THURSDAY
3
SEPTEMBER
The Best Parks and Playgrounds for DMV Families
The DC area's park systems are unusually good and unusually confusing to pay for. Three different agencies run the places you'd actually take a child — Fairfax County Park Authority, NOVA Parks and Montgomery Parks — and each prices by a different definition of who counts as a local, with per-ride rather than per-day charges and no unlimited wristbands anywhere. This guide covers the parks worth the drive with what they actually cost in 2026: Clemyjontri, the fully accessible playground in McLean that ought to be the region's default; Burke Lake and its miniature steam train; the free nature stops at Huntley Meadows, Brookside Gardens and Kenilworth; the botanical gardens at Meadowlark; and the three water parks, whose season ends on Labor Day. Where a fee depends on which county you live in, we say so — it's the difference between a free Saturday and $12 at the gate.
Updated September 2, 2026 · refreshed weekly
- Clemyjontri Park: McLean, VA — free, 7am to dusk; carousel and trackless train $4 weekdays / $5 weekends per ride; free parking
- Huntley Meadows Park: Alexandria, VA — free; a half-mile boardwalk to an observation tower, 200+ bird species. Visitor center closed Tuesdays
- Brookside Gardens: Wheaton, MD — free; outdoor gardens sunrise to sunset, conservatory 10am–5pm daily, Children's Garden on site
- Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: Vienna, VA — $9 adults, $5 ages 6–17 and 60+, free 5 and under; same price for residents and non-residents
- Burke Lake Park: Fairfax Station, VA — miniature train $5/$6 and carousel $4/$5 per ride; non-county residents pay $12 per car on weekends, April–late October
Clemyjontri: the one every DMV family should know
Clemyjontri Park at 6317 Georgetown Pike in McLean is free, open 7am to dusk daily, with free parking in an 81-space lot plus a drop-off zone and overflow across the street at Langley Forks Park. It was built as a “boundless” playground and the design shows: ramps up to the elevated play components rather than steps, rubber safety surfacing throughout instead of mulch, lowered monkey bars, sensory-rich equipment, and four color-themed play areas. Its signature feature is the Liberty Swing, Virginia's first wheelchair-accessible swing — with the park's own honest caveat that not all chairs fit on it. There are accessible restrooms with baby changing tables at the picnic pavilion, which has wheelchair spaces for sixteen. That combination makes it the region's default choice for mixed-ability groups and for children who use wheelchairs, and it works just as well for a two-year-old on an ordinary Tuesday. The only things that cost money are the carousel and the trackless train, which has a wheelchair-accessible caboose car: both are $4 per person per ride on weekdays and $5 on weekends and holidays, charged per ride, with no unlimited option. Through the fall the carousel runs weekends only, 9:30am to 3:30pm, from August 24 to October 25, 2026. The train's spring and summer windows are listed inconsistently across two of the county's own pages, so call 703-388-2807 before you drive out for it — and note it doesn't run in rain, thunderstorms or below 40°F. Two dated 2026 events on the park's calendar: an Open House on Sunday August 30, 10am–4pm, with free admission and carousel and train tickets included, and a Sensory-Friendly Trick-or-Treat on Sunday October 18, 11am–5pm, at $20 per trick-or-treater.
Free nature, four ways
Huntley Meadows Park at 3701 Lockheed Boulevard in Alexandria is entirely free — no admission, no parking fee — and its half-mile raised boardwalk through a beaver-created wetland out to an observation tower is the best introduction to nature in the region for a three-to-ten-year-old. More than 200 bird species have been identified there, and beavers, frogs, dragonflies, herons and deer are all commonly seen, best at dawn and dusk. Three practical things to know: the boardwalk and the one-mile paved hike-bike trail (accessible from the South Kings Highway lot, and the only place bikes are allowed) are the stroller-friendly surfaces, while the two-mile interpretive trails are natural-surface; no dogs are permitted on the Restoration or Heron trails, including the boardwalk; and the only restrooms are inside the Norma Hoffman Visitor Center, which is closed Tuesdays and open only noon to 5pm at weekends. Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland is free too, with outdoor gardens open sunrise to sunset, a visitor center 9am to 5pm, a conservatory open 10am to 5pm daily, and a Children's Garden on site at 1800 Glenallan Avenue. In the District, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens at 1550 Anacostia Avenue NE requires no entrance pass at all, and its lotus ponds bloom through the hot humid summer months. And Theodore Roosevelt Island is free, roughly a 10-to-15-minute walk from Rosslyn Metro across Key Bridge — if you drive, the lot is reachable only from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and US Park Police ticket cars parked on grass.
Where the money actually goes: two different resident systems
Two agencies, two definitions of local, and conflating them is how a day out goes wrong. Fairfax County Park Authority prices by Fairfax County residency. NOVA Parks prices by member-jurisdiction residency, and its member jurisdictions are the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun. Parking is only charged at two of the parks in this guide: Burke Lake, where non-county residents pay $12 per passenger vehicle on weekends and holidays from April through late October (weekdays are free for everyone, and Fairfax residents are free always — bring a driver's license, since the surrounding jurisdictions no longer use property-tax stickers), and Bull Run, where everyone pays $8 to $14 per vehicle depending on residency and day. Clemyjontri, Lake Fairfax, Huntley Meadows, Meadowlark and Cameron Run publish no parking charge. The second rule is that rides are never included. At Burke Lake the miniature train — a one-third-scale replica steam engine on a 1.75-mile, roughly ten-minute run — is $5 on weekdays and $6 on weekends per person per ride; the carousel is $4/$5; the tour boat is $4/$5 with under-twos free; mini golf is $9/$10 for adults and $8/$9 for juniors and seniors. There is no unlimited wristband anywhere in the 2026 fee schedule. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna is the exception on residency: one price for everybody, $9 for ages 18–59, $5 for ages 6–17 and 60-plus, free for 5 and under — so a family of four with two school-age children is $28, and the $65 family membership pays for itself in two or three visits. It's a 95-acre stroll destination with the Korean Bell Garden, lakes and gazebos, paved but rolling paths, restrooms in the visitor center and two free loaner wheelchairs — and no playground, so bring the expectations accordingly.
Water parks: the season ends on Labor Day
All three of the region's park-run water parks opened on Saturday May 23, 2026 and close on Labor Day, Monday September 7, 2026 — so if this is your year for one, the window is short. The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole at Lake Fairfax in Reston has the Rattlesnake Lazy River, the Tenderfoot Pond tot pool, slides and tunnels. Fairfax County residents pay $17.25 weekdays and $18.25 weekends for anyone over 48 inches, $14.25/$15.25 under 48 inches, free at two and under — but non-county residents pay a flat $20 weekday, $22 weekend with no under-48-inch discount at all, which is the single biggest resident/non-resident gap in this guide. It also runs sensory-friendly hours on selected Tuesday mornings, 10 to 11am, with the louder water features off. Atlantis Waterpark at Bull Run in Centreville is the cheapest and the most toddler-friendly, with a baby pool, a sand play area and a 500-gallon dumping bucket alongside its 230-foot and 170-foot slides: $12 weekday and $16 weekend at 48 inches and over, $9.50/$12 under 48 inches, free under two, and a $7 after-4pm weekday rate that is the best value in the region. Registered Bull Run campers get in free. Great Waves at Cameron Run in Alexandria has a wave pool, seven slides and a Paradise Play structure built for ages 3 to 12, at $17.50–$20.50 for 48 inches and over — and one rule that catches everyone: it sells no online or advance tickets at all, day-of and on-site only. Its $25 in-season Play All Day pass bundles the water park with mini golf and a batting cage, which is the best-value ticket at any of the three.
Upcoming park & nature programs in our catalog
Live from our catalog — 29 upcoming, refreshed weekly.
Waddle, jump, or hop on down to the Zoo! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we explore different plants and animals that live in and near ponds. Little Critters: Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are we…
Touch artifacts, ask questions, and learn more about your favorite animal ambassadors from the Naturalists who care for them! No registration required.
FRIDAY
4
SEPTEMBER
Families. The whole family is invited to join us at the Long Branch or Gulf Branch fire ring for lots of old-fashioned fun. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities that may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, S’mores! (We will provide the marshmallows, chocolate…
Ages 18 to 35 months with adult. Tiny Tot programs provide opportunities to interact one-on-one with your child while discovering the wonders of nature. Each program will engage your child with hands-on learning and may include a variety of activities like songs, games, crafts, and mini-hikes. Tiny Tot programs are off…
Take a walk to overlook the Potomac River from the ridgeline. Cross the rocks of Gulf Branch stream and explore the woods on the way to see a variety of different habitats. Wear closed toed shoes and pants that can get wet!
SATURDAY
5
SEPTEMBER
Families. The whole family is invited to join us at the Long Branch or Gulf Branch fire ring for lots of old-fashioned fun. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities that may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, S’mores! (We will provide the marshmallows, chocolate…
We invite you to join a National Park Service volunteer birder for an engaging bird walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This event is open to all, including those new to birding. We encourage participants to bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars if available. A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with…
Goodnight pandas, goodnight elephants, goodnight cows! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn about what happens at night when the moon comes out. Little Critters: Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages…
Learn about the experience of 19th century freedom seekers and Montgomery County residents in a guided hike of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail. Discover techniques used for navigation, eluding detection, and finding food/shelter on the perilous journey. Woodlawn Museum admission included. Hike covers 2 miles…
Learn about the experience of 19th century freedom seekers and Montgomery County residents in a guided hike of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail. Discover techniques used for navigation, eluding detection, and finding food/shelter on the perilous journey. Hike covers 2 miles on a natural surface hiking trail; n…
Stroll with a naturalist to play detective on the lookout for signs of...birds! This walk-up bird walk welcomes birders of all experience levels, beginner to expert, to bird together. No registration is required. While optional, binoculars are also not required. The guide may take guests on various routes, depending on…
(3-Adult) Enjoy an evening in the woods and learn about the constellations, their stories and other night-sky features. Our naturalist will identify the stars and will have some telescopes to use. The program concludes with a campfire. S'mores ingredients provided. All participants, including accompanying adults, must…
SUNDAY
6
SEPTEMBER
We invite you to join a National Park Service volunteer birder for an engaging bird walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This event is open to all, including those new to birding. We encourage participants to bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars if available. A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with…
(12-Adult) Drawing water can be made a little less tricky by learning a few techniques. Rippled, still or running, we will learn all about how water behaves. Join artist and naturalist Margaret Wohler to learn how to draw this surface that is both transparent and reflective. All art materials provided.
TUESDAY
8
SEPTEMBER
Join Trail Trekkers, a 6-week inclusive walking program for individuals with disabilities, their friends, family, and community members. Walk along accessible trails in Wheaton Regional Park, enjoy nature, and connect with others. Share conversations, make new friends, and have fun while staying active outdoors. Regist…
WEDNESDAY
9
SEPTEMBER
Hand in hand, adults and children will explore, laugh, play, and learn about the natural world. Arts and crafts, hikes, and story times will keep adults and children busy. Messy moments, animal warm up stretches, and other activities will ensure that you and your little one will enjoy this introduction to nature. This…
THURSDAY
10
SEPTEMBER
Ages 18 to 35 months with adult. Tiny Tot programs provide opportunities to interact one-on-one with your child while discovering the wonders of nature. Each program will engage your child with hands-on learning and may include a variety of activities like songs, games, crafts, and mini-hikes. Tiny Tot programs are off…
Join a Master Naturalist on the second Thursday of the month for an easy walk through the woods. Along the way, we’ll look for wildlife, wildflowers, and anything else of interest as the park transitions into autumn. This program is intended for participants 55+ but friends and family of all ages are welcome. Please re…
SATURDAY
12
SEPTEMBER
Local and national history meet during this 2-mile round-trip hike connecting two of D.C.’s original boundary stones. Along the way, we will explore the stories of the original D.C. surveyors and the surprising controversy over the fate of the new capital city.
Note: This event has been rescheduled from Saturday, August 22nd to Saturday, September 12th due to inclement weather Note: This event is weather dependent. If you are sick or exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID-19 (such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell, etc.), pl…
Take a guided hike in Wheaton Regional Park with a park naturalist and staff trained in mindfulness practices. We'll explore what the lessons the season has to offer and take time to reflect. All attendees must register.
Celebrate the seasons with us! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we explore the beautiful plants that grow in gardens year-round. Little Critters: Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome. Parents…
SUNDAY
13
SEPTEMBER
Pre-registration is requested.
WEDNESDAY
16
SEPTEMBER
Gather around the fire for conversation. Campfire Chats is a therapeutic recreation program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities that blends the warmth of nature with supportive social engagement. Each session features open dialogue, reflective prompts, creative expression, and mindful moments—al…
SATURDAY
19
SEPTEMBER
Before the summer is gone and the temperatures drop, come hear stories and search out some of our forest fliers. Search for moths using food and other baits, see who is drawn to some special lights and find out about their relationship to bats. End at the campfire to roast a s'more.
There's fungus among us! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn how fungi and lichens are an important part of nature. Little Critters: Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome. Parents and gu…
Learn about the experience of 19th century freedom seekers and Montgomery County residents in a guided hike of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail. Discover techniques used for navigation, eluding detection, and finding food/shelter on the perilous journey. Woodlawn Museum admission included. Hike covers 2 miles…
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you want to explore new ideas and play with materials? Join us at the Artist Playground for a themed craft and coloring page. Kids 6-12 with an adult.
Join us on Saturday, September 20, from 11 am to 3 pm, for our annual Parks Ale Trail, featuring live music, local craft beer, food, and hiking. Parks Ale Trail has something for everyone! The main festival area features live music on the main stage, craft beer stations, and regional food trucks. Kids can enjoy live en…
FAQ
Is Clemyjontri Park free?
Yes — entry to the park and the playground is free, and so is parking, for residents and non-residents alike. Only the carousel and the trackless train cost money, at $4 per person per ride on weekdays and $5 on weekends and holidays. There is no unlimited-ride wristband.
Which DC-area parks charge for parking?
Only two of the parks here. Burke Lake charges non-Fairfax-County residents $12 per car on weekends and holidays from April through late October — weekdays are free for everyone. Bull Run charges everyone $8 to $14 per vehicle depending on residency and day. Clemyjontri, Lake Fairfax, Huntley Meadows, Meadowlark and Cameron Run publish no parking charge.
Is Huntley Meadows stroller friendly?
The half-mile boardwalk and the one-mile paved hike-bike trail are; the two-mile interpretive trails are natural-surface and less so. Plan around two things: no dogs are allowed on the boardwalk, and the only restrooms are in the visitor center, which is closed Tuesdays and open just noon to 5pm at weekends.
Do you pay more at Fairfax parks if you live outside the county?
At some, yes, and the systems differ. Fairfax County Park Authority prices by county residency — Burke Lake's weekend gate fee and the Water Mine's admission both change. NOVA Parks prices by member jurisdiction, which is Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church cities plus Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties. Meadowlark charges one price for everyone.
What about Great Falls Park and Glen Echo Park?
Both are National Park Service sites and both are on our list, but we haven't verified their 2026 fees, hours and program schedules against their official pages yet — and we don't publish figures we haven't checked. Until we do, go to nps.gov/grfa and nps.gov/glec directly.
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