My family has been enjoying the sunshine with at least one adventure per week by visiting a new-to-us park or outdoor spot, and I encourage everyone to do so! One of the places we now love is Glen Echo Park. It has so much to offer: a playground, thriving arts community, the historical carousel, and access to picturesque nature trails. There is a café on-site, and even an aquarium. It’s a wonderful spot to pack a picnic for – plan on spending the day!
1. Playground and Picnic Area
Right past the artist yurts and carousel along the entrance path, you’ll find a large picnic area with plenty of tables that can accommodate groups of up to 30 people. The playground is medium-sized, but features different areas for varying age groups, as well as swings. This is a great place to hang out after catching a show at the Puppet Co. or Adventure Theatre! On weekends, the cafe Praline is also open here.
2. Historic Buildings – Activities, Shows, Studios
Glen Echo Park’s grounds will take you back in time: there are a dozen historic buildings that have been maintained in their original style, mostly from the park’s days as a 1900s amusement park. (Prior to that, it was briefly a science, arts, language and literature center that is still part of it’s identity today). Now they house various studios including glassworks, pottery, photography and painting studios, and dance and art classes. Of particular interest to those of us with kiddos is The Arcade Building.
Have kids who love puppets and/or theatre? Check out The Puppet Co., which holds their mainstage show “DinoRocks Dinosaur Babies,” and also has a Tiny Tots program and theatre events for adults as well. Adventure Theatre MTC is also here, and puts on student and professional shows regularly. They also offer summer camps! Be sure to check their sites for the event calendars if you want to plan your visit to the park around one of the shows.
3. The Dentzel Carousel
This is one of the best carousels in the area, and is 102 years old! We actually were able to attend the 100th Anniversary Dentzel Carousel celebration that was postponed to this year, and had a blast. Don’t forget to check the site for hours. And consider getting the $5 day pass, because the kids will definitely want another ride. (See our Guide to Carousels for more such fun in the Washington, DC area.)
4. Glen Echo Park Aquarium
Yes, Glen Echo Park has it’s own aquarium! It was founded by “Under the Sea,” a marine biology outreach company with a mission to promote awareness and education about the Chesapeake Bay. The Glen Echo Park Aquarium features live animal exhibits including various types of crabs, fish, seahorses, and turtles. It also offers interactive displays, and has a live touch tank, a giant sand pit, and a pirate ship for the young marine and sea enthusiast. At the time of this article, they are requiring timed ticketed entry at $8/person ages 2 and up, and are open 7 days of week from 9am – 5pm. Find other spots to see aquatic animals here.
5. Tours and Trails
Glen Echo Park connects via the aforementioned footbridge to the C&O Canal Towpath. There are a few different routes one can take from the park to neighboring areas such as C&O Canal National Historical Park, the Clara Barton National Historic Site, and Great Falls Tavern. Additionally, the National Park Service offers tours of park itself, by reservation and can provide guidance for exploring the nearby trails.
Glen Echo Park has a little something for everyone. For more outdoor fun in the DMV, check out 80+ Places to Explore Nature with Kids.
Enjoy this season and go explore!
