Your summer isn’t complete without visiting these outdoor hotel pools, water parks and more in the DC area.
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.
Hotel Pools
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. Omni Shoreham Hotel provides an elegant urban retreat, with an outdoor heated pool overlooking the hotel's 11-acre landscape. The Washington Hilton offers an elevated pool with monument views.
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. and The Watergate Hotel.
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 and Canal Park. 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.
Water Parks
Just outside Washington, DC, SplashDown Waterpark in Manassas offers a full day of family-friendly fun.T he park features towering waterslides, a lazy river, an interactive children's play area, activity and leisure pools, and attractions for all ages. 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.
Looking for more water-based activities? Explore the vibrant waterfronts in and around Washington, DC for a variety of exciting experiences.
