Your Guide to Summer 2024 in Fairfax County

It’s summertime (yay!!) and there are plenty of things to do here in the area. Here’s our quick (but by no means comprehensive) guide to summer in Fairfax County.

Water and Pools

Many of us are drawn to water, be it a neighborhood pool, local lake, splash park or the Potomac River. Here are some places to explore water this summer:

• Waterfront Parks (Burke Lake, Lake Accotink, Lake Fairfax, Riverbend Park)
• The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole – a family water park at Lake Fairfax Park captures the excitement of the Old West’s Gold Rush with attractions tailored for all ages.
• Our Special Harbor – a fully accessible Chesapeake-Bay themed sprayground.
• Cub Run Leisure Pool – an indoor water park with fun features for younger and older swimmers.
• Rec Centers – indoor swimming pools open at 10 locations throughout the county.

As always, safety is top of mind in pools and on boats:

• Pool Safety Tips
• Boating Safety Tips

Regarding streams...Fairfax County has more than 1,600 miles of streams and associated channels. Natural waters can be susceptible to pollution that can cause health risks to you and your pets. Read our Health Department’s advisory on recreational use of county streams.

Outdoor Performances

Our Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series is always a favorite. This year, there are more than 190 free performances to choose from across the county at 17 venues:

• Arts in the Parks children’s entertainment series (6 locations) 
  • Burke Lake Park Amphitheater 
  • E.C. Lawrence Park Amphitheater 
  • Mason District Park Amphitheater 
  • Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center 
  • Wakefield Park 
  • Sully Historic Site    
• Braddock Nights (Fairfax, Springfield)   
• Evenings on the Ellipse (Fairfax Government Center) 
• Franconia District Nights (Franconia)    
• Hunter Mill Melodies (Herndon)   
• Mount Vernon Nights (Alexandria, Lorton)   
• Music at Arrowbrook Centre Park (Herndon)   
• Providence Presents (Vienna, Merrifield)  
• Spotlight by Starlight (Annandale)   
• Springfield Nights (Fairfax Station)  
• Starlight Cinema Drive-in Movies (Sully)   

Summer Reading Adventure

Our Library’s Summer Reading Adventure isn't just about reading. Children, teens and adults can also participate in lots of fun activities to keep you busy and having fun all summer long from June 12 to Aug. 18. And for kids, the summer reading program helps combat summer learning loss, or the summer slide before school resumes.

Visit Fairfax Mini Guides

Visit Fairfax, the county's tourism group, has collected a number of mini summer guides from mini golf locations to ice cream shops to performance venues and more. 

Summer Meals for Kids

Hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation.

Approximately 29 percent of Fairfax County students receive free and reduced price meals during the school year. When the school year ends, so does the opportunity for consistent, nutritious meals for many of these students. The Free Summer Meals for Kids Program fills that need by providing nutritious meals to children ages 5 to 18.

Enjoy FCPS School Grounds

Get outside this summer at a school near you. School blacktops, playgrounds, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, and tracks are available for use by individuals. Learn what items and activities are prohibited, such as alcohol, animals, drones and tobacco products.

Extreme Heat Resources

It'll likely turn very hot this summer, so we have several resources available, including tips to stay cool and when cooling centers will be activated. 

Home Safety

If you're traveling this summer, our Police Department offers a series of tips to keep your home safe from burglars and other unwanted visitors. 

Guide to Cycling

When the weather cooperates this summer, hop on your bike and cycle around trails and pathways across the county. In the last 20 years, there’s been a significant increase in bicycling on county trails, sidewalks and roads.