Riverbend Park, Great Falls
Riverbend Park offers more than 400 acres of forests and ponds bordering the Potomac River. A pavilion can also be reserved. Other attractions include picnic tables and a boat ramp. Swimming is not allowed in the river. The park recently changed operating hours and is now open from 7 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.; the Visitor's Center will be open Friday to Sunday, noon - 5 p.m., and closed the rest of the week. The Nature Center is no longer open. For more information, call 703-759-3211. For more information, visit its Web site at http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/parks.htm.
Colvin Run Mill Historic Site, Great Falls
This historic site offers the only operational 19th-century water-powered gristmill. There are also tours and school programs. The site is open 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. everyday except Tuesdays. Tours begin every hour on the hour until 4 p.m. The tours cost $4 for an adult, $3 for a students ages 16 and above and for seniors, and $2 for children. The park admission is free. For more information, call 703-759-2771 or visit http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/crm/index.htm.
Dranesville Tavern, Great Falls
The tavern was once a popular rest area during the 19th century. For more information, call 703-750-1598.
Great Falls Grange Park, Great Falls
This large, house-like facility features a large banquet room as well as a large kitchen, is available for weddings and parties. There are two buildings, the Great Falls Grange Hall and an old schoolhouse. For more information, call 703-750-1598 or 703-938-8835.
Spring Hill RECenter, McLean
The recreational center has an indoor pool with a spa, locker rooms with showers, a waiting area, a sauna, preschool and day care programs, racquetball and volleyball courts, a fitness area, a dance room and a multipurpose room.
The center is open Monday-Thursday, 5 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday, 5 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. The pool is open Monday-Thursday, 6:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday, 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Daily general admission fees for Fairfax County residents are $6 for adults, $4 for youth 5-18 years old, $4 for students 18-21 years old, and children under 4 years old free with a paying adult. Seniors pay a $4 admission fee Monday-Friday, and pay $6 on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Families of four, including two adults, are $13. Nonresident adults, youth and seniors pay $8; children under 4 years old are free, and families with up to four members with up to two adults are $23. There are also multiple membership offers depending on the types and times of visit. For more information, call 703-827-0989.
Claude Moore Colonial Farm, McLean
Claude Moore Colonial Farm, once a Revolutionary War farm, is now worked with the tools and methods of that era. The farm exhibits what life for an impoverished family living on a small farm would be like. The staff dresses in clothes from the time and will answer questions from visitors.
For more information, call 703-442-7557.
Scotts Run Nature Preserve, McLean
The preserve features more than 300 acres of forest and woods. Several hiking trails are available to walk through. There is also a research center where one can study trees and wildlife. For more information, visit www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/parks.htm.
Great Falls National Park, McLean
This 800-acre park is located next to the Potomac River and has a scenic view of the area. The site is ideal for hiking. For more information call 703-285-2966 or visit http://www.nps.gov/gwmp/grfa/ on the Web.