10 Things to Do in Springfield, VA

Located just outside the nation’s capital, Springfield, Virginia is a family-friendly suburb with plenty of outdoor recreation, shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Young families are attracted to this Northern Virginia town because of the excellent schools, quiet residential feel, and abundance of neighborhood parks. As a result, there’s never a shortage of fun things to do in Springfield, VA no matter the time of year.

If you’ve been in a leisure time rut and wondering what to do in Springfield, VA with your kids, friends, significant other, or as a solo trip—wonder no longer. Take a look at some fun things to do as you explore the great local parks!

10 Things to do in Springfield, VA

Lake Accotink Park

Lake Accotink Park is the largest of all the parks in Springfield, VA. This 493-acre park offers easy access to fishing, kayaking, canoe, and pedal boat rentals. Situated along the Cross County Trail, the park includes a four-mile loop and a natural-surface hiking/biking trail. The park is also home to many family-friendly activities including an antique carousel, classes, camps, and other programs and activities geared towards youngsters.

Springfield Town Center

Springfield Town Center is one of the largest shopping and dining destinations in Northern Virginia. In addition to 250 stores and restaurants, Springfield Town Center boasts a 12-screen Regal Cinema and a Dave & Busters. The Center also hosts many free events and programs for the community and families to enjoy year-round.

Hidden Pond Park & Nature Center

Hidden Pond Park & Nature Center is a lovely 25-acre gem of a park nestled in a residential neighborhood. Surrounded by woodland and quiet trails, the park and Nature Center are connected to the 700-acre Pohick Stream Valley Park. The Nature Center houses exhibits, live animal displays, and hosts programs, workshops and demonstrations for visitors and community groups.

The Taste of Springfield

Springfield has a number of great dining destinations and hosts festivals throughout the year, but only one event combines the two. The Taste of Springfield is a free, community celebration of great food and the great outdoors. Held at the Springfield Town Center every summer, visitors sample delicious offerings from local restaurants while enjoying live music, performances, and the sparkling summer sun.

Lake Mercer

Lake Mercer is a heavily-wooded, 154-acre park just south of the Fairfax County Parkway. The park, which can be accessed via several neighborhood trails as well as the South Run RECenter, features hiking, biking and fishing. The park’s connection to South Run Stream Valley also makes it a rewarding spot for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. A 3.5-mile trail encircles the large lake and is perfect for both hiking and biking.

Huntsman Lake Park

Huntsman Lake Park is another large, wooded park in Springfield and is relatively close to South Run RECenter. The 28.6-acre lake is lined with forests (great for birdwatching), and has a basketball court, picnic area, playground, and network of trails. Small boats, kayaks, and canoes can be launched lakeside for a peaceful skim across the water.

FRESHFARM Springfield Farmers Market

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Springfield, VA, don’t overlook a great farmers’ market. FRESHFARM Springfield Farmers Market, located next to Springfield Town Center, is open Saturdays from May through December. Patrons enjoy local produce, baked goods, hot prepared foods, meats, and more. The Springfield Farmers Market also hosts Market Live!, a collection of arts and craft vendors throughout the season.

Franconia Park

Franconia Park has a variety of well-maintained athletic fields, which makes it a popular spot for both organized sporting events and pickup games. Soccer, baseball and softball fields as well as open areas for dogs to play and a few walking trails make Franconia Park among the favorite family-friendly parks in Springfield, VA.

The St. James

The St. James Sports, Wellness and Entertainment Complex is more than just a gym. It’s a 450,000-square-foot indoor sports complex with a FIFA-regulation soccer field, two ice rinks, an Olympic-size pool, numerous squash and basketball courts, and a gymnastics training center. For kids and families, The St. James also has an indoor water park, Virtual Reality and eSports Centers and a 20,000-square-foot obstacle course with zip lines, trampoline zones, and climbing walls.

Bren Mar Park

There are a lot of great parks in Springfield, VA on this list, but Bren Mar Park is a particular local favorite. The 32.4-acre park is surrounded by several residential communities, making it a great gathering spot for families seeking outdoor recreation and nature. The park contains a playground, a small picnic shelter, and several trails which connect to the Turkeycock Run Stream Valley Park network.

Southern Management: Your Springfield, VA Experts

There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Springfield, VA. And if you love the outdoors, there is plenty of variety when it comes to the parks in Springfield, VA. Whether it’s kicking around a soccer ball, casting a line in a lake, or hiking the trails, the parks in Springfield, VA have outdoor activities perfect for every kid, parent, or pet.

Now that you know what to do in Springfield, VA, let Southern Management help you find the perfect place to live. We have a wide variety of apartment communities throughout Northern Virginia, including Parliaments in Annandale, Landmark Ridge in Alexandria and Cavalier Club in Falls Church.