Good, Better, Best! Top Playground areas in Arlington, Virginia. -

Playground areas aren’t just spaces for children to expend energy; they’re vital for child development, physical health, and community cohesion. Arlington, Virginia boasts a rich assortment of playgrounds offering diverse recreational opportunities for families.

Find the best playgrounds in Northern Virginia and Arlington with this guide, covering top picks to hidden gems.

Top Playgrounds in Arlington, Virginia

Top Playgrounds in Arlington, Virginia

1. Oak Grove Park

Oak Grove Playground Park in Arlington, VA, is a fun destination for families. It features a carved wood sculpture, gazebo, soccer field, and walking trail. With limited parking, it’s a quaint spot for outdoor fun and relaxation.

Address: 4012 17th Street North, Arlington, VA.
Opening Hours: The park is open from sunrise to sunset. However, it’s always good to check the latest updates on the Arlington County website, as hours and availability might change.
Website: Information about Oak Grove Park
Parking: Available but limited. Plan your visit outside peak times to avoid parking hassles.

In 2018, the playground underwent a renovation led by designers who installed new equipment, a water fountain, and play area. They also created a whimsical wood sculpture from a dead oak tree.

For outdoor fun, Oak Grove Park is an excellent choice among the playgrounds in Arlington, Virginia. It offers a variety of play structures for children. It incorporates art and nature into its design, making it a standout playground park for families looking to spend quality time outdoors.

2. Lubber Run Park

Lubber Run Playground Park in Arlington, Virginia is a family-friendly oasis featuring a community center, playgrounds, and ample recreational facilities. It is perfect for outdoor fun and relaxation.

Address: Enter at 300 N Park Dr for playground access. Alternative entry: 200 N Columbus St.
Opening Hours: The park and its facilities are open from sunrise to sunset, aligning with Arlington County’s park hours. This ensures visitors have ample time to explore and enjoy the park’s offerings throughout the day.
Website: Information about Lubber Run Park
Parking: Ample parking is available, especially near the community center, ensuring convenient access for visitors planning to spend the day or a few hours at the park.

Extra Details:

Lubber Run Playground Park spans 31 acres and is a haven for families, offering various activities and amenities. This includes multi-purpose lighted courts for pickleball, volleyball, and basketball and innovative playgrounds for different age groups featuring a large net climber, a sandbox, group swings, and the first hill slides in Arlington.
The park also boasts a large open lawn for casual use, a new boardwalk connecting to the forested area, a picnic shelter with charcoal grills, a gazebo, an amphitheater for shows, and paved paths and natural trails perfect for a leisurely walk.
Lubber Run Community Center complements the park with many programs for youth, adults, and seniors, including a preschool, senior center, gymnasium, fitness center, wellness studio, and multi-purpose rooms for various uses. The center also features an indoor track and courts for volleyball, pickleball, and basketball.

3. Fairlington Park

Explore Fairlington Playground Park in Arlington, Virginia, a vibrant community space featuring a modern playground, fitness area, and ample amenities for families and sports enthusiasts. It is a perfect spot for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Address: Fairlington Playground Park is centrally located near the Fairlington Community Center, but a specific address isn’t listed. The Community Center’s address is a good reference point: 3308 South Stafford Street, Arlington, VA 22206, making it easily accessible from I-395 or Route 7.
Opening Hours: The park is open from sunrise to sunset. This schedule allows visitors to enjoy the park’s facilities during daylight hours, offering flexibility for morning workouts or evening leisure.
Website: Information about Fairlington Park
Parking: Ample parking is available, which is convenient for visitors planning to spend a considerable amount of time at the park or participating in events at the community center.

Extra Details:

Amenities: Fairlington Park boasts a range of outdoor facilities, including basketball courts, a soccer field (permit takes priority), and an outdoor fitness area.
Community Center: The adjacent Fairlington Community Center enriches the park experience with multiple multipurpose rooms, art studios, a gymnasium, and Wi-Fi, among other features. It even has a unique bee box habitat for visitors to check out.

Fairlington Playground Park serves as a key recreational and community hub in Arlington, offering diverse amenities that cater to residents and visitors of all ages.

4. Benjamin Banneker Park:

Explore the serene Benjamin Banneker Playground Park in Arlington, Virginia. Enjoy its dog-friendly spaces, innovative playgrounds, and rich history marked by the original D.C. boundary stone.

Address: 1701 N Van Buren St, Arlington, VA 22205. This location is notable for its accessibility and historical significance, providing a unique backdrop for your park visit.
Opening Hours: The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, making it perfect for early morning walks or evening relaxation.
Website: Information about Benjamin Banneker Park
Parking: Parking is limited

Extra Details:

Playgrounds: The park boasts two playgrounds catering to different age groups. One features an obstacle balance course, rock climbing, and play towers with slides.
Outdoor Amenities: A soccer field (permit takes priority), picnic areas with seating, and proximity to the Four Mile Run Trail, W&OD Trail, and Custis Trail offer various activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The dog park, sponsored by Banneker Dogs, is a unique feature, which closes at 8 p.m., providing a space for your furry friends to play off-leash.
Historical Significance: Don’t miss the original District of Columbia boundary marker within the park. It offers a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
Dog Park Reviews: Visitor experiences at the dog park vary, noting the friendly regular community and considerations for small versus large dogs in the shared space.

Benjamin Banneker Playground Park is a multifaceted recreation area combining leisure and historical education, making it a valuable resource for Arlington residents and visitors.

5. Fort Barnard Park:

Discover Fort Barnard Playground Park in Northern Virginia, Arlington, where history meets play. This family-friendly park offers fort-themed playground equipment, a community garden, and sports facilities. It’s the perfect spot for leisure and outdoor fun.

Address: Fort Barnard Playground Park is at 2101 S Pollard St, Arlington, VA 22204. This address makes the park convenient for residents and visitors alike.
Opening Hours: The park is open from sunrise to sunset, providing ample time for visitors to explore and enjoy its offerings. The adjacent Fort Barnard Dog Park is open until 9 p.m., offering evening options for pet owners.
Website: Information about Fort Barnard Park
Parking: Parking is limited

Extra Details:

Playground: The park features unique “fort” themed play equipment, making it an exciting adventure spot for children. It also includes a custom mosaic and a hopscotch area, adding to the fun and interactive experience.
Sports Facilities: For sports enthusiasts, there’s a baseball field and a basketball court. The park authorities reserve the baseball field for permitted groups, maintaining it for organized activities.
Community Garden: Fort Barnard Park hosts a community garden that provides fresh produce to the local Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) and engages the community in sustainable gardening practices.

Fort Barnard Playground Park stands out for its thematic playground, which merges play with historical charm. It offers a variety of activities for all ages.

6. Tuckahoe Park

Explore the vibrant Tuckahoe Playground Park in Arlington, Virginia. This 12-acre haven offers a playground, tennis courts, walking trails, and an amphitheater, perfect for family outings and nature lovers.

Address: Tuckahoe Playground Park is located at N 26th St & Tuckahoe St, Arlington, VA 22213, providing a green oasis in the heart of the community.
Opening Hours: The park is open from sunrise to sunset, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy its facilities and natural beauty.
Website: Information about Tuckahoe Park
Parking: Ample parking is available, making it convenient for visitors planning to explore the park’s amenities.

Extra Details:

Tuckahoe Park features an array of amenities, including two combination fields (with permit priority), two lighted tennis courts, and a playground for various age groups.
Explore local flora and fauna on the park’s self-guided nature trails
A theater provides a venue for community events and performances, enhancing the park’s role as a communal gathering space.
Essential amenities like portable toilets (available during scheduled sports seasons), a drinking fountain, and picnic tables make it a convenient spot for day outings.

Tuckahoe Playground Park stands out as a comprehensive recreational area that caters to both active pursuits and relaxation. It is a must-visit location in Arlington for families, sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.

7. Dawson Terrance Community Center

Dive into the rejuvenated Dawson Terrace Community Center Playground in Arlington. It boasts innovative play areas, lighted multi-use courts, and scenic trails, making it a vibrant community hub for families and sports enthusiasts.

Address: The playground is located at 2133 N Taft St, Arlington, VA 22201.
Opening Hours: The park is open from sunrise to sunset. This schedule ensures the playground is accessible during the most inviting times of the day for play and relaxation.
Website: Information about Dawson Terrance Community Center
Parking: Parking is limited, so planning your visit during non-peak hours might help ensure availability.

Extra Details:

The playground area is suitable for both preschool and school-age children and features a variety of play equipment that encourages active and imaginative play.
Following its renovation, completed in the second quarter of 2019, the park now includes upgraded picnic areas and enhanced trail connections that invite exploration and enjoyment of the natural surroundings.
The renovation also introduced a lighted, multi-use court that supports basketball, volleyball, and other court games, making the park more accessible and user-friendly.
This park is distinguished by its community-driven design and historic significance. It is a space where families can gather, play, and connect.

Dawson Terrace Community Center Playground is not just a place for kids to play; it’s a revitalized community asset where history, recreation, and nature intersect to offer a unique park experience.

8. Rosslyn Highlands Park

Discover Rosslyn Highlands Playground Park in Virginia, Arlington, a modern urban oasis featuring a variety of recreational facilities, including a multi-use court, exercise equipment, and a playground set against a backdrop of native trees and plantings.

Address: 1529 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209.
Opening Hours: The park is open from sunrise to sunset, offering ample time for visitors to enjoy its facilities.
Website: Information about Rosslyn Highlands Park
Parking: Parking is limited so that visitors might consider public transportation or nearby parking options.

Extra Details:

The park underwent a significant redevelopment in the fourth quarter of 2021 to enhance its appeal and functionality within the Rosslyn urban landscape.
Features include a multi-use court that remains lit until 10 p.m. as part of a Lighting Pilot Program, exercise equipment, grills, picnic tables, and a playground. The park’s design promotes active and passive recreation among its native trees and plantings.
Rosslyn Highlands Playground Park is part of a larger project that includes residential and office development, demonstrating Arlington County’s commitment to creating multifunctional public spaces that serve the community’s needs.

This revitalized park is a critical component of Rosslyn’s green infrastructure, providing a serene getaway in the heart of an urban setting. It’s a perfect spot for residents and visitors looking for outdoor fitness options or a place to relax and play amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.

9. Madison Manor Park

Enjoy the outdoors at Madison Manor Playground Park in Northern Virginia, featuring a nature-themed playground, renovated sports fields, and picturesque picnic areas. It is ideal for families and sports enthusiasts alike.

Address: 6225 12th Road North, Arlington, VA 22205. This location is conveniently situated for easy access by residents and visitors.
Opening Hours: The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. This wide window allows for various activities to be enjoyed throughout the day.
Website: Information about Madison Manor Park
Parking: Parking is described as limited, so visitors might want to consider alternative transportation methods or plan to visit during off-peak hours for the best chance of finding a spot.

Extra Details:

The Playground park recently underwent significant renovations, completed in the second quarter of 2020. These improvements have modernized its facilities while enhancing its natural beauty and accessibility.
Facilities include a new nature-themed playground that offers creative play spaces for children, two tennis courts, a lighted basketball court, and a combination field renovated with new spectator seating, irrigation, sod, and improved drainage.
Additionally, Madison Manor Park features picnic areas with charcoal grills, a picnic shelter, restrooms, a drinking fountain, and access to the W&OD Trail, making it a versatile spot for leisure and outdoor activities.
The park’s renovation also focused on environmental sustainability, introducing a Resource Protection Area with new trees and shrubs, native plants to attract pollinators, and new ADA-accessible walkways.

10. Rocky Run Playground

Rocky Run Playground Park in Northern Virginia, is a vibrant and recently renovated two-acre community playground that caters to toddlers and older children. It has a variety of play equipment, picnic areas, a basketball court, and outdoor fitness equipment, so it’s a perfect spot for family fun and exercise.

Address: 1109 North Barton Street, Arlington, Virginia.
Opening Hours: The park is open from sunrise to sunset, offering a full day of enjoyment for families and sports enthusiasts.
Website: Information about Rockey Run Playground
Parking: On-street, paid parking is available. It’s advisable to come early during peak times to secure a spot.

Extra Details:

The park’s playground is divided into sections suitable for toddlers and older children, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all age groups. It includes innovative play structures like climbing nets and a large blue slide.
Besides the playground, Rocky Run Park features a lighted synthetic oval field (with permit priority), outdoor fitness equipment, and restroom facilities.
A basketball court is also available for sports enthusiasts, with benches and a grassy area for spectators or additional play space.

11. Clarendon Crossing Playground

Clarendon Crossing is a vibrant outdoor shopping center in Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood. It features national retailers, boutiques, and eateries.

Renowned brands like Apple and Whole Foods anchor the center.

The Loop is a charming pathway surrounding pavilions, a playground, and a tranquil oasis.

Address: 2800 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Opening Hours: The restaurant is open seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., ensuring visitors can enjoy its offerings from early morning until late at night.
Website: Information about The Crossing Clarendon
Parking: Street parking available

Extra Details: The Loop at Clarendon Crossing is a shopping and community hub. It features The Loop Park, a kids’ play area with walkways, seating, and modern landscaping, perfect for family outings.

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