30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Herndon, VA
Are you a resident or tourist looking for fun activities in Herndon, Virginia? Look no further! You’re at the right place, as we’ll be taking you through the list of 30 best and fun things to do in Herndon, VA, making your trip unforgettable.
Nestled in the heart of Fairfax County, Herndon, Virginia, offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern-day activities. As part of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, Herndon is a haven for history buffs, nature lovers, or families seeking adventures.
From its charming downtown district to the many parks and trails that wind through the area, there’s something for everyone in Herndon. Visit the Herndon Depot Museum, the Herndon Community Center, the Centennial Golf Course, and other unique attractions.
30 Best and Fun Things To Do In Herndon, VA (2024)
1. Herndon Depot Museum
Begin your journey by stopping at the Herndon Depot Museum, also known as the Herndon Historical Society Museum, which was once the site of the Civil War.
Housed in a historic train depot built in 1857, the Herndon Depot Museum is the cornerstone of Herndon’s rich railroad and Civil War history.
Operated by the Herndon Historical Society, the museum offers fascinating collections of historical artifacts, photographs, documents, unusual historic items, and memorabilia in honour of US Navy Commander William Lewis Herndon, for whom the town was named.
Visitors can delve into stories of Herndon’s past, from its days as a bustling dairy farming community to its transformation with the coming of the railroad.
Address: 717 Lynn St, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
2. Herndon Historic District
The Herndon Historic District is one of the must-visit attractions in Herndon, Virginia. This historic district embodies the essence of a small American town with its picturesque streets lined with charming buildings that date back to the 19th century.
The Herndon Historic District is made up of 173 contributing buildings, 1 contributing site, and 1 contributing structure in the central business district.
Most of the buildings were constructed between 1890 and 1920, with the most notable ones being the Town Hall, National Bank of Herndon, Nachmans Department Store, Loudoun Hall, Paine House, and Bicksler House, among others.
As part of the fun things to do in the Herndon Historic District, take a walk through the district and marvel at the old-world architecture and modern-day amenities.
Address: 730 Station St, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
3. NextStop Theatre
One of the fun things to do in Herndon, VA, at night is to catch a performance at NextStop Theatre Company, the premiere professional regional theatre company serving the Dulles Corridor.
Founded in 1988, NexStop Theatre Company showcases a variety of performances, from Broadway musicals to contemporary dramas and children’s shows.
With its intimate black box seats, 114 in six stadium-style rows offer an excellent view of the stage, making for a memorable theatre experience.
Check their website for current shows and ticket availability before planning your visit.
Address: 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
4. Herndon Community Center
One of the best things to do in Herndon, VA, today is to explore the Herndon Community Center. The center is a hub for indoor and outdoor activities.
Spanning 56,000 square feet, this facility offers a range of amenities, including a fitness room, three racquetball courts, a 25-yard indoor heated pool, spa, and sauna, a full-size gymnasium, six outdoor lighted tennis courts, a 7,000-square-foot meeting space, personal training services, and classes.
As part of your Herndon itinerary, visit the Herndon Community Center, and engage in indoor and outdoor activities.
Address: 814 Ferndale Avenue, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
5. Children’s Science Center Lab
Just a 20-minute drive from Herndon, exploring the Children’s Science Center Lab is one of the fun things to do in Herndon, VA, with kids.
Located in Fair Oaks Mall, this interactive museum offers educational activities to children and families. At this museum, children can explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts through fun, engaging hands-on exhibits, activities, and programs.
The Lab is open only on weekends to guests at $2 per ticket, making it one of the cheapest places to visit in Herndon, Virginia.
Address: 11948 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA 22033, United States
6. Washington and Old Dominion Trail
Exploring the Washington and Old Dominion Trails is one of the best things to do in Herndon for outdoor enthusiasts.
This entire 45-mile trail is paved with 9-foot-wide asphalt and has a painted yellow center, making it a treasured resource for cyclists, runners, and walkers.
The trail also features a parallel 32-mile gravel horse trail. This paved pathway is also dotted with mile markers, benches, and informative signs about the area’s natural and cultural history.
As part of the things to do in Herndon, rent a bike from a local shop and pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the trail’s many scenic stops.
Address: Herndon, VA, United States
7. Bready Park
Situated adjacent to the Herndon Community Center, Bready Park is one of the best places for fun outdoor activities in Herndon.
The park features well-maintained baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts, a gorgeous pond, a gazebo, walking trails, and an inclusive playground designated to accommodate children of all abilities.
The park is also home to the Herndon Centennial Golf Course, offering golfers a chance to play on a picturesque course.
Address: 814 Ferndale Avenue, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
8. Runnymede Park
A visit to Runnymede Park, Herndon’s premier natural park, is one of the family-friendly things to do in Herndon, VA. Sitting on 58 acres of wood, meadow, and Sugarland Run, this park is a natural habitat for diverse plant life and local wildlife.
The park also offers trails, which provide an excellent opportunity to observe and enjoy the diversity of flora and fauna as it changes seasonally.
It’s an educational and recreational spot perfect for families looking to learn about the environment or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat.
Address: 195 Herndon Pkwy, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
9. Herndon Centennial Golf Course
Established in 1979, the Herndon Centennial Golf Course is an 18-hole championship golf course conveniently located in Herndon, Virginia.
This Ed Ault-designed golf course is enjoyable for both seasoned and novice players. The meticulously manicured 18-hole golf course is a great place to learn, practise, and play golf.
Rated as one of the top public golf courses in the Washington, DC, area, the club features a beautiful 6,197-yard Par 71 championship course and a beautiful clubhouse equipped with a full-service restaurant and bar.
Add this golf course to your bucket list of things to do in Herndon, VA, this weekend.
Address: 909 Ferndale Avenue, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
Are you exploring other attractions near Herndon? Why not check out some fun things to do in Chantilly, VA, fun things to do in Vienna, VA, and fun things to do in Reston, VA?
10. ArtSpace Herndon
One of the unique things to do in Herndon, VA, for art enthusiasts is to express their inner creativity at ArtSpace Herndon, a local art gallery, art lab, and performance space in downtown Herndon.
Established in 2008, ArtSpace Herndon is dedicated to showcasing and supporting the work of local and regional artists. With its rotating exhibits, workshops, and performances, it’s a hotspot for artistic expression and community engagement.
As a visitor, immerse yourself in the local art scene and participate in workshops to unleash your inner creativity. To make the most of your visit, check their schedule for special events like artist talks and gallery receptions.
Address: 750 Center St, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
11. Sully Community Center
One of the best things to do in Herndon, VA, today is to visit the Sully Community Center. Located at the intersection of Wall Road and the Air and Space Museum Parkway, this multipurpose facility provides activities for people of all ages and abilities.
Sitting on 5 acres, this 36,000-square-foot facility offers numerous programs including fitness classes, gym sports, teen programming, meeting spaces, specialty camps, facility rentals, and therapeutic recreation services, among others.
Address: 13800 Wall Road, Herndon, VA 20171, United States
12. Great Falls Nike Missile Launch Site
The Great Falls Nike Missile Launch Site is one of the must-visit attractions in Herndon, Virginia.
Built in 1954, the missile launch site is one of three sites in Fairfax County strategically constructed to protect the metro area from potential air attacks by the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
The Great Falls Nike Missile Launch Site uses first-generation Nike Ajax missiles to operate. These missiles had a range of 25 miles and could reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.3.
Address: 1199 Utterback Store Road, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
13. Sugarland Run Valley Stream Trail
Among the many fun outdoor activities to do in Herndon is to hike the Sugarland Run Valley Stream Trail, which is part of the countrywide trail system.
This trail runs from Sugarland Road to the Town of Herndon line. The main portion of the asphalt trail runs approximately 3 miles, although a newer section of trail, which connects to the Washington and Old Dominion Trails, extends the length of the main trail to approximately 4 miles.
Meandering streams and shaded woodlands create a tranquil atmosphere ideal for a quiet walk or an invigorating run. Enjoy the picturesque trail that runs alongside the stream, which is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change colour.
Address: 12200 Parkstream Terrace, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
14. Herndon Farmers’ Market
One of the unique things to do in Herndon, VA, on a Thursday is to shop at the Herndon Farmers’ Market. Held every Thursday from May to November, the market transforms the historic downtown into a bustling marketplace.
The farmers market is where you can get fresh produce, homemade goods, and unique crafts. Whether it’s honey straight from the hive, fresh-cut flowers, or pasture-raised meat, you will find it all at the open-air Farmers Market of Herndon.
Exploring the market also provides an opportunity to support the local economy and take home some of the freshest food you’ll find anywhere.
Address: 700 Block Lynn St, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
15. The Herndon Festival
One of the fun things to do in Herndon, VA, in the summer is to attend the Herndon Festival. Held in June, this four-day event draws crowds with its live music performances, carnival rides, arts and crafts, and delicious food from local vendors.
This event features two stages of entertainment: a 10K/5K Race and Fitness Expo, a children’s hands-on art area, and a business expo, among others. The Herndon Festival is an ideal way for visitors to experience the vibrancy of Herndon’s community spirit.
The festival’s location can vary, so check the latest updates on the town’s website for details.
Address: 200 Spring Street, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
16. Frying Pan Farm Park
One of the kid-friendly things to do in Herndon is to visit Frying Pan Farm Park. This farm recreates the experience of rural America from the 1920s to the 1940s, which includes the tractor, the milking machine, and mechanical bailers, among others.
Frying Pan Farm Park features numerous attractions, including Kidwell Farm, a working demonstration farm, which houses various animals like chickens, peacocks, rabbits, sheep, pigs, cows, and other livestock.
The farm also offers kids opportunities to meet the farm animals, take classes, workshops, or horseback riding lessons, and gain insight into how farms thrived in the 18th century.
What’s more, the farm also hosts many equestrian events throughout the year at the Activities Center, which features an indoor riding arena and two outside rings and has a 4-H club.
Address: 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon, VA 20171, United States
17. Arrowbrook Centre Park
Looking for fun things to do in Herndon, VA, this weekend? Then, explore Arrowbrook Centre Park. This multipurpose recreational space caters to sports fans and families alike.
Arrowbrook Centre Park features a synthetic turf soccer field, tennis and basketball courts, and an interactive water fountain for kids to play in during the summer months.
The park also features a well-designed 10-hole disc golf course that is free to play for all.
Address: 2351 Field Point Road, Herndon, VA 20171, United States
18. Escape Room Herndon
Are you looking for fun things to do in Herndon, VA, with friends and family? Then, experience an immersive, captivating, and challenging adventure at Escape Room Herndon.
Escape Room Herndon offers an innovative and outstanding escape room experience. The experience challenges players to search for hidden clues, solve puzzles, find secret passages, dodge the lasers, crack the safe, and work together to escape within the time limit.
The rooms are all set in different themes, with six choices, making it a fantastic experience. Some escape rooms on offer include 8-Bit Escape, Magician’s Workshop, Maritime Mutiny, and the Graverobber’s Dilemma.
Address: 406 Elden Street, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
19. AMC Worldgate 9
One of the romantic things to do in Herndon, VA, tonight for couples is to catch their favourite movie at AMC Worldgate 9.
This movie theatre in Herndon offers a comfortable atmosphere with high-back rocker seats, spacious row spacing, and stadium seating. It also features nine auditoriums and the latest technology with digital projection, remote ticketing, surround sound, and RealD 3D.
To see a movie, check their schedule and spend a few hours with your partner and family to see the latest blockbuster release.
Address: 13025 Worldgate Drive, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
20. Bruin Park
Exploring Bruin Park is one of the unique things to do in Herndon, VA, for families. Spanning 8 acres, Bruin Park is a popular spot for both organised sports and spontaneous play.
The park features baseball diamonds, two tennis courts, a soccer field, a basketball court, a picnic shelter, a playground for kids, and an open play area. Bruin Park is a place where the community comes to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.
To make the most of your visit, catch a game and support local teams playing at the park.
Address: 415 Van Buren Street, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
21. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Located in Chantilly, Virginia, exploring the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, a significant part of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, is one of the best things to do near Herndon.
Sitting on 760,000 square feet, this museum is one of the must-visit attractions near Herdon. The museum displays over 3,000 aviation and space artifacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, a Blackbird SR-71, and a Concorde, in two large hangars.
The museum also features an observation overlook that allows visitors to see the preservation and restoration work ongoing at the museum.
As part of the fun things to do near Herndon, VA, take a guided tour of this museum to explore Sport Aviation, World War II Aviation, Space Science, and more.
Address: 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151, United States
22. Launch Trampoline Park Herndon
One of the fun family things to do in Herndon is to visit Launch Trampoline Park Herndon, an amusement centre near me. This family attraction spot is a beehive of fun activities for people of all ages.
Sitting on 25,000 square feet, the Launch Trampoline Park Herndon features a ninja course, arcade, mini go-karts, dodgeball, launch pad, basketball, tumble tracks, trampoline, and Krave restaurants where you can dine with your family.
In addition to the fun activities offered at the park, Launch Trampoline Park is also a great place for birthday parties, family gatherings, team parties, and other events.
Address: 13348 Franklin Farm Road, Herndon, VA 20171, United States
23. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Just a 15-minute drive from Herndon, exploring the Meadowlark Botanical Garden is one of the most romantic things to do in Herndon for couples.
Sitting on 95 acres, the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens offers native plant collections, walking trails, lakes, pavilions, a visitor center, and a restored 18th-century cabin. The garden comes to life during the holiday season with a highly anticipated Christmas light display called the Winter Walk of Lights.
Visitors enjoy scenic spaces where kids can play, adults can relax, and everyone can explore Virginia’s natural beauty.
Address: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 22182, United States
24. Aslin Beer Company
One of the best things to do in Herndon for craft beer enthusiasts is to make a stop at Aslin Beer Company, known for its innovative and flavorful brews.
Located in downtown Herndon, this brewery company with taproom offers a wide selection of their creations. This brewery is a place where friends can gather and taste some of the finest beers in the region.
You can also enjoy a meal from their food trucks and live music, so check their calendar for a full experience.
Address: 767 Elden Street, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
25. Herndon’s SkatePark
One of the fun outdoor activities to do in Herndon is to visit Herndon’s Skatepark. This park caters to skaters of all skill levels.
Located in Trailside Park, this 4,200-square-foot concrete park features a combination of bowl and street elements. The park is free and open to all.
Beyond staking, the park also features a picnic shelter with picnic tables, grills, a playground, an open play area, and a bocce court.
Address: 1022 Crestview Drive, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
26. iFLY Indoor Skydiving – Loudoun
One of the unique things to do near Herndon today with family is to experience the adrenaline rush at iFLY Indoor Skydiving – Loudoun. iFLY Indoor Skydiving Loudoun provides an indoor skydiving experience that’s exhilarating and safe.
Opened in 2016, the iFLY Indoor Skydiving – Loudoun is a 14-foot (4.3 m) recirculating tunnel with a 48-foot (14.6 m) chamber height and a top speed of 171 mph (275 km/h). The vertical tunnel stimulated the free fall of skydiving.
With professional instructors, even first-timers can safely enjoy the experience. You can also elevate your flying experience with virtual reality options that transport you to real skydiving locations worldwide. Special training for kids aged 4–16 also makes it a favourite among young adrenaline junkies.
Address: 20315 Commonwealth Center Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147, United States
27. Bowlero Sterling
Looking for fun things to do in Herndon tonight? Then, head to Bowlero Sterling. This entertainment centre offers interactive family fun to both locals and visitors.
The entertainment center offers 48 bowling lanes featuring sleek lounge seating and massive video walls. They also offer a vast arcade zone with the latest and coolest gaming machines that cater to all age groups. Billiard tables, pools, and laser tag arenas add to the diversity of entertainment.
The entertainment center also has an in-house restaurant and bar serving delicious meals and refreshing drinks, making it a complete family entertainment package.
Address: 46940 Woodson Drive, Sterling, VA 20164, United States
28. Worldgate Center
One of the best things to do in Herndon is to go shopping at Worldgate Center, Herndon’s premier entertainment destination.
This center features a 9-screen, state-of-the-art theatre and a shopping mall with a diverse mix of restaurants, cafes, and eateries like Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken, Inchin’s Bamboo Garden, Kalpasi Indian Cuisine, and Qdoba Mexican Grill, among others.
The center also features a state-of-the-art health club, a luxurious day spa, and an exciting array of unique shops and services.
Address: 13025 Worldgate Dr, Herndon, VA 20170
29. Herndon Fortnightly Library
The Herndon Fortnightly Library is not just a place to check out books; it’s a community resource with a range of programs for people of all ages.
Founded in 1900, the Herndon Fortnightly Library has an extensive collection of books, e-books, audiobooks, newspapers, magazines, Spanish language collections for children and adults, one computer with ZoomText software, meeting areas, and nine internet stations with Microsoft Office packages.
The library also hosts family-friendly activities, storytimes, and engaging programs that cater to various age groups, making it an enriching destination for all.
Address: 768 Center Street, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
30. Haley M. Smith Park
Among the many free things to do in Herndon, VA, today is to visit Haley M. Smith Park. This park offers visitors a green sanctuary with its picnic pavilions, open play areas, and a walking trail.
Haley M. Smith Park features two 60’ baseball and softball fields, a rectangular field, basketball and sand volleyball courts, a playground for ages 5–12, and a tot lot. The park is maintained as a place for reflection and recreation.
Visiting this park is one of the best things to do in Herndon in the spring, as the beautiful cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Address: 324 Van Buren Street, Herndon, VA 20170, United States
Plan Your Trip to Herndon, VA
Herndon, Virginia, beckons with many captivating experiences and hidden treasures that await your discovery. Herndon offers a vibrant tapestry of opportunities, whether you’re drawn to the great outdoors, eager to explore the town’s rich cultural heritage, or simply looking to indulge in culinary delights.
Plan your visit to this beautiful Washington, DC, metropolitan area, immerse yourself in the charm of this Northern Virginia gem, and create unforgettable memories that will linger in your heart long after you’ve bid farewell to this enchanting community. Safe travels!
