INSIDE NATIONALS PARK BRING THE FAMILY
Even if baseball isn’t your favorite sport, Nationals Park has plenty
to keep you interested on a visit, hosting concerts all summer long
(James Taylor and the Zac Brown Band both have shows scheduled
for summer 2018). No matter what you go to see, be sure to get a look
at the beautiful Japanese Cherry Blossom trees located in the Main
Concourse and the Center Field Plaza, especially in the spring when
they are filled with delicate pink flowers. Check out the white bronze
statues of baseball greats near the Home Plate Gate. Families can have a ball in Southeast, far and beyond the excitement
of attending a Nationals game (and taking that tour with the chance
to throw a pitch or two in the bullpen). If your clan has a serious
daredevil streak, head to the Trapeze School New York’s D.C.
outpost, located on New Jersey Avenue near the Navy Yard. Kids can
experience the All Day Circus Experience (offered on school holidays),
to learn juggling, tumbling, trampoline and — naturally — flying on a
trapeze. No children? The TSNY also has numerous classes for adults.
Plan enough time to stop in to the Budweiser Brew House gastropub
inside the stadium and check out the Budweiser Terrace, with an
elevated center-field view. The Shock Top Bar near Section 205 has
terrific views, too, looking out over third base and the Shake Shack is
the place to be if burgers and shakes are your favorite stadium food. At the Ballpark Boathouse on Potomac Avenue, you’ll find canoes and
kayaks to rent. Take a paddle out onto the Anacostia River and see the
city from a whole new perspective. Kids can even take sailing lessons
during the summer, as the company offers summer sailing camps
(adults can take classes, too). For bicycle rentals that are perfect for a
family pedal along the Anacostia Riverwalk, which goers for 20 miles
on both sides of the river, try Conte’s Bike Shop on 4th Street for a
wide variety of rental choices.
If you are a baseball fan, then book one of the daily tours of the
stadium, offered from April to November, to see all the behind-the-
scenes areas and even (on non-game days) get a chance to throw a
pitch in the Nationals bullpen. Tours are offered on both game and
non-game days.
FOOD & DRINK
There’s lots more to do in the Southeast neighborhood around the
stadium and on the wat