Best Playgrounds in Northern Virginia - 44 Favorites For 2023

Northern Virginia has some of the best playgrounds I’ve seen in the US! I’ve lived here for 10 years and below are 44 of the best ones organized by Arlington (15), Fairfax (15), Alexandria (4), Loudoun (7), and Prince William (3) counties. Each playground includes info on 🚻 Bathrooms, 🅿️ Parking, 😷 Social Distancing, and ❤ Unique Features. At the end, I share 5 playground gear that I always have in the car for my kids and myself.

Playgrounds in Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington and More:

All are free except for Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton which requires a fee if residents outside northern Virginia.

I also put a Google Map of all the locations at the end of this post or go directly there here. At the playgrounds where there are no restrooms, I link to a couple of car travel pottys that we use and highly recommend from Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This is at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

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Best Playgrounds in Arlington VA

1)  Lubber Run Park (Buckingham Neighborhood)

Lubber Run Park is a dream ✨ Thx to those of you who shared this rec…you were right!
Unique Features: ⁣Famous yellow slides and “rock climbing” hill⁣, Beautiful wooden play structures made in Germany including 2 playhouses and a huge rope climbing thing. ⁣ Very cool sandpit area (with benches close by!) ⁣
Grassy hill roofs, Trails that go into Lubber Run Creek, Pickleball, volleyball and basketball courts.⁣
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📍 200 N Columbus St Arlington, Virginia
🅿️- Free parking garage under the park is open 8 AM to 10:15 PM. Street parking available too.⁣
😷- We went before school let out and it wasn’t too crowded but around 3:30PM it started to get very busy so we went for a short hike from the Center. ⁣
🚻 – Clean and brand new restroom at the Center accessed from the outside. If you are looking at the Center from the playground, it is on your left side with a small bathroom sign. ⁣

Arlington County Playground Website

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2) Fairlington Park

A great playground with 3 distinct but connected areas for different age groups. These sky bridges are great for older ages (actually higher than they look!) and there is also a great little kids and toddler area with a sand pit! 

📍 – 3304-3318 S Stafford St, Arlington, VA 22206

🅿️ – Large parking lot but at 10:30am it was packed (probably bc of Rec classes in the next door building?) so had to west for a minute for a spot. 

🚻 – Fairlington Community center next door is open with restrooms. 

😷 – Fairly busy park with a preschool next door. We visited a couple months ago in the afternoon and it was too busy and came again today and it was busy in the morning but space to spread out more. 

Arlington County Playground Website

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3) Quincy Park (Near Virginia Square GMU Metro)

One of our favorite playgrounds in Arlington VA for the variety of structures, fence around the play area, easy parking, and bathrooms accessible from outside the Arlington Central Library a half block away.

Unique features: Map with all the features for kids to explore, rope hammock, very interesting rope ladder to side, small climbing wall, music area that actually made nice sounds and my son’s favorite… a bucket-merry-go-round!

🚻 Restrooms accessible from the outside of Arlington Central Library half a block away.
😷 Lots of different areas to social distance.
🅿️ Dedicated Parking lot 1 block away or free street parking closer to the playground.

Location: 1021 N. Quincy St. Arlington

Arlington Playground Website: Quincy Park

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4) Mosaic Playground (Near Ballston Metro)

This new park in the heart of Ballston is definitely one of the best playgrounds in Northern Virginia! Built in late 2020, this playground has tons of unique features including a climbing wall, hills to roll down, rope bridge and more will be added soon including a splash pad!

🚻 – No restrooms at the park but lots of restaurants and businesses close by (&pizza and Super Pollo right next to Park but I can’t confirm they have open restrooms). We use these 3 car pottys here from Amazon.
😷 – Busiest of the playgrounds in Arlington VA that we’ve visited but still room to spread out.
🅿️ – Street parking available around the playground. Be aware of new or changing parking signs as this is a newer park.

Location: 538 N. Pollard Street, Arlington (not to be confused with Mosaic Shopping District in Falls Church!)

Arlington Playground Website: Mosaic Park

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5) Chestnut Hills (2 Miles From East Falls Church Metro)

Chestnut Hills Park in north Arlington has two full playgrounds in one fenced area and tons of beautiful areas in its 4 acres.

Unique features: Next to the toddler playground is the coolest sand pit/water run I’ve seen in the area! It felt like a European playground with a trike path around the playground and tons of shade. The big kids playground is older but has some unique features my kids loved like a slide-zipline thing (sorry not sure what its called!)

🚻 Restrooms are located at the adjacent Greenbrier Park so allow some time to walk thru the trees to reach the restrooms.
😷 Lots of space to play if some structures are busy with kids.
🅿️ Free parking along Harrison Street.

Location: 2807 N. Harrison St.

Arlington Playground Website: Chestnut Hills Park

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6) Benjamin Banneker Playground (2 blocks from East Falls Church Metro)

Wonderful new playground along 4 Mile Run Creek and the W&OD Trail! It is named after Benjamin Banneker who was the son of freed slaves in Baltimore. He was an inventor, engineer, land surveyor, astronomer, and social advocate. There is a great sign at kid-level explaining more about this incredible man.

Unique features: My kids loved the huge climbing structure with 2 fast slides, secret tunnels and interesting climbing walls. There is also a “climbing course” and a preschool area that has smaller versions of the cool play structure.

🚻 Portable restroom next to playground when we went but not sure if that’s a leftover from construction?
😷 Everyone was wearing masks when we went BUT because it’s new and popular it was pretty busy on Friday when school let out.
🅿️ Street parking along 18th St. N and make sure you check the signs that you are in the free 2hr parking and not residential permit parking as it’s next to each other.

Location: 6620 18th St. N in Arlington

Arlington Park Website: Benjamin Banneker Park

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7) Bluemont Junction Park (A mile east of Seven Corners)

Wonderful 15-acre park close to Four Mile Run with a great train theme for your little ones!

Unique features: Retired Red caboose can be explored and the playground has a train and farm theme. Also love the stream with rocks to explore on the other side of the parking.

🚻 Restrooms are located next to the playground but are closed during the winter but open in March.
😷 Tons of room to socially distance.
🅿️ A couple of parking lots around the park.

Location: 747 N. Emerson St.

Arlington Playground Website: Bluemont Junction Park

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8) Fort Barnard (North of Shirlington)

My kids absolutely loved this playground in Arlington. A friend shared it with me when I was lamenting the lack of merry-go-rounds in the US after a trip from Switzerland. This park has the best one we’ve found! There is also a dog park close by.

Unique Features: Very tall play structure plus a preschool area. All covered in colorful astro turf with hopscotch and other fun decorations. The kids also loved the hammock swing, fort and mosaic pillars around the picnic structure.

🚻 No restrooms so plan accordingly and check out these car pottys that I’ve used for toddler to my 8 year old daughter.
😷 Different structures to play on if on of them is popular.
🅿️ Limited parking along Pollard street.

Note: Picture coming soon. We visited last year before I started this blog and need to return soon to get a picture!

Location: 329 N Manchester St. is for the playground side and 601 N Manchester St. for the Caboose side.

Arlington Playground Website: Fort Barnard Park

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9) Tuckahoe Park (2 blocks from East Falls Church Metro)

Lovely park in the woods with multiple age range structures, paved and boardwalk hikes and lots to explore!

Unique Features: Tall Web Pyramid to climb and explore. Boardwalk for hikes through the woods. Artificial grass under the playground which is unique to Arlington playgrounds.

🚻 Portable restrooms only available during sports seasons.
😷 Lots of room to roam and explore if the play structures are busy for a time.
🅿️ Parking along Sycamore Street.

(Picture coming soon. We visited last year before I started this blog and need to return soon to get a picture!)

Location: 2400 N. Sycamore St.

Arlington Playground Website: Tuckahoe Park

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10) Lyon Village Park (Half a mile north of Clarendon Metro)

Great neighborhood playground in North Arlington with two separate play structures and a fenced in area. Unique features: Includes a spray ground open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check website below to see opening.

🚻 No restrooms so plan accordingly and check out these car pottys that I’ve used for toddler to my 8 year old daughter.
😷 Large field to run if some of the playgrounds are busy.
🅿️ We parked along Sycamore Street but there is street parking around the park.

Location: 1800 N. Highland Street Arlington Playground Website: Lyon Village Park

Thanks to @PlaygroundsofNova for the use of her photos and check out her full post here.

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11) Dawson Terrace Community Center – Arlington

✅ unique structures ✅ swings ✅ picnic tables ✅ basketball court ✅ parking lot ✅ bathrooms in the community center.

Thanks to @PlaygroundsofNova for the use of her photos and check out her full post here.

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12) Rocky Run Park – Arlington Playground

✅ 2 separate playgrounds for Big Kids and Little Kids

✅ Large Picnic areas
✅ Permanent Bathrooms
✅ Basketball court x2
✅ Soccer field
✅ Close to shopping areas and restaurants (Clarendon)

Note: Only street parking

More info and pictures from our 2023 visit to Rocky Run Playground here!

13) Tyrol Hill Park – Arlington Playground

✅ bathrooms
✅ enclosed futsal field
✅ basketball court
✅ two picnic shelters
✅ picnic tables and grills
✅ nature trails

🚫Note: only street parking

Thanks to @PlaygroundsofNova for the use of her photos and check out her full post here.

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14) Oak Grove Park – Arlington Playground

North of Virginia Square

✅ smaller playground for 5 and under ✅ larger climbing structure  ✅ paved path circling the playgrounds (5 x’s around = 1 mile) ✅ soccer field ✅ covered picnic tables 

🚫 no bathrooms 🚫 parking is on street and limited (watch the no parking signs 🚫 partial shade 🚫 no swings 

Thanks to @PlaygroundsofNova for the use of her photos and check out her full post here.

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15) Clarendon Crossing - Arlington Playground

New playground in Clarendon Crossing near Whole Foods, Barnes and Noble and tons of other shops! It has kind of a “hamster cage” for kids, astroturf tunnel, and yard games including giant jenga, connect 4, and corn hole. Check out my reel to see more!

Address: 2800 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

Parking: Paid Street paring

Best Playgrounds in Northern Virginia – Alexandria

1) Chessie’s Big Backyard – Lee District Park (My Personal Favorite Playground in Northern Virginia)

My kids agree with me that this is in the top 3 best playgrounds in Northern Virginia! Not only are there 2 epic playgrounds but there is also a one-of-a-kind Nature Trail. The playground for 5-12 year olds is nature themed with lots of obstacles and fun slides. The preschool playground at Chessie’s is ocean themed compete with a light house, friendly sea dragon and pirate ship.

Chessie’s Trail: My favorite part of the park is the nature trail which has lots to keep kids and adults happy. There is a scavenger hunt for animal sculptures as well as musical instruments throughout the trail to try. On top of this is a fully accessible treehouse to explore after you’re’ done with your nature hike!  

Special Harbor Splashground, a fully accessible FREE splash ground, is also located right next to the playground. There is also a carousel for a small fee. Check their website below for opening hours and the small fees.

🚻 Restrooms are open and located in the white building next to the playground. (Clean when I went inside!)
😷 Popular playground but lots of different things to explore if one spot is too busy at the moment.
🅿️ Lots of parking in the lot next to the playground.

Location: 6601 Telegraph Road

Park Website: Lee District Family Recreation Area

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2) Jones Point Park – Alexandria – The Best Playground in Northern Virginia When It Rains!

We all loved this park right under I-495! Tons of cool spots for photos and history markers around. There are actually 2 playgrounds at this park plus basketball courts and the Mount Vernon Trail. The first playground is right by the parking lot and great for preschool ages. The second is through the underpass and next to the water.

Unique features: The 2nd playground through the underpass has cool animal tracks leading up to it here you can “jump like a rabbit” or “leap like a deer!” Also the challenge course is great for older kids.

🚻 Restrooms are open and located under the interstate in a stand alone building.
😷 The definition of social distancing, a whole underpass to play under!
🅿️ Enter on Royal Dr for the big parking lot.

Location: Jones Point Drive

Park Website: Jones Point Park

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3) Potomac Yard Park – Alexandria

Wonderfully bright and accessible playground right off Potomac Ave. Fenced in and 2 separate lots with tons of interesting play structures, hammocks, swings and more! My daughter calls it Turquoise Town!

Unique features: My kids loved the maze on the preschooler side! My daughter said this was the best playground in Northern Virginia.

🚻 No restrooms so plan accordingly and check out these car pottys that I’ve used for toddler to my 8 year old daughter.
😷 There is a lot of separation between the 3 main play structures.
🅿️ Parking is limited street parking but I found a spot in the neighborhood only 1 block away.

Location: 2501 Potomac Ave. Alexandria

Park Website: Potomac Yard Park

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4) Playground at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park – Del Ray, Alexandria

The Playground is actually at the intersection of Duncan Ave and Leslie Ave. (If you put in the park address into google maps, it took me to the dog park on the other side.)⁣

Unique features: Unique features: Swipe to see all the lovely play structures. They are unique as far as nova playgrounds go and my kids loved it! There is also a little garden behind the playground and basketball courts and dog park on the other side of the park. ⁣

🚻 My friend said she thinks the permanent restrooms by the dog park are open now. ⁣
🅿 Free street parking along Monroe Ave. and other streets. ⁣
☕ Check out @Swingscoffee Roastery on Monroe Ave before your playground date. Est. 1916 in DC and now they are roasting in Del Ray… really good coffee!⁣

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Fairfax Playgrounds – Some of the Best Playgrounds in Northern Virginia

1) Clemijontri – McLean, VA – My Vote For Best of the Fairfax Playgrounds

The largest and one of the best playgrounds in Northern Virginia and the DMV! My kids love this park for its variety, bright colors and seemingly never ending amount of play structures. There is an entire transportation area, musical instruments area, rainbow color themed area and even a maze. I will say as a parent because its such a large playground, you are constantly moving along with the kids and keeping track of them!

Unique Features: Completely accessible, rainbow explosion! (Check out the park’s website below to see a picture from the air because it really is incredible!) Also a carousel in the center and opening times and fees on the website.

🚻 Restrooms located at the entrance to the park.
😷 Tons of room to explore and literally dozens of different play structures to use if one gets crowded.
🅿️ Parking lot located next to the playground although on busy days it can fill up.

Location: 6317 Georgetown Pike

Fairfax Playground Website: Clemijontri Park

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2) Annandale Community Park Butterfly Playground

This park joins Hidden Oaks Nature Center but its easier to park here at Annandale Community Park (first left off Hummer if coming from beltway) and then go to the nature center through the connected trails.
Unique features: Love the obstacle course, separate big kid and little kid area and learning opportunities to discuss caterpillars to butterflies.

🅿️ Tons of free spots! 
🚻 Unfortunately the restrooms I pointed out in this video are closed until April 1st. Breeze Cafe, a Korean bakery is just down the street and might have a restroom to use.
😷 Playground was empty on a weekday afternoon but a few families joined after school let out around 3PM.
♿Paths are all paved so good for strollers and wheelchairs.

Location: 4030 Hummer Road, Annandale, VA 22003

Fairfax Playground Website: Hidden Oaks is connected via a trail!

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3) South Run Rec Center – Springfield, VA

Playground with 💯 Shade! If you’re out in Springfield/Burke or on the Fairfax County Parkway, check out the playground behind South Run Rec Center! It has huge canopies to block the sun, restrooms in the center next door, tennis courts, basketball courts and tons of sports fields. ⁣⁣
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2 playgrounds partially fenced with toddler swings, big kid swings and slides and a tire swing. ⁣⁣
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📍- 7550 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153⁣⁣
💲 – Free⁣⁣
🚻 – Clean restrooms inside rec center⁣⁣
🅿️ – Huge parking lot. ⁣⁣
😷 – Space to spread out if one part is busy.⁣⁣
♿️ – Stroller and wheelchair friendly from the parking lot to the playground.⁣⁣
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⭐️ Across the parking lot is Go Ape Springfield which is a Zip Line and Ropes Course.

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4) Hidden Pond – Springfield, VA (A Local Hidden Gem of the Fairfax Playgrounds)

Hidden Pond is a wonderful nature center, pond, and nature-themed playground. We’ve been coming here since my kids were babies and the playground got a facelift last year. Great fenced in playground with 2 separate areas for older and preschool kids. Because of the pond nature center classes, paved trails and new playground, this is one gets my vote for one of the best playgrounds in Northern Virginia.

Unique features: Make sure to check out the Hidden Pond just down the path behind the playground. The Nature Center has lots of great outdoor class for all age groups on the Fairfax Parks website.  

🅿️ Lots of free parking spots.
🚻 Portable restrooms in the Visitor’s Center parking lot.
😷 Playground can get crowded weekends and before naps but loved walking around the pond while we waited.
♿Paths are all paved so good for strollers and wheelchairs. There is a steep incline at the beginning of the path around the pond BUT if you go around the right side of the Nature Center there is a handicap accessible ramp.

Location: 8511 Greeley Blvd. Springfield, VA

Fairfax Playground Website: Hidden Pond Nature Center

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5) Monticello Park Challenge Course – Burke, VA – Very Unique Spot in the Best Playgrounds in Northern Virginia

This small but unique park opened 2 years ago with a large dog park next to it. My kids love doing the challenges and timing themselves! Note: there are signs that say the Challenge Course is designed for ages 13+. All the kids I saw were ages 3-10 ish but definitely be aware of the higher climbing structures. 

🚻 No restrooms so plan accordingly and check out these car pottys that I’ve used for toddler to my 8 year old daughter.

🅿️ Medium size parking lot shared with the Dog park.
😷 I love this Challenge Course for social distancing bc there is a “path” through the course that helps a lot with spacing!

Location: 5315 Guinea Road, Burke VA

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6) Burke Lake Playground

Burke Lake is a huge 888 acre park tons of activities and beautiful nature to explore. There are 2 playgrounds at the park. The first one is behind the ice cream parlor in the largest parking lot. Next to the main playground is a mini train and carousel. (Check out park’s website below for times and fees) The 2nd playground is closer to the boat dock and boat rentals. Hours of fun no matter where you go!

Unique features: Boat rentals are available but first come first serve – Great free disc golf course and a small fee mini golf course. And can’t forget the 4.7 mile lake trail that is beautiful at every turn!

🅿️ Many different parking lots.  
🚻 Portable restrooms in the Visitor’s Center parking lot.
😷 Lots of space to explore no matter how busy.  

💲 Peak weekends may have a fee for some out of county licenses plates but it is not every weekend.

Location: 7315 Ox Road Fairfax Station, VA

Fairfax Park Website: Burke Lake Park

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7) Lake Accotink – Springfield, VA

Lake Accotink is one of our family’s favorite spots for bike riding, carousel, putt putt, boat rental and just a nice picnic! More info here. Also has a nice medium size playground.

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8) Glyndon Park – Vienna, VA

✅ Walking trail
✅ Artificial turf baseball field
✅ Basketball court
✅ Two lit tennis courts
✅ Four pickleball courts
✅ Storybook trail
✅ Restrooms
✅ Three picnic pavilions

Address: 300 Glyndon Street NE. Website

Thanks to @PlaygroundsofNova for the use of her photos and check out her full post here.

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9) Pohick Bay Regional Park – Lorton, VA

A playground with a view! This Treehouse themed playground was the highlight for the kids and the view of the Potomac was my favorite! It’s really a beautiful destination park for camping, hiking and boating. 🅿 Tons of parking.

🚻 Restrooms at the welcome center.
💲 It is $8 a day per vehicle if you are from outside NOVA (Free for Arlington, Fairfax & Loudoun Counties; Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax & Falls Church)
😷 Tons of

Location: 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton, VA

Park Website: Pohick Bay Regional Park

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10) Clifton Playground – Clifton, VA – One of the Best Playgrounds in Northern Virginia

Clifton is a wonderful hidden gem just 8 miles from Fairfax (30 miles west of downtown DC). It’s a small, historic town with only 282 residents. My daughter calls it the “doll house town” and my son calls it the “train town.” 🚂 I love the historic Victorian architecture, cafes and railway.

There is an active railway through the town and an old caboose near the tracks that kids can climb and peer inside. This playground is Clifton Town Park which is right behind the old church on Main Street. We had it to ourselves on a weekday afternoon! (Peterson’s Ice Cream Depot is a must in the summer!) For me, this is actually one of the best playgrounds in Northern Virginia because it includes an entire historic town to explore!

🅿There is free street parking along Main Street and also behind the Trattoria Villagio restaurant.
🚻 There are not restrooms, but businesses close by that might allow you.  
😷 Clifton has small sidewalks so we have avoided it on the weekends as I imagine its crowded but during the week, it was a lovely escape from the burbs!

Location: 7154 Main Street, Clifton

Town Website: Town of Clifton

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11) Van Dyck Park – City of Fairfax

Van Dyke Park in Fairfax is not as new and flashy as the previous playgrounds but it has a ton of different structures all spaced out! And when I say spread out, I mean like baseball fields-length in between different areas!

🚻 Portable restrooms.
😷 TONS of room to spread out!
🅿️ Huge parking lot.

Location: 3720 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA

Fairfax Playground Website: Van Dyck Park

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12) Cherry Hill Park – Falls Church, Virginia

✅ unique play structures 
✅ tot and larger playgrounds 
✅ volleyball court 
✅ basketball court 
✅ picnic tables 
✅ open field 
✅ wooded 
✅ partial shade 
✅ free (limited) street parking 

🚫 no bathrooms 

Thanks to PlaygroundsofNova for allowing me to share her post!

Thanks to @PlaygroundsofNova for the use of her photos and check out her full post here.

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13) Ratcliffe Park – Fairfax, VA

✅ tot playground 
✅ covered picnic tables
✅ bathrooms
✅ street parking
✅ basketball court 

Thanks to PlaygroundsofNova for allowing me to share her post!

Thanks to @PlaygroundsofNova for the use of her photos and check out her full post here.

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14) Lorton Community Center Playground

My kids loved this new playground right behind the new Lorton Community Center and Library. There are beautiful clean restrooms inside the library and lots of fitness and fun playground equipment. Lots of shade when we went in the afternoon.

Address: 9520 Richmond Highway Lorton, VA 22079

Parking: Tons of free parking spots.

More Info here.

15) Laurel Hill Park Playground - Lorton Virginia

Laurel Hill Park Playground is a new playground in Lorton, Virginia in a huge field. My kid had fun on the merry go round and ropes course. There is also an 18 hole disc golf course and lots of parking and picnic shelters. Note: No shade!

Address: 8780 Lorton Rd, Lorton, VA 22079

Parking: Huge lot.

More Info here.

Loudoun County – Best Playgrounds in Northern Virginia

1) Ashburn Park (Dinosaur Park)

✅ bathrooms 
✅ parking lot 
✅ four large and different playground structures 
✅ tons of shade 
✅ baby and big kid swings 
✅ covered pavilion 
✅ paved and gravel trails 
✅ creek – perfect for skipping stones and searching for tadpoles 

No 🚫 for this place except that it’s popular so choose your time to visit carefully if you want to be socially distant!

Thanks to @PlaygroundsofNova for the use of her photos and check out her full post here.

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2) Hyland Hills Park – South Riding, VA

Note: This is a very busy neighborhood playground.

✅ street parking
✅ unique climbing structures
✅ swings
✅ sidewalk surrounding for bikes and scooters

🚫 no shade
🚫 no bathrooms
🚫 no designated tot structure

Thanks to @PlaygroundsofNova for the use of her photos and check out her full post here.

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3) Trailside Park – Ashburn VA

* note: park at the end of the lot and follow the path on the right to the playground

✅ bathrooms
✅ parking lot
✅ picnic tables
✅ woods
✅ partial shade
✅ roller skating rink
✅ baseball field/batting cages

Thanks to @PlaygroundsofNova for the use of her photos and check out her full post here.

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4) Douglass Community Center – Leesburg VA

✅ parking lot
✅ bathrooms (in the community center)
✅ paved trails
✅ beach area

Address: 405 E. Market Street Leesburg, VA

Website: Douglass Community Center Thanks to PlaygroundsofNova for allowing me to share her post!

Thanks to @PlaygroundsofNova for the use of her photos and check out her full post here.

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5) Legacy Park – Brambleton, VA

✅ street parking
✅ zip line
✅ swings
✅ basketball court
✅ sand volleyball court
✅ zipline
✅ climbing structures
✅ lighted tennis courts

🚫 no bathroom but it’s in the middle of the town center so the library and shops are close by. Thanks to PlaygroundsofNova for allowing me to share her post!

Thanks to @PlaygroundsofNova for the use of her photos and check out her full post here.

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6) Potomac Lakes Sportsplex – Sterling

Thanks to @PlaygroundsofNova for the use of her photos and check out her full post here.

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7) Briar Patch Park – Sterling

✅  bathrooms ✅ swings ✅ Basketball ✅ covered benches ✅ Creek ✅ National Fitness Court ✅ Parking lot ✅ Picnic Table(s) ✅ Tennis ✅ Volleyball! Thanks to PlaygroundsofNova for allowing me to share her post!

Thanks to @PlaygroundsofNova for the use of her photos and check out her full post here.

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Best Playgrounds in Northern Virginia Prince William County

1) Fantasy Playground – Woodbridge, VA

Before you head out, an important warning for parents/caregivers: Sneakers are a must (I wore flip flops…huge mistake- I spent 70% of time digging tiny pebbles out of my shoes). 

✅ unique wooden play structures ✅ covered picnic tables ✅ benches throughout ✅ sandbox ✅ baby swings and tire swings ✅ parking lot 🚫 very little shade 🚫 NO bathrooms (but it is close to shopping centers in an emergency) 

Website here.

Thanks to PlaygroundsofNova for the use of her photos and allowing me to share her post! Full post here.

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2) Crescent Park – Gainesville, VA

✅ street parking
✅ unique climbing structures
✅ fenced in
✅ sidewalk surrounding

🚫 no bathrooms
🚫 no swings

Thanks to @PlaygroundsofNova for the use of her photos and check out her full post here.

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3) Lake Ridge Harbor Drive Wellness Park Playground (near Woodbridge)

Harbor Drive Wellness Park opened recently in Woodbridge and is close to Lake Ridge. It’s a great spot especially for babies to age 5. My kids had fun but there were no big slides for bigger kids. Really colorful but no restrooms are available.

Address: 3030 Harbor Dr, Lake Ridge, VA 22192

Parking: Small parking lot but you can also park on the street.

More Info on Harbor Wellness Drive Park

Playground Gear We Love:

1) Favorite Kid's Sun Hats

We’ve used Sunday Afternoon hats for 6 years! (Originally from REI bought found on Amazon) 2,700, 5 star reviews with UPF 50 and Smart Strap.

2) Tick Remover

Unfortunately, we live in an area with lots of ticks and tick-borne diseases. We have had experience with them and so now I always keep this cheap tick remover in the car. The important thing is to properly detach the tick and save it for testing. This little kit has great instructions on how to remove and send it away for testing. Plus your local county may have a place to send it off to.

3) Travel Potty

We loved this travel potty for both of my kids. You can use a grocery plastic bag or two instead of buying expensive liners.

4) UPF Hoodie for Me

If you've seen me on Instagram over the past 12 months, I always wear my UPF 50 Hoodie on at playgrounds! I love that it is breathable and 50 UPF. I don't have to worry about applying sunscreen to my neck and arms when we are out exploring! They have lots of sizes and colors and I know have 2 and my husband has one!

5) Favorite Sun Hat for Me

After trying many sun hats, I found this Columbia UPF 50 hat on sale at an outlet in Colorado last year and it's been perfect. Very large but covers my ears and most of my neck and its pretty indestructible rolling around in my trunk!

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Map of Best Playgrounds in Northern VA

More amazing playgrounds in Maryland here 10 Best in Maryland Playgrounds in Montgomery and Prince George’s County

And check out my 10 Best Playgrounds in DC!

And if you are looking for more parks without playgrounds, check out my 17 Social Distancing Spots in the DMV!