Turtle in the C&O Canal Pond
THE DMV has something for everyone with the
breadth and variety of scenic, historic and visually
stunning walking, hiking, biking and nature trails.

Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria, VA
Have a
potato sack
race, throw
horseshoes, play
bean bag toss,
lawn bowl, or
fly a kite.

cases, parents with strollers may also race
in the spirit of fun! The motivation in these
family races is not to win prizes or for the
glory of being the best in any specific cate-
gory, but rather to promote active lifestyles
in a way that is friendly and engages all
members of a family.

ENCOURAGEMENT According to Inova Hospital, federal health
guidelines recommend that children and
adults get a minimum amount of physical
activity each week, adding that “one of the
best ways to meet [those] goals is to work on
them as a family.”
Families are encouraged to exercise and
do physical activities outdoors as much as
possible. There is no need to feel pressured
or be in a comparison mode with friends
or neighbors who follow stricter, more
regimented fitness plans. Though there
are benefits to teamwork and weekly
schedules, spontaneity is wonderful, Amanda M. Socci is a mother and
too. Keeping things simple is helpful in freelance writer living in Alexandria, VA.

hike Enjoy the rich
layers of greenery
and wooded areas
found throughout
the D.C. area.

18 WashingtonFAMILY APRIL 2019
addressing the various skill levels and
interests of all age groups.

By thinking outside the box and enjoying
the moment without too many plans, families
can enjoy each other’s company while work-
ing on physical fitness outdoors. Things like
playing frisbee in the yard, walking the dog or
doing a combination of walking, scooter trips
and jogging are all great ways to do fitness.

There are also plenty of old-fashioned
activities that are ready for some family
fun. Things like potato sack races, throw-
ing horseshoes, playing bean bag toss,
lawn bowling and even flying a kite are all
creative ways to get moving and enjoy the
fresh outdoors!
If there are babies and very young children
in the family, it’s great to keep the little ones
in mind by bringing along wagons, stroll-
ers or tricycles. No matter the age, every
member of the family can participate. ■
bike Take a guided tour
with an educational
sightseeing service
that guides families
along the monuments
and places of
historic interest.

run Families can
easily find
family-friendly races and
related fun
activities. move
There is no
need to be in a
comparison mode
with friends or
neighbors who
follow stricter,
more regimented
fitness plans.

IMAGES COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES
RUNNING OPPORTUNITIES
For those who want a stronger physical fit-
ness challenge than just walking, running
is a great way to get moving, get outside
and get the family going on long-distance
adventures! According to Runners World,
scientific research supports the many ben-
efits of running, including: creating hap-
piness, helping with weight management,
strengthening bone mass, promoting mental
sharpness, reducing risks of cancer and
prolonging a person’s life.

In Maryland, the Montgomery County
Road Runners running club is committed to
“community, family and friendship” while
helping people train for marathons and
participate in smaller races.

Throughout the D.C. area, families can
easily find family-friendly races and related
fun activities sponsored by local places of
worship, schools and civic organizations.

These are generally 1K to 5K races and are
intended to be mild, fun races for runners
as young as five up through adults. In some
play Paddle boating on the Tidal Basin