Location: Oakton
Top Things to do in Oakton
- 1. NRA National Firearms Museum
- 2. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
- 3. Great Falls Park
- 4. Burke Lake Park
- 5. Lake Accotink Park
- 6. Hidden Oaks Nature Center
- 7. Frying Pan Farm Park
- 8. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
- 9. Billy Goat Trail
- 10. Surf Reston - Stand Up Paddleboarding
What to do and see in Oakton, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Oakton is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. The population was 34,166 at the 2010 census. Oakton is an affluent community of Northern Virginia. Its center is 16 miles (26 km) west of Washington, D.C.
Restaurants in Oakton
1. NRA National Firearms Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 336 reviews
Small museum that highlights the long history of firearms.
Reviewed By D2821ITroberts - Heathsville, Virginia
Even if you don’t support the 2nd Amendment the history of firearms is spectacular. Those who enjoy firearms will be amazed at the inventory and match grade guns on display along with write ups and brief history of the weapons on display.
If you have ever just seen in a book guns this museum gives you up close looks of weapons from their inception.
Make sure you a lot three or more hours as you wonder the museum at your own pace and get a history lesson along your tour.
2. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 587 reviews
The only national park dedicated to the performing arts, with spaces for indoor and outdoor performances.
Reviewed By Alberta S - Washington DC, District of Columbia
We went with a group of friends and sat upstairs in the balcony are. These were perfect seats, you could see everything with no obstruction. This is not a large building so the performance was intimate. Loved the rustic atmosphere.
This was a great location for a music performance.
The seating was comfortable. Parking was easy.
3. Great Falls Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
An 800 acre park located just off the Potomac river.
Reviewed By Bodacious123 - Atlanta, Georgia
This place is a real treat.
Its easy to find- you have two choices, depending on where you are coming from. We were on the Virginia side, so we got the full visitors Center experience.
Start your visit at the visitors center. Learn about what you are about to see. The history of the are is surprising- the use of locks on the river for navigation of the river for trade, life in the area, animal life, etc.
The falls themselves are beautiful. The sheer power that you feel as you watch the water thunder down the rocks is impressive. We were luck y to visit the park after some rain, so the water was in full display.
Families can visit this are in less than an hour- depending on the attention span of everyone. We spent about 2 hours there and didn't see everything. Bring your hiking shoes
4. Burke Lake Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By cathy h - Annandale, Virginia
This is a great location for a high school cross country meet. We've been here numerous times for practices, practice meets, and regular meets. A nice, pleasant place to visit. Fairfax county residents do not pay admission. Military members stationed nearby have to show proof of residency, but are also free.
5. Lake Accotink Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Outside D.C. in Northern Virginia. Tour boat rides, pedal boat rentals, carousel, beach front, playground equipment, hiking trails, snack bar, etc.
Reviewed By Willem K
My wife and I drove here for a wonderful fall hike around the lake. Also a great place to walk your dog. We the hike around the lake is pretty neat, but also pretty long - there's no real shortcut. Great for running too, if you like the running on terrain that's a bit rougher.
6. Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Hands-on nature exhbits, live turtles and snakes, dress up, nature programs, hiking trails, butterfly crossing
Reviewed By Norma Jo S - Annandale, Virginia
It's nice to have a place like Hidden Oaks as part of the county park system. For one thing, it has preserved some beautiful hilly land from the developers, in a heavily populated area. It is also a free, educational destination for children that does not involve some commercial enterprise or pop culture. Preschoolers and elementary age kids can enjoy the hands-on learning in the nature center, including a faux treehouse, live turtles and snakes, displays of local wildlife. You can take advantage of guided, scheduled activities inside or on the numerous trails of the property. There are nearby swings, play equipment, and picnic areas. Check their website or call for scheduled free activities.
7. Frying Pan Farm Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Working farm, live farm animals, playground, Country Store, wagon rides($), antique carousel rides ($), Kidwell farmhouse tours (select days, call), children's concerts (10am, Wednesdays, June - August, Visitor Center Pavilion), family concerts (7pm, Thursdays, June - August, farmyard), bluegrass concerts (select Sundays, September - April, Visitor Center), farm stand (May-Sept, Wednesdays 8am-12:30pm)
Reviewed By Sue L
We used to bring our kids there when they were little. Seeing that Frying Pan Farm Park is still thriving makes me happy. Have great memories going in the past.
8. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By MamaAyinde - Stanford, CA
This museum is amazing! I even prefer it to the Air and Space museum on the national mall. It has the most amazing aircraft, including the Concorde, Space Shuttle Discovery, and even the Enola Gay. It's a real stroll through history. Don't miss the Blackberry (I think that's what it is called.) It flew from coast to coast in about an hour in the 1960s. I wonder what amazing feats today's secret technology is able to do. Very entertaining and highly recommended.
9. Billy Goat Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Reviewed By tikidream - bethesda, md
This is one of our favorite hikes. It is a moderate to strenuous hike with some rock scrambling. In the summer bring water and year round bring a snack and enjoy the scenery.
10. Surf Reston - Stand Up Paddleboarding
Overall Ratings
5 based on 74 reviews
Our stand up paddleboard sessions are guided by certified instructors on calm, flat water - the perfect place to get started and build your skills for more challenging waterways. Discover the beautiful lakes in Reston, Virginia right outside Washington, DC
Reviewed By susanP4777YT
I wanted our family to try out stand up paddle boarding. I searched online and found Surf Reston. The website was well organized and we arrived at the starting point with no trouble. Steve Gurney gave an excellent, articulate, easy-to-follow instructions on how to use the paddle board. My teenaged kids and I had such a good time that we can't wait to go back to Lake Anne or try other lakes with his organization.
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