There’s more to the nation’s capital than political jurisdiction, and Maryland and Virginia residents often overlook all there is to do and see right under their noses. Those who live in these areas are lucky to have a breadth of adventurous opportunities to venture outside, be active and maybe learn a thing or two. From kayaking and hiking to midnight tours and LED exhibits, D.C., Maryland, Northern Virginia and their surroundings offer exciting escapes for residents and visitors alike.

Fun in the snow

With winter comes ice, and with ice comes the opportunity for icy adventures. Just grab a helmet, a pick and some winter wear, and you’ll be ice climbing in no time. We suggest you enroll in an introductory climbing seminar before attempting any crazy climbing feats, but we promise it’ll be worth your time. And there happen to be several ideal locations perfect for Baltimore, D.C. and Virginia residents:

Crabtree Falls: In Montebello, Virginia, and more than 1,000 feet tall, this is one of the tallest waterfalls on the East Coast.

Earth Treks: In Columbia, Maryland, this place offers a three-day ice climbing seminar in the Adirondacks, and will turn you into a professional picker in no time.

New River Gorge: A few hours away, in Glen Jean, West Virginia, this park houses Cathedral Falls, the highest waterfall in West Virginia.

Great Falls: In this National Park, rocks jut up from the Potomac River in the Mather Gorge, forming an incredible series of falls for you to explore.

If you’re craving an escape to a rustic retreat, think about heading to Savage River Lodge in Frostburg, Maryland. Enjoy outdoor activities like cross country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing and snow sleigh rides — and feel free to do so without staying at the resort overnight. The spot is also perfect for unobstructed stargazing, as you’re in the center of a 700-acre forest.

Another great escape is Maryland’s Deep Creek. If you’re looking for a snowy mountain resort, look no further than Wisp. Adventures here can go far beyond skiing and snowboarding — try snow tubing or a Mountain Coaster.

A favorite destination for many who live in the D.C. area, the Ice Skating Rink at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden is surrounded by incredible artwork. Fun for couples, families or an outing with pals, a trip to this rink is surely a must during the colder months of the year.

Springtime excursions

If you crave a chance to swing around a playground in the trees, Harpers Ferry Adventure Park is your solution in the sky. An hour from the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area, the challenge course covers four acres and includes zip-lines, climbing walls, creaky bridges and more.

After you’ve embarked on your adventure challenge course, take some time to relax and float down the Potomac River via canoe, kayak or tube.

For some rhythm-loving fun, head to Meridian Hill Park on a sunny spring Sunday afternoon for a drum circle extravaganza that’s been a cultural touchstone of the D.C. area for nearly 50 years. Today, you’ll see a diverse group of people joining together to dance, sing, hula-hoop, exercise — you name it.

If you’re interested in some sweat-dripping adventures, try Billy Goat Trail, one of the most well-known hiking trails in the area with miles of breathtaking views and large, inclined boulders. The trail overlooks the Great Falls, and is a fun activity to do with friends.

For avid bikers, head to Schaeffer Farm in Germantown, Maryland. It’s a private farm great for single track mountain biking with creeks, woody areas and acres of corn fields. Don’t be surprised if you see a llama or two -– some are known to wander from the farm.

Many of the trails in the D.C. area were part of the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad back in the day. You can actually ride your bike or run from Mt. Vernon, south of the Potomac, all the way out to Dulles airport without ever riding on a road. And even more special, there are a number of great bike shops, restaurants and breweries on the trail. You might as well make a day of it.

Have fun while you learn

If you’re into meeting makers, thinkers and other creative folk, stop by Baltimore’s Node where, according to its website, “people can craft and make interesting things in a supportive and collaborative environment.” Baltimore is packed with many makerspaces, including an MIT-affiliated Fab Lab at the Community College of Baltimore County and even a kid-focused space called FutureMakers that offers workshops on tinkering, 3D printing, digital media and computer science.

There are plenty of interesting museums in D.C., as most people already know. But we’d suggest checking out the LED display at the National Gallery of Art. Called “Multiverse,” this sculpture was crafted by artist Leo Villareal, and visitors can experience its beauty while they travel through the Concourse walkway. The exhibit contains around 41,000 computer-programmed LED nodes. It’s definitely something you’ll want to see at least once.

And of course you’re going to want to see the monuments, but how about visiting them at night? For only $7 (a Capital Bikeshare day pass), you can explore the lit paths around the city. There’s truly nothing like seeing these bright historical bodies shining proudly through the night.

And once you're done with all that learning, take a break and head across the Potomac to Gravelly Point in Arlington, Virginia, where you can watch airplanes take off and land a few hundred feet away at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Bring a picnic blanket or a Frisbee, and just relax with your friends. Be warned, though, the planes seem awfully close. It's quite surreal.

If all else fails, think about joining a DC/MD/VA Outdoor Adventure Club like this one on Meetup. According to the group's description, its purpose is " an opportunity to meet new people and enjoy outdoor activities, some a few hours, some weekend trips —- snowboarding/skiing, hiking, biking, camping, paintball, kayaking, white water rafting, river tubing, bungee jumping, skydiving, horseback rides, rockclimbing, or anything else we can think of." Sounds good to us!