Outdoor Pools, Spray Parks and Waterworks

Capitol Skyline Hotel Pool

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.

Membership and Day-Pass Pools

Capitol Skyline Hotel Pool

Open Memorial Day 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 (2019 information). Learn more about the pool.

The Liaison Capitol Hill Rooftop Pool and Lounge

Opens in May; 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 (2019 information).

Free Pools and Splash Parks

DPR Outdoor Pools: Anacostia, Randall and Rosedale

Now on the to free pools. All DPR pools open on Memorial Day weekend each year, and thereafter schedules vary. See all the pools listed and on a map here. There are three of them near the Hill:

Note: East Potomac Pool at East Potomac Park is not opening for summer 2019. Renovations continue.

DPR Spray Parks: King Greenleaf RC and Watkins

“Mr. Water Day” at Watkins Spray Park

DPR spray parks open Memorial Day weekend then operate daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. See all spray parks listed and on a map here. There are four nearby the Hill:

Fountains and Other Water Features

Canal Park Fountains

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

Canal Basin at the Yards Park

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.