Update: This blog post was popular, so I turned it into a standing page here: Outdoor Pools, Spray Parks and Waterworks. The page has the same info with the additions of the spray parks at Joe Cole Recreation Center in Trinidad and Benning Stoddert Community Center, just over the bridge on East Cap (thanks to readers Elizabeth and Leah who alerted me to these).
On Memorial Day weekend, we remember those who died in active military service. We also celebrate the beginning of pool season. What are the swimming and splashing options on the Hill? CHK has compiled the following list of family-friendly pools (membership and free), splash parks and other water features. AJ, who earned the nickname “Mr. Water Day” last summer at day care (he dumps buckets of water over his head), wants to explore them all, starting tomorrow! (Looks like the weather will comply, with highs in the 80s to 90s and infrequent showers possible.)
Membership and Day-Pass Pools
Capitol Skyline Hotel Pool
Open tomorrow through Labor Day weekend, 8 a.m.- 10 p.m., 10 I St SW
The pool at Capitol Skyline Hotel in SW is large and lovely, as pictured above, with lots of seating, umbrellas and first-come, first-serve cabanas. You can order food and drinks from the hotel bar. In years past, the pool had a “party” reputation, but I can personally attest that over the past two summers, it has been a peaceful and family-friendly environment.
Memberships are $350 for a single (1 pass), $500 for a couple (kids age 2 and younger are free, 2 passes) and $700 for a family (5 passes). Membership confers these benefits: 10 guest passes, 20 percent off guest rooms and $5 parking. Day passes are $45 per person and available only on weekdays. Learn more about the pool.
The Liaison Capitol Hill Rooftop Pool and Lounge
Opened May 17; daily 8 a.m.-10 p.m., adults only after 8 p.m. 415 New Jersey Ave NW
The Liaison Washington Capitol Hill boasts a rooftop pool and bar with pretty blue cabanas. Day passes are $25 on weekdays and $35 on weekends, cabanas are $200 on weekdays and $300 on weekends for group of four. Reservations are available at Eventbrite.
Free Pools and Splash Parks
DPR Outdoor Pools: Anacostia, Randall and Rosedale
Now on the to free pools. All DPR pools will open tomorrow, Saturday May 25, through Memorial Day Monday. Then the pools will open on a weekends-only schedule through June 16. After June 16, each pool keeps its own schedule. See all the pools listed and on a map here. There are three of them near the Hill:
- Anacostia Pool, 1800 Anacostia Dr SE
- Randall Pool, 25 I St SE
- Rosedale Pool, 1701 Gales St NE (This one has nice reviews on Yelp.)
Note: East Potomac Pool at East Potomac Park is not opening for summer 2019. Renovations continue.
DPR Spray Parks: King Greenleaf RC and Watkins
DPR spray parks open tomorrow and then operate daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. See all spray parks listed and on a map here. There are two on the Hill:
- King Greenleaf RC Spray Park, 201 N St SW
- Watkins Spray Park, 420 12th St SE
Fountains and Other Water Features
Canal Park Fountains
Schedule varies, check the Canal Park website, Facebook (Canal Park DC), and Twitter (@canalparkdc) for status updates. 200 M St SE
Kids are encouraged to play in the water features, as pictured above.
C Street Plaza Fountains at Eastern Market
Open weekdays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7th and C St SE
Kids are welcome to play in the fountains, which have the same chlorine level as a regular swimming pool. Fountains are turned off on the weekends because of the Eastern Market flea market.
The Yards Park Fountains and Canal Basin
Park is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Schedule for fountains varies, check the Yards Park website or Facebook page for status updates on fountains. 355 Water Street SE
Kids can play in the fountains and canal basin (11 inches deep). No cloth diapers or dogs allowed. The water is DC city water, chlorinated through the fountain pump and filtration system. Chlorine and pH levels are monitored daily.
All right, that wraps it up. Have a great weekend, everyone!