Enjoy unlimited carousel rides and playground time during a Spirit Park birthday party. Photo courtesy of National Harbor

Best Parks and Playgrounds for Outdoor Kids' Birthday Parties

1. Spirit Park Carousel and Playground — National Harbor, MD

A standard birthday party at Spirit Park includes a party host, 12 balloons, two hours of unlimited rides on the Americana-themed carousel, and use of the adjacent playground (which includes a climbing structure, slides, and a toddler play area). With the deluxe package, guests can also enjoy Dippin' Dots, goodie bags, and drinks. The standard package includes two hours of reserved space, while the deluxe package grants use of a covered party pavilion.

2. Clemyjontri Park — McLean, VA

This fully accessible playground features over two acres of play space that kids of all abilities can enjoy. There are play structures with slides, monkey bars, and balance challenges; climb-on toys including cars, planes, and animals; dozens of swings; and a maze. During the summer, party guests can ride a large carousel and a trackless train. There is plenty of parking and on-site bathrooms. Try snagging a picnic table, or reserve a picnic shelter or canopy area online.

3. Wheaton Regional Park — Silver Spring, MD

This park's Adventure Playground includes a toddler area with concrete animals and a sandbox. For the more adventurous, there are slides of all sizes, a climbing mound and nets, and a climbing wall. There are also swings, monkey bars, balance challenges, and tunnels. Partygoers can ride the mini train and the carousel from May to August. Reserve a picnic shelter online or try for a first-come, first-served picnic table and/or grill. You can also rent the Wheaton Train Station Party Room.

4. Chessie's Big Backyard — Alexandria, VA

This amazing, accessible playground at Franconia Family Recreation Area features a padded rubber surface and lots of structures to climb, crawl, and slide on. There is also the 2,160-foot Chessie’s Trail full of sensory features like a sound garden and animal figures. A carousel runs from April to October. Reserve a picnic shelter for kids' birthday parties online.

5. South Germantown Recreational Park — Boyds, MD

There are so many options for kids' birthday parties at this massive park. The seven-acre Adventure Playground features five themed areas, including a castle structure and a pirate-ship playground for younger kids. There's also an incredible splash park and an 18-hole mini golf course open in the summer. Reserve a picnic shelter online or rent a tent at the splash park. You can even rent the entire splash park and mini golf course from 6-8pm.

RELATED: Teen Birthday Party Ideas in DC: Cool Party Places for Teens

A paintball party is perfect for active tweens and teens. Photo courtesy of Pev's Paintball

Best Sports and Activity Centers for Outdoor Kids' Birthday Parties

6. Pev's Paintball — Aldie, VA

Pev's offers paintball parties for ages 10 and up that include one to two hours of play times on private fields, a private instructor, and all necessary equipment. Low-impact paintball parties are available for ages 8-9, as well as gelly ball parties for ages 5 and up and Airsoft parties for ages 10 and up. You can add on a tent or an indoor party room and food from the on-site concession stand, and outside dessert and drinks are permitted.

7. Dulles Golf Center & Sports Park — Sterling, VA

At this outdoor golf and sports center, kids can choose up to three activities for their birthday party—mini golf, a driving range, batting cages, basketball, beach volleyball, and gem mining. Each two-hour party includes a dedicated party attendant and use of a party pavilion. You provide the food; Dulles Golf Center provides the utensils and paper goods.

8. Go Ape! — Springfield, VA and Derwood, MD

Have a birthday adventure in the trees at this aerial obstacle course featuring fun challenges including zip lines, suspension bridges, Tarzan swings, and more. Kids of all ages can participate at the Virginia location, while the Maryland location is limited to ages 10 and up. All birthday party packages include gloves for each participant, and you can add goodie bags for an additional fee.

Best Zoos and Animal Parks for Outdoor Kids' Birthday Parties

9. Maryland Zoo — Baltimore, MD

If your kiddo loves animals, you can't get much better than a birthday party at the Maryland Zoo. Two-hour parties include zoo admission for up to 30 guests, a party area under a tent, and a dedicated staff member to help. You can bring your own food and drinks or order directly from the zoo. Paper goods and plush animals can be purchased as add-ons.

10. Leesburg Animal Park — Leesburg, VA

Birthday parties at Leesburg Animal Park include pony rides, animal petting and feeding, an up-close encounter with a special animal, paper goods, and all-day admission to the park. A host guides the party for two hours, and you'll get a reserved indoor or outdoor party area for cake, snacks, and gift openings.

11. Frying Pan Farm Park — Herndon, VA

In addition to a playground and carousel, this park is home to Kidwell Farm, a recreation of a '30s working homestead. From March through November, kids ages 2 and older can have a Barnyard Bash that includes one or more staff-led activities, depending on the package. These include a meet-and-greet with farm animals, a private wagon and/or carousel ride, and a planting activity, plus two outdoor games. Parties include the use of a shelter tent.

12. Clark's Elioak Farm — Ellicott City, MD

Birthday parties at this magical farm include animal petting, goat feeding, a hay wagon ride, visits to the Enchanted Forest attractions and maze, and play time in the play areas and on the slides. Covered tables are reserved for your party for two and a half hours, and you may bring outside food and drinks. Juices, water, snacks, and ice cream are for sale on site.

RELATED: Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Preschoolers in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Enjoy the giant wave pool at Great Waves Water Park photo courtesy of Nova Parks

Best Water Parks for Outdoor Kids' Birthday Parties

13. Great Waves Water Park — Alexandria, VA

With its giant wave pool, five large water slides, baby pool, splash zone, and Paradise Play area for breaks from the water, Great Waves is the perfect place for a summer birthday party. Parties include all-day admission for up to 10 guests (additional guests cost extra), a private covered party area for three hours, a personal party assistant, and a gift for the birthday child. You can also upgrade the party to include pizza, drinks, and ice cream.

14. Atlantis Water Park — Centreville, VA

Host your child's birthday party at this water park featuring a large main pool with a play island with small slides, two large twisting water slides, a dumping bucket, water cannons, sprayers, a baby pool, and a sand play area. Parties include all-day admission for up to 10 guests (additional guests cost extra), a private covered party area for two hours, a party assistant, and a gift for the birthday kid. You can also add pizza, drinks, and Dippin' Dots.

15. Ocean Dunes Water Park — Arlington, VA

This beach-themed water park has two big water slides, several smaller slides, waterfalls, squirters, and a large main pool. At the center of it all is a large play structure with a 500-gallon dumping bucket. Parties include all-day admission for up to 10 guests (additional guests cost extra), a private covered party area for two hours, a party assistant, and a gift for the birthday kid. Pizza, drinks, and Dippin' Dots can be added on.