The Rock Creek Park contains a beautiful wild forest and serves as an oasis for city residents and tourists. Founded in 1890, the Rock Creek Park is a stunning haven for both people and wildlife. It features a multitude of attractions within which include picnic areas, winding trails and bike paths, a nature center, a public golf course, tennis courts, and stables. Rock Creek Parkway runs alongside the meandering creek. During winter, the park transforms into a popular spot for sledding and other outdoor winter activities.
From El Greco's "The Visitation" to Byzantine and pre-Columbian artworks, jewelry and mosaics, Dumbarton Oaks is filled with elegant treasures. Built in 1801, the estate achieved its height of glory in the wealthy 1920s when it served as the high-society showpiece of Robert Bliss and his heiress wife, Mildred. The gardens occupy 10 acres above Georgetown and include terraced lawns, winding footpaths and elaborate fountains.
Ford's Theatre, an iconic theater, is recognized as the place where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14th, 1865. A century later, in January 1968, the theater was reopened again for a performance after being under the management of numerous government organizations, including the United States Department of War and the National Park Service. Also found within Ford's Theatre is a Lincoln Museum that displays artifacts from the assassination, including the gun Lincoln was shot with. Mementos from Lincoln's life are also on display.
Spanning 538.55 acres (217.99 hectares) of land, Wheaton Regional Park is a natural oasis just north of Washington DC. The park, which was established in 1960, has three distinct sections that all offer different activities, from a train ride through the Shorefield area, to an informational nature walk at the Brookside Nature Center in the Glenallan area. The park also has many hiking trails that show off the park's natural beauty, as well as many picnic areas that are perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Spread over 530 acres (214 hectares) Cabin John Regional Park park is among the largest community parks in the Bethesda region. The Cabin John Regional Park has something for everyone, featuring picnic spots, playgrounds, athletic fields, tennis courts, a nature center, a dog park, skating rink, trails, a campground and a miniature train. The adventure playground and the totem pole are the park's special attractions which are immensely popular among the little ones.
Freed slaves first settled this area, once known as Uniontown, just after the Civil War. Today, this 1200-acre (485.62 hectares) setting, including Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, is enjoyed by children and adults alike. The park offers a range of activities including tennis, basketball, roller-skating, an indoor pool and an ice skating rink. In addition, there is a recreation center, hiking trails and fishing and boating. Golf lovers will enjoy Langston Golf Course, an 18-hole course with a driving range.
The Children's Art Studio is a nonprofit organization with the belief that art is imperative to the emotional and intellectual growth of a child. With classes, workshops and camps offered, along with need-based scholarships in the event that money is an issue, each child is given individual attention based on their area of talent. Children are taught to plan, persevere, and capitalize on their creativity.
History buffs interested in the dwellings of an ordinary man in the 18th Century will be thrilled to visit the Ball Sellers House. Possibly the oldest standing building in Arlington today, the house was the home of a yeoman farmer John Ball, who lived in this modest dwellings with his wife and five daughters. The house has passed through several owners since including William Carlin, a tailor who counts George Washington and George Mason among his famous clientele. Packed with history and interesting stories, visitors will also get the rare opportunity to view a clapboard roof. The house is open for public tours from April to October on Saturdays between 1:00p and 4:00p. School and group tours can be set up by appointment.
Located in Leesburg, VA, Douglass Community Center is a hotspot for children and adults in the area. It is a popular recreational space in the area and they offer programs for preschool as well. They organize summer camps and various cultural and social enrichment programs, mainly targeting students. The venue is equipped with a gym, a picnic shelter, and classrooms and is available for rent.
Visit the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center to take a look at Blackbird, the fastest jet-plane in the world; or the famous space vehicle Discovery that has completed 39 space missions to date. The center is an extension of the National Air And Space Museum and displays aeronautical equipment and aircrafts to the public. There are two hangars and an Observation Tower that provides a panoramic view of the adjacent Washington Dulles International Airport. Also, it is here that the Airbus IMAX Theater is located. The center also lets visitors take a look at various restoration projects. A visit to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is informative and insightful for children and adults alike.