Park Authority

Commit to your wellness in the New Year by becoming an annual member of Fairfax County Park Authority’s Rec Centers. Purchase membership during January to secure a 15% discount on the membership rate. Explore the amazing amenities that the Park Authority’s nine Rec Centers offer during the Open House event on Sunday, Jan. 4.

Everyone is invited to visit and try out any Park Authority Rec Center on Jan. 4 with the signup for a free, 7-day trial membership or the purchase of a 30-day for $30 pass. Discover your neighborhood Rec Center and see how it can help you meet your fitness goals. Tour the building, try out amenities, use equipment in the Fitness Center, swim a lap in the pool and more.

Enjoy special programming between 2 and 5 p.m., such as a membership information table, fitness demonstrations and other special activities. Find your nearest Rec Center and explore the Open House lineup below:

• Audrey Moore Rec Center Open House
• Cub Run Rec Center Open House
• Franconia Rec Center Open House
• George Washington Rec Center Open House
• Mount Vernon Rec Center Open House
• Oakmont Rec Center Open House
• Providence Rec Center Open House
• South Run Rec Center Open House
• Spring Hill Rec Center Open House

Annual membership provides access to any of our nine Rec Centers, each with their own amenities. Enjoy flexible membership options with no initiation fees. Join today to access:*

• Pools, spas and saunas 
• Fitness centers (free orientations)
• Virtual and drop-in fitness classes
• Indoor tracks and athletic courts
• Drop-in pickleball and basketball games 
• Public ice skating and climbing wall sessions
• Discounts on drop-in child care

*Space permitting, amenities vary by location.

Purchase in-person at Rec Centers or by visiting the Rec Center passes webpage. Learn more by visiting the Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers website.

Families, friends and neighbors are invited to Lake Accotink Park on Saturday, Dec. 20 at noon for the beloved holiday tradition when Santa Comes to Lake Accotink Park. This community favorite offers a lively outdoor experience for all ages, featuring holiday activities, photo opportunities, and seasonal fun!

Attendees can enjoy a variety of cheerful holiday touches, including:

Holiday photo opportunities with Santa starting at noon.

• A festive backdrop for family pictures.
• Pet-friendly fun - leashed dogs are welcome.
• Seasonal treats and activities for children and families.
• Volunteer support provided by the Friends of Lake Accotink Park.

For more information or to register, visit the Friends of Lake Accotink Park webpage.

Lake Accotink Park is located at 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. For more information about the park, visit the Lake Accotink Park website or call 703-569-3464.

With the winter holidays approaching, and the potential for inclement weather in the Washington metropolitan area, residents may be wondering how to stay informed about what’s open, what’s closed, and when schedule changes occur. The Fairfax County Park Authority offers several easy ways to stay up to date on holiday hours and weather-related closures.

Park Authority Website

The most up-to-date information on closures and cancellations is posted on the Park Alerts website.

This page can also be accessed via the alert bar at the top of any Fairfax County Park Authority webpage.

Holiday hours for parks, facilities and amenities are listed on the Holiday Hours website.

Contact Individual Park Sites

For the most current information about specific parks, programs or facilities, visitors are encouraged to contact the site directly. Please note that when registered programs or classes are canceled, participants will receive an email notification directly from staff.

For additional information, please contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority enriches the quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles. Learn more by visiting the Park Authority website.

Competition heats up this winter at Pinecrest Golf Course, where golfers can take on world-class courses from the comfort of the Trackman indoor studio. Back for its second year, the Indoor Trackman League invites players to compete on the Trackman4 golf simulator inside Pinecrest’s dedicated simulator suite. The league will run from Jan. 5 to March 29, 2026. Online registration is due Wednesday, Dec. 31.

The league will feature four nine-hole rounds on these internationally acclaimed courses: Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland; Le Golf National in France; Real Club Valderrama in Spain; and Royal County Down in the U.K. Golfers will have three weeks to complete each round and may attempt each course up to four times. Only the best score from each course will count toward league standings. Awards will be presented to overall winners and closest-to-the-pin. There will be designated tees for men, women and juniors.

"Pinecrest’s Indoor Trackman League keeps golfers in the game when winter limits outdoor play," said Michael Mauk, program director at Pinecrest Golf Course. "Players can challenge themselves, improve their performance and experience some of the world’s most iconic courses without leaving Northern Virginia."

Registration is $40, with discounted Trackman fees of $25 for the first hour and $20 for additional hours applied to league rounds. To participate, golfers must create a Trackman account and handicap.

Pinecrest Golf Course is located at 6600 Little River Turnpike in Alexandria. For more information or to register, visit the Trackman League’s webpage.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce the appointment of Nigel A. Fields to the position of deputy director for Planning and Development. Fields is a leader in conservation, park development and programming, and land use planning and management. He began his new role on Dec. 1 and succeeds Aimee Vosper, who is retiring from the Park Authority on Dec. 26 after 12 years of service.

"Nigel brings an impressive record of implementing visionary change in diverse parks and directing community renewal and partnership initiatives to his new role," Fairfax County Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole said. "We are excited to welcome him and his passion for environmental issues, cultural heritage, and community engagement to the Park Authority."

During his distinguished career, Fields has held senior positions at the National Park Service and the Environmental Protection Agency and served parks from the Great Smoky Mountains to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Most recently, he served as director of the EPA’s Office of Community Revitalization, where he directed land use, disaster resilience, and community-based climate justice programs.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority enriches the quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles. Learn more by visiting the Park Authority website.

When the weather turns chilly, Fairfax County Park Authority provides many ways to stay active and entertained during the winter season — bring your family and friends out to our seasonal events, coordinate attendance at our winter camps and register for classes together.

Still Time for Seasonal Events

Embrace the magic of the season by attending events where kids can meet Santa, all ages can get festive indoors or outdoors, and the whole family can take on activities that bring the season to life. Explore a comprehensive list of events and their details on the Park Events Calendar website.

Don’t forget the start the year off on the right foot with First Hike — head out into our parks for a hike and submit your photos for our contest. Visit the First Hike Fairfax website for more information.

Stay Cool at Winter Camp

When schools close, winter camps are in session. There’s no shortage of exciting activities to enjoy at camp this season from hitting the stage or creating an artistic masterpiece to enjoying the outdoors or learning a new sport to exploring the world of STEM or building a new business. Mark your calendars:

• Dec. 22-26 (no camp Dec. 24-25)
• Dec. 29-Jan. 2 (no camp Jan. 1)
• Jan. 19
• Jan. 29-30
• Feb. 16-17

Check out everything our winter camps have to offer by visiting the Camps website. 

Move, Learn and Discover with Classes

Take some time for yourself this winter by registering for classes. The Park Authority offers classes for every age and every interest:

• Build skating skills on the ice.
• Create with arts and crafts.
• Dance your way into the new year.
• Achieve your goals with a sport.
• Elevate your fitness.
• Explore nature.
• Choose your own adventure with extras.
• Learn lifesaving swim skills.

Browse the full lineup of classes and ways to stay active with Parktakes online.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority enriches the quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles. Learn more by visiting the Park Authority website.

The Turner Farmhouse Foundation invites the community to its annual Pancake Breakfast and Open House on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the historic Turner Farmhouse in Great Falls. The event is free, open to the public and includes onsite parking. Guests are encouraged to RSVP online; tickets are provided at no cost.

The Turner Farmhouse Foundation serves as the resident curator for the farmhouse and its outbuildings through the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Resident Curator Program. In partnership with organizations, such as the Becky Love Foundation and Comfort Zone Camps, the Foundation uses the outbuildings to operate a retreat center and host bereavement programs.

Built in 1905, the Turner Farmhouse is a 3,216-square-foot Queen Anne style home located at 10609 Georgetown Pike within a 52-acre community park at the intersection of Georgetown Pike and Springvale Road. The former Mark Turner Dairy Farm is a rare surviving example of early 20th century agricultural life in the Great Falls area. Many original architectural details, including hardwood floors, fireplaces and a formal parlor, remain intact. Several historic outbuildings further reflect the site’s rural heritage.

The Resident Curator Program offers long-term, no-rent leases to individuals and organizations committed to rehabilitating and maintaining significant historic properties on public parkland. In exchange, curators ensure reasonable public access to these sites, including hosting an annual open house.

For more information about the Resident Curator Program, visit the Fairfax County Park Authority Resident Curator Program website or contact Program Manager Stephanie Langton at 571-407-6586.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority enriches the quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles. Learn more by visiting the Park Authority website.

Lake Fairfax Park has been named one of RV LIFE’s “Best of the Best” Campgrounds for 2025, placing it among the top 25% of campgrounds nationwide. The recognition reflects outstanding reviews, high satisfaction ratings and strong engagement from RV LIFE members, who continue to share glowing firsthand experiences at the park.

RV LIFE evaluates campgrounds across the country based on recent reviews, quality of feedback and overall guest experience. Lake Fairfax Park stood out for its spacious, wooded campsites, exceptionally clean bathhouses, and miles of scenic, hiker and bike-friendly trails that make it a favorite stay for RV travelers.

Guests consistently praised the privacy, natural beauty and safety of the campground. Many noted that it “feels like you’re in the woods, not a parking lot,” thanks to the generous spacing between sites and the park’s serene setting. Others highlighted the park team’s dedication to keeping facilities spotless, with daily cleanings and well-maintained amenities.

Operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, Lake Fairfax Park offers a rare blend of tranquility, recreation and convenience. Easy access to Metro’s Silver Line makes it a perfect home base for visitors exploring D.C., while still enjoying a peaceful retreat at day’s end.

In addition to camping, visitors can enjoy:

• The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole, a beloved seasonal water park.
• Seasonal boat rentals and waterfront views on the lake.
• Extensive hiking and biking trails winding through the wooded landscape.
• Large outdoor rental spaces and pavilions perfect for gatherings and events.
• Playgrounds, athletic fields and a variety of family-friendly amenities.

Its scenic setting, spacious sites and exceptional amenities are exactly why RV guests continue to give Lake Fairfax Park top marks nationwide.

Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. For more information about camping at the park, visit the Lake Fairfax Park website or call 703-471-5415.

Join family, friends and neighbors at the parks this holiday season. With more than 50 holiday-themed activities and events to choose from, Fairfax County Park Authority has something for everyone — from wagon and train rides to candlelit tours and, of course, Santa himself! Here are just a few highlights:

Holiday on the Farm

Frying Pan Farm Park, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 20; 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Get ready for an evening on the farm with bright holiday lights, wagon rides, indoor activities, animal attractions, campfires, cocoa and visits with Santa. Tickets are $15 per person in advance and $20 at the door. 

Winter Wonderland

Burke Lake Park, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Experience the magic of the holidays with train rides on the Holiday Express, carousel spins and s’mores by the fire. Meet Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and candy canes. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. 

Holiday Magic at Colvin Run Mill

Children’s Holiday Shopping at Historic Colvin Run

Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7; times available between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Attend this special event where children can shop for holiday gifts in a historic setting. Tickets are $7 per child. 

Santa at the Mill

Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14; multiple times

Meet Santa in the charming setting of Colvin Run Mill. Times available from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Sensory-friendly options available as well! Ticket prices vary. 

Holiday Lantern Tour at Colvin Run Mill

Friday, Dec. 19; 6:30 p.m.

Tour the historic mill by candlelight and discover holiday traditions of the past. Tickets are $12 per person. 

Swim with Santa

Spring Hill Rec Center, Sunday, Dec. 7; 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Celebrate the holiday season with a festive-themed pool party and the opportunity to swim with Santa at Spring Hill Rec Center. Children ages 7-12 can join in the fun 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 per child. 

Candy Cane Lane

Oakmont Rec Center, Saturday, Dec. 13; 3-7 p.m.

Stroll down Candy Cane Lane for a game of mini golf with Mrs. Claus. Come out to meet Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and other sweet treats, work on crafts, and have fun. Tickets cost $12 in advance and $15 at the door. 

Holiday and Ugly Sweater Skate and Dance Night

Franconia Rec Center, Saturday, Dec. 20; 6-10 p.m.

Celebrate the holiday in style by wearing your brightest, most festive sweater (or holiday outfit) of the season. Make the season bright by taking laps around the skate floor with friends and family. Tickets cost $10 per person. 

For a comprehensive list of events, dates, and registration details, please visit the Park Authority’s Events Calendar website.

Start 2026 on the right foot with the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Foundation’s annual First Hike Photo Contest! Community members of all ages and abilities are invited to join the fun and explore the beauty of Fairfax County parks.

How To Participate:

1. Take a Hike. Enjoy a stroll through any of the Park Authority’s 420 parks or along more than 334 miles of trails on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
2. Capture the Moment. Snap a fantastic photo during your adventure.
3. Submit Your Best Shot. Upload your photo online by noon on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, for a chance to win great prizes!

Join a nationwide First Day Hike tradition and kick off your year with an adventure! Whether you’re an experienced hiker or stepping onto the trail for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with family, friends and neighbors. This family-friendly community activity is open to photographers of all levels.

Each participant may submit one photo in one of the following categories:

• Scenery/Landscapes
• People
• Wildlife
• Pets

Multiple family members may participate individually. Please remember to follow all park rules and safety protocols. Photos depicting rule violations will be disqualified.

The following prizes are sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation:

• People’s Choice: $100 Park Authority Gift Card
• Judges’ Choice: $100 Park Authority Gift Card
• Director’s Choice: $100 Park Authority Gift Card
• Best in Show (Scenery/Landscapes): $75 Park Authority Gift Card
• Best in Show (People): $75 Park Authority Gift Card
• Best in Show (Wildlife): $75 Park Authority Gift Card
• Best in Show (Pets): $75 Park Authority Gift Card

Complete contest rules, submission instructions, and hike-planning resources can be found on the First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest website.

Hit the trails, capture the moment, and start the new year with a win!

For questions about the First Hike Photo Contest, contact the Park Authority Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority enriches the quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles. Learn more by visiting the Park Authority website.