Where to Find Water Parks & Outdoor Pools In & Around Washington, DC

When planning your best summer ever in Washington, DC, you may want to include a relaxing trip to an outdoor pool or a day-long adventure at a water park near DC. No worries – we have you covered with some of the best options at your disposal, including outdoor public pools, splash parks and hotel pools.

The Ven at Embassy Row, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Hotel Pools

The gorgeous rooftop pool at the Ven at Embassy Row, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel offers day passes that vary from $15 to $50. The YOTEL Washington DC, Capitol Hill features a rooftop lounge, one of the largest in the District, with a full-service bar with light bites, an expansive pool and generously sized cabanas fitted with charging stations. The Washington Plaza Hotel’s pool is beautifully landscaped and offers a poolside bar. Day passes are available for $50 on weekdays and for $60 on Saturday or Sunday.

While the pools above are accessible to the public, other DC hotels offer poolside pleasure as long as you’re receiving a spa treatment at the hotel. You can make it a day of relaxation at the posh Four Seasons Hotel, Washington D.C., the Omni Shoreham Hotel and The Watergate Hotel.

Water Parks

Six Flags America (located in Maryland, roughly 15 minutes outside of DC) features Hurricane Harbor, the largest water park in Maryland, filled with an array of rides and plenty of room to roam. While it’s a bit of a longer drive, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA are well worth it. Splash and slide at Virginia’s largest water park, which also features resort-style amenities and more than 40 water rides in total.

Capitol Riverfront BID

Public Splash Parks

Splash park, spray park – whatever you call it, sometimes you want to scamper through some water without swimming in it. DC has the family covered in that regard, as there is a multitude of these fun-filled areas throughout the city.

River views come with the territory at splash parks featured in Georgetown Waterfront Park, Canal Park and Yards Park (the latter two are both in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood). Petworth Spray Park is also a popular spot for families. DC’s Department of Parks and Recreation offers a full list of these parks so that you can plan accordingly.

Outdoor Public Pools

DC residents can swim at pools managed by the Department of Parks of Recreation for free. Resident passes are administered on-site. For non-DC residents, a day pass costs just $7 for an adult. Passes for children under 6 are just $3, while ages 6-17 can get in for just $4 (seniors 55 years old and over pay that same price).

Many of DC’s coolest neighborhoods feature public pools that are perfect for enjoying a pretty summer day. Banneker Pool in Shaw is a favorite among locals. Francis Pool in Foggy Bottom is accessible by Metro and offers two 25-yard lap lanes. Just one block from Wisconsin Avenue, Volta Park Pool in Georgetown is another convenient option. For a full list of outdoor public pools in the city, visit the DC Department of Parks and Recreation’s website.

Looking for more water-based activities? Explore the vibrant waterfronts in and around Washington, DC for a variety of exciting experiences.