glen echo park

299pe

Great spot to enjoy time with the family or take in a class. Dances on weekends and lots of space to pack a lunch and blanket.

rollieb843

You need to go to Glen Echo Park at some point for some reason. Just Google the history to get a little background and then you can head over to see the well preserved remains of an amusement park. If you go during the day it can be fun and bright... if you go at night it can almost be creepy and ominous. Now, that's just the location itself. On Saturday nights there is swing dancing (that's why I go, its fun, you should try it once). I think there are other types of dancing other nights, but those aren't my thing. There are fine arts classes, exhibits, and shows there as well. I have never done it, but apparently on Tuesday nights there is photo development and photography classes (I think). It is also a great venue for receptions and parties. Given its history and diverse activities (oh, I almost forgot the carousel is open in the summer) everyone should go there at least once just to see it. It is free to park, free to walk around, but some activities or dances can cost a little. All in all, if you go to their website you can find something there you like and make an afternoon or evening out of it.

Negril_Rob

We attended a wedding reception at the Bumper Car Pavilion on Halloween; what a great location for a wedding reception for about 200 friends and family. The Bumper Car Pavilion was built in 1923 as an attraction when Glen Echo Park was an amusement park. It seems to be restored to its original natural state and there is an example of the bumper cars used at that time. The Pavilion is an ideal location when the weather is mild because it is barely heated and not air conditioned. Halloween is hit or miss for good weather and we were lucky that it wasn't really that cold. The catering was super and the dance floor is built in with a stage for live music. I will definitely go back to explore this art deco throwback National Park in the springtime and during the day. This is worth more than a look and check out the Clara Barton national historic site while you are there.

seramigo

Wonderful park in Glen Echo. A very old carousel that is open on weekends(minimal charge) nice children's playground, art gallery and both glassblowing & pottery exhibits to visit!

BeachGrandmax4

My family just attended a wedding a Glen Echo Park. What a beautiful venue for a wedding. We were given tickets to ride the carousel and this was enjoyed by adults and children alike. If you stop and listen, you can almost hear the sounds of all the people who've been entertained in this park over the years. The National Park Service has done an amazing job maintaining this beautiful piece of history.

NancyP20147

We went to visit Clara Barton National Historic Site and visited Glen Echo while we were there. The park looks like it belongs in the roaring twenties with the art deco theme. There are several buildings in the park but they look like they're seldom used. The best part of the park is the Merry go round.

ltsjdad

...an amusement park. The roller coaster and the pool were why we came. My father used to run streetcars to the park. Nice place to take kids now with the Adventure Theater. Dancing in the Spanish Ballroom is always a good idea. Although the ballroom is NOT Air Conditioned. It does get hot in there.

MagicalTravels

Glen Echo Park is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. My friends and I have seen 2 puppet shows (the Puppet Co.) and they've been delightful. The carousel is absolutely beautiful and it's fun to ride. I've eaten delicious food in the cafe and enjoyed visiting the artists' studios as well. The house of Clara Barton, the Red Cross founder, is interesting to tour (free). A great place for adults and children.

jrjojo

The "new" Glen Echo Park offers attractions for the entire family. Load of parking and accessible to all.

bishkek09

The Puppet Company is what brought us here but the beautiful grounds and carousel is what will bring us back. We had a nice stroll and the kids enjoyed the playground. Beautiful venue for a wedding or family get-together and not too crowded on a warm, Sunday afternoon.

Miyelani

The carousel house houses one of only 12 calliopes like it in the world. Wonderful to experience it and the carousel. Hand carved animals, lovingly restored. $1.25 gets you a ride! 3 Jr. Ranger programs here-- one for under 6, one for over 6 and a civil right's one. Lots to learn. Combine with Clara Barton House- a great way to spend the day.

howho

the front facade promises a nice trip to the art deco past, however there are very few places that are open within it during the week so there is not much to enjoy. its probably more like a trip down memory lane for some - overall, its not a bad place for an hour's walk, but aside form the buildings there doesn't eem to be anything else to do.

193jaya

I'm sure the shows and arts programs are fun, but if you're just going here for play, you will be disappointed. Hard to get to, and not much to do beyond the carousel, which is admittedly cool. Otherwise, the playground is small and lacking in playsets. Maybe this was fun 50 years ago, but my 5 and 2 year olds were bored to death. Save the time and go to Cabin John or Wheaton. Not worth the trip.

blue72jay

Old amusement park that is now a National Park. One of the greatest assets of the park is the Spanish Ballroom that is used on weekend for dances open to the public. There is a beautiful merry-go-round. Also the old bumper car pavilion is used for events as well.

Pnemiller

The National Park Service operates this great place that used to be an amusement park. There are still things from years ago like a 1921 carousel and a large 1935 Spanish ballroom. They offer classes and programs, such as weekly concerts during the summer. The park opened in the late 1800s and there is an interesting film about its history. We had an excellent lunch at the cafe. Split a delicious Cabin Club sandwich for $8. There is no cost to visit this park.