There are so many great playgrounds in the Washington, D.C. area! We picked out some of the best ones for families to explore throughout the year.
Outdoor Playgrounds
D.C.
Rosedale Recreation Center
Rosedale Recreation Center’s playground is themed after the nation’s capital, featuring kid-sized versions of the White House and the Lincoln Memorial. It’s also an all-inclusive playground with wheelchair-friendly attractions.
Takoma Playground
This playground is located right across the street from an aquatic center, so kids can cool off in the pool after they play.
Maryland
Greenbriar Local Park | Travilah
A Chesapeake-themed playground with a fishing boat, interactive soundboard and fish spring riders
Watkins Regional Park | Upper Marlboro
A large park with a sensory-friendly playground. It’s also home to the Wonderful World of Watkins Amusement Complex, which has a carousel, mini-golf and a miniature train kids can ride.
Virginia
Ashburn Park | Ashburn
This playground is also known as “Dinosaur Park” for its prehistoric theme.
Chessie’s Big Backyard | Alexandria
A fully-accessible outdoor playground with a carousel, an interactive walking trail and a splash pad perfect for cooling off on hot days
Clemyjontri Park | McLean
The first inclusive park in Virginia, meant to be a place where children of all abilities can play together
Fantasy Playground | Mount Royal
An extensive wooden playground designed to look like a castle. Some playgrounds built in this style attract beehives, so exercise caution while playing.
Hal & Berni Hanson Regional Park | Aldie
Has two playgrounds, one aimed at older kids and one designed for toddlers. The park also has a nature center and a splash pad.
Indoor Playgrounds
D.C.
Gymboree Play & Music
Ages: 0-5
A D.C. branch of a national chain, this children’s gym is designed around gymnastics and making exercise fun. It regularly holds art, gym and music classes.
Magic Ground
Ages: 18 months to 12 years
A large playground with several smaller areas, including an arcade, costume and face painting zone and an art workshop
National Children’s Museum
Ages: All
The National Children’s Museum encourages play and education in equal measures, with attractions ranging from an extensive climbing course to areas focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).
Locations in Multiple Regions
Jolly Yolly Kids | Bethesda, MD and Fairfax, VA
Ages: 0-13
This ocean-themed playground holds free play sessions, birthday parties and even camps during the summer and winter holidays.
Me Land | Gaithersburg, MD and Chantilly, VA
Ages: 0-12
An indoor playground featuring areas aimed at different age groups, such as a Tot Zone for younger children and a Big Kids Zone for older children and tweens
Mulberry Lane Cafe | Alexandria, VA and Washington, D.C.
Ages: 1-6
Parents can enjoy a hot drink or pastries while kids take part in fun, relaxed programs and play pretend.
Maryland
Hyper Kidz | Rockville
Ages: 0-13
An indoor playground that serves as a space where children in different age groups can play together, with attractions for all ages. It also hosts birthday parties and has several party rooms.
Recess Play Center | Silver Spring
Ages: All
A jungle-themed playground; also has a “kids cove” area where kids can unwind with a book or a board game if they need a break from the fun
We Rock the Spectrum | Gaithersburg
Ages: All
Indoor playgrounds designed with neurodivergent children in mind, though all children are welcome. We Rock the Spectrum includes attractions that are meant to be sensory-friendly and fun without being overstimulating.
Northern Virginia
Billy Beez | Manassas
Ages: All
In addition to an indoor playground, this fun center also has an arcade, sports courts, a mock village and a “ballistics arena” where kids can shoot balls out of a cannon.
Scramble Parkour | Alexandria, Arlington and Falls Church
Ages: 0-12
Locally-owned indoor playground chain with a parkour course for older kids; also has a cafe and a gift shop with educational toys and games
The Toy Nest | Falls Church
Ages: 0-10
One of three full-time toy libraries in the United States, it allows kids to choose from a wide variety of toys. Visitors can either take home toys and return them later or spend time playing in the shop.
