Ashburn, Va is primarily know as the the home of Redskin Park, where the Washington Redskins football team plays, but it has a lesser known reputation for its family-friendly zoo, park, museum and other activities that don’t involve a pigskin or forty-yard line. If you’re vacationing in the DC area, a visit to Ashburn, 30 miles outside of DC, offers a full day of kid-centric fun.
Ashburn families know they’ve got it made with plenty of gorgeous public lands to hike, heritage farms to experience and animal encounters galore. The jewel of Loudon County keeps parents and their brood happy from sunrise to sunset — and when night comes, global cuisine and killer frozen custard awaits.
To highlight everything that Ashburn has to offer, we’ve scoured the streets to find the best activities for parents and children of all ages. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, here are our ideas and suggestions for the best places in Ashburn for families and kids.
Heritage Farm Museum
This quaint museum shares the history of Virginia farming, and kids will be thrilled by the opportunity to ride pedal tractors. But the real fun is on their “farm days,” which feature everything from the apple festival to milking a real cow. There are also monthly Parents’ Night Out, each with a different theme.
21668 Heritage Farm Ln
Sterling, VA 20164-9207
(571) 258-3800
heritagefarmmuseum.org
Leesburg Animal Park
This small animal park is a local favorite, and it’s no wonder — what kid wouldn’t love riding a pony or camel? Visitors can get up close and personal with llamas, monkeys, lemurs, parrots, giant tortoises, and more. They offer a wagon ride and a playground as well.
19270 James Monroe Hwy
Leesburg, VA 20175-9047
(703) 433-0002
leesburganimalpark.com
The Zone
Guaranteed fun for hours, the Zone features great ambiance and state-of-the-art gaming like laser tag and an arcade. Parents will love the food and the delicious drinks. Pro tip: On Tuesday nights, kids eat free with an adult purchase.
43811 Central Station Dr, Ste 100
Ashburn, VA 20147
(703) 724-9663
thezoneusa.com
Rebounderz Indoor Trampoline Arena
For days when the weather isn’t great (or even if it is!) your kids can get all their energy out at Rebounderz, which features wall-to-wall trampolines. Basketball, dodgeball, and a ninja warrior course give enough variety that kids won’t quickly lose interest.
22400 Davis Drive
Sterling, VA 20164
(703) 433-5867
rebounderz.com/location/sterling
SportRock Climbing Center
A local favorite for a fun day out and birthday parties alike, SportRock’s climbing facility offers a variety of climbing walls for various skill levels and fantastic staff.
45935 Maries Rd
Sterling, VA 20166
(571) 434-7625
sportrock.com
Claude Moore Park Recreation Center
Locals love Claude Moore Park, which not only provides the expected facilities of a rec center, but also a unique green space. Visitors love to stroll the wooded lanes, green meadows, and sparkling ponds. Kids will love the wild deer, ducks and other wildlife.
46105 Loudoun Park Ln
Sterling, VA 20164
(571) 258-3600
loudoun.gov/1285/Claude-Moore-Park
iFLY Indoor Skydiving – Loudoun
Surprise your kids with a unique day out at iFLY, where they can “skydive” indoors. Stand inside a special room where air blows up and makes you feel like you’re flying. Staff helps kids and adults learn how to maneuver in the air, making for a fun and challenging experience like no other.
20315 Commonwealth Center Dr
Ashburn, VA 20147-5957
(571) 446-4359
iflyworld.com/loudoun
Harpers Ferry Adventure Center
On the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, you’ll find Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, which offers tubing, whitewater rafting, zip lines, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping and more. Kids will have an epic time in the great outdoors and the whole family will love the friendly staff. Pro-tip: Call ahead to check on the water conditions; sometimes younger kids aren’t allowed out for safety reasons.
37410 Adventure Center Ln
Purcellville, VA 20132-1965
(540) 668-9007
harpersferryadventurecenter.com
The Best Upcoming Events for Kids in Ashburn
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Ashburn family events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches, and Christmas tree farms.
