While many people want to beat the heat but still want to get outside, it can be tough to find safe and clean places for swimming in DC. Luckily, we’ve cataloged some of the best natural, outdoor swimming spots for kids of all ages in Maryland and Virginia.
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: The capital region is home to several natural swim spots, many close to Maryland and Virginia.
- The details: Most natural swim spots are free and open all day thanks to the National Park Service.
- The more you know: Many natural swimming spots do not have lifeguards present, so be sure to keep an eye on your young swimmers.
2-4 years old
Maryland
Cunningham Falls State Park
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A gorgeous marina with opportunities to hike, fish, canoe and swim, Cunningham Falls is the perfect place for little ones to meet wildlife and splash around.
- Location: 14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont, MD
Patapsco Valley State Park
Encompassing the 32 miles of the Patapsco River, there are many recreation areas in this park for kids to explore, make friends and swim in the river.
- Location: 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD
Mayo Beach Park
Located at the mouth of the South River, Mayo Beach allows kids to explore the cove, splash in tide pools and build sandcastles. Reservation passes are needed on certain days each month and can be obtained the Thursday before your visit online.
- Location: 4150 Honeysuckle Drive, Edgewater, MD
5-9 years old
Virginia
White Oak and Cedar Run Trail
While not ideal for long swims, you can dip your toes in waterfalls and rivers in the White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run trail. The trail itself is quite long if your family is avid hikers, but for kids who don’t love walking, the water formations are near the trail’s entrance.
- Location: Located in Shenandoah National Park
Overall Run Falls
Only 300 yards from the trailhead, a scenic swimming hole makes this part of Shenandoah truly unique. Swimming here will create a memory kids will have for a lifetime.
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- Location: Located in the North District of Shenandoah National Park, near Bentonville and Luray
Maryland
Sandy Point State Park
Home to turtles, lighthouses, kite-flying and incredible water to wade through, Sandy Point State Park is scenic and secluded. Day passes are needed to visit in the summer and are available online.
- Location: 1100 E College Parkway, Annapolis, MD
10+
Maryland
National Harbor
Through the WaveOne Open Water swim program, older kids can improve their swimming skills, build their confidence and maybe enjoy some competition by swimming in National Harbor with people of a variety of ages and experiences.
- Location: 165 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, MD
Kilgore Falls
This 17-foot-high waterfall, the second-highest vertical drop fall in Maryland, is housed in the environmentally sensitive and beautiful Falling Branch area of Rocks State Park. Patrons are permitted to wade and swim at their leisure, though there are no lifeguards present and jumping into the creek from the falls is discouraged.
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- Location: The Falling Branch area of Rocks State Park
Virginia
Whiteoak Canyon
A potentially strenuous hike can be made more relaxing by stopping for a dip at one of the many swimming holes or waterfalls along the path. With no cell service available on this trail, Whiteoak Canyon is the perfect place to unplug and get your feet wet this summer.
- Location: Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
Lake Laura
A beautiful and secluded lake, Lake Laura is home to a host of activities like boating, fishing, hiking and swimming.
- Location: 1982 Fairway Drive, Basye, VA
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