Live Fairfax

Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Angie Stiens of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Angie at 703-721-8539.

When it’s mid-summer in Fairfax County, it’s likely to be hot and humid and have us all looking for an escape from the weather. 

One of my favorite places to bring younger kids for summer water fun is Our Special Harbor Splash Park in Alexandria near Franconia Rec Center.

The splash park has a Chesapeake Bay theme, so if you’re paying close attention, you’ll find the park includes an osprey nest, a lighthouse, and a crabbing boat! There are misters, sprayers, and even a water maze — lots of options for even the youngest children to enjoy! Coming here is a great way to escape the Virginia heat and have some fun with your family.  

Our Special Harbor is fully accessible, so children of all abilities can join the action! And the best part is that admission is FREE for families, whether you’re a Fairfax County resident or not. Who doesn’t love some affordable water relief from these steamy summer days!

Our Special Harbor is open every day during the summer season, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It opens early on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and closes early on Wednesdays. No street shoes, so bring your water shoes (with a closed back) and get ready to cool off while having a great time! 

And if you’re looking to extend your family time, you can also check out the other neat things nearby, like Chessie’s Big Backyard — a fabulous playground. There’s also a carousel and a walking trail complete with a treehouse view of the woods!  

If you’re looking for something other than a splash park to cool off, there are several waterparks located in Fairfax County. Great Waves waterpark is located on Eisenhower Avenue, also in Alexandria. That’s a great spot for older kids looking to burn some energy on the waterslides or in the wave pool. 

Other options include Pirate’s Cove waterpark in Lorton, Ocean Dunes waterpark in Arlington, the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole in Reston, or Atlantis Waterpark in Centreville. The waterparks do charge admissions fees, so check out their websites for details and hours.   

Regardless of your family’s preferences, there are lots of local options for cooling off in the water this summer. I hope you enjoyed hearing about just a few of them! 

Angie Stiens | Live Fairfax | angie.stiens@mcenearney.com | www.angiestiens.com | 703-721-8539 | www.McEnearney.com

Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This week’s column is sponsored and written by JaneEllen Saums of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach JaneEllen at 703-861-3523.

Mason Neck State Park is an absolute treasure, and it’s located only 25 miles from Washington, D.C. near Lorton. It has over 1,800 acres, 9 miles of trails, a Visitor’s Center, playground, and a large shaded picnic area. It’s also possible to rent kayaks and canoes there or you can bring your own.  

The Visitor’s Center overlooks Belmont Bay, and it has great exhibits, restrooms, and sells convenience items. Park rangers work the welcome desk, and if you have any questions or need assistance they’re a wonderful resource.

The Park was established in 1985 with the help of a local activist, Elizabeth Hartwell. She heard of the many plans to develop this land for a range of projects such as a planned community (like Reston), an outer Beltway, an airport, a natural gas pipeline, a landfill and a sewer line. She was ultimately able to get the land protected because of the Bald Eagle, and as the story goes, it was the Bald Eagle that saved Mason Neck and not necessarily the other way around!

The bald eagle population had been declining rapidly in the 1960s due to the use of the pesticide, DDT, and there were only 417 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states. That’s less than 9 nesting pairs per state!.  

Luckily, there were Bald Eagles at Mason Neck, and that was the main way Elizabeth Hartwell was able to keep the land from being developed — by protecting their habitat she was not only able to help save the Bald Eagle, but also this beautiful peninsula!

Luckily, the eagles have made a comeback, and it’s not uncommon to see at least one when hiking or kayaking here.

I recommend going up Kane’s Creek where there’s an abundance of wildlife. On the tours I’ve helped lead, we often see ospreys, great blue herons, tree swallows, bluebirds, and red wing black birds — and if we’re lucky — bald eagles, as well. 

Several large special events are held at the Park such as the annual Eagle Festival in the spring and the Park After Dark event in the fall, as well as short programs with topics as varied as snakes, wildflowers, birds, turtles, and dragonflies. There’s a Junior Ranger summer camp program for children, and guided kayak tours after-hours in the early morning and late in the evening.  

Thanks to Elizabeth Hartwell, and many other local activists, we have this beautiful park which allows you to easily get away from the hustle and bustle of the DMV. 

Mason Neck is open from 6 a.m. to dusk during the summer and from 7 a.m. to dusk in the winter. I hope you’re able to come and explore it and see the wildlife, experience a paddle on the water, or participate in a guided walk while you’re there. 

For information about Riverbend Park, which is another wonderful park in the DMV, click here.

JaneEllen McLaughlin Saums is a Realtor® with McEnearney Associates and is also a Master Naturalist with Fairfax County. 703-861-3523| jsaums@mcenearney.com | www.janeellensells.com | www.McEnearney.com | 1320 Old Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22101

Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.

Get ready for an epic summer adventure with your family in Fairfax County!

We’ve compiled the ultimate summer family bucket list to ensure an unforgettable season filled with thrilling outdoor activities, cultural discoveries, and delectable delights. Put on your sunscreen, grab your shades, and join us as we explore the best activities and hidden gems Fairfax County has to offer. Create memories that will have your family reminiscing for years to come.

This summer, Fairfax County is the perfect place for families seeking excitement, laughter, and quality time together. Let the summer adventures begin!

1. Visit Great Falls Park: Explore the stunning Great Falls Park along the Potomac River. Enjoy scenic views, hiking trails, and picnic areas perfect for a family day out.
2. Enjoy a Day at the Water Park: Cool off at one of Fairfax County’s water parks, such as Atlantis Waterpark in Centreville or the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole in Reston. These parks offer slides, pools, and water play areas ideal for summer fun.
3. Summer Concert Series: Enjoy live music at Wolf Trap, Rock the Block, and Mosaic Live. These venues offer a range of musical performances perfect for family entertainment.
4. Camping at Burke Lake Park: Spend a night under the stars at Burke Lake Park. Enjoy camping, fishing, and boating, along with the park’s scenic trails.
5. Outdoor Movies: Watch a movie under the stars at City of Fairfax’s Movies Under the Moon or Mosaic Films in the Park. These events provide a fun and relaxing evening for families.
6. Nature Hikes: Fairfax County offers numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. Check out parks like Burke Lake Park, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, and Hemlock Overlook Regional Park for beautiful family-friendly trails.
7. Classic Family Games: Slow down and embrace classic family games like Tag, Red Light Green Light, or a game of Uno on the deck. Take time to relax and enjoy being present with your family.

Whatever activities you choose, enjoy the moments and embrace making lasting memories!

Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | Sharmane@mcenearney.com | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180

Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.

Fairfax County is a treasure of incredible neighborhoods, each boasting its own distinct charm and amenities. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly haven, access to outdoor adventures, a thriving foodie scene, or a delightful combination of all these, Fairfax County has got you covered.

As a Realtor, Mom, and Fairfax Neighbor deeply rooted in the local community, I’m thrilled to share my top neighborhood picks based on my experiences and observations. Get ready to embark and discover Fairfax County neighborhoods that perfectly align with your preferences, turning your dream of finding the ideal home into a wonderful reality. So, don’t wait another moment – dive into the video and unlock the best neighborhoods Fairfax County has to offer.