Family Fun at Ocean Dunes Waterpark in Arlington Virginia
- Austin Family Adventures
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
Ocean Dunes Waterpark at Upton Hill Regional Park checks so many boxes, especially for families in Northern Virginia looking for a fun outdoor day without planning a full vacation.
Located in Arlington at Upton Hill Regional Park, Ocean Dunes is one of five NOVA Parks waterparks. It has big slides for older kids, gentle water areas for little ones, a splash pad, a lap pool, shaded seating, and easy add-ons nearby like mini golf and batting cages.
If you are comparing waterpark NoVa Virginia options for a summer day trip, this guide covers what to expect, admission, hours, kid-friendly features, food, parking, and tips for making the day smoother.
For a closer look at the waterpark layout and family-friendly highlights, watch the Ocean Dunes Waterpark reel.
What makes Ocean Dunes Waterpark a good family pick
Ocean Dunes feels like the kind of waterpark that works well for a half-day or full-day outing. It is not so huge that families spend the day walking from one end to the other, but it still has enough variety to keep kids busy.
The waterpark includes:
A splash pad with a smaller slide
Two large water slides
A baby wading pool
A lap pool
A leisure pool
Lounge chairs and umbrellas
Lifeguards stationed throughout the park
That mix is helpful if you are visiting with children at different stages. Toddlers can stay in the baby wading pool or splash pad. Older kids who meet the height requirement can ride the larger slides.
The setting also helps. Since Ocean Dunes sits inside Upton Hill Regional Park, it is easy to turn the visit into a bigger outing. Mini golf, batting cages, trails, and Climb UPton, the park’s climbing course, are all nearby. That makes it a strong pick for families, especially when the goal is a simple summer day close to home.
Hours and seasonal schedule
Ocean Dunes follows a seasonal summer schedule, and the hours shift near the end of August.
From now through August 23, the waterpark schedule is:
Days | Hours |
Monday through Thursday | 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
Friday through Sunday | 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. |
Starting August 24 through September 4, Labor Day, the waterpark is closed on weekdays and open only on weekends.
Days | Hours |
Weekends only | 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
Because waterpark schedules can change due to weather, staffing, or private events, it is smart to check the official schedule before loading the car. This is especially true late in the season, when weekday closures begin.
Admission prices for Ocean Dunes Waterpark
Admission is based on the day of the week, height, and time of entry. Children under age 2 are free.
Admission type | Price |
Weekdays, individuals over 48 inches | $17.50 |
Weekdays, individuals under 42 inches | $14.00 |
Weekdays after 4:00 p.m., everyone | $11.50 |
Weekends, individuals over 48 inches | $19.50 |
Weekends, individuals under 48 inches | $16.00 |
Children under age 2 | Free |
The weekday after-4:00 p.m. rate can be a nice option if you want a shorter, cheaper visit. It works especially well for families with younger kids who do not need a full day in the sun.
What kids can do at the waterpark
Ocean Dunes works best when kids can move between water areas depending on their age, confidence, and energy level.
The splash pad is great for younger kids
The splash pad is one of the easiest areas for little kids. It has interactive water play and a smaller slide, so children who are not ready for the big attractions can still feel like they are doing something exciting.
This is also a good place to start the day. Kids can ease into the water, caregivers can get a feel for the layout, and everyone can settle in before heading to deeper or busier areas.
The baby wading pool gives toddlers their own space
The baby wading pool is helpful for families with infants and toddlers. It gives younger children a separate space where they can splash without being surrounded by older kids racing between attractions.Swim diapers are allowed, which makes the park more practical for families with toddlers.
The larger slides are for kids 48 inches and taller
Ocean Dunes has two large slides, and riders must be 48 inches tall to go down them. This is one of the most important details to know before you go.
The lap pool and leisure pool add flexibility
The lap pool and leisure pool give families more room to spread out. Older kids may enjoy having space to swim, while adults may appreciate a calmer area between slide runs and splash pad time.
As always, stay close to kids in the water, even with lifeguards present. The lifeguards add an important layer of safety, but they do not replace active caregiver supervision.
Parking, seating, and shade
Ocean Dunes has a large parking lot, which is a major perk for families carrying towels, goggles, sunscreen, snacks, and backup clothes. Arriving earlier in the day can still make parking and seating easier, especially on weekends.
Inside the park, umbrellas and shaded lounge chairs are available. Shade can go quickly on hot days, so it helps to arrive near opening if you want a better chance at a comfortable home base.
Food, drinks, and what to bring
Ocean Dunes has a small cafe where families can buy simple kid-friendly food and treats. Expect items like ice cream, nuggets, fries, and similar quick options.
You are allowed to bring water bottles into the park.
Near the entrance, there is also a small retail area that sells useful swim-day items, including:
Swimsuits
Water shoes
Goggles
Towels
Sunscreen
This is helpful if someone forgets an essential item, but it is still better to pack before you leave home. Waterpark prices can add up, and not every size or style may be available.
A simple packing list for families
Check out our waterpark essential list here: https://a.co/d/0461KP89
Bring the basics, then keep them easy to reach:
Swimsuits worn under clothes
Towels for each person
Water bottles
Sunscreen
Water shoes or sandals
Goggles
Swim diapers, if needed
Dry clothes for the ride home
Plastic bag for wet items
Hat or cover-up for breaks
Phone pouch or waterproof bag
A stroller can also be helpful if you have a toddler, even if they will spend most of the time in the water. It gives you a place to store supplies and gives little ones a rest spot.
Things to do nearby at Upton Hill Regional Park
One of the best parts of visiting Ocean Dunes is that it is not the only activity at Upton Hill Regional Park. If your family has extra energy, or if part of your group wants to do something dry, there are several nearby options.
Mini golf
Mini golf is an easy add-on before or after the waterpark. It is usually best for kids who can handle a little walking and waiting their turn, though younger kids can still enjoy it with relaxed expectations.
Batting cages
The batting cages are a fun pick for older kids, teens, and adults. If you have sports-loving kids, this can be a great way to extend the outing without making another drive.
Trails
The trails at Upton Hill Regional Park give families a quieter option. They are best before waterpark time or on a separate visit, since most kids will not want a walk after hours in the pool.
Climb UPton
Climb UPton is the park’s climbing course. It can be a memorable add-on for adventurous kids and adults, but check age, height, weight, and ticket rules before planning your day around it.
If you want to combine activities, think about energy levels. For many families, the easiest plan is waterpark first, then one simple add-on if everyone still feels good.
NOVA Waterpark annual passes
Ocean Dunes is part of the NOVA Parks system, which includes five waterparks. Families who plan to visit more than once may want to look at the NOVA waterpark annual pass.
Pass holder perks include:
Access to all five NOVA Parks waterparks
5% discount on food, beverages, and retail
Early entry to the waterpark all summer long
Bring a Friend for Free days from 3:00 p.m. to close
The annual pass makes the most sense for families who live nearby, have flexible summer schedules, or want to rotate between different NOVA waterparks. It may also be useful if you have kids who would rather do several shorter visits than one long waterpark day.
Before buying, compare the pass cost with how many visits you realistically expect to make. If you will go often, the perks can add real value.
A sample family plan for Ocean Dunes
If it is your first visit, keep the day simple. Here is an easy plan that works for many families.
Arrive close to opening and park without rushing. Head inside, choose a shaded base if available, and apply sunscreen before kids jump into the water.
Start at the splash pad or leisure pool so everyone can warm up. If older kids meet the 48-inch height rule, take turns visiting the large slides. Keep younger kids happy with the smaller slide, wading pool, and splash areas.
Pause for water and snacks before lunch or mid-afternoon. If you plan to buy food, the cafe is there for easy kid-friendly options like nuggets, fries, and ice cream.
After a break, do one more round of favorite attractions.
FAQ
Where is Ocean Dunes Waterpark?
Ocean Dunes Waterpark is located at Upton Hill Regional Park in Arlington, Virginia. It is part of the NOVA Parks system.
Are water bottles allowed inside Ocean Dunes?
Yes. Water bottles are allowed inside the park, which is helpful for staying hydrated on hot summer days.
Is Ocean Dunes good for toddlers?
Yes. The baby wading pool, splash pad, and smaller slide make it a good option for toddlers and younger kids. Swim diapers are allowed.
How tall do kids need to be for the large slides?
Kids must be 48 inches tall to ride the larger slides at Ocean Dunes.
Does Ocean Dunes have food?
Yes. There is a small cafe that sells items such as ice cream, nuggets, fries, and other quick waterpark foods.
The takeaway for families
Ocean Dunes Waterpark is a strong choice for a summer family outing in Northern Virginia because it keeps the day simple. There is parking, shade, lifeguards, water play for different ages, food on site, and extra activities nearby at Upton Hill Regional Park.
For the smoothest visit, check the seasonal hours before you go, arrive early if you want shade, bring water bottles, and set expectations around the 48-inch slide rule. With those basics covered, Ocean Dunes can be an easy, fun, and very manageable waterpark day for families.
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