Ocean Dunes Waterpark
6060 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205
Daily 11am - 7pm
$$
seasonal-activities, fun-paid-activities, water-activities
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DC Area Families Love Ocean Dunes Waterpark in Arlington, Virginia.
If you're looking for somewhere kid-friendly to pass a hot summer day, don't overlook Ocean Dunes Waterpark. It is twenty minutes outside of Downtown DC and well-worth the trip.
Part of Arlington County's Upton Hill Regional Park, Ocean Dunes is great for children of all ages, with a 230-foot open slide, a 170-foot covered waterslide, and a play area with slides, water jets, and a 500-gallon dumping bucket.
In addition, there's a large main pool for swimming and a smaller wading pool with little water jets for children under the age of six.
You can stay for lunch and eat at the small snack bar (outside food and beverages – other than water – are not permitted, although we have eaten a snack brought from home and no one said anything).
There is a daily rate or you can buy a yearly pass that allows you to visit Arlington's five water parks all season long. Upton Hill Regional Park also features a batting cage and mini-golf course adjacent to the water park, if you want to bring a change of clothes and make a day of it.
You can pay $12 per day per person for unlimited use of all the activity centers. During the summer, Ocean Dunes has theme days, like Family Fun Night Thursdays, when discounts may be available.
There are always lifeguards on duty and there are lifejackets available to borrow if you need them.
Start the day on the W&OD Trail for a stroller run or bike ride to get some exercise before heading over to cool off at the waterpark. You can start at Bon Air Rose Garden and run past Bluemont Park to Glencarlyn Park (the home of Long Branch Nature Center) and back for about three miles round trip. If you parked at Bon Air, it's only about a three-minute drive over to Ocean Dunes.
Mark's Duck House is closeby - less than five minutes - and always a popular spot for the whole family. William Jeffrey's Tavern, Lost Dog Cafe, and Ragtime are all less than a fifteen-minute drive for a delicious meal before or after, and they also offer convenient access back toward the city.