Standing at the base of the hill, looking up, our usual hiking trail looked a lot steeper than I thought when it was covered in snow. My kids couldn’t wait, as the first snow in D.C. began to fall, so off we went with sleds in tow.
From high school sports fields, county parks and state parks to tiny neighborhood hills that pack a lot of fun, D.C. sledding never disappoints.
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Secret sledding spots in Washington D.C.
There are loads of secret spots in D.C. neighborhoods and the surrounding suburbs. My kids have refused to let me share their spot in our neighborhood that they go to with friends.
Let’s just say, like all snow hills kids love, ours is called “Dead Man’s Hill.” And here I thought that was in Philadelphia where I used to sled as a kid.
It’s not hard to find your own hill though if you just wander around your own neighborhood, whether you live in the District or D.C. suburbs.
Sledding in D.C. Streets
A Word of Warning: Do not sled in the street!
Cars could still be on the road, and if they aren’t then the snow plows are out. You don’t want to wipe out and then get run over by a truck. Trust me, that is not the way to celebrate snow in Washington, D.C.
Stick the hills and you will have way more fun.
Sledding in Washington DC
U.S. Capitol Sledding
- Address: First St SE, Washington, DC 20004
Sledding on Capitol Hill has long been a favorite spot for D.C. families to visit, which was finally legalized in 2016.
There had been a ban on this favorite toboggan run it for years, but after kids were chased away by Capitol police on a snow day in 2015, supposedly on the order of two congressmen, politicians decided to look at this ancient 1876 law again.
Families went sledding in defiance shortly after the incident with the kids, which drew more attention to the arcane law. A little policy change tacked onto a spending bill championed by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and signed by President Obama, gave families and children the right to enjoy a sled ride on the capitol grounds without worry of being arrested.
Now, as long as the Capitol grounds are open, Capitol police allow sledding on this famous hill.
Rock Creek Park
- Address: Military Road entrance, or anywhere you can find a spot in this massive D.C. park.
Although there are loads of spots to go sledding in Washington, D.C., your best bet is to take the metro to Dupont Circle and head into the park. You will find a steep hill to fling yourself down right inside Rock Creek Park.
The Military road entrance of Rock Creek Park is also known to have some great hills for runners, which means we are ready to hit those hills when winter snow hits the top of the hills too. Just be mindful of rocks and other hidden obstacles under the snow.
When in doubt, follow people all across the city crossing 16th Street NW to go sledding in Rock Creek Park. Grab a sled and go find your spot too.
Battery Kemble Park
- Address: 3035 Chain Bridge Rd NW, Washington, DC 20016
Although Battery Kemble Park is in a residential neighborhood, it’s become more popular as it has been written up on every “Best sledding hills in D.C.” list on the web.
Thankfully, since it is a bit more remote than the National Mall, you will still see mostly locals and not get as many visitors to this part of town. Enjoy a bit of outdoor winter fun for kids of all ages, whether you bring a sled or snow tube down the hill.
You may even see people skiing down this hill thanks to a steep decline. Even if you don’t enjoy winter sports, hang out at the bottom of the hill to watch people zoom past. Keep an eye out for rowdy older kids though, and stay far to the side so you don’t get hit.
Fort Reno Park
- Address: 4000 Chesapeake St NW, Washington, DC 20016
Over in Tenleytown, you will find the highest point in D.C. with one heck of a sledding hill.
Fort Bayard Park
- Address: Washington, DC 20016
North of American University you will find Fort Bayard Park. The grassy hills are perfect for family-fun in winter. The sled rides are long, but not too steep, making it perfect for younger kids who are a bit timid.
Fort Dupont Park
- Address: Minnesota Ave SE, Washington, DC 20019
One of the city’s largest parks, means there is plenty of space for everyone to go sledding. Located on the eastern side of the city near the Dupont Park and Greenway neighborhoods, you can easily pop over to Navy Yard for hot chocolate after you are finished playing in the snow.
National Mall
- Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20024
While it’s not the best spot, we have seen people sledding down the tiny hills to the left of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool just before you get to the Vietnam Memorial. The National Mall is much better for building snowmen and having a snowball fight though.
Book Hill Park
- Address: Wisconsin Ave NW & Reservoir Road Northwest, Washington, DC 20007
Just behind the Georgetown Library, you will find a nice steep hill to throw yourself down, whether you use a traditional sled, plastic disc or even a metal cookie sheet, all of which we have seen used when snow hits D.C.
Hearst Recreation Center
- Address: 3701, 3999 37th St NW, Washington, DC 20008
Parents won’t have to worry about their kids hitting the street at Hearst Recreation Center. The steep, but short, sledding hill runs right into the soccer field. Despite the fact that the field was renovated, the sledding hill has remained untouched so neighbors can still enjoy the rec center grounds in the snow.
Keep your eyes peeled for cross-country skiers too; Hearst is a great spot to break out your skis!
Volta Park
- Address: 1555 34th St NW, Washington, DC 20007
There is a small hill for little ones to enjoy in the northwest corner of the park.
Montrose Park hill
- Address: 3052 R St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Head to the hill off the north side of Montrose Park for a fun ride in the snow.
Lots of snow? Go Washington DC sledding here!
Meridian Hill Park
- Address: 16th St NW &, W St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Meridian Hill Park can be an amazing spot to go sledding… if we get enough snow. Grab your sled and a spot in line at the top of the steps near the cascading fountain.
Lincoln Memorial
- Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002
During Superstorn Jonas in 2016, you could find locals sledding down the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. This was a rare site indeed, but when three feet of snow are dumped on the nation’s capital and the capital shuts down, you find hills wherever you can get them.
Enjoy more winter fun at our favorite outdoor ice rinks in D.C.
Sledding in Maryland (just outside D.C.)
Sligo Creek Golf Course
- Address: 9701 Sligo Creek Pkwy, Silver Spring, MD 20901
McKenny Hills Park
- Address: 2515 Hayden Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20902
Rockville Civic Center
- Address: 603 Edmonston Dr, Rockville, MD 20851
Tilden Woods Local Park
- Address: 6800 Tilden Ln, Rockville, MD 20852
Washington D.C. Temple
- Address: 9900 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensington, MD 20895
Next to the Mormon Temple in Kensington, MD, is a nice plot of land with a gentle hill perfect for little ones.
Takoma Park Middle School
- Address: 7611 Piney Branch Rd, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Wheaton Regional Park
- Address: 2000 Shorefield Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902
Pine Crest Elementary School
- Address: 201 Woodmoor Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20901
Carderock Recreation area
- Address: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, Potomac, MD 20854
Pine Cliff Park
- Address: 8350 Pinecliff Park Rd, Frederick, MD 21704
Best Montgomery County, MD Sledding Hills
- Agricultural History Farm Park (by Bluebird Garden at the lower parking lot near Activity Center)
- Avenel Local Park
- Ayrlawn Local Park
- Damascus Recreational Park (hillside near tennis court parking lot on Kings Valley Road)
- Hillmead Neighborhood Park
- Norwood Local Park
- Pilgrim Hills Local Park
- South Germantown Recreational Park (hill behind Field F and hillside between Mooseum and TennisPlex)
- Stratton Local Park
- Woodacres Local Park
Sledding in Virginia (close to D.C.)
Masonic Temple
- Address: 101 Callahan Dr, Alexandria, VA 22301
Bluemont Park
- Address: 601 N Manchester St, Arlington, VA 22203
Mason District Park
- Address: 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
Tuckahoe Park
- Address: 2400 N Sycamore St, Arlington, VA 22207
Lake Fairfax Park
- Address: 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr, Reston, VA 20190
Jefferson Manor Park
- Address: Alexandria, VA 22303
Netherlands Carillon
- Address: Arlington, VA 22209 (off North Marshall Drive and N Meade Street)
