Free Summer Activities in Vienna, VA

Vienna VA is a great place to spend a summer. It’s a city of wonderful outdoor resources, family-friendly entertainment, events and attractions to help you make the most of your summer. Here is a list of free (and almost free!) things to do in and around Vienna this summer to keep you cool and entertained.

Washington and Old Dominion Trail

Walk, run, bike, or inline skate the 44-mile trail from Hunter Mill Road to downtown Vienna, VA. Horseback riders can take a parallel gravel trail. There are several playgrounds along the way.  Website: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/washington-and-old-dominion-railroad-regional-park

Freeman Store & Museum

The Freeman Store was built in 1859 by Abram Lydecker and served as Vienna’s post office and fire department. Visit the restored general store on the first floor and rotating historical displays on the second. Freeman Store is Vienna’s only building on the Virginia Landmarks Register.  Website: http://historicviennainc.org/?page_id=2

Summer Stories, Songs and Sprinklers

During the heat of summer, kids can enjoy story time behind the Freeman Store at 1 pm on Wednesdays. Afterward, they can frolic in the sprinklers on the Town Green.  Website: https://www.viennava.gov/index.aspx?NID=897

Chillin on Church Block Parties

Sponsored by Vienna Parks and Recreation and Ben & Jerry’s, the block parties feature music, food trucks, and kids activities. The event is held on the third Friday of every summer month.  Website: https://www.viennava.gov/index.aspx?NID=1223

Summer on the Green Concert Series

Summer on the Green concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on specified dates at the Vienna Town Green, 144 Maple Avenue E.  Check out the Special Sunday Concert on July 7 of the US Navy Band: Country Current - Bluegrass.  Website: https://www.viennava.gov/index.aspx?NID=879

Northern Virginia Model Railroaders

The NVMR holds 12 free open houses a year. The large model railroad layout depicts a North Carolina railroad from the 1950s and is housed in the downtown Vienna, VA train depot. Thomas the Tank Engine makes an occasional appearance.  Website: http://nvmr.org/

Patrick Henry Library

The Patrick Henry Library offers a variety of free lifestyle and arts classes for kids and adults. Courses include crafts, computer programming, English conversation, and Pokémon.  Website: https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/calendar?cid=6524&t=d&d=0000-00-00&cal=6524&cm=3451

Free Performances at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

While not totally free, the Wolf Trap Young at Arts program offers one free child’s ticket for each adult ticket purchased for specific performances. Performances feature an educational introduction. Guides host a free hike of the Wolf Trap trail on the first Sunday of each month.  Website: https://www.wolftrap.org/about/ticket-information/young-at-arts.aspx

Blenheim House

This 1859 Greek revival farmhouse is home to one of the largest collections of Civil War inscriptions in the country. Hundreds of Union soldiers left their thoughts, prayers, and pictures on the walls during the occupation in the mid-1860s. Free tours are offered at 1 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.  Website: https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/historic-resources/historic-blenheim

Lake Thoreau Loop Trail

In nearby Reston, walk this easy 2-mile loop around a scenic lake. Suitable for kids and dogs on leashes. Also popular for fishing and on pleasant days, you’ll find people enjoying the lake on their kayaks and canoes.  Website: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/red-loop-trail-around-lake-thoreau

Bottom Line

If you know where to look, you can find some amazing things to do for free in Vienna. Did we miss a free activity or event? Let us know!

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