Sticking close to home this spring break? You don’t have to travel far—or even at all—to have fun. The DMV is full of activities to suit all ages and interests. Here are 15 things to do within a 45-minute drive.
See a Show
Creative Cauldron
Prince Dillon’s parents want him to marry, but how will he know who will make a suitable bride? Discover who the real royalty is in this production of The Princess and The Pea by the Learning Theater Ensemble, made up of students in grades 3 and up and three professional actors. It will run through March 24. Showtimes are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 and 4 p.m. Tickets cost $18 for students, $20 for adults and $65 for a family four-pack. // 410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church
Jurassic World Live
Travel back in time to Isla Nublar, a small volcanic island off Costa Rica’s west coast, and watch as scientists work to save a Troodon dinosaur after the fictional Indominus rex escapes his confines. The Jurassic World Live Tour comes to Eagle Bank Arena in Fairfax March 23-31. Arrive early because the cost of admission includes a pre-show meet-and-greet with dinosaurs such as triceratops, stegosaurus and “Baby Bumpy” (an Ankylosaurus), as well as the Jurassic World Jeep. Tickets start at $20. // 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax
Make Four-Legged Friends
Frying Pan Farm Park
Stop by in the evening to say goodnight to the farm animals that live at this Fairfax County park’s Kidwell Farm, a working farm that mimics life in the 1930s. Help tuck in pigs, horses, cattle, fowl and more during a twilight tour. (Bring a flashlight or lantern.) Go back during regular operating hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) to check out antique horse-drawn and mechanized equipment, such as a restored 1923 Fordson tractor and a restored 1948 John Deere B Tractor. You can also take a 30-minute wagon ride tour of the park and go for a spin on the Herschell Carousel, built in 1918. It’s free to enter the park, but some activities carry a fee. Tickets for the bedtime experience, happening from 7-8 p.m. on March 22, 23 and 24, cost $10 each. // 2739 W. Ox Road, Herndon
NOVA Wild
You can cuddle a capybara, the world’s largest rodent, at this nonprofit zoo (formerly Roer’s Zoofari), where immersive experiences are part of the fun. The zoo also offers encounters with sloths, kangaroos and fawns, and there’s a petting zoo. Plus, guests can drive their own vehicle through a 12-acre safari park that is home to animals such as Asian water buffalo and Watusi cattle, or stroll through the grounds to see habitats that are home to cheetahs, lemurs, wallabies and monkeys. Tickets are $20 per adult and $15 per child ages 2-12. Animal encounters are an additional fee $60-$100. // 1228 Hunter Mill Road, Vienna
Learn About History
Fort C.F. Smith Park
This 19-acre site in Arlington has an open meadow, plenty of trees and a visitor center (open only on weekends) chock-full of Civil War artifacts. The fort was built in 1863 as part of a circle of 68 forts constructed to protect the nation’s capital. Today, you can see exhibits on Union soldiers, including a replica campsite, and search a database of stories about soldiers who were stationed here. Kids can even try on re-created uniforms. Outdoors, don’t miss the earthwork ruins, the best-preserved ruins of the 22 forts constructed in the area that is now Arlington. Take a free walking tour (check dates and times here), and return after spring break to attend Living History Day on April 7, 12-4 p.m., a free event with drilling activities and more info about Civil War life in Arlington. The county also offers walking tours of the parks located where other forts once stood, including Fort Scott (built by the Union Army in 1861 to watch over Four Mile Run Valley) and Fort Ethan Allen (also built in 1861 to command the approach to Chain Bridge). // 2411 24th St., N., Arlington (Woodmont)
Civil War Women’s Day
The Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site in Alexandria celebrates Women’s History Month with this event highlighting women’s contributions during the 19th-century battle between the North and South. Historical interpreters in Union Army uniforms will discuss how women disguised themselves as soldiers. Other presenters will shed light on the many work roles women took on to support the war effort. This free event will take place March 30 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., weather permitting. // 4301 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria
Embrace Spring
McLean Community Center’s Spring Fest
Welcome warmer weather at this free, family-friendly event on March 30 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Activities include a build-a-bear workshop (while supplies last), a petting zoo, carnival games, a bunny for photo ops and a soft indoor play space for little ones ages 1-3. While you’re there, check out the last day of the McLean Pyramid Show, an exhibit of art by students in the Langley and McLean high schools pyramids. The gallery is open until 4 p.m. // 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Butler’s Orchard’s Bunnyland
Meet farm animals, take a hayride through a decorated trail and streak down giant slides at this annual springtime celebration. Other events include an egg hunt, goodie baskets for kids 12 and younger, jump pillows, a straw pyramid, and the Farm Fun Zone with ball tosses, cornhole and horse hoop toss. Bunnyland will be open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on March 23, 24, 28, 29 and 30, and April 1, 6, and 7. Tickets cost $12-$15 online and $15-$18 at the gate. // 22222 David Mill Road, Germantown, Maryland
Falls Church Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Cherry Hill Park transforms into a spring festival March 30, from 9:15-11 a.m., with activities such as games and crafts, a magic show by the Great Lorenzo (10:30 a.m.) and an egg hunt for kiddos ages 1-11 (BYO basket). Photo ops with Mr. and Mrs. Bunny will also be available. Be among the 2,000-plus families who attend this free annual event, hosted by The Little City’s Recreation and Parks Department. // 312 Park Ave., Falls Church
Roll With It
Barbie Truck Dream House Living Tour
It’s Barbie’s world and we’re just living in it. This truck is making the rounds nationwide with exclusive merch, such as keychains, jewelry, denim jackets, cups and plates, and it will be in the courtyard near DSW at Westpost on March 23 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. // 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington (National Landing)
Metro’s Fleet of the Future Expo
Check out the mass transit of tomorrow at this family-friendly event on the National Mall. Explore inside Metro’s new 8000-series train mockup and new 60-foot electric bus. This is the first time there will be a model train on the mall since Metro’s first railcars were produced more than 50 years ago. The free event takes place March 20-April 3 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. // Intersection of 12th Street and Madison Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C.
Get Your Game On
Perch Putt
Tee up for a round of mini golf when this sky-high course reopens for the season on March 23. Head to the rooftop park on the 11th floor of Capital One Center and take a swing at conquering the obstacles on the 18 holes. Then, grab a drink—alcoholic for the grownups in the group or otherwise—at Rhum Roost or something to eat from Bap Bowl (the kids menu has a corn dog) or Los Dos Carlos Street Tacos. // 1805 Capital One Drive, Tysons
Nationals Futures Game
The 2019 World Series-winning baseball team will head back to the dugout on April 1, but first is the Futures Game. On March 26 at 12:05 p.m., current Nats players will go to bat against Minor Leaguers who are top prospects for making the majors. Tickets start at $13. (Fun fact: This year marks the 100th anniversary of the then-Washington Senators’ World Series win against the New York Giants.) / 1500 S. Capitol St., SE, Washington, D.C. (Nationals Park)
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Climb UPton
The massive ropes course at Upton Hill Regional Park reopened for the season on March 9, just in time to welcome spring breakers. It has 90 vertical elements on a three-level climbing course with levels of difficulty ranging from easy to hard. “It’s not a one-experience facility,” NOVA Parks executive director Paul Gilbert said when Climb UPton opened in 2021. “If you go, you use it, you love it, you can come back countless times and mix it up and try it in new combinations.” For something a little closer to the ground, the park has an 18-hole deluxe mini golf course (with special spring break hours), slow- and fast-pitch batting cages (also with special spring break hours) and walking trails. To take on Climb UPton, guests must be at least 48 inches tall and accompanied by an adult or at least 8 years old and 51 inches tall to go it alone. Tickets start at $19.95. // 6060 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Glencarlyn Park
Here’s a outing that also supports our local environment. From 1-3 p.m. on March 26, 27 and 28, kids ages 12-17 can get their hands—and probably the rest of their bodies—dirty pulling weeds, raking, picking up trash and performing trail maintenance. The free event, called Stewardship Days, welcomes participants to join in one or all three events. Register here. // 301 S. Harrison St., Arlington (Glencarlyn)