We love visiting the United States Marine Corps War Memorial, whether it is Veteran's Day, or any other day. This iconic monument, which sits in Arlington Ridge Park along the GW Parkway, is a familiar sight to many of us, greeting us home from our daily commutes.
Behind the statue, the grounds are meticulously maintained by the National Park Service. The grassy lawns are beautiful for relaxation as well as reflection. With plenty of sun and shade options, it is a great place for a picnic and catching up with friends. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the memorial has increasingly become important as a community gathering spot, with everyone from yoga teachers to karate instructors bringing their students there in search of safe outdoor community space. The view is also one of the best spots to snap a photo of the iconic panorama of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and U.S. Capitol.
The memorial is just that - a memorial - so there are certain things to keep in mind when bringing kids to spaces like this. Always follow posted signs and regulations, and NEVER let children climb or play on the memorial itself. Ball playing and kite flying are also prohibited.
Younger kids will enjoy the vast expanse of grass, and bikes and scooters are also permitted around the outer perimeter of the grounds. A fun challenge for older kids is to count the number of hands on the memorial - the statue is so massive and yet so intricate that this proves to be harder than it sounds! There is also plenty of signage for kids and adults seeking to learn the history of the memorial. Look out for a nice day, pack a blanket and some lunch, and make an afternoon of it. We've also been known to go there in the early evening for a quick walk or playdate.
Know before you go: One thing that makes the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial so accessible for us it that is has free parking. It is limited, but if you are not going for a special event, you should be able to park there somewhat easily. Enter "Marine Corps Memorial" into your navigation, and it should take you to the park entrance - drive to the back of the memorial and you will see the parking. It is also accessible by Rosslyn Metro Station (Orange, Blue and Silver Lines). From the station, it is a 13-minute walk (0.7 miles) down Fort Myer Dr to N Meade St. Portable restrooms are on-site but a bit of a trek.
