The Joy Troupe NOVA Family Guide
Northern Virginia Family Fun
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!
Whether you are looking for a good stroller, bike, walking, or running trail or whether you just want some good family fun, Burke Lake Park has got it all! The hiking trail is a combination of pavement and packed gravel and is a 4.9 mile loop around Burke Lake. In season there is also a miniature train, a carousel, and mini golf. There is a frisbee golf course, picnic areas, and several play structures as well as an ice cream parlor.
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Fort Ward Park is located at4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria VA. Well away from any roads or traffic, this playground offers plenty of fun equipment and is shady during the …
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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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Lee District Park 6601 Telegraph Road Franconia, Virginia Surface is mulch. Playground is not enclosed but is located away from the street and fairly far from the parking lot. There …
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Clermont Elementary School Playground 5720 Clermont Dr Alexandria, VA 22310 This playground is only available to the public during non-school hours. For obvious reasons, you’ll see more school aged kids …
Read MoreRidge View Dr. Tot Lot Located near 5632 Ridge View Dr, Alexandria VA 22310, this Tot Lot is equipped more for the 5-12 year age range with a taller play …
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Playground surface is mulch. Infant swings, slides, and climbing structure. At some times of year this playground has trouble with wasps. The HOA also periodically issues a warning that there are coyotes in the woods, and not to let the kids wander off.
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Surface is mulch. Play structures are fairly low to the ground, and there are fewer than average places for little kids to fall off. The parking situation is a little limited during business hours, as this former school building is now the Fairfax County Office of Information Technology Operations. There is on-street parking nearby and the parking lot is available during non-business hours.
Read MoreBorge Street Park by Sara Skees 2855 Jermantown Rd, Oakton, VA Borge Street Park is great. It is basically at the intersection of 123 and Jermantown Rd. It has 4 …
Read MoreGoat Hill Park Goat Hill Park 33 Kennedy St, Alexandria VA Rubber surface, mostly enclosed, cute, cute cute! The kids had a great time here. It’s a smallish place with …
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This playground is completely fenced in and has lots of space to run and climb. The playground surface is mulch and the sign says it’s for older children, but the little guys had a great time here, too.
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Ben Brenman Park (4800 Brenman Park Drive, Alexandria VA 22304) tot lot is completely enclosed and features a soft rubber surface. The park is beautiful and has paved walking paths, where you can see wildlife such as geese, herons, turtles, redwing blackbirds, fish, and more. (Do watch out for goose droppings!) The park is not shaded, and there are public restrooms in a building near the playground.
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