Spring is in the air. Flowers are blooming. The outdoors is calling! Here are 12 beautiful gardens in the DMV for you to visit. Many have family programs. Some allow pets. Visit the familiar favorites in your area but be sure to also venture further afield for more botanical delights for your whole family.
DC
Dumbarton Oaks
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- Where to Go: 31st and, R St NW, Washington, DC 20007 (The entrance is at the intersection of 31st and R Streets, NW)
- Tel: 202-339-6400
- What to Do: When you visit Dumbarton Oaks, you can join a first-come, first-served docent-led tour or visit the museum. If a free-form day is more your speed, get the scoop on the gardens before you arrive and check the events calendar for upcoming family events. Be sure to check the hours and get your tickets ahead of time.
- When to Go: The gardens are open 2-6 p.m. on Tuesday-Sunday, except for federal holidays. The Museum is open 11:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. on Tuesday- Sunday, except for federal holidays.
- Cost: Daily Tickets, Season Passes, Full Pricing Information
- Parent Tips: Not all activities are open to or appropriate for young children. Be sure to check the intended audience and hours, and purchase your tickets, ahead of time. Be aware that the gardens may close in hazardous conditions.
- Accessibility: In keeping with its topography and historic design, the hillside gardens present several challenges to visitors with limited mobility, including steep inclines, slippery surfaces, loose gravel walkways, staircases and other impediments. Find additional information here.
Hillwood Gardens
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- Where to Go: 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008
- Tel: 202-686-5807
- What to Do: Hillwood Gardens is a happening place for spring fun. Their bimonthly Preschool Program explores a new theme each time. Pajama Party Movie Night is an opportunity for the 3-8 crowd to explore Hillwood, do an art project,and view a film. If those don’t fit your schedule, ask for a printed Family Treasure Hunt at the Visitor’s Center. Be sure to check hours and prices and purchase your tickets online.
- When to Go: Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Mondays, most national holidays and several weeks at the end of January.
- Cost: Find information about the suggested donation and purchase tickets here.
- Parent Tips: Strollers must be left parked outside of the mansion and exhibition spaces. Watch the Hillwood Orientation Film, print the map and review the touring information and visitor policies here.
- Accessibility: Find extensive information here.
Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
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- Where to Go: 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20019
- Tel: 771-208-1571
- What to Do: There’s a lot to see at Kenilworth, along with the opportunity to earn a badge for doing the activities in the Junior Rangers booklet (available at the Visitor’s Center). Check the events page for info about the Water Lily Festival (July) and birding opportunities, too.
- When to Go: Open daily 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed Jan. 1, Thanksgiving and December 25.
- Cost: The site is fee-free year-round. There is no pass required.
- Parent Tips: Kenilworth may not be appropriate for your toddler, as many areas are not fenced or designed for young visitors. You can download the app here.
- Accessibility: Information is available here.
U.S. Botanic Gardens
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- Where to Go: 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001 (Conservatory and “National Garden”). 245 First St SW, Washington, DC 20024 (Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens)
- Tel: 202-225-8333
- What to Do: The U.S. Botanic Gardens boasts a Conservatory, Gated Outdoor Gardens (“National Garden”) and the Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens. There are events at the Children’s Garden and a range of on-site activities to keep your kids busy and happy. Don’t forget to download the kid-focused field guides and journals before you go. There are also a number of tour options available. Children 9 or older, with an adult, can check out a Junior Botanist Backpack Adventure Kit and complete the activities to become a Junior Botanist for no fee.
- When to Go: Hours vary by what you plan to see:
- Conservatory: open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., including weekends and most holidays (closed December 25).
- Gated Outdoor Gardens (“National Garden”): open daily from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., including weekends and most holidays (closed December 25).
- Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens: open daily from dawn to dusk, including weekends and holidays.
- Cost: Admission is free.
- Parent Tips: The Gated Outdoor Gardens are temporarily closed for updates, so call ahead if that’s your destination.
U.S. National Arboretum
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- Where to Go: 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002
- Tel: 202-245-4523
- What to Do: The National Arboretum is a research facility and public garden run by the USDA. It’s also a great place to see a variety of plant collections in the public gardens. Not only will you find herbs and azaleas but also a view of the Capitol from one of the highest possible points. There are also 9 miles of trails and an event calendar to keep your family on the go.
- When to Go: Open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. except December 25
- Cost: Admission is free. No tickets are required.
- Parent Tips: There’s an interactive map for you to spot the plants you’d like to see and plan your visit. There are also guidelines available.
- Accessibility: Find accessibility information here.
VIRGINIA
Green Spring Gardens
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- Where to Go: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, Va. 22312
- Tel: 703-642-5173
- What to Do: Green Spring Gardens has year-round fun for your family. This national historic site has gardens, a valley and ponds, as well as a greenhouse and museum. There are also a number of programs for youths and families that include story times.
- When to Go: Park grounds are open from dawn to dusk with special hours on holidays.
- Cost: There is no entry fee for individuals or families.
- Parent Tips: There are activity sheets available for download (Seasonal Nature Scavenger Hunt and Children’s Garden Activity Sheet). There is a page of Do’s and Don’ts for you to review and discuss before you visit.
- Accessibility: Info is available here.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
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- Where to Go: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna, Va. 22182
- Tel: 703-255-3631
- What to Do: With 95 acres of ornamental and native plant gardens, three lakes, Great Blue Herons, water lilies, koi and turtles, there’s plenty for your family to see. There is also a Children’s Garden, designed to be interacted with by both kids and adults, that blends imaginative play with nature education and includes a bat cave surrounded by sand. The Toddlers Tea Garden is a small, restful but interactive space that’s just for kids under 2. The Bonsai Pavilion, a restored 18th-century log cabin and an authentic Korean Bell Garden, a symbol of the friendship between Virginia and South Korea, are also there to explore. There are Spring Egg Hunts each April and Winter Walk of Lights each winter.
- When to Go: Hours vary by season
- January-March 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Gardens close at 4 p.m.
- April-October 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Gardens close at 7 p.m.
- November-December 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Gardens close at 4 p.m.
- Thanksgiving CLOSED*
- Christmas CLOSED*
- New Year’s Day CLOSED*
- *Does not apply to Winter Walk of Lights.
- Cost: Ages 5 & under free, Ages 6-17 $4, Ages 18-54 $8, Ages 55 and over $4
- Parent Tips: Paper maps are not available so be sure to print a map before you go! There is a picnic area outside the fenced garden property next to the Lilac Pavilion (number 29 on the map). Follow the gardens on social media to receive updates regarding special early openings and late closings. And be aware that gardens may close during the day when ice or snow covers the paths.
- Accessibility: Two wheelchairs are available for garden guests to use for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact 703-255-3631 to discuss further accessibility questions.
Morven Park
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- Where to Go: 17195 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg, Va. 20176
- Tel: 703-777-2414
- What to Do: Morven Park has 1,000 acres of lawns, fields, and formal boxwood gardens. There are trails for viewing the gardens, as well as an extended trail for hiking. Check the Family Calendar of Events to see what you’ll enjoy the day you visit.
- When to Go: Open daily, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Cost: Admission is free.
- Parent Tips: Check the trail map to find a route that’s appropriate for your family.
- Accessibility: Find accessibility information here.
MARYLAND
Brighton Dam Azalea Garden
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- Where to Go: Brighton Dam Visitor Center, 2 Brighton Dam Rd, Brookeville, Md. 20833
- Tel: 301-206-7485
- What to Do: If azaleas are your thing, Brighton is your place. There are over 22,000 azalea buses in this 5-acre hardwood forest. You’ll also find Kousa dogwood trees and Montgomery County’s champion fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus).
- When to Go: Trails are open 7 days a week between 7 a.m. and sunset from March 15-November 30.
- Cost: Admission is free.
- Parent Tips: Peak bloom generally occurs in early May. Call ahead in inclement weather. Leaves your pet at home.
- Accessibility: Find accessibility info here.
Brookside Gardens
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- Where to Go: 1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, Md. 20902
- Tel: 301-962-1400
- What to Do: Located on the grounds of Wheaton Regional Park, this favorite Montgomery County destination features an Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rain Garden and much more. It has a Nature Center and trails as well as a variety of special events in the gardens. Among the most popular is The Butterfly Experience, which is held from April 10 through September 21 this year. You’ll also find the Garden Railway Exhibit and a Summer Concert Series.
- When to Go: Outdoor gardens are open from sunrise to sunset.
- Cost: Admission to the gardens is free.
- Parent Tips: It’s a good idea to review the garden etiquette yourself and then with your kids. (For example, you can’t picnic in the gardens proper, but picnic facilities are available nearby at the Shorefield Area of Wheaton Regional Park.) There is also a virtual tour that is well worth your time before you go. And of course, the park has a great playground, but you’ll have to leave your pets at home.
- Accessibility: Find extensive details here.
Glenview Mansion
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- Where to Go: 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, Md. 20851
- Tel: 240-314-8660
- What to Do: A visit to Glenview Mansion is a quick trip to the past. The architecture of the mansion, built in 1926, is Neoclassical Revival. Glenview is on the National Registry for Historic Places and looks out on 28 acres of landscaped lawns and ornamental gardens. In addition to the interior of the mansion, Glenview has an art gallery, formal gardens and a cottage.
- When to Go: Weekdays 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed 1-2 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Parent Tips: Be sure to check before you go; the mansion has a list of times when it is closed due to private events.
- Accessibility: Call 240-314-8660 to discuss your requirements.
- Ladew Topiary Gardens
- Where to Go: 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, Md. 21111
- Tel: 410-557-9466
- What to Do: Ladew features more than 100 topiary forms on its 22 acres. In one outdoor “room,” your family will see a life-size hunt scene with topiary horses, riders, hounds and a fox. There are also nature walks and a butterfly garden. Be sure to catch the Family Nature Explorers programs and the other Family Programs.
- When to Go: Hours vary by the day:
- Monday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Tuesday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. September-October
- Twilight Tuesdays: May 13-Aug., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Closed Wednesday
- Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Cost: Purchase Tickets
- Parent Tips: The gardens are open April 1-October 31.
- Accessibility: Find complete info here.
Gina Hagler is a freelance STEM writer and author. She also provides parents with family-friendly language arts ideas and materials at KidWrite!
Gina Hagler is a freelance STEM writer and author. She also provides parents with family-friendly Language Arts ideas and materials at KidWrite!
