Park Authority

Nostalgic for drive-in movies? Introduce your family to the magic of the drive-in theater this summer at Starlight Cinema, part of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series. During the first four Saturdays in August, bask in the dreamy atmosphere of movies by starlight at Sully Historic Site, located at 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly.

View the big screen from your car or bring chairs and picnic blankets to watch from the lawn. Gates open at 6 p.m., be sure to arrive early to secure an ideal viewing spot. Catch the pre-show, live children’s entertainment at 7 p.m. Then, sit back and enjoy a feature film after dark.

School supplies donations will be accepted at all Starlight Cinema events, learn more at by visiting the Starlight Cinema webpage. The rain date will be Saturday, Aug. 30. Additional details in case of cancellations can be found by visiting the Summer Entertainment Series website.

This season’s Starlight Cinema brings an all-new lineup of movies:

• Saturday, Aug. 2: "Harold and the Purple Crayon" at 8 p.m. and performance by Rocknoceros at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 9: "Moana 2" at 8 p.m. and performance by Groovy Nate at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 16: "Wild Robot" at 8 p.m. and performance by Uncle Ty-Rone at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 23: "Ratatouille" at 8 p.m. and performance by the grandsons jr. at 7 p.m.

Explore the entire 2025 Summer Entertainment Series schedule at by visiting the Summer Entertainment Series website. Sign up for updates about the upcoming schedule by subscribing to the Summer Concert Series e-news.

Performances are held outdoors — lawn chairs welcome. In the event of inclement weather, cancellations are posted online or call the hotline at 571-202-SHOW (7469) one hour before showtime.

The Summer Entertainment Series performances are presented in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Foundation, and the invaluable support of individuals, businesses, corporations and volunteers who contribute to the success of these entertainment series.

The Summer Entertainment Series is sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities, and services. Visit the Fairfax County Park Foundation website for more information or call 703-324-8582.

Join us on the green this August for Family Golf Month! Share your love of the sport with the budding young golfers in your life and foster a hobby that will last a lifetime. At Golf Fairfax, we know that tee time is the best time to create cherished memories with family, which is why we’ve made it even easier to play with the whole family. Make the most of Golf Fairfax’s award-winning courses with these tee-rrific Family Golf Month deals:

Junior golfers can enjoy FREE PLAY at select courses and times this month:

• Children and teens age 5-17 play FREE at participating courses when accompanied by a paying adult.
• Valid Monday through Friday all day and weekends after 1 p.m. Limit one child per paying adult.
• Valid at participating courses: Burke Lake Golf Center, Jefferson Golf Course, Oakmont Golf Center and Pinecrest Golf Course.

The celebration doesn’t stop there! Discover more ways to play and save:

• Junior golfers ages 5-17 buy any-sized bucket and get one small bucket free at Burke Lake and Oakmont golf centers; limit one per day.
• Build friendships and embrace your competitive side, enter the Junior Club Championship Aug. 10 at Pinecrest or Aug. 16 at Burke Lake.
• Have a ball at one of our four marvelous mini golf courses at Burke Lake Park, Jefferson Falls, Lake Accotink and Oakmont.

The Fairfax County Park Authority owns and operates seven golf courses throughout Fairfax County. For more information about Family Golf and Junior Golf Fairfax, visit the Junior Golf Fairfax webpage.

Fall in love with your local parks — get ready to register for all the extraordinary activities being hosted by Fairfax County Park Authority. The fall edition of Parktakes magazine has hit the stands and is bursting with classes and camps to fill your calendar.

Class in Session

Capture some of the season’s finest adventures by signing up for classes. Choose from numerous opportunities for every interest at any age. A sampling of these opportunities include:

• Craft your next masterpiece, pick up a cozy needle-crafting activity
• Dance into the season, learn a new style
• Exercise your way with everything from weight training to tai chi
• Garden for the season
• Golf in the crisp air
• Revel in history with everything from teas to tours
• Commune with nature
• Join swim lessons and build life-saving skills
• Jump into sports to build teamwork and get moving

Registration for FCPA classes opens Tuesday, July 29 at 9 a.m. Don’t wait, explore the full lineup today at by visiting the Parktakes website. Register by Aug. 8 and save $8.

Fall for Camps

FCPA fall camps promise enriching experiences for kids of all ages. Whenever public school closes, parents can select from camps to keep their children engaged in everything from performing arts to outdoor exploration to scientific experimentation to cooking to sports, such as soccer, tennis, football and basketball. Fall camps will be held:

• Tuesday, Sept. 23
• Thursday, Oct. 2
• Monday, Oct. 13
• Monday, Oct.20
• Monday-Tuesday, Nov. 3-4
• Tuesday, Nov. 11

Explore a new hobby, meet friends and make memories at camp. Learn more by visiting the Camps website.

Switch off the summer heat and get on your feet with a Christmas in July themed Family Skate and Dance Night on Saturday, July 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. Come dressed in your best holiday-inspired outfit as you take a spin around the floor. 

Watch as Franconia Rec Center’s gym transforms into a festive holiday wonderland for this event. Put on those skates or dance to a variety of music played by the guest DJ. Sing along to holiday classics as you embrace the holiday spirit during the summer.

Tickets cost $10 for everyone (skaters, dancers, spectators and chaperones) — purchase in advance online or at the door.

Register for Family Skate Night - Christmas in July

Remember to bring your own skates. Refreshments available for purchase. Please note that outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Patrons can find Skate and Dance Night parking in the lower parking lot by driving past the front of the Rec Center and parking in the lot to the right. Enter the event by the gym doors located near to the parking lot.

Skate nights now can be booked for private parties to celebrate birthdays or other events. Call 703-922-9841 to inquire.

View the Skate Night flyer

Franconia Rec Center is located at 6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria. For more information, visit the Franconia Rec Center website or call 703-922-9841. 

Take a tour of historic Oak Hill, one of the oldest homes in Fairfax County, on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This annual open house provides an opportunity to go back in time and rediscover our community roots. Oak Hill Manor is located at 4716 Wakefield Chapel Road in Annandale.

Built in 1790 by Richard Fitzhugh, a descendant of one of the first land-grant holders in Northern Virginia, the late Georgian style house was renovated in the Colonial Revival style during the 1940s by renowned restoration architect Walter M. Macomber. In 2004, Seville Homes, the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors agreed to a historic and conservation easement to preserve the property, including its 200-year-old boxwoods.

Please note that Oak Hill is a private residence and is only available for public access during this annual open house. Visitors are encouraged to carpool and utilize parking on the residential streets adjacent to Oak Hill.

The Oak Hill Open House is made possible in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County Park Foundation and Northern Virginia Conservation Trust. For more information about Oak Hill and this year's open house, please visit the Oak Hill website.

The Fairfax County Park Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), that provides funds, obtains grants, and creates partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet the needs of the Fairfax County park land, facilities and services. For more information about the Foundation, visit the foundation’s website or call 703-324-8582.

On Thursday, July 10, the Fairfax County Government Center Ellipse came alive with music, gratitude, and community spirit during the Evening on the Ellipse celebration recognizing the 2025 Outstanding Volunteers and officially proclaiming July as National Park and Recreation Month in Fairfax County.

As part of the county’s Summer Entertainment concert series, the evening featured a special proclamation presentation by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay and Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw. The proclamation affirms the critical role that parks and recreation play in the physical and mental wellbeing of residents, as well as in strengthening neighborhoods, conserving natural resources and building a sense of belonging throughout the county.

The event also honored 20 individuals named 2025 Outstanding Volunteers, who were recognized for their exceptional service to the Fairfax County Park Authority. These volunteers contribute in countless ways, from leading nature programs and managing farmers markets to restoring habitats, caring for animals, supporting concerts and mentoring young swimmers. Their dedication represents the backbone of Fairfax County’s robust park system. Read more about this year’s honorees in our previous news release. 

"Let me share a few quick numbers that speak volumes about your impact," Park Authority Board Chair Kiel Stone said. "In fiscal year 2025 alone, more than 10,300 volunteers gave over 116,000 hours of their time to our parks. That’s equivalent to $3.88 million in donated time and talent. That’s extraordinary. But beyond the numbers, our volunteers are educators, helpers, stewards and community builders. You are the heart of our parks and we are endlessly grateful." 

The celebration was made even more special by the participation of Neighborhood and Community Services, McLean Community Center and Reston Community Center, partners that help shape the vibrant, inclusive and expansive park and recreation network that residents enjoy countywide.

Fairfax County will continue celebrating National Park and Recreation Month throughout July with special events, programs and community engagement opportunities. To learn more about how to get involved and celebrate with us, visit the Park and Recreation Month webpage.

For questions or more information, contact parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Join the movement at FCPA Farmers Markets this Plastic Free July—a global campaign to reduce plastic pollution and create cleaner, greener communities!

Each year, it’s estimated that FCPA Farmers Markets alone contribute over half a million plastic bags to the environment. Most of these bags can’t be recycled curbside and end up in landfills—or worse, polluting our parks, streams and forests.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, FCPA Farmers Markets have already taken a major step forward. This season, vendors have traded in plastic for compostable bags. It’s a step in the right direction—but compostable still means single-use. To truly protect our environment, we need your help in going reusable!

This July, we’re turning up the volume on eco-action. Visit your local FCPA Farmers Market for:

• FREE reusable bag giveaways (while supplies last!)
• Live demos from local environmental groups
• Tips and tools to make the switch to reusables easy

Plastic pollution affects every corner of our world—from forests to waterways. By choosing reusables, you’re helping keep Fairfax County clean, healthy and thriving.

Let’s lead by example. Join us at the markets and take the Plastic Free July pledge to reduce waste, protect nature and build a sustainable future—one bag at a time!

For more information, visit the Farmers Market website.

July is National Ice Cream Month, and there's no cooler way to celebrate than with a visit to your favorite Fairfax County park. Whether you prefer it in a cone, a cup or with sprinkles on top, the Fairfax County Park Authority has a scoop (or two!) of sweet ways to enjoy this classic summer treat.

Visit the Burke Lake Ice Cream Parlor

Swing by the Burke Lake Ice Cream Parlor for a well-earned cool down after a round of mini golf or a ride on the train. Located near the playground, this fan-favorite spot offers a selection of frozen treats, drinks, and snacks for all ages. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Ice Cream–Themed Programs and Events

Celebrate the creamy goodness of National Ice Cream Month with hands-on programs that will have everyone screaming for ice cream! Whether you’re churning your own or enjoying a scoop while playing old-fashioned games, these programs promise a deliciously good time:

• Dairy Days: Ice Cream & Butter at Sully Historic Site. July 27 and Aug. 17, starting at 2 p.m. Step into the past and try your hand at making ice cream and butter the old-fashioned way.
• Ice Cream and Games at Colvin Run Mill. Saturday, Aug. 9. Sign up for slots 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Enjoy games and a cold treat at this historic mill site.
• Making Ice & Ice Cream at Walney at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Sunday, July 20, at 2 p.m. Discover the science and history of ice making, then sample the chilly reward. 

Ready for a summer adventure close to home? The Fairfax County Park Authority invites families and explorers of all ages to hit the trail and celebrate 75 years of parks and recreation with the 2025 Discovery Trail Map. This free, self-guided adventure is the perfect staycation activity, combining outdoor fun, learning and chances to win great prizes!

From now through Labor Day, visit eight featured park locations across the county and discover the stories, sights and wildlife that make Fairfax County parks special. This year’s trail celebrates the Park Authority’s 75th anniversary and includes new stops, such as the award-winning Woodlands Stewardship Education Center and family favorites, such as Frying Pan Farm Park, Burke Lake Park and Sully Historic Site.

How it works:

• Pick up a free Discovery Trail Map at one of the featured locations or download it at by Visiting the Discovery Trail Map website.
• Visit eight featured parks, answer a fun question at each site and fill in the answer on the map.
• Complete the trail and turn in your map by the deadline to earn an amusement prize pack — and be entered to win one of 25 grand prizes.

Whether you're meeting farm animals, exploring nature centers, hiking through woodlands or watching waterwheels turn, every stop on the Discovery Trail is packed with adventure. This year’s trail is a celebration of the Park Authority’s mission to connect our community through nature, history and play — 75 years strong.

Get outside, explore your parks and celebrate the legacy of recreation and conservation in Fairfax County!

The 2025 Fairfax County Park Authority Discover Trail Program is sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities and services. Visit the Fairfax County Park Foundation website for more information or call 703-324-8582.

This July, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents and visitors to celebrate National Park and Recreation Month, a nationwide recognition of the vital role parks play in building strong, healthy communities. This year’s theme, “Build Together, Play Together,” encourages everyone to explore parks, enjoy family time and discover the wide range of activities available across Fairfax County.

Connect with Nature and Explore the Outdoors

Fairfax County is home to more than 22,000 acres of parkland and over 334 miles of trails waiting to be explored. Stroll along the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail, bike through wooded routes with the Trail Buddy map or visit one of the county’s nature centers to discover wildlife and stewardship opportunities. Plan a picnic in your favorite park or volunteer with the Invasive Management Area Program to help protect our natural spaces.

Splash, Swim and Ride

Beat the summer heat with outdoor water fun. Splash at Our Special Harbor, an accessible sprayground, or enjoy slides and lazy rivers at The Water Mine. Paddle across Burke Lake, Lake Fairfax or Lake Accotink with a boat rental, or take a dip in one of the county’s indoor pools, such as Cub Run Rec Center. Families can also enjoy carousels, a miniature train at Burke Lake Park and mini golf at four locations, including Jefferson Falls and Lake Accotink. With 229 playgrounds across the county, there are plenty of ways for kids to play.

Inclusive Fun for All Ages and Abilities

Fairfax County’s parks offer accessible recreation for all. Clemyjontri Park features a trackless train and playground, where children of all abilities can play together. Chessie’s Big Backyard includes sensory gardens, accessible pathways and a treehouse. Specialized programs in dance, aquatics, fitness and nature provide inclusive activities year-round.

Play, Sports and Adventure

Try your hand at pickleball at one of the many courts across the county or head to the new climbing wall and bouldering area at the recently renovated Mount Vernon Rec Center. Public skating, figure skating and hockey are also available at two NHL-sized rinks.

Build Together, Play Together

Parks bring people together. Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to offer safe, inclusive spaces that build stronger communities and create lifelong memories. Join us in celebrating Park and Recreation
Month.

Find a park, plan an activity and discover what makes Fairfax parks great.

Visit the Park and Recreation Month webpage to learn more.