The Joy Troupe NOVA Family Guide
Northern Virginia Family Fun
Here’s our take on the best NOVA has to offer in the great outdoors. Whether you’re doing a Stroller Hike or checking out a new playground, we think kids belong outside! See you there!
If the water is low and you are not afraid of getting your feet (and your wheels!) wet, you can take the stream across the ford and hook up with the Holmes Run trail . Just hang a left when you get to Morgan Street and you’ll see the trail head across North Beauregard. If you prefer to skip the ford, just take the other fork and turn right when you get to Beauregard St.
Read MoreThe kids and I have started going to the playground in Cloverdale Park. I took these pictures on Tuesday during our second visit there. One of the homeschool groups I …
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Although I managed to get a walk here, I really can’t recommend it. In fact, I’m including it only because every listing I found for it elsewhere mentions that it …
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This heavily traveled path runs along Holmes Run, linking several recreational parks. The paved trail is frequently marked with a center line, and is plenty smooth, wide, and level enough …
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Loftridge Park is a Fairfax County park located inside the Loftridge townhome community. You’ll enjoy a shady, challenging hike (or jog) here. The trail is moderately travelled. You’ll run into …
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Your biggest impediment to getting your walk on at Green Spring will be how often you want to stop and snap a photo of your little darling and whatever gorgeous thing you’re passing now. We explored this charming place on a gorgeous spring day. It was idyllic. Be sure to pack sunscreen, and have your camera charged and a blank memory card in the slot- it’ll be getting a workout here!
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If you’ve got a kid who likes to run up the slide, take them to Windmill Hill to have a go at the climbing hill. In fact, climbers, clamberers, and shinniers of all descriptions will love this playground. The climbing hill separates the enclosed playground into two areas- one suitable for toddlers, and one meant for pre-K and up.
Read MoreThe play equipment in this park is not gathered together into a single playground area, but scattered on either side of the Holmes Run Trail throughout the park. This is either a totally brilliant idea or a totally awful idea, depending on how likely your kid is to dart out in front of oncoming cyclists when they get bored and want to move on to the next piece of equipment.
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If you haven’t visited Tarleton Park lately, it’s time for another look. The park’s previous, safe if a bit seedy, play equipment has been demolished. In its place is a fully enclosed off-leash exercise area for dogs, and a brand new, train themed, play area has been installed nearby. New walking paths connect the park with the Holmes Run Trail and with the street. The playground has a rubber surface and is in partial shade, depending on the time of day.
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Although mostly green space and picnic area, this park does have a preschool age playground tucked into one corner. The playground surface is mulch. The play area is enclosed, and there are benches for the adults. No restrooms, not shaded, and the parking is on street.
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Head over to Lee District Park for a hike! Once you’ve tired of getting your stroll on, you’ll have five different play areas to choose from for the kids to enjoy while you wind down with a drink and a snack. Parts of the nature trail are definitely for the more intrepid strollers among us, but you’ll find a perfect “Pooh Sticks” bridge, lots of attractive views, and some good opportunities to teach your kid how to follow trail blazes.
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Playground is not shaded. It is fairly near the parking lot but not the street. Ample off-street parking and portolets. Playground surface is mulch, and there are benches and picnic tables nearby. Lots of open space for kids to run in.
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