Planning Ocean Dunes Waterpark at Upton Hill Regional Park? This updated 2026 guide covers exact ticket prices, the date-by-date operating calendar, whether coupons are actually available, the 42-inch waterslide rule, the 230-foot open slide, 170-foot enclosed slide, 500-gallon dumping bucket, Play All Day Pass, annual passes, food rules, weather policy, parking, groups, birthday discounts, nearby Upton Hill attractions and a practical first-hour plan.
- Tickets sold on-site only
- No advance daily ticket sales
- Under age 2 admitted free
- After-4 PM weekday ticket: $7
- Play All Day Pass: $20
Build Your Ocean Dunes Visit Plan
Select your group and main priority to get a quick plan before you arrive at Upton Hill.
What Is Ocean Dunes Waterpark?
Ocean Dunes is the beach-themed NOVA Parks waterpark inside Upton Hill Regional Park in Arlington. Instead of being a huge destination resort, it is designed as a local family waterpark with a main swimming pool, two larger waterslides and an interactive zero-depth water-play structure.
Two Major Slides
One open slide gives riders approximately 230 feet of sliding, while the enclosed slide provides about 170 feet in darkness.
500-Gallon Bucket
The central play structure includes fountains, squirters, platforms, smaller slides and a giant 500-gallon dumping bucket.
Main Pool
A large swimming pool provides open swimming and splashing space away from the main interactive structure.
Ocean Dunes Waterpark Ticket Prices 2026
Ocean Dunes uses simple height- and age-based pricing. Unlike some attraction websites, normal daily admission was not sold online or in advance. Visitors purchased tickets at the facility on the day of their visit.
| Visitor Category | Mon–Thu Non-Holiday | Fri–Sun / Holidays | Planning Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under age 2 | Free | Free | No regular admission charge. |
| 42 inches or taller | $12.00 | $16.00 | The 42-inch mark also matters for the park’s major waterslides. |
| Less than 42 inches | $9.50 | $12.00 | Lower admission rate, but riders below 42 inches cannot use the two major slides. |
| Age 60+ | $9.50 | $12.00 | Senior admission category. |
| After 4 PM | $7.00 | Not listed | Weekdays only. |
Normal daily admission is purchased on the day of your visit.
Admission sales can pause if the facility reaches capacity.
NOVA Parks says weekends, holidays and hot-weather days can reach capacity within the first hour.
Play All Day Pass
This is particularly useful for a family that already plans to pay for more than the waterpark. On a regular weekday, a 42-inch+ visitor paid $12 for waterpark admission, so the $20 package effectively added the other included Upton Hill activities for an $8 difference.
Ocean Dunes Family Admission Calculator
This calculator uses the published 2026 admission prices. It does not invent food, transportation or other variable costs.
Ocean Dunes Waterpark Hours 2026
Ocean Dunes does not follow one opening schedule throughout the whole summer. Early-season weekdays, peak-summer weekdays and late-August dates all work differently.
| 2026 Dates | Days | Published Hours | Planning Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 23–25 | Memorial Day Weekend | 11 AM–7 PM | Opening holiday weekend. |
| May 26–27 | Tuesday–Wednesday | 11 AM–6 PM | Special early-season weekday opening. |
| May 28–June 18 | Monday–Friday | Closed | Do not plan a regular weekday visit in this period. |
| May 28–June 18 | Saturday–Sunday | 11 AM–7 PM | Weekend operation continues. |
| June 19 | Juneteenth | 11 AM–7 PM | Holiday schedule. |
| June 20–August 23 | Monday–Thursday | 11 AM–6 PM | Peak summer weekday schedule. |
| June 20–August 23 | Friday–Sunday | 11 AM–7 PM | Peak summer weekend schedule. |
| July 4 | Saturday | 11 AM–6 PM | Shorter Independence Day schedule. |
| August 24–28 | Monday–Friday | 4 PM–7 PM | Late-summer evening-only weekday period. |
| August 29–September 4 | Weekdays | Closed | Late-season weekday closure period. |
| Late-season weekends | Saturday–Sunday | 11 AM–6 PM | Weekend operation continued. |
| September 5–7 | Labor Day Weekend | 11 AM–6 PM | Final listed 2026 operating weekend. |
Ocean Dunes Coupons & Discounts 2026
Coupon searches are common for Ocean Dunes, but there is an important difference between an official current promotion and an old third-party coupon page.
No General Public Promotion Is Currently Listed
The official Ocean Dunes promotions page currently states that there are no promotions for this location. That means visitors should not assume an old coupon code found elsewhere online is valid.
Real Ways Visitors Could Save in 2026
Weekday Pricing
Non-holiday Monday–Thursday admission was lower than Friday–Sunday pricing.
After 4 PM
A weekday after-4-PM admission option was listed at $7 per person.
Play All Day
$20 combined waterpark, miniature-golf and batting-cage access could provide better value than paying for activities separately.
Weekday Birthday Discount
Ocean Dunes lists a 10% discount on birthday parties booked Monday–Thursday.
Groups of 20+
Qualifying scheduled weekday groups can receive reduced group rates when arranged in advance.
Annual Pass Perks
Annual passholders receive park-wide perks including special coupons and discounts rather than relying on random coupon-code websites.
Ocean Dunes Waterpark Rides & Attractions
Ocean Dunes is compact compared with destination waterparks, but its attraction mix works well for families because the main pool, large slides and zero-depth play structure serve different ages.
230-Foot Open Slide
42″ minimum Open flumeThe longer of the two main slides provides approximately 230 feet of open-air sliding.
170-Foot Enclosed Slide
42″ minimum Dark slideThe enclosed flume gives riders approximately 170 feet of sliding in darkness.
500-Gallon Dumping Bucket
Family play Zero-depth areaThe main interactive structure combines fountains, squirters, platforms and smaller open/tube slides beneath a 500-gallon tipping bucket.
Main Swimming Pool
SwimmingThe large main pool provides room for general splashing and swimming away from the play structure.
Fountains & Squirters
Younger kidsGround-level water features make the play area useful even for children who are not tall enough for the large slides.
Beach-Style Setting
FamilyLandscaping and dune-style planting give Ocean Dunes its beach-inspired theme while remaining in Arlington.
Ocean Dunes Slide Height Checker
NOVA Parks lists a 42-inch minimum for Ocean Dunes’ tall waterslides. Use this simple tool before promising a child a trip down the main slides.
Final eligibility still depends on posted rules and lifeguard instructions.
Ocean Dunes With Toddlers & Younger Children
Children Under 42 Inches
They receive the lower admission rate but cannot use Ocean Dunes’ two taller main slides.
The zero-depth play feature, squirters, fountains and age-appropriate pool areas are the better focus.
Supervision Rule
NOVA Parks requires children under age 12 to be supervised by a guardian age 16 or older at all times.
Non-swimmers and small children must have an adult within arm’s reach.
Life Jackets & Flotation Devices
- Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices are permitted.
- Children wearing a flotation device require direct one-to-one adult supervision.
- Water wings are not permitted.
- Swim noodles are not permitted as personal flotation devices.
- Non-approved inner tubes are not permitted.
- Non-toilet-trained guests must wear a swim diaper.
NOVA Parks Annual Waterpark Pass 2026
The annual pass is more than an Ocean Dunes pass. It provides admission across all five participating NOVA Parks waterparks.
| Pass | Jurisdiction | Non-Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $95 | $105 |
| Senior Individual | $85 | $95 |
| Family of 2 | $175 | $195 |
| Family of 3 | $255 | $285 |
| Family of 4 | $335 | $375 |
| Family of 5 | $415 | $465 |
| Family of 6 | $495 | $555 |
Current Pass Perks
Pass access extends across the NOVA Parks waterpark system.
Passholders receive early admission during the waterpark season.
Current perks list 5% off food, beverage and retail purchases.
Bring a Friend FREE on Tuesdays after 3 PM under the current pass perks.
Passholders receive special NOVA Parks attraction/event offers.
Current pass benefits include 15% off Climb UPton climbs in Arlington.
Because the pass includes multiple Northern Virginia parks, compare Ocean Dunes with the same-system Great Waves Waterpark guide for Alexandria before deciding whether repeat visits would make a pass useful.
More to Do at Upton Hill Regional Park
One advantage of Ocean Dunes is that the waterpark is only one attraction within Upton Hill Regional Park.
Miniature Golf
The park has an 18-hole miniature-golf course next to the waterpark.
Batting Cages
Batting cages provide another activity and are included in the $20 Play All Day Pass.
Climb UPton
The adjacent aerial adventure attraction contains approximately 90 elements spread across three difficulty levels.
Walking Trails
Upton Hill also has wooded trails around the recreation complex.
Playground
The regional park includes additional outdoor recreation beyond paid attractions.
Parking
NOVA Parks describes parking around the Upton Hill complex as free of charge and open to the public.
Food, Water & Outside-Food Rules
Ocean Dunes sells snacks and drinks inside the waterpark, but NOVA Parks has a clear outside-food rule that families should know before packing a cooler.
Allowed
- Water.
- Baby food.
- Management-approved exceptions for disability or special needs.
- Food bought from the concession stand in designated eating areas.
Not Normally Allowed
- General outside food.
- Outside beverages other than permitted water.
- Glass containers.
- Chewing gum.
Ocean Dunes Weather & Rain-Check Policy
Thunderstorms matter more at an outdoor pool than ordinary light rain. NOVA Parks clears the water when thunder or lightning is indicated by its detection system and keeps pools closed until conditions are safe.
Thunder / Lightning
Pool and deck operations can be suspended until the detection system indicates conditions are safe.
Other Closure Reasons
Dangerous weather, low attendance, rain, air temperature below 70°F, mechanical problems or other safety concerns can affect operation.
Rain Checks
If operations are suspended for at least 30 minutes before 4 PM, guests can exchange the receipt for an all-day rain check.
Important Rain-Check Details
- You must present the original receipt.
- Rain checks are generally valid for the remainder of the current season.
- During the final two operating hours, only after-4-PM rain checks are issued.
- NOVA Parks says no refunds or early-issued rain checks are provided.
Ocean Dunes Group Rates & Birthday Parties
Groups of 20 or More
Ocean Dunes accepted advance 2026 group requests for qualifying Monday–Friday non-holiday visits.
| Group Type | 2026 Rate Per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Parks & Recreation departments from NOVA Parks member jurisdictions | $6.50 | Advance scheduled group. |
| Other qualifying groups from member jurisdictions | $8.75 | Advance reservation requirements apply. |
| Non-jurisdiction group | $9.50 | Advance scheduled group. |
Big Splash Birthday Party
Plus applicable taxes.
Package includes the birthday child and parent plus 10 guests, with an adult chaperone for each included guest.
Monday–Thursday party bookings.
Party areas have a listed maximum occupancy of 25 and include two hours of exclusive party-area use.
Important Ocean Dunes Rules Before You Go
👙 Proper Swimwear
Street clothes, gym pants and cutoffs are not treated as proper swimming attire. Rivets, zippers and buttons are prohibited on waterslides.
🚿 Shower Before Swimming
NOVA Parks waterpark rules require showering before entering the pool.
🏃 No Running
Running, pushing, diving and horseplay are prohibited.
🦺 Approved Flotation Only
Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation devices are allowed.
🐕 Pets
Pets other than assistance animals are not permitted inside the waterpark enclosure.
🚭 Smoke-Free
NOVA Parks waterparks are smoke-free facilities.
Best Ocean Dunes First-Hour Plan
Because same-day capacity is possible, the best plan begins before you reach the ticket window.
Which Northern Virginia Waterpark Fits Your Trip?
Ocean Dunes is only one option in the NOVA Parks system. The right choice depends on your location and which attractions matter most.
Want a Larger Alexandria Waterpark?
Readers wanting a wave pool and a broader attraction mix can compare our Great Waves Waterpark ticket and hours guide .
Closer to Centreville?
Bull Run Regional Park has another NOVA Parks option. See our Atlantis Waterpark 2026 planning guide for ticket and schedule differences.
Closer to Sterling?
Families in Loudoun County can compare the same annual-pass system with our Volcano Island Waterpark visitor guide .
If your Virginia trip is centered on the coast instead of Northern Virginia, our Ocean Breeze Waterpark guide for Virginia Beach covers a substantially larger destination-style waterpark and is useful for comparing ticket cost, attractions and family logistics.
Ocean Dunes Waterpark Map & Directions
What to Bring to Ocean Dunes
Useful to Pack
- Swimsuit without prohibited slide hardware.
- Towels.
- Sunscreen.
- Water.
- Swim diaper for a non-toilet-trained child.
- U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket if needed.
- Dry change of clothes.
- Payment method for admission and concessions.
- Original receipt—important if weather later triggers a rain-check situation.
Leave Out of the Waterpark
- Normal outside meals or snacks.
- Glass containers.
- Chewing gum.
- Water wings.
- Swim noodles used as flotation devices.
- Non-approved personal inner tubes.
- Loose items when riding a waterslide.
Ocean Dunes Waterpark FAQ 2026
How much were Ocean Dunes Waterpark tickets in 2026?
Non-holiday Monday–Thursday admission was $12 for guests 42 inches or taller and $9.50 for guests under 42 inches or age 60+. Friday–Sunday and holiday prices were $16 and $12 respectively. Children under age 2 were free.
Can I buy Ocean Dunes tickets online?
Normal daily waterpark admission is purchased at the facility on the day of the visit. The official 2026 fee page states that there are no online or advance daily-ticket sales.
What is the Ocean Dunes waterslide height requirement?
NOVA Parks lists a 42-inch minimum for Ocean Dunes’ tall waterslides. Posted ride rules and lifeguard instructions still apply.
Does Ocean Dunes have coupons?
The official Ocean Dunes promotions page currently says there are no promotions for the location. Annual waterpark passes include special coupons and other perks, and the park also had lower weekday, after-4-PM, group and qualifying weekday birthday pricing in 2026.
What is the Ocean Dunes Play All Day Pass?
The 2026 Play All Day Pass cost $20 per person and included unlimited use of Ocean Dunes Waterpark, miniature golf and the batting cage for the day.
Where is Ocean Dunes Waterpark?
Ocean Dunes is inside Upton Hill Regional Park at 6060 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22205.
Can I bring food into Ocean Dunes?
General outside food and beverages are not allowed. NOVA Parks permits water and baby food and allows management-approved exceptions for certain disability or special-needs situations.
What rides does Ocean Dunes have?
Major attractions include a 230-foot open waterslide, a 170-foot enclosed dark slide, a large main pool and an interactive zero-depth play structure with fountains, squirters, smaller slides and a 500-gallon dumping bucket.
What happens if it rains at Ocean Dunes?
If operations are suspended for 30 minutes or more before 4 PM, guests may exchange their receipt for an all-day rain check under NOVA Parks’ weather rules. The original receipt is required and additional timing conditions apply.
Does an annual waterpark pass guarantee Ocean Dunes admission?
No. NOVA Parks states that annual passholders can still be denied or delayed entry when a waterpark reaches capacity.
Official Information Checked
This independent visitor guide uses current NOVA Parks pages for the waterpark, 2026 admission, operating dates, annual passes, rules, promotions, group visits, birthday parties and Upton Hill Regional Park.
Independent guide: USWaterParkGuide.org is an independent visitor-planning resource and is not NOVA Parks or Ocean Dunes Waterpark. Ticket prices, operating dates, capacity procedures, group rates, pass benefits, promotions, attractions, food policies and safety rules can change. Always check the official NOVA Parks website before traveling.