5 Things to do for Spring Break in Northern Virginia

Is it spring yet?  The calendar says it is, but weather says not quite yet.  Well it’s spring break for the children in Woodbridge, Virginia and many of the surrounding school districts in Northern Virginia, so I’ve been on the hunt for kid-friendly activities and places to go within the Washington DC area to take my children to keep them entertained and engaged (without electronics).  Before school was dismissed for the break, I’ve been searching spring break activities my kids would enjoy, but it would still be fun for the adults.  Here are five ideas spring break ideas for family Northern Virginia that doesn't require reservations or a lot of pre-planning; perfect for spring break or a no school day.  Don't forget to bring your camera to take pictures of the fun.
​

​Living in Northern Virginia, puts us in the middle of a lot of history and endless things to do.  
​
​

​1.  Washington D.C.
The nation’s capital is a great place for kids and provides countless sightseeing and attractions.  There are so many things to do and see in Washington D.C. that it would take a few weeks (maybe even months) to see it all.  However, I’ve narrowed it down to some highpoints that we want to see, and the kids always enjoy visiting.  There are so many interactives museums and great places to eat.  If you're planning a trip to Washington D.C., some of the top museums to visit is The National Air & Space Museum, The Newseum, National Museum of Natural History, and the National Postal Museum.   We also want to take the kids to the latest Smithsonian Museum that recently opened – The National Museum of African American History and Culture.  Since opening, the museum has had a serious interest in the amount of people wanting to visit.  Therefore at this time, many people aren’t able to obtain access to the museum.  However, did you know if you're a military family, you can show your military ID (or dependent ID) and receive access in the museum with a small group.  Here is a quick list of some off the beaten path places to visit in the Washington D.C. area:
​

• Chinatown

  My boys enjoy the bubble tea and fried rice.  
​

• Georgetown

Georgetown Cupcakes is a must stop.  Dean and Deluca is a nice place to break for unique foods to try later.  

• City Center DC

10 acres of walkways with glass street level business.  (Recommended for teens and kids that love high price shopping like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and more.)

2.  Quantico Marine Museum
This museum is located in Quantico, Virginia; just outside the Marine Base.  Did you know they recently added new exhibits to the museum?  I’m looking forward to checking out the new additions myself.  This museum is creative and in depth.  It’s one of my boys’ favorite local museum because of the life like quality of the mannequins and I’m definitely a big fan of their Marine Corps museum store.  After looking at one of the exhibits in the museum, my kids interest were peeked after seeing a MRE (meal ready to eat).  The museum store has several MRE meals available for purchase.  It's a great opportunity to get a taste of what a military member eats when they are deployed to the field or in field training.  In addition, if you’re in the area (and can obtain access), check out Quantico Town.  It’s surrounded by the United States Marine Corps.  There are several great restaurants within the town you would enjoy.  There is shopping available as well.

​3.  Gettysburg
Gettysburg is home to the Battle of Gettysburg and the Gettysburg address.  It’s another family friendly location within a short drive of Northern Virginia.  There is a museum on the Gettysburg property, burial grounds, and several battle sites that can be visited.  Other things that can be done in the area, Hollabaugh Bros. Fruit Farm and Market, Lincoln Train Museum, Gettysburg Farmers Market, and more.

4.  National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is in Baltimore, Maryland near Pier 3 in the Inner Harbor.  The Aquarium offers several different exhibits as well as having a close encounter with dolphins.  There is even a guest diver program.  To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit here. 
​
​

5.  Leesburg
If you’re like me, Leesburg is full of antique shops, other shopping, and great restaurants.  The downtown area is filled with several antique shops and galleries.  Two popular antique stores are Black Shutter Antiques, the Leesburg Antique Emporium, in addition to the Leesburg Outlet Mall.   Leesburg is in the heart of Loudoun county and offers wineries, breweries, local mom and pop restaurants to dine.  Here are a few places on my list to visit this spring break:  Melt, Los Tios Grill, and Mom’s Apple Pie.  I here there’s a unique restaurant that has shoes hanging from the ceiling (Shoe’s Cup & Cork).  
​

​

This is just a quick list of different possibilities.  There are so many different options of fun things to do for spring break in Northern Virginia with the close proximity to Washington D.C. and Maryland.  Whatever you decide to do as a with your kids or as a family, make sure you bring your camera.  You'll want to take many pictures of all the smiles and new experiences that will be encountered.
​

​I would love to hear your fun places to go for spring break and see the pictures of your adventures.