Skip the Crowds, Keep the Memories: The Best Family Weekend Getaway Just Outside the DMV

Where kids can be wild, grownups can chill, and if you’re gonna sit in traffic, you might as well get off here anyway!

📍 Just over 40 miles from D.C.
📅 Perfect for: Long weekends, school breaks, or spontaneous adventures
🎒 Ideal for: Families with kids ages 3–13 (but teens and grandparents will love it too)

Stafford, Virginia is the ultimate “wait-why haven’t we done this before??” weekend spot for families who love a little history, a lot of fresh air, and experiences that don’t cost a fortune. It’s quiet enough to feel like an escape but packed with things to do that everyone – yes, even your teen – will actually enjoy.

Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, tweens, or a combo pack of both, here’s how to spend the perfect family weekend in Stafford.

Friday: Arrive + Unwind

Where to Stay:

With tons of hotel options in Stafford (seriously, more than you’d expect), you’ll have no trouble finding a room that fits your budget and needs. Want something a little different? Book a spot at Aquia Pines Camp Resort, America’s (and Virginia’s) first brewery campground. Yes, you read that right – you can sip a local brew from Wild Run Brewing Co while the kids roast marshmallows.

Dinner and Sweet Treats:

After getting settled in, head to Zibibbo 73 Trattoria & Raw Bar or grab a casual bite at Amy’s Cafe along the Rappahannock River. Both have great kid-friendly options and room to breathe – no waiting in city lines here!

Then, treat the crew to an ice cream taco at Abner B’s or a unique scoop and milkshake from Tilly’s Homemade Ice Cream. We can’t promise the kids won’t be bouncing off the walls later, but we can promise that you’ll enjoy this sweet treat too!

Saturday: Adventure Day

Morning:

Start the day at Stafford’s new, inclusive playground at Willowmere Park – it’s fully accessible and designed so every kid to play together. Then head over to the Ninja Warrior Park at Pratt Park for some serious obstacle course energy. Think: American Ninja Warrior meets suburban family vacay.

If your kids are more into crayons than climbing (or like to dabble in both), swing by Art Cart Kids – a local gem offering art classes and crafts that inspire creativity and give parents a breather.

Midday:

Have a picnic-style lunch at Government Island, a hidden boardwalk trail with water views of Stafford’s old quarry (the stone used to build the White House and U.S. Capitol is still there – you can climb it!) – bonus: it’s stroller-friendly and super peaceful. Grab takeout from The Grounds Bistro, Widewater Grille, or some of Stafford’s other local businesses for your picnic.

No trip to Stafford is complete without a visit to George Washington’s Ferry Farm – the real (and really beautiful) place he grew up. Learn why the cherry tree story is a myth, dig into colonial history at its active archeological site, and view some of the coolest (and oldest) artifacts we’ve found from his childhood.

Evening:

Now is the time to try that local soul food you’ve been craving at one of Stafford’s Food Trucks. I know, I know, it sounds silly, but this is where the heart and soul of Stafford’s local cuisine lies! The best place to find them is outside our local breweries (we’ve got 7!) like Laudenbach Brewing, known for its unique German-inspired-town interior; Barley Naked Brewing, loved for their name and their award-winning beer; and so many more with excellent service, camaraderie, and award-winning beers all throughout the County!

Wrap up the day with retro vibes at Cavalier Skating Rink – one of those classic roller rinks that never goes out of style. It’s equal parts nostalgia and fun, offering frequent theme-nights and family discounts. Whether you’re showing the kids your best skating tricks from middle school (aka, trying not to fall on your backside), or just vibing on the sidelines to the music and neon lights!

Sunday: Slow Down + Savor

Morning:

No trip to Stafford is complete without visiting the National Museum of the Marine Corps – it’s just a 15-minute drive, but so worth it. And, if you live North, just catch it on your way out! This museum is a must, even for non-military families. It’s interactive, inspiring, and totally free with lifelike exhibits, aircraft, and kids’ activities. Plus, the soaring architecture alone is worth the visit – if you’ve driven through Stafford on I-95, chances are you’ve definitely seen it.

Bonus Events (Time Your Trip Right!):

Any traveler wanting to experience the local culture knows that planning your trip around the area’s most-loved community events is a no-brainer. Lucky for you, Stafford has quite a few annual events coming up this fall and winter that will be the perfect addition to your weekend trip!

Stafford Bookfest (September 13th): With sessions and panels, an exhibition room full of local authors and vendors, and two children’s rooms filled with children-specific vendors, storytimes, and activities, it’s a dream day for book-loving families!

Stafford Fall Family Festival (October 4th): Carnival games, food trucks, live music, and fall-themed fun (like our beloved pumpkin-derby!) – this is the one our local families return to year after year!

Stafford County Tree Lighting (December): You might not be the type of person to already be thinking about the holidays, but if you’re one of the ones who’s been counting down the days – this is the event for you! Stafford’s biggest holiday event of the year, filled with vendors, inflatables, free activities, and all of the holiday magic you could dream of. If you’re holiday crazy – it’s worth planning a trip for!

5 Most Instagrammable Spots for Families

The tree covered boardwalk at Government Island

Your kid mid-air at the Ninja Park

A wine glass + sippy cup at Potomac Point’s Merlot Meadow (check out our summer event series, Brews & Bordeauxs, to easily get this shot!)

Standing beneath the towering planes at the National Museum of the Marine Corps

A family selfie at Ferry Farm, on George Washington’s back porch with the Rappahannock River behind you

Pro Tips for Visiting Stafford with Kids

Bring a change of clothes for all ages. Between Ninja Parks and mini-creeks you may find yourself exploring our parks near the Rappahannock River

Book any experiences (like Art Cart Kids) ahead of time to avoid FOMO tears

The National Museum of the Marine Corps has a cafeteria-style Mess Hall, making a super convenient lunch option without risking a meltdown

Many of Stafford’s biggest southern attractions are close together – less time in the car = happier families

For a Southern Stafford focused trip, make sure these locations are on your list: George Washington’s Ferry Farm, Gari Melchers Home & Studio, Chatham National Park, Patawomeck Museum and Cultural Center, Ninja Park (at Pratt Park), and River Road Park.

Ready to Plan Your Weekend Escape?

Stafford is the underrated getaway your family didn’t know they needed. More fun, more affordable, and experiences your kids (and your camera roll memories) will love.

Follow @TourStaffordVA for family travel tips, seasonal event updates, and trip inspo straight from locals.

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Where to Eat

Outdoors