There are so many awesome parks right in Takoma Park and Silver Spring (check out our Playground Guide here!), but if you're looking for a change of scenery, here are some of the very best playgrounds within an hour drive of our area.
Watkins Regional Playground
301 Watkins Park Drive Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
https://www.mncppc.org/3204/Watkins-Regional-Park
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On the top of the list for many local playground aficionados is the Wizard of Oz Playground at Watkins Regional Park, and it deserves its accolades! This playground's theme is so thoughtfully detailed, from the yellow brick path leading to the playground to Auntie Em's farm and chicken coop and Toto's doghouse to the ruby red slipper slides and the huge Emerald Tower play area. This park has an amazing nature center with birds and other animals on site. And the free Old Maryland Farm that is opened every day but Monday is a great place to visit to see piggies, horses, bunnies, peacocks, and more. In the Summer months, this park also has a train, a carousel, and Wizard of Oz themed mini-golf.
Blandair Regional Park (North)
5685 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia, MD 21045
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/parks-playgrounds-trails
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You can--and we have--spent an entire day just playing on this sprawling playground in Columbia, MD. It has multiple themed sections, including a farm, dinosaurs, a boat, a huge rope climbing area for bigger kids, and several traditional playground structures. It also has some of the tallest slides we have seen in the area. It's an accessible playground, so it is somewhere that everyone can find something to enjoy.
Clemyjontri Park
6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/clemyjontri
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This playground in McClean Virginia is just a short trip on the beltway. It is another playground that is made to be fun for all children and includes many accessible features, like a swing designed to fit a wheelchair! There is a race track, a mini maze, many large vehicle-themed play structures, and a ton more to explore. The play areas surround a carousel (which is also low to the ground to accommodate children and adults with mobility difficulties) that opens in the Spring.
Sophie and Madigan's Playground
632 Contender Way Frederick, MD 21703
https://sophieandmadigansplayground.com
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Do not miss this storybook playground in Frederick, MD! Right now there are two sections open: one that is princess themed and the newly developed Alice in Wonderland area. In the princess area, there is a castle to run through, a pumpkin to ride in, and lots of cute photo opportunities. The new Alice in Wonderland area has a super tall Cheshire Cat slide, a White Rabbit Climbing rope structure, and a mini maze of cards. The playground intends to add one more section in the years to come.
Greenbriar Local Park
*Currently Closed as of 2024
12525 Glen Road Travilah, MD 20854
https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/greenbriar-local-park/
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This Maryland-themed playground near Potomac is a great place for your next adventure. There is the Cap'n Crabby boat and beach for little kids. It has a ship on a beach, fish in the blue squishy "water" of the playground turf and even a few blue crabs for good measure. The larger Piedmont Playhouse area for bigger kids boast several huge slides, many ladders to climb, and bridges to run through.
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