I’ve received 4 requests recently for outdoor birthday party venues near me in the DMV in 2023. When that many people ask the same question, it’s time for a blog post!
There are dozens of great parks and playgrounds in the DC area to hold birthday parties. So, I narrowed down the list to the top 10 which include:
- 🎠 Something a little special (carousel, mini-train, mini-golf)
- 📋 Ability to reserve a space from the county (9 out of 10)
- 🚻 Restrooms! (I am looking at you Greenbriar… such a great park but why no restrooms?!)
This website uses affiliate links for Amazon Associates. This means that if you make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you to help cover website hosting fees, thanks!
Virginia Outdoor Birthday Party Venues Near Me
Chessie's Big Backyard at Franconia Recenter - Alexandria, VA
Why its Great for Birthdays: Amazing park in Kingstowne with so much to do for all age kids! Huge free playground with a big kid section (ages 5-12) and little kid section (ages 0-4). There is also a new carousel near the playground, a musical nature trail and treehouse to explore. There are 3 shelters you can reserve for your party between the carousel and playground. I also love that the restrooms are right next to the playground. Lots of parking for your guests as well.
Notes:
- Reservation link and costs here.
- Check the carousel hours because some months of the year it is closed.
More Pictures: Check out more about this playground here!
Theme Idea: Nature Explorers! Love these Woodland Creature Decorations and these Woodland Stickers could be a great party favors!
Clemijontri Park - McLean, Virginia
Why its Great for Birthdays: Incredible playground in McLean, VA which is 100% accessible! Very large playground with dozens of play structures and happy rainbow theme. Birthday guests will love the variety of fun. Restrooms in the center of the playground and easy parking lot next to park.
Notes:
- Check out Carousel and Trackless Train hours for opening times and reservations.
- Shelter and 2 Canopy areas are available to rent. Reservation Link and Cost
More Pictures: Check out more about this playground here!
Theme Idea: Rainbows! There is a large rainbow arch already in the playground and you could use these rainbow plates, cups and napkins and maybe these rainbow curly straws as party favors.
Lubber Run Playground - Arlington, Virginia
Why its Great for Birthdays: Epic new playground in Arlington with a free parking garage for all your guests, nature trails and clean restrooms. The special surprise would be the awesome slide and sand pit. Maybe you could bring sand toys as party favors for your guests?
Note: After a quick look, it seems like Arlington picnic shelters are all around $340. This is much higher than Fairfax County prices. For Arlington parks, maybe you could bring picnic blankets?!
More Pictures: Check out more about this playground here!
Theme Idea: The playground is right next to Lubber Run, a lovely creek with a walking trail next to the Yellow Slide. Maybe you could have a Woodland Animal Theme. Love these Woodland Creature Decorations and these Woodland Stickers could be a great party favors!
Burke Lake Park - Fairfax Station, Virginia
Why its Great for Birthdays: Wonderful park in the heart of Fairfax Station with so much to do for a birthday! They have mini golf, carousel, miniature train rides and 2 playgrounds. Plus a huge lake with a 5 mile trail if you wanted to have a little nature walk with your party! Restrooms in the Ice Cream Parlor near the playground, carousel and train depot! Check out Carousel and Mini Train hours for opening times and reservations.
Note: Some peak weekends may require an entrance fee for out of county residents.
Reservation Link: They have 7 shelters and picnic areas you can reserve. Check out their locations and cost here.
More Pictures: Check out more about this playground here!
Theme Idea: Trains theme! Decoration pack here and party favors of train coloring books and crayons here. Carousel themed decorations: Carousel Cupcake Toppers, Carousel Backdrop, Carousel Cake Topper.
DC Outdoor Birthday Party Venues Near Me
RFK the Fields - Northeast DC
Why its Great for Birthdays: Great playground + Sports Fields + close to Kingman and Heritage Islands for a birthday party nature hike. The playground at the fields is so cool with tons of unique features: Orb Merry Go Round, hammock thing that we later learned from a very talented preteen, is meant for practicing surfing 🏄♀️ ! Tons of climbing structures and astroturf hills.
The Fields has tons of picnic tables and shaded spots but if you want to reserve the Celebration Pavilion, you can check out their website.
UPDATE: Thanks to a reader who shared, “I just wanted to let you know you can reserve the picnic tables adjacent to the playground under the overhang. You need to show up in person within 48 hours of the event and talk to someone at the field office. It’s free and they are very nice. 4 tables, 2 hours (but not strict) and up to 20 people. It’s free and they are very nice. 4 tables, 2 hours (but not strict) and up to 20 people.”
More Pictures: Check out more about this playground here!
Theme Idea: Gotta go with sports! Cool decorations here and party favors stressballs here.
Guy Mason Rec Center - Northwest DC
Why its Great for Birthdays: Lots of great play structures for all ages of kids! Sand pit, Big kids ropes slide and a huge field. Also a great parking lot at 3600 Calvert St NW DC and restrooms when the rec center is open. Also the parking lot borders the Vice President’s residence which is so cool to see as you drive up! (What other playground can say that?!)
Park Site Rental: Use this link to go to the “DPR Park Site Reservations for Outdoor Events.” I believe it is only open to DC residents and is just $25 per hour. Use the search feature to enter “Guy Mason” into the search box for all the details.
More Pictures: Check out more about this playground here!
Theme Ideas: Great sand pit so maybe sand toys as party favors? (Pack of 12 sets that include shovel, rake and scoop)
Turkey Thicket Rec Center - Northeast DC Outdoor Birthday Party venues near me
Why its Great for Birthdays: Huge playground with a fun Train and Town theme if you have a birthday kid who loves trains! Large parking lot at 📍1100 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC and restrooms in the rec center when open for your guests. Note: Restrooms are closed at the Rec center on Sundays!
Park Site Rental: Use this link to go to the “DPR Park Site Reservations for Outdoor Events.” I believe it is only open to DC residents and is just $25 per hour. Use the search feature to enter “Turkey Thicket” into the search box for all the details.
More Pictures: Check out more about this playground here!
Theme Idea: Trains theme! Decoration pack here and party favors of train coloring books and crayons here.
Maryland Outdoor Birthday Party Venues Near Me
Wheaton Regional Park
Why its Great for Birthdays: Love Wheaton Regional Park and its perfect for birthdays! They even have a piñata pole for you to bring your own and tie it up! Tons to do for free and for $2.50 a ticket including a miniature train ride and carousel. There is also an Adventure playground with 3 giant slides, astroturf hill (bring cardboard!), and ropes and swings up on hill. 2 sets of permanent restrooms near the playground and train.
Notes:
- Check the carousel and mini train schedule here ahead of time.
- 9 picnic shelters. Reservation Link and Cost
More Pictures: Check out more about this playground here!
Theme Idea: Another train theme! Decoration pack here and party favors of train coloring books and crayons here.
Cabin John Park - Bethesda, Maryland
Why its Great for Birthdays: This playground is actually 7 different play structures in one huge forest clearing! There is also a miniature train which my kids love and a talking pig trash can. The Wheaton Ice Rink is open year-round at a different entrance. 2 sets of permanent restrooms near the playground and train.
Notes:
- Playground is at 7400 Tuckerman Ln, Bethesda, MD 20817 (there are other parking lots in the park)
- Check mini train schedule for open times.
- 2 open shelters you can reserve. Reservation Link and Cost
More Pictures: Check out more about this playground here!
Theme Idea: Another train theme! Decoration pack here and party favors of train coloring books and crayons here.
Gaithersburg Rio - Maryland Outdoor Birthday Party Venues Near Me
Why it’s Great for Birthdays: So many fun surprises here for the birthday kid and guests! Carousel, Paddle Boats, brand new playground, and Feeding the Fish!
Notes:
- While this is the only place you cannot reserve a picnic shelter, there are tons of restaurants you could have lunch at with your party. There are also lots of picnic areas.
- Carousel and Paddle Boat schedules and costs here.
More Pictures: Check out more about this playground here!
Theme Idea: Carousel-themed decorations: Carousel Cupcake Toppers, Carousel Backdrop, Carousel Cake Topper.
Indoor Birthday Party Venue Ideas
And if you want to find indoor play areas for birthdays, check out the DMV with Kids Database and select “indoor play areas” to find 62 indoor locations. 36 in Virginia, 21 in Maryland and 5 in DC. Includes play places, bowling, ice skating, roller rinks nature centers and more!
And in Northern Virginia check out these 45 Indoor Play Spaces, many of which you can book party packages!
