevy of historic activities stay nice and warm year-round so you can concentrate on George's fascinating history and not surviving the brutal winter like he had to do at Valley Forge. Nearby you'll find another Founding Father's home - George Mason's Gunston Hall, that also has plenty to do indoors as you learn about the man who's writings inspired America's Bill of Rights.
3. Swing Away
Golf? In winter? Yes, please! The temperatures at Topgolf are typically 20 - 30 degrees warmer than what it feels like outside because they were smart enough to equip their rentable bays with heaters that will keep you warm and toasty while you're pretending you're at Pebble Beach. The premise of Topgolf is that players hit microchipped golf balls at targets on an outfield. Just picture a larger-than-life-sized outdoor dartboard - but for golf. And for a little friendly rivalry, the high-tech balls instantly score each shot's accuracy and distance.
4. Brew for You
Winter is the perfect time to belly up to the bar at one of Fairfax County's craft breweries. Reason number one is that you need to figure out what brews you like before spring gets here so you can plan your growler getaways for picnic and grilling season. Reason number two is that the breweries here make really good beer. Like award-winning beer. Fairfax County has 8 craft breweries for you to find your perfect elixir for the winter blues.
5. Take Flight
Flight Trampoline Park is a venue that features over 50 trampolines, the famous angled wall trampolines, and a series of launching decks from different heights. During this thing called open jump, there are no age restrictions and any and all jumpers are welcome. Jumpers who are not taller than 46 inches must jump in our kiddie court. Open jump time slots on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday book up fast! Please pre-purchase your tickets online to reserve your flight time (2-3 days in advance) - and you have to be at least 13 for your adults to drop you off to bounce by yourself.
6. Play With Lasers
Ok, so we all remember Laser Tag...Well, fast forward 20 years and that whole children's game has evolved into another level of competition and fun. At Shadowland Laser Adventure Center - in Springfield and in Chantilly - you can relive your glory days as Laser Tag champion, or conversely be completely humiliated and humbled by your children and their friends. You will be briefed, equipped with a body suit, and given your phaser and sent into a eerie chaos-filled maze type arena where you'll find you and your team pitted against your competition. Visit their websites and see their rules and recommendations for playing and get a heads up on their busy times so you can beat the crowd.
7. Act Like a Kid (With or Without Your Kids)
Say hello to Dave & Buster's at the Springfield Town Center! Aside from an extensive food and drink menu, this place is a go-to for sports watching and game playing. So come ready to play and let the games begin...and remember that games = tickets = prizes! Be aware that guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guardian 25 years of age or older who agrees to be responsible for the conduct and safety of the underage guests. One guardian can accompany up to a maximum of six underage guests
8. Artistic Appreciation
Tired of looking around and seeing all the drab colors of winter? We suggest you plunge into the colorful world of visual arts at one of our local art galleries! Face it, your eyes have been waiting to feast on some vibrant color ever since the summer flowers died and the bright leaves of autumn blew away - so heading to a place like the Workhouse Arts Center, the Emerson Gallery, or ArtSpace Herndon will liven up your retina's cones (look it up) and put you in a more pleasant state of mind. If you want to head across the Potomac there's also the National Gallery of Art or the American Art Museum.
9. Plan Your Escape
You might not be able to escape winter totally, but you can sure get your mind off of the cold weather by visiting one of Fairfax County's fun and thought-provoking escape rooms. We have four different escape room adventures throughout the County. Breakout Games - DC Escape Room in Falls Church, Escape Room Herndon, Escapology - The Live Escape Game in Fairfax, and Room Escape Fairfax/DC in Fairfax. All showcase their unique brand of themed escape plots for you and friends or family to figure out as you race against the clock. Be sure to reserve your space in advance as these popular attractions tend to be particularly busy during the colder months.
Seasonal Fun
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