Make DC Your National Playground

With enormous museums, elaborate embassies and government buildings everywhere, Washington DC is generally not thought of as a place for those in pursuit of outdoor fun to come visit. However, the weather is usually warm in DC, there are many walking tours for visitors to take, and the national parks in D.C. are among the oldest in the nation. Below is a suggested guide as to how an outdoor lover can have a good time in the Capital.

A Weekend of Play in DC

*Sip coffee, have lunch, dinner, or cocktails in our patio. Play a game of solitaire or chess while engaging in people-watching.

*Visit the National Mall and in between museum hopping at the Smithsonian, take some time to engage in game of Frisbee or watch a baseball game .

*Take a paddleboat tour of the Potomac River. A four-person boat can be rented for under $20.

*Visit the National Zoo and see wildlife including tigers, butterflies and baby pandas.

*At night, take a walking tour of the monuments, when you can enjoy a stroll without crowds and see the memorials lit up.

Outdoor Activities

Nationals Baseball

There’s nothing more patriotic than baseball in Washington, D.C. an during the summer months, visitors can sit back with something cool and watch a game under the stars or sun at RFK Stadium. This season, pitcher Jason Bergmann has stepped up to the plate and fans are keeping their eyes on him to see if he can pull off a no-hitter. Price: $5-$45 Location: RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol Street, SE (D.C. Armory Metro Stop) More information: www.washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/ballpark/directions.js p

Bicycle Tours

Rent a bike and tour some of the most popular attractions (and lesser known secrets) of Washington. With Bike the Sites, participants can take tours including Capital Sites, Sites at Night, or Wild Washington: Animal Sculptures by Bike. Each excursion is between four and eight miles long and includes bike rental, helmet, bottled water and sack. Price: $30-$40 Location: The Old Post Office Pavilion- Rear Plaza, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. (Federal Triangle Metro) More Information: www.bikethesites.com/bike-tours.htm

Distance Running

The Washington Running Club meets every Sunday morning at 8:00 A.M. for distance running training ranging from 10 to 14 miles. After the trip, runners enjoy coffee and refreshments from Dean and Deluca on M Street. Visitors are welcome, so this is a great way for athletes to get a tour of Washington from locals. Price: FREE Location: 3300 Block of M Street, NW (run from hotel or Rosslyn metro) More information: www.washrun.org/dirdrun.html

Horseback Riding

Seven days a week, The Horse Center at Rock Street Park is open to the public. Trail rides are available on weekend mornings and pony riding is in session on almost every afternoon. Leave the elephants and donkeys to political wonks and enjoy happy trails through Rock Creek Park. Price: $20-$30 Location: 5100 Glover Road, Washington, DC 20015 More information: www.gsincrrecreation.com/unit.php?id=2

Set Sail on the Potomac

At Fletcher’s Boat House or Thompson’s Boat Center, visitors can rent boats, canoes and kayaks and explore the river on their own. Or Learn to Sail at the Washington Sailing Marina. The marina offers youth and adult camp sessions based on levels and experience. Location: Fletcher’s Boat House: 4940 Canal Road ,NW Thompson’s Boat Center : 2900 Virginia Ave. NW Washington Sailing Marina : 1 Marina Drive at Dangerfield Island More information: Fletcher’s Boat House: www.fletcherboathouse.com Thompson’s Boat Center: www.thompsonboatcenter.com Washington Sailing Marina: www.washingtonsailingmarina.com/

Have an Adventure on Theodore Roosevelt Island

Theodore Roosevelt is known as being one of the earliest outdoorsman and conservationists in the country and the island that bears his name is a place where visitors can jog, hike and picnic in tranquil setting. The 88 acre island contains wooded bridges, statues and a fountain honoring the 26 th president. It’s near the Rosslyn Metro, or if you want to say you’ve walked to another state, reach it by walking across the Key Bridge from Georgetown. Price: FREE Location: Entrance is located north of the Roosevelt Bridge More information: www.nps.gov/this/