Top 11 things to do and attractions in Vienna

Our recent visit to Wolf Trap National Park for the Harry Potter concert was a mixed bag of delightful and disappointing moments. First, the positives: The venue itself is wonderful. The seats on the ground level were fine, offering a clear view of the stage. One of the best aspects of Wolf Trap is the ability to bring your own food and enjoy a picnic, a feature that truly enhances the experience and is something we greatly appreciate. The overall vibe of the crowd was fantastic; it was clear that everyone there was a huge Harry Potter fan, and it was great to share that collective feeling and excitement. However, the main event fell short of our expectations. For the Harry Potter concert, the live performance was meant to accompany the movie screening. Unfortunately, it was difficult to distinguish between the sound from the live orchestra and the sound coming directly from the film's soundtrack. This made the experience feel more like watching a movie with a large group of people rather than attending a live orchestral performance. The lack of a clear, distinct sound from the band was a bit of a letdown. Given the long wait times and the overall experience, we were left wondering if the concert was truly worth it. While the atmosphere and the shared excitement of the crowd were enjoyable, the primary reason for attending—to hear the live music—didn't fully live up to its potential. It's a shame, as the concept is brilliant, but the execution in this case was lacking.

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts was the dream of Catherine Filene Shouse. She felt strongly about the performing arts being accessible to people of all incomes and ages. So to that end, in 1966 she gifted 100 acres to be protected as a Park. Along with the land she donated the funds that would be needed not only build a Performing Arts Center but also create a Foundation to steward it into the future. The Foundation was set up in 1968 and the inaugural season was in 1971. Born in 1896, Mrs. Shouse was “a keen believer in the power of the arts to help create a stronger society, and a pioneer in creating career opportunities for women. She was the first woman to earn a master’s degree in education from Harvard University and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 for her global philanthropic and educational endeavors.” Even though the project began in her early 70’s, Mrs. Shouse remained very much involved in leading the Foundation for 25 years, until she passed in 1994. Her list of accolades, appointments, and honors speak volumes about how much she put her money where you heart was in terms of the Arts. I’ll show a list here because they’re too numerous to name, but let's just say that when you visit, you must take in all the wonderful information about her philanthropy, passion, and legacy. I think this quote by Mrs. Shouse actually captures her vision the best, “Wolf Trap has a destiny. It reaches out for people asking that they restore their spirits at its theatre, on its hillsides, in the woods, or by the stream. And it can grow in scope and meaningfulness to the extent of man’s imagination and support.” Named for the farm that Mrs. Shouse purchased in 1930, Wolf Trap is a successful partnership between the Foundation and the National Park Service that brings programming to the Filene Center, Children’s Theatre-In-The-Woods and spaces in between. In fact this partnership was the first co-management of its type between the National Park Service and private management of the over 400 sites in the NPS system. The Park can be visited any time of year, but if you’re looking to see a performance, you’ll need to check the schedule from May to September. Go and Support our National Parks AND our Performing Arts! Thank you, Mrs. Shouse.

We attended the Memorial Day concert at Wolf Trap, which marks the unofficial start of summer and is held every year — and best of all, it’s free! A few tips from our experience: Make sure to arrive before 6 PM to find a good parking spot. The place fills up quickly, especially on a holiday weekend. Also, definitely try to sit inside the Filene Center if you can — the lawn area may look fun, but it’s full of insects that can really affect your comfort during the show. The music performance was absolutely fantastic — a great way to celebrate the day. And the fireworks at the end were stunning and well worth the wait. Highly recommended for families and anyone looking for a fun, festive, and patriotic evening!

Just saw John Legend perform and it was great! It's a beautiful place that is very clean. The staff is friendly and helpful. There really isn't a bad seat. You can sit on the lawn and enjoy a picnic, or upgrade to "inside" closer to the stage. The sound is perfect, not too loud but you can hear everything. Can't wait to come back again.

I would give this venue 5 stars if everything wasn’t so expensive here. Beers start at 14, baseball hat 40, t-shirt 50. Seeing James Taylor before he finally retires was a very nostalgic experience.

Not my first time but the trip from Baltimore was as expected, with minimal fuss. Parking was plentiful and the seat I purchased was excellent. The crowd was in great spirits. Food is pricy but better than average. What sets this venue apart is the kindness of the folks who work there. Super friendly and helpful.

As the only national park in the U.S. devoted entirely to the performing arts, Wolf Trap truly stands apart. The venue itself is a fantastic: a covered outdoor amphitheater with 7,000 seats and remarkable acoustics. Whenever we’re in town, we make it a tradition to book several shows—it’s always a highlight of our visit.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia is an absolute gem and easily one of the most beautiful spots in the area. From the moment you step in, the sense of peace and serenity makes it feel like a retreat away from the busyness of Northern Virginia. The gardens are thoughtfully designed with a mix of scenic walking trails, open lawns, vibrant flower beds, and tranquil ponds that create a perfect balance of nature and artistry. One of the highlights for me was the Korean Bell Garden, which is not only stunning but also rich in cultural significance. The ponds are another favorite, filled with koi fish, turtles, and blooming water lilies that add to the charm. There are plenty of benches and gazebos throughout, making it easy to stop, sit, and take in the views at your own pace. What I really love is how accessible the gardens are for all ages, whether you’re on a romantic stroll, enjoying a family outing, or simply seeking quiet time alone. Parking is plentiful, and the visitor center is clean and well-maintained. Seasonal blooms mean every visit feels different, so there’s always something new to enjoy. If you’re looking for a place to relax, recharge, or simply be surrounded by beauty, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a must-visit. Five stars without hesitation!

Beautiful botanical garden and hidden oasis! We enjoyed walking through the property and taking in the scenery. There weren’t too many people there so it was a peaceful experience for us. I think this place really needs to do some special events to be more marketable. Pumpkin displays for the fall and Christmas illuminations would be such a great addition to bring in more people. I have so many ideas for this place and would love to share them to their marketing team or management 🫶🏽 This location is really beautiful and serene and they have a great foundation to build more exciting attractions that will generate more income. Can’t wait to come back on a Wednesday and bring my pup with me!

This is an absolutely beautiful botanical garden. In its off season the fall colors are vibrant and spectacular. There are many trails that lead to wonderful views. The Koi fish pond is wonderful with very large Koi constantly visible along with many turtles. The architecture was splendid and featured traditional Korean design. The staff was very friendly and included volunteers throughout the garden to ask questions about key features. I look forward to visiting this garden again in the spring to experience it splendor.

9/9/25 Tuesday. What a pleasant experience. I was visiting family and decided to go solo for some nature recovery. Found this gem online and went for stroll for a couple hrs. I was moved by the Muir Woods quote as I have there. This was a peaceful sanctuary with much to explore and ponder over. Staff was friendly and place was kept clean. Spotted many couples along my walk which was very cute. The greenhouse, pines, lilies, and the quite were the right ingredients for a much needed respite. I would encourage you to put away your phones and fully immerse yourself in this garden to make the most out of your trip and the $8 entrance ticket which I feel was very reasonable.

I came here to enjoy fall foliage. I was glad I did. So peaceful and so tranquil. It also a perfect place for kids to run around. No waiting. Plenty of parking spaces (weekends might be different). Walking trails are limited; most part has been fenced and blocked, but the scenery away from bustling city makes up for it. You will not be disappointed.

It was a wonderful experience. At the entrance, they had a small bonsai display. The people at the entrance explained to us that food is not allowed inside the park, and they kindly stored our food for us until we picked it up again. The park is beautiful, with plenty of benches and paths that make the walk accessible, especially for older people or those with special needs.

Such a fantastic place to visit. Nestled into Fairfax, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a serene oasis featuring paved walking paths, the Korean bell garden, ponds, and plenty of open space to take in the beautiful views. We've been here multiple times and will visit again next season.

amazing little zoo!! loved the owls, cheetahs, bison and butterflies. i especially loved being able to feed the safari animals. it won't take up more than a few hours of your time - it's really great for small kids. it was a huge blast for being a fairly small place. just a short distance from dulles too. worth the cost! check it out!!

I am very happy to have gone to the zoo. You can go on a field trip have a picnic. Drive through the safari. Get up and close to the animals. 30 acres of wilderness where you can have a birthday party and unique experiences. I have never enjoyed myself more than my visit to Nova Zoo and they have a light show.

What a fun experience! We had the best day with the capybaras and sloths! We were able to feed them and pet them as well. Sidney, our guide, was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. She was so patient with our little boys. I highly recommend NOVA Wild. The rest of the complex and the drive thru was also enjoyable. We will be back!

Lots of nice animals! Super fun to feed the animals, but $20 for the medium-ish bucket of food seems like a bit much. Staff are very friendly. Signage is very clear. The actual entry fee is very reasonable for the experience at $21 per adult.

We had a blast. Animals in the safari were very interactive. The walk thru was small but nice for the price. The butterfly house was 8 dollars extra per person so we didn't go on.

My visit here was such an amazing experience!! It was a unique and interactive adventure with the animals, and I am glad i got to do both the zoo and safari. The manager John, as well as staff members Marilyn and Sydney were all extremely kind and happy to share their knowledge when I spoke with them. Very worthwhile way to spend a day!!

Feeding the animals on the safari ride was LOL hilarious 🤣. I was surprised how much the big animals get into the bucket. Be sure to have a good grip on it. I didn't tour the Zoo, but did the temporary 🦋butterfly house. That was cool seeing all the pretty 🦋.

A smaller museum, but free entry. Had antique items and displays to view. The used books cellar was the primary reason for our visit- very reasonable prices for the books.

Popped into the Freeman Store unknowing what it was. Very quaint store and museum. The upstairs is the museum with history of the surrounding area. The ground floor is the general store and bottom is a used bookstore. The used book section is great, lots of variety. The store is run by a very nice lady. Recommend stopping in if you’re in the area

What a great little piece of history! The shop sells cute Virginia-themed gifts, snack foods, and more. The museum has wonderful local exhibits on Women’s voting and (until the end of the year) the 1950s! Adorable and friendly, this museum is right off the W & O.D. Trail. Go for a hike or bike ride, and stop in for a visit!

Museum is closed due to Covid. I walk by this place on the trail. It has beautiful lawn with picnic area. 2 weeks ago visited the place, it had tulips in the lawn. It was just so beautiful . Good hangout place for friends & family.

Great place to learn about local history and find Virginia state gifts.

This is the second time I have visted. Very interesting displays. The store has many 20th toys and games that children today would enjoy. Admission is free!

Neat little nostalgic general store with old fashioned “penny candy,” a used bookstore in the basement, along with cool antique items to view in the museum section. Neat information about women’s voting found upstairs too. Be sure to check out the painted stormwater drain located out front curbside. Vienna has a very active community artist program. ❤️🎨

Amazing park! Went here to play volleyball with friends and it was acceptable. The basketball looks maintained and it seems it's usually filled with people. Definitely going back here again!

"Disclaimer: I’m biased — I just really enjoy this park" 🌳 Nottoway Park – A Peaceful Retreat in the Heart of Vienna Nottoway Park is one of the most versatile and welcoming parks in Fairfax County. Located right in the middle of a residential area in Vienna, it manages to feel peaceful and serene while still offering a wide range of recreational activities. Whether you’re coming for sports, a family outing, or a quiet walk, this park truly has something for everyone. 🚶 Walking & Nature Trails One of the best features of Nottoway Park is its inviting walking paths. - Well-maintained trails for walking, jogging, or dog-walking - Plenty of shaded areas mixed with sunny open lawns - Benches along the paths for resting or simply enjoying the scenery - Trails that stay relatively quiet, even during busy weekends It’s an excellent place to unwind, exercise, or just reconnect with nature without leaving town. ⚽ Sports & Recreational Facilities Nottoway Park is a hub for local sports and activities. The facilities are well-kept and cater to a wide range of interests: ⚽ Soccer fields (great for both casual play and league games) ⚾ Baseball & softball diamonds (popular with community teams) 🎾 Tennis courts (regularly used, yet often available) 🏀 Basketball courts (perfect for pickup games) 🏐 Volleyball courts (a fun addition many parks don’t have) 🌱 Community garden (plots for locals to grow vegetables and flowers) Each section of the park feels like its own small hub, keeping activities organized without making the park feel crowded. 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Spaces Nottoway Park is very family-oriented and perfect for kids of all ages. - A large, clean, and safe playground designed for multiple age groups - Open grassy areas where children can run, play, and explore - Picnic areas with tables and shade, great for family gatherings - Frequent weekend birthday parties and community meetups, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere 🌿 Peace in the Middle of Suburbia What makes Nottoway Park truly special is how it balances activity and tranquility. - Active sports and games on one side - Quiet, shaded trails and green lawns on the other - A sense of being “away from it all” even though you’re right in Vienna This mix makes it appealing whether you’re looking for energy and fun or calm and relaxation. 📝 Final Thoughts Nottoway Park isn’t just a park — it’s a true community centerpiece. ✅ Great for sports and exercise ✅ Perfect for family outings ✅ Wonderful for quiet walks and enjoying nature Vienna is lucky to have such a diverse and well-kept park. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting, Nottoway Park is well worth the time.

This place is located close to Vienna Metro station. The park consists of two baseball diamonds and two softball fields. This park also rest rooms and picnic shelters with kids place area. The park have artificial turf for soccer. Sand volleyball and tennis courts. The park have many trails entrance from Sutton, court house and vaden street. Good place for evening walks with dog or with family.

Great sports fields but all nature walks seem to lead to a neighborhood street, which is great if ya live there. Pretty and quiet nonetheless.

This park is more for recreational. The trails are not all paved, and the sections that are wooded is not always clear. It often has fallen tree/branches. I which the trail around this park is entirely paved. Otherwise, this park is very clean with a few tennis courts, and parking lots.

I can't believe it took me so long to find Nottoway Park. This park has everything: Long paths, playground, multiple baseball diamonds, volleyball, a football field. The grass? Green, luscious. The trees? Grounded, firm. The location? Right in the middle of Vienna, yet secluded. Everywhere in this park: a wonderland of perfection. Nestle your head on it's inviting benches or play vigorously in its fields. You will be in love. When you are here, you are not away. You are right here, in this moment, reminded that you're alive.

A bit busy for tennis players but I love their courts so waiting is worth it.

Meadow Lane Park is a great amenity in the Town of Vienna with plenty to offer kids and families. Lots of swings, tennis and basketball courts. Street parking is good

Lovely, well maintained playground! It covers a large area and includes lots of seating as well as a spacious pavilion. There is also a built in bbq grill.

Great park, with practically all types of uses: playground, picnic tables, tennis and basketball. Clean all around, with the right setup for birthday parties. Nice location.

I have been to the park three times and enjoyed the park very much. There’s a baseball field on the top, basketball court below the field, tennis courts next, and the children’s playground on the bottom. There are multiple swings for different age kids, slides and climbing equipments , sandbox with variety of toys for the young children. There are covered picnic tables for small parties, and basic grills for grilling. Bathrooms and water fountains are available. My favorite part of the park is that the park is fenced in, and the playground is covered by mature trees with lots of benches for the parents to sit and watch their children play. There’s plenty of street parking around the park. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent and snacks for your little ones.

The most part is covered in shades. Great for blazing sunshine days

Great shady park for little kids. Nice play structures, sand box with toys, spinning structure, multiple swing sets, areas to bbq, benches scattered about. The tree coverage alone makes it a win in the hot months compared to other parks.

Nice park, with lots of things for the kids to do. Good community.

Best little league parks in the area! Great home of VLL that is well maintained and a great place to hangout. State of the art batting cages and the snack stand is also nice! As someone who played baseball here for 7 years, I can say this place has been one of my favorite places in my life. Overall, great place to chill and watch some good baseball!

Great place for baseball! Please note this is not a public park. Folks are welcomed to come watch the games but this is not a place to come to picnic or use the playground if you are not associated with Vienna little league. There is a public town park (Southside park) right next door if that's what you are looking for.

Great local park for little league ball games and fireworks and the like

I NEVER HAVE BEEN TO THIS PLACE! Google "AI" blows!

Probably lovely if you live in the area but otherwise not quite the experience I was looking for.

Sports grounds are well maintained. Every year fire works are being organized here, on or before 4th of July,

We visited for the Fourth of July. Sooo much fun and the fields were nice! I hope they recover from all the traffic

It was my first time at this park with my friends and it was a decent park/trail. My only knock was the trail was a bit short for my personal liking. It’s about 2.3 miles give or take. It did have a paved path, basketball courts that look like they need to be replaced, playground for the kids/adults who are kids at heart, and open grass areas with a creek which was relaxing hearing the water sound. It’s an easy walk but yeah it’s just short of a walk in my opinion.

Beautiful trail near Tysons!

Nice walk….interesting trail and a little bit of espionage history added in (look it up!)

This is a park with trail which connects walking paths to residential streets. There is no parking or such for this park. Can be accessed easily if walked to the enter the park. You can find a street parking at designated spaces in the residential spaces around. This park trail connects to the wolf trap park as well.

Lots of wildlife and nice for biking and fishing

Awesome little walkink paths. I am sure it floods a little during heavy rains but it is a good place to walk your dogs. I saw a bunch of toads hopping around and a few deer, so it is definitely a wildlife habitat. Careful coming out of the creek crossing side, the vehicles coming from the left come from a little bit of a blind corner.

I grew up in this park, playing it it’s creek and running through it’s woods. It holds meany warm memories for me. This is the park where the spy Robert Hansen used to do his dead drops. He would mark the park sign with tape on Creek Crossing when a drop was ready. Across the street, past the little pump house, there is a metal bridge. Under the bridge there is a little hole between the deck and the concrete support. Files and payments where wrapped in black garbage bags and hidden... He was captured by the FBI up the street on the corner of Creek Crossing and Fairway. I was playing all over that bridge during that time, I’m just a little sad I never found a bag of classified papers. That bridge is where I had my first kiss too so ovbi very important and historical bridge.

I played on these fields growing up as a VGSL player! Great fields! I LOVE the batting cages too!

Nice field, it's Turf though , has proper dugouts, bathroom and snackshack. Parking can be tight, especially when games are ending/starting.

A great field in Vienna, VA, run by great people.

Nice fields with shady areas, snack bar and bathrooms, parking has been pretty easy with parking-lots and plenty of street parking.

Nice field with both a baseball and football field. I loved to play on this field as a kid and it is important for this community.

The softball fields and pitching lanes are not ideal (no outfield fence), but are well maintained.

Nice baseball facilities with clean restrooms and a snack bar. Parking can be a bit tricky.