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The Water Mine water park in Reston, VA
Quick answer
The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole is a park or outdoor outing in Reston, VA for toddlers, ages 4 to 6, and ages 7 to 10. Free admission applies only to the listed ages. Details were checked on July 24, 2026 using the official source from Fairfax County Park Authority Water Mine.
Full family water park with toddler areas, a lazy river, larger slides, an interactive water playground, and enough variety for siblings at different ages.
- Hours
- Jun 20 to Aug 2, Weekdays 11 AM to 6 PM, Weekend 10 AM to 6 PM, Aug 3 to Aug 23 daily 11 AM to 6 PM
- Admission
- County weekdays $14.25 to $17.25, County weekends $15.25 to $18.25, Noncounty $20 to $22, Age 2 and under free
- Bathrooms
- Yes, Locker rooms, family restrooms, and changing areas, Quarter operated lockers
- Parking
- Several free onsite Lake Fairfax lots, Estimated capacity: 450–600 spaces (several marked Lake Fairfax lots nearest the waterpark)
- Reservations
- Advance tickets recommended, Tickets released two weeks ahead each Wednesday, Arrive early on hot weekends, Can reach capacity
- Stroller friendly
- Yes
- Good for
- All ages · Reston, VA
- Address
- 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr, Reston, VA 20190
- Phone
- 703-246-5929
- Planning note
- These are the main summer hours from June 20 through August 2. Later season hours vary and weather can close the water park.
What works by age
- 0 to 1 years Low to moderate energy
The gentler younger child water area can support a short closely supervised visit.
- 1 to 3 years High energy
The tot spray area and gentle pond support repeated water movement with an adult within reach.
- 4 to 6 years High energy
Interactive water play and selected slides provide sustained movement with active adult supervision.
- 7 to 10 years High energy
Larger slides and the lazy river create enough variety for a longer water park visit.
Will this work for your family?
- Best for
- A full summer water outing for siblings at different stages when the family can arrive early and manage active water supervision.
- Choose something else when
- Choose a free sprayground when the ticket cost, capacity risk, or full water park logistics outweigh the need for larger attractions.
- Arrival plan
- Buy tickets ahead and arrive before opening on hot weekends. The county says lines can start 30 to 45 minutes early, and the park can reach capacity.
- Sibling fit
- The younger areas, slides, and lazy river cover several ages, but adults may need to divide supervision by swimming ability.
Do this: Three Water Zones
Estimated duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Start at Tenderfoot Pond or the tot spray area so younger children can settle into the water at their own pace.
- Choose one thing everyone can enjoy together, such as the lazy river, then split up for bigger slides only if another adult can stay with younger children.
- Finish with one last gentle water stop, then change into dry clothes and have a drink before wrapping up for lunch or the next errand.
Bring: Swimsuits, Towels, Water, Sun protection, Dry clothes, Swim diapers when needed, Advance tickets, Quarters for a locker
Easy exit: When the kids have had enough, choose one last gentle water stop, change into dry clothes, and wrap up for lunch or the next errand.
Quick parent answers
Does the Water Mine work for toddlers and older siblings?
Yes, but only with a clear supervision plan. The tot areas fit younger children while larger slides and the lazy river serve older children.
What is the biggest planning risk?
Capacity on hot weekends is the main risk. Advance tickets and early arrival reduce the chance of reaching the entrance after admission pauses.
Is there a sensory friendly Water Mine time?
The remaining published 2026 session is Tuesday, August 18 from 10 to 11 AM. It uses limited capacity and reduced sounds, and regular admission applies.
Before you go
2026 hours and prices
From June 20 through August 2, The Water Mine opens weekdays from 11 AM to 6 PM and weekends from 10 AM to 6 PM. From August 3 through August 23, it opens daily from 11 AM to 6 PM. Fairfax County admission is $14.25 to $18.25 based on height and visit day. Noncounty admission is $20 on weekdays and $22 on weekends and holidays. Children age 2 and younger enter free. Every other person pays admission, including adults who do not plan to swim.
What works for younger children
Tenderfoot Pond has a pint sized slide and gentle bubblers, and the tot spray area adds smaller interactive water features. Children under 48 inches cannot use the three story slides or Box Canyon ropes course. A parent or other guardian age 16 or older must join them on Big Pete, Little Pete, and the lazy river. Children under 10 need direct supervision from a paying guardian age 16 or older.
Tickets, crowds, and arrival timing
Advance tickets are released on a rolling two week schedule every Wednesday. Weekends and holidays are the busiest, and the county says entrance lines can begin 30 to 45 minutes before opening. The park can stop admitting guests when it reaches capacity, so buying tickets ahead and arriving early is worth the effort on a hot weekend. Admission sales are final.
Bathrooms, lockers, food, and parking
The water park has locker rooms, family restrooms, changing areas, and quarter operated lockers that cost 25 cents each time the key is removed. Outside food is allowed, and food is also sold inside. Glass, alcohol, grills, open flames, personal floats, and unapproved life jackets are not allowed. Lake Fairfax has several free onsite parking areas.
Weather and an easier alternative
Thunder or lightning clears the water for at least 30 minutes after the last occurrence. The park may also open late or close early because of weather, emergencies, or capacity. If a full water park day feels like too much, use the free Lake Fairfax playground, picnic areas, and trails instead. That gives the family a real outing without paying admission or waiting for the water park.
Sensory friendly time and group planning
The remaining published sensory friendly session is Tuesday, August 18 from 10 to 11 AM. It uses limited capacity, reduced sounds, trained staff, and turns off louder water features; regular admission still applies. Groups of 20 or more must reserve a rental area, and rental fees do not include admission. Current group admission is $13.50 county or $14.50 noncounty on weekdays and $15.75 county or $16.75 noncounty on weekends and holidays. Send the guest list at least two days before the reservation.
What parents are saying
Families like having a gentle tot area, bigger slides, and a lazy river in the same water park. Hot weekends can reach capacity, so advance tickets and an early arrival prevent the hardest kind of parking lot disappointment.
Parent questions
How much is The Water Mine in 2026?
Fairfax County admission costs $14.25 to $18.25 based on height and visit day. Noncounty admission is $20 on weekdays and $22 on weekends and holidays. Children age 2 and younger enter free.
Is The Water Mine good for toddlers?
Yes. Tenderfoot Pond and the tot spray area are designed for younger children. Keep in mind that children under 48 inches cannot use the three story slides or Box Canyon ropes course.
Should families buy Water Mine tickets ahead?
Yes, especially for weekends and holidays. Tickets are released on a rolling two week schedule every Wednesday, and the park can stop admitting guests when it reaches capacity.
Does The Water Mine have bathrooms and lockers?
Yes. It has locker rooms, family restrooms, changing areas, and quarter operated lockers. A locker costs 25 cents each time the key is removed.
Can families bring food into The Water Mine?
Yes. Outside food is allowed, but glass, alcohol, grills, open flames, and knives are prohibited. Food is also sold inside the water park.
Is parking free at The Water Mine?
Yes. Lake Fairfax Park has several free onsite parking areas. Arrive early on hot weekends because Water Mine entrance lines and the nearby lots get busier before opening.
What can families do if The Water Mine is full?
Use the free Lake Fairfax playground, picnic areas, or trails for an easier park outing, or choose a nearby free sprayground if water play is still the goal.
Does The Water Mine offer a sensory friendly session?
Yes. The remaining published 2026 session is Tuesday, August 18 from 10 to 11 AM with limited capacity, reduced sounds, trained staff, and louder water features turned off. Regular admission applies.
What changes for a Water Mine group of 20 or more?
The group must reserve a rental area, pay admission separately, and send a guest list at least two days before the reservation. Group admission varies by residency and day.
Official website for Fairfax County Park Authority Water Mine