Best splash pad spots across DC Metro Area

Splash pads are a perfect way to get your kids moving while beating the DC heat — without the stress that often comes with pools.

These kid-friendly water play areas are a great option for parents looking for an easy, low-maintenance way to cool off. Whether you’re planning a full afternoon or just need a quick break in the day, splash pads offer a safe, fun environment for children to play.

Each of these spots have been vetted through parents and local sources like blog posts, Yelp and Reddit. You can be sure each will offer a fun, family friendly experience with the most up-to-date info possible.

Washington DC

Yards Park Dancing Fountains and Canal Basin & Waterwall

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Address: 355 Water St. SE
Parking: Street parking or nearby paid lots
Bathrooms: Available nearby
Features: Dancing fountains, waterfall splash pool, LED lights
Age Range: All ages
Special Extras: Lights up at night and hosts the Capitol Riverfront Summer Concert Series on select Fridays
Know Before You Go: The splash pool is under a foot deep and safe for toddlers

Set on the riverfront in Navy Yard, this splash area is a good fit for families looking for a mix of gentle and active water play in a scenic location. It’s especially popular in the evenings.

Canal Park Dancing Fountains

Address: 200 M. St. SE
Parking: Nearby parking lot (paid), street parking
Bathrooms: Available in local businesses
Features: Geyser type water features on concrete circle
Age Range: All ages
Special Extras: Geysers have multi-colored lights in them that can be seen at night
Know Before You Go: Part of three-section community park

Canal park is a three-acre community-focused park broken into three blocks, each with their own features. The Dancing Fountains are on the Southern Block, which also hosts a skating rink in the winter. The Middle Block has a small performance stage that regularly hosts bands, and the Northern Block has a large green space perfect for picnics and running around. It’s the perfect park for an all day excursion.

Turkey Thicket Splash Pad

Address: 1100 Michigan Ave. NE
Parking: On-site lot
Bathrooms: Inside the recreation center
Features: Lighthouse and boat, climbing hill, musical instruments, shade structures
Age Range: All ages
Special Extras: Playground has themed zones: a mini village and a transportation section
Know Before You Go: Picnic areas nearby make it easy to spend the whole afternoon

This location offers both water and dry play in a shaded setting. The Turkey Thicket Recreation center also offers many more amenities like an indoor pool, gym, sports courts and a nearby playground. It’s a great place if you’re looking for variety.

Joseph Cole Community Center Splash Pad

Address: 1299 Neal St. NE
Parking: Lot on Neal Street; street parking on Montello Avenue
Bathrooms: Inside the community center
Features: Large open pad with four colorful water arches
Age Range: All ages
Special Extras: Playground nearby has separate areas for different age groups
Know Before You Go: Simple setup makes it easy to keep track of kids

This splash pad is gated within the Community Center, and It’s especially great for families looking for an easy, no-fuss summer outing. The Community Center it is part of also offers many other amenities.

Chevy Chase Recreation Center Splash Pad

Address: 5500 41st St. NW
Parking: Street parking
Bathrooms: Inside the rec center
Features: Small splash area, fenced-in yard, ride-on toys
Age Range: 1-5
Special Extras: Adjacent shaded playground
Know Before You Go: Limited water features but ideal for toddlers

This is a small, quiet spot designed for very young kids. The fenced-in area helps make it manageable for parents.

Maryland

Downtown Interactive Fountain

Address: 920 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring
Parking: Nearby public garages
Bathrooms: Available in the plaza
Features: Mosaic tile surface, jets of varying heights and rhythms
Age Range: 1–7
Special Extras: Plaza hosts live music and family-friendly events
Know Before You Go: Can get busy on weekends; open from mid-spring through fall.

Located in a public plaza, this splash area is best suited for younger kids. It pairs well with a casual day out downtown.

North Barnaby Splash Park

Address: 5000 Wheeler Rd., Oxon Hill
Parking: On-site
Bathrooms: Locker rooms and showers available
Features: Lap pool, kids’ pool, water slide, climbing wall, tipping buckets
Age Range: All ages
Special Extras: Online reservations save money and time
Know Before You Go: Bring swim gear and towels for a full water park experience

A more developed splash park that includes pool access. It’s a good pick for families wanting a longer water visit. Admission is required for this park and there are discounts for local residents online.

Fountain on the Square at Rockville

Address: 36 Maryland Ave., Rockville
Parking: Nearby garages
Bathrooms: In adjacent shopping center
Features: Simple fountain, shaded pavilion, seating
Age Range: All ages
Special Extras: Set in a shopping plaza with dining options
Know Before You Go: No added frills—best for quick play breaks.

This is a low-key option if you’re already in the area. It’s more of a casual water feature than a full splash pad.

South Germantown Splash Park and Mini Golf

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Address: 18056 Central Park Cir., Boyds
Parking: On-site
Bathrooms: Available
Features: Water maze with 280 jets, tipping buckets, slide, spraying animals
Age Range: All ages
Special Extras: Mini golf next door; lots of shaded seating
Know Before You Go: Plan ahead to spend a few hours—there’s plenty to do

With nonstop water action and a mini golf course on-site, this is the place for families looking for an all-day adventure. There is an admission fee for children ages 2 and older.

Hamilton Splash Park

Address: 3901 Hamilton St., Hyattsville
Parking: On-site
Bathrooms: Locker rooms and showers
Features: Water slides, tipping buckets, climbing wall
Age Range: All ages
Special Extras: Spacious setup for easy supervision
Know Before You Go: Reserve online to save money and ensure entry.

Hamilton Splash Park offers a variety of water features suitable for all ages, making it a popular destination for families in the area. Similar to North Barnaby, this splash park is better suited for longer visits. Admission is required and discounts are available for local residents with online reservation.

Virginia

Our Special Harbor Spray Park

Address: 6601 Telegraph Rd., Franconia
Parking: On-site
Bathrooms: Available
Features: Water maze with 280 jets, tipping buckets, slide, spraying animals
Age Range: All ages
Special Extras: Mini golf next door; lots of shaded seating
Know Before You Go: Plan ahead to spend a few hours—there’s plenty to do

Designed with accessibility in mind, this spray park offers a variety of features for kids with different needs and abilities. The large playground next door, Chessie’s Big Backyard, provides even more options. There is an admission fee for children ages 2 and older.

Hal & Berni Hanson Park Splash Pad

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Address: 22831 Hanson Park Dr., Aldie
Parking: On-site
Bathrooms: On-site
Features: 10,000-square-foot splash pad with activator spray grounds, a water-squirting spider, water cannons and a bucket drop
Age Range: All ages
Special Extras: Water-saving treatment and filtration system
Know Before You Go: Part of a large 257-acre regional park featuring athletic fields, playgrounds, a skate park, nature center, and picnic areas

This splash pad is part of the greater Hal & Berni Hanson Regional Park, which offers a lot alongside their large splash pad. including large sports specific athletic fields, many ponds, skate parks and more.

Virginia Highlands Park

Address: 1600 S Hayes St., Arlington
Parking: On-site and street parking available
Bathrooms: Available
Features: Water cannons, bucket dumpers, mini waterfalls
Age Range: All ages
Special Extras: Eco-friendly water recirculation system
Know Before You Go: Great park extras—pickleball, volleyball, basketball and playgrounds

A straightforward splash pad with environmental features. The park offers lots of sports fields and a fun playground.

Mosaic District Splash Pad

Address: 2905 District Ave., Fairfax
Parking: Free garages nearby
Bathrooms: In nearby businesses
Features: Ground-level jets in grassy plaza
Age Range: 1-7
Special Extras: Surrounded by kid-friendly shops and restaurants
Know Before You Go: Excellent for a relaxed outing—especially with little ones

Set in the heart of Mosaic District, this low-key splash zone is ideal for younger children who like to run through jets and chill on the lawn with snacks afterward.