Looking for a fun weekend with the whole crew? Alexandria, Virginia, has you covered! Located right along the Potomac, this charming riverside town blends rich history, bustling markets and plenty of green spaces into a kid-approved adventure. Explore historic sites, shop Old Town, experience a bustling waterfront with scenic views and more when you visit. This guide features 10 family-friendly things to do in Alexandria.
Visit Torpedo Factory Art Center
The Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to the nation’s largest collection of working-artists’ open studios under one roof. Find artists actively creating work in a wide variety of media — including painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, stained glass, fiber, printmaking and sculpture — in 71 studios. Observe the creative process and ask questions. Purchase original work for your own collection.
Phone: (703) 746-4570
Location: 105 N Union St., Alexandria
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Artists maintain their own studio hours. It’s best to confirm availability before your visit.
What you’ll like:
- The Art League, Studio 21 — Provides a gathering and exhibit space for the visual arts community of Alexandria and the greater Washington, DC, region. Each month brings new exhibits and new opportunities for artist members to submit their works to be juried and considered for exhibition.
- Multiple Exposures, Studio 312 — Founded in 1985, Multiple Exposures Gallery is the longest continuously operating fine art photography gallery in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. It promotes the growth and development of fine art photography and represents some of the most highly recognized photographers in the region.
Review highlight: “Free entrance! The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a must-visit for anyone exploring Old Town Alexandria! The space is unique and vibrant, with an amazing variety of art on display, from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and photography,” share Kamonrat DiFiore, Google Reviews.
Visit the Oldest Farmers Market in the Country
Held each Saturday morning year-round, the farmers’ market is an event that has been held at the Market Square plaza for over 260 years. During the peak season, there are more than 70 vendors offering fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, cheeses, breads, pastries, fresh pasta, pickled vegetables, cut flowers, potted plants, soaps, fabric art and paintings.
Phone: (703) 746.4311
Location: 301 King St., Alexandria
Hours: The Market is open every Saturday, rain or shine, 7 a.m. – noon
What you’ll like:
- Parking — Parking is always free on Saturdays during market hours in the Market Square Parking Garage (301 King St.), located directly under Market Square Plaza from 5:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. year-round. Access the free garage (108 N. Fairfax St.) between Cameron and King Streets. Additional garage and street parking is also available in the surrounding area.
- Bike parking available — Bring your lock and check out our area bike rack map.
Review Highlight: “Fantastic! Fruits, veggies, meats, fish, pastries and more. Lovely Saturday stroll in Old Town, great place to stop,” says K. Moore, Google Reviews.
Cruise the Waterfront and Go Sightseeing
Potomac Water Taxi offers routes connecting The Wharf to Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor. View the schedule to see departure times at your nearest location. Enjoy the ride along the Potomac River.
What you’ll like:
- Audio Narration on select tours — Listen and learn while you make your way across the Potomac.
- Seeing multiple sights — Travel along the Potomac River to see the plethora of famous monuments and landmarks, with stunning reflective views of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Washington Monument, the Arlington Memorial Bridge and more. More info and reservations details can be found online.
Phone: (703) 684-0580
Location: 0 Cameron St, Alexandria
Hours: Departures begin at the Wharf at 11:45 a.m. and will depart every 30 minutes to one hour depending on the day of the week.
Review highlight: “The water taxi service was fantastic! The ride was smooth and efficient, offering beautiful views along the way. The staff was incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional, making sure everyone felt comfortable and informed,” Jen Rhodes, Google Reviews.
Explore George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Step into History at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Explore the estate on your own or as part of a tour group and experience what life was like for George Washington, his family and the people who lived and worked at Mount Vernon. The estate remains open during their preservation work and guests can visit the museum, historic grounds, George Washington’s Tomb, Slave Memorial, farm and four gardens. Some rooms may be off-view during your visit due to the preservation work.
Phone: (703) 780-2000
Location: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Hours: April through October: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; November through March: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
What you’ll like:
- Admission — In 2025, guests who purchase full-price admission to Mount Vernon can return for free for the rest of the year. Learn more about the 2025 admission pass. Reservations made in advance are recommended and discounts may be available. Speciality tours are also available.
- Free parking — Mount Vernon can be reached by public transportation, car, taxi, rideshare, boat, tour bus or bike. See the directions page for details. A shuttle service is also available from April 1-Oct. 31.
Review Highlight: “Nice little day trip if you’re in the area. Beautiful views of the river. Nice museum and shops. Lovely displays outside. Great condition,” says Jessica Cummings, Google Reviews.
Go Shopping in Old Town Alexandria
Old Town’s King Street mile is the largest collection of independent boutiques in the DC region. From local shops like The Happy Place Gift Shop to national favorites like H&M and LuluLemon, there is something for everyone. All stores can be found on or nearby the King Street area and accessible by walking. Check online for specific store hours and locations.
Phone: (703) 838-5005
Location: 221 King St., Alexandria
Hours: May- August: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Saturday; September- April: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Saturday
What you’ll like:
- Pippin Toy Co. — Open since late 2023 from the team behind Penny Post and Red Barn Mercantile, it’s a magical oasis for children’s toys, books, games and more.
- AR Workshop — This is a unique DIY workshop where you can host a private event or take classes ranging from monogramming pillows to creating custom painted wood planks and much more. It’s great for all ages and even has special events for teenagers.
- The Old Town Shop — Specializing in unique Old Town gifts and novelties, including goods made by artists in Virginia, it’s a great spot to find a meaningful gift to remember your trip.
Review Highlight: “I love this store. It has so many nice gifts at reasonable prices. And they’re so helpful in picking things out. I was delighted to find just what I was looking for,” shares Mary Shipko about The Old Town Shop, Google reviews.
Adventure Outside at Cameron Run Regional Park
Make a day of it at Cameron Run Regional Park — 26 acres of outdoor adventure in Alexandria. Spend a summer afternoon splashing and sliding at Great Waves Waterpark, swinging in the slowpitch and fastpitch batting cages, or enjoying 18 holes of challenging miniature golf. Discover all the ways you can play at Cameron Run Regional Park: one park, so many possibilities.
Phone: (703) 960-0767
Location: 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria
Hours: Full 2025 Park Hours available online.
What you’ll like:
- Batting cages — Step up to the plate and get ready, because Great Waves is bringing the heat at their deluxe batting cages! Choose slow pitch softball or take a crack at baseballs instead featuring a variety of tough speeds. They’ll provide the bats and helmets, or you can bring your own.
- Daytime ice skating — Enjoy gliding on the ice at Cameron Run Regional Park. Tickets are only available for purchase online.
- Mini golf — This course offers many challenging holes and hazards.
Review highlight: “This park is amazing! Batting cages, water park and mini golf make for an inexpensive, fun-filled day with the family,” shares Erica Ortiz, Google Reviews.
Go Play at Chessie’s Trail and Big Backyard
Chessie’s BIG Backyard Playground is located in the Lee Park District. This Chesapeake Bay themed inclusive playground features an accessible, ages 5-12 play structure with tons of opportunities for kids to climb, slide, run and have fun. The safety surfacing is poured-in-place rubber and the playground details are woodsy and charming. The next phase will be an area for the 2-5 age group. There is a fee for any group reservations of 10 or more participants (chaperones included.) More info is available online.
Phone: (703) 922-9841
Location: 6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria
Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
What you’ll like:
- Carousel — The carousel has a Chesapeake Bay theme with animals such as a turtle, frog, hummingbird and swan, in addition to traditional horses. The carousel allows children of all abilities to go round and round, side by side. Fee is $4 per person, Monday-Friday; $5 per person, Saturday, Sunday and holidays. After-hours and season rental fees apply.
- Chessie’s trail — This 2,160-foot trail is designed for children of all abilities with features that appeal to the senses. Visit the sound garden, play with spinning rocks, stroll the boardwalk or rest in the unique nest seating area. Along the way, encounter all kinds of wildlife figures representing animals indigenous to the Chesapeake Bay region.
- Tree House — Explore the treetop canopy like never before and observe nature from a totally different perspective as you make your way up the ramps winding around the tree trunks until you arrive at the tree house.
Review highlight: “Our experience was fantastic from start to finish. The facility was clean and well-maintained. I appreciated the convenient amenities, especially the ice cream and water stations. All our boys, from our 10-month-old to our 11-year-old, thoroughly enjoyed the activities including merry-go-round,” says CM Sosa, Google Reviews.
Have Fun at Scramble Indoor Play
Scramble is an amazing and large European-style play center. They offer both physical play and cognitive play with activities aimed at the whole child and their healthy development. A day at Scramble Indoor Play helps little minds and bodies thrive. Scramble has multiple locations in Virginia and their Alexandria location is a play center for children up to 12 years old. Areas are separated by ages: 0-12; 1-4; 5-8 and 8-12.
Phone: (703) 665-1343
Location: 5412 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
What you’ll like:
- Scramble cafe — Their on-site cafe features great, locally sourced food at a family-friendly price. There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy including pizza, tacos, sandwiches and sweet treats.
- Bookstore on-site — Visit the bookstore and take some inspiration home. They carry the very best books with vibrant, award-winning titles from leading children’s publishers like Usborne and Kane Miller. Unique puzzles, toys and games are also available.
Review highlight: “Scramble is our go-to spot for fun, food and family time! With kids ranging from 1 to 9 years old, it’s the perfect place to tire them out while we enjoy some great food,” says Diamond Hoey, Google Reviews.
Grab a Sweet treat
Alexandria is a dessert lover’s dream destination. Named the Ice Cream Cone Capital of the U.S. by Forbes there is no shortage of yummy treats to try. Find everything from made-to-order ice cream catalyzed by liquid nitrogen to crave-worthy vegan donuts.
The Dairy Godmother — Retro-style parlor dishing up unusual flavors of homemade frozen custard and sorbet.The Dairy Godmother specializes in Wisconsin-style frozen custard.
Phone: (703) 683-7767
Location: 2310 Mt Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Hours: Noon-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; noon-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Lavender Moon Cupcakery — This is Alexandria’s first organic cupcake shop and it’s locally owned by a career chef and certified sommelier, with fanciful flavors baked only in small batches. Their bakers prepare wonderfully unique cupcakes and flavors vary by day. With combinations like Mexican chocolate pudding, blood orange dreamsicle and vanilla bean with lemon curd, you’ve never had a cupcake like theirs!
Phone: (703) 683-0588
Location: 116 S Royal St., Alexandria
Hours: Closed Monday; noon-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; noon-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday
A list of more spots for a sweet treat can be found here.
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