A fantastic outdoor escape doesn’t need to take you far from home to make a big impact. A day in nature, surrounded by green trees and blue water, can bring a calm and stillness to your day and your mind — and that can happen not too far from the hustle and bustle of the city. In Prince George’s, you’re never far from a gorgeous green space.
Visit one of these 10 easy-to-find, easy-to-enjoy Prince George’s parks:
- Aquasco Farm is an active agricultural site farmed with the best management and soil-protection practices. The goal of the 840-acre space is to protect the land while continuing the tradition of this part of Prince George’s. Visitors can hike the land, and hunters will also find designated spaces for bow, muzzleloader, and shotgun use.
- Get ready for water-centric activities at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. At this natural space, you can rent kayaks or canoes, head out on a fishing trip, enjoy a picnic along the riverbank, or participate in an educational pontoon boat tour. For a larger group, the pavilion is available for rental.
- Bring the kids to Cherryvale Park to climb, slide, and swing through its modern playscape. The playground at the park includes winding monkey bars, multiple slides, wobbly climbing ladders, and more kid-friendly challenges. Pack a dinner or lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic tables.
- When visitors walk through Dinosaur Park, they walk the same paths that dinosaurs did millions of years ago. Scientists and archaeologists have discovered the bones and teeth of the Maryland state dinosaur, Astrodon Johnstoni, at the site, along with early flowering plants. Take part in one of the hands-on public programs that support this important preservation.
- Fairwood Park is all about community. Visit the park for one of its many community events, from music festivals to summer performances. Stay for the basketball courts, soccer fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- While the space was once an active sand and gravel mine, Governor Bridge Natural Area and Canoe Launch is now a flourishing space for flora, fauna, and nature lovers. The eight-acre lake is home to large-mouth bass, and the loop trail that encircles the lake is open for hikers, cyclers, and fishers. Explore the park by water or land to experience its beauty.
- Families with kids, basketball players, and nature lovers will all enjoy themselves at Highland Gardens Park. The walking paths are paved and accessible, and the playground has plenty of space for fun.
- Fishing can be an inclusive activity, and it is at Lake Artemesia Natural Area. The fishing pier at the 38-acre lake is accessible, allowing anyone with a non-tidal fishing license the opportunity to participate. There are also two miles of hiker/biker trails around the lake, and there are accessible trails from College Park or Berwyn Heights.
- The meticulously developed Largo Town Center Park boasts well-groomed gardens, gorgeous fountains, and carefully paved paths. Grab a coffee and take a moment in front of the water features or flowers to start your day off right.
- There’s plenty of green space at Marlboro Meadows Park, where visitors will find playground equipment, basketball courts, baseball fields, tennis courts, and picnic areas. The basketball courts and picnic pavilions are also available for rental for bigger groups or events.
Continue your adventures by joining one of these outdoor activities in Prince George’s