Which Outdoor Playground is the Best in the DC Area?

To escape our apartment’s small quarters, we often wander outside and enjoy the outdoors. The fresh air is invigorating and my little one loves to run around. We love our neighborhood playground but every now and then, we need a little change of scenery. Thankfully the Washington DC area boasts some really cool outdoor playgrounds and best of all, they are free! I will be listing them below.

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Best Playgrounds in DC

Palisades Playground and Splashpark

5200 Sherier Pl NW, Washington, DC 20016

The playground’s theme is centered around the Potomac River and the American Indians who first inhabited the area. The playground is divided into 2 sections. The actual playground includes a climbing mountain and other climbing structures, 2 slides, swings, and a sound garden. In the warmer months, the splash area is on and includes a slide, a fountain and drop buckets. There is a small parking lot available. Restrooms are located inside the recreation center.

Beauvoir Playground

3500 Woodley Road NW, Washington DC 20016

Within the grounds of the Beauvoir School, the playground is open to the general public from 6 pm to dusk when school is in session, and from dawn to dusk when not in session (weekends, holidays, etc.) Open for kids of all ages, the playground features swings, monkey bars, different climbing structures, wooden bridges, and even a zipline. Parking is available on the National Cathedral grounds. No restrooms available so make sure to plan accordingly.

Note: due to the pandemic, the playground is only accessible to the general public on weekends from dusk to dawn

Georgetown Day School Playground

4200 Davenport Street, NW, Washington, DC 20016

This amazing playground is on the campus of GDS. It is opened daily for public use after school hours. It features several complex play pieces and was designed in line with the school philosophy to challenge every kid. No restrooms here so plan accordingly. Also there is only street parking.

Lafayette Playground

5900 33rd St., NW, Quesada St NW, Washington, DC 20015

We stumbled upon this playground by chance one day after visiting the National Cathedral. Lafayette Playground sits on a hill within the Lafayette Recreation Center. It has an urban design and looks pretty challenging. Kids have a choice to climb up a tall rope spiderweb or a rope ladder then down a long gray tunnel slide. Older kids will have a kick playing here while there is a separate enclosed playground for the little ones. Street parking only and we didn’t see any restrooms nearby. It is open daily from dawn until dusk.

Best Playgrounds in Virginia

Clemyjontri Park

6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA, 22101

At first sight, Clemyjontri Park looks like any other playground with swings, slides, climbing structures. Then you slowly notice the little details such as high backs for swings and ramps connecting structures. The playground is specifically designed to be inclusive and welcomes every child of all abilities. It caters to those with physical, developmental and sensory disabilities and offer ramps, rubber surfacing, lowered equipment and other specially designed equipment.

The playground features 4 areas, a carousel and a trackless train. The different areas are: multi-sensory and Braille labeled Rainbow Room, educational game Schoolhouse and Maze, transportation-themed Movin’ and Groovin’ area, and Fitness and Fun (jungle gym). The carousel is recessed to the ground so that it is accessible to wheelchairs. Parking and restrooms are available onsite.

Our Special Harbor Spray Park

6601 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310

Our Special Harbor Spray Park is a unique and accessible water play destination for families with children of all ages. With free admission, this spray park is soon becoming our favorite destination in the summer. Park is open from 11 am to 7 pm (9:30 to 7 on weekends) There is a big parking lot and there are restrooms on site.

Important: For safety, children (15 years and younger) MUST wear aquatic shoes or sandals with a manufactured back strap at all times. Adults may wear flip-flops. Street shoes are not permitted in the spray park.

Best Playgrounds in Maryland

South Germantown Adventure Playground

17920 Germantown Park Dr, Germantown MD 20874

My daughter had so much fun at this playground as she could let her imagination flow freely. Where else could she jump off a pirate ship, fight her way to a castle after slaying a sea dragon? This playground is huge and has it all: slides, bridges, castle complete with lookouts, pirate ship, tracks, swings, a sound garden and climbing walls. We could easily spend a full day here. The playground is open most days from sunrise to sunset. A large parking lot and restrooms are available nearby. As a bonus, in the summer months, you can take the kids to the Splash playground nearby to cool off.

Wheaton Regional Park Playground

2002 Shorefield Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902

This playground may not have a theme but my daughter is still a big fan. It has 3 thrilling slides of different heights (small, medium, and large) which, according to her, are the best ever. This playground also has climbing structures (mounds, nets, and walls), several gym equipment, and of course, swings. We haven’t checked it out but there is a separate tot area complete with a huge sandbox and several concrete animals for little tykes to ride on. The playground is open sunrise to sunset. Plenty of free parking available here and you will find bathrooms throughout the park.

As a bonus, there is a carousel and miniature train (tickets are $1.75 per ride) that operates weekends in April and September and daily from May through August.

Glen Echo Park Carousel

7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo MD 20812

Although the playground has decent climbing structures, slides and swings, the true show-stealer is the renowned Dentzel Carousel. Installed in 1921, this carousel is a historical treasure deserving its listing on the National Register of Historical Places. Cost is $2 per ride. After your ride, check out the different kid-friendly programs like the Puppet Co, the Children’s Theater, or the Glen Echo Aquarium. Plenty of parking and restrooms available on site.

In May 2021, the carousel has reopened for its 100th anniversary season. Daily tickets (unlimited rides) cost $5 and can be purchased here

Cabin John Regional Playground and Miniature Train

7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda MD 20817

We love how this park is well shaded allowing parents and kiddos to get a reprieve from the summer heat (just make sure to bring plenty of bug spray). The playground has it all: climbing structures, swings, and slides. Our favorite feature is the Miniature Train that takes visitors for 15 minutes on a 2-mile scenic ride through the park. Best thing is it only costs $2.50 per person. There is plenty of parking. Picnic tables and restrooms also available on site.

Woodland Wonderland

8001 Walker Mill Rd, Capitol Heights, MD 20747

The Woodland Wonderland Playground is located within the Walker Mill Regional Park. This cute woodland-themed playground has plenty of slides and climbing structures. In addition there are swings, tunnels, and even a splash area perfect for the hot summer days. Look for the different statues of animal and woodland creatures hidden throughout the playground. Parking and restrooms available as well as sheltered picnic areas.

Wonderful Wizard of Oz Playground

301 Watkins Park Dr, Upper Malboro, MD 20774

I saved the best for last! You must absolutely visit this Wizard of Oz-themed playground at Watkins Regional Park. Trust me, your children will thank you!

To find the playground, you must (of course!) follow the Yellow Brick Road then pass under the Rainbow. Once you reach the land of Oz, you will find slides in the shape of giant ruby red slippers, climbing walls within the Emerald City, the State Fair, and an old-fashioned barn. Dorothy’s hot-air balloons and Munchkin Land are also featured in this wonderful adaptation of the children’s book. Best for kids up to 12 years old. Plenty of parking and restrooms available.

There goes my list of best outdoors playgrounds in the DC area. I hope you and your family get to visit any (or all!) of them. These playgrounds tend to be crowded on the weekends so best come on a weekday or come early or late if coming on a Saturday/Sunday. Please let me know in the comments if you do visit or if you have other favorites in the area.

Thanks for reading xx

FOR MORE DC AREA OUTINGS:

• Washington DC: top 20 kid-friendly activities in DC
• Washington DC: how to enjoy the DC cherry blossoms
• Washington DC: top 10 gardens in DC
• Maryland: cool off at the Poolesville swimming hole
• Maryland: visit the sunflowers of McKee-Beshers