Outdoor water parks near DC will soon be opening up, and they'll be just in time—summer in the DC area often brings stifling heat and sticky humidity. From calm misters and lazy rivers to thrilling wave pools and water slides, these outdoor water parks near DC offer plenty of fun ways for kids of all ages—and their grown-ups—to cool off.

Here are 15 great outdoor water parks in Northern Virginia and Maryland that will keep families splashing, sliding, and laughing all summer long. For more fun ways to beat the heat outdoors, check out our lists of free public swimming pools, parks with beaches, and splash pads, splash parks, and water playgrounds near DC. Find even more thrills in our DC Theme Parks and Water Parks Guide.

Universal Orlando is expanding its universe with Epic Universe —the new theme park scheduled to open in 2025. Orlando residents and visitors alike are anxiously awaiting the opening of this fantastic attraction, Universal's first entirely new theme park since Islands of Adventure opened in 2001. Steve Tatham, Executive Creative Director of Universal Epic Universe, indicated recently on a podcast that construction will end soon, and the new theme park is set to open at the beginning of next year.

Keep reading for a sneak peek into Epic Universe, as well as new attractions coming to Universal Orlando Resort!

Atlanta has great public swimming pools, in addition to Swimming Lakes and Beaches Near Atlanta, fun for families and perfect for summer temps. Many of these local swimming pools feature diving boards, water slides, and splash pads for little ones, making them more engaging than typical swim/tennis neighborhood pools. And did you know certain Atlanta hotel pools offer swimtime without requiring an overnight stay?! Several Atlanta hotels offer day passes to enjoy the posh amenities. 

Many of the public swimming pools near Atlanta listed here have set times for open swim sessions, so be sure to check the schedule and pool rules. For more ways to cool off this summer, check out 40 Ways to Beat the Heat in Atlanta and 16 Great Spraygrounds and Splash Pads in Atlanta for Kids. 

Play cafes in Westchester offer something for both you and the kids: Kids can have some fun while you enjoy coffee or a bite to eat. Check out our roundup below of great options that will satisfy you and your kiddos. 

Looking for even more places to take the whole family? Check out our kid-friendly restaurant guide. 

The best Long Island swimming pools include spots in Nassau, Suffolk, and East End where everyone in the family can cool off and splash around.

We've rounded up this list of swimming pools across Long Island that are ready to welcome swimmers this summer 2024. Looking for more things to do this summer? Don't forget to bookmark our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide, which is packed with fun that's sure to keep you cool all season long.

Looking for some fun along with your food? From knights and horses to pirates to magicians, there are plenty of themed restaurants in Los Angeles that offer interactive dinner shows for the entire family—after all, this is the entertainment capital of the world! You might land in the middle of a recreated land or find yourself with dinner shows served on the side—every single one of these spots will make your next family meal a bit more magical.

Check out our restaurant guide for more kid-friendly eating experiences in Los Angeles, including restaurants where kids can play while parents eat, gorgeous restaurants with outdoor dining, and even mouth-watering treats that dazzle kids of all ages.

It can get hard to beat the heat during Chicago's summer months, and this weekend is looking to be a scorcher. We know little ones still need to get out of the house, so keep this list handy and you'll keep cool. We’ve rounded up the ultimate list of beaches, pools, splash pads, and indoor air-conditioned things to do to beat the heat in Chicago. From swimming to splashing and all the great local indoor play spaces and museums, this guide has our favorite ways to take a break, cool off, and have fun.

Check out our Summer Fun Guide for Chicago Kids for more summer activities in Chicago,

Quassy Amusement & Waterpark is one of the oldest and best destinations for kids for some summertime fun. Much loved by everyone, Quassy Park has something for every member of the family from carnival rides, to water play to just playing on the beach. Set on the beautiful shores of Lake Quassapaug, this Connecticut Amusement Park is the perfect spot for a day of family fun! 

For other great places to play, check out our picks for the Best New England Theme Parks for Kids and Families!