Sure the summer is great for walking around the D.C. museums, eating outdoors and hitting the pool. but the Fairfax Station area has a lot to offer as well in the fall. The weather has cooled down to the tepid 60s, so no one will get a heat stroke walking around outside, and the fall foliage is still glowing gorgeous reds, yellows and oranges—making for some spectacular sites. It’s also easier to pry the children from their games and get them some historical and cultural exposure. Anyway you want it, there’s a little bit of something for everyone here.

Take a hike

There is no shortage of parks in the area. Fountain Head Regional Park, Hemlock Overlook Park, Burke Lake Park and Country Club View Park are just some of the local parks offering amazing views and lots of trails.

On the weekends, for as low as $5, you can rent a three-person Jon boat and paddle out into the Occoquan River for a spectacular view of Fountainhead Regional Park. The park also has loads of picnic tables, deer-watching, miniature golf (open during the weekends), and over 17 miles of hiking and walking trails as well as biking and equestrian trails. There is also a fishing pier with a gorgeous view of the river.

Burke Lake Park is also an incredibly scenic park and a number of trails, including a 4.7-mile loop around the lake. In the fall, this park also offers fishing, a number of playgrounds for the little ones, and boating (non-motorized and rentals only after April 2).

Country Club View Park also has basketball and tennis courts, trails and a playground. Hiking and horse trails are also available at Hemlock Overlook Park.

If relaxation is the name of the game, bring a blanket or utilize one of the many picnic tables spread throughout these parks and watch the little ones play in the grass.

Get exposed

If there is a rainy day in the forecast, take the umbrella and the kids out for one of the more cultural aspects of the area like the Railroad Museum.

The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum offers a step back in time for little ones two and above to learn about Fairfax Station’s history and its role in the Civil War. Amongst their train exhibits is one dedicated solely to cabooses as well as information about Clarissa Harlowe Barton, founder of the American Red Cross.

Fairfax Station is also rife with different religion institutions. Exposure your child to a different religion and their beliefs with a tour of the Ekoji Buddhist Temple or the Sikh Foundation of Virginia.