8 Northern Virginia Splash Pads to Keep Kids Cool This Summer

When the weather gets warmer, splash pads are one of the easiest ways for kids to cool off, play, and enjoy time outdoors. Northern Virginia has several family-friendly water play spots, from simple spraygrounds to larger splash parks with fountains, slides, and nearby playgrounds.

Here are 8 splash pads and water play destinations in NoVA worth visiting this summer.

1. The Boro Splash Pad

Located on the upper promenade of Boro Park in Tysons, The Boro Splash Pad is a convenient summer stop for families. The 15-jet splash pad is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the summer season.

Location: 8350 Broad St., Tysons

2. Drew Park

Drew Park in Arlington is a simple but fun spot for a quick cooldown. Its sprayground features a small archway and a giant flower water feature that kids can enjoy on a warm day. Street parking near the park is limited, but additional parking is available at the Charles Drew Community Center lot.

Location: 2310 South Kenmore, Arlington

3. The Interactive Splash Fountain at Virginia Gateway

Located in the heart of Virginia Gateway, this splash fountain is a great place to stop after shopping with the kids. The pop-up sprinklers change colors, making the water play experience even more fun.

Location: 14046 Promenade Commons, Ste. D-3, Gainesville

4. Mosaic District Splash Pad

The Mosaic District Splash Pad gives families a fun way to cool off while spending time in the shopping area. It is open from 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. from May through September. Kids can also enjoy the nearby Strawberry Park Playground for extra playtime.

Location: 2905 District Ave., Fairfax

5. Our Special Harbor

Our Special Harbor in Franconia is a spacious and accessible spray park designed for inclusive play. This 7,000-square-foot, zero-depth splash park is fully ADA-accessible and includes a water maze, dumping crab basket, fountains, misting sunflowers, and a beach area with interactive water tables.

Families can also visit nearby Chessie’s Big Backyard, an inclusive playground with accessible treehouses, trails, picnic areas, and play spaces.

Location: 6601 Telegraph Rd., Franconia

6. Potomac Yard Park

Potomac Yard Park in Alexandria features an interactive fountain with 36 water jets and sensors that control the height of the water. The fountain also includes a secondary ultraviolet water treatment system and supports Alexandria’s Eco-City Initiative by treating and recycling water.

A great bonus for families is that the fountain is located between two playgrounds, giving kids more ways to play before or after cooling off.

Location: 2501 Potomac Ave., Alexandria

7. Reston Town Center

Located in Town Square Park, the Reston Town Center sprayground is open daily from May through September, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., except during special performances in the park. It features about a dozen water jets and is surrounded by amphitheater-style seating.

Location: 11900 Market St., Reston

8. The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole

The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole in Reston is a great choice for families looking for a more active water play experience. This playground-style splash area includes slides, a dumping bucket, and an obstacle course. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, and season passes are available.

Location: 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston

Whether you are looking for a quick sprayground stop, a shopping-area splash pad, or a larger water play destination, these Northern Virginia splash pads offer fun ways for kids to stay cool and active during the summer months.