Turtle Park

The Giant Turtle Playground

Located in Tenleytown, Turtle Park (officially Friendship "Turtle" Park) is a treasured green space in Washington, DC that's earned its nickname from the massive cement turtle sculpture that dominates the playground. This cement turtle is quite popular with local children.

Spanning several acres, this community park offers something for everyone. It's a place where neighborhood families gather while their children play.

Fresh New Look

Turtle Park has recently been renovated. The playground areas are thoughtfully divided for different age groups, so your toddler won't get steamrolled by enthusiastic fifth-graders.

You can find all the playground classics here: climbing structures for the adventurous, slides for the thrill-seekers, and swings for, well, everyone (because who doesn't love swinging?). The tot lot comes with a reassuring fence, giving parents of escape-artist toddlers a moment to breathe.

Get Your Game On

Beyond the playground, Turtle Park steps up with impressive sports options. There are well-maintained tennis courts for your inner Serena Williams, basketball courts for pickup games, and a versatile multi-purpose field great for everything from impromptu soccer matches to frisbee sessions. The recreation center building offers indoor programs when the weather doesn't cooperate.

Seasonal Fun

When summer heat hits DC, the splash pad water play area becomes the neighborhood hotspot. Kids can cool off while parents watch from the picnic areas, which thankfully come with enough shade to make Washington summers tolerable. The thoughtful landscaping and mature trees create pleasant green spaces around the park.

Where Community Happens

Turtle Park is both a play area and a community gathering space. Year-round, you'll find summer concerts bringing music to warm evenings, holiday celebrations marking the seasons, and various children's activities organized by the dedicated Friends of Friendship Park group. The park combines good facilities with regular community events.