Leesylvania State Park
This is a beautiful park with great hiking routes and picturesque views of Occoquan Bay. On Thanksgiving Day, our children and we, from Tree Service Experts came here to check out the fishing pier. The fishing pier is just a short stroll from parking in the lot by Shelters 1, 2, and 3. There is a little sandy beach on the seashore close to the fishing pier (great for young kids).
A quick trek down the Lee’s Woods Trail, which features an ancient fort from the American Civil War and wonderful vistas of the Potomac River, is something else I’d advise. Along the way, you’ll pass Fairfax House and the hunting lodge’s fireplace remains (from the 1800s). A few trees still had their bright leaves in late November. The entire trek is around 2 miles long, but you can choose to only do a portion of it because the trailhead passage shortens the entire circle.
ZavaZone Potomac Mills
It’s neat, there are many activities, the ninja course is entertaining, and there is a pleasant space to unwind while the kids are having fun. Additionally, it wasn’t very packed, so it wasn’t a full madhouse.
Tim, the manager, is wonderful and actively roaming about making sure everyone is having a good time. The crew is polite and pleasant.
We would definitely suggest bringing the kids and their friends to visit. For older kids, there are many fun things to do, but there aren’t many possibilities for smaller kids. The personnel is adequate, and the building is cleaner than most. For meals, they only offer hot dogs and fries.
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Dedicated to all U.S. Marines, past, present, and future, the National Museum of the Marine Corps serves as a living memorial. Inviting tourists with its towering architecture, the Museum of the Pacific War is situated on a 135-acre location close to the Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Visitors are surrounded by awe-inspiring artifacts and immersed in the sounds and images of Marines in action in world-class interactive exhibitions. The Museum now chronicles the Corps’ history from the Revolutionary War to the conclusion of the Vietnam War, but there will be much more to come in the near future. We’ll also cover the Beirut bombing, Desert Storm, and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well. In 2025, these galleries are expected to open. The Museum can host a wide range of events, from business meetings and conferences to weddings, reunions, balls, and proms.
Prince William Forest Park
Prince William Forest Park, located north of Southbridge, is a vast national park with a troubled past. The federal government relocated farmers and inhabitants of Batestown, a tiny settlement founded by previously enslaved people, when the national park was established in the 1930s. The park is aware of its sordid past.
Prince William Forest Park is now a big national park that charges $20 each car to enter. Begin at the visitors center to learn about the park’s history and acquire a map. In addition, there’s a little store on the premises where you may buy refreshments.
After that, find a parking spot near any of the area’s historic ruins, trails, or picturesque drives.