Bike, Run, Walk or Skate DC's Family-Friendly Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is a 20-mile loop run along both sides of the Anacostia River, but this stroller run is a small out-and-back portion starting at kid-friendly Yards Park. If the weather is still warm enough, my kids love splashing in the water features there. This area of town is bustling with boats and construction, so there is tons for kids to look at during the run!

There is street parking available around Yards Park, but that can be hard to grab. There are also several reasonably priced parking lots close by. Once you've got a spot, walk towards the Anacostia River to the bottom of the Yards Park Lawn Steps next to the river. Start running east along the Riverwalk and continue for about .6 miles where you'll approach the Southwest Freeway. You'll need to cut up to O St. here for just a bit until the Riverwalk picks back up. Cross 11th St. at O and follow the sign pointing east for the West Bank Trail. Run until you've hit 1.25 miles total (just past the Washington Yacht Club) and then turn around and run back to Yards Park. That will get you to about a 2.5 mile run.

The portion of this run east of 11th St. can be pretty quiet and isolated during the week. If you prefer to run in the company of more people, stop at 11th St. and turn around. Run west back along the Riverwalk, past your starting point. Continue along the trail until you reach DC Sail and the Nat's park. Then turn back and run to your starting point. That will be about 2 miles total.

There are public restrooms and water fountains in the building underneath the Overlook at the bottom of the Lawn Steps (next to the Living Classrooms at the Yards Marina office).

The Yards Park is next door to Due South, which offers amazing southern comfort food, if you're looking for some lunch or dinner after your workout. If you're really looking to treat yourself, Ice Cream Jubilee is also right there!