# Great Falls Park: Potomac River Gorge Rapids & Frozen Falls Family Nature Trails

> Place to go for families in the Washington–Arlington–Alexandria area (DC / VA / MD / WV). Times are Eastern Time.

- When: Park grounds open daily 7:00 AM to sunset; Visitor Center open daily 10:00 AM–4:00 PM…
- Dates: Tue, Dec 1 – Sun, Feb 28
- Where: Great Falls Park (National Park Service), 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102
- Ages: All ages; Overlooks 2 & 3 and Patowmack Canal trails are stroller-friendly; stay strictly on marked boardwalks and fenced overlooks with children
- Price: $20 per vehicle (valid for 7 consecutive days and covers entry to both Great Falls Park VA and C&O Canal NHP MD); Free with America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass
- Schedule: Park grounds open daily 7:00 AM to sunset; Visitor Center open daily 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; Closed Christmas Day Dec 25
- Organizer: National Park Service (NPS)
- Official page: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74295
- Last checked: Wed, Nov 4

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/great-falls-park-potomac-river-gorge-rapids-and-frozen-falls-family-na--listing-eda458f74be4942950d2dda6

## About

Located only 15 miles west of downtown DC along the border of McLean, Virginia and Potomac, Maryland, Great Falls Park offers one of the most breathtaking winter natural spectacles on the East Coast. During cold snaps, the Potomac River's mighty Class V-VI whitewater rapids surge through the narrow Mather Gorge, forming dramatic hanging ice sheets, frozen cascades, and frosted river cliffs.

Families with strollers will find the Virginia side exceptionally accessible: Overlooks 2 and 3 feature wide, level wooden boardwalks leading directly to panoramic viewing platforms above the thundering falls. The historic Patowmack Canal Trail provides an easy 1.5-mile, flat family walk among canal locks designed by George Washington. Heated restrooms and educational displays are located inside the park visitor center.

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