United States Virginia Virginia Guide Things To Do Essentials Getaways All Virginia 10 Things to Do in Fairfax, Virginia By Rachel Cooper Rachel Cooper Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. She is also the author of several books covering the capital and mid-Atlantic regions. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 08/07/19 Fact checked by Michelai Graham Fact checked by Michelai Graham Michigan State University American University Michelai Graham is a technology and business reporter who has written for The Urban Institute and Scoop News. She reports for AfroTech, Lifewire, and The Plug. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Fotosearch/Getty Images Fairfax, VA is a Northern Virginia community with a wide variety of attractions and things to do. The following guide provides tips on activities for the whole family highlighting the top historic sites, restaurants, outdoor recreation ideas, special events and more. 01 of 10 Take a Walking Tour of Historic Fairfax Historic Fairfax, also referred to as Old Town Fairfax, was founded in 1799. During the Colonial and Revolutionary periods, the City of Fairfax was frequented by George Washington, George Mason, and William Fairfax. Take a self-guided walking tour and see a variety of historic buildings including the Fairfax Court House, Ratcliffe-Allison House, William Gunnell House, Joshua Gunnell House, Ford House, Fairfax Elementary School, Old Fairfax Jail, Old Town Hall and the Marr Monument. 02 of 10 Attend a Concert or Event at the EagleBank Arena View Map Address EagleBank Arena, 4500 Patriot Cir, Fairfax, VA 22030-4468, USA Get directions The 10,000-seat arena, located on the campus of George Mason University, hosts some of today’s hottest concerts and family-friendly events. Annual events include the Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus, The Harlem Globetrotters, Sesame Street Live, Disney On Ice and The Wiggles. 03 of 10 Visit the National Firearms Museum View Map Address 11250 Waples Mill Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA Get directions Phone +1 703-267-1600 Web Visit website The museum, located in Fairfax, Virginia, examines the history of firearms dating from 1350 to the present-day with exhibits featuring the firearms of six American presidents, 12 U.S. general officers and six foreign heads of state; treasures associated with Pilgrims, the American Revolution, the Civil War and other notable events in American history. 04 of 10 Enjoy Outdoor Activities at Burke Lake Park Burke Lake Park The park has a 218-acre lake for fishing, boating, rowboat rental, camping, a miniature train, a carousel, outdoor volleyball courts, an 18-hole par 3 golf course, clubhouse with snack bar and driving range, disk golf, horseshoe pits, an ice cream parlor, picnic areas, playgrounds, trails, an amphitheater, and miniature golf course. Continue to 5 of 10 below. 05 of 10 Attend a Concert by the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra View Map Address 4373 Mason Pond Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030-4443, USA Get directions Phone +1 703-993-2787 Web Visit website Hailed as "the pride of Fairfax County," the professional orchestra performs for diverse audiences at the George Mason University Center for the Arts. The orchestra also provides education and outreach programs. 06 of 10 Visit the Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim View Map Address 3610 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22030-1804, USA Get directions Phone +1 703-591-0560 Web Visit website The 12-acre site features historic buildings and beautiful vistas that transport visitors to Fairfax during the Civil War. The Interpretive Center offers educational tours and programs, lectures by prominent scholars, Civil War living history events, and demonstrations. 07 of 10 Shop at Fair Oaks Mall View Map Address 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA 22033-3308, USA Get directions Phone +1 703-359-8300 Web Visit website The mall has nearly 200 shops, services and restaurants including Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Sears and JCPenney, Apple, Banana Republic, BCBG Max Azria, Best Buy Mobile, Brighton Collectibles, Coach, J. Crew, H&M, Michael Kors, Liljenquist-Beckstead Jewelers, XXI Forever, Zoe Salon & Spa, and more. 08 of 10 Attend Events View Map Address 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22035, USA Get directions Phone +1 703-324-3247 Web Visit website Fairfax hosts a wide range of events throughout the year including parades, art and music festivals, holiday events, and much more. Some of the highlights include: Chocolate Lovers Festival Fairfax County Fair Fall for Fairfax Festival Fairfax Four Miler Continue to 9 of 10 below. 09 of 10 Skate at Fairfax Ice Arena View Map Address 3779 Pickett Road, Fairfax, VA 22031-3690, USA Get directions Phone +1 703-323-1132 Web Visit website The ice arena offers public skating, lessons, hockey leagues, skating parties, and camps. There is a pro shop with one of the largest selections of skating equipment in the area. 10 of 10 Visit Ox Hill Battlefield Park View Map Address 4134 West Ox Rd, Fairfax, VA 22033, USA Get directions Phone +1 703-324-8702 Web Visit website The park is one of the only major Civil War sites in Fairfax County. Interpretive kiosks present information about the battle and offer insights into some of the men who were wounded on this land. There are two granite memorials that honor the two Union generals who were killed at Ox Hill. Reenactment and living history groups occasionally gather at the park to provide a sense of the past. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit