Military Families Paddle Past D.C.’s Monuments on a Potomac Kayaking Tour
A morning on the water brought new views of the nation’s capital and new memories for local military families.
On Saturday, August 15, 2026, National Park Trust brought together local military families from the DMV for a special day on the water: a D.C. Monument Kayaking Tour. Families had the opportunity to explore Washington, D.C. from a unique perspective while kayaking around Theodore Roosevelt Island and taking in and learning about the monuments and memorials that make up the nation’s capital.
A few of the families who joined us – this was their first time kayaking! With guidance from professional guides, families learned the basics, got comfortable on the water, and soon found themselves enjoying the experience together. Paddling alongside one another, families were able to slow down, take in the scenery, and experience some of D.C.’s most recognizable sites from the Potomac River.
From first-time paddlers to experienced kayakers, everyone had a great time getting outside and exploring together. It was a wonderful reminder of how outdoor experiences can bring families closer, create new memories, and provide opportunities to discover familiar places in a whole new way.
We are so grateful to the National Military Family Association, who helps us connect with these incredible families. We look forward to our next outing rock climbing at Carderock, MD!
What Are National Park Trust’s Military Family Programs?
National Park Trust partners with organizations like the National Military Family Association to provide meaningful outdoor experiences for military communities and to honor their service by connecting them to the public lands they’ve helped protect. Through outings like this kayaking tour, we help military families strengthen community connections while experiencing the physical and mental benefits of spending time in parks, public lands, and waters across the country.
Learn more about our Military Family Programs.
How Can You Support National Park Trust’s Military Family Programs?
At National Park Trust, we believe parks have the power to bring people together. Your support helps create meaningful outdoor experiences that inspire wellness, strengthen community, and give military families opportunities to make lasting memories together. Learn about ways to support our mission.
About National Park Trust
National Park Trust is an independent, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has protected national park land since 1983, acquiring missing pieces of our national parks and benefiting 58 national park sites nationwide. Our mission is to preserve parks today and create park stewards for tomorrow.
Our youth education and family initiatives — Buddy Bison School Programs, College Ambassador Program, and Military Family Programs, along with National Kids to Parks Day — connect tens of thousands of people to the outdoors each year.
We believe public parks, lands, and waters should be cared for, enjoyed, and preserved by all, for current and future generations. Learn more at parktrust.org.
