The Joy Troupe NOVA Family Guide
Northern Virginia Family Fun
The Jones Point Park playground is cute, safe, and fun and the park is a great destination for picnics or family recreation for all ages. Stroller friendly trail, interactive learning features, and two playgrounds to choose from.
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My kids loved this so much that they didn’t want to go home even though they were hungry for dinner. My littlest had to be carried to the parking lot, shouting “WANT THE PARK!” the whole way. (Of course, he’s two, so whether that’s an endorsement or just trouble with transitions is debatable. But he had a REALLY good time!)
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Mount Vernon Manor Park is located at 8600 Falkstone Ln Alexandria, VA 22309.There are several entrances into the park, none of which appear to pose a traffic hazard. The park …
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My kids are nuts about the train themed play structure and also enjoyed the variety of slides available. The size of the slides and climbing equipment mean that this playground is probably best geared toward younger kids. If you have mixed age kids, there is ample green space for frisbee or other active games right next to the playground.
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If it weren’t for the lack of restroom facilities of any kind, this would be my new favorite place. Conveniently located near Kings Highway and not far from Lee District park, this is 14 acres of woodsy, attractive park land. The playground is adorable, and my toddler loved it because, in addition to the high slides and the climbers for bigger kids, it had some low steps and a small slide that were just right for him. There are a couple of high-ish dropoffs you’ll want to watch if you do this park with a toddler, but they are easy to guard from the ground and there are no tight corners to navigate if you want to supervise from the top.
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I always refer to this place as one of NOVA’s “little known treasures,” because so many people don’t know it’s there! Once you’ve visited, you’ll say, “I can’t believe I didn’t know about this place!” because it is so amazing you’ll be shocked no one has mentioned it to you. It’s located inside George Washington’s River Farm and is open daily, unless the grounds are rented for a wedding. So if you’re planning a weekend trip, call first or have a backup plan in mind in case it’s closed.
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Parkhurst Park
5820 20th Rd. N.
Arlington, VA 22205
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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