In Arlington, there are a variety of family-friendly activities you can take advantage of, from museums to great places to eat.
Planning family time that’s fun, affordable and local can be a challenge, especially during the busy summer season. Fortunately, Arlington offers a wide range of attractions and activities designed to keep kids of all ages engaged while giving parents options they can feel good about.
Whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors, learn something new, cool off at a local waterpark or grab a bite at a kid-friendly restaurant, Arlington offers plenty of options.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 10 family-friendly places to visit ranging from interactive museums and scenic parks to playgrounds, unique dining spots and hands-on activities.
Upton Hill Regional Park
Location: 6060 Wilson Blvd.
Hours: Walking trails are open from dawn to dusk. Each outdoor adventure has their own hours of operation and reservation/booking and fees/requirements can be found on their website.
Bring the family for a day of outdoor adventures at an oasis in one of Northern Virginia’s most urban areas. Splash, slide and soak at the beach-themed Ocean Dunes Waterpark. Tee up at the deluxe mini golf, practice in a batting cage, take a Vertical Adventure at Climb UPton, or explore a walking trail. Upton Hill Regional Park has an adventure for every family member.
What you’ll like
- Private parking lot-bike parking
- Kid-friendly
- Variety of outdoor adventures
- Serene environment and views
- Friendly service
- Accepts credit cards
Recommendations:
- Mini golf
- Vertical adventure at Climb UPton
- Splash pad for younger kids
Quincy Park
Location: 1021 N. Quincy St.
Hours: Sunrise to half hour after sunset.
This four-acre park features two lighted diamond fields, six tennis courts, a basketball court and one sand volleyball court with plenty of open space for a family play day. Quincy Park also features places for picnics with reservable shelters and a playground appropriate for children of all abilities.
What you’ll like:
- Drinking fountain
- Free street and private parking
- Kid-friendly
- Bike parking
- Restroom
- Charcoal grill
- Covered seating
- Location close to dining options
- Art installations and music
Recommendations:
- Library nearby with a garden
- Sibling swing on the playground
- Tennis courts
Punch Bowl Social
Location: 4238 Wilson Blvd., Ste 1180
Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday
Note: At 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Punch Bowl Social becomes a 21 and up space. Reservations are recommended to secure your family a spot to hang
Whether you’re looking for a chill night, belting out karaoke tunes, or just laughing over a few gutterballs, Punch Bowl Social has your family covered. Each location offers a unique adventure sure to provide good vibes and unforgettable hangs with a variety of games and music events.
What you’ll like
- Vegan options
- Many vegetarian options
- Good for groups
- Kid-friendly
- Outdoor seating
- Variety of games, food and music
Recommendations:
- Food: Breakfast burrito, loaded nachos, chips and queso, chicken wings, Knockoff Burger-GFA, Chicken Rocket Caesar Salad
- Drinks: West Coast Mule, Featured punch bowl
- Entertainment: Bowling
Long Bridge Park
Location: 475 Long Bridge Dr.
Hours: Sunrise-11 p.m.
With more than 36 acres of recreation and open space, Long Bridge Park features three full-sized, lighted synthetic fields, a network of walkways, an overlook with views of the national monuments, high-quality sports and recreation facilities and a playground. Conveniently located adjacent to nearby urban corridors and the Potomac River. There are paid parking meters from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and parking is free on weekends.
What you’ll like
- Drinking fountain
- Fitness trail
- Outdoor fitness equipment and sport fields
- Shaded playground
- Restroom
- Pet-friendly
- Scenic views of cherry blossoms and national monuments
- Public artwork
Recommendations:
- Coffee at nearby Commonwealth Joe’s
- Long walking/running trail
- Sport fields
Ballston Quarter Market/Mall
Location: 4238 Wilson Blvd.
Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday
A new, urban destination where the area’s best chefs, entertainment, events, shopping and more come together in the heart of Arlington to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Offering unique indoor and outdoor spaces to explore Quarter Market through its variety of activities including eateries, cooking classes, watching a movie or shopping.
What you’ll like
- Kid-friendly
- Outdoor seating
- Many vegetarian options
- Variety of food, shopping and activities
Recommendations:
- Food court: Ice Cream Jubilee, Hot Lola’s, Superette, Turu’s Pizza Kitchen
- Entertainment: Regal Cinemas, Punch Bowl Social, MedStar Capitals Iceplex
- Other: Ballston farmers market held on Thursday afternoons
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Museum
Location: 700 Army Navy Dr.
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
The DEA museum educates, engages and inspires all ages. Offering free admission, innovative educational programs and hands-on activities to inspire visitors to become Agents of Change in their community.
All visitors 18 years or older will be required to present a real ID-compliant form of identification to enter the museum.
What you’ll like
- Kid-friendly
- Free admission
- Gift shop
- Interactive exhibits
- Location close to Pentagon City mall & dining
Recommendations:
- Parking: Metered parking nearby, commercial parking lot in Macy’s and Costco
- Taking the Metro
- Pentagon City Mall
- Commonwealth Joe’s
Family-friendly dining in Arlington
Matt and Tony’s All Day Kitchen Bar
Location: 1501 Mount Vernon Ave.
Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
If you’re looking for big flavors, warm hospitality and meals that make memories, Matt and Tony’s has your family covered. From towering plates of chicken and waffles and unforgettable shrimp and grits to mouthwatering braised ribs — Matt and Tony’s is serving comfort food with personality.
What you’ll like
- Vegan options
- Casual, trendy
- Kid-friendly
- Pet-friendly
- Covered outdoor seating
- Good for groups
- Brunch all day
- Friendly service
Recommendations:
- Country Fried Chicken
- Scotch eggs
- Chicken and Waffles
- Steak and eggs
Pupatella
Locations: 5104 Wilson Blvd. and 1621 S. Walter Reed Dr.
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Pupatella is serving up Neapolitan pizza in your neighborhood, exactly as it has been prepared for generations in neighborhoods throughout Naples. Offering a wide variety of menu options made from house-made dough and fresh ingredients imported from Italy.
What you’ll like
- Kid-friendly
- Pet-friendly
- Outdoor seating
- Good for groups
- Friendly service
- Vegan options
- Military discount
Recommendations
- Margherita pizza
- Fried Mozzarella balls
- Tiramisu
Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe
Locations: Ballston (the OG), 672 N Glebe Rd.; other locations and hours vary
Hours: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Your neighborhood all-day cafe where you can find the best handmade doughnuts, excellent specialty coffee and comfort food with a gourmet touch. Dedicated to serving the community with a little small town neighborly love.
What you’ll like
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Military discount
- Veteran-owned
- Unique menu
Recommendations:
- Assorted doughnuts: cinnamon sugar cake, honey dip
- Avocado toast
- Breakfast sandwiches
Ted’s Bulletin
Location: 4238 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1130
Hours: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; Happy Hour is from 3:30-6 p.m. Monday-Friday
Serving up American dishes with a Virginia flair, their all day menu is designed to satisfy. Discover the charm of Virginia through their use of locally sourced ingredients and focus on community dining.
What you’ll like:
- Kid-friendly
- Outdoor seating
- Pet-friendly
- Good for groups
- Trendy, casual
- Friendly service
Recommendations:
- Papa’s Bravos
- Homemade poptart
- Ted’s tomato soup
- Burger
Related:
Here Are Kid-Approved Patios You Should Dine at in the DC Area
