My husband and I were avid hikers when we lived on the west coast. You could find us hiking 10+ miles, up thousands of feet of elevation any given Saturday, just because it was part of the lifestyle there. We even got engaged on top of Half Dome in Yosemite!
While the hiking in and around DC doesn’t quite compare to the mountains of California, we’ve loved introducing the outdoors to our kids through some quick, manageable hikes that are close to home and right here in NW DC.
#1 Tregaron Conservancy (Woodley Park)
We had been visiting Tregaron for about two years before I learned its real name – we always called it “The Frog Pond”. The conservancy is lovingly cared for, with great trails and a lily pond that’s filled with tiny tadpoles in early summer and large frogs later in the season.
We usually enter off of the 3000 block of Klingle Road. Street parking is free, and you can enter through gate and stairway just east of the intersection of Klingle and Woodley Roads NW.
This is a true kid-friendly outing. The trails aren’t strenuous at all, and the conservancy has a printable kids’ scavenger hunt. Little streams and tunnels, plus abundant wildlife keep it entertaining!
The conservancy backs up to Washington International School, which has a huge grassy area perfect for picnicking or running around. It’s also very close to the Woodley Park Playground if you still have energy to burn once the hike is over.
#2 Battery Kemble Park (Palisades)
The entrance to Battery Kemble Park is a little hard to find, but it’s worth it! Enter the dirt road right off Chain Bridge Road, then keep driving past the first little parking area. You’ll come to a larger parking lot surrounded by a large grassy hill and several hiking loops.
The littlest hikers will love exploring right past the parking lot, where there is a tiny loop and lots of trees that are fun to climb and run around.
If you’re ready for more, head to the trail to the right of the parking entrance. This will bring you to a longer loop with bridges, fallen trees, and other things to explore.
My kids’ favorite part of this hike is that you can peel off about halfway through the second loop mentioned, right by MacArthur Boulevard. Turn left once you get to the main road, and you’ll eventually get to Black Coffee – the perfect place for a mid-hike snack or bathroom break!
This hike is VERY dog friendly, so bring your dog if you have one, and be aware that there will be many dogs if your kids are frightened of them.
#3 Montrose Park (Georgetown)
I had brought my kids to play at the Montrose Park playground many times when we lived in Georgetown, but I only just recently discovered the trail that runs behind the play structures and recently renovated tennis courts.
There is usually ample parking available on R Street NW, and the entrance is at about 30th and R Streets NW.
The trail is out-and-back (not a loop), so you can turn back whenever you feel like your kids have had enough. The entire trail is only 1.4 miles, so you’re looking at less than 3 total if your children can last that long!
This is a very quiet trail with few other hikers, so it’s great if you want to feel like you’ve escaped out of the city.
My kids’ favorite part of this little hike is finding the osage oranges that have fallen from the trees around the park. We usually bring a few home so they can investigate them further!
Do you have other favorite hikes right here in the city? Please share in the comments – we’d love to check them out!
