Those looking for a way to cool off from the summer heat have several options in the Washington D.C. metro area.
Among those is the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole in Reston. Located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, the park features a bit of an old west theme for children, with covered wagons, rattlesnakes and ore carts involved in the water fun. There are also enjoyment opportunities for teenagers and adults with water volleyball or tubing on Rattlesnake River. The park is open six days a week, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. On Wednesdays, the park is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., but season pass holders may use the park from 5-8 p.m. Daily admission is $13.50 for those taller than 4 feet and $11.25 for those shorter than 4 feet. Cost is $8.25 after 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and those 2 and younger enter free. Go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/watermine/ for more information. 703-471-5415
Atlantis Waterpark at 7700 Bull Run in Centreville features a 1,000 gallon dumping bucket, waterfalls and squirters. There is also a 230-foot open slide and a 170-foot closed slide. Mermaids and dolphins help set the atmosphere for water fun. The park is open daily from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. On Aug. 23, hours change to 12-6 p.m. on weekdays and 12-7 p.m. on the weekends. Admission is $8 for those taller than 4 feet and $6.75 for those shorter than 4 feet or 55 and older. Cost is $5 after 4 p.m. on weekdays. Go to www.nvrpa.org/park/bull_run/content/water_park for more information. Atlantis 703-631-0550
Great Waves Waterpark at 4001 Eisenhower Ave. in Alexandria offers twisty four-story waterslides and speed slides. It also has a tad pool for toddlers. It is located in Cameron Run Regional Park, which also has miniature golf and batting cages. The waterpark is open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Daily admission is $14.25 for individuals taller than 4 feet and $10.95 for those shorter than 4 feet. Admission after 4 p.m. on weekdays and for those 55 an older is $8. Children 2 and younger get in free. Go to www.nvrpa.org/park/cameron_run for more information. Great Waves 703-960-0767
Volcano Island Waterpark at 47001 Fairway Drive in Sterling features a Polynesian theme, with tiki thatching, bamboo, painted murals, palm trees and a constantly smoking volcano. The park is open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. On Aug. 23, hours change to 12-6 p.m. on weekdays and 12-7 p.m. on weekends. Daily admission is $8 for those taller than 4 feet and $6.75 for those shorter than 4 feet and 55 and older. Cost is $5 after 4 p.m. on weekdays. Go to www.nvrpa.org/park/downpour_at_algonkian for more information. Volcano Island 703-450-4655
Pirates Cove Waterpark at 6501 Pohick Bay Drive in Lorton features a 300-gallon dumping bucket, water cannons and a waterslide. The park is open daily from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., with hours changing on Aug. 23. Daily admission is $7 for those taller than 4 feet and $6 for those shorter than 4 feet and 55 or older. Cost is $4 after 4 p.m. on weekdays. Go to www.nvrpa.org/park/pohick_bay/content/outdoor_pool for more information. Pirates Cove 703-339-6104
Upton Hill Waterpark at 6060 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington is also an option. The park is open daily from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. with hours changing Aug. 23. Daily admission is $8 for those taller than 4 feet and $6.75 for those shorter than 4 feet and 55 or older. Cost is $5 after 4 p.m. on weekdays. Go to www.nvrpa.org/park/upton_hill/content/pool for more information. Upton Hill 703-534-3437