Things To Do

Schedule of Events:
Learn about the rich natural and cultural heritage of Rock Creek Park on a ranger-led program. Join park staff for unique recreational and astronomy programs.

Educational Programs:
Educators can schedule free, curriculum-based education programs. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance.

Carter Barron Amphitheatre:
Located off of 16th Street NW, Carter Barron Amphitheatre offers a summer concert series that includes blues, jazz, hip-hop, poetry, and reggae permusicians.

Cell Phone Tours:
Learn about the statues of Meridian Hill Park and discover the history of Rock Creek Park's Georgetown area national park units with free cell-phone tours.

Hiking trails:
Rock Creek Park's 32 miles of hiking trails enable you to complete loop hikes ranging in length from 1/4 mile to 10 miles. Dogs are allowed on park trails and are required by law to be leashed. Begin your hike with a visit to the Nature Center or Peirce Mill where you can pick up brochures and get all the information you need.

Bicycling:
All roads and paved trails in Rock Creek Park are open to bicyclists. A popular paved path begins just north of Peirce Mill and follows the creek all the way to the Lincoln Memorial. On weekends, Beach Drive between Broad Branch Road and the Maryland boundary has very few cars and is thus popular with cyclists.

Picnicking:
There are 30 official picnic areas in Rock Creek Park. Many are first come-first serve; some are reservation only. Reservations can be made over the internet on the DC Department of Parks and Recreation Permits Office website.

Planetarium Programs:
Free, ranger-led astronomy programs take place in the planetarium on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. for the Seasonal Night Sky program (appropriate for ages 5 to adult), Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 p.m. for the Exploring the Universe program (appropriate for ages 7 to adult), and Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. for Young Planetarium (appropriate for ages 4 to 10 and their families).

Tennis Center:
There are 15 soft-surface and 10 hard-surface tennis courts at 16th and Kennedy Streets, NW. These courts must be reserved through Guest Services, Inc. The courts are open year-round and there is a charge. There are three soft-surface courts right off Park Road, just east of Peirce Mill. These courts must be reserved through Guest Services, Inc. The courts are open Memorial Day to Labor Day and a fee is charged. The courts at Montrose Park are free. When others are waiting, please limit your play to one hour.

Horse Trails:
For the horseback rider, 13 miles of dirt and gravel bridle paths crisscross the park. Horseback riding lessons and guided trail rides are available at the Rock Creek Park Horse Center.

Golf:
Rock Creek Park Golf Course, an 18-hole public course with clubhouse, can be reached from 16th Street and Rittenhouse street, NW.

Thompson Boat Center:
Thompson Boat center rents bicycles, kayaks, canoes, small sailboats and rowing shells. Lessons are available. The boat center is open daily, May to October. The entrance is opposite Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway at Virginia Avenue. A few metered parking spaces are available.

Playgrounds:
The large recreation field at 16th and Kennedy Streets, NW has room for many activities. Some of the fields, which are suitable for soccer, football, and field hockey, can be reserved through the DC Department of Recreation. Call 202-767-8363 for information.

Places to Visit:
Rock Creek Park Nature Center/Planetarium
Peirce Mill
The Old Stone House
Meridian Hill Park
Dumbarton Oaks Park
Montrose Park
Georgetown Waterfront Park
Francis Scott Key Park