12 Exciting Things to Do in Upton Hills Regional Park

Upton Hills Regional Park offers plenty of activities for you to enjoy, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an urbanite, or both!

If you’re looking for a break from the city hustle, Upton Hills Regional Park is the perfect spot. Situated in Fairfax County, Virginia, this 200-acre park offers a range of relaxation activities suitable for visitors of all ages.

From hiking and biking to swimming miniature golf and fishing, Upton Hills Regional Park offers something special for everyone in its natural setting. In this article, we’ll cover some activities you can do while visiting Upton Hills Regional Park so that you make the most of your stay.

1. Hiking and Biking Trails

Upton Hills is home to about 4 miles of biking and hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the park’s natural beauty to its best. These trails are suitable for everyone, from amateur hikers to experienced bikers.

Visitors can explore these trails either on their own or join one of the guided tours offered by the park itself.

2. Swimming and Water Play

Upton Hills also has a large swimming pool that features cool slides. It’s the perfect spot to spend summers with your family. The park also provides a large spray ground for children, and an aquatic playground with slides, fountains, and water features to keep visitors occupied for hours.

3. Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity at Upton Hills Regional Park, thanks to its expansive and well-stocked lake. Here you’ll find various species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish – making it ideal for both novice and experienced anglers alike!

If you’re planning to go fishing at Upton Hills Regional Park, a valid Virginia fishing license is necessary. This can be obtained online or from various retail outlets within the area. With your license in hand, either bring your own equipment or rent equipment from the park’s concession stand.

The park provides several fishing piers and access points around the lake, making it easy to find a place to cast your line. Fishing is allowed daily from sunrise to sunset, with designated catch-and-release areas as well as areas where you can keep your catch.

It is necessary to be familiar with the regulations and restrictions for fishing at Upton Hills Regional Park. This includes limits on the size and amount of fish that are allowed to be caught and kept, as well as rules regarding the use of bait and methods for catching them. Before beginning your adventure, check the park website or speak with a staff member for clarification on these matters.

Fishing at Upton Hills Regional Park makes for an enjoyable day outdoors regardless of experience level; whether experienced or just starting, its beautiful lake and variety of fish species ensure an enjoyable journey.

4. Picnicking and BBQ

The park offers ample picnic areas with safety, giving visitors the perfect place to have a peaceful picnic with family and friends.

Picnic areas and restaurants boast tables, benches, and grills to make grilling a delicious BBQ meal a breeze.

5. Mini Golf

Upton Hills Regional Park boasts an 18-hole full course, mini golf course, and short-term miniature golf course that is great for family fun.

The miniature golf course at Lake Erie Park is well-maintained and provides a range of obstacles and challenges, making it enjoyable for kids of all ages. If you’re new to the sport, there are plenty of places to practice throws and get acquainted with the course. Plus, if you don’t own discs already, rent discs from the park office if needed!

6. Camping

The park provides tent and RV camping for families as well as visitors looking to spend the night. Campsites at this park come complete with water and electric hookups, plus guests have access to a range of facilities such as restrooms and showers.

7. Playgrounds

Upton Hills Regional Park boasts several playgrounds suitable for children and adults of all ages. The grounds are well-maintained and offer a range of equipment like swings, slides, and climbing structures.

When visiting Upton Hills Regional Park with kids, be sure to visit the playground. This expansive and well-kept space features plenty of equipment for youngsters of all ages to enjoy – slides, swings, climbing structures, and more – all on a soft rubberized surface that keeps kids safe.

The playground is conveniently situated near the park office and concession stand, so it’s easy to keep an eye on your kids while you grab a bite or drink.

8. Sports Facilities

The park boasts a variety of sports amenities, such as basketball and tennis courts, volleyball nets, batting cages, a pool, and course, and baseball practice grounds. Visitors to the park may bring their pool and accessories or rent them from the facility.

9. Nature Center

A must-visit to the park’s nature center is a must for those interested in local plant life and wildlife. Here, visitors can learn more about local plants and animals through shows, displays, educational programs, and guided hikes.

10. Dog Park

Upton Hills Regional Park features an exclusive dog park, providing a secure and safe area for dogs to play and socialize. The dog park includes water fountains and waste bags for convenience, plus two sections: one for small dogs and another for large dogs – this ensures safety when larger breeds may inadvertently cause harm to smaller ones during playtime.

The fully fenced dog park boasts plenty of open space for your furry friend to run around; plus there’s even a water station and doggy waste bags provided too! It’s important to note that all dogs must have current vaccinations as well as have their license before using this parking facility.

The dog park is not only a place for dogs to play, but it’s also an opportunity for dog owners to socialize and network. You’ll get to meet other dog parents, share stories and even get advice on training or health issues – it’s truly a wonderful community to be a part of and your pup will thank you for the exercise and stimulation!

It’s essential that dogs remain leashed outside the dog park at all times; this ensures everyone’s safety including other visitors as well as the dogs themselves. Be sure to adhere to all park rules and regulations so everyone has an enjoyable and secure experience at the park.

If your furry friends are part of your lifestyle then make sure this activity gets added to your list of things to do in the park; your furry buddy will thank you!

11. Special Events

Upton Hills Regional Park hosts a range of special events throughout the year. These include concerts, festivals, holiday celebrations, and more – something for everyone to enjoy!

Some of Upton Hills Regional Park’s most popular events include the Summer Concert Series, featuring live music from local bands and musicians, and Halloween Haunted Trail – a spooky-fun way to celebrate the season. To learn more about upcoming events at the park, check out their website or follow them on social media.

12. Ice Skating Rink

Upton Hills Regional Park features an outdoor ice skating rink open from late November through mid-March, weather permitting. Enjoying skating at Upton Hills is a unique and beautiful way to spend the winter season, and its picturesque surroundings add even more magic.

The rink is open to all ages and skill levels, making it a perfect activity for families, couples, and friends. Skate rentals are available on-site as well as the warming hut where you can take a break with some hot cocoa in hand.

Accessibility

Upton Hills Regional Park is designed to be accessible for all users and visitors with disabilities, featuring tile pathways, wheelchair-accessible picnic areas, and restrooms.

Upton Hill Regional Park is an amazing attraction for beach lovers.

Bring the family out for some family fun at Upton Hill Regional Park in Arlington Virginia with this waterpark designed to appeal to beach and pool goers.

Experience a vertical adventure by hitting mini-golf balls, playing in cages, or climbing Upton in Northern Virginia’s most vibrant cities. Volunteering – Support our parks!

Safety Tips

When visiting Upton Hills Regional Park, it’s essential to follow some safety precautions. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen as temperatures in the park can get quite high during summer.

Additionally, it’s essential to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for any activities you plan on undertaking. Be mindful of your surroundings and steer clear of areas in the park that may have been closed off for maintenance or safety purposes.

Conclusion

Upton Hills Regional Park offers an abundance of activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re into hiking, swimming, miniature golfing around, fishing, or enjoying a picnic with family and friends – Upton Hills Regional Park has something to suit everyone.

Take your gear, hit the trails in urban areas of the park, and savor all that these stunning natural settings have to offer. Stay tuned to USA Tales for more entertaining posts in the coming weeks.

Also read:

Things to Do in Myrtle Beach