Top 12 Things to Do Near Reston, Virginia

The water park is one of Reston's most popular attractions featuring slides, flumes, sprays, showers, and a lazy river. It is adjacent to Lake Fairfax Park which features a 20-acre lake with a carousel, picnic areas, campgrounds, athletic fields and a marina  offering pedal boat and canoe rentals.

The outdoor shopping mall in Reston has a variety of unique shops, more than 20 restaurants and an outdoor ice skating rink (open seasonally). The town center features a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year.

Located nearby in McLean, Virginia, Great Falls Park is one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The national park has incredible views, hiking trails, a variety of outdoor activities and a visitor center with nature exhibits. 

The Smithsonian museum, located on the property of Dulles International Airport, displays the massive space shuttle Discovery, the Lockheed SR-71 and numerous aircraft, spacecraft and other space related artifacts. The museum offers a wide range of programs for all ages.

The park interprets rural community life in the 1920s to the 1950s, which included the advent of the tractor, the milking machine, mechanical bailers and more. There is a visitor center, country store, wagon rides and Kidwell Farm with horses, chickens, peacocks, rabbits, sheep, goats, cows and pigs. The park offers camps, classes, birthday parties and special events.

The Reston Museum is operated by the Reston Historic Trust, and offers community exhibits and archives, walking tours, and public events including the Annual Home Tour and the annual Founder's Day. Long-term exhibits explore life in the Reston community as well as rotating exhibits showcasing the work of students of all ages.

The 30-acre petting zoo, located in the heart of Fairfax County, Virginia, provides an "up close and personal" experience with animals such as alligators, camels, reptiles, zebras, antelope, bison, ostrich, and lots more. You can bottle-feed lambs and hand-feed goats, sheep and llamas.

The 95 acre botanical garden, operated by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, includes unique native plant collections, walking trails, lakes, gazebos, a visitor center and a restored 18th-century cabin. During the holiday season, the garden comes to life at night with its Christmas light display.

Located on 72-acres of hardwood forest, the nature center in Reston, provides a variety of educational and recreational resources, programs and facilities. There are two miles of trails, picnic tables, demonstration gardens and outdoor displays.

The family recreation center features a golf practice range,  a miniature golf course, baseball and softball batting cages, volleyball courts, instruction courses and leagues for all ages.

The 114-seat black box theater, located in nearby Herndon, Virginia, is a professional, not-for-profit company that produces theatrical performances and educational programs throughout the year.

The indoor ice skating center in Reston offers public skating, figure skating, hockey, lessons and group sessions.  Open year round, SkateQuest has a full service pro shop, café, and party rooms.