I am always excited to learn about something new in my hometown and earlier this summer some good friends invited us to their daughter’s first birthday party where we discovered D.C.’s Yards Park. I am a huge fan and am doing my best to spread the word about this new treasure in the city!

Yards Park is located near the National’s baseball stadium. The Navy Yard metro stop is within walking distance and although there is street parking available, save yourself the hassle and hop on the metro. Click here for a metro map.

Whether you’re looking for a picnic spot, want to let your kids run through a fountain, watch an outdoor movie or listen to live music, this spot has it all.

Yards Park sits on Washington’s other river, the Anacostia River and is a great mix of serene gardens, a walking path along the river and a huge wading pool complete with fountains and a waterfall for the kids.

The wading pool is only 11″ deep so you won’t need your bathing suit, but your kids will definitely want to crawl around and go through the fountains so I would pack one for them. (Don’t forget the swim diaper!)

In addition to the great green space and the water, there are free outdoor activities throughout the year. Click here for a full schedule and start times.

There is a lunch concert each Wednesday through September 5th located at The Fairgrounds on Half Street, SE across from the Navy Yard metro station. Click here for more information.

Another fun lunch time activity in the area is the Truckeroo Food Truck Festival held every Friday starting at 11:00 am, also at The Fairgrounds. Food Trucks are a recent phenomenom in D.C. and each Friday some of the most popular gather at the Fairgrounds for a street party of sorts.

There is an outdoor movie each Thursday located at the corner of New Jersey Avenue, SE and Tingey Street, SE on Tingey Plaza. Tonight’s movie, Muppet Treasure Island, is the last movie for the summer, but if you’re planning a trip to D.C. next summer be sure to check the calendar for upcoming movies. Keep in mind the Thursday movies, although geared towards families, start at sundown or approximately 8:45 pm. This activity may be better for older kids, dependent on bedtimes or just how much your child can sleep through.

The concerts on Friday evenings are located along the Anacostia River, just off Water Street. Click here for a map. Concerts run through September 14th. You can pack a picnic or take advantage of the food provided by Red Apron Butchery, Buzz Bakery, ChurchKey,  Luke’s Lobster, STIX and BBQ Bus.

If you decide you want to pack a picnic these three grocery stores/markets on Capitol Hill will be the most conveniently located: Eastern Market, Yes! Organic Market and Harris Teeter. Eastern Market and Yes! Organic Market are both located at the Eastern Market metro stop and Harris Teeter is located one stop further at the Potomac Avenue metro stop. All three are on the Orange and Blue line. Click here for a metro map so you can plan your trip.

Yards Park is a hopping spot in the summer. Check their calendar before your trip for upcoming events and even if you’re visiting D.C. during another season Yards Park is still a must do.