Your Guide to Summer 2023 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.

NOTE: 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.

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

• Pool Safety Tips
• Boating Safety Tips

Outdoor Performances

Our Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series is always a favorite. This year, there are more than 180 free performances to choose from across the county at 18 venues:

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

In addition, check out Visit Fairfax's list of many outdoor performances, too. 

Staycation at Potomac Banks

The southern part of Fairfax County is designated as Potomac Banks: Explore Fairfax South due to its location along the banks of the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers

Make it a staycation!

Visit attractions such as:

• National Museum of the United States Army 
• Historic Huntley 
• The Workhouse Arts Center
• Gum Springs Historical Society and Museum

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. And for kids, the summer reading program helps combat summer learning loss, or the summer slide before school resumes.

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.