
Tired of the city? There is an excellent national park just outside of Washington, DC. At Great Falls, your kids can run and explore as though they were in the Boundary Waters. (OK, it isn't quite THAT untame.)
Great Falls has a few easy walking paths. One trail meanders along the Potomac River and a couple of impressive waterfalls. Another trail passes by the ruins of the Patowmack Canal system. We saw a few jogging strollers, but the paths are not paved. It's a better idea to bring a baby carrier.
Dogs are welcome, as long as they are leashed. Leave your anti-social pups at home, though--there are as many canines as there are kids!
Great Falls has a huge greenspace with dozens of picnic tables. If you forget to pack your own lunch, the guy at the snack shack will be more than happy to sell you a slice of pizza.
Where: Great Falls National Park, 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22102
Hours: 7:00am until sundown
Cost: $5 per vehicle
Tip: This place is packed on nice weekend afternoons. We came on a Sunday morning and had the park to ourselves.