Planning on moving to Reston or a neighboring town? No matter why you’re headed to this vibrant and exciting area, finding something fun to do is always a top priority.
Reston’s no slouch when it comes to exciting activities and fun destinations. The Washington metro is full of opportunities, and you don’t need to travel far from Reston to experience many of them.
There’s something for everyone to enjoy at Reston Town Center. Adults love the many happy hours at our bars and restaurants. There are plenty of options for kids, too, from The Science Place to Frying Pan Farm Park and so much more.
So, where should you start? Let’s look at some of the very best things to do in Reston, VA. We’ll break our recommendations down into categories that make it a little easier to find what you’re looking for.
Things to Do in Reston, VA: Shopping and Dining
Reston Town Center
Sometimes, a dinner reservation or a day of shopping (or both!) is exactly what you need to relax and unwind. Reston Town Center is packed full of great options for shopping and dining. This is the premier shopping center in Reston and a popular destination for kids, teens, adults, and families — there’s something for everyone!
There are plenty of fast-casual offerings you know and love, along with more than a dozen sit-down restaurants. No matter what you’re in the mood for, Reston Town Center can satisfy your appetite with a wide range of cuisines and dining styles.
The shopping options are just as diverse, too. Top brands like Anthropologie and lululemon, just to name a few, cater to a wide range of styles. And plenty of specialty and catch-all retail options, from the Apple Store to CVS, make it easy to find what you’re looking for.
This is just part of what Reston Town Center has to offer—this dynamic development appears again later in our list.
South Lakes Village
South Lakes Village is an easy, accessible location for dining and everyday shopping. It’s a fun place to visit for more than the retailers and restaurants, too. The amphitheater seating around Lake Thoreau makes it a great destination to enjoy some of the area’s natural beauty.
Restaurants Across Reston
Looking for more options? Fun in Fairfax, VA runs down their top dining options across Reston in this easy-to-read guide. Find great suggestions for tacos, BBQ, Japanese, breweries, and more foods and cuisines that are all local favorites.
Things to Do in Reston, VA at Night
Reston and the surrounding area have plenty of nightlife options. You can enjoy a variety of gastropubs, bars, and clubs — see the highest-rated Reston nightlife options on Yelp to learn about local favorites.
With two movie theaters, the AMC Worldgate and LOOK Dine-in Cinemas, it’s easy to find the right movie for family night, date night, and just about any other occasion.
Reston Town Center offers ice skating throughout the colder months. It’s a great way to warm up with a little on-ice activity! And SkateQuest offers open ice times, pick-up hockey, lessons, and other events on and off the ice for the whole family, all year round.
Free Things to Do in Reston, VA
You don’t need to be a big spender to enjoy Reston! Lake Fairfax Park offers 476 acres to hike, bike, fish, and do so much more. North Hills Park and its picnic pavilion (1400 N Village Rd, Reston, VA) is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, too. Lake Thoreau is yet another fun and free outdoor destination.
Things to Do in Reston, VA with Kids
There are plenty of ways to keep kids interested and excited in and around Reston.
The Walker Nature Center offers plenty of opportunities to learn and explore the natural world. The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole is a great way to cool off and have fun during the warmer months of the year. The Science Place delivers fun and active learning experiences designed for kids.
There are plenty of other activities in the surrounding area, too. Mini-golf, bowling, parks, playgrounds — no matter what kind of activities kids are looking for, you can find something to fit the bill in Reston or nearby.
The First Step to Enjoying Things to Do in Reston, VA: Living Here!
When you live in Reston, it’s easy to take advantage of everything the area has to offer. Considering a move to Reston or the surrounding area? Nikki Lagouros, the resident real estate expert in Reston, can help your family find the perfect home.