Keep the "Big Kids" happy on the playground circuit.

 

Watkins Regional Park Playground

A Wizard Of Oz themed playground plants Watkins firmly on our top five list for bigger kids. Modeled after the Emerald Palace, Auntie Em’s House, and an old barn, there are multiple climbing structures, with decorative inspiration from the Emerald Forest throughout.

There are hot air balloon-inspired structures, an antique tractor, ruby red slipper slides, and even two impressive wood sculptures of The Scarecrow and “The Witch of Watkins” flanking the long yellow brick road.

Restrooms stand adjacent, and a miniature train ride, carousel, and mini-golf course across the parking lot provide additional entertainment. A Nature Center. contains birds, snakes, spiders, turtles and other creatures, including a scorpion that glows in UV light and a crow that can talk. The Old Maryland Farm, an educational farm, as well as hiking trails are a short distance away.

 

Chessie’s Big Backyard

So many people are unfamiliar with Chessie's that one might wonder if there's a plot to keep this treasure hidden. Nevertheless, it's too good to overlook, even for selfish reasons. In truth, it's probably our favorite on the list. To call it well-rounded would be an understatement; Chessie's has so much to offer.

There is a playground designated for little ones, and one for children 5-12. A ½ mile-long nature walk with a built-in scavenger hunt, music stations, and kid-friendly picnic nooks, an impressive treehouse where kids can safely run around, and an amphitheater for creative self-expression guarantee a memorable experience. Impromptu performances are expected at this point, with new friends nearly every time. The kids are always at ease at Chessie's, probably because their parents are also feeling the same way.

As if these elements aren't sufficient, in the warmer months, a carousel and snack bar are also available. Additionally, we cannot overlook the expansive, creative, and fully accessible water play area lying just steps away from it all. Our Special Harbor Sprayground is creatively designed and supplies hours of fun on its own.

There is ample room for everyone to spread out, numerous shaded picnic areas, convenient restrooms, and plenty of parking.

 

The Playground at Rocky Run Park

This Courthouse neighborhood playground offers separate areas for older and younger children, accompanied by an impressive athletic facility with a synthetic field and multiple basketball courts. A covered picnic area is in the heart of the playground area, right next to well-maintained restrooms.

A massive jungle gym and climbing area capped with a very cool slide for older children immediately catch the eye. There is a “treehouse” like space at the top and an extensive webbing of climbing nets around the base. Another climbing structure to build strength and balance is adjacent. The toddler area is also well equipped and boasts a sandbox with running water during the summer months.

 

Guy Mason Playground

Guy Mason Playground and Recreation Center benefitted from a renovation as part of the city's Play DC Playground Improvement Initiative and is now a popular destination for activity-loving kids. Today, some of its prominent play features include a nest-like climbing structure and other unique rope climbing towers enticing to big kids.

Everyone enjoys the multitude of slide options, including one comprised of rollers and a fast, stainless steel tunnel slide, as well as a circular spinning wheel to ride on. There is a big sandbox with a playhouse that is reasonably well-maintained.

The grounds feature basketball courts, bathroom facilities in the rec center, and an enclosed dog park on-site. A baseball field is adjacent to the park, and kids of all ages can be found playing in the small splash pad in summer. The main part of the playground is astroturf, which makes it a good choice during or after rain since it won't be muddy!

 

Beauvoir Playground

The Beauvoir playground is incredibly kid-friendly and amazing for elementary school-aged children because – surprise – it's the playground for the National Cathedral Elementary School. Using equipment imported from Germany and made from natural materials, the play structures are both beautiful and very different from what you find at most other playgrounds in the city.

A perfect destination for adventurous and active kids looking for something new, there are huge towers to climb with suspended rope bridges, as well as a section of climbing logs. A slide that comes down from a triangular tower at the top of the playground is essentially a kid cannon and not for the faint of heart. Kids hurtle down it and shoot out the bottom at considerable speed. Swings, monkey bars, and a zipline elevate the space further. 

While some areas of the playground are designed for older children, you'll also find a fun section called the "Little Village" perfect for younger ones, although I'd still recommend pretty close supervision for ages 3-5, even in this section. Also, imaginative kids will enjoy playing in the rock cave and exploring other natural elements.

The playing field is made from artificial turf and the playground is enclosed, but it's large so it's easy to lose sight of your children, especially if you have kids of varying ages who want to play in different areas. There are no bathrooms available because the park is only open to the public when school is out of session.

 

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