Fall has officially begun, and although the temperatures have been vacillating, it is only a matter of time until the crisp air returns to the area. The leaves are beginning to fall and the colors are changing, announcing a new season has begun!
Here are five fun activities to make the most of autumn in and around Reston!
Leaf Peeping: Reston was designed with a focus on preserving natural spaces, making it an ideal spot to see vibrant fall colors. If you’re more interested in the scenery of fall, you can explore the fall foliage by hiking trails at places like the Walker Nature Center or Lake Fairfax Park.
Reston Farm Market: The Reston Farm Market Fall Festival at Lake Anne Plaza will run weekends and holidays from September 27 to October 26, 2025. The event will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, including multiple bounce houses, mini-train rides, a petting zoo, and ball mazes. Seasonal items and treats like pumpkins, apple cider, and apple cider donuts will be available for purchase, along with additional activities such as face painting and balloon artistry! Tickets for unlimited access to these activities, plus a free pumpkin for each paid child’s ticket, can be purchased online, with toddlers under two admitted for free.
The Mosaic Fall Festival: The Mosaic District in Falls Church will hold its annual Fall Festival on September 27th & 28th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The free, family-friendly event features over 90 urban market vendors selling handmade and vintage goods, and a fresh farm market with more than 50 local produce and food vendors. Highlights include live music, a games corner, pumpkin painting, fall-themed selfie stations, and a Sip & Stroll option. A complimentary shuttle will be available from the Dunn Loring Metro station.
Cox Farm: If you’re looking for a festival that’s more about activity and less about shopping, Cox Farms is perfect. The Cox Fall Festival in Centerville runs from September 20 to November 9, 2025 with daily hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in November. The festival features family-friendly activities such as a signature hayride, giant slides, a corn maze, and a goat village, with seasonal treats and a market selling pumpkins and cider. Tickets are required for the festival grounds and can be purchased online.
Frying Pan Farm Park: Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon is offering a living history experience of 1920s-1950s farm life, complete with farm animals, antique equipment demonstrations, and facilities like a carousel and trails. It features historic buildings, including a farmhouse, barns, a schoolhouse, and a blacksmith shop, and hosts events such as the annual Fairfax County Carnival & FairFall Harvest Fest, and Halloween trick or treating. Admission to the park is free, with specific fees for special events, rentals, and activities like wagon and carousel rides.
Whether you’re exploring trails, picking pumpkins, or enjoying a lively festival, Reston has plenty to experience the best of Fall. No matter what you choose, it’s the perfect season to slow down, bundle up, and enjoy everything the area has to offer.
