D.C. is an active city where you can indulge in a variety of sports as a spectator or participant. There are hiking and biking trails, good boating of all kinds, tennis courts, golf courses, horseback riding, and more.

Hiking Paths

There are many hiking paths throughout the urban area and, therefore, many local hiking clubs. The Washington Post weekend section always lists hiking activities of the local clubs, which you can usually join. In addition, the C&O Canal in Georgetown has an eighteenmile hiking path, which is fairly easy, so you can take slightly older children.

Both Rock Creek and Theodore Roosevelt Island have extensive hiking trails, but they are slightly more rugged. The hiking paths along East Potomac Park are fairly easy to navigate. There are also hiking trails in Mount Vernon.

Bike Paths

Again, check The Washington Post weekend section for bicycling tours, or call one of the many organized bicycling tours. (Bike the Sites, 202-966-8662, is the best known.) If you want to rent bikes and ride through a park, you can do so at Fletcher's Boat House at the C&O Canal, 202-244-0461, or at Thompson Boat Center, 202-333-9543, in Rock Creek Park. You can also rent bikes at Big Wheel Bikes, 1034 33rd Street, NW, 202-337-0254, in Georgetown, which is right near the C&O Canal and its extensive bike path.

There is also a new seven-mile bike path that takes you from Georgetown to Bethesda, Maryland, along an abandoned railroad track on the Potomac known as the Capital Crescent Trail.

Canoes and Paddle Boats

Thompson Boat Center (202-333-9543) in Rock Creek Park rents canoes, kayaks, rowing boats, and paddle boats, as long as you leave a photo ID and a credit card with your rental fee. Fletcher's Boat House (202-244-0461) on the C&O Canal also rents canoes and rowboats and sells fishing licenses, with bait and tackle.

Tennis

There are public tennis courts at Rock Creek Park (202-722-5949) and East Potomac Park (202-554-5962), but you should call ahead for availability and fees. The D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (202-673-7647) will also give you a list of other outdoor tennis courts in the district.

Ice Skating

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden (202-737-4215) offers ice skating on the fountain pool in the winter. You can also skate on the C&O Canal in the winter (301-739-4200), but you must bring your own skates. Pershing Park at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue (202-737-6938) also features outdoor skating.

Horseback Riding

The stables at Rock Creek (202-362-0117), near the nature center, offer a one-hour guided trail tour on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Fishing

Fishing in D.C.? Yep. The Potomac River is a great place for freshwater fishing with a good catch of smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and perch. There are several fly-fishing shops and guides in Georgetown, Arlington, and Alexandria.

Sailing

The Potomac and Anacostia are relaxing and picturesque rivers for sailing. There are several marinas on the southwest waterfront, as well as in Old Town Alexandria and Arlington. Lessons and rentals are available at the Washington Sailing Marina (703-548-9027), just south of Reagan National Airport on US 1.