Day trips within 2-hours of DC w/5-month old

[Anonymous]

We want to start doing day trips with our 5-month old now that he is active for longer periods and it is still nice outside. Of course he is interested in anything at this point, so the trip is mostly for us . Can anyone suggest any places that we can go with the baby? Little towns, botanical gardens, parks, nature overlooks, etc?
Also, we'll need to be able to navigate the area in a stroller. Roads in most parks are not paved so it is not convenient for a stroller, and he is getting pretty heavy for the front-carrier.
Thanks a lot!

[Anonymous]

Harper's Ferry in MD fits the bill for most of your requirements... little town - scenic - etc. There is a hike to a scenic overlook- but probably not good for a stroller. Have you tried a Kelty carrier or an Ergo? Lot's more comfy than the front carrier. Annapolis is also fun.

[Anonymous]

I agree, Annapolis is a very good place. If you would like to come to Virginia, there are several places. I'm sure you'll love the following parks and gardens:
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, in Vienna
Great Falls Park, in Great Falls. The overlook is fantastic.
Reston Zoo Park. It's open until November.
Mount Vernon. Home of George Washington.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree, Annapolis is a very good place. If you would like to come to Virginia, there are several places. I'm sure you'll love the following parks and gardens:
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, in Vienna
Great Falls Park, in Great Falls. The overlook is fantastic.
Reston Zoo Park. It's open until November.
Mount Vernon. Home of George Washington.

IMO, Reston Zoo is sort of nasty. Kids love it, but some of the animals are in small cages and it is sort of depressing.

[Anonymous]

14:15 poster here. One more recommendation:
Longwood Botanical Gardens, in Pennsylvania. We've have been there a year ago. There was a great display of pumpkins and as you walk the gardens, you'll find an area kids also love it: a miniture garden with trains. The plant conservatory is absolutely beautiful.

[Anonymous]

I second Mt. Vernon.

We took 4.5 month old DD and it was a beautiful day. She got to look at all the trees, boat ride was fanstastic and relaxing and all the fresh air was great for DD and nap later that day. The museum there was also easily doable since it doesn't take too long to explore.

[Anonymous]

If you can somehow avoid a ton of traffic, Richmond isn't too far away.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks for all your responses. About Mt.Vernon - I thought you can't take the stroller there? Meaning, you can, but the road is bumpy and it kinda goes up & down?

[Anonymous]

You might want to think about getting another carrier that will let you go "off road." We used a framed backpack carrier for our first and an ergo for our second, and in both cases they allowed us to hike and go for longer walks without dealing with a stroller. (Can't remember how old they have to be for either, though...)