Watkins Regional Park is truly a hidden gem! I recently took my 4-year-old niece, and she…read moreabsolutely loved every minute of it. The Wizard of Oz-themed playground made such an impression on her that we've been watching The Wizard of Oz on repeat ever since our visit. It was so much fun seeing her imagination come to life as she explored all the themed play areas. One thing I really appreciated was that there's something for kids of all ages. There are plenty of play structures and activities to keep everyone entertained. The park is also very family-friendly, with lots of shaded benches and picnic shelters where I could comfortably sit, relax, and keep an eye on her while she played. After the playground, we walked across the street to ride the carousel, which she absolutely adored. They also have a train ride, but unfortunately it wasn't operating during our visit. That just gives us another reason to come back! Next time, we're planning to visit the farm and meet all the animals. I can't believe such a special place is just a few miles from home. If you're looking for a fun, affordable outing with children, Watkins Regional Park is definitely worth the visit. We can't wait to go back!

The local park is great for those into fitness. What helps is that it is merely nice and shady…read moreeven on a humid day which makes the walks and runs enjoyable.

Indeed a hidden gem! Playground, lots of space for kids (and adults) to run around, splash pad in…read morethe warm months, and a very nice building with restrooms, meeting rooms, and more. You have to sign in to use that facility but the staff was friendly and it's no big deal. As a parent I also appreciated that you have to enter a gate and it's a little bit outside (or inside, rather) the rest of the neighborhood. Great place to host an outdoor birthday party.

If I could give zero stars, I would. This place is disgusting. There is absolutely no soap or paper…read moretowels in the bathrooms, and they are so f'ing lazy that the toilet paper is on the floor - not properly refilled. That is unsanitary and disgusting! Second, the people at the front desk are incredibly unprofessional. How are they still employed?

Ridge Road Recreation Center proves that the best playgrounds are East of the River. Located just…read moreoff of Fort Dupont Park in Benning Ridge, the recreation is more like a campus with a recreation center, pool, courts, a field and an epic playground. There's parking along the street. The playground itself is less busy compared to other playgrounds and kept well. There's one high-tech activity for kids and plenty of slides, climbing structures and rest areas for parents. Restrooms are nearby.

Took the kids here while in a visit to D.C. It's super clean. My kids loved the playground and want…read moreto go to the pool there when it opens. We'll definitely come back here on our visits.

Benning Stoddart Recreation Center is a modern recreation center on the border between Fort Dupont…read moreand Benning in Ward 7. It's right next to the Washington Tennis and Education East Capitol Campus. The inside is closed due to the pandemic, but the space-themed playground in the front is open. There's a small splash park (also closed during the pandemic), swings, several slides and equipment for kids to climb on and grow in confidence. Parking is free right in front of the recreation center.

Playground small but sufficient for young children. Huge problem - DPR staff refused to open the…read moreoutdoor restrooms on a Saturday. Wet Children frequently slipped and fell walking inside of the recreation center to use the indoor bathroom. On a different visit, we noticed the outdoor restrooms lacked soap, sanitizer or paper towels. Perhaps, DC should eliminate these restrooms and contract for port a potties.

We were looking for a playground near Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, which is how we ended up here as…read moreit's pretty far from our Arlington home. The playground has a cute castle theme with a twisty slide shaped like a dragon. There are a couple of swings and also a little kid area with the same castle theme. There are no bathrooms but there is a portable. There are a few benches, a tennis court, a baseball field, and a short trail nearby. The playground surface is padded, which is always great for when kids inevitably fall down.

This park is a community park near the Cheverly Racquet and Swim Club. The park itself has a few…read morefields and a large playground with a side for younger kids and one for kids age five and older. Both sides are shaped like a castle. There are benches and nearby trees offer shade.