Tom sawyers island and trail in dca

[Freesia123]

How long does it take to do Tom sawyers island in DL and the creek trail in DCA? Are they worthwhile? Ill be with a one year old and a four year old. How do you get to Tom sawyers island? Do you have to paddle a canoe or are there other options? Are there life jackets? (Shared ones give me the heebie jeebies!)

 

[lalasmama]

You ride on a motorized raft to get onto Tom Sawyer Island. We spent about 20 minutes on the island with my 9yo daughter.

For the Redwood Creek area in DCA, you can spend hours there. Seriously, we spent probably 90 minutes. There's all kind of things to do--a rock wall, a cave, a slide, a rope climbing course, a zip line, and several little "campy" things. It's three-stories high at points. Definitely not a typical "trail", but its a great little area. It is definitely for your 4 year old, not your 1 year old.

 

[Freesia123]

Sounds like the trail will be perfect for our alone afternoon together. My parents will be with us so I'm planning on one alone afternoon with each if them.

 

[pixiewings71]

Life jackets are available if you ask.

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

My son has loved both places on our past visits when he was 2 and 3.5 yrs. We've also gone with friends, including a girl who also loved both when she was 4 and 6. I love Tom Sawyer Island and the trail area at CA because it's a place for the kids to run around, explore, and burn off some of the "I'm tired of having to stand around and wait" energy. I like just letting the kids' imaginations carry them along, and they have a great time!