Park Spotlight: Nature Play Space at Woodend Nature Sanctuary

Go Nature Forward Play Space at Woodend Nature Sanctuary

8940 Jones Mill Road Chevy Chase, MD 20815

We had so much fun visiting the Nature Play Space located on the 40-acre Woodend Nature Sanctuary in Chevy Chase. This playground opened late last year and has so many great features you don’t find in typical parks. And while this park isn't directly in the Takoma Park/Silver Spring, it is close by and worth checking out.

See our visit in action with this Instagram reel here:

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A post shared by Macaroni KID Takoma Park - Silver Spring (@mackidsilverspring)

The kids loved the giant wood thrush bird sculpture that doubles as a climbing structure with a secret hiding spot inside. 

And they spent a long time scaling the natural wood log climbing zone and creating rivers in the sand area using the working water pump. There are gigantic rocks and trees onsite to climb up and jump down from, a sensory garden to explore, and a cute duo of playhouses that can even fit bigger kids. 

I loved that there are Adirondack chairs for grown ups, some shade even on a hot day, and working (composting) toilets. 

We played for a long time and then took a break to wander the beautiful trail at Woodend right next to the play space. We stopped by the lily pond to search for wildlife and then ran through the wooded areas. Then we went back to play more. 

We could likely have stayed much longer exploring the trails and gardens on the grounds, and my kids were disappointed we went on a day when the shop in the mansion was closed.

Details:

⏰ - Open during daylight hours but the play space might be closed to the public when used for Nature Forward events, camps or preschool

👧 - Stroller friendly: Yes! Even the path around the sanctuary is easily traversed with a stroller (or wheelchair).

🚽 - Yes! Composting toilets next to the play area, along with water fountains and water bottle refilling station

🅿️ - Free parking in the lot directly across from the play area

🛍️ - Visit the Woodend Nature shop in the mansion up the hill for nature-related books, toys, and gifts (shop open Monday to Saturday from 11 to 3)