Take Your Dog for a Refreshing Swim at One of These Northern Virginia Spots

Pups can splash around and cool off at these watering holes.

By Kate Oczypok • Posted August 6, 2026 at 7:00 a.m.

Courtesy Arlington County Department of Parks and Rec

Dogs deserve to cool off too. Here are four places to take your furry friend this summer to splash around and cool off during hot weather.

Glencarlyn Park

Glencarlyn Park in Arlington is a great place to bring your dog for a romp with fellow canines. The family-friendly park includes nearby picnic shelters, nature trails, and two playgrounds. At the off-leash area, there’s a nearby wooded section with a rocky creek. Many doggos have been spotted splashing through the water, cooling off on sweltering summer afternoons. 301 S Harrison St., Arlington, free

Aquatic Paws

For breeds or senior dogs who may like water but don’t do well in the heat, Aquatic Paws offers 20-minute underwater treadmill or pool sessions. Senior dogs ages 7 and up will need to start with the underwater treadmill, and puppies need to be at least five months old to use the pool. 4300 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Ste 1s, Chantilly; One dog is $47.50, two dogs are $90 (must have the same owner)

A dogs with a tennis ball in its mouth runs though the water at Glencarlyn Park in Arlington — *Glencarlyn Park (Photo by David Moss)*

Shirlington Dog Park

Open from sunrise until a half hour after sunset, Shirlington Dog Park is a large, fenced-in area perfect for high-energy dogs. There are two water fountains for pups to utilize, especially during hot summer months, and complimentary waste bags. After playing in the park, there is an adjacent creek that is perfect for dogs to frolic in post-playtime. 2710 S Oakland St., Arlington, free

Aquia Landing Park

With a quarter mile of beach where dogs can frolic and swim, Aquia Landing Park in Stafford is a perfect summer spot to cool off. Dogs must remain leashed while on land but are permitted to swim freely in the water. Don’t forget to check the river basin for glass or potentially sharp objects before your dog dives in. Guests should bring fresh drinking water. 2846 Brooke Rd., Stafford, free

Feature image courtesy Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation

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Kate Oczypok

Contributing Writer

Kate Oczypok has been a freelance writer since 2011, and is proud to be a regular contributor to Northern Virginia Magazine in digital and print since 2020. Her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, People.com, Better Homes and Gardens, and locally The Georgetowner and Washingtonian Magazine, among others. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism from American University and a M.Ed. in Education from Penn State. She also teaches virtual piano lessons in the after school hours and does portrait photography on weekends.