With March Madness having recently wrapped up, many kids and families may be inspired to get out there and shoot some hoops for themselves. Here are our recommendations for the best basketball courts to visit in the DMV.
DC
Why This Court: While this rec center does have indoor courts, its outdoor courts are vibrantly painted, fenced in and even have bleacher seating to accommodate any spectators.
What’s Nearby: The Anacostia Metro stop on the Green Line is just around the corner. A couple of schools are nearby as well, so there are likely to be plenty of other children around, which could be a benefit or a drawback, depending on your preference.
Location: 1230 Sumner Rd. SE, Washington, DC
Why This Court: This recreation center has both indoor and outdoor courts, so the weather won’t be able to thwart your hooping ambitions.
What’s Nearby: A couple of blocks south from the rec center is the Mt. Vernon Square/Convention Center Metro station, making it quite convenient for those on the Green and Yellow Lines.
Location: 1401 7th St. NW, Washington, DC
Why This Court: With hoops of various heights on all four sides of the court, this court accommodates games of various styles and could even host some strange free-for-alls.
What’s Nearby: The C&O Canal is a stone’s throw away, as is the Capital Crescent Trail, making it perfect for a stop on a larger hike of the area.
Location: 5200 Sherier Pl. NW, Washington, DC
Why This Court: The park was renovated recently, reopening just last year, meaning its equipment is about as fresh and new as a public outdoor court can be.
What’s Nearby: Just a couple blocks away is Dupont Circle, with all the access to amenities that entails – including a stop on the Red Line.
Location: 1625 P St. NW, Washington, DC
MARYLAND
Why This Court: Speaking from personal experience, the players here are quite friendly and often down for a pickup game with strangers.
What’s Nearby: Ken-Gar has workout structures, similar to a playground but specifically designed for fitness rather than recreation.
Location: 4140 Wexford Dr., Kensington, Md.
Why This Court: Being a part of an expansive park with plenty of offerings, it’s easy to find community members here to play with, even if you might need to poach them from one of the park’s other offerings.
What’s Nearby: Fields for a variety of sports, playgrounds, a trail and – crucially for any good workout day – a water fountain.
Location: 1120 Jackson Rd., Silver Spring, Md.
Why This Court: Melrose’s skate park, right next to the basketball court, makes it a community hub for many youth.
What’s Nearby: Just outside the park is the Rhode Island Ave. and 41st St. bus stop, providing a convenient public transportation option for those nearby.
Location: 4666 Rhode Island Ave., Hyattsville, Md.
Why This Court: It’s indoor and air conditioned and has more than enough room to accommodate plenty of guests.
What’s Nearby: The recreation center also hosts the Wheaton Library, which some members of the family may prefer to basketball, or the whole family might visit to relax and explore after a game.
Location: 11701 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md.
VIRGINIA
Why This Court: Vibrantly painted, this modern park is a good community hub on days off, though it closes earlier than most, at 4:30 p.m.
What’s Nearby: Dulles Airport is near here, giving a secondary activity of plane-spotting to accompany time spent on the court.
Location: 2351 Field Point Rd., Herndon, Va.
Why This Court: Being a larger park that is still squarely in a suburb, Fort Scott is out of the way of too much car traffic and urban noise while still being plenty populated.
What’s Nearby: The Fort Scott historical marker, commemorating the eponymous fort, is there to provide a little history lesson on a day out.
Location: 2800 Fort Scott Dr., Arlington, Va.
Why This Court: Being a riverside park, there are scenes and atmosphere to this park that not many places in the DMV offer. Don’t worry, the court is still far enough away to not fall in.
What’s Nearby: The Jones Point Lighthouse is just south of here, and right by it, the original southern corner boundary stone marking the original border of DC.
Location: Jones Point Dr., Alexandria, Va.
Why This Court: A simple yet well-maintained court with lighting to keep the game going after sunset, in a safe location at the heart of Arlington.
What’s Nearby: Arlington Central Library stands right next to this park, offering refuge from the sweat and sun.
Location: 1021 N Quincy St., Arlington, Va.
Liam McCrickard holds a B.A. in creative and professional writing from Goucher College. He is assistant editor at Washington Parent. He also works as a freelance designer, writer and editor of tabletop role-playing games.
Liam McCrickard holds a B.A. in creative and professional writing from Goucher College. He is former assistant editor at Washington Parent. He works as a freelance designer, writer and editor of tabletop role-playing games.
Liam McCrickard holds a B.A. in creative and professional writing from Goucher College. He is former assistant editor at Washington Parent. He works as a freelance designer, writer and editor of tabletop role-playing games.
