Looking for last minute spring break plans for the whole family to enjoy? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us – no need to panic! Stafford, Virginia is full of amazing places just waiting to be discovered. Here are our five things to do in Stafford for the five days of spring break:
Visit Riverside Center for the Performing Arts this spring as the actors bring to life an all-American Tale. At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing and anything is possible. Set in the volatile melting pot of turn-of-the-century New York, three distinctly American tales of a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant, and a daring young Harlem musician who are united by their courage, compassion, and belief in the promise of the future are woven into one. Together, they confront history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and what it means to live in America. Playing from March 15 through May 7, 2023 this Broadway-quality show will knock your socks off!
- Kayak and hike at Widewater State Park:
On the peninsula where Aquia Creek and the Potomac River meet, Widewater State Park provides access to both bodies of water. Launch your kayak or canoe for a fun filled morning on the water. Try something new and grab a fishing pole for the ultimate angler experience. After a while on the water, hike through the trees and experience the beautiful scenery and sounds of the park. The Holly Marsh Trail and the Long Pond Trail are perfect for a cool down after a morning of fishing. Have younger kids? Let them run out their energy on the playground and have lunch under the pavilion onsite. Enjoy a day outside after the cold winter months and get some fresh air in Stafford. Check out various places to get outdoors in the Stafford area.
- Take in art history at Gari Melchers’ Home and Studio at Belmont:
Did you know that Stafford County is home to an artistic treasure? Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont lies at your fingertips and is waiting to be discovered. This 27-acre estate features a historic home, art studio and galleries, and beautiful gardens that are perfect for a leisurely spring morning or afternoon. Take a tour of the home where Gari and his wife, Corinne, settled after years abroad and where their love story flourished. See the art studio and roam the galleries that houses the largest Melchers collection with nearly 1,600 pieces of artwork including paintings and drawings. Once you have completed the tour, stroll through the gardens and take the perfect picture of you and your family among the flowers.
- Play on the Aquia sandstone at Government Island:
Looking for something to do that can only be done in Stafford? We’ve got you covered. Government Island is home to the 18th century quarry where Aquia Sandstone was excavated to build some of the most influential buildings in the world – the White House and the Capitol Building. The Island is surrounded by lush wetlands where you can see wildlife native to the area as you walk the mix of paved and dirt trails. The 1.7-mile trail is good for young kids and inexperienced hikers and gives the opportunity for hikers to see where the stone was quarried for original Washington, D.C. buildings. Kids can play on the sandstone while parents take a rest on one of the benches nearby.
George Washington probably cut down that mythical cherry tree during his spring break, don’t you think? Get out and visit George Washington’s Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm. They just reopened their doors since the attraction’s winter hiatus and are excited to welcome you to the replica house and archaeological dig they have on the property. Walk through the museum and see thousands of colonial and civil war artifacts and then take a guided tour through the replica home built on the original foundation of the house that boy George spent his childhood years. Not only will you learn a thing or too about our nation’s founding father, but you will spend time with the family outside of the house.
Looking for more to do or want to fill a full day with Stafford fun? Check out our Multi-Generational Family Fun and Free Things to Do itineraries on the Tour Stafford, VA website. While all students enjoy the downtime during time off from school, how could you resist a morning at the art galleries, an afternoon exploring the great outdoors, and a night of theatre? No matter what your child finds entertaining, Stafford County has multiple attractions that will make this the best Spring Break ever!
