The DMV has so much unique nature to explore, from dense old-growth forests to the marshy waterfront of the Chesapeake Bay. Parks and nature centers across the state offer a safe, fun and educational way for kids to stay active and develop an appreciation for the world around them. Check out some of our favorites, along with their educational programs and annual events!
Nature Center Events
Brookside Nature Center | Wheaton, MD
Offers nature-related classes throughout the year
Croydon Creek Nature Center | Rockville, MD
Guided walks, story times and nature-based activities
Gulf Branch Nature Center and Park | Arlington, VA
Regular nature activities include family campfires, pre-K and kids’ educational programs, guided hikes and holiday celebrations for Christmas, Lunar New Year, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and more
Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park | Arlington, VA
Holds story times, hikes, nature walks and campfires year-round
Maydale Nature Classroom | Colesville, MD
Nature center designed for children and families; holds naturalist programs and meet-and-greets with animal ambassadors
Meadowside Nature Center | Rockville, MD
Not open to visitors, but it holds classes and camps, story times and historical programs; notable for its raptor deck, which houses birds of prey
Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium | Washington, D.C.
Holds ranger-led programs, regular planetarium shows and many volunteer opportunities
State and National Parks
Catoctin Mountain Park | Thurmont, MD
Home to many mountain hiking trails, where hikers can see waterfalls and unique natural rock formations
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park | Sharpsburg, MD
A park built around a historic canal; its trail is a popular spot for hiking and biking, and the park is also home to several historical sites.
Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
The site of a former amusement park, it’s now home to an aquarium and several art workshops. Glen Echo holds events throughout the year, including winter holiday festivals and art shows.
Great Falls Park | McLean, VA
Home to many beautiful waterfalls that feed into the Potomac River, where visitors can go whitewater rafting, kayaking and fishing; close to several other Virginia and D.C. historical sites
Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens | Washington, D.C.
From May to early fall, this park is full of water lilies, lotuses and other aquatic flowers. Guided tours are available by request.
Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farms | Oxon Hill, MD
A former stop on the Underground Railroad, this park has a lot of history. The farm is a popular field trip destination and is home to the critically endangered Ossabaw Island Hogs.
Piscataway Park | Accokeek, MD
Located 20 miles southwest of D.C., it has seven different nature trails, including the kid-friendly Fairy Trail. It’s also the site of National Colonial Farm, a working farm maintained using 18th-century farming techniques.
Rock Creek Park | Washington, D.C.
One of the first city parks in the United States, and a favorite getaway for many U.S. presidents. It’s also the site of Rock Creek Nature Center.
Shenandoah National Park
The oldest national park in Virginia, and one of the largest. Skyline Drive, a road that stretches through the park, is notable as a great place to drive and see autumn leaves during the fall.
South Mountain State Park | Boonsboro, MD
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail cuts through this park, which is notable for its role during the Civil War.
