Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in Washington DC

Find great playgrounds for your DC kids, including nature trails, hiking in our many local parks, camping, and more outdoor fun for all ages.

The greater Washington DC area includes DC, Montgomery County, Maryland, NOVA, and more of Virginia, too!

DC's Best Kids' Playgrounds & Parks
Kids of all ages and abilities will love the colorful equipment at Clemyjontri Park. Photo by the author
Destination Playgrounds in the DC Area: 15 Play Spaces Worth the Trip
Buzz over to the Me and the Bee playground at the Smithsonian National Zoo. Photo courtesy of nationalzoo.si.edu
Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds near DC
Leesylvania State Park has a larger beach and several smaller sandy areas that kids love to explore.
10 Parks with Beaches near DC for a Day Trip with Kids
The carousel and playground at National Harbor are lots of fun for kids' birthday parties. Photo courtesy of Spirit Park
DC's Best Parks and Playgrounds for Kids' Birthday Parties
The award-winning Powhatan Springs Skate Park is perfect for younger skaters. Photo courtesy of Arlington Skaters, Facebook
Great Skate Parks Near Washington, DC for Kids and Families
Climb the famous steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a gorgeous view of the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument. Photo by anjanettew via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Visiting Washington, DC's National Mall and Memorial Parks with Kids

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More Outdoor Fun
Escape the DC summer heat at Langdon Park Pool. Photo courtesy of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation
Best Free Public Swimming Pools in DC for Families
Pick the perfect sunflower at Great Country Farms. Photo by Maryam Shahid for Great Country Farms
Best Sunflower Fields Near DC for Pick-Your-Own Sunflowers
Enjoy a family fire at the Cherry Hill Park campground. Photo courtesy of Cherry Hill Park.
10 Campgrounds Near DC to Go Family Camping with Kids
Meet lots of goats and cows at South Mountain Creamery. Photo by Jenifer Marino Walters
12 Great Animal Farms and Petting Zoos near DC for Kids
Fishing is a great way to bond with the family in nature. Photo courtesy of Montgomery Parks in Maryland
Fishing Lakes Near DC and More Kid-Friendly Places to Go Fishing
Have fun on the patio at True Food Kitchen. Photo by @classicchickenspicymomma
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Latest Parks & Playgrounds News

PS 197's new playground is a big improvement from its prior asphalt look. Photo courtesy of Trust for Public Land
Have You Seen the Whimsical, Kid-Designed Playground at PS 197?
Bright colors, room to romp, climb, and play await at this kid-centric park.
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The buildings of midtown feel a world away when you're immersed in the Hallett Nature Sanctuary.
Hidden Gem for Families in NYC: Hallett Nature Sanctuary in Central Park
Little ones will appreciate an expedition to this beautiful, off-the-beaten-path enclave.
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Tom Otterness' whimsical sculptures take centerstage at this lower Manhattan park.
Hidden Gem in NYC: Find Whimsical Tom Otterness Sculptures at this NYC Park
This corner of one of our favorite green spaces overflows with whimsical art.
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Come nose-to-nose with the adorable aardvark at the Home for Retired Playground Animals in Queens.
Hidden Gem in NYC: Home for Retired Playground Animals in Flushing Meadows Park
It's hard to resist the nostalgic pull of this Queens hidden gem.
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Rainey Park is fresh off a full renovation that brought new playground equipment and accessible features.
From Swings to Spray Showers: Rainey Park Reopens in Astoria with a Kid-Friendly Makeover
Fresh playground equipment and better greenway access make Rainey Park a winner.
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The water is flowing once again at the LeFrak Center in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, which is reopened under new management.
Prospect Park's LeFrak Center Reopens with New Management and Exciting Upgrades
Brooklyn's beloved all-seasons destination has gotten some needed upgrades.
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