Here is a list of parks that are operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority. They include lake front parks, nature centers, historic sites and other major parks. Visit each park’s website to learn about the events and activities offered.

Burke Lake: 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039   Activities include a 218-acre lake with fishing, boating, rowboat rental, camping, a miniature train, a carousel, outdoor volleyball courts, open fields, an 18-hole par 3 golf course, clubhouse with snack bar and driving range, disk golf, horse shoe pits, an ice cream parlor, picnic areas with grills, 3 playgrounds, trails, amphitheater, and miniature golf course.

Colvin Run Mill: 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, VA 22066  Built c. 1811, Colvin Run Mill is the sole surviving operational 19th-century water-powered mill in the Washington,D.C. metropolitan area. You can take a tour of the mill, shop the General Store, have a picnic, explore the landscaped grounds, hike the nearby trails and participate in special programs offered February through December.

Clemyjontri Park: 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101  This park features a unique playground where children of all abilities can play side-by-side. It is a playground where every child is welcome. This park is a place where children who use wheelchairs, walkers or braces, or who have sensory or developmental disabilities, can have a parallel playground experience of fun and exploration.

Frying Pan Farm Park: 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon, VA 20171  Frying Pan Farm Park is a working farm based on the 1920’s through 1950’s with a variety of farm animals, crops and historical buildings to explore. The park offers a variety of fun and educational programs for all ages as well as special events year round.

E.C. Lawrence Park: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly, VA 20151  Visitors will find a unique experience whether visiting to bird watch, hike, exercise, discover the natural and cultural history of the land, picnic, participate in organized sports, attend an educational program or just relax.

Green Spring Gardens: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312  Green Spring includes a wooded stream valley with ponds, a naturalistic native plant garden, over 20 thematic demonstration gardens, a greenhouse filled with tropicals,  a well-stocked horticultural reference library, the Garden Gate Plant Shop and two gift shops.

Hidden Oaks Nature Center: 7701 Royce Street, Annandale, VA 22003  Hidden Oaks features a pond and an interactive exhibit ideal for children 2 yrs. and older. Inside the nature center, facilities include live animal displays, a climbing “tree” loft/puppet stage, a resource library and the Urban Woodlands interactive exhibit. There is also a 1/3-acre unstructured woodland play area where kids can make mud pies, dig into woodchip and leaf piles, make ground forts or just relax next to a tree.

Hidden Pond Nature Center: 8511 Greeley Blvd, Springfield, VA 22152  Acres of undisturbed woodland, quiet trails, splashing streams and a tranquil pond are just a few of the reasons to visit Hidden Pond Nature Center. The nature center features exhibits and live displays that orient you to the park and to the natural world of Fairfax County. The center has nature study areas for group visitors and a small sales area featuring books and other items for the nature enthusiast. Complementing the nature center are streamside and woodland walking trails, a self-guided nature trail, and a one-acre pond. The park also features lighted tennis courts and a children’s play area.

Huntley Meadows: 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22306  Huntley Meadows Park is a rich, natural and historical island of over 1,500 acres in the suburban sea of Northern Virginia. It harbors a nationally significant historic house, majestic forests, wildflower-speckled meadows and vast wetlands bursting with life. From the ½ mile wetland boardwalk trail and observation tower, people have excellent views of beavers, frogs, dragonflies and herons. Huntley Meadows is well known as a prime birding spot, with over 200 species identified in the park.

Lake Accotink: 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield, VA 22150 Activities include a 55 acre lake, bike rentals, canoe and pedal boat rentals, boat launch, tour boat rides, fishing, nine-green double-holed miniature golf course, antique carousel, snack bar, pavilion shelters and picnic areas with grills (some areas may be reserved, call 703-324-8732), restrooms, playground, sand volleyball court and basketball court. Situated along the Cross County Trail, the park has a four-mile loop, natural-surface hiking/biking trail. Please note activities and facilities vary with the seasons.

Lake Fairfax: 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, VA 20190  Activities include a 20-acre lake with fishing, the Water Mine family Swimmin’ Hole, boat rentals, carousel, athletic fields, picnic shelters and picnic areas with grills, a playground, restrooms, campgrounds, trails and a skate park.

Riverbend Park: 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA 22066  Riverbend Park has over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. Trails include a 2.5 mile portion of the Potomac Heritage Trail linking national and regional parkland. Kayakers and canoeists can enjoy exploring many islands in the Potomac River. Serious anglers and families can bring a boat or fish from the shady riverbank. Nature highlights include spectacular river views, beautiful wildflowers and birds. Facilities include a visitor center with snack bar, gift shop, exhibits and riverside picnic area.

Scott’s Run Nature Preserve: 7400 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA  Scott’s Run is known for its rare plants and beautiful scenery including wildflowers, trailing arbutus, Virginia bluebells and sessile trillium blooming along the cliffs. It’s also a great place to hike with trails ranging from easy and gentle to challenging and rugged.

Sully Historic Site: 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly, VA 20151  Sully offers a glimpse into the history of Fairfax County. Guided tours are offered of the main house and the outbuildings, stop by the visitors center and Squirrel’s Nest Museum Shop and participate in special events, exhibits and programs.

The Turner Farm: 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls, VA 22066  This 52 acre park is located on the site of a former dairy farm and offers both recreational and educational activities including horseback riding and jumping facilities, celestial telescope and educational facilities, a tot lot, picnic area, trails and nature observation.