An Unforgettable, Kid-Friendly Outing in Georgetown.

Want a place to spend quality, family time outdoors with your little ones? This urban oasis has it all. The gardens of Dumbarton Oaks are an oasis within the city and a great place to instill in your kids an enduring love of nature for a small fee. 

A gift of Mildred and Robert Bliss to Harvard University as a research institute for Byzantine studies, Pre-Colombian studies, and studies in the history of gardens and landscape architecture, it is surprisingly adult and kid-friendly, with a museum, research library, and extensive gardens on 16 acres. 

The gardens are stunning and provide a fabulous opportunity to let children explore nature and use up some energy along its winding paths amid fountains, terraces, expansive lawns, and formal flower beds. Guided tours are also available. 

The gardens and the museum are closed on Mondays. Water is allowed in the gardens, but the rules prohibit picnicking. Adjacent to the museum and gardens, Dumbarton Oaks Park provides an additional 27 acres of wilderness to hike and explore.

Next door you'll find Montrose Park, with a small playground and open space to run and take your picnic. Volta Playground is half a mile from Dumbarton and Georgetown Neighborhood Library just steps away. The Jelleff Public Pool is less than five minutes by foot as well.

Patisserie Poupon is an excellent spot for a sweet treat before or after and &Pizza is just over half a mile down Wisconsin toward Georgetown.