Great Waves Water Park, Alexandria vs Ocean Dunes Waterpark
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Great Waves Water Park, Alexandria | Ocean Dunes Waterpark |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Great Waves Water Park, Alexandria
- birthday party packages
Only at Ocean Dunes Waterpark
- cabana rentals
- splash pad
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Great Waves Water Park, Alexandria
Virginia
Great Waves Water Park sits on 21 acres in Alexandria and delivers exactly what Northern Virginia families need during hot summers. This NOVA Parks facility keeps things straightforward without trying to be the biggest or flashiest park around. The centerpiece wave pool generates solid 3-foot waves every few minutes, and it's big enough that you won't feel packed in like sardines even on busy weekends. The zero-entry design makes it perfect for younger kids who want to splash in the shallow end while older ones body surf the waves. You'll find a good mix of water slides here, from gentle tube slides that work for the whole family to a few steeper body slides that give tweens and teens their thrills. The kids area features smaller slides, water features, and a large bucket that tips over periodically to drench everyone below. What I really appreciate about Great Waves is the shaded areas. They've got plenty of mature trees and covered pavilions, which saves you from spending the whole day in brutal Virginia sun. The lazy river moves at a nice pace and winds around a good portion of the park, giving you a solid 10-minute float if you go the full loop. The park attracts mostly families with kids under 12, though you'll see plenty of teenagers hanging out in groups during summer afternoons. It gets busy on weekends and holidays, so arriving when they open at 11 AM gets you the best spot for your chairs and towels. Parking…
Read the full Great Waves Water Park, Alexandria guide →Ocean Dunes Waterpark
Virginia
Ocean Dunes Waterpark brings a coastal vibe to Northern Virginia with its beach-themed attractions and family-friendly atmosphere. The park's centerpiece is a large wave pool that generates rolling waves perfect for body surfing or just floating around on a tube. Kids gravitate toward the multi-level play structure with its bright blue and yellow slides, tipping buckets, and water features that keep them busy for hours. The lazy river winds around a good portion of the park, giving you solid float time while parents can keep an eye on kids in the nearby splash areas. You'll find several body slides and tube slides of varying intensity levels. The tallest slides provide decent thrills without being too extreme, making this park work well for families with mixed age groups. The kids' area has smaller versions of the big slides plus interactive water features at toddler height. Most visitors are families with elementary and middle school aged kids, though the wave pool draws teenagers too. The park gets crowded on summer weekends, so arrive right when they open if you want to snag a good spot near the wave pool or avoid lines for the slides. Bring your own snacks if possible since food prices run typical water park high. The concession areas offer standard fare like pizza, burgers, and nachos. Sunscreen is crucial since shade is limited around the main attractions. Consider renting a cabana early in the season if you're planning weekend visits with a group. Parking fills up fast on…
Read the full Ocean Dunes Waterpark guide →Ready to visit Great Waves Water Park, Alexandria?