Arlington with Kids

Wide swaths of green spaces, one-of-a-kind historical attractions, and innovative play areas, Arlington has plenty of bonding experiences for vacationing families.

Mosaic Park, David Moss at www.davidmossphoto.com

Arlington was named the nation’s fittest city because there are so many outdoor places to play. Ride a bike down the Mount Vernon Trail, a paved trail skirting the shoreline of the Potomac with spectacular vistas of Washington, D.C. The trail stretches from Rossyln’s Key Bridge and continues to Gravelly Point Park, where airplanes take off and land from Reagan National Airport. From the airport, the trail continues 16 miles south to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Families love exploring Theodore Roosevelt Island, a nature sanctuary honoring the president who founded America’s National Parks. Visit Potomac Overlook Regional Park Nature Center for a ranger-led talk on native animals and rescued birds-of-prey.

ADVENTURE SEEKERS

Children love mastering new skills, and Arlington offers a hands-on challenge for the whole family. Earth Treks Climbing Yoga and Fitness Center teaches kids to maneuver rope courses and boulder climbs. Skate around the MedStar Capitals Iceplex, a practice arena for the Washington Capitals — you may catch the former Stanley Cup Champions practicing there and score a signed autograph. In the summer, rent kayaks or paddleboards at the Columbia Island Marina, and there’s plenty of room to run at the adjacent Lyndon B. Johnson Memorial Grove between the Potomac River and Pentagon Lagoon. Challenge your kids’ deducing skills at 5 Wits, Escape Room Arlington or Bond’s Escape Room, with thematic escape rooms that require teamwork by the whole family. Ocean Dunes Waterpark at Upton Hill Regional Park has waterfalls, squirters and minigolf for those hot summer days. In Crystal City, Long Bridge Park is a family-friendly spot to watch the planes and trains pass by.

AMERICAN HISTORY COMES ALIVE

Arlington’s most notable attraction fills young minds with stories of bravery and sacrifice. Hop aboard an interpretive trolley tour at Arlington National Cemetery, with stops at the Kennedy Gravesites and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. See soldiers perform the Changing of the Guard and visit the Caisson Museum and Stables to meet the horses that serve in military funerals. Learn about the historic Freedman’s Village, a community for previously enslaved people. Take the kids to Twilight Tattoo military and musical performances at Summerall Field at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, and to see the Marine Corps War Memorial on a double-decker bus tour.

GET UP AND DANCE

Reward your kids after a busy day of sightseeing with a free concert under the stars at Lubber Run Amphitheater. Catch a local band performing at “Fridays at the Fountain” in the Crystal City Water Park. Introduce them to American classics played by the U.S. Air Force Band under the Air Force Memorial’s three moonlit spires.

TASTES AND TREATS

Sample new cuisines at Ballston’s Quarter Market, a vibrant global food hall showcasing local restaurants. Learn to cook comfort foods or try a cake decorating class at Cookology. Shop for books, and enjoy a kid-friendly meal at Busboys & Poets in Shirlington. Treat the family to a sundae at Ice Cream Jubilee.

2000 Richmond Hwy. Arlington, VA 22202 Tel. 703-418-8181 | Fax – 703-418-4666 www.crystalcity.hamptoninn.com

Enjoy an excellent location at the Hampton Inn & Suites Reagan National Airport hotel. Situated in the heart of Crystal City, our hotel is within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is only a five-minute drive from the hotel, and Crystal City Metro Station is just a five-minute walk. Enjoy our free hotel shuttle service for both the airport and metro station. Take a short ten-minute drive across the river to experience all the excitement of Washington DC. Our hotel is five minutes from the Pentagon and ten minutes from George Washington University. Discover a range of extra services at our hotel near Reagan National Airport. Savor Hampton’s free hot breakfast every morning before sightseeing or attending business meetings in nearby Washington DC. Keep in touch with family, friends, and the office back home with free internet access in all guest rooms. With excellent fitness facilities including a fitness center and indoor pool, it’s easy to stay fit on the road. Relax in a comfy guest room or suite and get a great night’s sleep in the clean and fresh Hampton bed®. All guest rooms and suites feature modern amenities including refrigerators, microwaves, and movie channels. Enjoy our hotel’s proximity to Reagan National Airport and host your next business meeting or special event here.

COMPLIMENTARY Hot Breakfast, Wireless High Speed Internet Access, Business and Fitness Center and Shuttle Bus to/ from Ballston Metro. Our Spacious guest rooms have Fridge, Microwave and Coffeemaker.

www.comfortinnarlington.com

The hotel is located only 7 blocks from Ballston metro stop - orange and silver lines and centrally located in the heart of Arlington, minutes away from Washington D.C. via interstate 66 east - exit 71.