Article Text
With the school year ending, McLean-area families and friends have plenty of nearby options for summer adventures. From rooftop mini golf and shaded trails to beaches and carnival rides, these seven destinations offer ways to stay active, cool off or simply relax.
Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole
About 19 minutes from McLean High School, the Water Mine offers slides, spray features and a lazy river. Tickets cost around $22, and attractions are available for a range of ages. The combination of energetic rides and quieter areas makes the water park a versatile choice on hot days.
Perch Putt
Perch Putt is an 18-hole rooftop miniature golf course atop Capital One Center, roughly nine minutes from McLean. Admission is about $17, while children younger than 6 can enter free. Its outdoor setting, city views and laid-back atmosphere are particularly suited to summer evenings with friends.
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
Approximately 12 minutes from McLean High School, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve features a scenic hiking loop, waterfalls and views of the Potomac River. Admission is free, although parts of the preserve may temporarily close for maintenance. Shaded trails and water features provide a welcome escape from the summer heat.
Sandy Point State Park
Sandy Point State Park is about an hour and 20 minutes from McLean. Located along the Chesapeake Bay, the park includes a beach, swimming areas and views of the Bay Bridge.
Summer entry costs around $4 to $5 per person. Visitors can spend a full day swimming, fishing or walking along the sandy shoreline, creating a beach getaway without a longer vacation trip.
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair in Gaithersburg is about 38 minutes from McLean High School. Running from Aug. 14 through Aug. 22, the annual event features rides, food, live entertainment and more than 5,000 animals.
Admission ranges from about $13 to $18, with rides and parking costing extra. Carnival games, concerts and other attractions give visitors a broad selection of activities.
Gravelly Point
About 30 minutes from McLean, Gravelly Point is a free riverside park known for close views of aircraft landing at Reagan National Airport. The park also has picnic areas, bike trails and open fields.
Visitors can watch planes pass overhead, gather for a picnic or stay for sunset beside the water.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
The Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., is approximately 35 minutes from McLean High School. Admission is free, but visitors must reserve complimentary passes online before arriving.
With more than 2,000 animals and numerous exhibits, the zoo offers hours of outdoor walking, exploration and learning.