best playgrounds/parks/walks near DMV

[Anonymous]

We are looking for some new hikes/walks that also have playgrounds or something else to see.

For example, we love going to Burke Lake--a nice walk around part of the lake followed by time at the playground, the train, etc.

Need some inspiration for other spots that allow for pretty walks as well as somewhere to play. Willing to drive 1 hour from NW DC (but closer is good too).

Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Great Falls, the Maryland and Virginia sides are actually pretty different in their views and trails.

[Anonymous]

I feel like the area around the Candy Cane City playground has hiking trails although I can't speak from experience. It does have stables you can walk to to look at horses

[Anonymous]

If you like Burke Lake, try Lake Accotink and Huntley Meadows. Hidden Oaks Nature center is a good spot and has some short trails in the woods. Their playground is pretty basic (should be replaced w/in a year).

Here's some other threads with suggestions
https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/265011.page#2837592

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/314318.page#3718368

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/352654.page#4489022

[Anonymous]

If you like Burke Lake, there is a nice playground at South Run Rec Center nearby and paved trails behind the rec center that you can walk all the way to Lake Mercer.

[Anonymous]

Cabin John playground and trails

[Anonymous]

Bluemont Park 15 acres with old caboose), bluemont junction park (70 acres) both border w&od trail

Lee district park has trails, splash park (our special harbor: accessible), playground (accessible) and carousel (accessible)

I love the trails around gulf branch and long branch nature centers.

[Anonymous]

Kingman Island & new playground at RFK; Anacostia Park & Pirate Ship Playgroung; Glass Forest & Palisades Rec center playground; Watkins Park in MD (nature center, Wizard Oz playground, train, farm and woods/trails); Dumbarton Oaks trail to Rock Creek/Montrose Park playground; Franciscan Monastery garden and the patch of woods on 14th & Otis (1-2 blocks away.) Scott's run (no playground)
This last one pushes the time frame but Matapeake beach/small wood trail is just on the other side of the bay bridge and its one of our favorites.
I miss those times so much when I was working PT and my son wasn't in school/daycare. Everyday was a new adventure. Enjoy!