Children’s play areas are becoming widely popular as destinations for families when visiting area malls. In the summer of 2014, Tysons Corner Center upped the ante by adding a second play space to the growing neighborhood. The Plaza is a new venture that Tysons is quite proud of.
Perched outside the second story of the mall, drivers passing by can see steel structures almost swaying near a pedestrian bridge. Curiosity sparks which beckons newbies to a new section of the huge shopping center. All for free entertainment, I took my 7 year old on a blustery fall day.
The Scoop
The Cox Discover Cove outdoor playground towers at 1,000 square feet. The steel ship structure features a cargo net and slides. The bouncy rubber surface and fenced area make this a win-win for families who can sit down in or outside the playground without concern.
Families can enjoy free games like life size chess, checkers, or cornhole. During our visit, there were no bean bags to play cornhole. Students from George Mason University’s art department have outfitted The Plaza with beautiful wooden birds that dot the landscape. A circular fountain with brooks along the way always delight little ones. There are plenty of orange circular benches and cushioned chairs with tableside fire pits for when cooler weather arrives.
The closest restrooms are at Shake Shack and Lord & Taylor.
How to Get There
There are several options allowing for easy access to The Plaza. If driving, the closest parking garage is at Lord & Taylor. Take the elevator to the second floor which goes through the ladies dress department. The large, clear doors lead directly out to The Plaza. If you are already in another part of the mall, you can access The Plaza at the entrance across from Abercrombie & Fitch.
Alternatively, metro is a super convenient way to avoid clogged traffic. My family wanted to check out the new, sleek silver line so we walked 1/8 of a mile from The Plaza to the subway station. While impressive, we were disappointed that both metro cars we took round trip were not the new silver interior cars.
However, we were happy to enjoy the experience and am definitely considering this as an alternative method of hassle-free transportation. Based on the number of people heading to and from the station, the metro is clearly a valuable addition.
What’s Next
The Plaza is only in the beginning phase. The year 2015 brings concerts, outdoor movies, a weekly farmers market, and a kids club. Currently, Shake Shack is the only food option on The Plaza. Directly inside the entrance, the mall will add more food options such as Chipotle.
When the weather is unfavorable, head inside to the third level food court area where there is a great National Geographic themed children’s play area. There is also a miniature train which cost a fee.
The Bottom Line
Tysons Corner Center is the premier destination in northern Virginia. With new apartments and the Hyatt hotel, The Plaza is the place to be. Hop on the metro, do a little shopping, enjoy some good eats, and spend some natural family time outside on the Plaza.
Photos by Kathleen Molloy.
