Updated 3/8/21. As spring takes hold and the weather warms, suddenly, stretching our legs gets a whole lot more appealing. Whether you’re looking for a new tucked away spot to stroll in peace, or the perfect looping for achieving your new personal best, here’s where to look.
Arlington
Barcroft Park
Located near the Barcroft Sports & Fitness Center and Phoenix Bike Shop, this 65-acre park offers fields and courts for a range of sports. It also provides easy access to Four Mile Run Trail, picnic areas, and playgrounds. 4200 S. Four Mile Run Dr., Arlington
Benjamin Banneker Park
The highlight of this park, which includes trails that connect with Four Mile Run, W&OD, and Custis Trails, is a marker that signifies the original boundary for the District of Columbia. 1680 N. Sycamore St., Arlington
Bluemont Park
Sprawling across 70 acres, this park offers activities ranging from biking, jogging, hiking, basketball, Frisbee golf, baseball, tennis, volleyball, paved and nature trails, and a playground. Get lost in this park, and get busy. 601 N. Manchester St., Arlington
Bon Air Park
Home to the gorgeous Memorial Rose Garden, this park is a frequent site for wedding photos. Enjoy the beauty of the azalea, shade, sun, and ornamental tree gardens, and have fun on the playgrounds, sports courts, and picnic areas. 850 N. Lexington St., Arlington
Crystal City Water Park
Crystal City has a different type of water park for you. Instead of water slides, stay dry in this park that features pools and fountains and beautiful view across the river to DC. 1750 Crystal Dr., Arlington
Fort C.F. Smith Park
There’s plenty of history available at Fort C.F. Smith Park, with the earthwork ruins of Civil War era forts, a Civil War Visitor Center, and the Henry House, a 20th-century restored mansion. Traditional park amenities like trails and wildlife observation are also available. 2411 24th St. North, Arlington
Four Mile Run
This locally known stream stretches from Fairfax County through Falls Church and into Arlington County. Residents frequently bike, walk, and/or jog on the trail that stretches along the Four Mile Run. Through Fairfax, Falls Church, and Arlington
Glencarlyn Park
Adjacent to the Long Branch Nature Center, the 95.5 acres here offer a host of family activities. From picnic areas, to fishing, to nature trails and a dog park, there is plenty for everyone. 301 S. Harrison St., Arlington
Gulf Branch Nature Center and Park
Home to the Gulf Branch Nature Center, Gulf Branch Park provides environmental education programs and live demonstrations of blacksmiths courtesy of the Blacksmiths Guild of Potomac. 3608 N. Military Rd., Arlington
Lady Bird Johnson Park
Strolling through this park, you’ll visit the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial and the Navy and Marine Memorial. The park is a tribute to Lady Bird Johnson’s efforts to beautify America. Between 14th St. and Memorial Bridges, Arlington
Long Bridge Park
With a focus on environmentally sound redevelopment, the 30-acre park features public green spaces, high-quality outdoor sports and recreation facilities, a network of walkways, public art, and a view of capital monuments. 475 Long Bridge Dr., Arlington
Lubber Run Park
Hoops, volleyball, and picnics are all available here, but its main attraction is the Lubber Run Amphitheater, which features free concerts and performances throughout the summer. 200 N. Columbus St., Arlington
Oak Grove Park
The newly renovated Oak Grove Park is open again. Having taken input from both adults and children, new park features include a tot lot with a focus on climbing, new trees, and a bioretention for stormwater management. 4012 17th St. North, Arlington
Potomac Overlook Regional Park
There’s more than a pretty view of the Potomac at this park, which offers miles of trails with varying degrees of difficulty, educational gardens and exhibitions, an outdoor summer concert series, and kids’ summer camp. 2845 N. Marcey Rd., Arlington
Powhatan Springs Park
Arlington’s lone skatepark is located near Powhatan Springs (currently slated for renovation). Outside of providing the chance to shred, visitors can enjoy grass fields, an ornamental rain garden, and a fountain. 6020 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Quincy Park
Adjacent to the Central Library, this park is indispensable for baseball, softball, tennis, basketball, and volleyball players, as each sport has lighted areas. The park is a great space for running and conditioning groups to meet. Perfect for a picnic, this park also features a playground area. 1021 N. Quincy St., Arlington
Virginia Highlands Park
With 20 acres to explore, visitors to the park have access to diamond fields and tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts. During those hot summer days, be sure to visit the spray-ground as well. 1600 S. Hayes St., Arlington
Alexandria
Armistead Boothe Park
This nearly 11-acre park offers basketball courts, athletic fields, tennis courts, a playground, and picnic areas with grills. Eat and play, and enjoy the outdoors. 520 Cameron Station Blvd., Alexandria
Ben Brenman Park
It’s tough to miss this huge park, spanning about 60 acres and playing a central role in the neighborhood’s recreational life. Offering athletic fields, a fenced dog park, picnic pavilion with grills, walking and bicycle trails, and an amphitheater, this park certainly stays busy. 4800 Brenman Park Dr., Alexandria
Carlyle Dog Park and Tennis Courts
Almost no description here is needed. If you want to play tennis and run around with you dog, this is the spot to be. 450 Andrews Ln., Alexandria
Chinquapin Park/Forest Park
Featuring athletic fields, basketball courts, garden plots, an indoor swimming pool on site, tennis courts, picnic areas with grills, a wooded area, and a playground, this park is bustling with different community members every day of the week. 3210 King St., Alexandria
Dora Kelley Nature Park
Named for a community activist, this park is a great spot to sit quietly. Bring a book, enjoy one of the many park benches and relax in the wooded area away from the cars and city life. Environmental programs regularly featured here as well. 5750 Sanger Ave., Alexandria
Fort Ward Park
This park is ideal for picnicking—grills are permitted, and even alcohol is permitted in certain areas of the park. Check the regulations, but enjoy. A dog exercise area, playground, museum, and amphitheater are also featured in Fort Ward, making this a well-rounded 44-acre park. 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria
Four Mile Run Park
Adjacent to the body of water from which it gets its name, this park features athletic fields commonly used by the Alexandria public and private schools, but are also available to the public. Basketball courts, biking and jogging trails, areas great for bird watching and fishing, and a playground all in the park as well. 3700 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria
Oronoco Bay Park
Often rented out for events and festivals, this park has great biking and jogging trails. There are picnic areas near the parking lot, making it easy to pack a picnic for yourself post-run or bike ride. 100 Madison St., Alexandria
Rynex Nature Area
The former location of a church that burned down during the Civil War, this area is quite peaceful. If you are in need of a forested, quiet area to be immersed in nature, this is the place to come. In nearly 10 acres of nothing but trees, the air really does feel fresher here. 1500 N. Chambliss St., Alexandria
Waterfront Park
Perhaps one of the most enjoyable things to do on the waterfront is come to this park, sit by the water and share a picnic with friends or family. There is a linear system of parks in Alexandria by the waterfront, but the one that earns the simple title Waterfront Park is the one that regularly features events and festivals. 1-A Prince St., Alexandria
Windmill Hill Park
Located on the waterfront, this park offers more than a nice view, basketball courts, a playground, and even sand volleyball. Get some volleys going on the sand court and imagine the river is your beach. 501 S. Union St., Alexandria
Fairfax
Clemyjontri Park
This park is a great area for all children to play, especially those who use wheelchairs, walkers, braces, or who have sensory or developmental disabilities. 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean
Great Falls Park
With 15 miles of hiking trails, as well as 5 miles of bike/horseback trails, you can enjoy the a peaceful and beautiful scenery and roaring rapids with your family. 9200 Old Dominion Dr., Great Falls
Lake Fairfax Park
This 476-acre park offers soccer fields, an outdoor swimming pool enveloped by a lazy river, seasonal fishing, picnic areas, campgrounds, a carousel, and a playground. Each summer, the park hosts a summer concert series. 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston
Mason Neck State Park
Spot heron and other species of birds as you gaze over hundreds of acres of hardwood forest. You have the opportunity for activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton
Riverbend Park
Just a few miles down from Great Falls Park, this park does not disappoint on its name, offering a beautiful location against the Potomac River. In front of the visitor’s center and parking lot is a grassy area dotted with picnic benches, barbecue pits, and enough room to throw a Frisbee around. The park even offers canoes and a docking area for boats and kayaks. Enjoy lunch and then a quick walk up the river to relax and enjoy the over 400 acres of lush land. 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls
Scotts Run Nature Preserve
This preserve is wonderful for hiking, and a part of the Potomac Heritage Trail passes through the park. Trail proponents hope to one day link all trails along the river together, meaning that over 800 miles of trail would be united—Scotts Run trail included, of course. 7400 Georgetown Pike, McLean
Turkey Run Park
This park is a local favorite for birding, so bring your bird-finding eye. Bring a picnic too, and after a hike on one of the many nature trails in the park, enjoy a relaxing bite to eat. Two miles off the Capitol Beltway, on the GW Memorial Pkwy., McLean
Fauquier
C.M. Crockett Park
Visitors of Fauquier County’s largest lakeside park can enjoy fishing, renting a boat, picnicking, playing volleyball, and taking a walk through the park’s nature trail. 10066 Rogues Rd., Midland
John Marshall Birthplace Park
This park was home to John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who was born in a log cabin in 1755. Marshall is best known for his decision in Marbury v. Madison, the Supreme Court case that established judicial review. John Marshall Birthplace Park opened in the 1970s, which made it Fauquier County’s first public park. The park’s nature trail is a popular destination for birdwatchers and also includes a picnic area. 5160 Germantown Rd., Midland
Monroe Park
In addition to its ADA-accessible playground and various sports fields, Monroe Park is home to the Gold Mining Camp Museum. Guests can learn about the history of gold and gold-mining or attend a free gold-panning demonstration. 14421 Gold Dust Pkwy., Goldvein
Vint Hill Farms Park
The quaint Vint Hill Farms Park has a nature trail and a creek that can be used for fishing. Other amenities include volleyball courts, picnic tables, and horseshoe pits. Kennedy Rd. (Route 652), Warrenton
Fredericksburg
Alum Springs Park
This scenic park is ideal for a relaxing stroll past its creek and over its bridge. It’s outfitted with picnic shelters and grills, a playground, and trails, perfect for a family picnic. Greenbrier Dr., Fredericksburg
Cossey Botanical Park Arboretum
This former water treatment plant plot has been turned into a garden maintained by a partnership between the City of Fredericksburg and the Master Gardener Association of the Central Rappahannock Area and the Stafford County Virginia Cooperative Extension. 1601 Little Page St., Fredericksburg
Dixon Park
Dixon Park spans 46 acres of open fields, 1.5 miles of trails, athletic fields, and nature preserve. There’s also a swimming pool and playground for a day of quality time with the family. 1300 Dixon St., Fredericksburg
Memorial Recreation Park
A day of fun is on the docket at Memorial Recreation Park with its basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts along with soccer fields, a toddler play area, and playgrounds. 1301 Kenmore Ave., Fredericksburg
Old Mill Park
One of Fredericksburg’s most popular parks, Old Mill Park sits right along the waterfront and has soccer fields, open play areas, playgrounds picnic shelters, and on-site restrooms. 2201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg
Loudoun
Algonkian Regional Park
Find an 18-hole golf course, waterpark, hiking trails, open fields, and wooded areas at this 838-acre park along the Potomac River. There are also picnic shelters and vacation cottages for rent. 47001 Fairway Dr., Sterling
Ashburn Park
You can rent the pavilion at this 16-acre park, which consists of a creek, trails, playground, and picnic area. 43645 Partlow Rd., Ashburn
Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park
Overlook the Potomac River, pay your respects at the area’s cemetery (the country’s third smallest) and learn a little something while walking along the interpretive trail. Ball’s Bluff Rd., Leesburg
Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
This 695-acre preserve is breathtaking in its expansive forests, rolling hills, wildlife, and its Goose Creek. The third Saturday of each month is Volunteer Day in the preserve, when you can come and help maintain the trails, enabling others to enjoy the preserve for years to come. 21085 The Woods Rd., Leesburg
Bles Park
On its 124 acres, this park offers visitors places to fish and play football, lacrosse, and soccer. There are also trails and wetland areas on the property, which it shares with the Eastern Loudoun Adult Day Center. 44830 Bles Park Dr., Ashburn
Brandon Park
This small, 3-acre park offers a handicapped accessible playground as well as picnic tables and open space. 878 Harrison St. SE, Leesburg
Byrne’s Ridge
This 26-acre Stone Ridge community park features a picnic area, batting cages and football, lacrosse, baseball, softball, and soccer fields, as well as an ADA accessible multipurpose trail. 24915 Mineral Springs Cir., Aldie
Carrvale Park
It’s up to you how you want to pass the time on this 4-acre plot of open space, whether it’s letting the kids play a game of tag or plopping down for a little picnic. 919 Marshall Dr. NE, Leesburg
Catoctin Park
From this park’s picnic tables, watch adrenaline junkies ride around in the Eric Brown Skate Plaza. 141 Catoctin Cir. SE, Leesburg
Claude Moore Park
Perhaps the most outstanding feature of this park is its Sportsplex, offering baseball, softball, football, soccer, and lacrosse on the nine sports fields. There are also 11 miles of nature trails great for hiking, biking, bird-watching, picnics, photography, and quiet. Nature, history, and sports classes are offered and available for sign-up in the visitor’s center. 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Rd., Sterling
Edgar Tillett Memorial Park
With wooded areas, baseball, and softball fields, this 52-acre park has views of the Beaverdam Reservoir. 21561 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn
Edwards Landing Park
After walking along the trails (which access the Potomac Heritage Trail) at this 32-acre park, take a break at one of the picnic shelter’s tables. Said shelter can also be rented. 901 Powhatan Ct. NE, Leesburg
Bazil Newman Riverfront Park
Make a day of it by packing a lunch, eating at a picnic table, and going canoeing/kayaking/fishing at this park, which covers more than 100 acres. If you aren’t interested in getting in the water, there are also trails and wooded areas worth strolling through. 44105 Heron Way, Lansdowne
Foxridge Park
This 5-acre park holds a playground, a soccer field, basketball court and a picnic shelter. You can also access the Washington & Old Dominion Trail from here. 525 Catoctin Cir. SW, Leesburg
Freedom Park
At the entrance of this park—which has two softball and two baseball fields, a football/soccer field, picnic tables, a fieldhouse, and a concession stand—find the Leesburg 9/11 Memorial. 101 Colonel Grenata Cir. SE, Leesburg
Georgetown Park
Though it’s only one half-acre, this park offers picnic tables, benches, and access to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. 221 S. King St., Leesburg
Greenway Park
After playing on the playground or basketball court, get in touch with the outdoors by walking along the nature trail. 103 Shade Tree Way SW, Leesburg
Greg Crittenden Memorial Park
Between fields and batting cages, baseball, and softball athletes have places to play here. The 16-acre space also offers picnic tables, concessions, a creek, and wooded areas. 21401 Windmill Dr., Ashburn
Ida Lee Park
On its expansive 138 acres, this park holds the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, the Ida Lee Tennis Center, and the A.V. Symington Aquatic Center. You’ll also find 70 community gardens, the Master Gardener’s Demonstration Garden, a gazebo, playground, picnic shelter, two playgrounds, trails, and soccer/lacrosse fields. 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg
Keep Loudoun Beautiful Park
Situated along Goose Creek, this 3.4-acre area offers a picnic area with tables, a canoe/kayak launch site, and places to fish. 43055 Golf Club Rd., Sterling
Lovettsville Community Park
Across the street from the Lovettsville Community Center, find this 91-acre off-leash park featuring picnic pavilions, performance space, sports fields, and trails. Broad Way and Milltown Rd., Lovettsville
Morven Park
Hosting equestrian events and home to three museums, this park attracts approximately 200,000 visitors annually. Also find hiking trails, athletic fields, gardens, and places to picnic. 17195 Southern Planter Ln., Leesburg
Olde Izaak Walton Park
You can let Fido roam off-leash here, the home of the Leesburg Dog Park. Pets and people alike can enjoy the pond, stream, and trails. 850 Davis Ct. SE, Leesburg
Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park
Ideal for any athlete, this 405-park features 17 lighted fields for softball, baseball, football, lacrosse and soccer. There are also 3.5 acres of trails. 42405 Claudia Dr., Leesburg
Potomac Crossing Park
This kid-friendly 8-acre park has a playground, picnic shelter, and trails. 508 Shanks Evans Rd. NE, Leesburg
Raflo Park
Take some deep breaths outdoors from the comfort of this 3-acre park’s picnic tables or gazebo, or, if you’re looking to get your steps in, gain access to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. 345 Harrison St. SE, Leesburg
Robinson Park
Find both baseball and flag football fields at this 10-acre park with picnic tables and trails. 345 Plaza St., NE, Leesburg
Rotary Park
This tiny 1-acre plot squeezes in a playground, basketball court, picnic tables, and places to sit. 22 North St. NE, Leesburg
Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Park
At this park, take in views of the Potomac River and also check out the many historic buildings that call the property home. 43098 Edwards Ferry Rd., Leesburg
Trailside Park
Little ones can play on the playground or unleash their inner athlete on the 20-acre park’s baseball/softball field. There are also batting cages, concessions, a creek, and a wooded area on the property. 20375 Claiborne Pkwy., Ashburn
Tuscarora Creek Park
Sitting on 29 acres, this park has a place for children to play, a rentable picnic shelter, tables, and access to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. 425 Solitude Ct. SE, Leesburg
Prince William
Julie J. Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve
Part of the Potomac Heritage Trail, the wetlands are a perfect place to view a wide array of unique wildlife from reptiles and native plants to deer and beavers. Visitors can pick up walking-trail guides, along with plant-viewing and bird-watching guides, to become immersed into one of NoVA’s natural treasures. 15875 Neabsco Rd., Woodbridge
Lake Ridge Park
Located directly below the Occoquan Reservoir, Lake Ridge park offers public access to the Occoquan Water Trail along with the ability to rent boats for public use. On top of boat rentals, visitors can rent canoes, pedal boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and jon boats. On land, the park offers 18-hole miniature golf and 1.2 miles of hiking trails. 12350 Cotton Mill Dr., Woodbridge
Leesylvania State Park
Can’t make it to the beach? Leesylvania State Park is a great day option. Not only can you stroll the beach where Native Americans, the Lee family, and the Fairfax family once lived and where Capt. John Smith visited, you can also partake in many water activities like fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge
Locust Shade Park
This park, next to the Marine Corps Heritage Museum, is more than trails and shaded lawns. There is a 400-seat amphitheater, an 8-acre lake for fishing (bluegill, largemouth bass and crappie) and boating (seasonal pedal boats), a driving range, an 18-hole miniature golf course, batting cages, playgrounds, tennis and volleyball courts, and 3.2 miles of nature trails. 4701 Locust Shade Dr., Triangle
Pat White Center at Ben Lomond
The Pat White Center at Ben Lomond is widely renowned for its affordable recreation programs and educational classes that it offers to citizens of all ages. While currently closed for renovations, the Pat White Center at Ben Lomond, commonly referred to as “The Barn,” continues to accept registration for preschool, dance, special events, spring break camps, and pavilion rentals. 10501 Copeland Dr., Manassas
Prince William Forest Park
Nestled in the far southeastern corner of Prince William County 35 miles south of D.C., the Prince William Forest is a sprawling 15,000-acre park managed by the National Park Service and a good choice for those who can’t make it to the mountains. As the name implies, the park is mostly forested and runs along Quantico Creek. Because of the park’s tremendous size, there are countless loop and out-and-back possibilities here. 18170 Park Entrance Rd., Triangle
Silver Lake Regional Park
A designated passive recreation park with over 230 acres of rolling meadows, pine forests, and a 23-acre lake, Silver Lake Regional Park provides more than enough activities for a day of fun in the outdoors. With over four miles of multipurpose trails, picnic areas, and a lake to catch bluegill and largemouth bass fish, there is something for everyone. Be advised that there are no trash cans within the park due to the park’s Trash In/Trash Out policy: visitors are responsible for taking out whatever trash they bring in. 16198 Silver Lake Rd., Haymarket
Veterans Memorial Park
From a 50-meter outdoor pool to the largest skate park in Prince William County, Veterans State Park contains an eclectic mix of activities that appeal to all interests. On top of swimming and skating, the park is home to several sporting leagues, and the community center hosts open sporting events, camps, and playschool. There is also a duck pond situated within the park, located next to the Marumsco Creek, Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge, and the Occoquan Bay National Water Reserve. 14300 Veterans Dr., Woodbridge
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