Local Activities & Outings for Summer

Those hot summer days can feel longer without activities to keep busy and engaged. If you’re looking to make the most of the upcoming summer days in the DC Metro Area, check out this list of local dementia-friendly activities and outings we have put together.

Getting Outdoors

• Local parks with scenic walking trails (Check out Algonkian Regional Park, Occoquan Regional Park, or other Nova Parks)
• Check out the flora at one of the nearby botanical gardens (Meadowlark, Dumbarton Oaks, US Botanical Garden)
• Enjoy the views at Great Falls National Park 
• Visit Morven Park to tour the grounds (Bonus - you turn this into an indoor activity and book a tour of the mansion and onsite museum as well!)
• Head to a local nursery and look for flowers that help pollinators - maybe pick some out to bring home and plan for an afternoon of gardening.
• Take in a concert or event at Wolf Trap - the national park offers several venues and does hold some free events as well!
• Discover 30 acres that over 200 animals call home, including many endangered species at NOVA Wild in Reston.

Indoor Activities

• Check out the aviation exhibits at the Udvar-Hazy Center and plan to catch a showing at the Airbus IMAX Theater
• Explore the offerings or browse at one of your local libraries (Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Arlington, Alexandria)
• Try out a Sip and Paint (Several local options are Muse Paintbar or Pinot's Palette)
• Join a Dance for Brain Health class the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton
• Check out a class or group with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at George Mason University
• Check out a Summer Club Memory Café at the Kensington Reston, this partnership with Insight offers a weekly engagement program of summer activities, peer support, recreation and socialization for individuals showing early signs of memory loss and their caregivers. Every gathering is geared toward keeping the mind active through summer-themed topics such as travel, adventure, entertainment, relaxation and more.

Community Events

• Join your local parks & rec and see what classes or events are offered
• Go for a swim or take a class at your local community pool or aquatic center
• Attend a farmer's market (check out this compilation of farmer's markets in the area)
• Find a show or several to attend from the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series, Reston Community Center's Summer Concerts, or One Loudoun's Summer Concert Series in Loudoun County

Tasty Treats

• Beat the heat and sample some of the best local ice cream and other frozen treats (Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington) 
• Visit a few of the many local wineries and breweries and try out a tasting (List for Fairfax, List for Loudoun)