Cabin John

7400 Tuckerman Lane

Rockville MD 20852

301-299-0024

website
Tennis, soccer, baseball, ice skating, hiking, a nature center, a mini-train ride and more! This is great venue for the entire family. Check out the website to pick your favorite activity and get more info.

Carderock Recreation Area

Montgomerty County MD

website

Carderock Recreation Area is located on the Potomac River about 1 mile west of the Capital Beltway (near the American Legion Bridge). This little known recreation area is a great place to park your car and explore the C&O Towpath by bike. Downtown Washington DC is an easy 10 mile ride east on the unpaved towpath. Only 3 miles west is the majestic Great Falls. Information courtesy of BikeWashington.org.

C&O Canal

Check attached website

website

The 184.5 mile long Chesapeake & Ohio Canal is located along the north bank of the Potomac River, starting in Washington, DC and ending in Cumberland, MD. The canal was built between 1828 and 1850. In 1971 the canal became a National Historic Park. Today, much of the canal has been drained of water and reclaimed by the forest. However, the canal's towpath remains a favorite of hikers, joggers, and bicyclists. Before you start out on your epic journey, I strongly recommend trying some shorter trips to prepare yourself. The towpath is not paved (the surface is typically clay and crushed stone), so it is a bit rough. Therefore, you will need to build up some calluses on your butt before starting out (no joke). The first 20 miles is the most heavily used and is a good place to practice. Info courtesy of BikeWashington.org.

Glen Echo Park

7300 MacArthur Blvd

Glen Echo MD 20812

301-634-2260

www.glenechopark.org

For many years Glen Echo has been wooing local families with a robust kid-friendly line-up of children's theater, puppet shows, nature/craft classes, and playgrounds. Take a walk through Glen Echo and the Dentzel Carousel will bring you back to a simpler time. Review the website for the latest list of classes and events for kids and adults. Noteworthy, Glen Echo facilities are available to rent for special occasions.

Hadley Playground @ Falls Road

12600 Falls Road

Potomac, MD
website

20 acre park that features an award winning Hadley park. Hadley parks feature fully accessible playgrounds that let kids of all ages and abilities participate in the fun!

Montgomery Ct Parks & Recreation

Montgomery County MD

website

A hearty mix of activities and parks are listed on the site. Be sure to take some time to review the site in its entirety. You don't want to miss the details of splash playgrounds, miniature trains, mini-golf, tennis, summer camps, theater events and more.

Rock Creek Trail

Montgomery Ct to DC
website

Information courtesy of BikeWashington.Org. Maryland's 14 mile long Rock Creek Trail is a collection of paved multi-use paths through southern Montgomery County. Urbanized trail that follows a mainly wooded route along the Rock Creek stream valley. The trail provides a nice traffic-free route between Rockville and the Bethesda/Silver Spring business districts. Despite the trail's convenient location, it does have a number of problems. Many sections are narrow and winding. Since the terrain is heavily wooded, debris often covers the trails. As a result, the trail is not the most efficient route for commuting. The trail also suffers from an extreme lack of directional signs. In a number of places, it is very difficult to determine the "main" trail route. Expect to take a couple of accidental side trail detours when you first ride this trail.

Seneca Creek State Park

11950 Clopper Road

Gaitherburg, MD

website
6,300 acres located along 14 miles of Seneca Creek. Hiking, biking, boat rentals, kayaking, picnics and playgrounds are just some of the features of this great park.

South Germantown Park

18041 Central Park Circle

Boyds, MD

website
Hiking, biking, archery, mini golf, swimming, soccer, picnics and adventure play greetyou at this 695 acre park.

Stroller Strides

DC Metro locations

Washington DC 20001

888-224-6288

www.strollerstrides.com

The goal of Stroller Strides is to get women out there and exercising as soon as medically possible. Members meet at parks and in malls. The program provides structured exercise coupled with an opportunity for new moms to join a community of women that are going through the rollercoaster ride of parenting a newborn. Feeling isolated, tired and completely overwhelmed (what new mother isn't?) with motherhood, this is great place to start your journey back to the real world. Classes run from 55 to 75 minutes. This is a total fitness program that incorporates power walking and body toning with the use of a stroller.

Wheaton Regional Park
2000 Shorefield Road
Wheaton, MD
website
You can ride a train, go fishing, go ice skating, tour botanical gardens, or just play the day away. Perfect for picnics and partied. See the website for more information.

Alexandria County Parks

Alexandria VA

http://alexandriaparks.com

Review the website for additional information

Algonkian Park

20280 Cascades Parkway

Sterling, VA

website

Offers boating, fishing, swimming and even vacation cottages. Just interested in a quick trip to the park, you will happy to find lots of shades and a full assortment of play gear and equipment.

Arlington County Parks

Check attached website

Arlington, VA

website

Review the website for additional information.

Ashburn Park

43546 Partlow Road
Ashburn, VA
Check out this 16 acre park that comes complete with lots of play areas for any age. It also has picnic pavilions and trails.

Belle Haven Marina

Georgetown Washington Pkwy

Alexandria VA 22307

703-768-0018

http://saildc.com/

Belle Haven Marina is located just south of Old Town Alexandria, VA. This charming marina is owned by the National Park Service. It serves as a great parking lot for those who wish to ride or run the Mount Vernon Trail. For boating enthusiasts, the marina offers dry docks, wet slips, rack spaces and ramp fees at reasonable prices. Waiting lists can be long, sign up early and expect to wait. For the nautical beginner a sailing school is offered. You might want to head to Old Town Alexandria for lunch. I have heard the restaurant is marginal.

Burke Lake Park

7315 Ox Road

Fairfax Station VA

703-323-6601

website

BURKE LAKE PARK is located at 7315 Ox Road in Fairfax Station. Its 888 acres feature a 218-acre lake with fishing, boating, rowboat rental, campgrounds, a miniature train, a carousel, outdoor volleyball courts, an 18-hole par 3 golf course, disk golf, an ice cream parlor and snack bar, picnic areas with grills, playgrounds and a brand new miniature golf course. The new fishing pier is accessible to persons with disabilities. Privately owned boats with electric motors are permitted on the lake. No gasoline powered water-craft are permitted. Swimming and windsurfing are prohibited. Nominal fees are required for boat rentals, camping, carousel, train and other activities.

Claude Moore Park

21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road

Sterling VA 20164

571-258-3700

website

Claude Moore is a wonderful park that will entertain little ones of all ages. With its hiking trails, ponds, nature area and sportplex this parks has is booming with activity. Noteworthy, Claude Moore offers great events like arts & crafts show, Kid’s all –American fishing derby, nature based egg hunts and more. Check the website for a full list of upcoming events.

Clemyjontri Park
Fairfax County Parks & Recreation

6317 Georgetown Pike

McLean VA 22101

703-388-2807

www.clemypark.com

This 2 acres kiddie oasis has an incredible offering of endless swings, a creative maze, see-saws, mini-rock climbing walls, oodles of slides and an inviting carousel. A little history, the park was created to give freedom and fun to those children who otherwise wouldn’t have an opportunity to participate in a standard park environment. Clemyjontri welcomes and accommodates children who use wheelchairs, walkers or braces, or who have sensory or developmental disabilities. Of course the park is open to all and every child loves this play town USA. Note, Clemyjontri’s picnic pavilion provides an ideal setting for your child’s next birthday. Check the website for more information.

Fairfax Ct Parks & Recreation

Fairfax County VA

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/parks

This is a robust site that offers all the information you will need to get the 411 on Fairfax County parks. Noteworthy, the lists are made up of the “larger” parks, nature centers, recreation centers, and more. You need to drill down to the sub sessions on the attached links to get a full understanding of the diverse mix of offerings.

Gravelly Point

Accessible via the Northbound lanes of the George Washington Pkwy

Alexandria VA

website

If you have ever departed from National Airport via GW Parkway, you have probably seen Gravelly Point. My husband first introduced me to this unique parking area. It has now become my favorite starting point/parking destination when I am bike riding or rollerblading in DC. Kids and adults of all ages will love the incredible view of the numerous incoming and outgoing flights that leave National Airport. Gravelly Point is a mecca for bike riders, family picnics, league sports, kite flying and boaters. Sitting at the north End of Reagan National Airport, Gravelly Point provides easy access to the Mt Vernon Trail, downtown DC and Roosevelt Island.

Great Country Farm

18780 Foggy Bottom Road

Bluemont VA 20135

540-554-2073

www.greatcountryfarms.com

Pick a season and you will find a celebration at Great Country Farms. From the Spring Strawberry Jubilee, that plays host to the Diaper Derby, to the Fall Pumpkin Harvest, it is always a good time to pay a visit to Great Country Farms. The farm makes for a fabulous day in the country. Noteworthy, check the website calendar for the U-Pick seasonal fruits and vegetables. Kids love the chance to get out there and pick their own tomatoes, blackberries and blueberries. Yum!

Great Falls Great Church
9818 Georgetown Pike
Great Falls, VA
website
The park has a picnic area, a pavilion and tons for little ones. The tot lot has been updated with rock climbing walls, tire swings and a cave with dinosaur fossils.

Great Falls Park

9200 Old Dominion Drive

McLean VA 22102

703-285-2965

website

Outstanding views and hiking trails. This is an amazing park. There is a multitude of activities to choose from including: biking, boating, camping, falls viewing, horseback riding, fishing and more. There are nominal fees for park services. Noteworthy, while this is a breathtaking park, it can a bit dangerous in some areas. You might want to avoid bringing an active toddler to the park.

Hayes Park

1516 North Lincoln Street

Arlington VA 22201

website
On a hot day make your way over to one of the few spray parks that Arlington County offers!

Ida Lee Park Recreation Center

25 West Market Street

Leesburg VA 20178

703-777-2420

www.idalee.org

This is an exceptional recreation facility in Loudoun County that offers basketball, tennis courts, a full gym, an impressive aquatic center and even childcare. Noteworthy, the facility offers party rentals.

Lake Accotink
Fairfax County Parks & Recreation

7500 Accotink Park Road

Springfield VA 22150

703-569-3464

website

LAKE ACCOTINK PARK is located at 7500 Accotink Park Road in Springfield. Its 493 acres include a 55-acre lake with boating, fishing, hiking, miniature golf, a carousel, snack bar, tour boat rides, trails, picnic areas and playgrounds. Boats powered by electric motors, sailboats under 15 feet and kayaks are allowed on the lake. Swimming and windsurfing are prohibited. Nominal fees are required for miniature golf, the carousel, rowboat, pedal boat and canoe rentals.

Lake Fairfax Park
Fairfax County Parks & Recreation

1400 Lake Fairfax Drive

Reston VA

703-471-5415

website

LAKE FAIRFAX PARK is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. Its 476 acres include an 18-acre lake, The Water Mine, an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a lazy river, fishing, a carousel, campgrounds, trails, playground and picnic areas. Come visit the new marina complex at Lake Fairfax Park open now for the 2007 season! The new marina complex features a redesigned boat dock. Unlike the previous dock which ran along the shoreline, the new dock runs from the shoreline out into the lake, and includes a floating section. A new ramp has been added to provide accessibility to the new dock. The marina will also have a small boathouse facility on the water. Additionally, a built-in canoe rack and canoe launch area will be located in the area.

Leesburg Animal Park

19270 James Monroe Highway

Leesburg VA 20175

703-433-0002

www.leesburganimalpark.com

Leesburg Animal Park is a user friendly destination that allows Junior to get up close and personal with some of God's creatures. Petting and feeding is encouraged with some of the animals. Noteworthy, the facility offers cool "Safari" themed birthday parties for your little one.

Loudoun Ct Parks & Recreation

Loudoun County VA

website
Tons to do in Loudoun County. Be sure to review the complete listing of parks in the "Other Parks" category. Don't forget the nature preserves.

Lyon Village Park

1800 North Highland Street

Arlington VA 22201

website
Fun spray park in Arlington County.

Mount Vernon Bike Trail

Fairfax County VA

website

Nearly 18 miles long, the Mount Vernon Trail follows the Potomac's Virginia shoreline from Roosevelt Island to the Mount Vernon Estate. The trail surface is paved. Due to its age, it is not up to current design standards in some areas. In some spots, the trail is narrow and winding. On nice weekends, expect a high traffic volume. Expect wonderful views of the Potomac and DC monuments. There are several great sights along the way, including GW's Mount Vernon home, Old Town Alexandria, Arlington National Cemetery, and the local's favorite Gravelly Point. I have done this trail and absolutely love it! If you are bringing kids, head over to Gravelly Point watch the planes landing at National Airport. This is a fun day with age appropriate kids or just hubby.

Prince William Ct Parks & Recreation

Prince William County VA

www.pwcparks.org/

Programs are offered throughout Prince William County. Check the attached website for the desired location, time and children's program. Discount offered to Prince William County residents.

Stafford County Parks

Check attached website

Stafford County VA

www.co.stafford.va.us/parks

Review the website for additional information.

Stroller Strides

DC Metro locations

Washington DC 20001

888-224-6288

www.strollerstrides.com

The goal of Stroller Strides is to get women out there and exercising as soon as medically possible. Members meet at parks and in malls. The program provides structured exercise coupled with an opportunity for new moms to join a community of women that are going through the rollercoaster ride of parenting a newborn. Feeling isolated, tired and completely overwhelmed (what new mother isn't?) with motherhood, this is great place to start your journey back to the real world. Classes run from 55 to 75 minutes. This is a total fitness program that incorporates power walking and body toning with the use of a stroller. Classes range in price.

Theodore Roosevelt Island

George Washington Pkwy

Alexandria, VA

www.nps.gov/this

As you make your way across the footbridge that leads you over the Potomac River onto the island, you feel as though you are going down the rabbit hole. You are transported to a different time and place. Gone are the busy highways, bridges and humanity that surround this sanctuary. Enter the vision of Theodore Roosevelt, US President and renowned conservationist and naturalist. Little ones fancy themselves Robinson Crusoe as they explore the wooded trails and come upon a statue/monument that is dedicated to our 26th President. And just when you think you are lost forever, you find yourself at the river's edge looking over to the Georgetown Waterfront. It makes for a fun excursion. Parking available off the GW Parkway. Check the web for more info.

Vienna, VA Parks Department
Check attached website
Vienna, VA
website
The website provides a full list of "Vienna Parks" and local activities. Vienna has some great parks for your little one. My favorite is Meadow Lane. It comes complete with sandbox, cars for Junior to play with, picnic benches, lots of swings, slides, a covered pavilion area and tons of shade!

Woodmont Park
2422 N. Fillmore Street
Arlington, VA
website
School age playground, basketball courts and water fountains.

W&O Trail

Shirlington, VA to Purcellville, VA

website

I love this trail. For bikers, runners and walkers you could take the trail from start to finish. If you are on rollerblades, I found it best to start at the Sterling, VA entrance off Rt. 28 and take it West toward Leesburg. The views cover the spectrum from urban to downright rural. There are some beautiful sites, sounds and even smells on this trail. Check out North Carolina Barbeque. It’s right on the trail on Ashburn Road in Ashburn, VA. It is an old general store that offers a wonderful break for weary travelers. Noteworthy, the length of the trail is 45 miles. Most of the trail is literally off the beaten path, where little traffic can interfere with your leisure time. I think this is an exceptional trail for little ones in tow. If you are taking Junior, plan on a short trip that allows for easy parking and pit stops☺

DC Parks & Recreation

Washington DC

website

The website contains a mix of local and national parks in our Nation's Capitol.

East Potomac Park

Hains Pointe & Ohio Drive
Washington DC

Located on a 300+ acre peninsula between the Potomac River and Washington Channel. Located at the southern end of the park, popular for picnics, swimming, tennis and more. There is also lots of shade and bathrooms.

Friendship Turtle Park
4500 Van Ness Street NW
Washington DC
http://turtlepark.org/
Community oriented park located near American University. Plays host to a number of family friendly events throughout the year. Playgrounds, baseball, basketball, arts & crafts and even a preschool are offered. Get more information on the website.

Capitol Crescent Trail

Trail runs Georgetown & Bethesda

website

The Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) is a rail trail project running though the Northwest D.C. Area. On weekends, it is a VERY popular spot for local cyclists and rollerbladers. During weekdays, bike commuters use the CCT to travel between Downtown DC and the Northwest Suburbs. The southern 7 miles between Georgetown and Bethesda has a 9-foot wide asphalt surface and is in excellent condition. The northern Georgetown Branch extension provides a crushed gravel surface for the final 4 miles between Bethesda and Silver Spring. The two trails are connected by a brand new tunnel located under downtown Bethesda. Information courtesy of BikeWashington.org.

Stroller Strides

DC Metro locations

Washington DC 20001

888-224-6288

www.strollerstrides.com

The goal of Stroller Strides is to get women out there and exercising as soon as medically possible. Members meet at parks and in malls. The program provides structured exercise coupled with an opportunity for new moms to join a community of women that are going through the rollercoaster ride of parenting a newborn. Feeling isolated, tired and completely overwhelmed (what new mother isn't?) with motherhood, this is great place to start your journey back to the real world. Classes run from 55 to 75 minutes. This is a total fitness program that incorporates power walking and body toning with the use of a stroller. Classes range in price. Ten classes cost $100.00 or $10.00 a session.

The National Mall

Washington DC

website

In DC, this spot is the grassy national Mall area between the Lincoln Memorial and the US Capitol. Here you can find free on street parking right next to all the major tourist sites. As you can imagine, these spots fill up real fast. Therefore, your best option is to get there before the tourist attractions open at 10am. If you have small kids, then this may be your best bet for parking. Note, once you have parked the crew, there are endless paths throughout the monuments and Tidal Basin to explore. I have always loved to hop on a bike and make my way around the Lincoln Memorial over to the Jefferson Memorial. If you are feeling adventurous you can continue down to the Georgetown Waterfront. The path takes you along the Potomac and it is wonderful!