News Release

Seven ways to get outside around D.C. this National Park Week

Parks across the Washington, D.C. area will host events all week long!

Kelsey Graczyk

News Release Date: April 19, 2023

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WASHINGTON— Join national parks in the D.C. area for National Park Week! This annual celebration of the more than 400 national parks across the country starts April 22. We welcome everyone and encourage people to form connections to these places that protect and preserve shared landscapes, history and culture. From April 22 through April 30, national parks in the Washington, D.C. area will host events that highlight what makes these places so memorable!  

From opportunities to volunteer, campfires, living history demonstrations, farm animals, interesting stories and more, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy this National Park Week!

1. Volunteer at your neighborhood national park 

Several parks are hosting volunteer clean-ups on Earth Day, April 22. Help park rangers pick up trash, remove brush, or perform some light maintenance work at Monocacy National Battlefield, Oxon Cove Park, Kenilworth Park, Greenbelt Park, and several parks east of the Anacostia River. 

2. Learn about history 

Discover the difficult lives of soldiers during the Civil War with living history demonstrations at Manassas National Battlefield Park on Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23.  

Learn the accomplishments of African American students of Storer College at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and join rangers for a tour of the Storer College campus on Sunday, April 23. 

Meet at the African American Civil War Memorial for a ranger-led presentation about the Buffalo Soldiers on Friday, April 28.  

3. Discover something new 

Join us at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens for our weekly Tuesday morning bird walks.  

Kick off your day at Oxon Cove Park and Oxon Hill Farm. Get a hands-on experience with farm animals and feed the chickens at 10 a.m. any day of the week. You can also take a tour of the farm at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Participate in hands-on activities at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center and explore fishing and the relationship between people and fish in the Potomac River Valley. Activities are open Wednesday through Sunday every week. 

Experience the night sky at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts on Friday, April 28. 

4. Become a Junior Ranger 

On Junior Ranger Day, April 29, the NPS will host special junior ranger activities at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Oxon Hill Farm, Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, Fort Washington Park, and Greenbelt Park.  

5. Have a little fun 

On Saturday, April 29, rangers will host a backstage tour of the Filene Center Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts or enjoy a campfire under the stars Greenbelt Park.  

6. Take your furry friend for a walk 

With countless trails, convenient paths, and beautiful picnic areas, you can show your pet some love with an afternoon at the park. Remember to always keep your pet on a leash, follow the principles of B.A.R.K. and have fun!  

7. Share your park story 

Do you have any favorite memories in a national park? Can’t make it to a park? Share #YourParkStory on social media, share a photo of one of your favorite memories at a national park and tag your favorite park!