With temperatures heating up, there is no better time to check out pools, splash parks, spray grounds and swimming facilities in the Annapolis/Washington, D.C. area. These fun places offer a safe way for preschoolers and older kids to keep cool.
If you want to find a place where you don’t have to worry about your little one wading into deep waters, check out the nine parks below for the 6 and under set.
Ellen E. Linson Splash Park, College Park
This park has a large splash pool with tipping buckets, spray features and floating alligators. Plus, you can find two toddler slides that empty into 2 feet of water. The beachfront entry makes it easy for little swimmers to get wet, and a separate wading pool with a spray whale is perfect for tots who like a quieter experience.
Older kids can use the main pool with a lily pad crossing, larger slide and six lap lanes. There’s also an aqua climbing wall.
Lockers, vending machines, changing rooms, umbrellas and lounge chairs are all available.
Admission: Adults, $6 for PG County residents, $8 for non-residents; ages 3-17 and seniors, $5 for residents, $7 for non-residents; children 2 and under, free
Address: 5211 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740
301-277-3717
Website
Cove Point Park Pool, Lusby
This partially shaded toddler pool offers a zero-depth entry wading pool with spouting whale and fountains for splashing. Older siblings will enjoy the windy waterslides in the main pool.
Concession stand is on-site with a playground nearby.
Admission: Resident Adults, $9; residents ages 3-17, $6; Non-resident Adults, $12; non-residents ages 3-17, $9
Hours: Weekdays 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Weekends 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m
Address: 750 Cove Point Road, Cove Point Park, Lusby, MD 20657
410-394-6248
Website
North Arundel Aquatic Center, Glen Burnie
Beat the heat by heading to this indoor water park. Little ones can zip down the toddler water slide, tip water buckets, splash in spouting fountains or play with the interactive built-in toys — all in a zero-entry wading pool. Special preschool swim times ensure a calm and kid-friendly experience. Children must be 3 or older and toilet-trained.
Admission: Adults, $8 for Anne Arundel County residents, $12 for non-residents; ages 17 and younger, $6 for residents, $10 for non-residents.
Facility Hours: open year-round, excluding holidays; Monday- Friday: 6:00am – 7:30pm; Saturday & Sunday: 8:00am – 4:00pm. Water Park tickets are issued for each session (first come, first served) and the maximum capacity is 125 patrons. To purchase admission to the water park, please make an account at ActiveNet and purchase tickets here.
- Session 1: 11:00am – 12:30pm
- Session 2: 12:45pm – 2:15pm
- Session 3: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
- Session 4: 4:15pm-5:45pm
Address: 7888 Crain Highway South, Glen Burnie, MD 21061
410-222-0090
Website
The Yards Park and Fountains, Washington, D.C.
This outdoor park has water fun just right for toddlers. There is an 11-inch deep canal that flows into a lower level with waterfalls where tykes can play in a tunnel of dancing fountains. Children younger than 6 must be within arm’s reach of an adult, including in the water.
Admission: Free
Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: 355 Water Street SE, Washington, DC 20003; Accessible via Navy Yards Metro, or parking fees starting at $2/hour up to 3 hours.
Website
Looking for fun ideas during the summer? Check out our 100 Days of Summer for a idea for every day of summer.
