Public Pools and Waterparks at Your Doorstep
The Fairfax County Park Authority, NOVA Parks, our regional park authority, and Prince William Parks operate a wide variety of indoor and outdoor swimming venues. Almost all of them are accessible by either walking or riding a bike to visit. Both season and day passes are available.
Some of these local venues, such as the Splashdown, Water Mine and Wave pool, offer very unique experiences for the whole family to enjoy. Waterslides, tube rides and body surfing are virtually at your doorstep! Check out the list of locations below and stroll or pedal on over to cool off this summer. And remember to swim more and commute less! It’s good for the body and the mind!
Fairfax County Park Authority Swimming Venues
Outdoor Swimming Facilities
The Water Mine
1400 Lake Fairfax Drive
Reston, VA 20190
Phone: 703-471-5415
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/watermine
This family water park captures the excitement of the Old West’s Gold Rush with attractions tailored for all ages. The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole offers more than an acre of slides, flumes, sprays, showers, floatables, and an interactive water playground. Careen off covered wagons, float on wild animals and dash through showers tipped from water-filled ore carts. The activity pool is encircled by Rattlesnake River, a 725-foot lazy river; you can enjoy a relaxing float as the current gently nudges you along.
The centerpiece is Pete’s Peak, a craggy mountain dotted with boarded-up mine shafts and tunnels. Several slides of various size and intensity jut from the mountain, giving a variety of thrills you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy a slide down Big Pete and Little Pete, or experience the thrills of Prospectors’ Plummet, with one of three 3-story waterslides!
The mountain and slides are named for Pete the Prospector. According to Lake Fairfax legend, he staked his claim there in 1849, searching for gold. Sadly for Pete, his years of digging found only water. But now, with The Water Mine, the Park Authority is turning Pete’s worthless old strike into the golden fun of summer.
There’s something here for everyone. Tenderfoot Pond, with its pint-sized slide and gentle bubblers, gives toddlers a perfect place for water play. Children will delight at the never-ending bubblers and spray fountains in Boomtown, a multi-level water playground, along with the interactive slides and additional interactive features in the tot spray pad area! The more adventurous can test their skills on Box Canyon Crossing, the log walk obstacle course. Teenagers can join a game of water volleyball or enjoy the thrill of Prospectors” Plummet, and everyone will enjoy going with the flow in a tube on Rattlesnake River.
Our Special Harbor Spray Park at Lee District RECenter
Lee District Park
6601 Telegraph Road
Alexandria, VA 22310
Phone: 703-922-9841
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/leerec/lee-spraypark.htm
If you like running through the sprinkler, you’ll love Our Special Harbor “spray ground” at Lee District Park in Franconia. The fully accessible complex features Chesapeake Bay-themed attractions including a spraying osprey nest, Chessie the sea serpent, misting sunflowers and a lighthouse. The beach area is quieter with softer bubblers and interactive water tables. The computerized water maze and dumping crab basket provide more lively activity.
Children will also enjoy the fully accessible tree house and the Tiki Village playground in the nearby Family Recreation Area.
Children (15 years and younger) on the spray pad must wear aquatic shoes or sandals at all times with an enclosed heel or strap on back to keep secured to the feet. Non-standing/non-mobile babies are exempt. Adults/parents/guardians, including employees, may wear flip-flops in lieu of the above. Street shoes are not permitted on the spray pad. For more information call 703-922-9841.
General Admission is free; however there is a daily fee for each participant and chaperone for commercial or nonprofit groups (including day care centers, martial arts camps, YMCA, church groups, etc.). $5 for Fairfax County residents, $10 for Non-County residents. This fee does not apply to families. Space is limited for commercial/nonprofit groups. Reservations can be faxed to 703-719-0987 or in-person through the Manager on Duty at Lee District RECenter prior to the visit.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Pool
Martin Luther King, Jr. Park
8115 Fordson Road
Near Richmond Highway (Route 1)
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/mlk-pool.htm
The MLK pool features two slides and a children’s wading pool – and admission is free for individuals! The pool will open on Memorial Day weekend and be open each Saturday and Sunday until Fairfax County Public Schools dismiss for the summer. The pool will be closed Tuesdays. Check the website for a complete schedule.
There is a daily fee of $3 for each participant and chaperone for commercial or nonprofit groups, including day care centers, martial arts camps, church groups and others. Space is limited for groups and must be coordinated in advance with the aquatic supervisor or assistant at Mt. Vernon RECenter at 703-768-3224. The fee does not apply to families picnicking in the park. The park features a playground, an open field and a picnic area, which can be reserved for a fee online. The facility has a maximum capacity of 140 patrons so be advised that on busy days when capacity is reached, there will be a wait.
Indoor Pool Facilities
Cub Run Recreation Center
4630 Stonecroft Blvd.
Chantilly, VA 20151
703-817-9407
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/cubrun/
Cub Run RECenter is a 65,000 square foot facility that includes a 4,860 square foot leisure entertainment pool featuring two water slides and a water playground, a 25-yard by 25-meter swimming pool, a 9,600 square foot fitness center and two multipurpose rooms – one a 3,000 square foot room that can be divided in half, the other a 1,700 square foot room, and a 270 square foot party room.
The natatorium leisure pool includes a 30-foot-high slide that exits the building in an enclosed tube, a 20-foot-high slide with an open tube, a spa, a vortex, a current channel, an open shallow water area and a water playground with interactive play features, a tiny-tot slide and a zero depth entry. The 25-yard by 25-meter competition pool includes two 1-meter diving boards and a seating capacity of 175.
And These Nine Additional Fairfax County Recreation Centers:
Audrey Moore RECenter
8100 Braddock Road
Annandale, Virginia
703-321-7081
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/moore/
Audrey Moore RECenter at Wakefield Park is approximately 76,000 square feet in size and houses a 50-meter pool with one 3-meter and two 1-meter diving boards. The natatorium also contains spectator seating, doors that lead to a spacious outdoor sundeck, and locker rooms containing saunas and showers. In addition to the various racquetball/wallyball and squash courts, the center has a large gymnasium with six basketball hoops, and volleyball nets. The center also contains a cycle studio, a dance room, a pottery lab and kiln, an arts and crafts room, three multi-purpose activity rooms, and a senior center.
George Washington RECenter
8426 Old Mt. Vernon Road
Alexandria, VA 22309
703-780-8894
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/geowash/
George Washington RECenter has a heated indoor 25-meter pool with a poolside spa, beach and wading area, saunas, showers and fully equipped locker rooms.
The fitness area includes two treadmills, and recumbent and stationary bicycles. This completely accessible facility (curb cuts, dressing stalls, pool ramp) also features newly resurfaced lighted tennis courts and a picnic area.
Lee District RECenter
6601 Telegraph Road
Franconia, Virginia
703-922-9841
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/leerec/
Lee District RECenter, approximately 83,600 square feet, is comprised of three major areas; Natatorium, Gymnasium and
Fitness Center.
In addition to these main features, the RECenter also contains racquetball/wallyball courts, two mirrored dance/fitness rooms, three multi-purpose rooms, a mezzanine, and preschool.
The surrounding 193-acre park has one soccer field with two overlay T-Ball fields, two football fields with two overlay softball fields, four basketball courts, an amphitheater, a playground and tot lot, four lighted tennis courts, a tennis practice wall, and walking trails.
The Natatorium includes a heated, indoor 50-meter by 25-yard pool, two 1-meter and two 3-meter diving boards, spa, spectator seating, locker rooms, family changing room, saunas, and showers and an outdoor sun deck and grassed sunbathing area.
Mt. Vernon RECenter
2017 Belle View Blvd.
Alexandria, Virginia
703-768-3224
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/mtvernon/
Mount Vernon RECenter has a 25-meter x 25-yard pool with a one-meter Duraflex springboard, a beach area with aquatic toys, an outdoor sundeck, poolside spa, and locker rooms with saunas and showers. Comprehensive programs promote safety, skill development, fitness, social interaction and fun.
Various user groups share pool space. Swim teams and Aquatic Adventures Scuba Diving rent space for practice and meets. FCPA and Fairfax County Public Schools share the commitment for hosting the high school swim and dive teams for practice and meets November through February
.
Oak Marr RECenter
3200 Jermantown Road
Oakton, Virginia
703-281-6501
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/oakmarr/
Oak Marr RECenter has an Olympic-size heated indoor pool with 1-meter and 3-meter springboards, 3- meter and 5-meter platforms, a 2,300 sq. ft. beach and wading area, a 3,300 sq. ft. outdoor sundeck, saunas, locker rooms with private showers, and a family changing room.
Fairfax County Park Authority RECenter pools have something for everybody! Their comprehensive programs promote safety, skill development, fitness, social interaction and fun.
Providence RECenter
7525 Marc Drive
Falls Church, Virginia
703-698-1351
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/providence/
Providence RECenter has a 25-yard x 25-meter heated indoor pool with wading area, springboard, outdoor sundeck, 2 spas, saunas, locker rooms, family changing room, and bleacher seating. There is a wheelchair ramp built in to the main pool.
Various user groups share pool space. Nationally ranked swimming teams rent space for practice and meets. FCPA and Fairfax County Public Schools share the commitment for hosting the high school swim and dive teams for practice and meets November through February
.
South Run RECenter
7550 Reservation Drive
Springfield, Virginia
703-866-0566
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/southrun/
The South Run RECenter has a 25 x 25-yard pool with two one-meter Duraflex springboards, an outdoor sundeck, poolside spa, and locker rooms with saunas and showers. Their comprehensive programs promote safety, skill development, fitness, social interaction and fun.
Spring Hill RECenter
1239 Spring Hill Road
McLean, Virginia
703-827-0989
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/springhill/
The Spring Hill RECenter has a 25-yard x 25-meter heated indoor pool with two one-meter Duraflex springboards, outdoor sundeck, saunas, locker rooms with showers, and poolside spa. Their comprehensive programs promote safety, skill development, fitness, social interaction and fun.
Three or more lap swimming lanes are always open for customers during operating hours. Shallow (3 1/2 ft.) play space is available after 12 Noon on most days.
NOVA Parks ñ Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority
Atlantis Waterpark at Bull Run Regional Park
Bull Run Regional Park
7700 Bull Run Drive
Centreville, VA 20121
703-631-0552
www.atlantisbullrun.com
Get ready for a full day of sliding, splashing and playing at Atlantis Waterpark, located just outside Centreville, at Bull Run Regional Park. From two huge, adrenaline-inducing waterslides and a 500-gallon dumping bucket, to relaxing open pools and dedicated play areas for the little ones, Atlantis offers a thousand ways to stay cool between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Rely on shade areas, sundeck and snack bar to relax and stay cool between slides. Atlantis’ daily rates are always reasonable, or buy an Annual Waterpark Pass to visit all five NOVA Parks waterparks all summer long. Entrance fee required.
Great Waves Waterpark at Cameron Run Regional Park
4001 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22304
703-960-0767
www.greatwaveswaterpark.com
Bring the family for a full day of summer adventures at Great Waves Waterpark, located at Cameron Run Regional Park in Alexandria, Virginia. Thrill seekers love the speed slides and waterslides, while little ones play in the interactive splash pad and wading pool. Take the adventure further and body surf in the 17,500 square foot wave pool, or watch the kids climb, slide and bounce in the Paradise Play area. Naturally, there are also comfy shaded areas where visitors can order food and take a well-deserved rest. Daily rates are always reasonable, or buy an Annual Waterpark Pass to visit all five NOVA Parks waterparks all summer long. Entrance fee required.
Ocean Dunes Waterpark at Upton Hill Regional Park
6060 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22205
703-534-3437
www.oceanduneswaterpark.com
Make it a beach day — with waterslides — at the beach-themed Ocean Dunes Waterpark in Arlington’s Upton Hill Regional Park. Find excitement on the 230-foot open slide, or 170-foot covered waterslide, or set the kids free in the play area to splash, slide and play in the water jets. The 500-gallon dumping bucket is a favorite hangout during the hottest days of the year. Sliding is hard work! Take a break under the shade umbrellas and order a meal at the snack shack. Daily rates are always reasonable, or buy an Annual Waterpark Pass to visit all five NOVA waterparks all summer long. Entrance
fee required.
Pirate’s Cove Waterpark at Pohick Bay Regional Park
6501 Pohick Bay Drive
Lorton, VA 22079
703-339-6102
www.piratescovepohick.com
Arrgh matey! Bring the family for a swashbuckling ride at Pirate’s Cove Waterpark, located at Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, Virginia. Set the kids free on Buccaneer Beach or let them frolic in the water jets and on the pirate-themed play area. Adrenaline fiends will find their way to two thrilling waterslides or cool down beneath the 500-gallon dumping bucket. Make a day of it and stop for a snack or meal at the Captain’s Galley Café. Pirate’s Cove daily rates are always reasonable, or buy an Annual Waterpark Pass to visit all five NOVA waterparks all summer long. Entrance fee required.
Volcano Island Waterpark at Algonkian
Regional Park
20015 Volcano Island Drive
Sterling, VA 20165
703-430-7683
volcanoislandwaterpark.com
It may be the most fun anyone can have while staying cool. Bring the kids to the island-themed Volcano Island Waterpark at Algonkian Regional Park in Sterling, Virginia. Get an adrenaline rush on two waterslides, feel the cool rush of a 500-gallon dumping bucket, and set the kids loose in the giant wading pool and water play structure. Relax underneath palm trees and tiki canopies, then enjoy a meal from the Paradise Café. Daily rates are always reasonable, or buy an Annual Waterpark Pass to visit all five NOVA waterparks all summer long. Entrance fee required.
Reston Association Aquatic Facilities
Below are brief descriptions of each of the Reston Association’s 15 aquatic facilities. They may include1-meter spring boards, 50- and 25-meter lap lanes, a 2-story winding slide, interactive fountain play area, full sun decks, extra shaded decks, and even outdoor hot tubs. All pools are situated close to other great Reston Association amenities and many are accessible by walking or riding a bike on Reston Association’s pathways. More information on hours and fees can be found at: https://www.reston.org/Parks,RecreationEvents/Aquatics/AquaticsOverview.
Autumnwood:
703-467-0903
11950 Walnut Branch Road
Wading pool with fountain, covered picnic area, grass area, tennis courts and playground. (Lap lanes: 25 meters, 3.5 to 5.5 feet deep).
Dogwood: 703-476-5717
2460 Green Range Road
Diving well, diving board, wading pool, picnic tables, large grass beach area. (Lap lanes: 20 meters, 3.5 to 5.5 feet deep).
Glade: 703-476-5732
11550 Glade Drive
20-foot slide with slide well, 1-meter diving board, spa, wading pool, tennis courts and playground. (Lap lanes: 25 meters, 3.5 to 12.5
feet deep).
Golf Course Island:
703-435-8397
11301 Links Drive
Diving board, two grass beach areas, wading pool, playground and pavilion. (Lap lanes: 25 meters, 3 to 12 feet deep).
Hunters Woods:
703-391-2187
2501 Reston Parkway
Separate water basketball and volleyball areas, diving board, children’s splash area, large spa, ADA ramp into main pool, playground and pavilion. (Lap lanes: 25 meters, 3.5 to 8.5 feet deep).
Lake Audubon:
703-860-3080
2070 Twin Branches Road
Diving well, diving board, grass beach area, wading pool, boat ramp to Lake Audubon nearby. (Lap lanes: 25 meters, 3 to 5 feet deep).
Lake Newport:
703-467-0694
11601 Lake Newport Road
Diving well, two 1-meter diving boards, wading pool, covered picnic area with grills, sand volleyball area, large grass area, playground, softball field and basketball court. (Lap lanes: 50 meters, 3.5 to 5.5 feet deep).
Lake Thoreau:
703-860-0640
2040 Upper Lake Drive
Diving well, diving board, spa, wading pool, grass beach area, picnic tables. (Lap lanes: 25 meters, 3 to 5 feet deep).
Newbridge: 703-476-1301
11768 Golf Course Square
Diving well, diving board, wading pool, picnic tables, tennis courts and playground. (Lap lanes: 25 meters, 3.5 to 12 feet deep).
North Hills: 703-435-6769
1325 North Village Road
Two shallow play areas (one with fountain), spa, picnic tables, grass beach area, picnic pavilion with grills, tennis courts in walking distance. (Lap lanes: 25 meters, 3 to 5 feet deep).
North Shore: 703-689-4091
11515 North Shore Drive
Parking available only on North Shore Drive. Spa, wading pool, ADA ramp to pool deck, ADA hydrolift chair into main pool, shaded upper deck with picnic tables, Lake Anne Plaza and tennis courts. (Lap lanes: 25 meters, 3 to 11 feet deep).
Ridge Heights: 703-476-7084
11400 Ridge Heights Road
Diving well, diving board, wading pool, two large grass beach areas. (Lap lanes: 25 meters, 3 to 5 feet deep).
Shadowood: 703-860-8075
2201 Springwood Drive
Small slide, wading pool, small grass beach area with picnic tables. (20-meter length, 3 to 5 feet deep, no lap lanes).
Tall Oaks: 703-435-1072
12025 North Shore Drive
1-meter diving board, wading pool, picnic tables, Tall Oaks Shopping Center nearby. (Lap lanes: 25 meters, 3 to 12 feet deep).
Uplands: 703-435-2586
11032 Ring Road
Upper lap pool with in-water benches, lower splash pool with zero-depth entry and in-water benches, large interactive fountain features and fenced splash pad play area on deck. (Lap lanes: 25 meters, 3.5 to 8.5 feet deep).
Prince William Parks Waterparks
Splashdown Waterpark
7500 Ben Lomond Drive
Manassas, VA 20109
Phone: 703-792-8200
.splashdownwaterpark.com
Come barrel down the four-story slides of Pipeline Tower, launch yourself like a Cannonball, swirl through a Tropical Twister or test your skills on the log walk. Fast & furious not for you? Grab a tube and ease on down our lazy river.
Have the young ones in tow? Great! Visit our zero-depth children’s area where bubblers bubble up some fun and gentle fountains give way to giggles. You and your little one can glide down any of our four pint-sized water slides made just for them.
Whatever you choose, Splashdown Waterpark is NoVa’s #1 destination for summer fun. Entrance fee required.
Waterworks Waterpark
5301 Dale Boulevard
Dale City, VA 22192
Phone: 792-8415
waterworkswaterpark.com
Swim, slide and splash! Waterworks Waterpark is one of the most popular and fun family aquatic playgrounds in Northern Virginia.
Waterworks is located in Andrew Leitch Park in Dale City, VA and boasts several slides, water obstacles, wading pools, shaded shore lounge cabana areas and a full-service snack bar.