15 Best Things to Do in Dale City, VA

Dale City, located approximately 35 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., is a census-designated place (CDP) in Prince William County, and an annex of Woodbridge in the state of Virginia.

The name "Dale City" was coined by Cecil Don Hylton, an iconic real estate developer in Prince William County, who chose the term because it accurately characterizes the "hills and dales" of the Virginia Piedmont region where the community was developed.

An interesting fact is that the community is made up of several neighborhoods, with each name ending in “dale”!

One of the highlights of Dale City is its proximity to Potomac Mills Mall, Virginia’s second largest shopping mall and America’s largest outlet mall!

Explore what Dale has to offer with this list of the best things to do in Dale City, Virginia!

Hike a Trail at Andrew Leitch Park

Andrew Leitch spans across 220 acres and offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages.

The park features a sprawling wooded trail area, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

The park is home to the popular Waterworks Waterpark, an outdoor basketball court, baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, and a spacious playground.

For those who enjoy hiking and trail cycling, Andrew Leitch Park offers approximately 4 miles of crushed gravel double-wide trails, as well as 1 mile of single-track trails that are ideal for beginner hikers and trail cyclists.

These well-maintained trails provide a scenic and invigorating experience amidst the park's natural beauty.

Swim and Splash at Waterworks Waterpark

Welcome to Waterworks Waterpark, the ultimate family aquatic playground in Northern Virginia!

Located within Andrew Leitch Park, Waterworks is an interactive water park that offers an exciting array of slides, wading pools, water obstacles, shaded cabana areas, and a full-service snack bar for a day of thrilling water fun.

Enjoy the spacious beach pool entry, the thrill of the enclosed speed slide, the excitement of the circular open slide, and the adventure of the giant climb-on hippo.

Test your skills with the three challenging jungle walks, play beach volleyball, or relax in the shaded pavilions.

And when hunger strikes, grab a bite at the full-service concessions.

With six pavilions available for reservation, Waterworks Waterpark is the perfect spot for birthdays, family reunions or playdates.

Waterworks Waterpark is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so come visit for a splashing good time!

Bowl at Bowlero Dale City

Bowlero Dale City, formerly known as AMF Dale City Lanes, offers a classic bowling experience with 32 lanes and a separate lounge area for relaxation.

Bowlero Dale City is the ultimate destination for bowling enthusiasts, boasting state-of-the-art equipment and amenities catering to bowlers of all skill levels.

Enjoy playing arcade-style video games with your pals or watching your favorite sporting events on flat-screen TVs.

Kids can use bumpers and lightweight balls, while pro bowlers can test their skills on competitive oil patterns.

Bowlero Dale City is under global media company Bowlero Corp, the world’s largest owner of bowling centers with over 8,000 team members, over 12,000 lanes, and over 28 million visitors to all locations every year.

Join a Fitness Class at the Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center

The Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center has been proudly serving the Prince William County community since 1976.

The facility offers a wide range of fitness and wellness programs for all ages, in a welcoming and family-friendly setting where everybody fits in!

Amenities include a 25-yard indoor pool, cardio-fitness room, pilates studio, indoor basketball courts, racquetball courts, batting cages, and group fitness classes, among many others!

Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center provides memberships and passes that cater to different preferences and requirements, ensuring accessibility for all.

Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center’s programs range from Dance to Wellness Days in the Park to Outdoor Yoga, offering a variety of options for patrons to improve their well-being.

Shop Fresh Produce at the Dale City Farmers Market

Since its establishment in 1987, the Dale City Farmers Market has been a trusted source of fresh produce and local goods for the residents of Prince William County.

With almost 50 vendors during the summer season and over 30 vendors during the winter season, the Dale City Farmers Market is one of the region’s largest open-air markets.

Here you can find a diverse array of offerings including fresh produce, freshly-baked goods, fresh-cut flowers, and so much more!

Located at the Dale City Commuter Lot, between the Comcast Building and Center Plaza Shopping Center on Dale Boulevard, the market is conveniently situated for easy access.

Join the seasonal Dale City Farmers Market on Sundays as they bring together the community to celebrate the abundance of local goods and support local farmers and artisans.

Try Venezuelan Fare at Arepas Capitol

Arepas Capitol is a bright Latin American restaurant serving a wide array of Venezuelan classics and breakfast meals along with beverages including beer, wine, and natural juices.

Try some of their specialties, such as the finest empanadas and arepas you’ll ever have!

For special events, Arepas Capitol are experts in providing exceptional workforce solutions, catering services (in partnership with Hemibry Catering), delectable cakes, and all in between.

Whether you're looking for a tasty meal or planning a special event, Arepas Capitol is there to make your experience unforgettable.

Come and experience the delectable flavors of Arepas Capitol today!

Play Friendly Games at Cloverdale Park

Cloverdale Park is an excellent outdoor space that provides many opportunities for visitors to engage in a variety of recreation and sports.

The park boasts well-maintained facilities for football, soccer, softball, and lacrosse, as well as basketball and tennis courts for those looking to shoot hoops or play a match.

Additionally, the park features playgrounds for children to enjoy, picnic pavilions for gatherings, and two horseshoe pits for friendly competitions.

For added convenience, Cloverdale Park provides free parking and public restrooms for park visitors.

Whether you're looking to engage in sports, relax with a picnic, or simply enjoy the outdoors, Cloverdale Park offers a welcoming environment for all.

Learn to Skate at the Prince William Ice Center

The Prince William Ice Center is a premier destination for ice skating and hockey lessons all year-round, as well as synchronized skating and speed skating!

As a hub for competitive ice sports, the center hosts several national and regional skating competitions and hockey tournaments all throughout the year.

In addition to competitive events, the Prince William Ice Center offers public skating sessions, providing a fun-filled experience for friends and family to enjoy together.

The center also caters to special occasions such as birthday parties and corporate outings, offering a relaxed atmosphere and the option to add skating, curling or broomball to the event for added excitement.

For those looking to enhance their physical training and skills, the Prince William Ice Center's sports-focused program offers excellent training opportunities with state-of-the-art equipment and experienced and full-certified trainers.

Boasting two impressive rinks - an Olympic-sized rink and an NHL-sized rink, the Prince William Ice Center also has a full-service pro shop, an arcade, and a concession stand, just everything you need for an unforgettable ice skating experience.

Swim or Skate at the Birchdale Community Center

The Birchdale Community Center is a recreation facility that spans over 2,500 square feet and offers a range of amenities, including a meeting and event space that can be rented out.

Among its features are a 25-meter outdoor pool with a wading area, a bath house, basketball courts, a playground, a skate park, and pavilions.

The Birchdale community pool is open to the public during the summer season (June through August).

Birchdale Skate Park has a street course with ramps and rails that are suitable for both novice and advanced skaters.

The rental spaces available for use include a multipurpose room that can accommodate up to 50 individuals, outdoor pavilions, and a kitchen.

Satisfy Your Seafood Cravings at Vernon & Steve’s Crabs

Vernon & Steve's Crabs is a small and modest roadside outpost specializing in carryout shrimp and crabs.

Their menu features shrimp by the pound and steamed crabs by the bushel, all cooked to order and never pre-cooked or reheated.

Vernon & Steve’s Crabs ensures that every customer receives the freshest and the highest quality food possible on-the-go.

If you're in the mood for mouth-watering seafood that's both convenient and tasty, be sure to check out Vernon & Steve's Crabs.

Vernon & Steve's Crabs is conveniently located within 3 miles of Dale's city center.

Play Combat at Team Tactics

Team Tactics is an exciting indoor laser tag facility located approximately three miles from Dale’s downtown area!

Team Tactics offers an immersive combat simulation experience that is fun for everyone.

Unlike typical laser tag, they take it to the next level with three arenas for your single or team battle, over 50 objective-based missions with multiple goals and outcomes, and seven weapon choices for your preferred playing style!

The state-of-the-art facility includes a cafe where visitors can relax and enjoy their favorite sports on surrounding televisions, as well as catch a live feed of the action happening in the arenas.

It's the perfect venue for birthday parties, corporate events, youth groups, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and more!

Book a Crossfit Session at Crossfit B.O.B

CrossFit B.O.B. was born from a simple concept–open a gym that prioritizes its members by supporting them in building a solid foundation of fitness without any unnecessary drama or criticism.

Whether you’re a beginner to CrossFit or an experienced pro, expect to receive personalized attention and care throughout your training.

Three years in the making, their facility is designed to help you push yourself and achieve new levels of fitness.

CrossFit B.O.B offers easy drop-in day passes as well as punch-cards for extended visits.

Get back to basics, achieve your fitness goals, and join the community of fitness enthusiasts at CrossFit B.O.B!

Other Things to Do Nearby

Walk the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk

The Neabsco Creek Boardwalk is a stunning ¾-mile boardwalk that winds through the Neabsco Creek, granting hikers access to lush wetlands.

Here, tall grasses and marshes help to filter pollution from the river, creating a thriving habitat for a plethora of winged wildlife, including great blue herons, mallards, red-winged blackbirds, sparrows, and wood ducks among many others.

This scenic walkway is part of the famed Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, established in 1983 that spans an impressive 800-mile trail network.

The Neabsco Creek Boardwalk is located in the Neabsco Regional Park and is a true testament to Woodbridge's most precious natural asset – the Potomac waterfront.

It also connects several historical landmarks such as the Leesylvania Park and the Rippon Lodge.

What's more, the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk is ADA compliant, making it accessible to all.

Watch a Movie at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, established in 1997, boasts an enticing combination of good food, good beer, and good films – all available in one place!

For more than 20 years, they have strived to provide the ultimate cinematic experience to their customers spread all across the country!

When you step into an Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, you can look forward to scrumptious meals, and an impressive selection of local beers and signature cocktails.

A unique feature of their service is that a server brings these delights straight to your seat, ensuring you don't miss a moment of the movie.

Beer takes center stage at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, and they go the extra mile to showcase and promote the best craft breweries in the locality.

Located in Woodbridge, approximately three miles from Dale, the Alamo Drafthouse provides a one-of-a-kind experience that is well worth trying when you are in the city!

Unleash Your Creativity at Muse Paintbar

Experience a unique blend of art, food, and drinks at Muse Paintbar, a paint and sip studio which opened its first branch in 2012.

Muse Paintbar’s concept of combining painting instruction with a restaurant and a bar has evolved into a thriving culture.

As a female-led business, they take pride in employing 300 talented creatives who share their passion for art and hospitality.

In 2020, they launched Muse To Go, a virtual platform that delivers paint supplies straight to your doorstep, so you can unleash your creativity from the comfort of your home.

Today, they offer in-store experiences and host daily paint sessions that welcome all ages, regardless of skill level.

Muse Paintbar  also offers live streaming for private virtual events and provide access to top-notch instructional videos locally and internationally.

Final Thoughts

Dale City is nestled in the midst of the picturesque beauty and rich history that have made Prince William County well-known, an area that offers many recreational activities, ranging from state parks to quaint towns to numerous museums.

Conveniently located, Dale City provides easy access to these captivating sites, while also boasting a number of unique attractions of its own!

Anything missing in Dale can be easily found in nearby cities and towns!

Discover the treasures of this charming city and indulge in its many delights with this list of the best things to do in Dale, Virginia!