Chantilly, Virginia, home to the renowned Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center, offers families an extraordinary opportunity to explore aviation and space history in one of the world's premier aerospace museums. This Northern Virginia community provides easy access to Washington D.C. while featuring attractions that inspire wonder about flight and space exploration. From seeing the Space Shuttle Discovery up close to exploring historic aircraft and learning about aerospace innovation, Chantilly delivers educational experiences that captivate visitors of all ages while celebrating human achievement in aviation and space exploration.
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Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum - Udvar-Hazy Center
This incredible museum houses an unparalleled collection of aircraft and spacecraft, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, the Enola Gay, and the Concorde, providing fascinating exhibits that captivate aviation enthusiasts and curious minds of all ages. The museum features accessible viewing platforms, interactive displays, and educational programs that make complex aerospace concepts understandable for families while showcasing the evolution of flight and space exploration. With free admission, ample parking, and climate-controlled environments, this world-class museum offers educational entertainment that inspires wonder about human ingenuity while accommodating large family groups comfortably in spacious galleries designed for exploration and learning.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Admission is free but parking costs $15 per vehicle and groups of 10 or more should reserve guided tours at least 3 weeks ahead at no additional charge. The facility is located 5 minutes from Dulles International Airport off Route 28 making it a convenient first or last stop for reunion travelers flying in. All exhibit halls and the observation tower are fully ADA accessible with elevators and wheelchair-friendly pathways throughout.
Website: airandspace.si.edu
Sully Historic Site
This beautifully preserved 1794 Federal-style home offers guided tours that bring early American plantation life to vivid detail, making it an engaging educational experience for family reunions interested in Virginia history. The site includes the original main house, outbuildings, and grounds where families can explore daily life in the early republic period. Group tours are available with advance reservations, and the spacious grounds provide excellent picnic areas for large gatherings. The site hosts seasonal events and living history programs that make history accessible and entertaining for children and adults alike.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Adult admission is $8 and groups of 15 or more qualify for a discounted rate of $5 per person with 2 weeks advance notice. The grounds and outbuildings are wheelchair accessible on gravel paths but the main house tour requires climbing 4 stairs with no ramp option. The site is 3 miles from Dulles Airport and has a free parking lot that holds 50 vehicles with 2 designated ADA spaces near the entrance.
Website: fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully-historic-site
Ellanor C. Lawrence Park
This expansive 650-acre park features hiking trails, a historic mill site, meadows, and a visitor center with natural history exhibits, making it an ideal outdoor destination for family reunions seeking nature and recreation. The park offers picnic pavilions that can be reserved for large groups, playgrounds for younger children, and paved trails accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. Seasonal programs include nature walks, wildlife observation, and environmental education suitable for all ages. The diverse landscape of forests, streams, and open fields provides beautiful backdrops for family photos and plenty of space for group activities.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The park is free to enter and open from dawn to dusk with a free parking lot holding 120 vehicles near the Walney Visitor Center. The visitor center and main loop trail are ADA accessible with packed gravel suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Groups planning picnics or activities for 20 or more can reserve the large pavilion for $100 per 4-hour block through the Fairfax County parks reservation system.
Website: fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ellanor-lawrence
Cox Farms
This beloved seasonal attraction offers fall festivals with hayrides, corn mazes, giant slides, and farm activities that create unforgettable memories for families with children of all ages. The farm's expansive grounds can easily accommodate large reunion groups, with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained throughout the day. Spring and summer bring pick-your-own fields and farm market experiences, while the famous Fall Festival features elaborate themed areas and entertainment. Cox Farms is particularly well-suited for family reunions because of its variety of activities that appeal to toddlers through grandparents simultaneously.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Fall Festival admission runs $15 to $25 depending on the day with groups of 20 or more receiving $3 off per ticket when purchased online at least 7 days ahead. The farm is open seasonally from mid-September through early November and weekday visits avoid the 2-hour weekend wait times. Main pathways are ADA accessible but hayrides and some field activities require navigating uneven terrain so call ahead for accommodation details.
Website: coxfarms.com
Cub Run RECenter
This modern recreation center features an indoor wave pool, water slides, lap pools, and fitness facilities that provide year-round aquatic fun for family reunions regardless of weather conditions. The facility offers group rental options for birthday parties and private events, making it easy to reserve space for large family gatherings. Children love the interactive water play features while adults can enjoy the lap pool or relax poolside. The center also includes a gymnasium, racquetball courts, and meeting rooms that can serve as gathering spaces for reunion activities beyond swimming.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Daily admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children with group rates of $6 per person available for parties of 15 or more booked 10 days in advance. The facility features an indoor pool, gym, and meeting rooms all ADA compliant with ramp access, pool lifts, and accessible changing areas. Free parking for 200 vehicles is available and the center is located 8 miles south of Dulles Airport via Route 28.
Website: fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/recenter/cub-run
Bull Run Regional Park
This 1,500-acre regional park offers a swimming pool, disc golf course, hiking trails, and expansive picnic areas that make it perfect for large family reunion gatherings in a natural setting. The park features reservable picnic shelters with grills that can accommodate groups of 50 or more, along with open fields ideal for organized games and activities. A seasonal outdoor water park provides summer fun for all ages, while miles of trails wind through forests and along Bull Run creek. The park also includes camping facilities for families wanting to extend their reunion into a multi-day outdoor adventure.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Parking costs $8 per vehicle on weekdays and $10 on weekends with season passes available at $60 for unlimited visits. Groups of 25 or more can reserve the large shelter for $175 per day and must book at least 3 weeks ahead through NOVA Parks. The main trails and splash pad area are ADA accessible with paved surfaces and the park connects to the I-66 corridor 2 miles from the Centreville exit.
Website: novaparks.com/parks/bull-run-regional-park
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center IMAX Theater
The Airbus IMAX Theater at the Udvar-Hazy Center shows stunning aviation and space-themed films on a giant screen that immerses viewers in the thrill of flight and space exploration, complementing the museum exhibits with cinematic storytelling. Films rotate regularly and cover topics from the history of aviation to deep space missions, providing educational entertainment that appeals to all ages in the family. The theater's comfortable seating and climate-controlled environment offer a welcome rest break during a full day of museum exploration. Group seating can be arranged for large reunion parties, and the combination of museum exhibits and IMAX films creates a comprehensive aerospace experience that fills an entire day.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
IMAX tickets are $9 for adults and $7.50 for children with group bookings of 10 or more receiving a $1.50 discount per ticket when reserved online 2 weeks ahead. Shows run every 45 minutes from 10:30 AM to 5 PM and the theater is fully ADA accessible with wheelchair seating, assistive listening devices, and captioning options. The theater shares the museum parking lot at $15 per vehicle located just off Route 28 near Dulles Airport.
Website: airandspace.si.edu/imax
Ken O.
Founder of AmazingReunion and veteran reunion organizer who has coordinated 50+ family gatherings across the US.