The Ellanor C. Lawrence Park is located in Chantilly, VA just right off of Route 28. It sits on 650-acres and has a history that spans 8,000 years. Before the Fairfax County Park Authority acquired the land in 1971, it had only belonged to three families: the Brown/Lewis, Machen, and Lawrence families and the American Indians that owned the land before them. The exhibits and programs that you encounter at the park will tell the story of the people that inhabited this land. If you’d like to get a more in-depth history of the park, please visit their website for more information. It’s quite a complex history and knowing a little more about what is seemingly just a park to many of us, will make your visit a lot more interesting.
Outside the Visitor Center, families can explore forests with hiking trails, pollinator gardens, a historic kitchen garden, a pond, streams and historic structures. Please note, that there are two playgrounds and athletic fields, but they are located off of Stonecroft Boulevard and not within walking distance from the main park entrance. It is located on the other side of Route 28.
The Ellanor C. Lawrence Park also offers many seasonal classes and programs for children and families.
Activities and Programs
Trails – 4 miles of trails for hiking, dog walking, jogging and bird watching
Pond – Filled with water lilies and fish in the warm months
Walney Visitor Center – Offers educational exhibits and programs
Cabell’s Mill – Offers a setting for many social occasions such as banquets and receptions
Wagon Rides – This is NOT done daily. It is scheduled around themes
Campfire Programs– These are scheduled ahead of time and some age restrictions may apply for certain programs
Rental Facilities
Playground
Athletic Fields
Hours
Walney Visitor Center
Mon and Wed-Sun: 11AM – 4PM | Closed Tuesdays
Trails, picnic tables and grounds
Open from dawn to dusk
*Please be sure to check out their website for any changes.
Admission
The park is free to visit
If you’re interested in specific park events and programs, you can register online. The fees will vary.
Birthday Parties
The Ellanor C. Lawrence Park offers customizable party packages that generally include a historian or naturalist-led program and use of either outdoor picnic tables or a picnic pavilion.
The park also has a Picnic Shelter, Amphitheater and Cabell’s Mill available for rental if you decide to do a DIY party.
Please see their website for more information about birthday parties at the park.
Tips, Etcetera
COVID-19 protocols are in place. Please check their website for up-to-date information.