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Potomac Yard Park playground and interactive fountain guide
Quick answer
Potomac Yard Park and Interactive Fountain is a park or outdoor outing in Alexandria, VA for toddlers, ages 4 to 6, and ages 7 to 10. Admission is free. Details were checked on July 24, 2026 using the official source from City of Alexandria Potomac Yard Park.
A free Alexandria park with two playgrounds around a 36-jet seasonal fountain, four pickleball courts, two tennis courts, basketball, volleyball, picnic space, and lit trails. The fountain has no lifeguard and children 12 and under need adult supervision.
- Hours
- Park daily sunrise to sunset, Promenade trail and lit courts open until 10 PM, Fountain 10 AM-9 PM Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, Fountain 10 AM-8 PM after Labor Day through about mid-October
- Admission
- Free park and fountain entry
- Bathrooms
- No dedicated park restroom listed on the official page, Plan a bathroom stop
- Parking
- Street parking and nearby Metro, About 30 to 45 legal curb spaces estimated within one block from Google Maps in July 2026, Check posted limits, Estimated capacity: 30–45 spaces (legal curb spaces within about one block)
- Reservations
- No reservation for an ordinary visit, Check the exact park page for fountain status, Water shoes and swim diapers required when applicable
- Stroller friendly
- Yes
- Good for
- Two playgrounds, courts, trails, and seasonal water play
- Address
- 2501 Potomac Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
- Phone
- 703-746-5598
- Planning note
- The park is open sunrise to sunset. The promenade trail and lit courts stay open until 10 PM. The fountain runs 10 AM to 9 PM from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, then 10 AM to 8 PM through approximately mid-October.
What works by age
- Ages 1 to 3 High energy
Toddlers can use the younger playground equipment and seasonal fountain with close supervision.
- Ages 4 to 6 High energy
Children can combine playground time with water play or a short trail walk.
- Ages 7 to 10 High energy
Older children can add courts, biking, or a longer trail section.
Will this work for your family?
- Best for
- A free outdoor outing with playgrounds and optional seasonal water play.
- Choose something else when
- Choose another park when the fountain is the main promise and its status is not confirmed.
- Arrival plan
- Check the exact park page for the fountain status, then use the fountain and two adjacent playgrounds as one compact plan. Read curb parking signs before leaving the car.
- Sibling fit
- The playgrounds, courts, and trail give different ages more than one option.
Do this: Playground First, Fountain If Open
Estimated duration: 60 to 90 minutes
- Start with dry playground time.
- Use the fountain only if the city confirms it is open.
- Finish with water and the shortest comfortable walk back to the car or Metro.
Bring: Water, Sun protection, Nonslip water shoes, A swim diaper when needed, Towel and dry clothes if using the fountain
Easy exit: Skip the trail and return after one final playground turn if the family is ready.
Quick parent answers
When is the Potomac Yard fountain open?
The city publishes 10 AM to 9 PM from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, then 10 AM to 8 PM through approximately mid-October. Check the exact park page for changes.
Does this work without the fountain?
Yes. The fountain sits between two playgrounds, and the park also has four pickleball courts, two tennis courts, basketball, volleyball, picnic space, and trails.
Is there a lifeguard?
No. Adult supervision is required at all times for children 12 and under.
What does a child need for water play?
Appropriate swimwear and nonslip water shoes are required. Children who are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers.
Is there a restroom?
The official park page does not list one, so plan a bathroom stop before or after the visit.
Before you go
Fountain hours and season
The Potomac Yard Park Interactive Fountain is free and normally runs 10 AM to 9 PM from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, then 10 AM to 8 PM through approximately mid-October. Check the exact city park page before leaving because operating status can change.
Two playgrounds and 36 water jets
The fountain has 36 water jets, three programmed sequences, wind sensors, and lighting, and it sits between two playgrounds. That makes it possible to pair wet and dry play without moving the car. The park also lists four pickleball courts, two tennis courts, basketball, volleyball, picnic space, bicycling, and walking and running trails.
Park hours versus lit courts and trail
The general park is open sunrise to sunset. The promenade trail and lit tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts remain open until 10 PM. Those later court and trail hours do not extend the fountain schedule.
Water-play supervision and gear
There is no lifeguard. Children 12 and under need adult supervision at all times. Appropriate swimwear and nonslip water shoes are required, and children who are not toilet trained need swim diapers. Food, drinks, glass, pets, bikes, skates, beach furniture, and water toys are prohibited in the fountain area.
Bathroom and parking reality
The official park page does not list a dedicated restroom, so plan a bathroom stop. The city also does not publish a parking capacity. A July 2026 Google Maps satellite estimate found about 30 to 45 legal curb spaces within one block; read posted limits because construction and restrictions can change supply. Potomac Yard Metro is another arrival option.
What parents are saying
The fountain sits between two playgrounds, so families can switch to dry play without moving the car. Check the exact park page before promising water, bring water shoes and a swim diaper when needed, and plan a bathroom stop because the official page does not list a park restroom.
Parent questions
What are the Potomac Yard Park fountain hours?
The city publishes 10 AM to 9 PM from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, then 10 AM to 8 PM through approximately mid-October.
Is the Potomac Yard Park fountain free?
Yes. Fountain and general park entry are free.
How many playgrounds are at Potomac Yard Park?
The interactive fountain sits between two playgrounds.
Does the fountain have a lifeguard?
No. Children 12 and under require adult supervision at all times.
Are water shoes and swim diapers required?
Yes. Nonslip water shoes are required, and children who are not toilet trained need swim diapers.
Does Potomac Yard Park have a restroom?
The official park page does not list a dedicated restroom, so families should plan a bathroom stop.
How many parking spaces are available?
The city does not publish a count. A July 2026 Google Maps satellite estimate found about 30 to 45 legal curb spaces within one block.