Lakeside Park and Playground has a lot for the whole family to do!

Lakeside Park in Fairfax, VA borders a 38-acre lake tucked into the Kings Park West Community. The park features a large playground with a section for smaller children, a long row of swings, and a play area for older kids. The playground is a lot of fun with rock walls, tunnels, and a really tall slide. It is in full sun, as is the picnic area right next to the playground. There is a port-a-potty in the parking lot close to the playground. 

Beyond the playground are soccer fields, a baseball diamond and a basketball court. Soccer games are played here regularly which can make parking a challenge. Street parking on Pommeroy Drive is available if the parking lot is full but it is a little bit of a hike down to the park.

A 1.75-mile nature trail loop surrounds the lake and connects with Royal Lake Park. The nature trail is mostly natural surfaces and is not stroller friendly. The trail feels longer than it is with many surface and terrain changes along the route and may not be the best for small children. Expect a mix of shade and full sun and be prepared for muddy spots! Bicycles are not allowed on this trail and you will see why when you walk, some steep hills with stairs and narrow points in the trail would make a bike ride here risky. 

Lakeside Park is also known as a great fishing spot and a wonderful place to see wildlife. Ducks, geese, Great Blue Herons, and some resident beavers are fun to spot in the water. Beavers are most active in the early morning and as the sun is going down so you may need to time your visit carefully if you want to catch their antics! 

Campfire programs with county naturalists are held here occasionally for families.  A large red sign next to the parking lot usually has posters advertising the next available campfire dates and where to sign up.