Best Splash Pads and Day-Use Pools in the Richmond and Hampton Roads Area

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Memorial Day–Labor Day)

Fees: Free

Ages: Designed for kids 12 and under

Features: Interactive ground fountains, arching water jets, and spray features across a dedicated spray ground area.

Family tips: This is one of the most popular spray parks in the West End. Arrive early on hot weekends — it gets crowded by mid-morning. The park also has a playground, walking trails, and a large open field, so it is easy to make a full morning of it. Bring towels, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Memorial Day–Labor Day)

Fees: Free

Ages: Designed for kids 12 and under

Features: Ground-level spray jets, water arches, and splash zones in a nicely landscaped park setting.

Family tips: A great option for families in the western Henrico / Short Pump corridor. The surrounding Twin Hickory neighborhood has a suburban, family-friendly feel, and the park includes playground equipment nearby. Parking is ample.

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Memorial Day–Labor Day)

Fees: Free

Ages: Designed for kids 12 and under

Features: Interactive spray jets and water play area. The larger Dorey Park complex also includes playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, and a dog park.

Family tips: Dorey Park is a full-service county park on the eastern side of Henrico. Combine splash pad time with the playground or a walk along the trails. The park also has picnic shelters that can be reserved for parties — a popular option for summer birthday celebrations.

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Memorial Day–Labor Day)

Fees: Free

Ages: Designed for kids 12 and under

Features: Spray ground with multiple water features adjacent to the recreation center.

Family tips: A convenient option for families in the East End of Henrico. The recreation center nearby offers additional indoor activities if you need a break from the sun.

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Memorial Day–Labor Day)

Fees: Free

Ages: Designed for kids 12 and under

Features: Ground spray features and water jets in a neighborhood park setting.

Family tips: A quieter alternative to the busier Short Pump and Twin Hickory spray parks. Great for families with very young toddlers who prefer a calmer environment.

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Memorial Day–Labor Day)

Fees: Free

Ages: Designed for kids 12 and under

Features: Spray ground area with interactive water features.

Family tips: A newer park in the Varina area of eastern Henrico. A good pick for families in the eastern part of the county who want a free splash option without the West End crowds.

Hours: Open early May through late September (during museum hours)

Fees: Museum admission required — $12 for adults and children ages 1–12; free for infants under 12 months

Ages: Designed for toddlers and preschoolers

Features: Outdoor splash area with floor fountains, loaner ride-on toys, and misting features. Located in the museum's front yard.

Family tips: This is the perfect spot for little ones — toddlers and preschoolers especially love it. The museum itself is worth the visit, so plan to spend a few hours. Bring a swimsuit and towel for the splash area, and a change of clothes for the indoor exhibits. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded.

Hours: Seasonal — typically Memorial Day through mid-August. Daily hours vary; check rva.gov/aquatics

Fees: Free

Ages: All ages (adults must accompany children under a certain age)

Features: Outdoor pool with an attached splash pad/spray area. One of Richmond's seven free public outdoor pools.

Family tips: Battery Park is in the Fan/Northside area, and the pool is a neighborhood favorite. Because Richmond's city pools are free, they can fill up quickly on the hottest days. Arrive early to get a good spot. You must sign in at the front desk upon entry.

Hours: Seasonal — Memorial Day through mid-August. Check rva.gov/aquatics for schedule

Fees: Free

Ages: All ages

Features: Outdoor pool and splash pad in the Church Hill neighborhood.

Family tips: A great option for East End families. The Church Hill neighborhood around the pool has a walkable, community feel. Combine a swim with a visit to nearby Chimborazo Park.

The City of Richmond operates five additional free outdoor pools at the following locations:

• Bellemeade Pool — 1800 Lynhaven Ave (Southside)
• Blackwell Pool — 238 E 14th St (Southside)
• Hotchkiss Pool — 701 E Brookland Park Blvd (Northside)
• Powhatan Pool — 5051 Northampton St (East End)
• Randolph Pool — 1507 Grayland Ave (Southside)

Hours: Memorial Day through mid-August; schedule varies by pool. Fees: Free. All pools require sign-in at the front desk. Check rva.gov/aquatics for the current season schedule.

Family tips: Richmond's free pools are a genuine community treasure. The city is one of the only municipalities in the region to offer free public swimming. Pool availability can be limited on the hottest days, so check the city website for hours and any capacity restrictions before heading out.

Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. (seasonal, typically Memorial Day–Labor Day)

Fees: Free

Ages: All ages; designed with younger children in mind

Features: Chesterfield's first public splash pad — a 3,550-square-foot fenced-in area with interactive spray features and shaded seating for parents. Located at the James M. Holland Recreation Complex.

Family tips: This splash pad opened in August 2025 and has been a hit with local families. The fenced-in design is great for parents of toddlers — you can relax on the shaded benches while the kids play safely. A second splash pad at River City Sportsplex is expected to open in summer 2026. The nearby Beulah Park also has playgrounds and open fields.

Hours: Daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Weekdays 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; weekends and holidays 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Fees: Ages 2 and under: free. Ages 3–12: $7 weekdays / $9 weekends. Ages 13+: $8 weekdays / $10 weekends. Overnight camping/cabin guests swim free. Virginia State Park parking fee also applies ($10 vehicle on weekdays, $15 on weekends/holidays).

Ages: All ages — toddler pool, activity pools, and water slides

Features: Toddler pool, fountain wet deck, two leisure pools (3-foot and 5-foot depths), an activity pool, and two tubular water slides. Snack bar on-site.

Family tips: This is the best "full waterpark day" option in the Chesterfield area, and it is a genuine bang for your buck. Arrive early — capacity is limited and it fills up fast on hot weekends. The park has extensive picnic facilities and campgrounds, so you can make a whole day (or weekend) of it. If you have kids who are ready for their first water slide, the tubular slides here are perfect — exciting but not terrifying.

Hours: Seasonal — typically Memorial Day through Labor Day. Daily swim hours vary; check Hanover County Parks & Recreation

Fees: Day passes available; check current rates at hanovervirginia.com

Ages: All ages

Features: Eight-lane, junior Olympic-sized outdoor pool with zero-depth entry and a dedicated open swim area.

Family tips: This is Hanover County's primary public pool, and the zero-depth entry is excellent for families with little kids who want to wade in gradually. The pool is located in charming downtown Ashland, so you can pair a swim with a walk through the small-town shops and restaurants. Ashland's Railroad Avenue is a great post-swim stroll.

Hours: Seasonal outdoor pool; check swimrichmond.org for current schedule

Fees: Summer membership required; guest day passes available: $10 adults / $8 youth and seniors

Ages: All ages

Features: Seasonal outdoor pool with lap swim, open swim, and swim lessons.

Family tips: SwimRVA is a nonprofit aquatic organization, and their North facility serves families on the Mechanicsville/Hanover corridor. Day passes are available if you are a guest of a member. They also offer swim lessons year-round, which is great for military families settling into the area.

While these communities do not currently operate their own public splash pads or pools, they are within easy driving distance of several options:

• Henrico spray parks (Short Pump, Twin Hickory, Dorey Park) — 20–30 minutes west
• James City County pools (Chickahominy Riverfront Park, Upper County Park) — 20–30 minutes east
• Pocahontas State Park — 30–40 minutes southwest
• Water Country USA (Williamsburg) — 25–35 minutes east

Family tip: New Kent's rural setting means longer drives to water amenities — plan ahead and pack snacks, towels, and sunscreen. The trade-off is that when you get there, you will likely beat the crowds from the denser metro areas.

Hours: Seasonal — Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Check jamescitycountyva.gov for current schedule

Fees: Pool admission fee applies; check JCC Parks & Recreation for current rates

Ages: All ages

Features: Large outdoor swimming pool with a water slide plus a camping-themed splash pad with 10 spray elements — including ground sprays, rain tunnels, shower sprayers, and fish-shaped sprayers.

Family tips: This is the best two-for-one water spot in the Williamsburg area. The splash pad is great for little kids while older siblings enjoy the pool and slide. The park sits along the scenic Chickahominy River, so there are great views and nature trails to explore after you dry off. Pack a picnic — the park has excellent riverside shelters.

Hours: Seasonal — Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Check JCC Parks & Recreation

Fees: Pool admission fee applies; park admission is free

Ages: All ages — toddler pool, slide, and main pool

Features: 25-meter outdoor pool, dedicated toddler pool, water slide, changing rooms with showers, and a snack bar.

Family tips: Upper County Park is a 56-acre facility in the Toano area on the western edge of James City County. The toddler pool is a huge plus for families with very young kids. The snack bar means you do not have to pack a full lunch. The park itself has sports fields, trails, and picnic areas — a full day of family fun.

Hours: Open May–September. Typically 10 a.m.–5 p.m. or 10 a.m.–8 p.m. depending on the day. Check watercountryusa.com for the daily schedule

Fees: Single-day tickets start around $50–$70+ per person (prices vary by date); multi-day Fun Cards and Busch Gardens bundles available. Children under 3 are free.

Ages: All ages — dedicated kids' areas, family rides, and thrill slides

Features: Virginia's largest waterpark with 40+ attractions including Colossal Curl, Vanish Point, a lazy river, a wave pool, multiple tube and body slides, and dedicated children's play areas.

Family tips: This is the premier waterpark day trip in the region. Arrive at opening to secure a good spot and beat the lines on the most popular rides. The park is cashless, so bring a credit/debit card or mobile payment. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Consider renting a locker so you do not have to carry valuables. If you are visiting from out of town, look for discounted tickets through military MWR offices — a great perk for military families.

Hours: Year-round indoor facility. Mon–Thu 6 a.m.–1 p.m. and 1:30–7:30 p.m.; Fri 6 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2–7:30 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.–2 p.m.; closed Sundays

Fees: Approximately $5 adults / $3 children per visit (verify with Newport News Parks & Recreation)

Ages: All ages — lap swim, family swim, and water fitness

Features: 50-meter competition pool with 10 lanes, 14-foot diving well, three-meter and one-meter diving boards. Offers lap swimming, water fitness classes, family swim sessions, and swim lessons.

Family tips: This is the best year-round indoor swimming option on the Peninsula. While it is primarily a lap and competition facility, family swim sessions are available at specific times. If you are a military family PCSing to Langley, Fort Eustis, or Joint Base Langley-Eustis, this is a reliable option for keeping the kids in the water even during the off-season.

Hours: Indoor facility: Mon–Wed 7 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Thu–Fri 6 a.m.–6 p.m. (hours vary); Sat 6 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun 12–6 p.m. Outdoor SplashDown Park: Memorial Day through Labor Day

Fees: Membership-based facility with daily passes available for the public at the front desk. Separate fees for indoor facility and outdoor SplashDown Park.

Ages: All ages — the outdoor park has family-friendly features

Features: Indoor facility includes a 50-meter competition pool and 25-yard program pool. The seasonal outdoor SplashDown Park features two waterslides, a lazy river, and a play structure.

Family tips: The Aquaplex is one of the best-kept secrets on the Peninsula. The outdoor SplashDown Park is perfect for families who want a waterpark-lite experience without the price tag and crowds of the big commercial parks. Group discounts are available for parties of 10+. Military families should check with MWR for discounted rates.

Hours: Seasonal — typically Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check JEB Little Creek MWR for schedule

Fees: Military ID or authorized access required. Nominal fee for military-affiliated patrons.

Ages: All ages — seven water slides plus a dedicated splash park for children

Features: Seven waterslides of varying thrill levels, a children's splash park, and a family-friendly pool area.

Family tips: If you have military access, this is one of the best waterpark values in the Hampton Roads area. The facility is well-maintained and far less crowded than Water Country USA. The mix of slides and splash areas means there is something for every age. This is a must-visit for any military family stationed in the area.

Hours: Seasonal — summer months. Typically Tuesday–Saturday, noon–6 p.m. during peak season. Check petersburgva.gov for current schedule

Fees: Free or nominal admission (verify with City of Petersburg Parks & Recreation)

Ages: All ages

Features: Petersburg's only public swimming pool — an outdoor community pool serving the Tri-Cities area.

Family tips: This is a beloved community staple that has served Petersburg families for decades. The city invested in renovations ahead of the 2025 summer season. Because it is Petersburg's only public pool, it can get busy on hot days. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting, as the schedule can shift week to week.

Hours: Seasonal — check Fort Gregg-Adams MWR for current schedule

Fees: Military ID or authorized access required. Nominal fee for authorized patrons.

Ages: All ages

Features: Outdoor pool facility serving the military community at Fort Gregg-Adams.

Family tips: If you are stationed at or near Fort Gregg-Adams, the MWR pool is your go-to summer water spot. The military community here is tight-knit, and pool days are a great way to meet other families. Check with your unit or MWR for swim lesson schedules and special events like pool parties.

Hours: Year-round; hours vary by program. Check swimrichmond.org

Fees: $10 day pass

Ages: All ages

Features: Indoor competition pool and warm therapy pool. Offers lap swim, open swim, swim lessons, and water fitness.

Family tips: SwimRVA's CSAC facility is the go-to year-round indoor pool for families across the metro area. The $10 day pass is reasonable, and the warm therapy pool is great for young children who are still getting comfortable in the water. Swim lessons are offered at all skill levels — a popular choice for military families who want their kids to learn to swim right after a move.

Families in Smithfield and Isle of Wight County can reach several excellent water play options within 20–40 minutes:

• Brittingham-Midtown Aquatic Center (Newport News) — year-round indoor pool, about 20 minutes east
• Hampton Aquaplex & SplashDown Park (Hampton) — outdoor slides and lazy river, about 25 minutes northeast
• Chickahominy Riverfront Park (James City County) — splash pad and pool, about 30 minutes north
• Windsor Castle Park (Smithfield) — a beautiful riverside park with playgrounds, walking trails, and open fields for picnics; while it does not have a splash pad, it is a wonderful family outing spot to pair with a trip to one of the nearby pools

Family tip: Smithfield's charming downtown has local restaurants and shops that are perfect for a post-swim stroll. The Smithfield Historic District along Main Street is walkable and family-friendly, with ice cream shops and bakeries that make a great reward after a water day.

Amelia families can reach these water play options within 25–45 minutes:

• Pocahontas State Park Aquatic Center (Chesterfield) — water slides, multiple pools, and a toddler area, about 30 minutes northeast
• Beulah Park Splash Pad (Chesterfield) — free splash pad, about 35 minutes northeast
• Richmond City Pools — seven free outdoor pools, about 35–45 minutes northeast
• SwimRVA at CSAC (Richmond) — year-round indoor pool with a $10 day pass, about 40 minutes northeast

Family tip: Amelia's rural location means drives of 30–45 minutes to the nearest water facilities, so plan accordingly. Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks for the drive, and consider making it a full-day outing at Pocahontas State Park, which has hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds in addition to the aquatic center.

Goochland families can access several options within a short drive:

• Henrico spray parks (Short Pump Park, Twin Hickory Park) — just 15–25 minutes east, these are the closest free splash pads
• Pocahontas State Park Aquatic Center (Chesterfield) — about 35–40 minutes south
• Soak City at Kings Dominion (Doswell) — about 25–30 minutes north, included with park admission
• Richmond City Pools — seven free outdoor pools, about 25–35 minutes east

Family tip: Goochland's western location along Route 250 makes the Short Pump corridor and its spray parks the most convenient option for water play. On a hot summer day, you can be from central Goochland to Twin Hickory Park's splash ground in about 20 minutes. If you are looking at homes in Goochland, you will love the rural peace and quiet — just know that your splash pad trips will be slightly longer drives than your neighbors in Henrico.

Hours: Opens Memorial Day weekend, typically through Labor Day. Hours generally 11 a.m.–7 p.m. but vary by date. Check kingsdominion.com

Fees: Included with Kings Dominion general admission. Tickets typically $50–$90+ depending on date. Children 2 and under free; eligible children ages 3–5 may qualify for a free Pre-K Pass. Discounted tickets available through military MWR.

Ages: All ages — thrill slides, family rides, and dedicated kids' splash areas

Features: A 20-acre waterpark with multiple waterslides, a lazy river, wave pools, interactive play structures, splash pads, and tube rides.

Family tips: Soak City is included with your Kings Dominion admission, so it is a solid two-in-one value — theme park rides in the morning, waterpark in the afternoon. Download the park app to track wait times and find attractions. Bring rash guards for kids to protect against the sun. Arrive early for the best seating in the waterpark area. Military families can get discounted tickets through MWR — check before paying full price.