Rock Creek Park - Washington, DC

Rock Creek Park is Washington, DC’s urban park that extends 12 miles from the Potomac River to the border of Maryland. Rock Creek Park offers a retreat from city life and an opportunity to explore the beauty of nature. Visitors can picnic, hike, bike, rollerblade, play tennis, fish, horseback ride, listen to a concert, or attend programs with a park ranger. Children can participate in a wide range of special programs at Rock Creek Park, including planetarium shows, animal talks, exploratory hikes, crafts, and junior ranger programs.

Major Sites and Recreation Facilities

Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium Visitor Center 5200 Glover Road, NW Washington, DC (202) 895-6070. Open All Year - Wednesday through Sunday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, New Year's, 4th of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Rock Creek Nature Center offers nature exhibits, guided walks, lectures, live animal demonstrations and the "Discovery Room," a hands-on exhibit for children ages 2 to 5.

Rock Creek Planetarium offers 45-60 minute programs exploring the stars and planets. All activities are free, but you must pickup tickets for the planetarium show at least 30 minutes in advance. See the schedule of programs.

Nature programs and planetarium shows are given weekdays at 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm. (children four and older) and at 4 p.m. (children seven and older). Groups may reserve educational programs Wednesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Carter Barron Amphitheater 16th & Colorado Avenue, NW, Washington, DC.
Carter Barron Amphitheater is a 4,200-seat outdoor concert venue located in Rock Creek Park. Many performances are free in this beautiful wooded setting.

Old Stone House Visitor Center 3051 M Street, NW Washington, DC (202) 895-6070. The Old Stone House was built in 1765 and is one of the oldest known structures remaining in Washington, DC. Its beautiful flower garden is a popular place to visit in Georgetown.

Recreational Opportunities at Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Trails Rock Creek Regional and Rock Creek Stream Valley Park offer over 25 miles of trails. This is one of the best places to hike and bike in the Washington, DC area.

Thompson's Boat Center 2900 Virginia Avenue, NW Washington, DC.
Rent a boat or a bicycle.

Rock Creek Horse Center 5100 Glover Rd., NW Washington, DC.
Take a trail ride on horses (ages 12 and up) and ponies (kids over 30" tall). Advance reservations are required.

Rock Creek Tennis Center 16th & Kennedy Sts., NW, Washington, DC.
Play tennis at the indoor and outdoor courts.

Rock Creek Golf Course 16th & Rittenhouse, NW Washington, DC.
Play golf or take a lesson.

National Zoo 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC.
Visit your favorite animals! See the giant pandas, lions, giraffes, tigers, monkeys, sea lions, and much more.