Riverbend Park, Great Falls
8700 Potomac Hills St.
Riverbend Park offers more than 410 acres of forests and ponds bordering the Potomac River. Miles of trails to hike on. 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 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; the Visitors Center is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon-5 p.m. The Nature Center is no longer open. Call 703-759-3211 or visit www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/parks.htm.
Colvin Run Mill Historic Site, Great Falls
10017 Colvin Run Road
This historic site offers one of the few operational 19th-century water-powered gristmills. There are also tours and school programs. The site is open 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. every day except Tuesday. Tours begin every hour on the hour until 4 p.m. The tours cost $5 for an adult, $4 for a students 16 and older, and $3 for children and seniors. The park admission is free. Call 703-759-2771 or visit www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/crm/index.htm.
Dranesville Tavern, Great Falls
11919 Leesburg Pike
The tavern was a popular rest area during the 19th century. Call 703-750-1598.
Great Falls Grange Park, Great Falls
9818 Georgetown Pike
This large, house-like facility features a spacious banquet room as well as a big kitchen and is available for weddings and parties. There are two buildings, the Great Falls Grange Hall and an old schoolhouse. Call 703-750-1598 or 703-938-8835.
Spring Hill RECenter, McLean
1239 Spring Hill Road
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 from 5 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday from 5 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. The pool is open Monday-Thursday from 6:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday from 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Daily general admission fees for Fairfax County residents are $6.20 for adults; $4.15 for youths 5-18; $4.15 for students 18-21; children under 4 are free with a paying adult. Seniors pay a $4.15 admission fee Monday-Friday and pay $6.20 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Families of four, including two adults, are $13.40. Nonresident adults, youths and seniors pay $8.25; children under 4; and families with up to four members with up to two adults are $23.70. There are also multiple membership offers depending on the types and times of visit. Call 703-827-0989.
Claude Moore Colonial Farm, McLean
6310 Georgetown Pike
Once a Revolutionary War farm, Claude Moore is now worked with the tools and methods of that era. The farm demonstrates what life for an impoverished family living on a small farm would be like. The staff dresses in clothes from the time and answers questions from visitors. Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost is $3 for adults and $2 for children 3-12 and seniors. Call 703-442-7557.
Scotts Run Nature Preserve, McLean
7400 Georgetown Pike
The preserve features more than 300 acres of forest and woods. Several hiking trails are available. There is also a research center where one can study trees and wildlife. Visit www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/parks.htm.
Great Falls National Park, McLean
9200 Old Dominion Drive
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. Visit www.nps.gov/gwmp/grfa.
McLean Central Park, McLean
1468 Dolley Madison Blvd.
This community park features lighted tennis courts, a tot lot, a sitting area, a nine-hole golf course, picnic areas, wooded areas, an open play area, a lighted multi-use court and a gazebo where concerts are performed.
Lewinsville Park, McLean
1659 Old Chain Bridge Road
Public park with baseball and soccer fields and picnic areas. Well-kept garden plots. 37 acres. Has a playground and some fitness and walking trails. Also baskebtall courts and tennis courts
Observatory Park, Great Falls
Several buildings are planned for Observatory Park on the site of the Turner Farm in Great Falls. On Friday evenings the Analemma Society, weather permitting, brings telescopes for stargazing. Call Turner Farm at 703-759-6616