Gaithersburg – Things to do with your Team

Gaithersburg, Maryland, is a northwest suburb of Washington, D.C., located 24 miles from the nation’s capital. The city began in 1765 as a small agricultural settlement known as Log Town. In 1850, the post office was named “Forest Oak.” The town officially became “Gaithersburg” when it was incorporated on April 5, 1878. Gaithersburg has undergone significant changes in recent years.

The city is now an urban area and has become a major regional location for high-technology companies while commercial agriculture is close to non-existent. The rolling fields of wheat are now roads, housing developments and commercial enterprises, but at the same time a number of historic communities and traditions have been preserved. In the 21st century, Gaithersburg continues to grow while retaining many of the qualities of a small town that cherishes its rich, diverse heritage. If your team is coming to play in this area, there are lots of things close and in D.C. we would recommend for your trip itinerary.

 

RIO Washingtonian Center

Gaithersburg - Things to do with your Team - Travel - Hotels4TeamsRIO Washingtonian Center is the premier shopping and dining destination in the northwest D.C. corridor. Shoppers of all ages can enjoy an unmatched retail experience at the RIO Washingtonian in its picturesque open-air shopping environment and vibrant setting.

The Center boasts 760,000 square feet of main-street retail, restaurant and entertainment, including AMC DINE-IN Rio Cinemas 18, Target, LOFT, Barnes & Noble, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Grab a bite to eat at California Pizza Kitchen, Uncle Julio’s, or the new Yard House. Make memories on the paddle boats and carousel.

New additions for 2019 include Dave & Buster’s, Silver Diner, Lanzhou Hand Pulled Noodles, and Kung Fu Tea.  The Rio Washingtonian is also undergoing a $30 million redevelopment project. Updates will include a new and expanded boardwalk, greenspace overlooking the lakefront, more seating options, a stage, and more.

With more than 50 choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment in the Gaithersburg area, the RIO Washingtonian is excitement for the whole family.  9811 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

 

Great Falls Park

Located on the banks of the Potomac River, Great Falls Park in D.C. is a picturesque area situated on 800 acres of Virginian land. Popular with rock climbers and sightseers, the park is home to the majestic Great Falls of the Potomac River and its jagged rocks and rapids.

Because the park is a mere 15 minutes from the capital, it makes for a convenient outdoor trip where kids can hike and enjoy the park’s panoramic views of the river. 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102

 

Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation’s capital. This 1,754-acre city park was officially authorized in 1890, making it the third national park to be designated by the federal government. It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, and thousands of years of human history. 6700 Needwood Rd, Derwood, MD 20855

 

Go Ape Treetop Adventure

Just 14 miles east of the park in Rockville is Go Ape Treetop Adventure. If you’re ready for a totally unique outdoor experience, it’s time to Go Ape! Way more than just zip lines, Go Ape is a two to three hour adventure through the forest canopy that takes you on a journey through suspended obstacles, Tarzan swings, and breathtaking zip lines, all while experiencing incredible views.

Whether you are an adventure junkie or just ready to try something completely new, Go Ape has an unparalleled experience waiting for you. 6129 Needwood Lake Dr, Rockville, MD 20855

 

National Museum of Natural History

As part of the Smithsonian Institute, the National Museum of Natural History in D.C. is always popular with kids. That’s because its collection of dinosaurs is immense. The museum actually contains as many as 126 million artifacts; a collection that is revered the world over.

After perusing the museum’s celebrated Fossil Hall, kids can visit popular exhibits associated with Africa’s Rift Valley and the rain forests of South America. For an unforgettable glimpse of the natural world through time, this museum is a must. 10th St & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560

 

Black Hill Regional Park

The stated mission of Montgomery Parks is to balance the demand for recreation with the need for conservation of the natural resource. Nowhere is the success of this mission more evident than at Black Hill Regional Park. The park is comprised of 1,300 acres of recreation and appreciation of nature. 10 miles of natural surface trails offer spectacular views of the lake, meandering as they do through oak and hickory forests. The gold mining history of the area, as well as former mill sites, are marked and interpreted by historical markers.

The Black Hill Visitor Center is right in Boyds, overlooking Little Seneca Lake. Home to the Black Hill Nature Programs, the center has a children’s corner, exhibits, and auditorium. Surrounding all this are play areas and native plant gardens that are perfect for exploring nature. Experience the beautiful 505-acre Little Seneca Lake by rowboat, paddle board, canoe, or kayak. Or jump on the public pontoon boat for a guided tour. Enjoy the varied wildlife that lives in and around the water. 20930 Lake Ridge Dr, Boyds, MD 20841

 

South Germantown Recreational Park

South Germantown Recreational Park sits on 695 acres of what had been a working dairy farm since the mid-1800s. The park offers a variety of venues and activities, including a Splash Park with a 280-jet water maze, cave with a waterfall, water bucket drops, slide, and spraying animals; 18-hole, lighted championship mini golf course; a driving range with 40 tees, a mountain bike and 5,000-foot BMX pump track, tennis center, fishing and picnicking areas; and the indoor swim center, a 60,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility with competition, recreation, and leisure pools with two indoor water slides and saunas. Also, the Central Park Pond offers fishing and a model boat launch. 18041 Central Park Cir, Boyds, MD 20847

 

Zavazone

Also in Rockville is Zavazone, an indoor adventure park with unique space dedicated to active fun for people from ages 5 to 105. It brings together ninja courses, ropes courses, trampolines, climbing challenges, zip lines, and more under one soaring roof.  It delivers a heart-pumping multi-action experience like no other. Every visit to Zavazone grants access to all of these exhilarating challenges, so you’re always free to create your very own active adventure. 40 Southlawn Ct, Rockville, MD 20850

 

Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Gaithersburg - Things to do with your Team - Travel - Hotels4TeamsRoughly 2,000 animals call the the 163 acres of D.C.’s National Zoo home. Located in the Woodley Park neighborhood, the National Zoo features 18 sections that your group can explore. The zoo features animals from around the world as well as species that are native to the U.S.

During your visit, be sure to look out for thrilling sightings of American alligators, lions, ring-tailed lemurs, Western lowland gorillas, Sumatran tigers, green tree pythons, and hand-sized Goliath bird-eating tarantulas. The National Zoo also features a special Kids’ Farm where kids can enjoy hands-on interactions with the featured animals. 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

 

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

You may never be so close to this much American history, so think about adding this to your visit list. Just 45 minutes west of the complex across the border of West Virginia is the picturesque town of Harpers Ferry, and the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

A visit to this quaint, historic community, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, is like stepping into the past.  Stroll the picturesque streets, visit exhibits and museums, or hike their trails and battlefields. 767 Shenandoah St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

 

Hopefully you will also have time to visit the monuments and other attractions in Washington, D.C. while you are visiting the Gaithersburg area. If not, then enjoy the Northwest suburbs and all that Montgomery County has to offer you and your team.