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

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 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 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

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

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.

6. Atlantis Waterpark Bull Run

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

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

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

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 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.