Kids

Little Alexandria: Potomac Yard Park

Hiding in a maze is always fun. (Photo by Erica Barker)

By Erica Barker

Now that spring has arrived, it’s time to get outside and play! In addition to Chessie’s Big Backyard at Lee District Park featured in last month’s issue, one of my favorite local playgrounds is at Potomac Yard Park, which offers two inclusive playgrounds for different ages, separated by a splash park.

If you haven’t gone to the splash park area, it’ll be the perfect spot when the weather heats up again. Fountains turn on Memorial Day weekend and there are plenty of picnic tables for relaxation or to have a low-key party.

Just-right-sized steps for little legs to learn on. (Photo by Erica Barker)

We stick to the toddler side, which has a layout similar to the older kids’ side but a lower profile with slides and steps closer to the ground. You’ll also find swing sets, balance beams, drums, and those dizzy-ing spinning chairs.

One really fun feature is a maze with tons of interactive panels to encourage motor and sensory development. The maze is perfect for crawlers to new walkers (and even runners!). We take our son there often to practice on stairs that have smalls steps with railings. The playground’s big and never feels crowded. There’s lots of room for kids to wobble, toddle, and run without bouncing off each other.

This side of the playground mimics the older kids’ equipment, but it’s the perfect height for little ones. (Photo by Erica Barker)

Here are my top picks for your upcoming weekends:

April 6: Join the LEGO Club at the James M. Duncan Jr. Branch library in Del Ray from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or head to story time from 11:00 to 11:40 a.m. at the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library for stories, music, and dancing.

April 13: Head down to Old Town from 10:00 to 5:00 p.m. for an Easter Egg Hunt in the Old Town Boutique District. Sneak in some power shopping while your little ones try to find the giant egg hidden in participating boutiques.

Fountains at the splash park will be turned on over Memorial Weekend. (Photo by Erica Barker)

April 20: Join the Lee-Fendall House Museum for their 20th Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Tickets are required for one of the multiple times offered for the hunt. There promises to be hundreds of colorful eggs for your kids to grab, in addition to crafts, games, and pictures with the Easter Bunny.

April 28: Looking for an event where you can bring your kids and your original kid (a.k.a., your dog)? The Alexandria Love Your Pet Day Block Party is from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. between Roth and Colvin Streets. There will be food trucks and kids’ entertainment, in addition to attendance by many four-legged family members.

Erica Barker is the founder of littleoldtown.com, where she shares fun activities in the Alexandria area for parents and kids and she enjoys exploring the local area while keeping her toddler entertained.

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