Northern VA Great Outdoors

Here’s our take on the best NOVA has to offer in the great outdoors. Whether you’re doing a Stroller Hike or checking out a new playground, we think kids belong outside! See you there!

Watching the ducks at Belle Haven Marina
Stroller Walk (and run!) Guide to Northern VA

Mount Vernon Trail: Belle Haven Marina

- by Meghan - Leave a Comment

Enjoy the breeze off the water and take in the view while you stroll, walk, bike, or jog the Mount Vernon Trail. This 18 mile system of parks, trails, and scenic routes goes from Rosslyn to Mount Vernon. You can access the trail at a number of locations along its route, all with parking. There are also restroom facilities and (in season) water fountains at various points, as well as picnic areas, scenic overlooks, and historical markers.

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Stroller Walk (and run!) Guide to Northern VA

Huntley Meadows Park

- by Meghan - 1 Comment

Stroller walking at Huntley Meadows Park is exercise plus. Not only is there a smooth, mostly level walking path to enjoy your stroller walk or hike, you get to explore the wetlands. (Bikes and jogging are prohibited in some areas of the park.)The trail surface is mixed gravel and boardwalk, and goes out through the wetlands portion of the park. We saw an egret, tadpoles, a big fish, geese, and ducks. There are several observation platforms and plenty of benches if you need to take a break and rest little legs or nurse a cranky baby.

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Bridge crossing on the Lee District Park Trail
Northern VA Great Outdoors

10+ Ways to Enjoy The Area On Foot

- by Meghan - Leave a Comment

If you are like me, you prefer to get your “cardio” done in the wild. I’ll happily walk miles, even pushing my ridiculously heavy kid in a stroller, but ten minutes on a treadmill and I feel like I’m enduring Medieval Torture. With the beautiful weather we’ve been having lately and all the spring flowers on display, walking, running, or biking around the area is a no-brainer. But if you’re new to the area or like variety, you’re on the hunt for good places to Get Your Walk (Run, or Bike) on! Here’s a list of area trails and self-guided walking tours. As we gear up for the March for Babies, we’ll be featuring more in-depth information about area walks.

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Fairfax County Playgrounds

Hidden Oaks Nature Center: Nature Playce

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Once you’ve had a chance to explore the truly awesome indoor exhibits at the nature center, be sure to head outdoors and let your kids explore Nature Playce- the interactive outdoor exhibit. They’ll dig. They’ll jump. They’ll climb. They’ll compare how big they are to how big the dinosaurs were. They’ll take turns. They’ll have adventures and rescue the downtrodden. This shady, fenced, all natural playspace is exactly right.

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