Beauvoir Playground
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
45 minutes–1.5 hours
Best Ages
1–10
About
Beauvoir Playground sits in the heart of one of Washington DC's most family-friendly neighborhoods, just steps from the Woodley Park Metro station and a short walk from the National Zoo. With a near-perfect 4.9-star Google rating, this DC Parks and Recreation playground has earned a loyal following among neighborhood families and visiting parents who stumble upon it after a zoo visit.
The playground features age-appropriate equipment for toddlers through early elementary-age kids, with separate zones that let younger children play safely while older siblings tackle the more challenging climbing structures. Mature trees provide natural canopy shade throughout the space — a significant advantage in Washington's humid summers that makes Beauvoir comfortable well into the afternoon when sun-exposed playgrounds become too hot.
The location in Woodley Park means the surrounding neighborhood infrastructure is exceptional for families. Connecticut Avenue NW, just two blocks away, offers some of DC's best casual family dining — Thai, Italian, pizza, and café options all within a five-minute walk. The nearby Cleveland Park branch of the DC Public Library is another easy add-on for rainy-day pivots.
For visitors arriving by Metro, the Woodley Park-Zoo station on the Red Line puts you at the playground in minutes — no driving or parking required. Families staying in the Woodley Park hotel corridor near Rock Creek Park will find Beauvoir a natural morning playground stop before heading to the Zoo.
Stroller access is excellent on the paved paths throughout the park. The equipment is well-maintained by DC Parks and Recreation. Whether you're a neighborhood regular or a traveling family building a DC itinerary, Beauvoir Playground consistently delivers a quality free experience.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Limited
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings; after-school hours on nice days
Wait Times
No wait — open access
Nearby Food
Woodley Park Restaurant Row on Connecticut Ave NW has Thai, Italian, pizza, and casual options within 5 minutes walking. Starbucks for coffee.
Why Kids Love It
Beauvoir Playground is a beautifully designed DC neighborhood park beloved for its thoughtful play structures and excellent natural shade from mature trees. Kids adore the varied climbing and sliding options while parents appreciate the well-maintained equipment and welcoming community atmosphere. Its Woodley Park location makes it an easy add-on after visiting the National Zoo just blocks away.
What Parents Say
“My four-year-old daughter spends hours here without ever getting bored.<br><br>4) Parking: There's a small parking lot at the school.”
Pro Tips from Parents
- Pair with a visit to the National Zoo — it's less than a 10-minute walk away
- Woodley Park Metro (Red Line) is 3 blocks away — no car needed
- The playground has excellent shade from mature trees — comfortable even in summer
- Street parking on Woodley Rd and Connecticut Ave NW is typically available on weekday mornings
- Several excellent family-friendly restaurants are within 5 minutes on Connecticut Ave
What to Bring
- Snacks
- Water
- Sunscreen (for open areas)
- Change of clothes for active kids
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 — completely free.
Woodley Park has great restaurants within a 5-minute walk.
Tips to Save
- Free admission, free street parking nearby.
- Combine with a walk through the adjacent Cleveland Park neighborhood for a full morning.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 7AM-8:30PM
- Monday
- 7AM-8:30PM
- Sunday
- 7AM-8:30PM
- Tuesday
- 7AM-8:30PM
- Saturday
- 7AM-8:30PM
- Thursday
- 7AM-8:30PM
- Wednesday
- 7AM-8:30PM