Georgetown Waterfront Park

Georgetown Waterfront Park is one of those DC gems that tourists often overlook because it is not on the National Mall, but local families know it as one of the best spots in the city for kids. This linear park stretches along the Potomac River in the Georgetown neighborhood, offering a combination of open green space, interactive water features, river views, and proximity to some of DC's best family dining.

The interactive fountain is the main draw for kids. A series of jets built into the ground spray water in patterns that kids quickly figure out and then spend the next hour trying to dodge or run through. On a hot DC summer day, this becomes an impromptu water park.

The fountain area has a small seating area for parents to watch from dry ground. Bring swimsuits and a change of clothes because your children will get completely soaked. This is not a gentle misting situation — these are full-force fountain jets.

Beyond the fountains, the park has a wide manicured lawn that slopes down to the river. Families spread out blankets, toss frisbees, and picnic with views of the Potomac and the Kennedy Center across the water. The walking path along the waterfront is smooth, flat, and stroller-perfect, running about a mile from the park toward Key Bridge.

On the path, you will see rowers, kayakers, and the occasional racing crew team on the river below.

For families with older kids, the Key Bridge Boathouse at the west end of the waterfront rents kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. Paddling the Potomac with the Georgetown skyline behind you and Roosevelt Island ahead is a genuinely scenic experience. Kids about 8 and older can manage a kayak with a parent, and teens can go in their own boats.

Rental prices are reasonable at $20-$30 per hour.

The Georgetown neighborhood itself adds enormous value to a waterfront visit. A 5-minute walk uphill from the park brings you to M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, Georgetown's main shopping and dining corridors. Georgetown Cupcake is a pilgrimage for kids who have seen the show.

The C&O Canal towpath starts here and offers a flat, historic walking and biking path. Book Row on Wisconsin Avenue has multiple independent bookshops that literature-loving kids enjoy.

The practical challenge with Georgetown is parking. The neighborhood has limited street parking, aggressive meter enforcement, and expensive garages. If you are driving, the Georgetown Waterfront Garage on K Street is the closest option at about $15-$20 for 2-3 hours.

The DC Circulator bus is a better option, running from Union Station and other central locations directly to Georgetown. If you are already in DC without a car, rideshare or the bus is the way to go.

For a perfect DC family afternoon, start at the Georgetown Waterfront Park around 3 PM. Let the kids play in the fountains for an hour, walk the waterfront path, then head up to M Street for an early dinner at one of the family-friendly restaurants. Finish with cupcakes and a stroll along the canal before heading back.

It costs almost nothing (just the dinner) and gives your family a break from the monument-heavy sightseeing that dominates most DC trips.