Northern Virginia waterparks and pools offer a break from the scorching heat and humidity of summer, with facilities and events to amuse the whole family. Read on to find your favorite spot to beat the heat, or plan a summer-long exploration of all the water fun our area has to offer.
2020 Update: Use the links below to check the latest opening hours and restrictions at each facility. In general:
- All waterparks are closed for the 2020 summer season.
- Spray grounds and play features are closed.
- Many pools are open with restrictions but reservations are required.
Northern Virginia Waterparks
Area waterparks generally open for weekends on Memorial Day weekend, add weekday openings when schools begin their summer break, and close Labor Day weekend. Day fees vary by age and time of entry, and group or season passes are available with discounted rates.
NOVA Parks Waterparks
Each NOVA Parks waterpark has themed equipment that appeals to different age groups, from a pirate-themed kid’s pool at Pirates Cover to a large wave pool and speed slides at Great Waves.
Great Waves Waterpark, Alexandria
Thrillseekers love the speed slides and waterslides, while little ones enjoy an interactive splash pad and wading pool. Great Waves has a 17,500 square foot wave pool, the only one in Northern Virginia. Kids can have fun at the Paradise Play area when they need a break from the water.
Ocean Dunes Waterpark, Arlington
Ocean Dunes includes a 500-gallon dumping bucket, water slides, waterfalls, and squirters. A pair of waterslides includes a 230-foot open slide and a 170-foot ride in complete darkness on a closed slide. A large main pool offers splashing and swimming space for everyone.
Atlantis Waterpark, Centreville
Atlantis’ two waterslides include 230 feet of fun on the open slide and a 170-foot ride in complete darkness on the closed slide. A large main pool offers splashing and swimming space for everyone – and includes a play island with smaller slides. The centerpiece of the waterpark is the awesome dumping bucket and play feature, with covered slides, open slides, water cannons, sprayers, and more, all under the current of the giant dumping bucket. There’s also a baby pool and a sand play area.
Pirates Cove at Pohick Bay, Lorton
Kids can play on Buccaneer Beach or frolic in the water jets and on the pirate-themed play area. Adrenaline fiends can enjoy the two waterslides or cool down beneath the 500-gallon dumping bucket.
Volcano Island Waterpark, Sterling
The large main pool offers splashing and swimming space plus an awesome tree stump slide – a fast, quick ride that delivers guests into four feet of cool water. The centerpiece of Volcano Island is a huge play feature that has tube slides, open slides, fountains, squirters, platforms and of course, a giant 500-gallon dumping bucket. The shallow area also features a small kiddie slide and the splash pad offers water cannons, showers, sprinklers, buckets and more.
County Operated Northern Virginia Waterparks
Additional Northern Virginia waterparks are operated by Fairfax and Prince William Counties.
SplashDown Waterpark, Manassas
The largest waterpark in Northern Virginia, SplashDown is a sprawling acre complex featuring a Pipeline Tower with two 4-story waterslides, two Cannon Ball Slides, Tropical Twister, Lilly Pad and Log Walk; a children’s play area with colored pipes and rain-shower features, a 3-foot deep activity pool, and a 770-foot lazy river. Day fees
Signal Bay Waterpark, Manassas
A 27,000 sq. ft. aquatic facility featuring a zero depth entry leisure pool with water cannons, slides, and a lazy river.
Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole, Reston
The popular Water Mine waterpark expanded in 2015 with new slides and play areas, and extended their weekend openings due to high demand. The Fairfax County Park Authority now extends the Water Mine season with weekend opening in early September.
Waterworks Waterpark, Dale City
Waterworks offers several slides including a circular open slide and an enclosed speed slide, water obstacles like the jungle walk, and zero entry wading pools.
Keep in mind, you are not the only one looking for some watery fun. Capacity is limited at waterparks and the waiting lines can be loooong. Get there early or late in the day to improve your chances of a quick entrance.
Northern Virginia Pools
Several towns and counties in the area maintain outdoor pools during the summer months. When summer ends and Northern Virginia waterparks close, you can still enjoy water fun at a variety of indoor pools at community centers throughout the area.
Arlington County Pools
Arlington Public Schools manage three indoor pools that have open swim hours.
Alexandria Pools
Alexandria operates a neighborhood mini pool, a large outdoor pool, and the Rixse indoor pool at Chinquapin Recreation Center
Fairfax County Pools and Spraygrounds
All nine Fairfax County Rec Centers include indoor pools, and two of them—Cub Run and Lee District—offer additional water play facilities.
Reston Association Pools include fifteen outdoor pools, two of which offer special play features. Glade Pool has a 20 foot slide and 1 meter diving board, and Upland Pool has a zero depth entry area with interactive fountain features and a beach area.
Harbor Spray Ground in Lee District Park is new in 2017. The fully accessible sprinkler-filled playground has a Chesapeake Bay theme. Cool down with a spraying osprey nest, Chessie the sea serpent, misting sunflowers, and a lighthouse. The beach area has interactive water tables and softer bubblers. There’s also an accessible treehouse and Tiki Village playground.
Loudoun County Pools
- Claude Moore Rec Center, Sterling
- Franklin Park Pool, Purcellville
- Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, Leesburg
- Lovettsville Community Center Pool, Lovettsville
Prince William County Pools
Prince William County maintains four outdoor pools; Veterans Park pool has a twisting waterslide. There are also two indoor pools at Prince William County rec centers. Also in Prince William is the Manassas Park Community Center Indoor Pool.
Dog Day at Waterparks and Pools
When the season ends, and the parks close to humans, it’s time for the annual Dog Day at the Waterpark. Most years, all five NOVA Parks-managed waterparks and Signal Bay welcome furry friends to the pool at the end of the human swimming season. Ida Lee Park’s Aquatic Center in Leesburg and the Lovettsville Community Pool also hold season-ending Dog Day swims in September.
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