Nov 23, 2021

Woodbridge, Virginia, is a small city located about 20 miles from Washington, D.C. It sits between the Occoquan River and the Potomac River, creating a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. This historic city has wildlife refuges to explore and state parks with lots of hiking and biking, but it is also home to many indoor attractions if you want to get out of the weather. Take a look at some ways to have a great time in Woodbridge.

Visit the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge

The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge sits where the Potomac and Occoquan rivers meet. This wildlife oasis is home to grasslands and marshes that attract a wide variety of birds, fish, and lots of butterflies. Plan a visit to the refuge to hike the many trails, take a ride on your bike, or even take a drive. The many activities available in the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge include:

Wildlife and Habitat Viewing

The site has a road system that was built during its military days. Visitors can drive the 2-mile loop to see nesting birds and lots of wildlife in their natural habitats.

Interpretive Walks

The trail system features interpretive kiosks and booths with lots of information so you can learn about everything you’ll see. Beginning at the main parking lot, there are interpretive panels that offer information about what you will see along the trails. The trail system also includes walks with audio tours.

Environmental Education

Make sure to stop at the environmental education sites at the refuge. There are two outdoor pavilions and a 2.7-acre pond with a floating boardwalk in the freshwater marsh. 

Photography

The refuge is a great place to take pictures. The parking lot, Marumsco Creek, and the observation platform all have photo blinds, but you can find photo opportunities all throughout the trails and roads. Hike the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk Trail

Make sure you make a plan to hike the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and Neabsco Creek Boardwalk Trail when you are in Woodbridge. The boardwalk is just over a half-mile long and takes you over the Occoquan Bay wetlands. The unique boardwalk allows hikers to access an area where the tall grasses and wet marshes would usually prevent wildlife viewing. The area provides a habitat for many different wildlife species. It gently traverses Neabsco Creek, giving visitors some beautiful views over the marsh. There are benches situated along the boardwalk so you can sit and relax, and you can even make an afternoon of it and pack some snacks to eat along the way. Make sure to climb up the two-story observation deck to get some better views of the wetlands.

The Boardwalk Trail is part of the much-longer Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which is an 800-mile network of trails that runs from the Potomac River to the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania. If you’re up for more of a hike, you can explore some of the local trails that are a part of the system.

Test Your Puzzle-Solving Skills at Escape Room Woodbridge

Escape Room Woodbridge has three different theme rooms. Once you get in, you and your group must solve puzzles in order to find your way out. This escape room activity is recommended for people ages 12 and up, and each of the rooms is high-tech, immersive, and full of fun.

Choose from themes such as Atlantis if you have up to five people, or High Roller’s Lounge if you have up to six people. This attraction requires guests to book ahead of time, so you will need to have a scheduled time slot for your group to attend.

Go Bowling at Round 1

Round 1 Bowling and Amusement offers lots of fun activities. You can start with bowling but also enjoy arcade games, billiards, and more. The professional-grade pool tables are perfect for novices and experts, and there are all kinds of arcade games.

Round 1 also has table tennis if you want to show off your skills at the table, and there are darts for all ages. Come in to challenge your friends to a game, or stop by to practice your skills.

Karaoke is another popular activity at Round 1. Get up and sing your favorite songs, or sit back and listen while others show off their talents in one of the private karaoke rooms.

There is something for everyone at Round 1, whether you want a night out with friends or a family-friendly activity for a rainy day.

Fly Through the Trees at Go Ape! Zip Line & Adventure Park

There’s nothing like the feeling of zipping through the treetops at Go Ape! This adventure attraction has four different activities. You can choose one or make a day of your adventures and try them all. They include:

Treetop Adventure

Treetop Adventure is the original zip line. It has 50-foot-high crossings between trees and a 320-foot zip line. This adventure takes about two to three hours and includes 70 different obstacles.

Treetop Journey

Test your climbing skills at Treetop Journey. This aerial adventure has you navigating obstacles and zip lines up in the treetops. It features suspended bridges and a 75-foot zip line. Plan on at least an hour for this activity.

Treetop Discovery

Treetop Discovery is a shortened version of the original zip line. It takes just 90 minutes, leaving you more time for other adventures. Book this adventure to get a taste of what the Treetop Adventure has to offer.

Monkey Drop

Check out Monkey Drop if you dare to leap off a 40-foot platform. This activity has you climb up to a wooden platform that sits 40 feet off the ground. The staff connects you to a jump line, and then you jump. Experience a 10-foot free-fall before the jump line catches you.

These are some of our favorite activities in and around Woodbridge. If you have others that should make the list let us know so we can check them out.

Stop by Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC

Stop by Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC to find your next reliable vehicle to get you to all of these fun attractions. We have a wide variety of cars and trucks to fit every need.

Image via Flickr by travelrows.com