9 Things to Do in Rock Creek Park

National Zoo

Rock Creek Park borders the property designated for the Smithsonian National Zoo. There are two entrances to the wildly-popular zoo. Entry is free although there is a parking charge. The main entrance is on Connecticut Avenue, NW and the other is accessed from inside the park on the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway.

ep_jhu via Flickr

Peirce Mill is the only 19th-century gristmill operated by the National Park Service. A Quaker farmer built the stone structure in 1829 to process grain, and later, during the Civil War, it was transformed into a sawmill and orchard. In 1918, Peirce Mill became a Tea House; today it serves as a historic landmark.

Pick up maps and see exhibits on native plants at the Nature Center in Rock Creek Park. The Children’s Discovery Room hosts educational games and activities, and houses live fish, snakes, turtles and a bee hive. Walk the family friendly half-mile trail that starts at the Nature Center. Another fun way for kids to remember their visit, and motivate them to cover more territory, is by picking up a “passport” at the Nature Center. When your child visits the various sites, he or she can add stamps to their passport.

The Rock Creek Park Planetarium uses special software to project an image of the night sky onto a dome-shaped ceiling. Park Rangers discuss astronomy, the solar system, the galaxy and beyond during the free program. Tickets are available at the Nature Center next door. Kids must be five years or older to participate.

Visitors who love learning about the natural world will enjoy a seasonal walk with a National Park Ranger. Environmental advocates might want to join in the clean-up efforts to rid the park of invasive species led by the Rock Creek Conservancy.

Rock Creek Park - Outdoor Activities & Things to Do - Washington, DC

Head to one of the many picnic sites within Rock Creek Park. Some sites have barbeques, picnic tables or are covered by a pavilion. If you can’t find an official picnic site, no matter, just take a blanket and find a scenic place to watch the creek roll by.

Steve Fernie

Stand where President Abraham Lincoln did when he was touring Fort Stevens during the Civil War. While he met with the Union troops, Fort Stevens came under enemy fire. Today, there’s a granite boulder marking the event.

Play DC Golf

Rock Creek Park is home to the Rock Creek Tennis Center, located at 16th and Kennedy streets. The courts are open year-round and the fee to play ranges from $12 - $20 per hour. Or if you prefer golf, play 18 holes at the Rock Creek Golf Course. The challenging public course has elevation changes, dense woods, and narrow fairways, making it fun for both beginners and experienced players.

Once you're done exploring Rock Creek Park, check out these free outdoor activities in Washington, DC.