The Perfect Family Day Out in Old Town Fairfax

The Perfect Family Day Out in Old Town Fairfax

Old Town Fairfax is your “Family Fun Day” location! We’ve pulled together a multi-stop itinerary for you and the kids to enjoy, vary and repeat as often as you like! Did we mention we have free parking throughout Old Town Fairfax? Here’s a map to our parking lots and free garages.

City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North Street, Fairfax

City of Fairfax Regional Library

Start the day off with a stop at the Children’s Section at the City of Fairfax Regional Library. Let the kids pick out their favorite reads and make sure you enroll them in the Summer Reading Adventure that runs from June 17-August where you can hit reading goals for prizes. Get details here.

Check out their calendar to schedule your visit during one of their youth programs including Story Time, Puppets and more.

Parking suggestion: There’s a free parking garage located below the library with the entrance off of University Drive.

Splash Pad, Old Town Square, 10415 North Street, Fairfax

Splash Pad at Old Town Square

Grab a seat while the children enjoy the splash pad that is situated in Old Town Square and just across the street from the library. It’s the perfect way to cool off on a warm summer day and enjoy a day out of the house. There’s no cost to enjoy; the splash pad is on from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. but check the schedule as it may be closed for events like Rock the Block. Splash Pad rules are available HERE.

Parking suggestion: There’s a City Lot with 2 hour parking right beside the park or there are two public garages with FREE parking, the entrances are located off of University Drive. Click HERE for parking map.

Old Dominion Pizza, 3950 University Dr., Ste 102, Fairfax

Old Dominion Pizza

When the gang is ready for a pit stop, head to Old Dominion Pizza where you can purchase by the slice or the whole pie. Our favorite is the grandma slice with curly pepperoni followed up by their gelato! They have gluten free options.

Old Dominion is locally owned and operated so you are supporting local while enjoying some of the best pizza in the area. The pizza shop is less than a block from the library and the park so you won’t have to go very far to keep the kids happy and well fed.

Woody’s Ice Cream, 10435 North St, Fairfax

Woody’s Ice Cream

Open for it’s 28th season, Woody’s is an Old Town Fairfax tradition. Indulge in a cone or sundae before loading up the family to head home. There’s plenty of choices in hard dipped or soft serve. Sit outside on their patio and enjoy the warm summer afternoons. Woody’s is also located right across the street from the Splash Pad and the library. It’s an easy fix to head back to rinse the kids off at the Splash Pad if they get a little sticky after their treat!

Bond’s Entertainment Center, 3949 University Dr., Fairfax

Bond’s Entertainment Center

Another option for a family bonding activity in the heart of Old Town Fairfax is a visit to Bond's Entertainment Center. As the largest escape room venue on the East Coast, Bond's packs 15 escape rooms across 2 locations, a free-roam VR Arena, and a live game show under one roof — so grab your crew and make your next outing one to remember.

Bowl Voyage is a family favorite among the escape rooms. Most rooms are family-friendly, with a few scarier, graphic ones recommended for ages 14+; ask staff about Kids Mode for children 6–13 on select rooms. The VR Arena is suitable for ages 8 and up, with adult supervision recommended for children under 13. Bond's also offers birthday packages and private parties for groups of all ages.

Schedule your adventure online in advance!

Gaming Giant, 3925 Chain Bridge Rd, Ste 201, Fairfax

Gaming Giant

For families with a card-game fanatic in the house, swing by Gaming Giant, a family-owned collectibles shop specializing in trading cards like Pokémon, One Piece, Digimon, and Dragon Ball, plus anime-themed games and gaming supplies. There's a café area to relax in while the kids browse, and regular tournaments and community events mean it's easy to make a habit out of stopping by. It's a fun, welcoming spot for collectors and players of all ages.

Parking suggestion: Gaming Giant is located right inside Old Town Plaza, which has its own free public parking garage with entrances off both Chain Bridge Road and University Drive — so parking is just steps from the door.

Paradise Games & Gifts, 10385 Main Street, Fairfax

Paradise Games & Gifts

Just down the street, Paradise Games & Gifts is a one-stop shop for board games, trading card games, RPGs, dice, and unique gifts for gamers of every age and skill level. They host weekly events and tournaments, so it's a great pick if your family wants to turn game night into a regular Old Town tradition.

Parking suggestion: There's a free public lot at Victorian Square so park on the surface lot off of Main St. or enter the garage from University Drive.

Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, 10386 Main Street, Fairfax

Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center

Want to find out more about the history of Fairfax? Stop in at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, open daily from 11-4; closed Tuesdays. FREE admission!

Explore The Fairfax Story exhibit, which follows the arc of Fairfax history, from Native American cultures to our local astronaut who traveled on the Space Shuttle. The walls are bursting with interesting local stories, and you can view them all in about an hour! The museum plays host to traveling and special exhibits about a wide range of local history topics.

Sign up for Museum Explorers, a fun, history-filled program at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center where participants will explore one object from our exhibits or collections and do an activity and/or game, sing a song, do a craft and read a story—all connected to the featured object or its related themes. This program is suitable for ages 2-4 yrs.

Independence Day Parade, Saturday, July 4

Independence Day Parade 2026

Join us in the City of Fairfax for the 60th Annual Independence Day Parade on Saturday, July 4 from 10 to noon. Grab a seat early and enjoy one of the largest Independence Day Parades in the Commonwealth of Virginia featuring a fly over, balloons, marching bands and floats. Watch the parade, have some lunch and do a little shopping-Make this an Independence Day Tradition!

Parade route: Click HERE for official Parade details.