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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. 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. 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.
Which Attractions & Museums in Washington, DC Require Tickets?
Many of Washington, DC's major attractions are open to the public and do not require tickets, including the Smithsonian museums, the National Gallery of Art, and the monuments and memorials on the National Mall. Entry to the Smithsonian Zoo is free but requires an entry pass. You can buy tickets for some of Washington, DC's most popular ticketed attractions including Ford's Theatre at the venue or on their website. Some attractions offer discounts to those who buy tickets online ahead of their visit and you can also purchase 24 or 48-hour, hop-on, hop-off bus tour tickets with Big Bus Tours, which will allow you to view the wonders of the National Mall at your own convenience. While some attractions are free, they require timed passes to save visitors from waiting in long lines. Timed passes are available to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and a limited amount of same-day passes are available online the day of your visit. The passes are printed featuring a one-hour time range, within which you may enter the museum. Free timed-entry passes are required to visit the National Air and Space Museum. Entry times are hourly from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The museum releases individual passes for six-week periods at a time and is open every day except December 25 from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum also requires timed passes to enter the permanent exhibition from March through August. These are distributed daily beginning at 10 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis at the museum or online at ushmm.org several months in advance. There are a limited number of same-day passes available online each day beginning at 6 a.m. A small service charge of $1 per ticket is charged for online bookings. You don’t need passes to visit the non-permanent museum exhibitions year-round or for the permanent exhibitions from September through February. Admission is free for the Washington Monument but a timed ticket is required for entry. Timed tickets are on a first-come, first-serve basis. One person may obtain up to six tickets as well as request their preferred ticket time. All visitors (including children ages 2+) must have a ticket to enter the Washington Monument. Admission is free for the Bureau of Printing and Engraving though tickets are required from March through August. These are distributed on the day of your visit, beginning at 8 a.m. until all tours for the day are full. Lines form early and, during peak season, tickets are often distributed by 9 a.m. Tours of the White House are only available by advance arrangement through your member of Congress. Find your member of Congress and contact information here and submit your request up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days prior to your visit. International visitors who want to visit the White House should contact their embassy in Washington, DC for assistance submitting a tour request. More information is available at whitehouse.gov. Tickets are also required to tour the U.S. Capitol. You can obtain tickets through your member of Congress or via visitthecapitol.gov. Some limited same-day tour passes may be available at the public walk-up line in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. While the Library of Congress, Supreme Court, National Gallery of Art and Smithsonian museums do not require tickets, you may want to check schedules in advance to take advantage of guided interpretive tours, lectures, IMAX movies and other programs. Looking for discounted fun? You can save big on popular things to do with Washington, DC’s best attraction passes. Discover discounted sightseeing tours, museum passes and so much more for one price. You can also get an exclusive discount and save big on your next Big Bus Tour. Just enter the promotional code VISITDC for the best available deal and start exploring the nation's capital. Continue exploring endless activities and things to do in our nation's capital.