Cameron Run Alexandria Water Park 2026: Tickets, Hours, Prices & Map
Cameron Run’s main summer water park is officially Great Waves Waterpark at Cameron Run Regional Park in Alexandria, Virginia. This is the local Northern Virginia spot families search for when they want wave pool time, slides, a kids splash area, mini golf, batting cages, cabanas, group rates, swim lessons, and an easy map before driving over.
This guide covers the real visitor intent behind “Cameron Run water park Alexandria tickets,” “Great Waves hours,” “prices,” “map,” “parking,” “photos,” “reviews,” “near me,” “cabanas,” “groups,” “coupons,” and “weather policy” without turning those searches into a keyword list.
Fast answer: Great Waves Waterpark at Cameron Run Regional Park is located at 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304. For 2026, NOVA Parks lists Memorial Day weekend operation May 23–25 from 11AM–7PM, weekend-only operation May 26–June 12, summer weekday/weekend hours June 13–August 23, and Labor Day weekend hours September 5–7. Daily admission is purchased on-site, on the day of your visit; NOVA Parks states there are no online or advance daily ticket sales.
Official Source Check Before You Go
The biggest Cameron Run mistake is assuming Great Waves works like a normal online-ticket water park. For 2026, daily admission is listed as on-site day-of purchase only. Annual waterpark passes can be purchased online, but daily waterpark admission is handled at the gate. That means capacity, weather, and arrival time matter more than usual.
Daily tickets
Daily admission is purchased at the gate on the day of the visit. No online or advance daily ticket sales are listed.
Annual passes
Annual Waterpark Passes are available online and include all five NOVA Parks waterparks, but they do not guarantee admission when the facility is at capacity.
Capacity risk
On hot weekends and holidays, NOVA Parks warns waterparks can hit capacity within the first hour after opening.
Cameron Run 2026 Price Helper
Use this simple planner to understand which official price bucket likely applies. Final price is always decided by the gate and current NOVA Parks policy.
Cameron Run Water Park Hours 2026
Searches for “Cameron Run water park hours” and “Great Waves hours” need a date-based answer, not one flat time. Great Waves has early-season weekend operation, peak summer weekday/weekend differences, holiday exceptions, and late-season weekend-only operation.
| 2026 Date Range | Listed Schedule | Visitor Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| May 23–25 | Saturday–Monday, 11AM–7PM | Memorial Day weekend opening period. |
| May 26–June 12 | Monday–Friday closed; Saturday & Sunday 11AM–7PM | Do not show up on a weekday during this window. |
| June 13–August 23 | Monday–Thursday 11AM–6PM; Friday–Sunday 11AM–7PM | Peak summer has longer weekend hours. |
| June 19 and July 4 | 11AM–6PM | Holiday exceptions can be shorter than expected. |
| August 24–September 4 | Monday–Friday closed; Saturday & Sunday 11AM–6PM | Late summer returns to weekend-only operation. |
| September 5–7 | Saturday–Monday, 11AM–6PM | Labor Day weekend closing stretch. |
Local tip: On a hot Northern Virginia weekend, plan like doors matter. Be ready before 11AM if you want smoother entry, better seating, and lower capacity risk.
Great Waves Waterpark Tickets and Prices 2026
People searching “Cameron Run water park tickets,” “prices,” “discount,” or “annual pass” usually need to know two things: daily tickets are on-site only, and prices differ by day, guest height, age, and jurisdiction status. A child under 2 is free; seniors have their own category; after-4PM pricing is weekday-only.
| Admission Type | Jurisdiction | Non-Jurisdiction | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon–Thu non-holiday, 48" or taller | $17.50 | $18.50 | Standard weekday visit for taller guests. |
| Mon–Thu non-holiday, under 48" | $14.00 | $15.00 | Younger kids under the height threshold. |
| Mon–Thu non-holiday, age 60+ | $14.00 | $15.00 | Senior visitors and grandparents. |
| After 4PM, weekdays only | $11.00 | $11.00 | Short local visit after heat or work. |
| Fri–Sun & holidays, 48" or taller | $19.50 | $20.50 | Weekend family day. |
| Fri–Sun & holidays, under 48" | $16.00 | $17.00 | Weekend younger-kid visit. |
| Fri–Sun & holidays, age 60+ | $16.00 | $17.00 | Senior weekend admission. |
| Under age 2 | Free | Free | Infants and toddlers under 2. |
| Play All Day Pass, in season | $25.00 | $25.00 | Waterpark + mini golf + batting cage use. |
Jurisdiction vs non-jurisdiction: what does it mean?
NOVA Parks pricing separates jurisdiction and non-jurisdiction rates. If you are not sure which applies to your family, ask at the gate before paying. For groups, NOVA Parks specifically references member areas such as Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, and the cities of Fairfax, Alexandria, and Falls Church.
Annual Waterpark Pass prices
Annual passes can be helpful for local families who plan multiple waterpark days. Listed annual pass fees include individual, senior, and family sizes from two through six people, with jurisdiction and non-jurisdiction pricing. The pass includes all five NOVA Parks waterparks, early admission benefits, bring-a-friend days, and coupons, but it still does not guarantee admission when a waterpark reaches capacity.
Price trap: Because daily admission is bought at the gate, your “real ticket plan” includes arrival time and capacity risk. A cheap after-4PM weekday visit can be smart for locals, but it is a poor choice if your family is driving from far away and wants every attraction.
Step-by-Step Cameron Run Visit Plan
This is the practical guide for parents, grandparents, and local visitors who do not want to depend on the official site for every small decision.
Check your date first
Do not assume the park is open every weekday. Early and late season include weekday closures, while peak summer has different weekday and weekend closing times.
Decide full day or after 4PM
Full day is better for first-time families, slide lovers, and out-of-town drivers. After 4PM works better for Alexandria locals and short weekday cool-off visits.
Arrive before opening on weekends
NOVA Parks warns capacity can fill within the first hour on weekends, holidays, and hot days. Treat 11AM as the waterpark start time, not your driveway departure time.
Pick a base spot
Families with toddlers should stay closer to kids areas. Mixed-age groups should use the wave pool as a landmark. Non-riders should seek shade or a cabana.
Do major slides early
Riders 48 inches or taller who want the bigger slides should start early before lines grow and energy drops.
Use mini golf or batting cages as backup
If the waterpark reaches capacity or storms interrupt swimming, Cameron Run still has miniature golf and batting cages nearby.
Slides, Wave Pool, Kids Zone and Attractions
Great Waves is not just a pool. The official page describes a giant wave pool, seven total slides, speed slides, three swirling waterslides, two smaller open slides in the play pool, a Kids Zone, splash pad, Paradise Play, mini golf, batting cages, and food options.
Wave pool
The wave pool is the centerpiece and the main reason many families search for Great Waves in Alexandria.
Speed slides
Two speed slides are better for confident riders who meet posted height and safety rules.
Swirling slides
Three waterslides twist and turn; two are open and one is covered.
Play pool slides
Smaller guests can use two open slides in the play pool area.
Kids Zone
Useful for small children who need splash-pad style water play instead of bigger slide pressure.
Paradise Play
A beach-themed structure for ages 3 to 12 with climbs, slides, mazes, wobble hoppers and active play.
Mini golf
18 holes of miniature golf can turn the visit into a longer Cameron Run family day.
Batting cages
Slowpitch, fastpitch, softball and baseball cages add a dry activity before or after waterpark time.
Cabanas, Shade and Rental Areas
Searches for “Cameron Run cabanas” usually come from families who need shade, birthday space, grandparents, toddlers, or a reliable meeting point. Great Waves added multiple rental areas by reservation, with different capacities and ticket minimums.
| Rental Area | Listed Price / Capacity | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Tiki hut cabana | $65 weekdays / $80 weekends; max 8 guests; 4 all-facility tickets minimum | Small family shade base. |
| North Shore Cabana | $150 daily; max 50 guests; 25 all-facility tickets minimum | Large reunions and big groups near wave pool. |
| Cowabunga Cove Cabana | $100 daily; max 20 guests; 10 all-facility tickets minimum | Medium group near Minnow Bay baby pool. |
| Tiki Hut Cabana | $100 daily; max 25 guests; 10 all-facility tickets minimum | Group near Paradise Play; includes electricity. |
Groups, Camps, Birthdays and Meal Plans
The “group tickets” intent is different from regular family pricing. NOVA Parks lists group rates for scheduled groups of 20 or more on weekdays only, non-holidays. Groups should not just show up and expect the group price; reservations, deposit rules, and cancellation rules matter.
20+ group threshold
Scheduled groups of 20 or more may qualify on weekdays, non-holidays.
Group prices
Listed group rates include $10.00, $13.75, or $14.50 per person depending on group category.
Meal plan
Group kids meal options are listed for scheduled groups, with food choices such as nuggets, Uncrustables, cheese pizza, chips and bottled water.
Group warning: NOVA Parks says groups can be charged for at least 85% of the reserved participant count and non-government groups need a deposit based on a 20-student minimum. Confirm before collecting money from parents.
Swim Lessons at Cameron Run
Some families search Cameron Run because they want lessons, not just a waterpark day. Great Waves lists swim lessons for ages 3 to 11, with preschool and children’s levels, small class size requirements, and 30-minute instruction windows before regular waterpark hours.
Preschool lessons
Preschool Learn to Swim levels are listed for ages 3–5, with comfort, listening and water-safety expectations.
Children’s lessons
Children Level 1 and 2 lessons are listed for ages 5–11, with elementary swim skills and safety practice.
Rules, Food Policy, Attire and Slide Safety
This section answers the practical “can I bring food,” “do kids need supervision,” “what can I wear,” and “can my child ride the slides” intent. These details decide whether your day feels smooth or stressful at the gate.
Bring and do
- Bring swimwear that meets health-code and waterpark standards.
- Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation devices only.
- Keep non-swimmers and small children within arm’s reach.
- Supervise children under 12 with a guardian age 16 or older.
- Shower before entering the water.
- Keep your receipt in case weather rules become relevant.
Avoid or expect refusal
- No outside food or beverage except baby food and water.
- No glass containers and no chewing gum.
- No gym pants, cutoffs, street clothes, rivets, zippers or buttons on waterslides.
- No pets inside the waterpark enclosure except assistance animals.
- No loose objects on waterslides.
- No running, pushing, horseplay, profanity or abusive behavior.
Slide rule that parents miss: NOVA Parks lists Great Waves waterslide height restrictions at 48 inches or taller for certain slides over 10 feet. Posted signs at each slide control the final answer.
Weather Policy and Rain Checks
Northern Virginia summer weather can flip fast. The waterpark may clear pools for thunder or lightning, delay opening, close early, or suspend admissions because of weather, low attendance, air temperature below 70 degrees, mechanical issues or other safety reasons.
Thunder or lightning
Guests are cleared from the water until the lightning detection system indicates it is safe to return.
Rain check receipt
If operations are suspended 30 minutes or more before 4PM, guests can exchange a receipt for an all-day rain check.
Last two hours
During the last two hours of operation, only “After 4PM” rain checks are issued.
No receipt, no easy claim: Keep your admission receipt safe. NOVA Parks says you must present it to receive a rain check, and rain checks are valid for the remainder of the current season unless otherwise noted.
Capacity Warning for Hot Weekends and Holidays
This is the hidden answer behind many “near me” and “open now” searches. Because daily tickets are purchased on-site, a family can drive to Alexandria and still face suspended admission if the facility reaches capacity. On weekends, holidays and great-weather days, NOVA Parks says waterparks typically hit capacity within the first hour after opening.
Arrive early
For a weekend day, aim to be parked and ready before 11AM.
Check social updates
Before leaving, check the official site or social channels for capacity alerts.
Have a backup
Mini golf and batting cages can help salvage a trip if waterpark admission pauses.
Cameron Run Water Park Map, Address and Parking
Use 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304 for Great Waves Waterpark at Cameron Run Regional Park. The park is in an urban Alexandria location near Eisenhower Avenue, so check traffic before going, especially from Arlington, Fairfax County, Washington DC, Falls Church, Springfield, Annandale, and National Harbor.
Photos, Reviews and What to Check Before Visiting
“Cameron Run water park photos” and “Great Waves reviews” are not just curiosity searches. Use recent photos and reviews to judge crowding, shade, cabanas, wave pool size, kids area comfort, food lines, parking feel, and whether the park matches your child’s age and confidence level.
Photos
Look for shade, slide height, baby pool, splash pad, seating and cabana layout.
Reviews
Read patterns, not one angry review. Capacity, cleanliness, food, and lines matter most.
Family fit
For under-48-inch kids, check whether the play pool, splash pad and Paradise Play are enough.
Watch Great Waves Before You Go
A short video helps families understand the wave pool and slide style before choosing full-day, after-4PM, group, or cabana planning.
Cameron Run Water Park FAQ
What is the water park at Cameron Run called?
The water park at Cameron Run Regional Park is officially called Great Waves Waterpark.
Where is Cameron Run Water Park in Alexandria?
Great Waves Waterpark is at Cameron Run Regional Park, 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304.
What are Great Waves Waterpark hours in 2026?
Hours vary by date. Memorial Day weekend is listed 11AM–7PM, peak summer is Monday–Thursday 11AM–6PM and Friday–Sunday 11AM–7PM, with holiday and late-season exceptions. Always check the official Fees & Hours page.
Can I buy Cameron Run water park tickets online?
Daily admission is listed as on-site, day-of purchase only, with no online or advance daily ticket sales. Annual Waterpark Passes can be purchased online.
How much are Great Waves tickets?
2026 gate prices vary by weekday/weekend, jurisdiction status, height and age. Weekday 48-inch-or-taller admission is listed at $17.50 jurisdiction and $18.50 non-jurisdiction; weekend/holiday 48-inch-or-taller admission is listed at $19.50 jurisdiction and $20.50 non-jurisdiction.
Is there an after 4PM price?
Yes. NOVA Parks lists an after-4PM weekday-only price of $11 per person.
Are children under 2 free?
Yes. Under age 2 is listed as free for both jurisdiction and non-jurisdiction admission.
Does Great Waves have a wave pool?
Yes. The giant wave pool is one of the main attractions at Great Waves Waterpark.
How many slides are at Great Waves?
The official page describes seven total slides, including speed slides, swirling waterslides, and smaller slides in the play pool.
What is the slide height requirement?
NOVA Parks rules list Great Waves waterslides over 10 feet as 48 inches or taller. Always follow posted rules at the specific slide.
Can I bring outside food?
Outside food and beverage are not permitted except baby food and water. Glass containers and chewing gum are prohibited.
Are cabanas available?
Yes. Great Waves lists tiki hut cabanas and larger rental areas with different prices, capacities and minimum ticket requirements.
Does Cameron Run have mini golf and batting cages?
Yes. Cameron Run Regional Park includes Great Waves Waterpark, mini golf, batting cages, picnic shelters and seasonal Ice & Lights.
What happens if there is thunder or lightning?
Guests are cleared from the water when thunder or lightning is detected. Pools remain closed until the system indicates it is safe to return.
Can Great Waves reach capacity?
Yes. NOVA Parks says waterparks typically hit capacity within the first hour after opening on weekends, holidays and great-weather days.
Final Take: Is Cameron Run Water Park Worth It in 2026?
Great Waves Waterpark is worth it for Alexandria and Northern Virginia families who want a local outdoor waterpark with a wave pool, multiple slides, play areas, Paradise Play, mini golf, batting cages and group options without driving to a far resort. It works best when you check the exact date, arrive early, bring the right swim gear, understand the on-site ticket rule, and treat capacity as a real issue on hot weekends.
The smartest plan is simple: check official hours, choose weekday/full-day/after-4PM based on your group, arrive before 11AM on busy days, keep your receipt, follow food and swimwear rules, pick a base spot early, and use mini golf or batting cages as a backup if weather or capacity interrupts the waterpark plan.