# Playgrounds and things to do with kids in Washington DC

Playgrounds, parks, museums and other things to do with kids in Washington DC. See which ones have a changing table, room for a stroller and what ages they suit before you go. 124 listed.

Last updated 2026-11-02, from the newest confirmation among these places.

## The list

1. [The Fields at RFK Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/the-fields-at-rfk-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Free playground beside a large complex of sports fields, with shade and picnic tables.
2. [Anacostia Park Pirate Ship Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/anacostia-park-pirate-ship-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). A pirate-ship climber by the river, next to a skating pavilion where admission and skate rentals are free.
3. [Palisades Community Center Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/palisades-community-center-playground-washington) (playground, Washington DC). Fully fenced and shaded by trees, with a climbing rock for bigger kids and a canoe slide for smaller ones.
4. [Rosedale Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/rosedale-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). The play structures are modeled on city landmarks, so kids can climb the sights.
5. [Stead Park Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/stead-park-playground-washington) (playground, Washington DC). Two fenced play areas, one for ages 2 to 5 and one for 5 to 12, so a toddler and an older sibling each get their own space. Plus a big field for running.
6. [Turkey Thicket Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/turkey-thicket-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). A big climbing area plus a train-themed play section beside the park paths.
7. [Friendship Turtle Park Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/friendship-turtle-park-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). The climbing equipment is turtle-themed, so small kids get something to pretend with while they climb.
8. [Volta Park Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/volta-park-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Shaded neighborhood playground with climbing, spinning play, swings and a sandbox.
9. [Georgetown Waterfront Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/georgetown-waterfront-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). A labyrinth set into the ground for kids to trace, and wide paths along the river.
10. [Hains Point Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/hains-point-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Two play areas with river views at the far tip of a long riverside park.
11. [Hillcrest Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/hillcrest-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Neighborhood playground with slides and play structures, with some shade.
12. [Lincoln Memorial - Main Chamber](https://ourplayday.com/places/lincoln-memorial-main-chamber-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). A huge seated Lincoln with his famous words carved on the walls beside him. Kids can read along while you look up.
13. [Lovejoy Park Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/lovejoy-park-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). A fenced playground for ages 2 to 5 on soft rubber, next to a community garden.
14. [National Archives Museum](https://ourplayday.com/places/national-archives-museum-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). The founding documents themselves, with interactive displays that explain them.
15. [National Gallery of Art](https://ourplayday.com/places/national-gallery-of-art-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Galleries inside and a sculpture garden outside, with room to walk among the big pieces.
16. [Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History](https://ourplayday.com/places/smithsonian-national-museum-of-natural-history-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Dinosaur skeletons, animal halls, minerals and ocean displays under one roof.
17. [Smithsonian's National Zoo](https://ourplayday.com/places/smithsonians-national-zoo-washington-dc) (zoo, Washington DC). Giant pandas, a kids' farm of cows, goats and alpacas, and a carousel.
18. [United States Botanic Garden Conservatory](https://ourplayday.com/places/united-states-botanic-garden-conservatory-washington-dc) (garden, Washington DC). A glasshouse of tropical plants and desert displays, so kids can go from jungle to cactus in a few steps.
19. [Westminster Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/westminster-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Small, shady playground run by its neighbors.
20. [11th Monroe Trolley Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/11th-monroe-trolley-park-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Small playground on the site of an old trolley turnaround.
21. [Alethia Tanner Park Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/alethia-tanner-park-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Playground beside an open lawn on the bike trail.
22. [Arboretum Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/arboretum-recreation-center-washington-dc) (garden, Washington DC). Recreation center with a spray park and a playground.
23. [Benning Stoddert Community Center Spray Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/benning-stoddert-community-center-spray-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Spray park at the community center.
24. [Canal Park Spray Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/canal-park-spray-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Two fountains to play in: a shallow cascade for toddlers and a plaza of jets for bigger kids.
25. [Columbia Heights Community Center Spray Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/columbia-heights-community-center-spray-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Spray park at the community center.
26. [DC Therapeutic Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/dc-therapeutic-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a spray park and a playground.
27. [Douglass Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/douglass-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground, a tot lot and a spray park.
28. [Eastern Market Metro Park Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/eastern-market-metro-park-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Small playground by the Metro and the market.
29. [Edgewood Recreation Center Spray Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/edgewood-recreation-center-spray-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Spray park at the recreation center.
30. [Forest Hills Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/forest-hills-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Playground beside neighborhood courts.
31. [Fort Davis Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/fort-davis-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground, a tot lot and a spray park.
32. [Fort Stevens Recreation Center Spray Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/fort-stevens-recreation-center-spray-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Spray park at the recreation center.
33. [Franklin Park Spray Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/franklin-park-spray-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Neighborhood spray park.
34. [Guy Mason Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/guy-mason-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Neighborhood playground with slides and a small climbing area beside a green.
35. [Hardy Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/hardy-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Renovated playground with climbing and slides and space to run around.
36. [Harrison Recreation Center Spray Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/harrison-recreation-center-spray-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Spray park at the recreation center.
37. [Harry Thomas Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/harry-thomas-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC).
38. [Joseph Cole Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/joseph-cole-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Nature-themed play area beside open fields.
39. [Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/joy-evans-therapeutic-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground, a tot lot and a spray park.
40. [Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center Spray Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/joy-evans-therapeutic-recreation-center-spray-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Spray park at a therapeutic recreation center.
41. [Kalorama Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/kalorama-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Two playgrounds in a neighborhood park.
42. [Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens](https://ourplayday.com/places/kenilworth-aquatic-gardens-washington-dc) (garden, Washington DC). Boardwalks run out over the ponds, so kids can look straight down into the water. The lotus blooms are a summer thing.
43. [Kennedy Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/kennedy-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Two play areas with paths nearby.
44. [King Greenleaf Recreation Center Spray Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/king-greenleaf-recreation-center-spray-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Spray park at the recreation center.
45. [Lafayette-Pointer Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/lafayette-pointer-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC).
46. [Langdon Park Spray Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/langdon-park-spray-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Park with a spray park.
47. [Macomb Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/macomb-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Neighborhood playground with climbing equipment and a sand play area.
48. [Marion Park Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/marion-park-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Play area with shady paths in a city park.
49. [Marvin Gaye Recreation Center Spray Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/marvin-gaye-recreation-center-spray-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Spray park at the recreation center.
50. [Mitchell Park Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/mitchell-park-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Playground and lawn in a neighborhood park.
51. [National Portrait Gallery](https://ourplayday.com/places/national-portrait-gallery-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Portraits and a courtyard, plus Explore, a hands-on space for 18 months to 8, so the youngest have their own room.
52. [Newark Park Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/newark-park-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Neighborhood play area beside community gardens.
53. [Park at LeDroit Spray Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/park-at-ledroit-spray-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Neighborhood spray park.
54. [Petworth Spray Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/petworth-spray-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Neighborhood spray park.
55. [Potomac Avenue Triangle Spray Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/potomac-avenue-triangle-spray-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Neighborhood spray park.
56. [Reservoir Park Recreation Center Spray Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/reservoir-park-recreation-center-spray-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Spray park at the recreation center.
57. [Ridge Road Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/ridge-road-recreation-center-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). A playground outside a community center with an outdoor pool and an indoor gym.
58. [Riggs-LaSalle Spray Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/riggs-lasalle-spray-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Neighborhood spray park.
59. [Rose Park Tot Lot](https://ourplayday.com/places/rose-park-tot-lot-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). Toddler playground with low play structures.
60. [Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum](https://ourplayday.com/places/smithsonian-national-air-and-space-museum-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Landmark planes and spacecraft overhead, and a gallery on how flight works with a plane kids can sit in.
61. [Smithsonian National Museum of American History](https://ourplayday.com/places/smithsonian-national-museum-of-american-history-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Wonderplace for small kids and Spark Lab for young inventors.
62. [Smithsonian National Postal Museum](https://ourplayday.com/places/smithsonian-national-postal-museum-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Mail trucks, stamps and interactive stories about how a letter gets to the door.
63. [Stanton Park Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/stanton-park-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC).
64. [Swampoodle Park Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/swampoodle-park-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). A tall Wallholla climbing tower packed into a small city park. The tower is what school-age kids head for.
65. [Takoma Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/takoma-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC).
66. [Theodore Hagans Cultural Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/theodore-hagans-cultural-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Cultural center with a playground, a spray park and an outdoor pool.
67. [United States National Arboretum](https://ourplayday.com/places/united-states-national-arboretum-washington-dc) (garden, Washington DC). Wide green grounds to run on, garden paths and a bonsai collection to see up close.
68. [Watkins Recreation Center Spray Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/watkins-recreation-center-spray-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Spray park at the recreation center.
69. [Eastern Market - Indoor Food and Weekend Outdoor Market](https://ourplayday.com/places/eastern-market-indoor-food-and-weekend-outdoor-market-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Historic market hall with food stalls, where the blueberry buckwheat pancakes are a kid favorite, and crafts and produce outside on weekends.
70. [Folger Shakespeare Library](https://ourplayday.com/places/folger-shakespeare-library-washington-dc) (library, Washington DC). Hands-on family workshops split by age, inside a beautiful library built around Shakespeare's plays.
71. [Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial](https://ourplayday.com/places/franklin-delano-roosevelt-memorial-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Free outdoor memorial of rooms, sculptures and fountains, one for each of the four terms.
72. [Hirshhorn Museum](https://ourplayday.com/places/hirshhorn-museum-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Free modern art museum full of strange, big works to talk about.
73. [Library of Congress](https://ourplayday.com/places/library-of-congress-washington-dc) (library, Washington DC). Family days with hands-on activities drawn from the collections, inside one of the most beautiful buildings in the country.
74. [Martin Luther King Jr Memorial](https://ourplayday.com/places/martin-luther-king-jr-memorial-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Free memorial with a huge carved statue and a wall of his quotations.
75. [Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Library](https://ourplayday.com/places/martin-luther-king-jr-memorial-library-washington-dc) (library, Washington DC). Free central library with a big reading room and art on the walls.
76. [National Museum of African American History and Culture](https://ourplayday.com/places/national-museum-of-african-american-history-and-culture-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Free museum of African American history and culture, with galleries on music and sports.
77. [Planet Word](https://ourplayday.com/places/planet-word-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Free language museum with voice-activated exhibits, karaoke and word games, best for ages 10 and up.
78. [Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art](https://ourplayday.com/places/smithsonian-national-museum-of-asian-art-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Quiet galleries and an art workshop where kids look closely at a piece, then make their own in the studio.
79. [Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian](https://ourplayday.com/places/smithsonian-national-museum-of-the-american-indian-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Artifacts and stories from Indigenous cultures, plus the imagiNATIONS activity center where kids get to try things with their hands.
80. [Thomas Jefferson Memorial](https://ourplayday.com/places/thomas-jefferson-memorial-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Free round memorial with columns and a tall statue, on the edge of the Tidal Basin.
81. [United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - Daniel's Story](https://ourplayday.com/places/united-states-holocaust-memorial-museum-daniel-s-story-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Holocaust history told through one boy's life, made for kids eight and up.
82. [World War II Memorial](https://ourplayday.com/places/world-war-ii-memorial-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Free memorial of pillars for every state around a big fountain plaza.
83. [16th Street Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/16th-street-playground-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Neighborhood playground.
84. [17th and C Triangle Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/17th-and-c-triangle-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Triangle park with a playground.
85. [26th and I Street Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/26th-and-i-street-playground-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Neighborhood playground.
86. [Anacostia Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/anacostia-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground.
87. [Bald Eagle Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/bald-eagle-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground.
88. [Banneker Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/banneker-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground.
89. [Barry Farm Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/barry-farm-playground-washington-dc) (farm, Washington DC).
90. [Brentwood Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/brentwood-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground and a tot lot.
91. [Bruce Monroe Community Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/bruce-monroe-community-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Park with a playground and a tot lot.
92. [Capital Jewish Museum](https://ourplayday.com/places/capital-jewish-museum-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). A bright new museum with a story time for young children, full of songs and play.
93. [Carolina Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/carolina-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Neighborhood park with a playground.
94. [Chevy Chase Community Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/chevy-chase-community-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Community center with a playground and a tot lot.
95. [Chevy Chase Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/chevy-chase-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground and a tot lot.
96. [Congress Heights Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/congress-heights-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground.
97. [Deanwood Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/deanwood-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground and a tot lot.
98. [Dwight Mosley Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/dwight-mosley-playground-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Park with a playground and a tot lot.
99. [Emery Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/emery-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground and a tot lot.
100. [Evans Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/evans-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Park with a tot lot.
101. [Florida Avenue Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/florida-avenue-playground-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Neighborhood playground.
102. [Fort Greble Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/fort-greble-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Park with a playground and a tot lot.
103. [Fort Stanton Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/fort-stanton-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground and a tot lot.
104. [Francis Field](https://ourplayday.com/places/francis-field-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Park with a playground.
105. [Glover Park Community Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/glover-park-community-center-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Community center with a playground and a tot lot.
106. [Hamilton Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/hamilton-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground and a tot lot.
107. [Hearst Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/hearst-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Park with a tot lot.
108. [International Spy Museum](https://ourplayday.com/places/international-spy-museum-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Museum of spies where kids take on an undercover mission and crack codes, best for older kids.
109. [K.C. Lewis Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/k-c-lewis-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Park with a children's playground, a ballfield and basketball courts.
110. [Marie Reed Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/marie-reed-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground.
111. [Marvin Gaye Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/marvin-gaye-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Park with a playground.
112. [Museum of Illusions Washington DC](https://ourplayday.com/places/museum-of-illusions-washington-dc-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Rooms of illusions you walk into and pose in, the biggest hit with tweens and teens.
113. [National Building Museum - Building Stories](https://ourplayday.com/places/national-building-museum-building-stories-washington) (museum, Washington DC). Step into picture-book worlds and read, sketch and build inside them. It's pitched at kindergarten through third grade.
114. [National Children's Museum](https://ourplayday.com/places/national-children-s-museum-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). A three-story slide at the entrance, hands-on science and art exhibits, and walled-off baby zones for the littlest crawlers.
115. [Oxon Run Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/oxon-run-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Park with a playground.
116. [Randall Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/randall-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground and a tot lot.
117. [Raymond Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/raymond-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground and a tot lot.
118. [Shepherd Field](https://ourplayday.com/places/shepherd-field-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Field with a walking track, a soccer field and a tot lot.
119. [Smithsonian National Carousel](https://ourplayday.com/places/smithsonian-national-carousel-washington-dc) (theme park, Washington DC). Carved horses and an accessible chariot for riders who can't climb on, right between the museums.
120. [Upshur Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/upshur-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground and a tot lot.
121. [Virginia Avenue Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/virginia-avenue-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Park with a playground.
122. [W Street Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/w-street-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Neighborhood park with a playground.
123. [Walter Pierce Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/walter-pierce-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). Park with a playground and a tot lot.
124. [Woody Ward Recreation Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/woody-ward-recreation-center-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). Recreation center with a playground, a tot lot and an outdoor pool with a water slide.

## Other lists for Washington DC

- [Restaurants](https://ourplayday.com/united-states/district-of-columbia/washington-dc/restaurants) (76)
- [Hotels](https://ourplayday.com/united-states/district-of-columbia/washington-dc/hotels) (28)

## About this list

Every place here is a listing on Play Day, and a place is listed only when something positive is known about it for kids. Each listing carries the kid facts (high chairs, changing tables, kids' menus, wheelchair access) A list needs at least three places to exist.

Page: https://ourplayday.com/united-states/district-of-columbia/washington-dc/playgrounds. All of Washington DC: https://ourplayday.com/united-states/district-of-columbia/washington-dc