Things to Do
Alexandria Spotlight
Family Fun in Alexandria
In Alexandria you'll find a family-friendly environment filled with kids activities to entertain and educate children while they have fun. Our historic properties and other attractions offer activities and discounts the whole family will enjoy!
Take your kids on a walking tour through historic Old Town Alexandria and discover fun for your family in Alexandria. The most affordable and family friendly way to discover of Alexandria is with the Key to the City that includes admission to nine historic attractions and over 100 special offers!
- Family Friendly Activities
- Family Friendly Dining
- Free Things to Do
- Kid-Friendly Events in Alexandria
- Alexandria's Key to the City
Family Friendly Activities in Alexandria
Alexandria is home to many wonderful historic attractions and activities for the whole family to enjoy together. Family vacations are about spending time with one another and creating memories to last a lifetime; make your memories in Alexandria.
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Alexandria Colonial Tours
- 201 King Street
- Suite 302
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 519-1749
- Fax: (703) 579-1937
- Visit Website
Alexandria's Original Ghost & Graveyard Tour. Our Colonial costumed guides lead you by lantern light telling you ghost stories, legends and folklore. Reservations accepted. Tours leave from garden of
Bike and Roll Alexandria
- One Wales Alley
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 548-7655
- Visit Website
Bike and Roll encourages locals and tourists alike to hop on two wheels and Bike the Sites® of Alexandria with a bike rental. Cruise the George Washington Parkway to Gravelly Point and feel the rush
Alphabetical
Alexandria Archaeology
- 105 N. Union Street
- #327
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 746-4399
- Fax: -703
- Visit Website
Step right into the museum's laboratory where archaeologists reconstruct Alexandria's history, fragment by fragment. Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m.
Alexandria Colonial Tours' Kids' Scavenger Hunt
- 201 King Street
- Suite 302
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 519-1749
- Fax: (703) 579-1937
- Visit Website
Hunt through the brick-lined streets of Old Town to discover historic places and learn about George Washington and other patriots. Divide into teams and see who wins! Ages 7-11. Map and clues
Alexandria Visitors Center at Ramsay House
- 221 King Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 746-3301
Named for William Ramsay, Scottish merchant and city founder. Stop by for sightseeing brochures, maps, etc. Gift shop. Save 50% when you purchase a Key to the City with admission to nine historic
Cameron Run Regional Park
- 4001 Eisenhower Avenue
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 960-0767
- Visit Website
Waterslides, wave pool, lap pool, batting cages and miniature golf. Call for seasonal hours.
Carlyle House
- 121 N. Fairfax Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 549-2997
- Fax: (703) 549-5738
- Visit Website
A Georgian Palladian manor house built in 1753 by merchant and city founder John Carlyle. Here, five royal governors and General Braddock met to discuss funding of the French and Indian War. Daily
Entertainment Cruises
- 600 Water Street SW
- Washington, DC 20024
- Visit Website
A distinctive portfolio of sightseeing cruise experiences from Southwest Washington, D.C. with a fantastic fusion of dining, entertainment, and views. Options include brunch, lunch and dinner cruises
First Night Alexandria
- Alexandria Visitors Center
- 221 King Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 746-3300
- Visit Website
First Night revives the ancient traditions of marking the passage of time in a present day context. It was created by a group of civic-minded artists in Boston as a meaningful alternative to
Friendship Firehouse
- 107 S. Alfred Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 746-3891
- Visit Website
Established in 1774, the Friendship Fire Company was the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria. The current firehouse was built in 1855 and now houses historic firefighting equipment and
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
- 134 N. Royal Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 746-4242
- Visit Website
Consists of two buildings, the 1785 Georgian tavern and the 1792 City Hotel. The tavern has been authentically restored to its 18th-century appearance. Notable guests included George Washington and
George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill
- Route 235, three miles from Mount Vernon Estate
- Mount Vernon, VA 22121
- Phone: (703) 780-2000
- Fax: (703) 799-8609
- Visit Website
Demonstrations by costumed distillers and millers take visitors through the historic processes of whiskey-making and flour and cornmeal production. George Washington's Distillery is the only authentic
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Family Friendly Dining in Alexandria
Bike and Roll Alexandria
- One Wales Alley
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 548-7655
- Visit Website
Bike and Roll encourages locals and tourists alike to hop on two wheels and Bike the Sites® of Alexandria with a bike rental. Cruise the George Washington Parkway to Gravelly Point and feel the rush
Alexandria Colonial Tours
- 201 King Street
- Suite 302
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 519-1749
- Fax: (703) 579-1937
- Visit Website
Alexandria's Original Ghost & Graveyard Tour. Our Colonial costumed guides lead you by lantern light telling you ghost stories, legends and folklore. Reservations accepted. Tours leave from garden of
Alphabetical
Alexandria Archaeology
- 105 N. Union Street
- #327
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 746-4399
- Fax: -703
- Visit Website
Step right into the museum's laboratory where archaeologists reconstruct Alexandria's history, fragment by fragment. Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m.
Alexandria Colonial Tours' Kids' Scavenger Hunt
- 201 King Street
- Suite 302
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 519-1749
- Fax: (703) 579-1937
- Visit Website
Hunt through the brick-lined streets of Old Town to discover historic places and learn about George Washington and other patriots. Divide into teams and see who wins! Ages 7-11. Map and clues
Alexandria Visitors Center at Ramsay House
- 221 King Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 746-3301
Named for William Ramsay, Scottish merchant and city founder. Stop by for sightseeing brochures, maps, etc. Gift shop. Save 50% when you purchase a Key to the City with admission to nine historic
Cameron Run Regional Park
- 4001 Eisenhower Avenue
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 960-0767
- Visit Website
Waterslides, wave pool, lap pool, batting cages and miniature golf. Call for seasonal hours.
Carlyle House
- 121 N. Fairfax Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 549-2997
- Fax: (703) 549-5738
- Visit Website
A Georgian Palladian manor house built in 1753 by merchant and city founder John Carlyle. Here, five royal governors and General Braddock met to discuss funding of the French and Indian War. Daily
Entertainment Cruises
- 600 Water Street SW
- Washington, DC 20024
- Visit Website
A distinctive portfolio of sightseeing cruise experiences from Southwest Washington, D.C. with a fantastic fusion of dining, entertainment, and views. Options include brunch, lunch and dinner cruises
First Night Alexandria
- Alexandria Visitors Center
- 221 King Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 746-3300
- Visit Website
First Night revives the ancient traditions of marking the passage of time in a present day context. It was created by a group of civic-minded artists in Boston as a meaningful alternative to
Friendship Firehouse
- 107 S. Alfred Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 746-3891
- Visit Website
Established in 1774, the Friendship Fire Company was the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria. The current firehouse was built in 1855 and now houses historic firefighting equipment and
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
- 134 N. Royal Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 746-4242
- Visit Website
Consists of two buildings, the 1785 Georgian tavern and the 1792 City Hotel. The tavern has been authentically restored to its 18th-century appearance. Notable guests included George Washington and
George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill
- Route 235, three miles from Mount Vernon Estate
- Mount Vernon, VA 22121
- Phone: (703) 780-2000
- Fax: (703) 799-8609
- Visit Website
Demonstrations by costumed distillers and millers take visitors through the historic processes of whiskey-making and flour and cornmeal production. George Washington's Distillery is the only authentic
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Free Things to do
Kid Friendly Events in Alexandria
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Featured Events
Rescheduled! First Thursday in Del Ray - Dog Days of Summer
- June 20, 2013
- Times: 6-9 p.m.
- Mt. Vernon Avenue, Del Ray
- Alexandria,
- Phone: 703-683-2905
- Visit Website
Rescheduled!! Dog Days in Del Ray, sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association, will be held Thursday, June 13 from 6-9 p.m. along Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, Alexandria. Many activities with and for dogs will be held including K-9 demonstration by Alexandria Police dog G'Kar, "Rescue Row" where numerous rescue groups will be, Musical Matts for Mutts, face painting and much more.
Alexandria's Food & Wine Festival
- June 22, 2013
- Times: Noon-7pm
- Location: Carlyle District
- Admission: FREE - (tickets needed for food and wine tasting)
- 300 John Carlyle Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Visit Website Send Email
Vino and savory bites are ready to return to the Carlyle District in Alexandria. The event will transform the Carlyle District into a lively festival, complete with live entertainment, a children's corner, food and wine tasting. Attendees will be able to sample food and wine from a variety of local restaurants and Virginia's wineries. Local restaurants will compete for the best appetizer, the best main course and the best dessert. This year's judge panel includes ABC7/WJLA Good Morning Washington News Anchor Scott Thuman, 94.7 Fresh FM Kelly Collis from The Tommy Show, Lisa Shapiro from Dining in DC, and Molly Ahern from DC foodie site The List Are You On It. This is a FREE event to attend; however tickets are needed to sample food and beverages. Food samples: $15 for 8 taste tickets. Wine Garden is $10 per person. This gives access to the wine garden with tasting samples from the wineries. A portion of the festival proceeds will benefit Alive! Inc. - ALexandrians InVolved Ecumenically - an organization of volunteers from more than 40 religious congregations dedicated to helping Alexandrians in need. This year's festival sponsors includes: City of Alexandria, Carlyle Community Council, Nova Advertising, Post Properties, Ourisman Ford/ Lincoln of Alexandria, La Tasca, Wholefoods Market, Washington Parent Magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine and ABC7/WJLA-TV and News Channel 8. For a complete schedule of activities visit www.alexandriafoodandwine.com.
Happening This Month
May Daily Dinner Specials at Del Ray Cafe
- June 18, 2013 to June 30, 2013 (Recurring daily)
- Recurring daily
- Times: 4-10 p.m.
- Venue: Del Ray Cafe
- 205 E. Howell Avenue
- Alexandria, VA 22301
- Phone: 703-717-9151
- Visit Website
Mondays - Free-Range Chicken Burger served with Avocado and a Roasted Basil Jalapeno Sauce $17. Tuesdays - Porcini Mushroom Gnocchi served with Goat Cheese, Arugula and Pine Nuts $20. Wednesdays - Milk-Fed Calf Liver Steak with Caramelized Shallots and a Red Wine Sauce $22. Thursdays - Veal Sweet Bread with a Mustard Sauce and an Apple, Fennel, Radish Salad $25. Fridays - NC Monkfish wrapped in Serrano Ham and served with a Tomato Coulis $24. Saturdays - Elk Tenderloin served with a Port and Star Anise Sauce $28. Sundays - Warrenton Rabbit Saddle stuffed with Apricot and served with a Beer Sauce $26.
Carlyle Music at Twilight Concerts
- June 20, 2013
- Times: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
- Location: John Carlyle Park, 300 John Carlyle Street
- Admission: Free!
- Phone: 703-746-5592
Evening Concert by the Cruisers, the United States Navy's premier contemporary entertainment ensemble. Concerts are cancelled in the event of inclement weather and subject to change without notice.
A Walk Remembering Samuel W. Tucker
- June 21, 2013
- Location: City of Alexandria Kate Barrett Waller Library
- Admission: Free!
- 717 Queen Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: 202-821-3807
- Visit Website
In honor of Samuel Tucker's 100th birthday, this walk will start at the Kate Barrett Library and last about 30 minutes, followed by refreshments at the Alexandria Black History Museum. Mr. Tucker was the attorney who organized the country's first sit-in, forever impacting Civil Rights in this country. This event is co-sponsored by the Virginia Tech School of Public and International A ffairs and the Alexandria Black History Museum.
The Alexandria Singers Spring 2013 Pops Concert - "Boardwalk Blast!"
- June 21, 2013 to June 22, 2013 (Recurring daily)
- Recurring daily
- Times: Friday/7:30 p.m., Saturday/2 p.m., Saturday/7:30 p.m.
- Venue: Alexandria Singers
- Admission: $20 General Admission; $25 Reserved Seating; $15 Discounts (Students, Military, Seniors, Groups of 10+, ACVA and AC Chamber Members); $5 Chlidren ages 5 and under
- 2932 King Street
- Alexandria, VA 22302
- Phone: 703-941-7464 (SING)
- Visit Website Send Email
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Join the DC area's premier pops chorus as we weave song, dance and story to celebrate America's great fun-and-sun treasure...the BOARDWALK! Entertaining audiences with a fun-filled story featuring song, dance, staging, and costumes. Quality arrangements of a variety of American popular music - from jazz to swing, to Broadway, to today's top hits - comparable with what one would find in places like the Kennedy Center or in New York! Buy your tickets now or email tickets@alexandriasingers.com for more information!
Del Ray Music Festival
- June 22, 2013
- Times: Noon - 9 p.m.
- Location: Mt. Vernon Recreation Center
- Admission: FREE
- 2701 Commonwealth Avenue
- Alexandria, VA 22301
- Phone: 703-346-1468
- Visit Website Send Email
Celebrating the rich diversity and talent of the Del Ray community the 7th Annual Del Ray Music Festival will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2013. Scheduled from noon-9 p.m. (Note the NEW HOURS) on the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center Fields at 2701 Commonwealth Avenue, the Del Ray Music Festival includes music, food, games, and a chance to ring in the summer with your friends and neighbors. As an extra special treat this year, we will be having music Friday, June 21, 2013, at the Del Ray Farmer’s Market to kick things off! http://www.delraymusicfestival.com/ This year's festival will be headlined by Catie Curtis!! http://catiecurtis.com/ Friday: The Walkaways (http://www.thewalkaways.com/) Friday: The Beanstalk Library (http://thebeanstalklibrary.com/) Saturday: Orchard Wall (http://www.orchardwall.com/) Saturday: The Highballers (http://www.highballersmusic.com/) Saturday: The Reserves (http://thereservesmusic.com/) Saturday: Tiffany Thompson (http://tiffanythompsonmusic.com/) Saturday: I & I Riddim (http://www.reverbnation.com/iiriddim) Saturday: The Weathervanes (http://www.theweathervanesmusic.com/) Saturday: Kate Moran Band (http://www.katemoranband.com/) Saturday: Elroy Jenkins (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elroy-Jenkins/275930822707?fref=ts)
The Charles Houston Mural and Hall of Fame Dedication
- June 22, 2013
- Times: Reception 2-3 p.m., Ceremony at 3 p.m.
- Location: Charles Houston Recreation Center
- 901 Wythe Street
- Alexandria, Virginia 22314
The mural, which will be located at the entrance of the Charles Houston Recreation Center, celebrates neighborhoods, schools, churches and businesses vital to Alexandria's African American community. The Hall of Fame will honor and memorialize the achievements of Alexandria's African American community to the city's history, past and present; and foster appreciation for the diversity of the African American experience in Alexandria.
Alexandria Citizens Band Concerts
- June 28, 2013
- Times: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
- Location: Market Square
- Admission: Free!
- 301 King Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: 703-746-5592
City's Oldest Performing Arts Organization, the band performs a variety of music.
Family Day at Gadsby's Tavern Museum
- June 30, 2013
- Times: 1-4 p.m.
- Venue: Gadsby's Tavern Museum
- Admission: $5 adults, $3 child (ages 5-12)
- 134 N. Royal Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: 703-746-4242
- Visit Website Send Email
All families are invited to Gadsby’s summer Family Days! Tour the historic tavern as Junior Docents, volunteers from grades 4 through 8, share their enthusiasm for history. And while on tour, participate in 18th century entertainments, including music and games. No reservations necessary.
NRFK Trunk Show at REVEL
- June 30, 2013
- Times: Sun/Noon-6 p.m.
- Venue: Revel
- Admission: Free to attend
- 1026 King St, 2nd Floor
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: 703-336-3664
- Visit Website Send Email
Norfolk-based, NRFK Type, is participating with D.C. local shop, REVEL, to host one of their monthly trunk shows. The trunk show will take place at the shop from noon to 6pm, on June 30, 2013. Items up for grabs include, typographic and graphic art prints, custom sewn throw pillows, and crocheted fashion necessities and novelty pieces. Light refreshments will be served. About NRFK Type: NRFK Type is a company specializing in the sales of quirky, custom-made art/crafted/printed goods, reflected from their lifestyles and beloved hometown of Norfolk, VA. They also provide creative services for the general public. For more information about NRFK Type, please visit: www.nrfktype.com.
On-Going Events
New Exhibition: Hoecakes & Hospitality: Cooking with Martha Washington
- June 18, 2013 to July 05, 2013 (Recurring daily)
- Recurring daily
- Times: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Location: Mount Vernon: George Washington's Estate & Gardens
- Venue: Mount Vernon: George Washington's Estate & Gardens
- Admission: Included in Estate admission: $15/adult, $7/child, 5 and under free
- 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway,
- Mount Vernon, VA 22121
- Phone: 703-780-2000
- Visit Website
Experience a behind-the-scenes look at the Washingtons’ kitchen through the new exhibition, Hoecakes & Hospitality: Cooking with Martha Washington. On display inside the Donald W. Reynolds Museum, this temporary exhibition celebrates food at Mount Vernon and Martha Washington’s role as early America’s premier hostess. Following food from the Estate’s field to kitchen to table, visitors will see recipes and cookbooks that Martha treasured, pots that simmered in her kitchen, and fine table-wares that made Mount Vernon’s dining room fit for a president. For the first time ever, visitors to the Museum will experience scents as they explore the exhibition - smelling cinnamon, coffee, herbs and warm bread. Open through Summer 2013.
PowerPlay - Family Fun on Friday Evenings at ShadowLand !
- June 21, 2013
- Recurring weekly on Friday
- Times: Unlimited Laser Adventures from 8 p.m. to Midnight.
- Location: ShadowLand Family Entertainment Center
- Admission: $15 per person
- 5508 Franconia Road
- Springfield/Alexandria, VA 22310
- Phone: 703-921-1004
- Visit Website Send Email
Choose a code name, strap on a pack, enter the huge 7500 sqft multi-level arena and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime! The arena is full of towers, turrets, ramps, bridges and catwalks. A misty fog, specialty music and sounds make the environment an exciting playing field that you won't soon forget. ShadowLand is a 20,000sqft indoor amusement center full of fun activities to do including laser adventure, karaoke, a large redemption arcade, an animal stuffing center, and a challenging lazer-maze.
Wee Ones Storytime
- June 21, 2013
- Recurring weekly on Friday, Saturday
- Times: 10:30-11 a.m.
- Location: Hooray for Books!
- Venue: Hooray for Books!
- Admission: Free
- 1555 King Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: 703-548-4092
- Visit Website Send Email
Join us as we explore the exciting world around us with some of our favorite stories and songs! Ages 2 and under. Free.
Old Town Theater's Vaudeville Matinee for Kids
- June 22, 2013
- Recurring weekly on Saturday
- Times: Saturdays from Noon-3 p.m.
- Venue: Old Town Theater
- Admission: $10 kids with a free adult
- 815 King Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: 877-335-2844
- Visit Website Send Email
The Old town theater was originally built in 1914 and restored in 2012. We offer a variety of entertainment for all ages. The Vaudeville Matinee show runs from noon until three and you may arrive anytime and stay for as long as you like. The show runs 60 minutes and repeats itself so it does not matter what time you arrive you will enjoy a full show. This is perfect for babysitters and new mommies who want to entertain the children. One free adult with every child. Relax and enjoy the grandeur of the Old Town Theater
Del Ray Farmers' Market
- June 22, 2013
- Recurring weekly on Saturday
- Times: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Location: Corner of Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenue
- Admission: Free!
The Del Ray Market is producer grown, with fresh vegetables and fruits in season. All year round, this market offers meats, eggs, fresh pasta and sauces, Amish cheese, yogurt, bakery goods, eggs, jams and jellies, fancy nuts, and bakery goods.
Monuments River Ride
- June 23, 2013 to August 25, 2013 (Every Sunday)
- Recurring weekly on Sunday
- Times: Sunday: 9:30 a.m.
- Venue: Bike and Roll Alexandria
- Admission: Adults: $45/person (participants must be 13 years of age or older)
- One Wales Alley
- Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: 202-842-2453
- Visit Website Send Email
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Start your scenic journey from Old Town Alexandria, riding along the Mount Vernon Trail as you make your way into DC to tour our nation's most revered monuments and memorials. Get a chance to peruse the sites up close, as you learn about the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, the new Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, and more. Come view the beauty of the capital on this thorough tour!
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221 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-746-3301 or 800-388-9119 |
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