Sprayers, bubblers, and water-dumping buckets are the perfect way to splash about this summer. Here are eight splash pad options in NoVA.
Drew Park Playground & Sprayground
Visit Drew Park for a day of family fun and splashing. This splash pad offers a range of sprayers, including umbrella and tunnel sprayers, that will bring some relief from the hot summer sun. Drew Park is home to a basketball court, diamond sports field, and playground, making the park a destination for full-day outdoor entertainment. The Drew Park Sprayground is open from 2–8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., and Wednesdays and Fridays, and from noon–8 p.m. on weekends. 2310 S. Kenmore St., Arlington, free
Hanson Park Splash Pad
This 10,000-square-foot splash pad in Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park has a large water-squirting spider, flower sprayers, a bucket drop, and ample space to run and play. There are numerous sports fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, batting cages, skate plaza, disc golf course, picnic pavilions, and an amphitheater at the 257-acre park.
The splash pad is open from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. daily through August 17. From August 18 to September 1, its open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. From September 2 to 29, its’s open from noon to 6 p.m. 22831 Hanson Park Dr., Aldie, free
Lyon Village Park Sprayground
It’s sprinklers and sprayers galore at Lyon Village Park. This Arlington splash pad offers the perfect spot for water fun. Lyon Village Park also features two tennis courts and a basketball court. This sprayground is open Monday and Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. It’s closed on Tuesdays. 1800 N. Highland St., Arlington, free
Our Special Harbor Spray Ground
At Our Special Harbor Spray Ground, children of all ages and abilities can have fun. This park includes several Chesapeake Bay-themed attractions, including a spraying osprey nest, lighthouse, Chessie the sea serpent, and misting sunflowers. Other features include the computerized water maze and the dumping crab basket. For those who prefer calmer activities, there are gentle water bubblers and interactive water tables.
Through August 18, the splash pad is open from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Wednesdays, the park is open from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. On weekends and holidays, the hours are 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m. From August 19 through September 4, open 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m. on weekends and holidays. 6601 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria, free
Pirate’s Cove Waterpark
Aquatic adventurers can set sail at Pirate’s Cove Waterpark in Pohick Bay Regional Park. Cool off at the 300-gallon dumping bucket, waterslides, palm tree sprayers, and in the pool. For little splashers, there is a tot pool with a kid-friendly waterslide. Kids can dig for treasure at the Buccaneer Beach sand area. After a long afternoon of playing, refuel with refreshments at the Captain’s Galley.
Through August 20, Pirate’s Cove Waterpark is open from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m.–7 p.m. weekends. From August through Labor Day Weekend, the park is open from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on weekends.
It’s free for children under two. On weekdays, admission for individuals shorter than 42 inches and ages 55 and older is $8.50. Weekday admission is $10.50 for individuals 42 inches or taller and $6.25 for individuals who enter at 4 p.m. On weekends, admission for individuals shorter than 42 inches and ages 55 and older is $11. Weekend admission is $13 for those 42 inches and taller. 6501 Pohick Bay Dr., Lorton
Waterworks Waterpark
From a playground, to slides, to an obstacle course, Waterworks Waterpark has it all. This attraction has a splash pad with a water-dumping bucket, a water playground, and plenty of sprayers. Daring swimmers can ride the park’s two winding water slides or traverse the obstacle course.
For young splashers, the park has Splash ‘N’ Play, a period before the park opens to the general public for kids who are five and younger. Splash ‘N’ Play is offered from 9–10:30 a.m. through August 1. Admission for children is $7, and one adult per child can enter the park for free.
Waterworks Waterpark is open from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. daily through August 6. From August 7 to August 20, the hours are noon–6 p.m. Starting August 21 through Labor Day, the water park will be open from noon–6 p.m. on weekends.
Admission for individuals under 48 inches tall and seniors ages 60 and older is $8.25. Individuals who are 48 inches and taller can enter the park for $8.75. Kids two and younger are free. 5301 Dale Blvd., Dale City
