There’s nothing better than cooling off with clear, flowing waters on a hot day. In the summer, getting off land is a great way to feel better, enjoy the season, and explore the great doors — whether that includes learning about invasive aquatic species by boat or running through a local splash pad. Luckily for its residents and visitors, Prince George’s has plenty of these spaces open for discovery.

Try one of these 10 activities on the water in Prince George’s:

  1. Get the experience of having your own boat without worrying about any of the maintenance, dock fees, or insurance. The Carefree Boat Club has a launch site at the National Harbor. From there, dock staff will assist you with any kind of boat, all year long.
  2. Bring your fishing rods and tackle boxes to the Cedar Haven Fishing Area along the Patuxent River. The Aquasco spot rests near the Patuxent River Park South, where Jacks Creek leads into the larger river.
  3. The Bridging the Watershed student outdoor field studies program has returned to the Alice Ferguson Foundation. Register your middle and high school students now to learn more about water quality, biological monitoring, invasive species, human impacts on the environment, and much more.
  4. Pack your canoe and head to the Gardener Canoe Launch at Governors Bridge, which sets into the Patuxent River. On your way out, stop by the pollinator meadow to search for butterflies and bees.
  5. Explore the Bladensburg Waterfront Park along the Anacostia River by boat or foot. The Anacostia Tributary Trail System and the Anacostia River Trail weave through the waterways, and kayak rentals are available to anyone wanting to get on the water.
  6. Families who visit the North Barnaby Splash Park will be treated to an aqua climbing wall, two outdoor pools, a tipping-buckets waterfall, and a waterslide. This all-ages splash park is an accessible and family-friendly summer spot.
  7. Take part in one of the specialty boat tours throughout the summer at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. On July 17, the park will host a pontoon boat trip for the Senior Lunch Bunch, and on July 30, visitors can take part in a Fish Trip River Excursion — rods and bait will be provided. Registration is required.
  8. Picnic along the shore at the Patuxent River Park — or bring your whole party there after reserving one of the pavilions. The park holds over 7,800 acres of riverside parkland, where you can camp, fish, or boat.
  9. If you want views of the water but don’t feel like getting out on the waves yourself, book a seat on the Capital Wheel. The National Harbor attraction provides unrivaled views over the Potomac River, along with many of the region’s top sites, including the Washington Monument.
  10. Paddle into a campground at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. There are two primitive campsites at the park’s Emory Waters Nature Preserve. Fall asleep by the rolling river, join a bird walking tour, or volunteer for a Field Work Friday.

 

Get more outdoor time in Prince George’s during these nature-focused activities.