Chessie's Big Backyard at Franconia Park
Alexandria, VA
Inclusive destination play area in Alexandria with a fully accessible playground, sensory trail, treehouse ramps, adjacent accessible spray park, carousel, shelters, and rubber surfacing.
Franconia Family Recreation Area, home to Chessie's Big Backyard and Our Special Harbor.
Editorial notes
What stands out
This is a strong choice for families who want an inclusive playground but also value extra attractions like a sensory trail, treehouse ramps, and summer water play.
Know Before You Go
- Reservations
- Shelters and treehouse area can be reserved; spray park group reservations are seasonal.
- Weather
- Outdoor destination with best payoff in fair weather; summer adds splash play appeal.
What to Expect
Play profile
- Toddlers
- Preschoolers
- Big kids
- Mixed ages
Visit amenities
- Seating
- Picnic tables
- Parking
- Pavilions or shelters
- Mixed shade
- Visit type
- Destination outing
Read more about this location
Chessie's Big Backyard is part of the Franconia Family Recreation Area, a standout all-abilities destination in Alexandria. The official site describes the playground as fully accessible, with padded rubber surfacing, ramps wide enough for wheelchair access, and specially designed equipment for children to crawl through, climb over, and explore. Families can pair the playground with Chessie's Trail sensory features, a ramped treehouse experience, carousel rides, and the adjacent Our Special Harbor spray park for a fuller outing.
Hours & Admission
Admission
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Admission | Chessie's Big Backyard playground access is free. |
| Admission | Carousel tickets are $4 Monday-Friday and $5 Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. |
Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.
Accessibility
Sensory
Chessie's Trail includes a sound garden
Sensory
Spinning rocks
Sensory
Boardwalk
Sensory
Nest seating area
Sensory
Wildlife figures along the trail
Mobility
Padded rubber floor surface
Mobility
Ramps wide enough for wheelchair access
Mobility
Fully accessible playground
These details summarize published sources and dated reports. They are not an ADA inspection or an individualized accessibility assessment.
Location
6601 Telegraph Road
Alexandria, VA, 22310
Other options nearby
Source reviewedClemyjontri Park
Large destination playground in Mc Lean with ramps, rubber surfacing, a Liberty Swing, wide pathways, shade sails, carousel, train access, picnic pavilions, and accessible restrooms.
Source reviewedNeighborhood Arlington park with accessible preschool and school-age playgrounds, picnic shelter, grill, drinking fountain, and easy sunrise-to-sunset access.
Sources & Updates
Source-checked Apr 11, 2026 against 1 public source
View source and update details
- Last check on record
- Apr 11, 2026
- Sources reviewed
- 1 public source
Public sources
- Fairfax County Parks - Franconia Family Recreation Areafairfaxcounty.gov
Checked: address, phone, fully accessible playground, rubber surface, wide ramps, sensory trail
What changed
April 11, 2026
Created listing from official Fairfax County Parks family recreation area page.
Accessibility details reflect available public information and dated reports, not an ADA inspection.