Cathedral Heights is a Family-Friendly Gem of a Neighborhood in NW Washington!

Cathedral Heights has always had a special place in my heart – I lived in the neighborhood during my twenties, but I grew to love it in a different way as a mom in my thirties. The National Cathedral and, specifically, the Bishop’s Garden is reason enough, as it offers a quiet oasis in the garden to play, rest or read a book. Grab a coffee or a bite to eat at Open City, in the shadow of the Cathedral.

For an exercise option, I love running the stairs below the BIshop’s Garden or around the Cathedral if a path for a stroller running option is needed.

For play, head to the Beauvoir School Playground, also on the grounds of the National Cathedral, which is one of the best around! But please note: It’s not available during the school day. If you are visiting during those hours, grab an amazing lunch at Jetties Macomb and bring it over to check out Macomb Park Playground which is excellent for all ages or Newark Park Playground, another popular playground in Cathedral Heights.

The neighborhood offers a variety of kid-friendly restaurants ranging from the Mexican Cuisine of Cactus Cantina to 2Amy’s, a neighborhood cornerstone with an imported pizza oven from Italy, divine meat and cheese selections, and daily tapas offerings. They are both almost always filled with families so you don’t need to feel bad if kids start crying or talking in “outside voices” because everyone is relaxed. They have crayons and paper and the food is always delivered quickly.

Other kid-friendly dining favorites include Silver, a sister restaurant to the wonderful farm-to-table options around town, offering a great and healthy kids menu breakfast, lunch, and dinner.