Potomac Overlook Regional Park with Kids in Arlington
Sometimes you just need a little dose of nature without a big drive. We spent the morning at Potomac Overlook Regional Park in Arlington, Virginia, and it was exactly the kind of low-key, outdoor adventure I love with my kids. Tucked into the woods but only a short drive from D.C., this park offers peaceful trails, a charming nature center, and even live birds of prey.
Potomac Overlook Regional Park Table of Contents
Why We Loved Potomac Overlook Regional Park as a Family
What makes Potomac Overlook so great for families is how many different things there are to do—all at a pace that works for little legs and curious minds.
Nature Center at Potomac Overlook Regional Park:
The highlight for us was the Nature Center. Inside, kids can explore hands-on exhibits about local ecosystems, see live snakes and turtles, and peek into aquariums. My kids loved spotting the different reptiles and playing the interactive games.
Birds of Prey Enclosures at Potoamc Overlook:
Just outside the Nature Center, we saw several live birds of prey—hawks and owls—that had been rescued and rehabilitated. This sparked a whole conversation about wildlife rescue and conservation, which felt like such a cool learning moment.
Potomac Wooded Trails:
The park has a mix of easy trails and shaded paths. We kept it simple with a short loop, but there are plenty of trails to explore if you have older kids or baby carriers.
Play Area:
There’s a little natural play space with logs and stumps for climbing. It’s not a traditional playground, but it still gives kids a chance to run and scramble around.
Accessibility at Potomac Overlook Regional Park Arlington Virginia
The park itself is thoughtfully maintained and the Nature Center is accessible, but here's something I didn’t realize ahead of time: it's a bit of a walk from the parking lot—about 0.3 miles down a hill. Not a problem for us with a stroller, but I did see others drop off family members closer to the center, which is definitely the way to go if mobility is a concern. I believe you're allowed to drive down for drop-off before parking back up at the lot.
Know Before You Go to Potomac Overlook
- Bathrooms: There are restrooms near the Nature Center.
- Stroller-Friendly? Yes, especially the paved path to the Nature Center, though some trails are more rustic.
- Admission: Free!
- Hours: The park grounds are open dawn to dusk. The Nature Center has specific hours, so it’s worth checking before you go.
- Parking: Free, but limited. Arrive early on weekends.
Nearby Activities to Potomac Overlook Park
- Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park
- Long Branch Nature Center
- Glencarlyn Park (amazing playground!)
- Turkey Run Park
