Great Waves Waterpark 2026: Tickets, Hours, Prices & Map
Great Waves Waterpark is the NOVA Parks outdoor waterpark at Cameron Run Regional Park in Alexandria, Virginia. It is a strong summer choice for families from Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, Loudoun, Washington DC, Maryland and the wider Northern Virginia area who want a local wave pool, slides, kids play, mini golf and batting-cage add-ons without booking a resort stay.
This guide answers the real user intent behind “Great Waves Waterpark”: 2026 hours, ticket prices, jurisdiction vs non-jurisdiction rates, after-4PM weekday admission, annual waterpark passes, group rates, cabanas, attractions, food, map, parking-style planning, what to do first and whether the Play All Day Pass is worth it.
Quick answer: Great Waves Waterpark is at 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304. For 2026, NOVA Parks lists opening on Memorial Day Weekend, May 23–25, 11AM–7PM. Main summer hours are June 13–August 23, with Monday–Thursday 11AM–6PM and Friday–Sunday 11AM–7PM. Daily tickets are purchased on-site, on the day of visit; NOVA Parks states there are no online or advance daily ticket sales.
What Visitors Really Need to Know About Great Waves
Most visitors are not just asking “is Great Waves open?” They are trying to avoid arriving on a closed weekday, paying the wrong jurisdiction rate, expecting online tickets that do not exist, missing the after-4PM weekday option, or buying a regular waterpark ticket when the Play All Day Pass would better fit mini golf and batting cages.
Ticket intent
Daily admission is on-site only, with different rates for jurisdiction and non-jurisdiction visitors, height categories, seniors and after-4PM weekday visits.
Hours intent
The 2026 calendar changes by date range. Some weekdays are closed, some weekends are open, and late-season weekday closures matter.
Map intent
Families need the Cameron Run address, Google Map, first-hour route and whether to combine the waterpark with mini golf or batting cages.
Great Waves Trip Picker
Choose your visit style and group. This does not replace official hours, but it gives a practical plan before you drive to Alexandria.
Great Waves Waterpark Hours 2026
Great Waves does not have one simple hour for every day. Use the official 2026 date ranges below, then recheck before you leave because NOVA Parks says hours are subject to change.
| Date range | Days | 2026 hours | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 23–25 | Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday–Monday | 11AM–7PM | Opening weekend. Expect strong local demand if weather is good. |
| May 26–June 12 | Monday–Friday | Closed | Do not plan a weekday visit in this early period. |
| May 26–June 12 | Saturday–Sunday | 11AM–7PM | Weekend-only operation before daily summer schedule. |
| June 13–August 23 | Monday–Thursday | 11AM–6PM | Best for lower-stress weekday visits and after-4PM value. |
| June 13–August 23 | Friday–Sunday | 11AM–7PM | Better for longer weekend waterpark days. |
| June 19 | Juneteenth, Friday | 11AM–6PM | Holiday schedule is shorter than a normal summer Friday. |
| July 4 | Independence Day, Saturday | 11AM–6PM | Holiday schedule is shorter than many regular weekends. |
| August 24–September 4 | Monday–Friday | Closed | Late-season weekdays are closed. |
| August 24–September 4 | Saturday–Sunday | 11AM–6PM | Late-season weekends remain open with shorter hours. |
| September 5–7 | Labor Day Weekend, Saturday–Monday | 11AM–6PM | Final listed holiday weekend of the 2026 season. |
Great Waves Ticket Prices 2026
Daily waterpark tickets are purchased on-site on the day of your visit. NOVA Parks states there are no online or advance daily ticket sales. This means your best move is to check hours, arrive early on busy days and know your price category before standing at admissions.
Monday–Thursday non-holiday admission
| Category | Jurisdiction price | Non-jurisdiction price | Best planning use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under age 2 | Free | Free | Good for families with babies and toddlers. |
| Individual 48 inches or taller | $17.50 | $18.50 | Main adult/older-child weekday price. |
| Individual less than 48 inches | $14.00 | $15.00 | Younger-child weekday price. |
| Ages 60 and over | $14.00 | $15.00 | Senior-friendly weekday option. |
| After 4PM, weekdays only | $11.00 | $11.00 | Best for short local visits and lower-budget summer evenings. |
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday admission
| Category | Jurisdiction price | Non-jurisdiction price | Best planning use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under age 2 | Free | Free | No paid ticket for children under 2. |
| Individual 48 inches or taller | $19.50 | $20.50 | Main weekend/holiday adult and older-child price. |
| Individual less than 48 inches | $16.00 | $17.00 | Weekend/holiday younger-child price. |
| Ages 60 and over | $16.00 | $17.00 | Weekend/holiday senior price. |
Do not miss this: if you searched “Great Waves tickets online,” the daily ticket answer is different from many private waterparks. Daily waterpark tickets are on-site only, on the day of your visit. Annual passes are different and can be purchased online through NOVA Parks membership links.
Jurisdiction vs Non-Jurisdiction Pricing: What It Means
Great Waves uses jurisdiction and non-jurisdiction pricing. In simple terms, “jurisdiction” means you live in one of the NOVA Parks member jurisdictions that receives discounted pricing. These include Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, plus the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church.
Jurisdiction visitor
You live in a NOVA Parks member jurisdiction. Bring proof if staff needs to confirm your rate.
Non-jurisdiction visitor
You live outside the member jurisdictions. Expect the non-jurisdiction price shown in the official fee table.
Group visitor
Group rates have separate rules and only apply to scheduled weekday non-holiday groups of 20 or more.
Annual Waterpark Pass: Worth It for 2026?
The Annual Waterpark Pass is not just a Great Waves pass. NOVA Parks says it gives access to all five NOVA Parks waterparks, plus early entry, a 5% discount on food, beverage and retail, Bring-a-Friend free Tuesdays after 3PM, attraction/event savings, 15% off Climb UPton and one full year of validity from purchase. It does not guarantee admission if the waterpark is at capacity.
| Pass type | Jurisdiction | Non-jurisdiction | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | $95 | $105 | One repeat visitor. |
| Senior individual, 60+ | $85 | $95 | Senior repeat visitor. |
| Family of two | $175 | $195 | Parent-child or two-person summer pair. |
| Family of three | $255 | $285 | Small family planning multiple visits. |
| Family of four | $335 | $375 | Typical family that will visit several times. |
| Family of five | $415 | $465 | Larger local family. |
| Family of six | $495 | $555 | Large repeat-visit household. |
Pass decision: the annual pass starts making sense when your family will visit Great Waves or other NOVA Parks waterparks more than once and can use early entry, Bring-a-Friend Tuesday, food/retail discounts or multiple park locations.
Play All Day Pass: Waterpark, Mini Golf and Batting Cage
The Play All Day Pass is a separate intent. If your family wants more than water slides, NOVA Parks lists an in-season Play All Day Pass at $25 per person per day for unlimited use of the waterpark, miniature golf and batting cage. It is purchased on-site on the day of visit, with no online or advance sales.
Waterpark
Use for the wave pool, slides, play pool and splash areas during operating hours.
Mini golf
Cameron Run has an 18-hole miniature golf course, useful for dry fun before or after water time.
Batting cages
Good for older kids, teens and adults who want a second activity beyond waterpark admission.
Worth-it test: buy Play All Day only if your group will actually use mini golf or batting cages the same day. For young kids who only want the wave pool and play zone, regular admission may be simpler.
Group Rates, Camps and Birthday-Style Visits
Group pricing is not for casual groups of a few families. Great Waves says group reservations for the 2026 season are accepted for groups of 20 or more visiting Monday–Friday on non-holidays. Requests should be made early because some dates fill fast, reservations are not held until the deposit is paid, and groups can still be limited by capacity.
| Group type | Price | Who it helps | Important rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government groups from member jurisdictions | $10.00 per person | Parks & recreation departments and qualifying government groups. | Weekdays, non-holidays, scheduled groups. |
| Non-government groups from member jurisdictions | $13.75 per person | Camps, schools and organizations inside member jurisdictions. | Deposit required; remaining payment due at arrival. |
| Non-jurisdiction groups | $14.50 per person | Groups outside member jurisdictions. | Group capacity can fill; request early. |
| Group kids meal | $8 plus applicable tax | Scheduled groups needing simple meal planning. | Menu options include nuggets or Uncrustables with fries and water, or pizza with chips and water. |
Great Waves Attractions: Slides, Wave Pool, Kids Zone and Dry Add-Ons
Great Waves is strongest as a local family waterpark, not a mega resort. NOVA Parks describes seven total slides, including speed slides, three swirling waterslides and two open slides in the play pool. The centerpiece is the giant wave pool, and younger kids can use the Kids Zone and Paradise Play at Cameron Run.
Giant wave pool
The main landmark and best mixed-age family zone. Keep younger kids close when waves are active.
Speed slides
Best for confident older kids, teens and adults who want a quick thrill.
Three swirling slides
Two open and one covered slide give classic waterpark motion without needing a resort-scale park.
Play pool slides
Two open slides in the play pool are better for smaller guests building water confidence.
Kids Zone
Best for younger children who need splash play rather than fast slides.
Paradise Play
Beach-themed play structure for ages 3 to 12 with slides, climbs, mazes, wobble features and more.
Mini golf
18 holes at Cameron Run make it a strong combo day with the Play All Day Pass.
Batting cages
Good dry-land add-on for teens, sports kids and adults after water time.
First 60 Minutes at Great Waves: A Plan That Works
Because tickets are on-site, the first hour starts before you enter. The goal is to avoid slow admissions, confusing pricing, lost towels and kids running in different directions.
Check the calendar before leaving
Confirm that your exact date is open. Early-season and late-season weekdays can be closed.
Know your price category
Measure whether kids are under or over 48 inches and know whether you are jurisdiction or non-jurisdiction.
Arrive early on weekends
On-site ticketing means busy days can feel slower. Get there early if the weather is strong.
Pick a meeting spot
Choose the wave pool edge, a cabana, a shaded area or a clear landmark before older kids split off.
Do must-do slides first
Teens should start with speed slides and swirling slides. Younger kids can start with play pool and Kids Zone areas.
Reset with food or dry add-ons
Use Riptide Café, Surfside Pizza, mini golf or batting cages before the group gets tired and cranky.
Great Waves Cabana Rentals and Shade Planning
Cabana intent is about comfort, not luxury. Great Waves cabanas are useful for grandparents, toddlers, camps, birthday-style groups and families who want a predictable base spot. Some rentals require minimum All-Facility ticket purchases, and seating is not guaranteed for every guest in larger rental areas.
| Cabana / rental area | Price | Capacity and setup | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabanas | $65 weekdays / $80 weekends | Tiki hut-themed cabanas with shade, deck chairs and tables; no electricity; maximum 8 guests; minimum 4 All-Facility tickets. | Small families wanting shade and a base spot. |
| North Shore Cabana | $150 daily | North end near wave pool, 6 picnic tables, 2 large shade structures, 2 built-in serving tables; maximum 50 guests; minimum 25 All-Facility tickets. | Large groups and event-style visits. |
| Cowabunga Cove Cabana | $100 daily | Central waterpark location near Minnow Bay baby pool, roped area, 5 picnic tables, umbrella shade; maximum 20 guests; minimum 10 All-Facility tickets. | Families with small kids and mixed-age groups. |
| Tiki Hut Cabana | $100 daily | Next to Paradise Play, 15×15 shade structure, 4 picnic tables, electricity; maximum 25 guests; minimum 10 All-Facility tickets. | Kids ages 3–12, birthday groups and play-structure-focused visits. |
Food, Riptide Café, Surfside Pizza and Group Meals
Great Waves is not just water. NOVA Parks mentions Surfside Pizza and Riptide Café for lunch and snacks. For scheduled groups of 20 or more, the official group page lists a kids meal option at $8 plus applicable tax.
Surfside Pizza
Useful for simple family lunch when kids want pizza and a dry break from swimming.
Riptide Café
Use for waterpark-style lunch, snacks and drinks. Check current menu before promising a specific item.
Group kids meal
Scheduled groups can plan simple meal options such as nuggets or Uncrustables with fries and water, or pizza with chips and water.
Parent tip: eat before everyone is exhausted. A local waterpark day can still fall apart when kids are hungry, wet and tired at the same time.
Best Great Waves Plan by Visitor Type
Different visitors should buy and plan differently. Use the section that matches your group instead of copying someone else’s day.
Toddlers
Age under 2 is free. Use the play pool and Kids Zone first, keep the day short and avoid overstaying.
Ages 3–12
Paradise Play, play pool slides, wave pool and mini golf make this a strong age range.
Teens
Prioritize speed slides, swirling slides, wave pool and batting cages. Play All Day may make sense.
Seniors
Use senior pricing, shade, a slower schedule and a visible base area near the wave pool or cabana.
Great Waves Near Me: Map, Address and Directions
Great Waves Waterpark is inside Cameron Run Regional Park at 4001 Eisenhower Avenue in Alexandria. It is useful for families near Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, Washington DC, National Harbor, Springfield, Annandale, Del Ray and Old Town Alexandria who want a local summer waterpark day.
Address
Great Waves Waterpark, 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304.
Contact
Phone: 703-960-0767. Email: Cameron@NVRPA.org.
Alexandria planning
Build in time for local traffic around Eisenhower Avenue, summer weekends and group-arrival periods.
Photos and Reviews: What to Check Before Visiting
Great Waves reviews and photos are most useful when you look for planning clues: how crowded the wave pool gets, whether younger kids enjoy Paradise Play, how much shade is available, whether food lines look long and whether the park feels right for your group’s ages.
Photo intent
Check recent photos for wave pool crowding, slide scale, seating, cabanas and the kids play structure.
Review intent
Trust repeated patterns more than one angry review. Watch for repeated comments about crowds, food or capacity.
Map intent
Use the map to decide whether your first stop is admissions, wave pool, cabana, kids zone or dry add-ons.
Video / Social Preview
Use official social pages and recent visitor videos only to preview the wave pool, slides and crowd feel. For prices, hours and capacity rules, rely on NOVA Parks official pages.
Open Official FacebookGreat Waves Waterpark FAQ
Where is Great Waves Waterpark located?
Great Waves Waterpark is located at 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304, inside Cameron Run Regional Park.
What are Great Waves Waterpark 2026 hours?
Opening weekend is listed as May 23–25, 11AM–7PM. The main summer schedule from June 13–August 23 is Monday–Thursday 11AM–6PM and Friday–Sunday 11AM–7PM. Some holidays and late-season dates have different hours.
Can I buy Great Waves Waterpark tickets online?
No. NOVA Parks states that daily waterpark tickets are purchased on-site, on the day of your visit, with no online or advance daily ticket sales.
How much are Great Waves weekday tickets?
Monday–Thursday non-holiday admission is listed as free for under age 2, $17.50 jurisdiction / $18.50 non-jurisdiction for 48 inches or taller, $14 / $15 for under 48 inches, $14 / $15 for ages 60 and over, and $11 after 4PM weekdays only.
How much are Great Waves weekend and holiday tickets?
Weekend and holiday admission is listed as free for under age 2, $19.50 jurisdiction / $20.50 non-jurisdiction for 48 inches or taller, $16 / $17 for under 48 inches, and $16 / $17 for ages 60 and over.
What does jurisdiction pricing mean?
Jurisdiction pricing applies to visitors from NOVA Parks member jurisdictions such as Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Alexandria, Fairfax City and Falls Church. Non-jurisdiction visitors pay the non-jurisdiction rate.
Does Great Waves have an after-4PM ticket?
Yes. The official fee table lists an after-4PM weekday-only rate of $11 for both jurisdiction and non-jurisdiction visitors.
Is Great Waves good for toddlers?
Yes, especially for short visits. Children under age 2 are free, and younger kids can use play-pool and splash areas. Do not overplan a full day for toddlers unless they handle heat and water time well.
What attractions does Great Waves have?
Great Waves includes a giant wave pool, speed slides, three swirling waterslides, two open slides in the play pool, Kids Zone, Paradise Play, and nearby mini golf and batting cages at Cameron Run.
What is the Play All Day Pass?
The in-season Play All Day Pass is listed at $25 per person per day and includes unlimited use of the waterpark, miniature golf and batting cage. It is purchased on-site on the day of visit.
How much is the NOVA Parks Annual Waterpark Pass?
Annual pass prices start at $95 jurisdiction / $105 non-jurisdiction for an individual, with senior and family options also listed. Passes cover all five NOVA Parks waterparks and include additional perks.
Does an annual pass guarantee admission?
No. NOVA Parks says annual waterpark passholders are not guaranteed admission if the waterpark is at capacity.
Are group rates available?
Yes. Group rates are available for scheduled groups of 20 or more visiting Monday–Friday on non-holidays. Pricing depends on government/non-government and jurisdiction status.
Does Great Waves have cabanas?
Yes. Great Waves offers several cabana and rental-area options, including small cabanas, North Shore Cabana, Cowabunga Cove Cabana and Tiki Hut Cabana, each with different price, capacity and ticket requirements.
What is the Great Waves phone number?
The official Great Waves page lists 703-960-0767.
Final Take: Is Great Waves Waterpark Worth It in 2026?
Great Waves Waterpark is worth considering if your family wants an Alexandria/Northern Virginia summer waterpark day with a giant wave pool, seven slides, kids play, Paradise Play, food, cabana options and the ability to combine waterpark time with mini golf or batting cages at Cameron Run.
The best plan is simple: check the exact 2026 date, know whether you are jurisdiction or non-jurisdiction, remember that daily tickets are on-site only, arrive early on weekends, consider the after-4PM weekday rate for a budget visit, and use Play All Day only if your group will actually use mini golf or batting cages.