It is summer in the city, and that means long, hot days and everlasting humidity. If you are looking to get cool and if you want more excitement than a pool and you’d rather skip having sand in your shoes or swimming with the fishes in a lake then you’re looking for a water park. And Washington DC is close to tons of them! Wave pools, lazy rivers, twisting slides, and much more fun at the 10 best Washington DC water parks.

1. Hersheypark
Hersheypark, 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
Facebook/Hershey Park
Sweet summertime in the chocolate capital of the country is just two and half hours out of DC! They feature a massive waterpark and have tons of play areas and waterslides for water fans of all ages! One of our favorite water parks near Washington DC.
2. Pirate's Cove Waterpark
Pirate's Cove Waterpark, 6501 Pohick Bay Dr, Lorton, VA 22079, USA
Pirate's Cove Waterpark / Google Maps
Pirate's Cove is its own treasure! Kid-friendly waterslides, a large pool, a pirate-themed play area and lots of sandboxes for digging. Pirate’s Cove Waterpark has something for everyone! This is a great Washington DC water park.
3. Ocean Dunes Waterpark
Ocean Dunes Waterpark, 6060 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205, USA
Facebook/Upton Hill Regional Park / Ocean Dunes Waterpark
Ocean Dunes offers a 230-foot slide and a 170-foot slide for exciting rides. If you really need to get cool, the 500-gallon dumping bucket and multiple waterfalls around the park will do the job. We’re so glad this made our list of Washington DC water parks.
4. City of Gaithersburg Water Park at Bohrer Park
City of Gaithersburg Water Park at Bohrer Park, 512 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, USA
A. Linan / Google Maps
Multiple slides, a children’s splash pool, and plenty of relaxing shaded areas surrounding the pool. This Gaithersburg gem is the perfect place for a quick escape out of the city. This water park near Washington DC is a must-see!
5. Volcano Island Waterpark
Volcano Island Waterpark, 20015 Volcano Island Dr, Sterling, VA 20165, USA
Facebook/Volcano Island Waterpark
It’s almost like being on an island at Volcano Island in Serling, Virginia. Little kids will love the wading pool with waterfalls, splash areas, and dumping buckets. For the more adventurous, there are two waterslides and when you’re done, you can play a round of putt-putt.

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6. Atlantis Waterpark Bull Run
Atlantis Waterpark at Bull Run, 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA 20121, USA
Facebook/Atlantis Waterpark
Atlantis Waterpark is a great local park only 45 minutes from the city. They have two huge waterslides, open pools, a 500-gallon dumping bucket, and a play space for little kids. It's one of the most family-friendly Washington DC water parks.
7. Water Country USA
Water Country USA, 176 Water Country Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA
Facebook/Water Country USA
Drive a few hours south to Williamsburg Virginia and have a wild day at Water Country USA. Thrill seekers will love the Colossal Curl, little ones can splash through fountains and child-sized sprays and then the whole family can relax down the lazy river. One of the more famous water parks near Washington DC.
8. Hurricane Harbor at 6 Flags America
Six Flags America, 13710 Central Ave, Bowie, MD 20721, USA
Facebook/Six Flags America
In Upper Marlboro, Maryland, you will have a wild adventure at Hurricane Harbor at 6 Flags. There are speed slides, lazy rivers, rafting rides, and a giant wave pool. This Washington DC water park is well worth the drive!
9. SoakCity at Kings Dominion
Soak City Waterpark, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047, USA
Facebook/Kings Dominion
About 85 miles outside of DC is the Virginia amusement park Kings Dominion, which also features SoakCity. SoakCity has multiple waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a special splash area just for kids. This Washington DC water park has it all, including an amusement park, too!
10. SplashDown Waterpark
SplashDown Waterpark, 7500 Ben Lomond Park Rd, Manassas, VA 20109, USA
Facebook/Splashdown Waterpark
SplashDown in Manassas has 13 acres of water features including lazy rivers, four-story-high water slides, and tons of places to stay cool at one of the largest water parks in Northern Virginia! It's one of the largest water parks near Washington DC, it’s got plenty of room for everyone!

Have you been to any of these amazing waterparks around Washington DC? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re looking for more to do near Washington DC, we love these unusual day trips.

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More to Explore

Washington DC Water Parks

Megan McDonald | June 16, 2023

What is the most fun water park in Washington DC?

Visitors looking for water park fun can venture outside the city to Six Flags America Hurricane Harbor in Bowie, Maryland. This popular water park offers thrilling water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and interactive play areas for all ages. From adrenaline-pumping slides to relaxing floating experiences, Hurricane Harbor provides a refreshing escape from the city heat. While it may not be located directly in Washington, D.C., Six Flags America Hurricane Harbor is a top choice for water park enthusiasts seeking a fun-filled day trip near the nation's capital.

What are the best water parks near Washington DC?

There are several fantastic water parks located near the capital. Here are some of the best water parks near Washington, D.C.:

  • Six Flags America Hurricane Harbor (Bowie, Maryland): Located just outside the city, Six Flags America Hurricane Harbor offers a thrilling water park experience. It features a wide range of water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and family-friendly play areas. With its exciting rides and attractions, Hurricane Harbor provides a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages.
  • Great Waves Waterpark (Alexandria, Virginia): Situated in Alexandria, Great Waves Waterpark offers a variety of water-based attractions. Visitors can enjoy water slides, a wave pool, water playgrounds, and a lazy river. The park also features mini-golf and batting cages, providing additional entertainment options.
  • SplashDown Waterpark (Manassas, Virginia): SplashDown Waterpark is a popular destination for water park enthusiasts. It boasts a wide range of water slides, pools, a lazy river, and a children's play area. The park offers plenty of opportunities for family fun and relaxation.
  • Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole (Reston, Virginia): Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole is a unique water park in Reston that combines a lazy river with a mining-themed water park. The park features water slides, waterfalls, flumes, and a tot pool, providing enjoyment for both kids and adults.

 

These water parks near Washington, D.C. offer a range of attractions and amenities, providing an escape from the summer heat and a perfect way to enjoy water-based fun with family and friends.

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