Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park in Ashburn, VA!

The other day we checked out Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park at the advice of a friend. Located in Loudoun County you have to drive through the neighboorhood of Lansdowne on the Potomac to arrive at the entrance to the park. You'll find the pathway takes you right through The Golf Club at Lansdowne golf course. Just follow the signs as you stroll down the cart paths towards the Potomac River. I felt a little odd walking through the course but the marshalls were there pointing the way to the Potomac along with the signs.

Once we got down to the Potomac a small set of wooden steps led us down to the river. Since the water level was lower large boulders were available to explore along with small river shells for the kids to collect. Once the kids got bored we walked back up the steps and along the section of Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail that lies inside the park. It was a nice shady walk with the kids. We did use our stroller most of the way. If you are a geo-cacher this place is great for searching for hidden caches. After the park we hit up the golf courses' small snack bar located at the entrance of the trail. They had no problems serving a non member and allowed us to sit at the tables and chairs to eat our lunch. Plus there is restroom attached to the snack bar.

We are definitely coming back to this natural park for some more fun! It was a beautiful setting to take the kids and burn off some of  that extra energy they always seem to have.

Bles Park in Ashburn, VA!

Bles Park is tucked back behind George Washington University satellite campus in Ashburn, VA. The park offers three soccer fields, playground, and hiking trails. The trails take you along an inlet of the Potomac River. The soccer fields are nicely maintained and full of soccer players practicing.

The playground has new equipment including swings, teeter totter, and two sets of slides. It does not have any shade but restrooms are available.

After the kids hit the playground we checked out the hiking trails. The trail connects to the Broad Corridor Trails and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trails. You walk through fields and protected wetlands with lots of wildlife including frogs and birds.

Overall the Loudoun County park is nice but with no shade we probably won't hit up the playground during the hotter months. The hiking trails were nice and we're definitely going to hit the trails for some geo-caching when the weather is nice. If you're a soccer player the fields were nicely maintained and great place to watch a game.

Time to hit up a park in Brambleton, VA!