George Washington Memorial Parkway

On-site pop-up interpretive programs, and children’s activities will be offered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of LBJ Memorial Grove. LBJ’s desire to focus his presidency on his “Great Society” led to the passing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, and other laws that helped Americans reach a new level of personal freedom.

Join the National Park Service and friends in celebrating Earth Day at the Netherlands Carillon. Each spring, hundreds of tulips bloom in flower beds that surround the carillon. This carillon was a gift from the Dutch people to the United Sates after WWII. It is not only a memorial of friendship and harmony, but it also plays music! Over 53 bells make up the carillon. On April 11 and 12, park rangers and friends will host live music played on the bells, free giveaways, and junior ranger activities for all ages. Bring a lawn chair and picnic on the grounds while you take in the beautiful tulips and the sweeping view of the National Mall. Attendance is free and no registration is required. 

Join the National Park Service and friends in celebrating Earth Day at the Netherlands Carillon. Each spring, hundreds of tulips bloom in flower beds that surround the carillon. This carillon was a gift from the Dutch people to the United Sates after WWII. It is not only a memorial of friendship and harmony, but it also plays music! Over 53 bells make up the carillon. On April 11 and 12, park rangers and friends will host live music played on the bells, free giveaways, and junior ranger activities for all ages. Bring a lawn chair and picnic on the grounds while you take in the beautiful tulips and the sweeping view of the National Mall. Attendance is free and no registration is required. 

Learn to Ride introduces an effective and low-stress way to learn to ride a bicycle. Using a "balance first" method, kids will learn how to ride independently. This program helps young riders to be more comfortable while teaching both parents and children an easy biking technique.

• Program space is limited. Advance registration is required.
• Parent participation and support are essential. Each adult may bring no more than two children.
• Participants must be at least 5 years old.
• Participants must bring a bike and a helmet that fits properly.
• Participants must be able to rest their feet flat on the ground when sitting on their bicycle seats.

2026 Registration

All dates will occur from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. at Jones Point Park.

• April 25, 2026
• May 2, 2026
• May 16, 2026
• May 30, 2026
• June 6, 2026
• June 13, 2026

To sign up, please contact us at 703-235-1530 or e-mail us.

Learn to Ride - George Washington Memorial Parkway (U.S. National Park Service)

Volunteer trash clean-up in partnership with Friends of Dyke Marsh and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Please contact our partners to sign up for the event.

Meet the Park Ranger at the mobile visitor center for the annual Carousel Day celebration at Glen Echo Park.

Visitors will learn about how the Glen Echo carousel is more than  a beautiful historic ride and how it became a symbol of the fight for equality during the Civil  Rights Movement.

The carousel stood at the center of the 1960 Glen Echo Protest, when local  students and community members organized peaceful demonstrations to challenge the park’s segregation policies.  

More information: CAROUSEL DAY | Glen Echo Park 

Commemorative Hikes for GRFA 60th 

Location: Great Falls Park Visitor Center

Time: 11am   

Join a Ranger on a special commemorative hike celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 60th anniversary of Great Falls Park.

This guided 1.5‑mile walk  invites visitors to explore the powerful landscape and learn about George Washington vision of the canal project at Great Falls and the enslaved labor used to improve transportation and  commerce.   

Bells of Freedom 

Location: Netherlands Carillon 

Time: May 4-2:00-2:30pm;  May 5-5pm-6pm 

Carillon concerts will be held on May 4th and 5th. May 4th is Netherlands Memorial Day and May 5th is Netherlands Freedom Day. (Carillon concerts are also held every 2 weeks in May/June) 

Bells of Freedom 

Location: Netherlands Carillon 

Time: May 4-2:00-2:30pm;  May 5-6pm-8pm 

Carillon concerts will be held on May 4th and 5th. May 4th is Netherlands Memorial Day and May 5th is Netherlands Freedom Day. (Carillon concerts are also held every 2 weeks in May/June)