The best parks & outdoor spots in Washington

5 parks & outdoor spots we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Washington’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Bakeries & Sweets · Entertainment · Home & Garden · Nightlife · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Arts & Culture · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Shopping · Pets · Sporting Goods · Services · Health & Wellness · Cafes

Pinned in Washington today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Washington — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Parks & Outdoors · 5 places · showing the latest additions first

Dark Star Park

Parks & Outdoors

Dark Star Park is Arlington's first county-commissioned artwork by Nancy Holt, a 0.4-acre landscape where five "fallen star" spheres,…

1655 Fort Myer Dr (Arlington)

“4-acre landscape where five "fallen star" spheres, pools, poles and tunnels turn a green patch into a mind-bending mini escape. , the shadows line up with insets, so swing by this week and plot next year's flex.”

From the Bowie newsletter, August 7, 2026

Website ↗

Turtle Park

Parks & Outdoors

When the wiggles hit, Turtle Park has you covered with a kid-approved playground, a recreation center, and ready-to-play basketball,…

45th St NW & Van Ness Street NW

“When the wiggles hit, Turtle Park has you covered with a kid-approved playground, a recreation center, and ready-to-play basketball, tennis, and baseball areas. Community volunteers keep it thriving with events throughout the year, so it’s an easy spot to burn energy, meet neighbors, and reclaim your afternoon sanity.”

From the Arlington newsletter, August 7, 2026

Website ↗

Mosaic Park

Parks & Outdoors

Small neighborhood park featuring bocce-ball courts & a playground with a climbing wall.

538 N Pollard St (Arlington)

“Small neighborhood park featuring bocce-ball courts & a playground with a climbing wall.”

Website ↗

Lane Manor Splash Park

Parks & Outdoors

Public green space with a seasonal outdoor water park that includes a 25-meter pool & slides.

7601 W Park Dr (Adelphi)

“Public green space with a seasonal outdoor water park that includes a 25-meter pool & slides.”

Website ↗

Run a Washington business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

Virginia Highlands Park

Parks & Outdoors

Urban park offering play equipment, athletic fields & courts for basketball & tennis.

1600 S Hayes St (Arlington)

“Urban park offering play equipment, athletic fields & courts for basketball & tennis.”

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →