Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., the 1,754-acre Rock Creek Park is a true urban oasis. An incredible retreat from the city, the park offers visitors a variety of ways to enjoy the greenery, from tennis and hiking to kayaking and horseback riding. Traverse trails, some of which are paved, or bike from the Lincoln Memorial all the way up to Maryland. The park is also home to the National Park Service’s only planetarium, as well as an 18th century mill.

“I like to go on walks, and one place I go to a lot is Rock Creek Park. It’s one of the most popular outdoor spaces in DC—a lot of people go there for hikes or to walk their dogs. It is a really awesome place to go and relax.”

There are over 32 miles of paths and trails winding through Rock Creek Park, but we think a great place to start when hiking with littles is at the Peirce Mill where you can park and use restrooms. You can tour the mills Fri.-Sun. in Oct. and on Sat.-Sun. in Nov. After a short history lesson, pick up a free trail map at the mill and then head out on Valley Trail, which runs parallel to the creek.

Rock Creek Park is DC's favorite place for biking, skating, running and even horseback riding. Created by an act of Congress in 1890 to be used as a recreational resource, this lush landscape is a beckoning oasis that extends across over 1,800 acres.

Since becoming one of the first federally managed parks in the United States in 1890, Rock Creek Park has been a green oasis in the heart of Washington DC. Covering an astounding 1,700 acres, Rock Creek is larger even than New York’s Central Park. Nature lovers exploring its grounds may catch a glimpse of some of its residents: the white-tailed deer; red foxes, or even coyote. Hikers enjoy more than 32 miles of trails, while cyclists can follow a paved path all the way to the Lincoln Memorial.