Beat the Heat at Ocean Dunes Waterpark

There’s no need to fight Beltway traffic to find a genuine water park experience this summer — Ocean Dunes at Upton Hill Regional Park on Wilson Boulevard delivers the beach vibes right in the heart of Arlington. The park transports visitors to the Outer Banks with dune grasses, rustic beach theming, and a laid-back attitude that makes it easy to forget you’re a few miles from the Pentagon. Thrill-seekers will find a 230-foot open waterslide and a 170-foot enclosed body slide that drops riders into complete darkness — a combination that reliably produces screams from first-timers and repeat riders alike. The centerpiece play feature anchors the middle of the park with tube slides, open slides, fountains, squirters, platforms, and the crowd-favorite 500-gallon dumping bucket that draws a cluster of anticipating visitors every few minutes throughout the day.

The layout is genuinely well-suited for families with children of different ages. A gated baby pool area for ages seven and under has its own lifeguard on duty and a fully shaded enclosure , giving parents of toddlers a stress-free zone to relax. A large main pool with a sloping entry that maxes out at four feet provides plenty of splashing room for school-age swimmers, while a separate lap pool gives adults who actually want to swim uninterrupted lanes to do so. You can purchase admission combo packages that add mini golf and a batting cage session to your visit. For families planning multiple summer outings, NOVA Parks’ Annual Waterpark Pass covers all five NOVA waterparks for the season. The park is accessible from Ballston Metro via ART Bus 1A or 1B along Wilson Boulevard for those going car-free. Check current hours, season opening dates, and passes at the Regional Park website.