Run to the National Zoo for a Wild, Educational Family Outing in DC!

First up on our list is one of my favorite running areas of the city: Rock Creek Park. With miles and miles of both trail and paved running routes, Rock Creek Park can seem a little daunting to navigate. But this easy out-and-back, 3-mile paved run is a great place to start.

If you want to end up picnicking, park at Grove Picnic Area 1 located across the street from Peirce Barn and Mill. If the lot here is full, there is generally a fair amount of street parking available right next to it. There are bathrooms and a water fountain at the picnic area, so we like to make sure everyone hits both before our run. If you're running on a weekend, Peirce Mill itself is open at various times throughout the year and is a fun visit with kids after the run. Pick up the paved trail out of the parking lot and head south along the creek. The trail is nicely shaded and fairly flat with the exception of a slightly hillier portion around Porter Street. You'll run just about 1.5 miles until you hit the National Zoo, crossing back and forth over the creek a few times across bridges. I like to stop at the zoo and let the kiddos stretch their legs and check out the animals for a bit (it's free to visit!). You'll be at the bottom zoo entrance, which is closest to the Kids' Farm, Buzz-Me and the Bee Playground, and the Mane Grill—all great spots for kids. Bathrooms and water fountains are also fairly close by. After your visit, run the 1.5-mile trail back to Grove Picnic Area 1.

If you want a snack after your run, Coppi's Organic Restaurant is only a five-minute drive from where you parked and offers great Italian food.

If you want to end at the zoo and not stop in the middle of your run, you can park at the zoo and do this run in reverse. Parking at the zoo is expensive but free for some levels of membership. I've also scored street parking just opposite the bottom entrance in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, but it can be tricky. Just pick up the trail outside of the zoo and run north about 1.5 miles until you reach Grove Picnic Area 1. You can use the bathrooms and fill up on water here and there is a huge open field for kids to play. When you're done, run back south along the same trail route until you end up back at the zoo.