National Geographic Kids Play Area at Tysons Corner Center
1961 Chain Bridge RdMcLean, VA 22102
(3rd level, near the AMC Theater and Food Court)
Website ~ Map Link
Bottom Line: A great indoor space to burn off steam on a too hot/cold/rainy day. Love that it's free, but dislike that it can get crowded. I'm also not wild about the train parked out in front that costs $3/per person ride (or 2 for $5). 3/5 stars.
The Review:
The play area at Tysons was recently redone, so I took my two younger kiddos (5 and 2) one hot morning before the week before school let out. It used to be a book theme, now it is an recycling/environmental theme, sponsored by National Geographic Kids.
I have to say, it’s pretty nice. They do a great job keeping everything clean and nice looking. I like that they took out the old tree and now you have a clear view across the play area with no blindspots. However, it does get crowded – we got there a little before 10 and it quickly filled up. My kids get antsy after 45 minutes or so, but I find it to be a nice option on a hot or rainy day to get us out of the house. The only thing I really dislike about it is the Mall Train, which operates right across from the entrance. It costs to ride and it, of course, entices the kids everytime it runs.
Here’s some pictures of the place for your viewing pleasure:
Find more parks by visiting my main Arlington Parks & Playgrounds page.
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Thanks for the information about Tyson’s play area. We are not from the area and the malls around here do not have play areas like this. I had no idea what it was and if you had to pay for it. In my research- I found the location is near where we are staying but I couldn’t find any information on it. With your pictures and information- I can make an informed decision- if we go to play there or not. THANKS!! I appreciate you taking the time to create this.
Thanks for your kind words Michelle! I try to make my reviews informative so it is always nice to hear they are helpful to others. I hope you enjoyed your time up in Northern VA.
Nice place to take you kid when it’s cold, rainy or too hot outside. I Have a few pointers to share. Parents wearing shoes in the play area, disgusting, where have your shoes been, keep you kids germs free. Some parents give snacks to kids in the play area and these kids eat while jumping around with other kids, not saying don’t feed your kids just take them to the eating area and feed them because at the end of the day you have food crumbs all over the play area and snack wrappers here and there these parents do not pick up the wrapper. Some kids like mine have food allergies he doesn’t necessarily have to ingest the food to have a reaction. If he falls or roll over any food bits , he gets hives instantly. And some kids are extremely rough, they are not mindful of other kids they push and hit… Parents talk to your kids about sharing and playing in public places. Keep the play area clean and safe so all can enjoy
Thank you for this post and for your fantastic blog! I’m a new reader and I have to say you have already saved me a LOT of “trial and error” outings 🙂
We had a great time at Tysons play area. I loved the fact that there was a food court conveniently located right next to it, and that it was on the top floor — not right in the middle of the mall like others in the area.
Thanks again for the great suggestion!
Adults should have enough common sense to take their filthy shoes off when entering a play area.