Tag: shade

tic tac toe game Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Arlington County VA Playgrounds

Potomac Overlook Park: Playground and more

- by Meghan - Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure that is fun, active AND educational, look no further than Potomac Overlook Park. There is no part of the park where they haven’t tucked something visually interesting, educational, or physically challenging. The hiking trail is appropriate for steady, mobile children. For toddlers and babies you will need a pack, as there are several stream crossings and steep areas that are not suitable for any kind of stroller.

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Greater Alexandria Playgrounds

Stoneybrooke Park

- by Meghan - Leave a Comment

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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Fairfax County Playgrounds

Pohick Bay Regional Park Playground

- by Meghan - 1 Comment

The playground is themed with woodland details, and the equipment is both challenging and fun. There are some fairly uncommon climbing toys that were new to my kid. (As you may have noticed, he gets to go to a lot of playgrounds, so that’s saying something.) There are four benches for parent seating, the parking is ample and fairly close, and the restrooms are not far off. We were there on a weekday afternoon. Aside from a few sort-of busy periods, we had the place to ourselves. If you get bored on the playground, there is the covered observation deck by the restrooms (I’m told you can spot eagles from that vantage point) and, of course, throwing rocks in the river from the beach to extend your fun.

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Butterfly Bench at River Farm Park in Alexandria VA
Greater Alexandria Playgrounds

River Farm Park Children’s Garden

- by Meghan - Leave a Comment

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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Alexandria City Playgrounds

Brookvalley Park

- by Meghan - 2 Comments.

The 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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Alexandria City Playgrounds

Tarleton Park

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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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Fairfax County Playgrounds

Hidden Oaks Nature Center: Nature Playce

- by Meghan - Leave a Comment

Once you’ve had a chance to explore the truly awesome indoor exhibits at the nature center, be sure to head outdoors and let your kids explore Nature Playce- the interactive outdoor exhibit. They’ll dig. They’ll jump. They’ll climb. They’ll compare how big they are to how big the dinosaurs were. They’ll take turns. They’ll have adventures and rescue the downtrodden. This shady, fenced, all natural playspace is exactly right.

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