No matter the time of the year, your children are probably always asking to take a trip to the playground. Instead of spending another afternoon at the neighborhood park, pack up the car and head over to one of these eight extraordinary Northern Virginia playgrounds for fun.
Chessie’s Big Backyard
Nature meets the playground at Chessie’s Big Backyard. With tree and stump features throughout the play area, kids will definitely feel like they are climbing the treetops, especially when they visit the park’s treehouse. Don’t forget to head down Chessie’s Trail. It’s 2,160 feet long and designed just for kids. 6601 Telegraph Rd., Franconia
Clemyjontri Park
This Fairfax County park welcomes children of all abilities. Whether your little one can run around, uses a wheelchair, or has a sensory disability, each can all play on this inclusive playground. The park has high back-swings, ramps connecting all play areas, and other interactive features. And, it has a carousel and a trackless train. 6317 Georgetown Pk., McLean
Chestnut Hills Park
Toddlers and preschoolers will love this education-themed playground. Full of letters, numbers, shapes, and games, your little ones will combine playtime and learning while riding the school bus, making music, and playing on the wavy climbing feature. 2807 N. Harrison St., Arlington
Fantasy Playground
Kids can spend time in this fortress-like structure with its castle for a true outdoor adventure. It features a climbing wall, balance beam, monkey bars, and swings. Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes. 12298 Cotton Mill Dr., Woodbridge
Locust Shade Park
Home to the $500,000 Warrior Challenge Course, this park is perfect for getting all that energy out of even the most rambunctious kids. After you take a few runs up the warped wall, take a trip over the playground for endless trips down the slides. The park also has tennis courts, volleyball courts, batting cages, fishing, and a mini golf course. 4701 Locust Shade Dr., Triangle
Lubber Run Park
This 31-acre park has pre-school and school-aged playgrounds. With super long slides, a large net climber, sand box, swings, and a rock wall, it will difficult to get the kiddos to leave. Plus, there are lighted courts for basketball, pickleball, and volleyball. 200 N. Columbus St., Arlington
Oak Grove Park
Climbing is a must at this amazing playground. With ladders a thing of the past at this playset, kids can swing, climb ropes, and scale the tower to reach the slide at the top. Plus, those less adventurous can visit the wooden playground feature. 4012 17th St. North, Arlington
Trailside Park
Trailside Park, next to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, is home to the Madison Small Softball Complex. But if your kids are young, they’ll love the multilevel fun at the park’s playground. While home to multiple playgrounds, the red and blue set has seven slides, rock walls, and a Spiderman-like rope feature. 20375 Claiborne Pkwy., Ashburn
This post, which was originally published on September 8, 2021, has been updated.
For more kid-friendly fun around NoVA, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Family newsletter.
