Amazing park at the site of a former chataqua. The adjacent Clara Barton House as part of the park as well. The Clara Barton House tours are free and very informative. The galleries are free as well. They also have a ballroom, an aquarium, a playground, and a puppet theater as well. Last time we went to the Irish Inn, the only onsite restaurant for dinner, which both amazing and very old school yet accessible for my friend's wheelchair. read more

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I recently heard of Glen Echo Park, and on arrival, I discovered thats its also has an Arts and Cultural center, an aquarium, and includes several local historic landmarks and trails. Even though I was there to attend a friend's daughter's birthday party, I didn't get the chance to explore the entire park, but it's very scenic and there's a carousel!! There's also several picnic tables and outdoor seating. I briefly saw a wedding party taking pictures, and preparing for their ceremony. My friend rented out a room in the Arts and Culture building to hold her daughter's birthday festivities, and the center provided tables and chairs. But the set up and cleanup are the renter's responsibility. Overall, the park is well maintained and has plenty of free parking. The crowd is family friendly and the staff seem professional and accommodating. In terms of the other visitors at the park, there's not a ton of diversity, so I did immediately recognize the stares (may be not all with bad intentions-perhaps curiosity), and the exaggerated locking of car doors as we were walking to our cars, but I'll let people make their own opinions. And this observation is absolutely not a reflection of the park, but reminder of how people operate out of their own ignorance. Overall, I highly recommend visiting this park, and even for booking an event, it's beautiful inside...and did I mention there's plenty of parking! read more

Glen Echo Park - book a room to host events (birthday parties) in the main arts and culture bldg - Parks Near Me - Glen Echo, Maryland

This is such a cool, historic park. I was here once over the summer for a friend's picnic bday and got to see the playground and some other parts. Tonight, I was there for dancing in the Spanish Ballroom. It's $20 if you buy tickets in advance and $30 if you buy there. The teachers were entertaining and taught us newbies the basic steps in a fun way. The space itself is big and beautiful, but COLD. It's motivation to dance more! You get to meet everyone as you rotate dancers at the beginner lesson. If you're hungry or thirsty, there's a cafe with sandwiches, baked goods, snacks and beverages. I plan to return and honestly can't believe I waited this long to go. read more

Glen Echo Park - Parks Near Me - Glen Echo, Maryland

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Really fun and quirky! It used to be an amusement park and is now an arts and culture center. The 100 year old carousel is still running and you can ride for $2 a person. Many of the artists showcase and sell their art in yurts on the property and there's a lot of beautiful pieces from local artists. There are also plays and other events held in what was an old arcade. It's a really fun place to wander! read more

Glen Echo Park - Carousel organ - Parks Near Me - Glen Echo, Maryland

This place used to be an amusement park. Now this place is an artistic and cultural event center. We enjoyed our visit here. Plenty of parking space. read more

Glen Echo Park - Parks Near Me - Glen Echo, Maryland

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If you ever wanted to step into a vintage amusement park set, Glen Echo Park is your spot! It was one of the premier social spots in the 1960's featuring a giant pool, merry-go-round, carousel and other amusement park rides and may of the art deco buildings still stand even to this day. We recently stopped by their onsite aquarium for a quick tour but one of the highlights was exploring a nearly empty park! My family loved looking at all the architecture, picnicking, and playing for hours on their playground. There is many things to see and do, which is made this such a wonderful COVID safe activity for everyone. Bathrooms are open and they even had running hot water which was treat since the weather was a bit chilly. While the area was pretty empty, we saw a few local photographers taking photos and clay artists throwing pottery outside the UFO looking buildings. I can't wait to go back and take advantage of their puppet show theatre and carousel once things open up again! read more

This place used to be an amusement park. Now, the park has turned into an artistic, cultural, and event center. The only remider of its former identity is the magnificent working carousel. The interior of the buildings were remodeled to theater, dance room, art classrooms, and galleries. All types of art were represented and for sale in the various galleries. Some outdoor spaces were used for dance, concert, and special events. It was a leisurely sightseeing tour for us, and we enjoyed it tremendously. read more

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Grand opening occurred recently! I visited here on a Saturday evening where there was a photographer-model event here. There is free parking in the back parking lot of Glen Echo Park. If you go toward the front part, the parking is reserved or for the restaurant. The parking for Glen Echo Park is at: 5998-5900 Oxford Rd, Glen Echo, MD 20812. It is across from a 7-Eleven, so you could stop by to grab some beverages or snacks before you hit the park. There were plenty of locations where we could shoot here, including a rock wall, Merry Go Round/carousel (need to purchase a ticket), trees/plants, and even a rooftop you could walk up to in order to get a better view of the park. When I was there, a wedding was also held. The photos were shot by @andrew_weiner_photography. P.S. As a photo idea, because the carousel is lit up, if you use long exposure, you can "light paint" with the carousel at night time. read more

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My fiancé, kids and I took engagement pictures at Glen Echo Park in 2019. I selected the park because of the unique scenery, especially the movie theater and the carousel. Unfortunately, the carousel was closed for repairs when we scheduled our photo shoot in 2019, which was quite disappointing, but we made the best of the areas which were open. I especially looked the "cuddle up" sign, which gave me old-fashion vibes! I have plan of visiting the park again in spring of 2021, with the hope that we can take a few professional photos on the carousel! We had to obtain a permit to shoot at the park. This permit was very affordable, considering we were not charged a fee for shooting in the park. The staff was also very helpful and accommodating whenever I contacted them with questions. If you are looking for a venue for your special day, they also have a beautiful Spanish ballroom, which the rent out for weddings. The park also hosts other events such as classes and shows. All and all, the park offers a quaint and unique experience! read more

Glen Echo Park - Parks Near Me - Glen Echo, Maryland

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Historically speaking, what a rich past this place has had! I really enjoyed reading all the details of its several incarnations. Modern day speaking, though, I can't say too much. It looks like it's probably fun-ish, at least when the carousel reopens. But it's hard to tell what other "attractions" are functional and were simply closed on Saturday, 9/28. The shooting gallery, as the rest of the arcade, seems disused. I like the artists-in-residence but aside from the aquarium & carousel, I can see my grandkids (7&10) whining that there's nothing to DO. It's a pretty area, and the seem to host events. I did tell DD that we should bring the kids next spring, to hike nearby and ride the carousel. read more

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Glen Echo Park is a fascinating piece of DC area history. It served as the main amusement park in the DC area in the early 20th century. Just outside of NW DC along the Potomac River, it attracted thousands. Inside the park was a pool called Crystal Pool that had a sandy beach and could house 3,000 people. It was HUGE! Sadly, the park was segregated. In the 1960s, Howard University students staged sit-ins and finally, the park was desegregated. Sadly, around the same time, the trolly from Georgetown was discontinued. The park closed down a few years later due to poor attendance. The park is now under the National Park Services and managed by the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture. Because of their creativity and care, there's a lot to do at the park. There's an indoor and outdoor dance area (that hosts frequent dancing), a puppet show area, art studios in yurts, a small aquarium and so much more. Nearby is the Clara Barton (the first president of the Red Cross) historical home. If you want a chill weekend with family, take them here. The sites are interesting and there's plenty to do for kids. My wife, daughter, and I even had a picnic here and ate as my daughter played on the playground. read more

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Even though it's "just a park" now, Glen Echo used to be a legit amusement park over 100 years ago. You'll see relics of that era like what used to be a swimming pool surrounded by sand, the old bumper car pavillion, the Spanish ballroom, and the carousel. And there's plenty of things for kids to love too! The carousel is currently 101 years old, and it's amazing to ride it and imagine that people were riding this same thing over 100 years ago. It's been restored, but you can see the huge organ playing music, the paintings on the interior of the carousel, and the hand painted horses. This privilege for just $2 a ride, or $5 for an all day pass. My kids of course love the carousel, but they love the playground even more. It's got lots of cool structures that you don't see on normal playgrounds so there's a lot of novelty for my kids. There's also another playground with a sea theme closer to the huge parking lot, and within that playground, there's a tiny aquarium. Yes, it is just a room with fish tanks, but the guide is enthusiastic to make up for it. There's also a puppet theater on the other side of the park where you can catch shows with your kids for a reasonable price. After you've worn your kids out with all these activities, you can sit at the many picnic benches for a picnic lunch with your kiddos. Overall, it's a great way to keep your kids entertained for a long morning or an easygoing day outside! read more

We came here during their off season. Tons of free parking and great space to walk your pets / stroll around with the family. The location gives a retro view of what the environment looked like back in the 80s / 90s. This isn't a bad thing at all. It's really nice to walk around and explore this park. The park itself is very clean and has a lot of charm to it. Once the weather gets warmer, this place is quite popular with many attractions for kids to check out. There is an aquarium here, however it was closed when we arrived here. Probably closed for the holidays. If you come here. Please be sure to dress up whether it's hot / cold. There are a few shops within the park if you want to shop. They also have a playground for little kids to play. If you are in town, definitely consider checking this place out. read more

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Important info about age restrictions for the Glen Echo Carousel in this review! We love Glen Echo-- I could go on and on about all its features, but this review is really about the beautiful Dentzel Carousel. Ever since my kid's first carousel ride at about 15 months (which may have been on this one), she's been a bit of an enthusiast. So we've been to Wheaton, the National Mall, Clemyjontri, the National Zoo and countless others... In my opinion, this is the best carousel in the DMV. Best maintained, most beautiful, moderately-fast ride, totally decent amount of ride time, and the piece de resistance-- the fantastic old carousel organ instead of some cheesy old CD on repeat. I believe it is also (in non-COVID times-- for now they require a wristband for $5) the cheapest carousel per ride, WITH ONE BIG CAVEAT. This carousel has the highest age requirement for kids riding alone I've ever seen. And the annoying thing is, I have never seen this information posted anywhere online, including on the official site. So my kid-- now 8!-- suggested I do the world a public service and post it here. Kids "6 and under" must be accompanied by an adult. One may infer this means that you must be 7 to ride alone. Most other carousels have lower age limits, mere suggestions, or height limits that correspond to ages around 4-5. My kid was easily able to get herself off and on every carousel and to behave responsibly by age 4, but certainly almost every kid should be able to do this by 5 or so. None of this matters all that much, in my opinion. Except that 1) if you have to buy 2 tickets per ride, it becomes one of the most expensive carousels in the area and 2) what if you (the adult) get motion sick, use a wheelchair, or otherwise can't easily ride the carousel? I'm thinking primarily of grandparents, but after 35, most of our vestibular systems ain't what they used to be. That means your capable 5- or 6-year-old may not be able to ride, or you may have to suffer. None of this takes away from the fantastic old carousel itself-- 100 this year! It's a 5-star feature, for sure. Of the ones I've enjoyed, I think only the indoor carousel at Trimper's in Ocean City is more beautiful, and the only longer/faster ride is in Wheaton. I will add just a couple more points for those planning a visit. -The old carousel organ is VERY LOUD. I'm pretty sensitive to loud noises and I find it tolerable, but just barely so. Most people will be fine with it (though good luck trying to talk with your kid during the ride), but those on the spectrum or otherwise very sensitive to loud noises, be forewarned. -As alluded to, it's a 100-year-old carousel, and is thus not really accessible. There are stationary horses and a few other animals (big cats, deer, a couple bunnies that move, etc.) and a couple of couch-like seats. But you will have to step up to get on the platform at all. -The oldest horse is specially-preserved and no one may ride on it. FYI, it has a medallion of a stereotypical generic "Plains" Native man, fairly typical of the time, and I'm not a fan. But if that's a dealbreaker, now you know. read more

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As a kid in the in the early-mid 1950's my sister and I always enjoyed the park. As we grew up we would reach out to grab for Brass Rings on the Merry Go Round. The Big Dipper was also a favorite. read more

7/21/20 Walking around this amusement park in it former glory can be a little depressing. I remember seeing pictures of this amusement park and guess what caught me eye. The roller coaster and the water park Unfortunately, if I could have gone back in those times, I would been kicked...denied entrance to this amusement park for being a negro...asians and people with darker skintones too. That was then, this is now. The pool is a former shell of itself, but the gates are still very much alive. I even remember seeing leftover concrete in this pool section, before Glen Echo clean out the cement in the pool area. Now it is just grass growing there now. As we walked around killing time, I looked at where the bumper cars use to be. As a kid it was one of the last rides in operation in the earlier 80's. Now the only ride still alive for now is the merry go round. With this Coronavirus outbreak going on, not much is open unless you wish to do sculpting, pottery or jewelry making. For that you will need to get intouch with Glen Echo. Well time is up on memory lane. Gotta go to the Irish Inn at Glen Echo park. read more

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The vibe at Glen Echo Park was really neat. There is a public parking lot that is shared with the Clara Barton National Historic Site, and from there you cross a bridge over a pretty stream area to access the park. There's a very cute looking little aquarium with a playground. Unfortunately, it was closed on our visit or we would have been interested to check it out further. The historic buildings, fonts and designs were really neat to see. It must have been a fun amusement park before it closed down. Now, it has become an artist village, with a nice variety of art styles spread out around the park. There is a picnic area with several picnic tables available, plus a little bakery and a very nice playground. The carousel was still closed for the season, but it looks like a very nice one from what we could see. It was also interesting to learn about the civil rights protest that took place here, memorialized with a plaque, in order to desegregate the amusement park. read more

Glen Echo Park is comprised of nine acres in Tye town of Glen Echo. The park is owned and operated by the National Park Service, with the assistance of the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture. Glen Echo Park offers year round cultural and recreational activities. The park contains a rich mixture of natural, cultural, artistic and recreational elements ranging from serving as home to 13 resident artists and arts organizations, two children's theaters, a historic carousel, a dance hall, picnic areas, and more. The history underpinning this truly unique park can be found on their website, located at: https://www.nps.gov/glec/index.htm. read more

Great place to take the kids. They have a small theater geared for the kids and a puppet theater. We have seen Tinkerbell and Cat in the Hat. Very well done. The carousel is an old time one. Under repair today. My granddaughter told me the aquarium is hands on. Good amount of parking but a bit hard to find the lot. Small food/snack store that needs more kid friendly food. The playground is small. Needs more swings. Large picnic area under shade trees read more

Stroll back to another era. Enjoy the 100 year old carrousel. Take a class in jewelry making, glass blowing, tap dancing, claymation, watercolor, silversmithing , photography and more. Dance in the ball room where Bennie Goodman once played . Stroll along the paths and enjoy nature. Come to any of many wonderful festivals: Labor Day Art Show, Folk Festival, Irish Music Festival. Bring the kiddies to the puppet theater . Book the Bumper Car Pavilion for your wedding. This place is truly a national treasure! read more

Legitimately the saddest waste of space and trip. The playground is pretty much closed. Everything is a ghost town. The theater production outside was completely inappropriate for two year olds and took our money with lies. The carousel is fine but a one and done experience. They should just shut this place down. read more