Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

Trails, marshes and gardens in and around Washington, DC

As places begin to re-open we wanted to continue to give you outdoor options to help avoid crowds as well as indoor destinations while also allowing you to spend time appreciating the natural beauty around us. There are many beach and state parks that are open and just a short drive from DC. This post we wrote covering overnight trips for families also showcases some caverns, state parks, falls and creeks worth the drive. Finally, this outdoor post has many options that give families plenty of space to distance themselves including lakes, farms, trails and gardens.

Anne Marie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center– Solomons, MD
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center is located in scenic Solomons, Maryland, where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay.  The sculpture garden features a 1/4 mile walking path that meanders through the woods past permanent and loaned sculpture, including over thirty works on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art.  The award-winning Arts Building includes rotating exhibition space, a gift shop, and a sunny patio.  Annmarie  presents a variety of popular annual festivals, rotating exhibitions, family activities, and creative public programs.  The Studio School offers classes for all ages and abilities – from pottery to dance – taught by professional artists and arts educators.  Come explore this special place where art and nature meet and don’t miss the Family Discovery Garden and Fairy Lolly!

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary– Lothian, MD
Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is located within the tidal reaches of the Patuxent River, in southern Anne Arundel County. It was established in 1985 and is operated by the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks. The Sanctuary protects about 1,700 acres of unique tidal freshwater marshes, forested wetlands, upland and riparian forest, creeks, meadows, pine and sand barrens, and fields along the Patuxent River. This protected land provides a safe haven for a high diversity of plants, insects, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish and microbes, and to rich native american cultural resources. The public comes to enjoy the 19 miles of trails and the many educational programs and to experience the wetlands, forests, and streams.

Patuxent Research Refuge– Laurel, MD
Patuxent has 25 miles of bike roads and trails, including paths that wind around a lake. In addition there is fishing, bird watching, educational opportunities and hunting.

Watkins Nature Center– Upper Marlboro, MD
Watkins Nature Center offers close-up wildlife investigation with its resident live animals, hands-on exhibits, interpretive programs, and special events. Live animal displays include insects, amphibians, reptiles, and birds of prey. The nature center also features indoor and outdoor ponds, a songbird feeding area, a butterfly/hummingbird garden, composting area, and an outdoor nest box exhibit. Nature hikes, campfires, animal shows, puppet shows, crafts, summer day camps, and other programs attract over 90,000 visitors each year.

Brookside Nature Center– Wheaton, MD
Brookside Nature Center, located in Wheaton Regional Park in Wheaton, Maryland, offers programs for all ages and lovely woods to get your daily Rx of nature. Nestled within 536 acres of Wheaton Regional Park, the facility offers quality programs for people of all ages, interests, and abilities. Learn about the forest habitat on accessible interpretive boardwalks, gaze at a great blue heron at the ponds on the nature grounds, discover a wooded nature play area, and even step back in time at the 1870s at the Harper Homestead. After exploring miles of hiking trails, be sure to stop by the nature center building to visit feathery and scaly residents. The exhibits feature live animals (reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods) and an observation beehive that is abuzz with activity. They are sure to inspire questions and will teach naturalists of all ages how to be engaged with the outside world.

Rock Creek Park– Washington, DC
Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation’s capital. This 1,754 acre city park was officially authorized in 1890, making it the third national park to be designated by the federal government. It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, and thousands of years of human history. There are over 32 miles of hiking trails and paths to explore. Included in Rock Creek Park is a horse stable, biking opportunities, a planetarium, golf course, boathouses and playgrounds. 

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens– Washington, DC
Sparkling in the sun on a breezy day, this natural area of Anacostia Park has origins in a 1926 act of Congress to preserve the forests, water quality, and recreation value of the waterways of Washington, DC. The park reflects the policies that affect rivers and wetlands. Birding, wildlife viewing, photography, water garden enthusiast, education, leisure walks, relaxation, painting, art, picnics or volunteer in a clean-up; whatever your reason may be, come enjoy a day in your National Park. Follow the boardwalk trail as it passes through lush aquatic vegetation and habitat that leads you out to Kenilworth marsh and see shore birds wading and hunting for food. For more of a hike on a dirt path, try our .7 mile River Trail that leads you away from the ponds and into a wooded shaded area with the marsh on one side and the Anacostia River on the other.

United States National Arboretum– Washington, DC
Established in 1927 by an Act of Congress, the Arboretum is 446 acres with 9.5 miles of winding roadways. One of Washington’s most notable and unusual landmarks is at the Arboretum; the National Capitol Columns. You will also find a large bonsai collection, miles of trails and a grove of state trees. Washington Youth Garden has a butterfly garden and a natural play area abuts both sides of the garden, while a teaching pavilion provides shade on hot summer days and protection from the rain.This map will help you plan your visit to a popular and well-deserved destination. 

United States Botanic Garden– Washington, DC
Steeped in history, rich with tradition, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is a living plant museum that informs visitors about the importance, and often irreplaceable value, of plants to the well-being of humans and to earth’s fragile ecosystems. The Children’s Garden is seasonal and open Spring-Fall and gives kids a chance to get hands-on in a garden where they can explore and use gardening tools and watering cans. Be sure to stroll outdoors to the National Garden.

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden– Washington, DC
Hillwood’s spectacular gardens capture the vision Marjorie Post conceived when building the estate in the 1950s. She designed the gardens to flower in the spring and fall, when she was in residence at Hillwood. Today, they offer something beautiful in every season. Children’s programs offered. 

Tudor Place– Washington, DC
On over 5 acres, Tudor Place is one of America’s last intact urban estates from the Federal Period. The open lawns and garden rooms are a delight, and a useful historical record of landscape design over time. Thomas and Martha Custis Peter put their land to agricultural and ornamental uses and the garden is designed in five styles. Children’s programs offered.  

Dumbarton Oaks– Washington, DC
In 1920, Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss purchased a fifty-three-acre property described as an old-fashioned house standing in rather neglected grounds, at the highest point of Georgetown. Within a year, the Blisses hired landscape gardener Beatrix Farrand to design the garden. Working in happy and close collaboration for almost thirty years, Mildred Bliss and Beatrix Farrand planned every garden detail, each terrace, bench, urn, and border which is stunning in every season.

Huntley Meadows Park– Alexandria, VA
Huntley Meadows Park connects you to treasured homes and habitats. The park is home to a nationally significant historic house, majestic forests, wildflower-speckled meadows and vast wetlands bursting with life. Some of the best wildlife watching in the Washington metropolitan area is here. There is a half-mile raised boardwalk that winds through the 1,500 acre wetland and leads to an observation tower. The wetland also can be reached via a paved, one-mile hike-bike trail

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens– Vienna, VA
Explore 95 acres of ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia. Discover local flora and fauna among lakes, forests and meandering walking trails. Take in majestic views of the Piedmont hills, explore the Korean Bell Garden or pay a visit to our restored 18th Century log cabin. The Atrium contains an indoor tropical garden available to host your next meeting or event. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is also home to the annual Winter Walk of Lights, a spectacular holiday light show featuring dozens of illuminated displays.

Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum– Sterling, VA
The Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and bringing to life the rich agricultural history of Loudoun County. Through our interactive exhibits, the Museum highlights 250 years of Loudoun’s agricultural heritage.  A huge variety of events for children can be found here.

Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve– Alexandria, VA
Dyke Marsh is one of the largest remaining freshwater tidal wetlands in the Washington metropolitan area. Its 485 acres of tidal marsh, floodplain, and swamp forest can be explored by boat or on foot. The Haul Road Trail follows an old mining road through each type of habitat in Dyke Marsh. The trail is three-quarters of a mile long, flat, and paved in a combination of pea gravel and boardwalk. The best way to explore the tidal guts of Dyke Marsh is by boat. There are a boat ramp and boats for rent at the Belle Haven Marina.

Pick your own fruit and veggies around Washington, DC

Strawberry and fruit picking looks a lot different this year but the farms are working with social distancing procedures in an effort for your family to enjoy their crop! A few farms sadly have closed while others are open for curbside and a few are offering reservation slots for you to come physically pick you own! Some things to keep in mind when planning to head to the farm: If you’re sick don’t go and pick! Kids should stay with adults at all times. Wash your hands before and after picking. Plan to pick with your own family this year instead of making it a group activity. Don’t plan on staying for picnics and running around. Keep a 6 foot distance from others.

Butlers Orchard– 22200 Davis Mill Rd, Germantown, MD 20876
A large variety of pick your own crops are available at Butler’s Orchard on a seasonal basis. Please see the Crop Calendar. May 18 is the kickoff date; weather dependent.

Homestead Farm– 15604 Sugarland Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837
They offer a variety of pick your own fruit options. Expected to reopen in early June.

Shlagel Farms– 12850 Shlagel Rd Waldorf MD 20601
Pick your own strawberry fields! They also offer pre-picked berries for those not wanting to pick. Check for updates on their Facebook page.

Wegmeyer Farms– 38299 Hughesville Rd, Hamilton, VA 20158
The Home Farm in Hamilton and the Oatlands field in Leesburg are open for strawberry u-pick by reservation only. Known for their delicious strawberries in the spring and unique and colorful pumpkins in the fall. Make a reservation for picking here. They are also offering pre-ordered drive thru options for farm fresh donuts, fresh squeezed strawberry lemonade, and pre-picked strawberries.

Larriland– 2415 Woodbine Rd, Woodbine, MD 21797
The strawberry plants are blooming now and hope to be ready to pick late May. The harvest of seasonal fruits goes through October.

Waters Orchard– 22711 Wildcat Rd. Germantown, MD 20876
Doc Waters Cidery is now open for curbside pickup orders only. Waters Orchard will reopen for apple picking in September.

Great Country Farms– 18780 Foggy Bottom Rd, Bluemont, VA 20135
As of now they are open for curbside pickup only. Typically you can pick your own strawberries, peaches, and blackberries. Also, don’t forget tomatoes, corn, green beans, and  peppers. And in the Fall, enjoy apples, squashes, potatoes, gourds and pumpkins through October.

Mackintosh Fruit Farm– 1608 Russell Rd Berryville, VA 22611
Pick you own is postponed right now. Instead they have opened an online store where you can order your favorite fresh grown produce, lunch, pies, or anything else they usually carry for onsite drive up-pick up.

Sharps at Waterford Farm– 4003 Jennings Chapel Rd Brookeville, MD 20833
Online ordeing and curbside pickup at this time. Each week they will publish a new list of what is available. The list will change regularly, so keep checking back. Click HERE to see regularly updated list.

Healthy Kids Virtual Running

Healthy Kids Virtual is an adaptation of the usual HKRS Race Day experience! HKRS believes in leading an active healthy lifestyle. During the time of social distancing, it is important that parents encourage children to stay active!

A Virtual Race is a race that can be run (or walked) from any location you choose. You can run, jog or walk on the grass, on the sidewalk, on the trail, on the treadmill or on the track. Your child will run their age appropriate race distance, at their own pace, and parents record the time! Parents then upload the time after each race into the series specific results sheet found on the ‘Results Page’. Families can also choose their own start and finish line, or if available, use an existing one provided by HKRS! Don’t forget to run the Parent Mile on week 5 with your kids.

Healthy Kids Running Series starts next weekend- register here. All kids ages 2-14 are encouraged to participate. The program suggests distances for each age group, but whatever distance, whatever time you can make happen each week is beyond great! Kids can run around your house/in your yard, and around the block. You can complete your weekly run whenever you want, and you’ll just mark in a provided tracker that your kid(s) finished their weekly run. It’s honor-system based, though the organization would LOVE to see photos and/or videos of your kiddos running. This provides a time to support and encourage each other in this crazy time!

Once the pandemic restrictions are eased, they hope to hold a medal and t-shirt pick-up in N Arlington. You can live anywhere in the area to participate, though, of course!

Share your running photos with the virtual community! Find them on Facebook or Instagram.

20 classic outdoor games to introduce to your kids

The fresh air during this time of social distancing has done wonders to my anxiety- thank goodness it is spring and not winter. We have enjoyed plenty of walks, hikes, runs and bike rides and now it’s time to introduce some good ole fashioned games! Consider this your PE component of homeschool! Take note of the games involving touching/tagging and determine how you will carry that out while distancing yourselves. Perhaps instead of getting close to the person you set a rule that you can say, “found you {insert name}”. Have fun and we hope this brings joy and laughter to your family!

Wall Ball {rules typed by my eight year old}-
You need a ball that can be bounced around and a wall that the ball can be hit against. Everyone starts with 3 lives. First, someone throws the ball against the wall if you catch it the person who threw it is out. If you touch the ball and it hits the ground you have to run to the wall before someone throws the ball against the wall. The last person to be in the game wins.

Steal the Bacon-
Teams are divided evenly and each person is assigned a number. Each team stands on opposite sides with a shoe {or something easy to hold} sitting in the middle. When a number is called, the designated players from each team run for the item in the middle and try to get it back to their side. If they succeed, they get a point.

Red Light, Green Light-
One child is “it” and turns his back to a line of players. When “it” says “Green Light,” the players move forward trying to reach him. When “it” says “Red Light,” he turns around to look at the players. Anyone seen moving has to return to the starting line. The first child to reach “it” wins and takes over that job for the next round.

Hide & Seek-
This can definitely be payed practicing social distancing. Rules do vary so talk it out before beginning. Count to twenty, sometimes ten, sometimes one hundred. Some play with a home base that you can run to and tag, becoming “safe,” sometimes you just wait to be found. The general idea is that one person is “it,” that person closes his or her eyes and counts to a certain number without looking and then he or she tries to find the others. Set ground-rules as to where you can and cannot hide, especially when playing with kids and being outside.

Mother May I-
This game is set up in the same way as Red Light Green Light. One person in the group asks the person in the front, “Mother, may I take steps forward?” The person at the front then says, “Yes, you may.” or “No, you may not.” You can vary your requests by including options such as taking baby steps, spinning steps, leaps or whatever strikes your fancy. Again, the first person to tag the person in the front wins and is the next person in the front. 

Simon Says-
This game can be played anywhere, even in a car or other small space. One person is Simon and starts by saying, “Simon says, ‘[insert action here]’. ” Everyone must then do the action. If Simon makes an action request without saying, “Simon says” to begin the request, anyone who does that action is out. The last person still playing in the end will be Simon for the next round.

Shadow, TV & Flashlight Tag-
Tag each other’s shadow with your feet instead of tagging their body.
A variation of freeze tag where the person unfreezing the frozen player has to call out a TV show title.
Hand all the kids flashlights and start a round of Hide-and-Seek; the first kid caught in a beam of light takes over the role of the seeker. 

Kick the Can-
This game is a combo of tag and hide & seek. One person {or a team of people} are designated as “it” and a can is placed in the middle of the playing area. The other people run off and hide while the “it” covers their eyes and counts to a certain number. “It” then tries to find everyone. If a person is tagged by “it” {or you can just call them by name and not touch}, they go into a holding area aka jail for captured players. A player who has not yet been caught can free the jailed players by kicking the can, either one at a time or all at once, depending on the rules you employ.

Musical Chairs-
In a circle, arrange chairs {separate four-six feet from each other if you prefer} facing outward to total one fewer than the number of players. As a player to be in charge of the music. When the music starts, the players walk around the chairs. When the music stops, players sit down in the nearest chair as soon as they can. The one player who does not have a chair is out. One of the chairs is then removed, and the game continues in this manner. The player that sits in the final chair is the winner.

Monkey in the Middle-
You try to keep the ball away from one person while throwing it back and forth with your partner. If the person does get the ball, whoever threw it is now the monkey in the middle. No points, no winning, just keeping away.

Silent Ball-
A group tosses a ball around. If you drop it, you’re out. If you make a bad pass, you’re out. If you make a noise, you’re out. Last person in wins.

Four Square-
My favorite childhood recess game. The rules are more than the rest so click here.

Four Corners-
Same court as four-square, except runners stand on each of the four big corners while one person stands in the middle. People on corners try to swap before the person in the middle can get to either corner. If the person in the middle reaches a corner, the person they stole it from becomes the person in the middle.

Kickball-
Another classic but sometimes the rules vary, check out these.

Sharks & Minnows-
One player is chosen to be “the shark.” The rest are “minnows.” The minnows try to get from the designated starting point to the designated finishing point without getting tagged by the shark. If you are tagged, you are a shark. Last minnow wins.

Pickle-
Two bases are marked {with chalk, beanbags..}, and each is guarded by a player who throws and catches a baseball, tennis ball or wiffle ball. One or more players try to run back and forth between the bases without being tagged out by the people with the ball.

Red Rover- {admittedly not the best during this time of social distancing but save for better days}
Two groups stand in parallel lines facing each other. Each line must hold hands. One line declares one person they would like sent over, yelling “Red Rover, Red Rover, send Molly over.” The designated person — in this case Molly — makes a run for the line. If the two players who are targeted are unable to maintain their grip and Molly breaks through, she chooses one of the kids that she broke through to take back to her team. If she doesn’t break through, she has to stay with the other team. The game ends when everyone is in one line. *This game is controversial, play at own risk.

Hopscotch-
Use some sidewalk chalk and make a hopscotch grid. Number the squares from one to nine. Since so many people are walking, they can participate in your game on their way.

Some items you may consider purchasing-
Kickball
Obstacle course stones
Jump rope
Sidewalk chalk
Hula hoop
Gardening tools
Parachute

Recent posts:
Hour by hour weekday live streaming events and activities for kids
Sample schedules and ideas for the week
Educational resources at your fingertips
How ‘regular school’ parents can homeschool their kids

Therapeutic sessions at Rock Creek Park Horse Center

This guest post is written by Amy Dick who is a volunteer at Rock Creek Park Horse Center. Tucked into the woods of Rock Creek Park is Rock Creek Park Horse Center, located at 5100 Glover Road, NW.

Rock Creek Park Horse Center offers therapeutic sessions with horses for people of all ages, including children.  Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is an experiential approach to psychotherapy with horses.  “Experiential” means that the client has hands-on experiences with horses, assisted by facilitators. Therapeutic sessions with horses help individuals and groups safely explore solutions to manage stress, depression, anxiety, PTSD, interpersonal conflict, and more.

All sessions are on the ground – there is no horseback riding. Our facilitators are certified by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), the global standard for equine-assisted psychotherapy and personal development.

What makes horses good partners in therapy? Most people love animals, especially beautiful ones like horses. But the primary reason is due to horses’ nature. They are social, herd, and prey animals with an extraordinary ability to interpret nonverbal communication. Horses pick up on and respond to people’s unconscious signals and emotions. Horses’ behavior and responses often remind people of the characters and issues in their lives. Through interactions with the horses, EAGALA equine therapy empowers clients to explore, problem-solve, discover, be creative, and gain valuable insights.

Horses do not know our past, education, gender, race or other labels we may apply to ourselves and each other. They live in the moment. Unlike humans, they have no biases. These qualities also make horses valuable therapeutic partners with helping people seeking insight, perspective, and solutions to their personal challenges.

Want to learn more about EAGALA therapy? A brief, excellent video summary can be found here.

EAGALA contacts at Rock Creek Park Horse Center are:
Amber Power, Equine Specialist (301) 908-0767
Ilse Eisele, Mental Health Specialist (434) 533-5545
You can also send an email.

Rock Creek Park Horse Center also offers:
Trail & Pony Rides
Lessons
Camps
Volunteer Opportunities

15 great options to get you out of the house, but away from the crowds and germs

We’ve compiled a list of ways to get your family outdoors and active if you want to avoid indoor spots and crowds of people.

  1. Smithsonian National Zoo (you can skip the indoor houses)
  2. Walk around the National Mall, bring a frisbee, ball or kite
  3. The National Arboretum has over 400 acres; you can spend all day here outside; bring a picnic!
  4. Go on a hike! Some of our favorites and the closest to DC are Great Falls, Rock Creek Park, Turkey Run, Scott’s Run.
  5. While on the topic of trails, most are National Park property. Check into the Junior Ranger program!
  6. Watch airplanes at Gravelly Point. You can also hop on the Mount Vernon trail from the parking lot here.
  7. Speaking of Mount Vernon, head to the historic home of George Washington and spend time roaming the property.
  8. Dumbarton Oaks has a great garden to linger in. Hours are 2pm-6pm and is closed on Monday’s.
  9. Find a field or track to race your kids on and play ball with- most high schools have one that allow visitors!
  10. Admittedly I have never played but the DC area has some disc golf courses and most are in beautiful parks– win-win!
  11. Blooms are starting to open at Brookside Gardens. Situated within Wheaton Regional Park (another win-win as you can hit a trail and the playground after you stop at Brookside) on 50 acres, you will love the gardens and the children’s garden is very cute.
  12. Roosevelt Island is a memorial to America’s 26th president. You can walk throughout the island, stop on the bank of the Potomac and have a picnic, sit by the memorial and even get here by kayak.
  13. East Potomac mini-golf is on the National Register of Historic Places and is listed as the oldest continually operating miniature golf course in the country. They offer In March they are open on Monday’s and weekends 10am-dark and open 7 days a week in April from 10am-dark. (Bring wipes for the clubs if you’re concerned)
  14. Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm just outside of DC allows you to explore the property, interact with animals and take a guided tour. Venture beyond the farmyard and explore Oxon Cove Park’s 512 acres by strolling along the lower fields or riding the bike path along Oxon Cove. They are open seven days a week from 8:00am to 4:30pm.
  15. Bike or walk through town or on a trail with your Bambinos.

Tudor Place is full of fun for families

Tudor Place is a historical landmark, completed in 1816, lived in by six generations of a single family, and opened to the public in 1988. It is located at 1644 31st Street NW., Washington DC 20007. They offer programs for families, adults, camps and more. Below are some upcoming events for your family to check out.

Tudor Tot Fridays
Storytime, songs, and crafts for toddlers and caregivers. Dates & themes below:

  • April 17 – Earth Day
  • April 24 – Gardeners
  • May 1 – Dance
  • May 8 – Everyday Superheroes
  • May 15 – Citizenship
  • May 22 – Cars
  • May 29 – Foxes
  • June 5 – Family
  • June 12 – Sports
  • June 19 – Freedom
  • June 26 – Yankee Doodle
  • July 10 – Bugs
  • July 17 – Water
  • July 24 – Music

Weekend Tots: Hello Spring! March 28 from 10am-10:45am
Read, sing, play, and say hello to spring in the picturesque gardens with Tudor Tots.

Eggstravaganza: April 4, 9, 10 & 11
Egg hunt, egg roll, and crafts. Take photos with the Easter Bunny!

5th Annual Earth Day Plant Sale & Picnic: April 26 from 12:00pm-4:00pm
Take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy a picnic on the Tudor Place grounds, and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! Spend an afternoon experiencing the historic gardens. Bring your own picnic and blanket.

Summer Camp- Creature Comforts: August 3-7
Whether crafted from sticks and soil or bricks and plaster, there are all sorts of places to live at Tudor Place. Embark on an investigative journey to learn who (and what!) makes a home on the grounds and see what it takes to keep it safe, warm, and cozy. Campers will explore indoors and outdoors

Summer Camp- Environmental Science and Sustainability: August 10-14
Partnering with Urban Adventure Squad for the second year they have planned a spectacular week of hands-on learning at one of the first National Historic Landmarks in America. Tudor Place and UAS are combining forces to offer a unique, hyperlocal historical experience that will be enriching, exciting, and physically active. Campers will explore how waste management and eco-friendly practices have changed over time by learning how the Peter family got rid of their waste, heated and powered their home, and took care of stormwater management, and then find out how if these things are done differently now. This program will include off-campus adventures–trips between 1 and 4 miles on-foot and using public transportation–and plenty of outdoor time. 

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Tudor Place

Roller skating and ice rinks in and around Washington, DC

My childhood days were full of strapping on my Phantom roller blades or lacing up ice skates and heading to the rink with friends. While that is not my kids experience; they only first roller skated while on a ski trip last winter. They are however getting the hang of ice skating this year and love it. In celebration of National Skating Month {who knew?} we’ve compiled a list of indoor and outdoor rinks in our area. Fort Dupont is offering free mini lessons on January 20. DC celebrates rollerskating and its history with a Skate Fest celebration– 2020 date TBA.

Indoor roller rinks

Lanham Skate– Lanham, MD
Family fun nights, arcade games, lessons, STEM field trips, birthday parties, school break days and more!

Laurel Roller Skating Center– Laurel, MD
Birthday parties, lessons, family nights and more!

Temple Hills– Temple Hills, MD
Family skate nights, glow nights, arcade, STEM field trips, birthday parties and more!

Skate Zone– Crofton, MD
Lessons, birthday parties, STEM field trips, event calendar and more!

Cavalier Family Skating– Stafford, VA
Birthday parties, speed team, arcade and indoor play zone, lessons and more!

Skate-N-Fun Zone– Mannassass, VA
Laser tag, arcade, indoor play zone, themed nights, STEM field trips and more!

Outdoor roller rink

Anacostia Park– SE, DC
Skate rentals are free at this outdoor rink! And on summer weekends you can dance to DJ music as you enjoy this open air roller rink. This is the one and only roller skating rink in the National Park Service but is only open for a short season.

Outdoor ice rinks

Canal Park Ice Rink– 202 M Street, SE Washington, DC 20003
November – February and open on holidays

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink– National Mall
November 15 – March 15

Washington Harbour Ice Rink– 3050 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007
November 18 – March 15 and open on holidays

Wharf Ice Rink– 960 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
November 26 – late February and open on holidays

Silver Spring Veteran’s Plaza Ice Rink– 8523 Fenton St., Silver Spring, MD 20910
October 29 – mid-March

Rockville Town Square Ice Rink– 131 Gibbs St., Rockville, MD 20850
Mid-October – mid-March

Pentagon Row– 1201 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202
October 25 – mid-March

Indoor ice rinks

Cabin John Ice Rink– 10610 Westlake Dr Rockville, MD 20852
Open year-round with three rinks (NHL, Olympic, and Studio), public skate sessions, lessons provided, a dance Studio available to rent, three party rooms available to rent, a pro shop with skating equipment, apparel, and skate sharpening and repair services. The Cabin John Café with refreshments, snacks, and free Internet/Wi-Fi

Wheaton Ice Arena– 11717 Orebaugh Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902
NHL-size skating rink, public skate sessions, lessons provided, two party rooms to rent, a snack bar /vending machines with refreshments and snacks. Pro Shop with skates, hockey equipment, apparel, skate sharpening, and repair services. There is a workout center and the facility has free wi-fi.

Fort Dupont Ice Arena– 3779 Ely Place SE Washington, DC 20019
They have a ‘Kids On Ice’ program which offers opportunities for kids from 5-18 interested in hockey, figure skating, synchronized skating and speed skating.

MedStar Capitals Iceplex– Ballston, VA
Practice rink of our Washington Capitals! You can public skate, take lessons, adults can take part in a pick-up game of hockey, kids can take hockey lessons, have a birthday party and enjoy parents night out events here.

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