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.
- 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 — 33 upcoming, refreshed weekly.
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…
Come explore the rainforest! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we explore the different plants and animals that live in the Amazon rainforest. 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 wel…
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—all in a relaxed, inclusive outdoor setting…
Seek the sounds and sights of the summer songbirds. Bring binoculars or use one of ours. No experience needed. Teens 12+ welcome to attend with a registered adult.
Do you want to connect with nature but you’re not sure how to get started? Do you want to be more present outside and escape the distractions of the modern era? Take a junior naturalist hike with a ranger and learn how to observe and study the natural world around you as you hike between ½ - 1 ½ miles through the Rock…
Hike through the shady woods to escape the heat. Learn about the forest habitat and its residents. Bring a friend, niece, or grandparent. Hike will be on natural surface trails for approximately 2 miles. All attendees must register.
The Milkhouse Ford trail offers both beautifully forested nature and a glimpse into Washington DC’s history. Ramble with a ranger for a guided hike on this 1.7-mile loop, where you will encounter 5000 years of history, from traces of Indigenous land usage, to Fort DeRussy (which saw action during the Civil War), to the…
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…
Join us as we hike through the woods, meadow, and ponds of Maydale exploring the late summer sights and sounds that surround us! Please meet at the lower parking lot. All those six years and older must register, including adults.
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…
Come join us for a light walk through the woods to explore the diversity of the fungus kingdom, from the littlest mushrooms to giant shelf fungi, to bizarre lichens. We’ll discuss the secret lives of our fungal friends, including their ecology and identification. Teens ages 12 and up welcome to attend with a registered…
Dive into fun! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn about the deep blue ocean and the animals that live there. 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 guardian…
Meet your neighbors around the campfire! Learn a bit about living with local wildlife, roast a marshmallow, play some games, and take a guided evening hike (optional). Marshmallows and roasting sticks provided, bring other treats if you'd like! All attendees over 3 must register; no registration required under 3.
Interested in learning about our local trails? A representative from the Fairfax County Park Authority will share information about our local trails and how to locate the trails near you. The Fairfax County Park Authority manages over 334 miles of trails. If your interest is in hiking, biking, equestrian, cross country…
Bring your little ones to learn about the forest and how to explore nature! This program includes books, animal puppets, magnifying glasses, and a very short hike. During the walk, children are encouraged to search for shapes and colors and use their senses to explore the forest. Recommended for families with children…
Spice up your camping meals and try something new with these campfire recipes. Learn how to make 3 delicious snacks around the campfire that you can do at home or on your next camping trip! Each class will make different recipes to enjoy, so sign up for one, or all, to increase your camp cooking repertoire.
Celebrate National Park Week with a ranger guided hike on our Woodlot Trail! Learn about the people and animals that have called Oxon Hill Farm and Oxon Cove Park home throughout its long history. Bring water, closed–toe shoes, and layers for this half mile walk through uneven terrain. Meet at the visitor center at 11:…
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…
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…
Join Montgomery Parks & Friends of Sligo Creek at a volunteer park cleanup! Help beautify your community green spaces, keep litter out of our streams, and protect wildlife. Children under 14 years old must volunteer with a parent/guardian. All cleanups are pre-approved for SSL hours*. Forms are provided at the cleanup.…
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…
Take a hike with the whole family and enjoy a guided adventure together in nature. Experience the sights and sounds of the outdoors as you explore the trail. — Take a hike with the whole family and enjoy a guided adventure together in nature. Experience the sights and sounds of the outdoors as you explore the trail.
Celebrate National Junior Ranger Day and America's Story of 250 with the horses of the US Park Police Mounted Unit. Join the National Park Service and the Trust for the National Mall at the US Park Police Horse Stables and Education Center for an opportunity to explore this special site and earn your America 250 Junior…
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…
Touch artifacts, ask questions, and learn more about your favorite animal ambassadors from the Naturalists who care for them! No registration required.
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…
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!
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…
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…
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. Hike covers 2 miles on a natural surface hiking trail; n…
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…
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…
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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.