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.