Atlantis Waterpark
Part of Bull Run Regional Park, this aquatic wonderland features two winding waterslides, a tot pool/play area, a huge dumping bucket, water cannons, a snack bar and a sundeck. Tip: An annual water park pass gets you in to all five of Nova Parks’ water parks for a full year. // Centreville, novaparks.com/waterparks
Great Waves Waterpark
This Alexandria water park offers five waterslides, a splash pad, wading pool, wave pool, Kids Zone, shade pavilions and eateries for pizza, ice cream and other snacks. // Alexandria, novaparks.com/waterparks
Ocean Dunes Waterpark
Upton Hill Regional Park is home to this Arlington water park, loaded with waterslides, waterfalls, a dumping bucket, a large pool and a snack shack. And for a break from the water, take a swing at the mini golf course next door. // Arlington, novaparks.com/waterparks
Pirate’s Cove Waterpark
This Lorton summer destination has many of the bells and whistles of other water parks in the Nova Parks fold but throws in water-squirting palm trees and Buccaneer Beach—a sandy play area ideal for sand-castle architecture. // Lorton, novaparks.com/waterparks
SplashDown Waterpark
This mammoth water park features cannonball slides, four-story water slides, a Tropical Twister, log walk, lazy river and slides for younger children in its kid’s area. There are also a handful of eateries available for pizza, barbecue, grilled food and ice cream. // Manassas, splashdownwaterpark.com
Steve and Cheri Thurston Water Park
Adjacent to the Massad Family YMCA near Fredericksburg sits Thurston Water Park, home to a large pool with a beach-style, gradual entry, two 40-foot waterslides, a splash pad and a food stand. // Falmouth, family-ymca.org
Volcano Island Waterpark
You may hear strains of “Kokomo” or Jimmy Buffett at this island-centric water park. Along with its two tall waterslides, dumping bucket, large pool and nearby mini golf course, the park also features tiki canopies and palm trees. // Sterling, novaparks.com/waterparks
Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole
Restonians don’t have far to travel to find an all-day swim space. This large water park is gold rush-themed with covered wagons and ore carts among the play equipment. Stocked with slides, sprays, a lazy river, tot play areas and a faux mountain, Water Mine is more than a mere swimming hole. // Reston, fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/watermine
