Take the Melvin C. Hazen Trail to Peirce Mill!

Begin your adventure at the corner of Tilden and Reno Streets Northwest where you can access the Melvin C. Hazen Trail. You can see the backside of the Moroccan Embassy from the hill on the north side of the corner. Once embarking on the trail, the kids will love scrambling over the rocks as you follow the trail through this section of Rock Creek Park moving downhill toward the creek itself.

Once you reach it go left and follow Rock Creek until you reach Peirce Mill. This is an optimal place to rest, spread out on the large lawn, and enjoy a snack. You can practice a game of charades based on what you saw on your hike so far, and just kick back and relax. 

There are also bathrooms that are open for use. You will want to have water on hand and a power snack since the journey back is uphill. Keep in mind you will cross Connecticut Avenue in the middle and the creek multiple times, so wear comfortable footwear that isn’t too heavy but you also don’t mind getting wet.

Despite the incline on the return, it is manageable, and even little ones don’t seem to notice it’s more arduous because climbing around the rocks really adds to the fun. If you take the road for a more direct return you are destined to encounter some whining because it’s much steeper that way.

Once you get back to the start of the trail, make your way up to the Hearst Elementary School Playground for a little free play on two playgrounds designed for different age groups. Bring a soccer ball if your little ones are fans, especially if you are avoiding playgrounds. There is a great turf court directly adjacent to the playground.

Finally, when your family is sufficiently spent and starving, head two minutes by car to the new Surfside Tenleytown for an amazing Taco Box. You can preorder a feast by phone or on the website to bring home for a fun evening of family games. 

If you’d rather order in person, just treat yourself to a cocktail, the kids to non-alcoholic frozen drinks, and share a platter of the best queso, guacamole, and salsa in town while you wait for your Taco Box. There is a huge outdoor patio with garage-style doors that create an airy indoor-outdoor feel even if you choose to sit inside. There is ample space to spread out at this new DC hotspot - you won’t be disappointed.

The closest metro station is Van Ness-UDC.