Got a kid who is Jonesing for their own set of wheels? The local skate park might be just the thing. There are plenty of spaces in the District and its surrounding areas for tiny Tony Hawk wannabees to grab some air and perform a few tricks while nabbing a little bit of freedom that comes with a board attached to a few wheels. Get ready to grind and carve with your tyke at these DMV approved parks.
Photo: Allie_Caulfield via Flickr
Maloof Skate Park
Located in Lot 3 (across from the DC Armory) at RFK Stadium, Maloof Skate Park sprung up in 2012 and was created by Pro Skater Geoff Rowley and California Skate parks. This 15,000 square foot space is all about the skate. Inspired by D.C.’s Freedom Plaza and the surrounding Pennsylvania Avenue architecture it is an entirely free space that is perfect for skaters of all ages.
2400 East Capitol St., SE (Armory)
Online: eventsdc.com
Powhatan Springs Park
Another 15,000 skate park in Arlington offers kiddos the chance to practice their ollies and kickflips in an area that is a combination of street-style elements with a mixture of half-pipes and bowls, ensuring a well-rounded afternoon of skating fun that is welcoming to all ages and skill levels with parents picture taking welcomed. Kids 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the skate space and helmets are de rigueur.
6020 Wilson Blvd. (Arlington, Va)
Open: Sun-Thu, Sunrise-9 pm; Fri-Sat, Sunrise-10 pm
Online: parks.arlington.us
Schuyler Hamilton Jones Skateboard Park
If ramps and rails are your little skaters M.O. then a trip to Schulyer Hamilton Jones Skateboard Park is in order. This Alexandria park has a variety of rails to grind on as well as areas where kids can work out their latest tricks. A street course and a small half pipe are located here. This is a sweet spot for a beginner that caters to the younger skating crowd. Skateboarding lessons are also available at the park so your tot can take their skills the next level.
3540 Wheeler Ave. (Alexandria, Va)
703-838-4343
Online: alexandria.gov/recreation
Wakefield Skate Park
When it comes to skateboarding this park means business. Run by the Fairfax County Park Authority it offers up both a Freestyle course and a Competition course. That means twice the fun that’s loaded with bank ramps, grind rails, a four foot quarter pipe a grind box and even a euro gap. Fun for all ages, but especially skate newbies, the park offers camps and classes for little ones ages six and up through the summer months. Take advantage of this fast-paced outdoor time that breaks them away from the electronics.
8100 Braddock Road (Annandale, Va)
Open: Mon-Sat, 7 am-8 pm; Sun, 9 am-8 pm
703-321-7081
Online: fairfaxcounty.gov/parks
Where does your little skateboarder go to practice moves? Tell us in the comments section.
—Victoria Mason
