The Joy Troupe NOVA Family Guide
Northern Virginia Family Fun
This playground is built in what was once a water feature, so there are two levels. My kid loved the fact that there were steps and a little bridge, but it was a hot, sunny day, and the equipment was just a bit too hot to play on. There’s plenty of shady, grassy space to play in, even if the day is very hot.
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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.
Read MorePlay ground has mulch under equipment. Fenced in on two sides. Soccer fields next to playground and benches between playground and parking lot. No public bathrooms but two port-a-potties right next to playground.
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Not shaded. The approach to the playground area is very hilly, so this is a good one for walking children or your jogging stroller. The park is not enclosed, but there’s an entire athletic field between the playground and the street. Parking is in a small, off street lot. There are restrooms during spring and summer- they’re closed in the winter time.
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Mulch surface, not enclosed, fairly near the road on a cul-de-sac. Moderately travelled at rush hour. Benches, no shade. Swings, slides, monkey bars, speaking tubes, climbing apparatus. Looking for more …
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The Armory Tot Lot in the City of Alexandria is a favorite. It’s perfect for the 0-4 age group. Also great for those with multiple children. It’s small, sandbox, bucket swings and climbing structure. Best part is that it’s fenced in, so no losing kiddos or chasing two in different directions.
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6501 Deepford Street, Springfield 22150
This park has a mulch surface with very good drainage, plenty of fun, safe equipment for the kids, a reservable picnic area, restrooms, and a good, long run between the play equipment and the street. ***Restrooms are only open “in season.” (Probably Memorial Day to Labor Day.)
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Lee District Park 6601 Telegraph Road Franconia, Virginia Surface is mulch. Playground is not enclosed but is located away from the street and fairly far from the parking lot. There …
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This playground is completely fenced in and has lots of space to run and climb. The playground surface is mulch and the sign says it’s for older children, but the little guys had a great time here, too.
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