Sun Block? Check. Swimsuit? Check. Curated selection of the capital’s top waterpark destinations and aquatic centers, all within a day’s drive from the DMV? CHECK!
Yards Park
Dancing Fountains, Canal Basin and Waterwall? Yup, that’s what you’ll find at Yards Park on the Anacostia River. Bring your kids and let them splash the day away (for free!). Yards Park also features a dog run, boardwalk, curated gardens and ample lawn space. Open from 10am-7pm daily. Located at 355 Water Street SE., Washington, D.C. capitolriverfront.org/yards-park
SplashPark and Mini-Golf
Positioned at the South Germantown Recreational Park is a combination water park and mini-golf course perfect for a summer getaway with the kids. Cool off in a 280-jet water maze, a flooded cave with a waterfall, water bucket drops, slides and spraying animals. Adjacent to the park is an 18-hole mini-golf course for when you and the kids are ready to dry off. Open everyday 10am – 6pm from June 19th until September 6th 2021. 18056 Central Park Circle; Boyds, MD 20841. montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/
Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags America
Watch it now because this water park is the largest in Maryland with a nearly 1 million-gallon wave pool! Dare to experience the 6-story tall, dual water slide that is the Bonzai Pipelines or how about the Halfpipe slide that sends you surfing down at 23 mph? When you’ve had enough thrills, chill for the day on the family-style Buccaneer Beach. Open daily from 11am – 7pm. Six Flags America is located in Upper Marlboro, MD. sixflags.com/america
Cub Run RECenter Aquatics
For those sensitive to the sun (who isn’t?), check out Cub Run’s incredible indoor swimming facilities. This nearly 5,000 square foot leisure pool features an in-water playground, multiple spray features, a lazy river, swirling vortex and two waterslides, including a fully-enclosed slide that exits the building and then re-enters at the bottom. Cub Run also offers a range of classes and swimming lessons for your kids. 4630 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly, VA. fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/recenter/cub-run
The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole
It’s a blast to the past for the whole family at this western-themed water park. The main activity pool is encompassed by a 725-foot lazy river dubbed the Rattlesnake River. The Water Mine’s centerpiece is called Pete’s Peak, a jagged mountain scattered with boarded up tunnels and mine shafts. On the Peak, you’ll find three different water slides, including the 3-story Prospector’s Plummet. The little ones in tow will love Tenderfoot Pond with its toddler-sized pond and gentle bubbles. Open daily from 11am – 6pm. 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive; Reston, VA 20190. Reserve your tickets online! fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/watermine
MORE SUMMER FUN:
Hidden Mysteries Throughout History in D.C.
