The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids

Today’s superb weather inspired me to put together a list of places that are made for beautiful days like this. Most of these locales have been recommended before, but never in one easy go-to list.  Certainly, there are many more, so I’ll continually add new recommendations.  In the meantime, may there be many great days ahead to try them out.

U.S. National Arboretum – Hands down one of the best places in the city to chill out with the kids outdoors — which is why I recommend it so often. Its nearly 450 acres contain an amazing variety of plant, tree, and flower collections. Even if little ones aren’t into the flora, there still is plenty they will enjoy. The old National Capitol columns standing smack in middle of the Ellipse Meadow are a big draw – kids can play amid the pillars and check out the fountain, which flows down from the middle to a pool below. You can hike through woods, cross footbridges over small creeks, and seek out “magic” sitting areas like gazebos and spaces beneath tree canopies. The koi pond at the visitor center is great fun – the fish will swim right up to the edge and even pop their faces above the surface in hopes of a feeding. Little ones will also delight in the little trees at the bonsai exhibits. And the Grove of State Trees, a collection of trees from all 50 states, is a designated eating area with wooden tables and nice flat spots to spread out a blanket for a picnic.

The Yards Park – The other best place to chill out with the kids, this relatively new recreational space is not a new recommendation from me, and for good reason. The centerpiece of the still-developing Capitol Riverfront neighborhood has many elements that make it a gem — open grassy spaces, lots of artistically designed benches and seating areas, a boardwalk along the Potomac, the sculptural Pedestrian Bridge, and a fantastic view of the river. But the real bonus for kids is the fountains. Located on the park’s two levels, the water features aren’t just there for people to look at; those who want to get wet can play in the sprays above and wade in the shallow pool below. Just be sure to bring a change of clothes for the kids – getting soaked is guaranteed.

The National Mall – This is an obvious suggestion, but sometimes those are the very ones we need to be reminded of, especially when it’s easy to get lured into the many museums surrounding the Mall that beckon with wonderful collections and free admission.  But there’s plenty of  art and history along with active recreation to enjoy outside of the galleries, too. Walk or bike among the monuments and memorials,  but be sure to stop and take in the magnificent architecture and design.  View art al fresco — kids will love the whimsical creations at the National Gallery of Art and Hirshhorn Museum Sculpture Gardens. Stop and smell the roses and other pretty flowers at the Haupt Garden behind the Smithsonian Castle. Take a spin on The Carousel for $2.50 a ride.  Rent a paddle boat and cruise the Tidal Basin ($12/hour for 2 people, $19/hour for 4 people).  Or, just find a nice place on the grassy expanse to have picnic,  play ball or toss a Frisbee, or simply hang out and savor the sights around you.

Watkins Regional Park - Plan on several trips to this PG County park — there is so much to do here, that you need a few outings to thoroughly enjoy it all.  Visit bunnies, chickens, peacocks, ducks, llamas, cows, ponies and sheep at  Old Maryland Farm.  Bring quarters for the food dispensers to feed the birds, and check the schedule for pony ride times, and the Watkins Nature Center will have even more critters for guests to see.  From there, head over to the sprawling colorful playground.  As if all that isn’t enough, Watkins gets even better in the spring, when the antique carousel, train, and mini golf open for the season — be sure to check the schedule for days and times.  Read more about the park in this post from many months ago.

Walks in the Woods – One of my favorite ways to relish in a great day is on the trail, immersed in nature. Last spring I discussed how having kids changed the way my husband and I approach outdoor recreation, particularly hiking. We have to be mindful of our babes’ capabilities when hitting the trail, from how far their little legs can take them to how long they have before boredom kicks in. So, we try to find hikes that are short, not too strenuous, and include sights that we know they will appreciate. This post contains a list of some of the best places we’ve found to tramp with the kids.

Rock Creek Park – The National Zoo is the park’s big draw, but there is much more to do beyond it.  Rock Creek Park regularly offers all kinds of ranger-led programs and activities for children, many for free.  There are hikes, horseback rides, nature tours, and more.  On any given weekend and select dates during the week, there’s something going on to bring kids closer to nature.  One of our favorite stops is the Horse Center, where guests can visit equine residents at the stables and sign up for a pony ride through the woods ($20 – check the schedule for days and times).

Brookside Gardens – This public display garden in Wheaton is beautiful any time of year, but it’s particularly spectacular in the spring when everything is in bloom.  Along with many incredible plant and flower collections there’s a turtle pond, a children’s garden complete with gnome hut and tree house, and open spaces for picnics and free play.  Admission is free.

Huntley Meadows – I’ve actually never been to this park in Alexandria with my kids, but Darcy from No Monsters in My Bed has written about it a few times, and it sounds (and looks) like a wonderful place for children to spend time outdoors.  There are trails, possible wildlife sightings, and plenty of nature to explore on its 1,425 acres.  According to the website the 1/2 mile boardwalk trail and observation tower are the best spots for spying its creature inhabitants in action. AUGUST 2011 UPDATE:  After visiting the park, I can say for certain that it deserves a spot on this list.  We had a fantastic time exploring the woods and wetlands. Wildlife sightings were abundant as we hiked along the paved, dirt, and boardwalk trails.  Spotting turtles of all sizes became a game for the kids, and we also saw frogs, great blue herons, cardinals, and a variety of other birds.  The entire hike is just over a mile, but we stopped at lookouts and benches to snack along the way to make it a few hours’ outing. Don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and water, as there’s no shade through the wetlands section of the park. Get directions to the Huntley Meadows here.

Great Falls Park – I mentioned this park that straddles the Potomac River in Maryland and Virginia in my post about hikes with kids awhile back.  But it’s more than just a great place for walks in the woods. Along with numerous trails, Great Falls is a showcase of some of the area’s best natural scenery and a harbor of historical sights.  The falls, gushing furiously over jagged rocks in the Mather Gorge, are a magnificent must-see.  You can view them from a few different overlooks that are easily accessible via wooden footbridges or hike down (or up) dirt trails where it’s less crowded. Remnants of 18^th-century locks are still on the Maryland side along the C&O canal, and if you look closely, you can find stone mason marks created to identify their work.  Ranger-led programs and tours are available – info about both can be found on he National Park Service website.

Riverbend Park – This is where we go when we arrive at Great Falls to find a long line of cars at the entrance, which is not uncommon on a beautiful day.  Riverbend is just a few miles away from its more popular neighbor on the Virginia side of the Potomac in Fairfax.  There are no awe-inspiring falls, and at 400 acres it’s about half the size, but it’s low-key, peaceful, and lovely riverfront retreat.  Hike through the woods along the water or stick to paved paths near the Visitor Center.  Picnic tables are available, so pack a lunch to enjoy a bite by the water.

Roosevelt Island – I always think of this national memorial honoring President Theodore Roosevelt and his contributions to the environment as very “DC.”  Its 91 acres are located amidst a natural woodsy setting accessible by long wooden footbridge crossing the Potomac.  Vegetation grows thickly along two and a half miles of paved paths looping through the preserve. And smack in the middle of it all – the “DC” part — is a stone tribute to Roosevelt, a 17-foot bronze statue of Teddy himself, flowing fountains, and large granite slabs inscribed with Roosevelt’s tenets on conservation. It’s all quite impressive to both kids and adults.  And the island itself is perfect for an outing with kids with short, easy hikes, wildlife sightings (we’ve seen deer and other small animals there), and a chance to splash around in water a bit (just hands and feet – there’s no jumping in these fountains).

Mount Vernon – George Washington’s old digs, sprawling along the banks of the Potomac across the river from DC, offer a history lesson, some of the best views around, and a good time all in one. Get a glimpse into the life of the first POTUS by touring the Mansion and other buildings, several gardens, and a four-acre working farm on the estate.  Staff dressed in costume roam the estate and tell stories about the old days.  That’s often a favorite for kids along with the stables, seeing the farm animals, and generally getting an idea of what life was like over 200 years ago.  Don’t miss a stroll on the Mansion’s east lawn — the stretch of green grass right along the water offers a beautiful lookout over the Potomac.  Admission is $15/adult, $7/ages 6-11, free for children 5 and under.

East Potomac Park/Hains Point – Many people, including me, call the whole 300+acre peninsula Hains Point, but that particular locale is actually only the southern part of the entire park.  Situated between the Washington Channel and the Potomac River just south of the Tidal Basin, East Potomac Park contains a nice variety of recreation, and it all comes with great views of the water as well as the boats and airplanes that cruise and fly alongside it.  Within the park there’s a golf course, a mini-golf course, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a playground, and plenty of space to run, play, and picnic.  Ohio Drive, the road that runs the perimeter of the park is a popular training course for competitive cyclers and runners, but the flat, scenic loop is fantastic for a family bike rides, too.

Gravelly Point – The small, scenic park just off the GW Parkway next to Ronald Reagan Airport  is an ideal spot to picnic, people watch, play ball, and walk along the river — if you really like airplanes.  I have to warn:  it’s hit or miss with kids (and adults, for that matter).  The park is adjacent to the airport runway, so planes take off or land (depending on which way they are going that day) literally right overhead. That’s the hit or miss part.  It’s loud and potentially scary for those who don’t like the looks of a plane coming right at them.  But for kids who don’t mind and love airplanes, it’s quite a thrill.

Homestead Farms – During fruit and veggie harvests, this is one of our family’s favorite farms to visit.  It’s not open to guests until strawberry season begins in May, but when it does open, it’s a great place to pick your own produce and enjoy some time on the farm. Homestead scores just as high on aesthetics as it does on its crops—the lovely pastoral setting in Montgomery County makes you feel like you’re way more than 20 miles from the city. Before you go, be sure to check the website for hours and to see what’s  ripe for picking.

Weekends at Eastern Market - This one is quite special to me, as it’s just blocks from our house and one of my favorite things about living in Capitol Hill–something about spending time there feels like a vacation in my own neighborhood.  The market is both a community touchstone and a big draw for folks who don’t live here, especially on the weekends when the flea market, stretching along 7th Street outside the building, is in full swing.  Local farmers sell fresh produce and other vendors sell art, jewelry, housewares, clothes and accessories, food, and a variety of other goods.  Live music and food trucks parked nearby are additional treats.  Of course, you can’t miss the centerpiece of it all, Eastern Market itself.  Inside, food stalls offer all kinds of fresh fare, from meats and cheese to produce and baked goods to fish and flowers.  The Market Lunch is an institution, serving some of the best pancakes and crab cakes around (don’t let the name fool ya… the breakfast is legendary.)  But if the line is too long for little ones to wait, there are plenty of other places both in the market and the immediate area to grab a bite to eat.

Harpers Ferry – Just over an hour’s drive from DC, where the Potomac meets the Shenandoah River, this West Virginia locale is a great day trip destination and an easy escape from the Metro-area bustle.  Outdoor recreation, historic landmarks, and small-town strolling give visitors plenty to see and do.  Located along the famous Appalachian Trail, there are ample tramping options, many that lead to overlooks offering incredible views (these tend to be steep and strenuous so be prepared with little ones).  Civil War remnants provide a glimpse into the past.  The charming town with quaint shops and cobblestone streets is a fun area to roam and explore.  And if the kids are older and confident on the water, take them tubing on the river for a glorious way to enjoy a warm-weather day.

Cabin John Regional Park Adventure Playland – The beautiful natural setting and abundance of play  options put Cabin John among the top area playgrounds. A variety of primary-colored play structures are scattered throughout a sublime wooded section of the park. Tall trees surround the area, and their long shadows streak across sunlit surfaces. Kids can climb up, slide down, scramble over, swing from, even pretend to drive the apparatuses. And while there are many structures of all kinds of configurations for varying ages, there’s also a lot of open space in which to run around. As if that’s not enough, there is also a Miniature Train that offers rides through the woods ($1.75 for ages 3 and up, free for 2 and under with adult). For a complete review of this playground nirvana, see this post.

Potomac by Water Taxi – The Potomac Riverboat Company operates daily between the National Harbor and Old Town Alexandria. It’s about a 20-minute ride on the river, plenty of time to thrill young mariners. Catch the taxi from either point, cruise to the other side, then stay awhile to eat and explore.  Round-trip rides are $10/adults and $5/kids ages 5-11. A coupon for $2 off is available on the company’s website.

Stay Cool at an Outdoor Pool – Nothing says summer like swimming under the sun. Starting Memorial Day weekend, DC outdoor public pools are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 6pm.  They open daily a few weeks later, though all pools are closed one day a week for maintenance, so be sure to check the schedule before you go.  For swimming outside of the city, Montgomery County outdoor public pools are open Memorial Day through Labor Day — the Dept. of Recreation website has locations and hours.  In Northern Virginia, Arlington’s Upton Hill has a whole waterpark for guests to enjoy, and Alexandria has several places where the public is welcome to swim — be sure to check the website for hours, as they vary from pool to pool.

Nationals Park – When baseball season is in full swing, a day at the ballpark can be a great family activity. (I think so, anyway.  As mentioned in an early KFDC post, not all folks agree).  It’s an experience that extends beyond just the game  — there are the Racing Presidents during the fourth inning; the Family Fun Area outfitted with corporate-sponsored interactive games and activities;  the Jungle Gym, full of twisty climbs, tunnels, and slides; and plenty of JumboTron entertainment.  Go on Sundays for Kids Run the Bases—after the game children ages 4 and up are invited to loop the infield, high-fiving Nationals mascot Screech and the Racing Presidents along the way.

Play in the Spray – Kids can run through fountains and splash around at many area spraygrounds. Several are within the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, and you can find out where on their website. DPR Spray Parks open Memorial Day weekend on a Saturday-only basis, hours are 11am – 4pm. Starting June 21, they will open daily (check the website for hours). For spray fun with a riverfront view, the Yards Park has fountains and a great location on the Anacostia.  And some of the area’s most popular spray parks—Lyon Village Park, Hayes Park, and Drew Park–can be found in Arlington.

National Zoo – Lions and tigers and bears…and elephants and pandas and gorillas…oh, yeah!  What kid doesn’t love to see the beasts they usually only read about in books or see on TV — all in one place?  Our zoo has it all, and it seems to get better all the time with new habitats for many animals and more exhibits for visitors (though updates also require construction, which also seems to be ongoing).  Ambitious zoo-goers can tour all of it in a day, but I find it easier to pick a few exhibits in one area and take our time. Cafes and food stands offer a small selection of food, or you can also pack lunch and picnic in the grassy area by the Kids’ Farm (or just find an empty bench). The new Elephant Trails exhibit is quite popular as is the Giant Panda Habitat and lion cubs. And there are always daily programs and special events, so be sure to check the calendar before you go to help plan your visit. Woodley Park on the Red Line is the closest Metro stop, or you can pay $15 to park in the Zoo lot (or hope to get lucky and find street parking along Connecticut Avenue or nearby side street).

Clark’s Elioak Farm – From a kid’s eye view, this farm must be magical. And from a parent’s perspective, it’s the kind of place that makes me wish I were a kid again. The grounds are straight out of a fairytale, charmingly adorned with recovered installations from an old storybook park. Kids can peek in the windows of the Three Bears’ house, zip down a slide of the Old Woman Who Lived in A Shoe, tumble down a hill with Jack & Jill, climb aboard Cinderella’s pumpkin, sit on Humpty Dumpty’s wall. If that’s not enough, there are also hayrides, cow train rides, pony rides, a playground area (not that the whole thing isn’t a giant playground), and farm animals – goats, ponies, sheep, and chickens—including a petting area that kids can actually enter to feed and pet baby goats. Check the calendar for hours and special events spring through fall when it’s open to visitors, including pumpkin patch fun in autumn. Clark Elioak’s Farm is located in Ellicott City, Maryland, about a 45-minute drive from DC. Admission is $5/person (free for children under 1), $2 each for pony rides, cow train rides, and hayrides.

Claude Moore Colonial Farm – This living history farm in McLean is straight out of the 18th-century. Everything at Claude Moore has been recreated to look just as it did in 1771, with a tobacco barn, farm house, garden, orchard, animals, even a family (portrayed by actors) who live and work on the farm and go about their daily life as visitors pass through. The farm isn’t huge — the whole walk is about 3/4 of a mile, and there is a dirt path that winds through it — but it’s a wonderful earning experience for all ages as well as a great way to spend a nice day outside.  Admission is $3/adult, $2/children 3 and up.

Clemyjontri Park – The park’s tag line, “Where every child can play…”, really says it all. Unique among DC area playgrounds, Clemyjontri was designed with children of all abilities in mind and accommodates those who use wheelchairs, braces, and walkers, or who have sensory or developmental disabilities.  Swings have high backs and added safety features, ramps and rubber surfacing allow wheelchairs to navigate the entire area, wider openings offer better access to play structures, and monkey bars are lowered for easier climbing.  And the beautiful American Classic Carousel is at ground level for wheelchair accessibility. Just looking at the sprawling expanse of brightly colored play structures with a fairytale-esque carousel at its center is an instant boost to any kid’s excitement meter.  Parents are often equally captivated by the park, and not just because they know their kids will have a blast there, but also because of the idea that just about any kid can enjoy it. Clemyjontri Park is located at 6317 Georgetown Pike in McLean.  Hours are 7am – Dusk, admission is free, and carousel rides are $1.50 when it’s in operation (check the calendar).