Get in Touch With Nature at Area Parks Near Alexandria

As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to get outside. Put down the screens and enjoy nature again at these parks near Alexandria. Whether you want to go somewhere quiet for lunch or enjoy a day trip, they offer something for everyone.

Huntley Meadows

Enjoy a natural space with a historic home when you visit Huntley Meadows Park, which is open from dawn to dusk from March through November. The park is home to a federal period villa built for Thomas Francis Mason. The villa is near the entrance to the park and opens for public and scouting programs throughout the year.

Let nature’s beauty surround you after you’re done exploring history. The park offers trails for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling, including specific trails only for people and only for people and dogs. The boardwalk through the wetlands is ADA accessible so everyone can enjoy the natural beauty.

Mason Neck

Mason Neck State Park is a beautiful way to escape to the peace of nature. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk. The parking fee is $7, except for weekends from April to October, when it increases to $10. Three miles of paved trails offer accessible fun in the park. You can bring your bike to the park or rent one from the visitors center.

Pack a lunch to enjoy in the park or as you enjoy some freshwater boating. If you want to use a boat in the park, you must have a valid Virginia boating license. As you enjoy the park, be on the lookout for the bald eagles that call the park home.

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Escape the hustle and bustle of Alexandria while enjoying live performances at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. This is the only national park dedicated to the performing arts. Before the show, enjoy a hike on the Wolf Trap Trail or the TRACK Trail.

The TRACK trail is 1.5 miles long and is perfect for kids and families. As your kids explore this area, they can complete adventures to win prizes. Follow the orange blazes to follow this leisurely trail. The Wolf Trap trail is approximately 2.5 miles long. It’s designed to challenge more experienced hikers. Follow the blue blazes to stay on this trail, or follow the green markers to shorten the path. The green markers also lead you to the Theatre-in-the-Woods.

After your hike, take in a live show at the children’s theater. You can also go to a performance at the Filene Center. Many of these performances also include pre-performance discussions. During your time at the park, you can enjoy a picnic or buy something at the concession stand. The park is open year-round from 7 a.m. to dusk for public use.

Bring your friends and family to enjoy the parks with you. Make sure you pack a lunch to enjoy in the great outdoors and dress appropriately for the weather.

Image via Pixabay

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