We’re collecting parent reviews for the best playgrounds in DC! From cool destination playgrounds to hidden gem neighborhood parks, see what our community is saying about the top local spots for kids to play outdoors.

Zoom in on the map to discover the best DC playgrounds near you, suggest another spot for the list, and comment with your reviews and tips to let us know about your family's favorites!

Our list of Washington DC indoor playgrounds has you covered when the weather isn't cooperating, too.


 
    Clemyjontri Park

     (23.8 mi)

    Free

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Clemyjontri Park is designed for children of all abilities to play together. They cater to those with physical, developmental and sensory disabilities and offer ramps, rubber surfacing, lowered equipment and other specially designed equipment. They also feature a carousel and trackless train.

    Palisades Playground

     (27.6 mi)

    Free

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The concept for Palisades plays on the history of the area through play equipment and designs that feature Native American symbols. The space includes a spray feature, wooden play equipment, and swings separated from the main play area.

    Friendship Turtle Park

     (28.3 mi)

    Free

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Friendship Turtle Park features a playground, recreation center, basketball court, tennis courts and baseball field. They also host lots of fun events throughout the year.

    Chevy Chase Recreation Center

     (28.7 mi)

    Free

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Chevy Chase Recreation Center is a smaller site, nestled in the midst of a myriad of outdoor opportunities. From the baseball field, to the dog park, to a splash park, and tennis courts, Chevy Chase offers a variety of leisure opportunities to the community.

    Glencarlyn Park

     (29.1 mi)

    Free

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  This large and beautiful park has two playgrounds, including a treehouse-inspired play structure with a slide. Younger kids who are still getting the hang of riding a bike will love the "learning loop" that's just for them.

    Newark Park Playground

     (29.3 mi)

    Free

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Both younger and older children will find exciting equipment, including climbing equipment and small boulders to sit or play on. A rubberized play surface brings additional color and accessibility to the site.

    Lafayette-Pointer Recreation Center

     (29.4 mi)

    Free

    Kelly R.:  The enormous climbing structure is one of the biggest and best in DC, with enclosed rope bridges, net climbers and a huge slide. Don't miss it if your kids love heights! There are also small cabins to explore, a toddler playground and a splash pad area.

    Beauvoir School Playground

     (29.9 mi)

    Free

    Kelly R.:  This amazing private school playground in DC is shared with the public after school hours, and all day when school is not in session (that means weekends!). You'll find creative natural-material play structures for all ages, including net bridges, forts, climbing walls, a two-story slide and a zip line.

    Fairlington Park Playground

     (31.2 mi)

    Free

    Kelly R.:  A recent renovation has made this one of the best playgrounds near DC. The big draw (literally!) is the towering net climbing structure that ends in a tall tunnel slide. There's also smaller scale play equipment for littles, swings and a sandbox.

    Lee District Family Recreation Area

     (32.4 mi)

    Free

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Lee District Family Recreation Area is home to Our Special Harbor and Chessie's Big Backyard. Our Special Harbor is a fully accessible Chesapeake-Bay themed sprayground. The playground at Chessie’s Big Backyard is fully accessible to all children with padded rubber floor surface and lots of features to crawl through, climb over and ramps wide enough for wheelchair access as well.

    Kennedy Recreation Center

     (33.4 mi)

    Free

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  In addition to a well-equipped indoor center, Kennedy Recreation Center also offers a great outdoor environment with 2 playgrounds, tennis court, baseball field, basketball courts, splash-park, horse shoe pit, outdoor grills and a walking trail.

    Harry Thomas Sr. Playspace

     (34.2 mi)

    Free

    Kelly R.:  The magic is in the details at this cool DC playground inspired by the Fibonacci sequence, a series of numbers that makes a spiral shape (like a fiddlehead fern) when used to create squares. Equipment for all ages includes climbers, slides, a 4-person teeter totter and different kinds of swings.

    Anacostia Park

     (37.7 mi)

    Free

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Ahoy Matey! Anacostia Park is home to three playgrounds, including a giant pirate ship for kids to explore, play on, climb and slide. There's adult fitness equipment around the ship, so you can exercise while your kids play.

    Wonderful Wizard of Oz Playground

     (49.7 mi)

    Free

    Kelly R.:  Watkins Regional Park is home to a destination-worthy Wizard of Oz playground. Families can walk the yellow brick road, explore Dorothy's farm house and the Emerald City, spin in the poppy field, and slide down ruby slippers. The park also has a carousel, train and mini golf.

Primary photo:   Fairlington Park, courtesy of Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.

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