Not all playgrounds are created equal, so take your kids to these parks with shade during hot DMV summers
Washington DC’s summer is here in full effect, and although there’s certainly a lot to love about being out and about in the warm weather (not to mention, plenty of things to do throughout DC), it can also make chasing your little one on the playground a sweaty, sticky endeavor. Looking to escape the summer heat? Do your whole family a favor, and hit up one of these DC-area playgrounds—throughout the DC and neighboring counties in Maryland and Virginia, too!—where you can count on some trees or well-placed umbrellas to beat the heat on a hot, sunny day. Keep cool at one of the best shaded playgrounds and parks offering plenty of shade in the DMV. They’re filled with protected jungle gyms, covered picnic tables, cool gazebos, and more shade trees than you could ever imagine. Sunburns don’t stand a chance. But just to be safe, don’t forget the sunblock!
The Best Shaded Playgrounds in Washington DC
Lafayette Park
This playground has it all: a toddler play area for the littles, a massive climb-on structure that is possibly the largest piece of playground equipment in DC (!), cabin-like structures, and a water spray pad. There are mature trees surrounding this play area and the toddler area is completely shaded (perfect for these dog days of summer!). If your little one wants to cool off without getting sprayed, there is also a water table.
This playground was revamped in 2017 so it’s all the rage! There is a seated zipline, tons of swings, smaller play structures for younger kids, balance pads, and a modern version of spinning play apparatus where 5 or 6 kids can see how fast they can twirl before getting dizzy so beware if you have a child that suffers from motion sickness! The entire playground is shaded and very enjoyable.
This playground is partially shaded; there are umbrella structures for those looking to take a break from the sun's rays. But the real draw here is the spray pad that sits next to the play structures. Need to cool off? Let the wee ones run through the spray fountains. Bonus: the area is gates so they cool off without escaping! The playground itself lots of things to climb, like ropes, walls and monkey bars. Older kids will enjoy the near-by skate park.
Insider Tip: This small parking lot fills up fast, so get here early. Or park on Reno Road and enjoy a short walk along a trail.
This playground was revamped in 2017 so it’s all the rage! There is a seated zipline, tons of swings, smaller play structures for younger kids, balance pads, and a modern version of spinning play apparatus where 5 or 6 kids can see how fast they can twirl before getting dizzy so beware if you have a child that suffers from motion sickness! The entire playground is shaded and very enjoyable.
Located near Dupont Circle, Stead Park is composed of a playground, basketball courts, a multi-use playing field, picnic areas, splash park, performance stage, and indoor recreation facilities. Both the spray park and the jungle gyms are shaded so you don’t have to catch too many rays in summer.
Sometimes kids just need to run around and play and zipline…in the middle of a metropolitan city! When that happens, take them to this private school playground. Open to the public when the Beauvoir School is closed (typically after 6 p.m. weekdays and on weekends), this playground was designed with the idea that outdoor play is as imperative to children’s development as anything else. You’ll find formations and spaces for kids of all ages, including swings, climbing structures, wooden bridges and even a super fun zipline.
The fact that this park is nestled between the Washington Channel and the Potomac River gives its already shady playground an extra air of breeziness. After the kids run themselves hungry, stop by the picnic area for grub and a gorgeous view of the city. Bonus: Newish play equipment is set up on rubber mat surfacing (read: perfect for strollers and not-yet-steady-on-their-feet toddlers).
This playground was revamped in 2017 so it’s all the rage! There is a seated zipline, tons of swings, smaller play structures for younger kids, balance pads, and a modern version of spinning play apparatus where 5 or 6 kids can see how fast they can twirl before getting dizzy so beware if you have a child that suffers from motion sickness! The entire playground is shaded and very enjoyable.
Girard is a small urban park featuring a playground with a splash fountain, a basketball court, and game tables. It has two shaded areas for relief from the heat!
Established in 1918, this park offers more than a good slide. While the kids play, knock out some grocery shopping at the farmers’ market here (Wednesdays, 3-7 p.m. through October). There are also bike and walking trails, a baseball diamond, tennis courts—where some famous players of the past got their start, we might add—and, of course, a play structure.
Following a massive renovation project, the park now has a spray pad and separate areas for tots and younger children, in addition to a huge sand pit with decent shade.
Play in a place of history because this park is one of 17 original federal appropriations the government purchased in 1792. It was also part of the L’Enfant design plan for Washington and has been known as Garfield Park since the late 19th century. Although much of the playground equipment is in the sun, there are plenty of big trees to take a break under.
This 888-acre park has it all: mini golf, an ice cream parlor, boat rentals, an ice cream parlor, a 4.7-mile flat trail, a mini train, an ice cream parlor, a carousel, several playsets situated among the trees to keep them cool and shaded—and did we mention an ice cream parlor? Check the website for details on events such as afternoon owl walks and a guided exploration of the "underworld," in which kids can discover bugs, fungus, and salamanders under fallen logs on the forest floor.
With separate sections for bigger and smaller kids, this 70-acre park’s well-shaded playgrounds offer something for everyone—including benches for grown-ups. Bonus: The park surrounds Reevesland, the last operating dairy farm in Arlington.
601 N Manchester St. Arlington, VA Online:arlingtonva.us
Tuckahoe Park
Surrounded by trees, the playground at this park is partially covered by a gigantic umbrella. The 12-acre space includes two ball fields, well-shaded nature trails and an amphitheater. Besides the playset, there’s also a 20-foot spider web-like ropes structure, a standup teeter-totter and other fun equipment.
So-called because of the theme of the playground—not because it’s a hot spot for finding fossils—this park offers lots of shade around the play structure and a covered pavilion. Four sets of equipment keep all ages happy, plus there’s a nature trail that leads to a creek.
Refinished a few months ago with all-new play equipment, this park has several playsets, a sandbox and swings to meet all ages’ requirements for fun. At the right time of day, the sun isn’t too bright over the play area, but the picnic pavilion is covered. The site also has a basketball court, Little League field and a big multipurpose field, complete with a hill that many youngsters love to roll down.
Approximately a 30-minute trip from downtown DC, this park is worth the drive. Once you arrive, follow the yellow brick road (follow, follow, follow, follow) to a magical, Wizard of Oz-themed playground. Slide down Dorothy's ruby slippers and climb up Emerald City's castle. Due to the Insta-worthy play structures, this no-admission park can get crowded. If the park feels too busy, head to Watkins Playground #2, a less coveted play space that has ample room to run around. There are plenty of trees for those wishing to duck out of the sun. Bonus: there's ample parking.
301 Watkins Park Dr. Upper Marlboro, MD Online:mncppc.org
Wheaton Regional Park
OK, so the play structures at Adventure Playground aren’t the most shaded, but this park makes the cut because it has a covered carousel from 1915 and a replica 1863 C.P. Huntington engine train. Plus, you and the kids can cool off inside Brookside Nature Center, which has live reptile and mammal displays and a constant supply of programming. There’s even a fenced-in field for Fido, not to mention the Wheaton Indoor Tennis Facility, Wheaton Ice Arena and 50-acre Brookside Gardens.
This sprawling wooden playground in Bel Air has a little something for everyone. There are tons of slides, tons of swings, climbing structures and walls everywhere. There is a separate tot lot area with play houses and other imaginative play touches, and there is a sandbox. There are plenty of benches and a pavilion located next to the playground for picnics. The playground is very well shaded.
501 E Churchville Rd. Bel Air, MD Online:belairmd.org
Tire Playground at the Patapsco State Park Hilton Area
With tons of recycled tires to climb on, in, and through, what’s not to love?! Some of them are made into forts and other play structures. There is also a newer play structure that isn’t made out of recycled tires but does have climbing features and slides. There are tire swings and tons of picnic tables, benches, and pavilions in the vicinity. The playground is located at the Hilton Area of Patapsco State Park, so there is a small entrance fee ($2 or $3 per adult; kids in car seats or booster seats are free). The playground is well shaded and connects to hiking paths if you still have energy for a walk.
There are athletic fields, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, tai chi, ice skating at the enclosed Cabin John Ice Rink, and 8.8 miles of trails for hikers and bikers along a stream in this wooded location. Little ones will enjoy the tree-sheltered Adventure Playground for climbing and sliding, and the mini train that takes passengers on a 2-mile, 15-minute ride through the park.
