Chessie's Big Backyard

Chessie's Big Backyard at Franconia District Park is one of Northern Virginia's most beloved free playgrounds — and once you visit, you'll understand why it has nearly 900 five-star reviews. Named in honor of a beloved Fairfax County parks employee, this sprawling outdoor adventure space combines traditional playground equipment with natural play elements that encourage real exploration.

The star attraction is the nature play zone, where kids can wade and splash in a designed stream channel, dig in designated sand areas, and balance across natural log elements embedded in the landscape. Unlike sterile plastic playgrounds, Chessie's lets kids get genuinely dirty and engaged with the natural world — a rarity in suburban Northern Virginia.

The signature nature tower rises above the landscape, giving older kids a panoramic perch they'll want to claim. Climbing nets, rock scramble features, and rope bridges round out the climbing options for kids from toddlers to pre-teens. The space is large enough that even on busy weekend afternoons, kids spread out and find their own adventures without constant collisions.

For parents, the park offers shaded pavilion areas (reserve in advance for group visits) and a few benches scattered throughout. The adjacent Franconia Recreation Center has indoor restrooms with changing tables. Stroller access exists on the paved paths but the nature play areas are uneven — consider a carrier for toddlers if you want hands-free.

The W&OD Trail passes just outside, making this a natural endpoint for a family bike ride. Pack a picnic lunch and make an afternoon of it. With zero admission cost and consistently excellent facilities, Chessie's Big Backyard belongs on every Northern Virginia family's short list.