I'm rating this facility mostly based on the fitness center which is available to all DC residents…read moreat no cost. Of the recreation centers that I've visited so far in DC, this fitness center is the most updated and well-kept. The crowd is pretty steady regardless of the time of day (I've been at different hours of the day and days of the week between 6:30AM-7:30PM) but I've never been able to not use equipment during my 45-60 minutes workouts. Note that the fitness center closes 30 minutes before the posted hours (I.e. if the rec center closes at 8PM, the fitness center closes at 7:30PM). Not pictured are also more weight machines, a dumbbell rack with weights 5-100lbs and kettlebells. Aside from the fitness center, there's also the athletic field, playground, rooftop garden, outdoor basketball/tennis courts, and a gymnasium. From what I've seen, events at this rec center are more-so geared towards folks under 18 and 55+.

Edgewood Recreation Center is a newly-renovated recreations center in Northeast's Edgewood…read moreneighborhood. Here's why it's worth a visit: 1) Amenities: There's a lot to do inside and outside. On the outside, there's a massive field, a track, playground, a garden and basketball courts. Pre-pandemic, the inside has a gym, classrooms, etc. 2) Views: There's an area with benches with beautiful views of nearby Trinity Washington University. This recreation is new and super nice. It's worth a visit!

Along the Potomac River northwest of Georgetown is a close-knit community called The Palisades…read more This is its recreation center. There's a small parking lot in the front and trails that lead to an actual recreation center, fields and a playground that doubles as a splash park in the summer. My four-year-old daughter loved the playground. It's modeled after an Indigenous American village along the Potomac River with slides, etc. For being in a wealthy neighborhood, it's a little run down, but still a lot of fun. If you like quirky art, take the small dirt path to the right when facing the parking lot. Walk a few yards to a small opening in the forest to find the "Glass Forest" with art hanging on the trees. It's a little creepy, but also quirky!

Hmmm...I suppose I was assuming this playground would be more than it was given the area…read more The good: *a couple slides, things to climb on *dedicated parking lot *fitness equipment *skate park (definitely check this out) The issues: *the equipment is old and run down: pieces of the padded floor are all over the place and kids throw them *back to those kids and why we won't be back....where are the parents, nannies, guardians, SOME adult?! There were lots around but no one was telling their kid to not throw pieces of the ground at people. My son was excited about the slide....until he was trampled while going down it by 4 kids (at least 8 years old so they should know better anyways) running up the slide. This hasn't ever been an issue before since caretakers are usually at least sort of watching their kids but nope not here. Overall the equipment was boring and the playground way beyond capacity, particularly during these times. Not a fan, won't be back.

It's new, mighty, and comes with a small indoor pool that my third grader loves! The playground…read moreoutside is large but be warned there's a sandpit that is the curse of every parent.

I love this place rain or shine! I practice my solo routine tai chi mornings daily here! If not…read moretiger lily push ups!

The park next door: This is SUCH a cool park! So few parks…read morehave swings and this one has baby swings and normal swings and the back support swings! In addition to the swings, there's a baby park, and a big kid park, AND a splash park. What more could you ask for?!

Wonderful community center. I go for the tennis courts but there is basketball, baseball, and…read moreplaygrounds. A wonderful green space in the middle of the city. The tennis courts are good fun. Lots of community spirit, music, and local flavor. Usually can be a waiting line but the courts are decent and also well lit

Near the Metro and many restaurants, bars, and shops along Georgia Avenue NW is a recreation center…read morerun by the city. Park for free along the street and walk into a large outdoor space with a field surrounded by rowhouses and a playground with two areas with equipment. My five-year-old daughter loved the playground, especially the climbing ropes. If you go, note that there's barely any shade so plan accordingly. We got so hot visiting in August that we left after 30 minutes.

So many rooms! Looks like a school, I'm assuming it was at one point. Turf soccer field. Lots of…read moreexercise equipment, computer lab, gymnasium, but not a lot of parking.

Turkey Thicket is a great place to exercise. There are programs for kids and adults. They have…read moreparking. The pool has classes and lap swimming. DC residents can use the facility for free.

My rating for Turkey Thicket continues to drop because of their lack of mechanical maintenance…read more Only one of the two drinking fountains in the pool area works, and just barely. Only one of the men's showers works and has a soap dispenser. The middle one has been broken as long as I have been going there, with a big HOLE in the wall covered with see-through plastic where you can see the (nonfunctional) pipes. The third is missing its handle and its soap dispenser and they can't even put even hooks on the shower curtain. And now the swimsuit spinner is simply MISSING from the wall, with connections still hanging out where it used to. DC LOVES to built NEW facilities but apparently has zero interest in maintaining the ones it already has. I note that users are "required" to use the shower before getting in the pool. Good luck with that. Is the women's locker room this crappy or is just the men's locker room nobody cares about?

Someone took good care of the tennis courts after the snow storm turned any outdoor surface into…read moreice. All of the courts were playable, compared to some in other parts of DC. I've played on several public courts throughout the city, and Banneker's are in good shape. Nets up and minimal cracks. Maybe people were still worried about the ice, but my partner and I had no trouble walking on a court in the middle of a weekday afternoon. I've heard other times it is quite busy at Banneker, so I've never tried to come. The courts are a ten minute walk from the U St. Metro.

I'm a serious tennis junkie, play it several times a week and travel the globe watching…read moreprofessional tennis, so it's only natural I find a good tennis court locally and this may be it. The courts are well maintained, seems like it was recently resurfaced. The nets are a little bit worn out and ripped on some courts. There's a tennis wall for those folks playing alone and trying to improve a stroke. The only problem I have is daaaa weeeeeeed (Stephen A reference, lol). I've been to these courts and the side I go on always tends to have one or several people smoking weed. It's tough to play a competitive match while you feel like you're getting high from the cloud of smoke. Aside from the weed, I'd recommend these courts for tennis and there's also a lot of enthusiasts that I'm sure would be interested in connecting for a game. -ODL Follow my IG: @AOEAT

Sherwood Recreation Center is a recreation center just south of H Street along 10th and G Streets…read moreNortheast. The rec center itself is large, but it's closed due to the pandemic. What is open is the playground and it's spacious leaving room for families to safe distance. Still, masks are required. Near the tennis courts (yes, the courts are open too) are a few D.C. statehood murals part of the mayor's campaign to make D.C. the 51st state. There's a rainbow-colored mural, a rose mural (D.C.'s flower) and a few others by local artists.

This park is SOOOO COOL! Especially for kids of different ages. There's multiple swings (although…read morethe baby swing is broken right now - if that doesn't get fixed I'll update this review accordingly), multiple play areas, outdoor musical instruments, and SO MANY SPOTS FOR CLIMBING especially for bigger kids. There's a bug field with a walking path. We will definitely be visiting this park more often!

Been coming here for toddler swim lessons and just did my kiddo's birthday party. Booked a huge…read morecommunity room which was more than enough space for about 10 kids and 20 adults. Family swim passes are a great deal at $30 per family pass (covers 7 people). Everyone had a great time and were impressed with how new and shiny this facility is, and the kids loved the family pool area.

Craving an indoor pool during the December break, my eight-year-old daughter suggested this newer…read moreaquatic center in Arlington close to the D.C. border. After swimming during their "family time," we will definitely be back. Here's why. 1) Admission: Run by Arlington Parks and Rec, admission is required for everyone. It's slightly cheaper for Arlington residents. Our friends who went right when family time started paid $25 as D.C. residents. We got their with only two hours left and weren't charged anything. 2) Pools: One side has lap pools for adults and lessons. The other side has a large pool, lazy river, little kid space, and water slide for families. The water was clean and the lazy river was fun. (The current is stronger than expected making it fun.) 3) Space: They have family changing areas with showers with hot water, lockers (bring your own locks), and more. Upstairs is a gym and an outdoor terrace bleeding into Long Bridge Park with views of National Airport and Washington, D.C. 4) Parking: With such a large parking lot, you can usually find a space. Of course, parking is free. 5) Area: Afterwards, grab lunch or dinner at nearby Crystal City where you can find fats casual like Rasa and sit-down restaurants.

What a gem! Chessie's Big Backyard is such a great spot for kids (and grown-ups who like a good…read morewalk). The walking trails were really nice--well maintained with peaceful forest views. Perfect for a stroller, and some nature scavenger hunts. The playground itself is huge and looked really well cared for. The toddler area was unfortunately closed during our visit, but the rest of the space more than made up for it. There are tons of benches and seating all around, and you can see most of the playground from just about anywhere, which is so helpful when you're keeping an eye on kiddos. There's a massive covered pavilion area that would be perfect for group meetups or a picnic in the shade. And while it was still closed for the season, the splash pad/water park area looked like fun! Definitely planning to come back in the summer to check it out! Such a great spot to have in the area!

Would definitely come here again didn't know that it was a park with a waterpark next to it just…read morefor small kids nothing major nothing big but it's still amazing. Granddaughter had a blast.