Six Flags Hurricane Harbor vs Great Waves Water Park, Alexandria
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 | Six Flags Hurricane Harbor | Great Waves Water Park, Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
- cabana rentals
- gift shop
- swimming pool
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Maryland
Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags America gives you serious bang for your buck since your theme park ticket includes both the coasters and the water park. Located in Largo, Maryland (technically Mitchellville area), this combo deal makes it one of the better values in the DC metro area. The water park itself covers about 8 acres with a solid mix of slides and family attractions. The Tornado is their signature funnel slide that'll have you screaming as your raft gets tossed around like a washing machine. Bahama Blaster offers four different slide experiences, so you can work your way up from mild to wild. The Crocodile Cal's Outback Beach area keeps younger kids busy with smaller slides and water features they can actually handle. The lazy river here is decent length and actually relaxing, unlike some parks where it's just a crowded circle. Paradise Lagoon wave pool creates good-sized waves every few minutes. You'll want to stake out your spot early since this place fills up fast on summer weekends. The combo ticket means you're dealing with theme park crowds, so arrive right when they open if you want to hit the big slides without waiting. Bring your own towels and water shoes since the concrete gets blazing hot. The food is typical theme park fare and prices, so consider packing a cooler for your car. Cabanas are available but book ahead during peak season. This park works best for families with kids old enough to handle some bigger slides,…
Read the full Six Flags Hurricane Harbor guide →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 →Ready to visit Six Flags Hurricane Harbor?