These are some of our favorite places to explore the outdoors with our family in the Washington, DC area. Enjoy getting out in nature around here. There is so much beauty to take in!
Audubon’s Woodend Nature Sanctuary Chevy Chase, MD
Explore nature with lots of walkable paths and trails. Very fun for lots of ages!
Bladensburg Waterfront Park Bladensburg, MD
Boat rentals, hiking and biking trails, playground, old caboose to explore, and free interpretive pontoon boat rides.
Brookside Gardens and Nature Center Wheaton, MD
This is a must-see gem with a gorgeous space to roam around! There are lots of different things going on each season of the year–from Maple sugaring to a butterfly exhibit.
Buddy Attick Park Greenbelt, MD
Great playground right on a lake, an easy trail around the lake, fishing and non-motorized boating with your own gear and permit.
Cabin John Regional Park Bethesda, MD
Miniature Train, biking, and hiking trails, and fun playground.
Great Falls Park McLean, VA
Enjoy a family bike ride or hike on the canal! Always a hit and often forgotten about for those who LIVE here. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Boat Rides are out of commision until 2019.
National Arboretum Washington, DC
Lovely, easy trails to meander through if you’re kids aren’t really hiking yet, bird and frog watching, find a neighborhood playground nearby for afterward.
Oxon Hill Farm Oxen Hill, MD
Wonderful farm, plus great bike trail (Potomac Heritage Trail).
Piscataway Colonial Farm Accokeek, MD
Reenactment of 1760s farm life gives hands-on fun with olden days workers, fishing from the public pier, boardwalk trail system over wetlands, lovely Potomac River view, small beaches to sit on and get your feet wet. Better for kids age 4 and up.
Potomac Overlook Regional Park Arlington, VA
Huge park and nature center with plenty of great light hiking trails for families. Plus a playground that is primarily made from cedar and other natural materials. Very rustic and cool!
Rock Creek Park Hike to Horse Stables Washington, DC
Young ones love reaching the stables after a good hike and you can even plan a 15-minute pony ride through the trails for ages 2.5 and up!
Theodore Roosevelt Island Arlington, VA
Neat walking bridge over the Potomac River to get there, easy hiking trails with boardwalks over wetlands and woods, some bouldering opportunities, and a monument area in the middle for run-around needs.
Watkins Regional Park Upper Marlboro, MD
Fun farm, awesome playground, hiking trails, carousel, and train.
Wheaton Regional Park Silver Spring, MD
Awesome playground, hiking, carousel, and train.