Forest Hills Playground

This spot in Forest Hills is one of those under-the-radar gems that locals genuinely want to keep to themselves. The fully fenced play area makes it easy to relax — kids can bounce between the climbing structure, sandbox, swings, and seesaw while you actually sit down for five minutes. Shade trees cover most of the grounds, so summer afternoons here are way more bearable than at some of DC’s more exposed parks. Grab a picnic table, let the little ones run, and when the older kids are ready to migrate, the basketball court and soccer field are right there. Quiet street, easy parking, good for anything from toddlers to preteens.