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C & O Canal National Historic Park's Boat Rides
Boat Ride in Washington, District of Columbia
C & O Canal National Historic Park's Boat Rides
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1057 Jefferson Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20007
202-653-5190
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-K
School-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
C & O Canal National Historic Park's Boat Rides Description
Take a break from the busier parts of Georgetown for a trip back in time on a quiet boat ride along the historic C&O Canal. The boat travels less than a mile, but you learn a lot from park rangers about the families that worked and lived on the canal during the 1870's. Sometimes kids are asked to help with boating duties, while the guide entertains riders with songs or jokes. The boats are pulled through locks by mules, (Ada, Molly, Lil or Nell) who you can visit and pet after your ride. Be sure to check out our other Georgetown vacation ideas.
Boat Ride
Historical Landmark
Kid Tips
School-Age Kids: While toddlers may get fidgety by the end of the ride, school-age kids and up will get a kick out of the guides who share jokes, stories and tons of historical facts.
Planning Notes
- Visit the bathroom before boarding. Boat rides last about one hour, with no food or bathrooms on board, but there's a bathroom at the Visitor's Center. All boats are wheelchair accessible.
Just the Facts
Hours: The boat season usually lasts from early April through the end of October. Rides run five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Please call the Visitor's Center (closed Monday and Tuesday during the boat season) for specific dates and times.
Fees: Free for kids under 5. $5/ticket for everyone else.
Recommended Time: 1 - 2 hours
