Beat the Summer Heat in Arlington

When the summer sun starts turning up the heat, Arlington has just the right mix of cool escapes and warm-weather fun to keep your spirits high and your temperatures low!

Stay cool this summer with a visit to a local pool or splash pad or get creative by visiting a wide array of indoor attractions and facilities.

Pictured | Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center

Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center

Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center is an Arlington County facility dedicated to all things wellness. The best part about Long Bridge? The pools! There’s something for everyone. The 50-meter pool is perfect for cool workouts, the spas are there to relax, and the leisure pool is perfect for family fun. It’s got a lazy river, indoor sprayground and best of all – a slide! Check ahead to see what’s open and set up. There are also options for water basketball and volleyball. Learn more here.

Spraygrounds

No matter where you're staying, there probably is a park nearby to cool off with water fun. Arlington has spraygrounds – think playgrounds with squirting water – at Drew Park, Hayes Park, Lyon Village Park and Virginia Highlands Park. Kids 8 to 80 love the interactive water features at Mosaic Park and Penrose Square.

Pro tip: Check out Echo, the public art piece created by Richard Deutsch in the square to see how your voice is magically projected. Wear water shoes and come prepared to get wet.

Learn more about spraygrounds and find the one nearest you here.

Another wet option in Arlington is Ocean Dunes Waterpark, part of NOVA Park's Upton Hills Regional Park.

Credit | Arlington County Parks and Recreation

Keep Cool in Nature

Commune with nature and history in Arlington’s three nature centers: Long Branch, Gulf Branch, and Potomac Overlook nature centers, which include indoor and outdoor exhibits and trails.

Fort C.F. Smith Visitor Center is nestled within a beautiful park near the Potomac River and has interesting exhibits about Arlington’s rich Civil War past.

Credit | Arlington County Parks and Recreation

Indoor Excitement

If you're looking to stay out of the sun completely, make sure to visit any one of Arlington's museums. Whether you're a history buff, art fanatic, or are looking for something truly unique (think the DEA Museum), Arlington has something for all to see.

Nothing says cooling off like indoor ice skating! MedStar Capitals Iceplex is open year-round and offers active fun for the whole family. Blow off some steam where the 2018 Stanley Cup winning Washington Capitals practice during hockey season.