Editor’s Note: This post was updated on July 14, 2021, to reflect the most up-to-date information for readers.
It’s tough to argue that anything feels better than jumping into a pool on a hot summer day. With all the water parks in Northern Virginia, residents have plenty of options to choose from when deciding how to spend a day cooling off with the kids. Some parks feature massive water slides, while others house everything from play areas to artificial beaches. Take a look at the most popular attractions at each water park to help you decide which is the best fit for how you and your family want to spend the day.
Atlantis
Dumping bucket: The kid’s play area at Atlantis is full of slides, water cannons, and things to climb on, all with a massive 500-gallon dumping bucket overhead that’s constantly soaking anyone caught below. There are also two water slides plus a main pool area that helps make the day a relaxing one for parents while the kids explore the park. 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville
Great Waves
Wave pool: Great Waves offers the chance to wade and body surf in its 17,500-square-foot wave pool. The park has five water slides as well, including two speed slides that shoot riders into the water. 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria
Ocean Dunes
Swimming lanes: While most parks concentrate on slides and play areas, Ocean Dunes doesn’t deprive its visitors of the opportunity to practice swimming laps or put each other to the test and have races. But don’t worry—there are still water slides and a play area for the kids, and with three different pools, guests have plenty of options. 6060 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Pirate’s Cove
Buccaneer Beach: Another park geared toward younger kids, Pirate’s Cove is well-known for Buccaneer Beach, its sandy play area. With plenty of shovels, buckets, and sandcastle-making materials to go around, the sand pit will assure parents of plenty of time to relax while their kids build the next Tower of London. There’s also a play structure boasting two slides. 6501 Pohick Bay Dr., Lorton
Signal Bay
Lazy river: Water depths are shallow throughout the park, including the lazy river. The height requirement is 43 inches, but the park is well-suited for kids ages 5 to 8. 9300 Signal View Dr., Manassas Park
SplashDown
Pipeline Tower: The Pipeline Tower at SplashDown is a four-story tower with two slides that wrap around the structure, giving kids and adults alike an exciting ride to the bottom. There are also slides dedicated to making the biggest splashes possible and an adventure pool that tasks kids with making it across lily pads and logs without falling in. 7500 Ben Lomond Park Dr., Manassas
Volcano Island
Splash pad: No water park would be complete without a massive play area, and Volcano Island’s play space is fully equipped with a splash pad with slides, fountains, water cannons, and sprinklers. 20015 Volcano Island Dr., Sterling
Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole
Pete’s Peak: Designed to mimic a mountain with closed-off mine shafts, Pete’s Peak features several low-intensity water slides as well as three slides that sit three stories above the ground. The park is the perfect place for families with young children, but thrill-seeking older siblings might find themselves bored after their first few trips down the tall slides. 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston
Waterworks
Pool deck: While Waterworks is more of a pool area with slides than a water park, the main area is full of plenty of things to keep the kids busy. Slides, wading pools, and an adventure pool make for a perfect location to host birthday parties and summertime get-togethers. 5301 Dale Blvd., Woodbridge
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