Written by Kirstin Hawthorne

Spring is here, the days are getting longer, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.  Whether you want to get out on your own and reconnect with nature, are looking for ways to spend with your significant other outside the walls of your home, or need ways to tire out the kiddos, our area is rich with local parks and playgrounds.  Here are ten great parks in NoVA that are sure to deliver an adventure, and the features that make them a step above the rest:

1. Clemyjontri Park (McLean) : Clemyjontri has a massive playground that offers a wide range of play structures (designed to be accessible for children of all abilities), including a carousel, a train, and a picnic pavilion.
2. Algonkian Regional Park (Sterling) : This park is situated on the banks of the Potomac River and has beautiful views of the river, as well as mini-golf and a waterpark (Volcano Island).
3. Burke Lake Park (Fairfax Station): Burke Lake Park offers over 888 acres of outdoor fun, including a 218-acre lake for fishing and boating, a miniature train, a carousel and an ice cream parlor.
4. Lacey Woods Park (Arlington) : Lacey Woods is a favorite among local families for its great picnic area and variety of play structures. It also hosts sport courts, fire pits, and great hiking trails to boot.
5. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (Vienna): Meadowlark is one of the most picturesque gardens in the area boasting ornamental and native plants. Blooms are constantly changing and so no two visits are ever the same. It is wheelchair friendly with a concrete path throughout.
6. Van Dyck Park (Fairfax City): Van Dyck offers a skate park which sets it apart from others in the area. Also boasting lighted basketball and tennis courts, sand volleyball pits and playground equipment, make this a City favorite.
7. Scott’s Run Nature Preserve (McLean): This park, situated in a beautiful nature preserve, has waterfalls and offers trails that challenge the most tenured hikers. It is consistently heralded for its picturesque nature trails.
8. South Run District Park (Springfield): South Run is known for its sprawling sport fields, dog park, playground and access to both Burke Lake and Lake Mercer. It is adjacent to Go Ape! which offers a ropes course with options for different skill levels.
9. Bull Run Regional Park (Centreville): Known mostly for its drive-thru Christmas light show, Bull Run also offers hiking, biking, fishing and camping. It has a water park, a disc-golf course, and picnic areas.  A favorite whatever time of year, for sure!
10. Lake Accotink Park (Springfield): A hidden gem, tucked back less than a mile from the mixing bowl, this local park offers bike, kayak, and paddleboat rentals. It has a mini-golf course, a small playground, and an ice cream shoppe.