Northern VA Great Outdoors

Here’s our take on the best NOVA has to offer in the great outdoors. Whether you’re doing a Stroller Hike or checking out a new playground, we think kids belong outside! See you there!
Arlington County VA Playgrounds

Powhatan Springs Park – Children’s Rain Garden

- by Meghan - 1 Comment

The parking lot is closed on rainy days because the rain garden is attached to the skate park. However, the sidewalk access is always available and there is plenty of street parking nearby. The rain garden isn’t very big, so this is a good outing to sandwich in between a couple of errands (or at the tail end of an errand on the way home, so you won’t be about town with soaking wet kids) because it doesn’t take long to explore the whole area. It offers a lot of learning “bang” for not a lot of time “buck,” so we definitely plan to return for future visits.

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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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Fairfax County Playgrounds

Treasure Island Mini Golf

- by Meghan - Leave a Comment

If you are looking for someplace to go for your child’s first miniature golf experience, you can’t go wrong at Treasure Island miniature golf at Pohick Bay Regional Park. The kids loved the cute pirate theme, but what will really float your boat is that the self-contained miniature golf area is not near any busy roadways, is shady, and has good visibility across the entire play area.

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Northern VA Great Outdoors

Nall’s Produce

- by Meghan - Leave a Comment

Nall’s Produce is more than just a produce stop, although it’s very definitely that, too. It’s a destination. Kids will love their annual pumpkin tunnel, but it’s worth a visit just on a regular day, too. Not only can your kiddo visit the chickens, ducks, geese, and koi, they can help you pick out plants for your garden, and pull them in a Radio Flyer wagon to get a ticket written up before you go inside to pay. They can pick out a piece of fresh fruit to buy and eat as a snack or learn the names of all the potted perennials. Reluctant vegetable eaters might even get a little excited about trying new foods if they see them being stocked by forklift!

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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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