Originally written by Deena Westenhofer, edited by Nicole Warner 2/14/22.

Spring break is synonymous with family or solo trips to exotic sunny destinations. It's a time when adults can kick back with a frosty beverage in hand while the kids enjoy freedom from school and homework. Here are a few fun outdoor spring break experiences that you can enjoy solo, with friends, or with family in Prince William, VA this spring. 

 

 

 

1) Scenic Hikes

Whether you're new to hiking or an avid trailblazer, Prince William, VA has 38 square miles of scenic parks and a wide variety of hiking trails to enjoy. Hike through hallowed grounds, challenge your stamina, or enjoy a family-friendly excursion.

 

Prince William Forest Park

Prince William Forest Park protects the largest piedmont forest in the national park system and the largest green space in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The park gives area residents and visitors a unique opportunity to camp in, hike through and explore 15,000 wooded acres filled with…

Leesylvania State Park

Enjoy sandy beach shores and a hike through history at Leesylvania State Park. This 500-acre state park, situated at the confluence of Powell's Creek and the Potomac River, was first the site of an Algonquian (Native American) village and features a state-of-the-art boat launch, sandy beaches for…

Manassas National Battlefield Park

This 5,000-acre park is the site of the First and Second Battles of Manassas (or Battles of Bull Run). The park is complemented by an artifact-filled visitors center as well as a new theater, featuring the film "Manassas: End of Innocence." Enjoy equestrian, walking and driving tours, annual battle…

Conway Robinson State Forest

The Conway Robinson State Forest is “an urban oasis” – a beautiful forest in the midst of the most developed urban/suburban area...

Leopold's Preserve

Located in western Prince William County, VA, Leopold's Preserve has become a respite for local residents and weary travelers. Replete with 7 miles of interpretive trails, old hardwood forests, wildflower meadows, rock formations, and water features, there's much to see and do.

2) Aquatic Adventures

Kayak along the Occoquan River, fish off the sandy shores of Leesylvania State Park or learn to sail on the Potomac. Prince William’s waterfront playground provides a variety of recreational activities for you to explore.

 

Northern Virginia Sailing School

Northern Virginia Sailing School has sailboats available to rent, Captains available to take out your group, and specialized classes for all levels of sailing expertise. Their most popular sailboat, used for introductory lessons and rentals, are Catalina 22s with outboard motors. Northern Virginia…

Penguin Paddling

Penguin Paddling provides kayak and paddleboard rentals. They offer a variety of exciting tours and trips ranging from daytime scenic nature escapes where paddlers can soak in pristine scenery and spot wildlife up close to sunset tours featuring awesome wildlife and quiet water-bound relaxation.

Patriot Scuba

New to diving? Patriot Scuba will teach you everything you need to know to get started diving. They offer lessons, group diving and scuba-travel adventures. Need equipment? They offer rentals, maintenance and repairs.

3) Farms & Farmers Markets 

Experience farm life first-hand, explore local produce and specialty items at farmers' markets, volunteer at an animal sanctuary or enjoy a scenic trail ride.

 

Little Goat Farm at the Lake

The Little Goat Farm is located on beautiful Lake Manassas. They offer Goat Yoga, Open House Farm Tours, Private Tours, Newborn Snuggling and Private Parties.

Burnside Farms

Burnside Farms, located in Nokesville, VA plants more than 2.5 million tulips and daffodils for one of the most spectacular pick-your-own flowers event in North America. The Festival of Spring typically begins mid-April.

Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary

The Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary is a private nonprofit organization and working farm in Nokesville, VA that shelters neglected, abused and abandoned animals. The sanctuary offers guided tours, volunteer opportunities and special events.

Dale City Farmers Market

This seasonal market is open Sundays: - 10am to 1 pm December - March and 8 am to 1 pm April - November. This great little market has nearly 50 vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, jams, fresh-cut flowers and more.

Silver Eagle Stables

Silver Eagle Stables is a family-oriented barn located in Nokesville, VA. Take a private horse or pony trail ride, improve your riding with group or private lessons, or participate in one of their spring events.

4) Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries

Savor the moment along our Steins Vines & Moonshine Trail, where you'll enjoy more than 20 craft breweries, wineries, distilleries & tasting rooms.

 

Aroma Wine Tasting II

  • 14871 Washington Street

Aroma Wine Tasting offers tastings, flights, bottles, glasses, and slushies at their beautiful tasting bar in Haymarket. The tasting room is operated by Morais Vineyards & Winery, and they serve all the same wines available at the winery as well as limited release wines. Seats are first come first…

Effingham Manor Winery

  • 14325 Trotters Ridge Place

Effingham Manor Winery is a beautiful, historic winery located in Nokesville with several picturesque buildings and landscapes to enjoy during your visit. Wine tasting, sampling, flights, and bottle service are available at the historic Manor House and winery building. The grounds are open for…

Farm Brew Live

  • 9901 Discovery Boulevard

Northern Virginia’s first destination brewery campus, Farm Brew LIVE at Innovation Park, located in Manassas, VA, is a 12-acre campus featuring craft beer, craft food and live, local music. Our venues include The Black Sheep Restaurant, 2 Silos Brewing Co., the YARD outdoor live music stage, The Pit…

MurLarkey Distilled Spirits

  • 7961 Gainsford Court

Murlarkey Distilled Spirits is a certified craft distillery that handcrafts premium award-winning spirits that are made with pride and from the highest quality of ingredients. All the spirits are made from 100% all-natural raw ingredients, sourced from Virginia, and botanicals that are free of…

The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm

  • 15850 Sunshine Ridge Lane

Located on Lake Manassas in Gainesville VA, The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm is the only local winery with a breathtaking view of Lake Manassas, which can be seen from all our rooms. Locally owned and operated, with over 20 acres of land, we have a rustic wine tasting room and an old pub style…