The 20 best water parks in and near Washington DC

Nice, peaceful and wide space to enjoy water views, dine, sit on the grass and go Latin dancing outdoors for free (Saturday and Tuesday nights from mid spring to mid Fall). Beautiful sunsets with a view of Key Bridge, Roosevelt Island and Kennedy Center. There's also a kayak rental nearby. Also a good starting point to go biking on the Capital Crescent and C&O Canal trails. Has a fountain where kids can play and get wet. Can take the water taxi to other waterfronts in DC, Maryland and Virginia. The main issue I discovered is that there are no public drinking water fountains and toilets in this this park, so you have go into one of the establishments in the area to get those needs met. Also not Metro accessible and parking can be difficult, but that's all of Georgetown.

Beautiful views of Potomac River from the park paths, albeit not that many benches in the shade. Essential experience visiting Georgetown.

We were blessed with amazing weather this day. We enjoyed walking along the waterfront. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from. You can also take water taxis and cruise tours here.

Georgetown Waterfront Park is a beautiful and relaxing spot right along the Potomac River. The park stretches along the waterfront with walking paths, benches, and green spaces, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll, jogging, or simply sitting and enjoying the view. The riverfront adds a peaceful vibe, and the sight of boats and kayakers adds to the charm. Accessibility: It’s very walkable and well-connected to nearby Georgetown streets. Parking can be a bit tricky during peak hours, but there are public garages and metered spots nearby. Food & Nearby Options: While there’s no restaurant inside the park itself, the surrounding Georgetown area is full of cafés, restaurants, and coffee shops. It’s easy to grab a bite before or after your visit. Scenery: The views of the Potomac River, Key Bridge, and surrounding historic Georgetown architecture make it a great place for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset. Overall, Georgetown Waterfront Park is perfect for a relaxing outdoor escape in DC whether you’re looking for exercise, a picnic, or just a peaceful riverside stroll.

Lots of benches in the shade, a good place to sit or meet someone. Some running and biking paths but mostly used by people passing through. A nice view of the river and Roosevelt Island. Plenty of places nearby to get takeout from and bring here to eat.

Charming and historic neighborhood with beautiful houses, tree-lined streets, and a relaxed vibe. The Georgetown Waterfront Park is a highlight — perfect for a walk along the Potomac, relaxing by the fountains, or enjoying the views. A must-visit spot in D.C.!

The place is a nice area to walk around and enjoy the scenic river with the city in the background. Plenty of restaurants on the water and walking distance into the city.

Awesome place!!!!!! Ocean Dunes was a great park to cool off on a hot summer day. Staff was very cool and helpful, lifeguards where all over. The snack area was clean & cozy. My children and I had a blast. Also the mini golf is fun, had to put the 18 holes. Will definitely go back

Great place to be and not crowded! Something for everyone from young to old. Lifeguards do an excellent job keeping an eye on things especially when the parents that let their children run wild don’t! Y’all need to update your website stating $11.50 to get in and charging $15 per person. I asked was it because it’s the 4th of July she said no!

I took my daughter here on a Monday. We paid $23. Great price! It was our first time there. My daughter had so much fun. The restroom is old but clean. I would say the place is clean overall. We paid $14.99 for 3 chicken tenders and medium fries. I think it is overpriced. We didn't know we can take our own food. Next time we will do that. The reason I gave three starts is because of how unprofessional the staff is. Especially the girls in the food court. They snatched tickets and ignore customers. They look like someone forced them do the work and acted like they were handling the food for free. They kept talking even after they saw me standing waiting for them to prepare the food. They literally took about 3 minutes to get up and do my order. Mind you they are delaying to warm up some chicken tenders. I would say most of them need to learn how to be professional. Anyways the whole place seems to be managed by teenagers. I think they need someone who is older more experienced in hospitality to learn from. I am still going to back since the price is affordable. We get what we pay for.

The pool was very crowded. The kids enjoyed the slide. The adults enjoyed the mini golf.

It was the perfect setup for a day to spend with my toddler. We walked right in no wait and it wasn’t too busy. Peak weekend hours too. The lifeguards and staff were friendly, but still enforced the pool rules in a polite manner. Great price too!

Update: My kids had fun at this water park. There was plenty of parking for a hot Saturday and it wasn't too crowded. We were able to find chairs in the shade. Food is available for purchase. No outside is allowed, but I was confused because I saw a lot visitors with outside food. I also did not enjoy the music played by other guests. This is a nice sized, kid-friendly water park with separate water areas. There is a kiddie pool, a splash area, a lap pool, two slides, and a separate pool for kids to play/swim. There are plenty of life guards too and they have safety vests free for kids. There are plenty of seating areas including grass on the perimeter. We went on a weekday so it was not too busy. The admission fee is very reasonable. You cannot bring any food in, only water, but the onsite food for sale (burgers, pizza, chicken nuggets, fries) is reasonably priced. They do have picnic tables outside the fence if you want to bring a picnic. The shower/changing could use some attention. Parking is free. Overall, my 5- and 3-year olds had a fun day!

3 stars due to the water not being as clean as it should be and the bathrooms not being updated or clean as they should, but.... This water park has stood firm thru time. I visited when I was a child and now I bring my children here to play. They have 3 pools. A baby splash pool, an olympic lap pool, and a 3 level play pool. They have two big waterslides and a water playground. They have a food and drinks place if you get hungry and as many life vests as your party might need. They also offer swimming classes and you can book parties as well. Prices are affordable and there is always a lifeguard on post. We will continue to visit this water park for more.

I love it down here, sometimes my son gets in the water and sometimes we go on the other side, find a tree and sit under it. A chill vibe with friendly people. One important part for me is the Throne Toilets porta potty because you scan the qr code with your phone, that prompts you to send a text and when you come out they send a survey, it controls who comes in while also allowing you to let them know if its clean. All in all, I love The Yards Park and recommend it and go maybe 2-4 times a month. I thought this pic was cool, shows some of why I love it, the water

Beautiful and good place to visit with kids and friends. Lot of place to walk/run around and plenty of restaurants to explore. This is low key version of The Wharf and is about 15-20 mins from The Wharf by walk.

There are dozens of restaurants, most are decent to great. Nice river walk to stroll on. And the pool of water near the iconic pedestrian bridge is a great place to cool off on a hot summer day.

Wonderful outdoor park with lots of space and things to do for all ages. Attended a summer concert, part if a Capital Riverfront series, that was delightful!

The yards is a great destination to bike to, but the food's expensive and deeply mid after a ride. There's not much to do if you don't drink, sports, or wanna pay $20 for toast from some chain. It is totally beautiful but you'd think it'd be more lively. It really needs a deli. Ice cream's fine, though.

this is a great place for the kids particularly in the hot and muggie summer. it's only a few inches deep but totally refreshing for small children. it is very cotton yummy places for them to eat and dry off. it's for great socialization also

The area was nicely designed with beautiful bridges, lawn and chairs along the way. It’s not too crowded on weekend evening in late April. The night view was pretty amazing, and there seemed to have some great restaurants, winery and stores around this area. We had a fantastic dinner at Chole and walked around the park after it. Highly recommend!

Great Waves Waterpark is an absolute gem for families and friends looking for a fun day out! The water slides are thrilling, the wave pool is super fun, and the splash areas for kids are perfect for little ones. The park is clean, well-maintained, and the staff are friendly and attentive. I also appreciated the shaded areas and picnic spots for when we wanted to relax and enjoy snacks. It does get a bit crowded on weekends, but that's expected for such a popular spot. Definitely a must-visit during the summer!

The wave pool on a Thursday afternoon was very nice. Place is clean and there are a lot of life guards and plenty of seating. There are a couple of pools for the little ones along with a splash pad and slides for the bigger kids. Pizza was decent. There were dozens if not hundreds of summer camp kids if that matters.

Visited the waterpark today with my daughters. I was warned not to go by my brother but we went anyways. Nice place for the family. However, the issue is it's managed poorly. a DPR Summer Camp visited the park and left a horrible mess! I would not want to leave my children in the hands of these people. However, I along with several other people informed the manager of the park, working in the first-aid area, when we realized no one from DPR was returning to clean their mess, that someone needed to clean the area. She didn't do anything about it, even though she said she would. The workers in the sweets store didn't do anything about it either, they just sat on counters and talked and ignored our pleas. I started to clean the area myself but my daughters stopped me. The owners of this property should really evaluate its managers and workers. They are making a really nice place, trifling and nasty. I'd visit again if it was cleaner and better managed. Get new management! These are the only pictures I uploaded. I have more. DPR Summer Camps should be ashamed of themselves! Great Waves Water Park, you should have done much better!

Great place for the area. It does get super busy on the weekend. Great way to cool off

My kids and I had a fantastic time at Great Waves park today. The park is very well kept, everything is in walking distance from each other and it was non stop fun. I wish they had a few more umbrellas out for families as the sun is a bit brutal out there. Food on site was good. Tasty fries and funnel cake was great as well. Dippin dots was a nice treat too. We will DEFINITELY be back! We got there at 1045. It is definitely better to get there early. Easypeasy parking and short line.

Really great place for kids! My 4 year old son LOVED it. Only downfall is the food and it’s prices . This would be a 5 star if you could bring your own food and if there a few more shaded areas.

I had one of the most uncomfortable and disappointing experiences at Great Wave Water Park. First off, the shower, bathroom, and changing facilities were in a horrendous condition. The cleanliness was beyond unacceptable there was a dirty sanitary napkin left in the shower, tissue paper scattered across the changing room floor, and the benches were either stained with food or just filthy. The toilets? Absolutely disgusting. I felt extremely uncomfortable using any of the facilities, and it really ruined the start of my day there. But what made me furious was the complete lack of professionalism by the staff and management. The park was already closed, yet they continued to sell tickets knowingly, letting people in despite the fact that none of the water attractions were operating. Me and my family didn’t even get to step in the water. And when I asked for a refund after realizing the park was closed, the manager refused and instead tried to compensate with a voucher which I don’t plan using because I live out of state.A waste of my money and day off. I was shocked at how poorly everything was handled. I left feeling angry, disrespected, and completely let down by the service and cleanliness. I will definitely not be returning, and I would not recommend this place to anyone unless they seriously fix these issues.

My husband and I love taking our grandson here. Tones of fun and the hours fly by. The food is great as well as the service.

Cameron Run Regional Park is a nice place to cool off, my family and I enjoyed the wave pool, splash area and slides. There is free parking available, they also have picnic area outside of the park if you bring your own food. There is a batting cage area and a mini golf area available for play. Food is also available inside park. I really liked it. Nice spot!!!!!!

Great location they sell food which is great. My son enjoys it here only reason I give 4 starts is because there hours are not updated I drove 30 minutes one time to come, it said they opened at 5 PM. I arrived at 5:30 and they closed at seven. I then said something to a worker and they told me that they're opening hours are 11 AM. I went off of what Google said. I even tried calling before I arrived, but there's no way to talk to anyone

I love this place. We were invited for a birthday party. The kids had so much fun, miniature golf and so many other activities I can’t count so it’s worth you googling.

This was an amazing event! Honestly it’s really only worth it if you go ice skating. The lights it’s self takes maybe 10 min to walk through we walked through them twice. Tons of photo opportunities. There’s a shop for kids to get light up toys as well. The skating was a ton of fun especially at night around the lights. Tickets include skate rentals. It is real ice. Was not crowded at all when we went. If you’re not good at skating no problem they have little walkers to push around and little kids can sit and ride them. Staff is very friendly and they watch over the ice for people who fall. I brought my 6 and 9 year old we had a great time

My job held a fun day here. Many of us didn't know there was a water park in the DMV city area. It's not a huge park, but it's large enough to escape the heat. The slides are okay. We did then to get wet...the orange side gave us a welcome surprise. 😀 It is geared towards elementary aged and younger, but as an adult, I was able to have a good time. Not my first choice, but i if we do another fun day...I will be there. I can see business growing with the close of Six Flags over Largo.

Wavepool is great! Lifeguards were on the job. Food was disgusting so go find something to eat afterwards. Be there at 11am so you can enjoy the waves... by 130 there were alot of young adults and teenagers crowded into the pool.

I came here for a pool party that my cousin was hosting the staff was very rude they were not polite at all, no instructions on where to go and what to do for the party room. After the party room time was up we went and set everything down near the pool entrance area and they told the guest and everyone we couldn't be there in a rude way with no explanation why. We got out then they blocked the door as you see in the pictures below so we wouldn't get in and had to go all around if we needed something which by having the doors blocked that way is could be a fire hazard to get out because it had the gate and a heavy trash can in-front of it. Later on a person was sitting in the area that we had been told we couldn't be at and i told the worker that was discrimination because he didn't tell that person anything about seating there and it was the same color as him not me. He said he can sit there because his dry and I told him I was dry when I was in there and told him to explain himself next time. It’s mainly two of the workers that are really rude a bigger guy that wears a blue shirt and a guy that wears a white shirt with a bucket hat. We will never do a party there again because they are rude and have bad customer service. They need to be train better and learn to be polite. Them acting this way will make people discourage to go to this pool. If I could give them a no star I would!

Came on 7/26/25 around 1:30ish . It wasn’t crowded! Lifeguards are very attentive! Parents not watching their children go into the hot tub but the lifeguards were on it🙂Everything opened but the slide that goes from outside to the inside. Fun outing for my teens & I

My kids had the time of their lives (toddler and preschool age)… perfect for kids. We came for a birthday party, which was awesome - you can set up your own space and bring your own food. Great for groups. It was so big we didn’t even explore the whole place! Outdoor space too (wish they had a pool outdoors). There’s a line if you come in the afternoon. Areas of needed improvement: -airflow needs to improve… the air in there is so gross and it’s so chlorinated my eyes were burning so badly. I wish it were open air. Having some doors open wasn’t enough. It was SO HOT and stuffy. -they do “adult swim” every 15 mins of the hour, which seems silly about pool that is literally for small children. -multiple areas closed off -they keep the door locked and only let you in small groups at a time (feels excessive when it’s almost 100 degrees outside). Overall good but I wouldn’t come back to this place without some of these areas of improvement being fixed…Particularly the airflow, my eyes still hurt.

Took my kids there for the first time today. It was completely worth the drive from Crofton and they had a ball. Inexpensive, good customer service, clean, and fun for everyone. We will be going again. Update: took a star off due to convenience. They do not have a website so if you’re pushing a drive make sure to call. Otherwise you will not know when they are shut down or closing early for any reason.

Really good indoor pool, shallow play area and hot tub. Outside picnic areas and maybe an indoor reserved area for parties. Kids shallow play area water was nice and warm so really great for small kids. At capacity by 1pm when it just opened at 12pm. We left close to 3pm and there was a line waiting. Wish they were more strict about no cameras in the pool areas.

I had a lovely experience here with my 2 year old on a Monday afternoon. One thing I will say is that the staff does not take down the "pool is full" sign to the public. I pulled in and that sign was out, but tons of families were walking out of the facility. So, I took a chance and walked in and asked anyway. They did take us and we had a blast.

family friendly pool.. wonderful experience with the grands

I give no STARS in this place is very strict is like kids can not even swim here. Plus some young lady be rude in a way that you are not allow to take pictures here. I was like tf. If I was her I would have say”can you please not take pictures.due to what ever reason” but her she come with ugly attitude. So please don’t come to this place…. I don’t recommend this place at all. Maybe years ago was different. But I swear here is not a good place to bring your kids at. Especially when you want to take a best picture and moments of your family. This is my first time bring my family here and last.

I came to this location at 3:15 PM, then I seen online and it said that they open at 3:30 PM so I said that’s fine. I’m going to wait but I see that there was not open. I seen people constantly ask them trying to ask questions they’re not responding to anybody the staff was just ignoring everybody I had called several times to this location. Nobody answered then at the final straw I decided to call again and they just told me the pool is closed and then they hung up and I was just saying hello that was really rude so I called back again and they answered and they just said the same thing the pool is closed and I said OK but why are you guys not telling anybody Then he said he didn’t have nobody to tell and they had a problem with their pool. That’s the reason why they had to drain it but if they knew this was the issue why they’re not telling all the people I’ve been waiting outside for a while they just been ignoring them. This is very unprofessional.

Hours were incorrect so we couldn't swim

Terrible, If their posted schedule is on Wednesdays from 12 to 3, how does it make any sense to drain the pool during those exact hours? It’s completely illogical and shows a lack of coordination. It was a waste of our time

It was good my family loved it we had a great time nothing bad about the enployees

Lane Manor park is a good spalsh park. To me it is almost like a gym they have a football field they have basketball four hoops intercected. They have tennis they have soccer and you can do anything there parties cookouts even have games there. It is a good place to go

Great place to go!!! 🤣🤷‍♂️

Been around for a few years and this park just gets worse and worse. Rat infestation, dead decomposing rats smelling awful near the toddler section, trash EVERYWHERE. Why do we have rats? Trash and food everywhere. People hosted a birthday party and left food and chicken bones all over the picnic area. Parents and teachers need to supervise children if they are letting them toss bags of food and smoosh ice cream sandwiches into the turf. Not only that, but teens set off fireworks on random nights all summer and leave expended explosives all over the turf. This is why we can’t have nice things.

Wonderful park. Large grass areas, lots of picnic tables, a splash park, a large kid play area, and a fenced in play area for kids 2-5. It is also very attractive to walk by at night as the lights have colored filters on them that light/color the park. There are both ramps and stairs which ease access but the parks themselves do not have equipment for all abilities. The downside is the dogs. Every time I’ve visited there are dogs without without leashes. Twice I’ve seen leashless dogs bolt so be aware if visiting.

Nice lil playground to take kids to play and or hot cool of by the water section

Nice little play ground with a nice splash park. Usually not that busy in a quite neighborhood

I'd been there a couple times in the past with my kids and never had a problem. Though, we visited it recently and the experience we had wasn't good at all . We had to leave because my daughter and I started to smell Marihuana. At fist I thought it was coming from outside the playground but sadly I came to realize the smell was coming from a group of MOMS -with their kids- that had joined us at the playground.

The Joseph Cole Recreation Center is a large public space in Trinidad by the Wheatley Campus. It's a wide, gated space with a splash park, two playgrounds (none have big slides), picnic tables and paths. It's a popular place for families and dog walkers. There are NO public restrooms so plan accordingly.

Great splash park and two playgrounds, one for littler kid and one for bigger kids. Clean and really nice place for kids to play.

I am so grateful that I found the Sterling Group. The office space itself is so calm and really sets up a great, welcoming space for therapy. I've been working with Leela who is the BEST - I've never felt this comfortable working with a therapist (after many years of therapy and multiple therapists). She's fantastic at knowing where to guide sessions/the treatment plan while also allowing you to talk about what you need to talk about that day. She's already helped me so much in a short amount of time and I know I'll continue to work with her for a long time! The owner, Lindsay, is also so kind and helpful! If you've been struggling to find a therapist that seems like the right fit for you, definitely try the Sterling Group.

I've had a truly wonderful experience at The Sterling Group! There is such a welcoming and supportive environment that was exactly what I needed upon transitioning back to living in the US and finishing my last year of university. Shout-out to each member of the team and all the hard work they put in! Hannah, in particular, was highly supportive, empathetic, and professional throughout each session. I would highly recommend The Sterling Group and the care they provide!

I can't say enough great things about the Sterling Group and specifically working with Sally Charendoff. I worked with Sally during a particularly difficult period of my life and she helped me navigate my situation with support and guidance but without judgement. The owner Lindsay is also incredibly kind and helpful, and made it easy for me to find a therapist at the practice that was the right fit. I have referred several friends to the Sterling Group who have all been similarly impressed. Highly recommend!

Finding The Sterling Group has honestly been a turning point for me. I had been nervous to start therapy again because past experiences felt either too clinical or like the therapist wasn’t really listening. With The Sterling Group it’s been the complete opposite. My sessions feel collaborative — some days it’s about untangling the big picture, other days it’s about what’s right in front of me, and both feel equally valuable. What I appreciate most is that I never feel rushed or judged. There’s a genuine sense of care, and I’ve been able to open up in ways I didn’t expect. Even outside of sessions, I notice myself handling stress and relationships differently, which is a huge change for me. The office itself has such a calm vibe, but it’s really the people who make it feel safe.

As a healthcare provider myself, I deeply understand the importance of finding a good therapist you can trust. The Sterling Group offers a safe, non-judgmental space where patients can express themselves, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and be guided through challenging emotions and situations. Through working with Jess, I not only feel better but I have experienced tangible benefits and growth in my personal life. It is a relief to of found a provider who listens, understands, and genuinely supports me. Strongly recommend The Sterling Group!! They are a fantastic group of therapists.

I’m extremely thankful to have found The Sterling Group and for the path to healing I have been on that’s been made possible by my therapist. I historically have felt like therapy has turned into me talking with a friend and not seeing any real change, other than just getting some validation until I found this practice that was recommended by a friend. I’ve truly found the match I’ve been looking for and seen such an improvement mentally and with the world around me and completely believe I couldn’t have gotten here without such incredible help. I’ve been told finding a good therapist is like being in a relationship and just because someone is a therapist doesn’t mean they can help you with your needs and just feel so thankful I don’t have to keep looking and have found my match. Thank you all for the work that you do for people (like me) in need!

The Sterling Group completely changed my life this past year, and working with Sally Charendoff has been the most supportive, healing experience I’ve ever had. The mix of Zoom and in-person sessions made it easy to stick with, and I felt truly cared for every step of the way. I can’t recommend them enough if you’re looking for real support that meets you where you are.

It's open.6 days a week and till a good time e in the evening. Th we kids have a blast get wet just like a pool but without worrying about drowning concerns. There are seats for the parents to just relax a bit and stay dry.

Really small splash pad but my daughter made it work.

Not permitted for usage by civilians. Must have military credentials

My son loves it here! Its perfect for summer. Its not the biggest but it is fun for the little ones. There is parking in front of the park. There's a basketball court, playground, and a pavilion to sit under. Its a nice spot for everyone. 👍😎

I pass by and when I see kids playing they seem so be having so much fun. I’ve not stopped here but it looks pretty fun.

When it is working, this splash pad is really fun for older children. There are a few spots that are not too intense for toddlers. Sadly, this late in the season, maintenance has not kept it working dependibly.

Can't give it a fair rating because it's on a military base. You need military ID. Be nice if Google told you this first

This is a review of the playground complex. The water Park area is larger than most and definitely allows for some great activities with kids but unfortunately the significant usage of concrete isnt the best... I feel like other locations use textured granite to reduce scrapes. Otherwise the campus is great for relaxing with multiple options for kids of all ages

Very fun splash park for Kids

Top Quality Leaves It was a very hot summer day. We had our nephew, who was under two years old, visiting us. The pool at our building was too crowded, so we looked for an outdoor park with a splash zone. Minutes after arriving, the kiddo was completely ignoring the elaborating constructed water obstacles and splash features. But fear not for there was GOOD NEWS. In the middle of the splash zone, there was a wet leaf. And you may think, “So what?” but trust me, dear reader, when I tell you that this was a top shelf leaf. This leaf had it all: green, ridges, stem, leafiness, did I mention green? The time spent playing with the leaf far exceeded the time playing in just the carefully-engineered-and-designed-for-kids water play structures. So if your kid loves to play with wet leaves (or outdoor splash parks). I would highly recommend this.

We love taking the two year old to the two playgrounds. The adjacent field is perfect for running and kicking a ball. There is too much litter strewn about.

First park for my lil guy and he loves coming here

Kids happy here for so long

The premises surrounding the area was clean and a nice atmosphere

This is a really beautiful space with high potential for allowing people to enjoy a public outdoor space. However, the mood is ruined by the presence of Special Police who will reprimand you for sitting or standing on these highly accessible structures that invite sitting and playing. There are no signs posted anywhere that say this is not allowed.

Beautiful landscape design.

During a cool morning in October, suddenly a surrealistic reflection on a glass building

Absolutely beautiful area this time of year!

Fountain is so beautifully designed. Attention to detail at its finest

(Translated by Google) It's a beautiful fountain. I like the structure of the pool with these water jets. (Original) C'est une belle fontaine. J'aime la structure du bassin avec ces jets d'eau.

(Translated by Google) Nice place to sit and enjoy downtown (Original) Bonito lugar para sentarse y disfrutar del downtown

Not sure how long the fountain has been out of commission, but was disappointed when I showed up with my kids in their bathing suits on a hot summer day. :( We found some shopping and cooled off in the AC, but not nearly as fun as the fountain would have been.

So much history in this place