For families, kids, dog owners, and just about anyone who lives here, summer in Del Ray is an invitation to step outside, move a little more, and soak up the kind of wellness that doesn’t require a gym membership or a screen—just fresh air, good company, and maybe a few ice cream drips on your shirt.
Whether you’re planning structured summer activities or just trying to keep the kids from turning your living room into a trampoline park, getting outdoors has benefits for your body, mind, and mood—and Del Ray makes it easy to say “yes” to being outside.
Movement That Feels Good (and Doesn’t Feel Like Exercise)
Let’s talk about walking. It’s not flashy, but it’s one of the most underrated health habits out there. Walking boosts circulation, supports heart health, lowers stress, and lifts your mood. It also lets you overhear some of the best front porch conversations in town. (Last week I passed a 7-year-old passionately debating his grandmother about whether popsicles count as a fruit.)
Here in Del Ray, walking feels more like a way of life than a workout. And we’ve got plenty of built-in destinations:
- Grab a coffee from St. Elmo’s or Swing’s and do a loop through the neighborhood. (Bonus points if you make it back before the whipped cream melts.)
- Walk the kids to the Del Ray Farmers Market on Saturday morning and let them choose something they’ve never heard of. Purple carrots? Sure. That mystery cheese sample? Live a little.
- Head to Four Mile Run or Potomac Yard Park for a longer stroll, splash pad action, or a picnic that ends with your dog stealing half a sandwich when no one’s looking.
- Explore with no destination. Let your dog pick the route. It’s humbling to be led on a zig-zagging adventure because a squirrel once sneezed there three weeks ago.
For the Kids: Let Chaos Reign (Kind of)
With school out, your once-structured schedule has probably taken a nosedive. That’s okay. Unstructured outdoor play is one of the best gifts you can give a child. It encourages independence, creativity, and problem-solving—even if the “problem” is how to get the mud off their legs before they go inside.
Here in Del Ray, our safe, sidewalk-laced streets make it easy for kids to bike, scooter, or form spontaneous chalk-art collectives with neighbors. Last week, a group of kids on my block turned a cardboard box and two bungee cords into what they swore was “a time machine, but only for frogs.” I didn’t ask questions. I just admired the creativity.
Give them space to wander. Let them get dirty. Boredom often turns into the best kind of play.
Mental Health and Fresh Air (a Perfect Pairing)
Research shows that spending time outdoors—especially in green spaces—reduces anxiety and improves mood. Even just looking at trees helps lower stress hormones. So yes, standing under that big shady oak while your dog figures out exactly where to pee is actually good for your mental health.
Sunlight also helps regulate sleep and mood by boosting Vitamin D. Just don’t forget the sunscreen. Trust me, nothing kills the summer vibe faster than realizing your knees are sunburned because you sat cross-legged at a picnic for 40 minutes.
Del Ray Summer Happenings (and Small-Town Magic)
Summer in Del Ray has its own rhythm—one that’s equal parts community festival and casual sidewalk hangout. Here are just a few staples of the season:
- First Thursdays on the Avenue – Every first Thursday of the month, Mount Vernon Ave becomes a lively, walkable celebration with live music, themed fun, and families out in full force. One month it’s “Dog Days,” and the next it’s superheroes and free watermelon. You never really know what to expect, but you do know you’ll run into someone you know… even if it’s just your dog’s favorite barista.
- The Del Ray Farmers Market – Saturday mornings feel like a block party disguised as a produce run. You’ll find fresh fruit, pastries, local honey, and at least two toddlers dancing to street violin music like they just invented rhythm.
- Front Porch Concerts – Local musicians perform from porches and front yards, and you’re encouraged to bring a chair, your favorite drink, and zero expectations. Last summer, I saw a guy playing the banjo with a parrot on his shoulder. I still don’t know if the parrot was part of the band or just vibing.
Keep It Simple. Keep It Consistent.
The best summer days aren’t always the big ones. Sometimes they’re a quick evening stroll before dinner, a hose sprayed into the air for backyard “rain,” or a shared popsicle between a kid and a very hopeful golden retriever.
You don’t have to plan the perfect summer. Just make a little time every day to be outside. Let the neighborhood do the rest. Del Ray has a way of turning small moments into something special.
Final Thought
Summer isn’t just a break from school—it’s a chance to hit reset, reconnect, and return to the basics that keep us well. Walk more. Laugh more. Be outside more. Whether you’re watching your dog make five new friends at the dog park or trying to explain to your child why squirrels can’t live in the bathtub, just know: these are the days they’ll remember—and so will you.
See you out there,
C. J. Wesby, M.E.S.
Medical Exercise Specialist, Foundation Fitness
The mission and vision of Foundation Fitness is to inspire clients, members and staff to join the #BeYourBest movement, which encourages continual self-improvement on a daily basis, starting in the gym and hopefully getting adopted within every area of life. Centrally located in Del Ray, Foundation Fitness is easily accessible for all of your personal or group training needs. Nutrition coaching and a variety of massage options are offered to help you reach your health and fitness goals. Learn more at foundfitpt.com
