Cameron Run Water Park: Tickets, Hours, Prices & Map
Planning Cameron Run Water Park in Alexandria, VA for 2026? The water park most visitors mean is Great Waves Waterpark inside Cameron Run Regional Park at 4001 Eisenhower Avenue. This refreshed guide gives the practical details families need before driving: tickets, ticket prices, hours, map, photos, reviews, cabanas, groups, rules, rain checks, capacity warnings, mini golf, batting cages and a first-hour plan.
Daily waterpark tickets are not a normal online checkout item. NOVA Parks lists regular daily waterpark admission as on-site, day-of purchase only. That makes arrival time, weather, capacity, correct price category and receipt handling more important than at many other water parks.
Fast answer: Cameron Run Water Park is officially Great Waves Waterpark at Cameron Run Regional Park in Alexandria, Virginia. The 2026 waterpark season begins Memorial Day weekend. Regular daily tickets are purchased on-site, on the day of your visit, with no online or advance daily ticket sales listed. Prices depend on weekday vs. weekend/holiday, guest height, age 60+ status and jurisdiction/non-jurisdiction status. The in-season $25 Play All Day Pass can be useful if you want waterpark access plus mini golf and batting cages.
Watch Before You Go: Behind the Scenes of the Wave Pool
The official Great Waves page includes a behind-the-scenes wave-pool video. Use it for a quick visual feel of the park, then use the official fees and rules pages for final price, hour and policy decisions.
What Searchers Really Mean by Cameron Run Water Park
Google Autosuggest, PASF and Bing-related intent cluster around a few problems: “tickets,” “hours,” “ticket price,” “Alexandria VA,” “Regional Park,” “photos,” “reviews,” “map,” and “tickets price.” Each intent needs a practical answer, not a keyword list.
| User search | Real question behind it | Practical answer in this guide |
|---|---|---|
| Cameron Run water park | What is the official waterpark name? | It is Great Waves Waterpark at Cameron Run Regional Park. |
| Cameron Run water park tickets | Can I buy tickets online? | Daily waterpark tickets are purchased on-site, day-of; annual passes are the online-eligible product. |
| Cameron Run water park hours | Is it open today or this weekend? | Use the official 2026 date table because early and late season have weekday closures. |
| Cameron Run water park ticket price | How much will my family pay? | Price depends on day type, height, age 60+, jurisdiction status, and whether Play All Day is better value. |
| Cameron Run Regional Park tickets | Do park tickets and waterpark tickets mean the same thing? | The waterpark has admission fees. The broader regional park also has mini golf, batting cages, shelters and off-season events. |
| Cameron Run Regional Park photos | Will it fit my kids and comfort needs? | Use photos to check shade, slide height, wave-pool feel, baby areas, seating and cabana layout. |
| Cameron Run Regional Park reviews | Is it worth going? | Read review patterns for capacity, crowding, cleanliness, food lines, shade and age fit. |
Official Source Check Before You Go
The most important official-source detail is that regular daily waterpark admission is gate-only for 2026. That changes how you plan: you cannot simply buy a daily online ticket the night before and arrive late on a busy Saturday.
Daily tickets
Buy regular daily waterpark admission at the gate on the day of your visit. No online or advance daily ticket sales are listed for daily admission.
Annual passes
Annual Waterpark Passes are the online-eligible pass product and cover all five NOVA Parks waterparks, but they still do not guarantee entry when the park is at capacity.
Capacity risk
NOVA Parks says waterparks can hit capacity within the first hour after opening on weekends, hot-weather days and holidays.
Cameron Run 2026 Price Helper
Use this simple helper for the “ticket price” and “tickets price” searches. It does not sell tickets and does not replace the gate. It helps you identify the official price bucket to expect.
Family Total Planner: Estimate Before You Drive
A family’s real cost is not one ticket. Add adults, taller children, smaller children, seniors, after-4PM timing, Play All Day plans, cabana choice, mini golf, batting cages, food and whether your group may hit capacity.
Cameron Run Water Park Hours 2026
Searches for “Cameron Run water park hours” need a date-based answer. Great Waves is seasonal, with weekend-only periods, peak summer weekday/weekend differences and holiday exceptions.
| 2026 date range | Official listed schedule | Visitor meaning |
|---|---|---|
| May 23–25 | Saturday–Monday, 11 AM–7 PM | Memorial Day weekend opening period. |
| May 26–June 12 | Monday–Friday closed; Saturday & Sunday 11 AM–7 PM | Do not show up on a weekday during this early-season window. |
| June 13–August 23 | Monday–Thursday 11 AM–6 PM; Friday–Sunday 11 AM–7 PM | Main summer schedule with longer weekend hours. |
| June 19 and July 4 | 11 AM–6 PM | Holiday exceptions can be shorter than the usual weekend schedule. |
| August 24–September 4 | Monday–Friday closed; Saturday & Sunday 11 AM–6 PM | Late-season weekend-only operation returns. |
| September 5–7 | Saturday–Monday, 11 AM–6 PM | Labor Day weekend closing stretch. |
Great Waves Waterpark Tickets and Prices 2026
People searching “Cameron Run water park tickets,” “Cameron Run Regional Park tickets,” and “tickets price” usually need one clear table. Prices below are the official 2026 listed categories; final payment is handled at the facility.
Monday–Thursday Non-Holiday, 48 Inches or Taller
Jurisdiction rate is $17.50. Non-jurisdiction rate is $18.50.
Monday–Thursday Non-Holiday, Less Than 48 Inches
Jurisdiction rate is $14.00. Non-jurisdiction rate is $15.00.
Monday–Thursday Non-Holiday Senior Admission
Ages 60 and over are listed at $14.00 jurisdiction and $15.00 non-jurisdiction.
After-4PM Weekday Price
After 4 PM weekday admission is listed at $11.50 jurisdiction and $12.25 non-jurisdiction.
Friday–Sunday and Holidays, 48 Inches or Taller
Jurisdiction rate is $19.50. Non-jurisdiction rate is $20.50.
Weekend/Holiday Under 48 Inches or Age 60+
Jurisdiction rate is $16.00. Non-jurisdiction rate is $17.00.
Children Under Age 2
Under age 2 is listed as free for both jurisdiction and non-jurisdiction admission.
Play All Day Pass
In-season Play All Day Pass is listed at $25 per person and includes waterpark, miniature golf and batting cage use.
Jurisdiction vs Non-Jurisdiction: Which Price Applies?
NOVA Parks uses jurisdiction and non-jurisdiction prices. If you are unsure which applies to you, ask before paying. For group pricing, the official group page identifies member jurisdictions as the counties of Fairfax, Arlington and Loudoun, plus the cities of Fairfax, Alexandria and Falls Church.
Local family intent
Being nearby does not automatically answer the rate question. Jurisdiction pricing depends on NOVA Parks’ rate rules, not just drive distance.
Mixed-address groups
If your group includes guests from different cities or counties, ask the cashier how pricing is handled before paying.
Group rates differ
Scheduled weekday groups of 20 or more use a separate reservation process, deposit rules and group pricing.
Annual Waterpark Pass: When It Makes Sense
Annual pass intent is usually local-family intent. The pass is strongest when you expect multiple visits across NOVA Parks waterparks, not when you only need one guaranteed busy-day entry.
| Pass type | Jurisdiction | Non-jurisdiction | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | $95 | $105 | One person visiting multiple times. |
| Senior individual | $85 | $95 | Age 60+ repeat visitor. |
| Family of two | $175 | $195 | Two-person local summer plan. |
| Family of three | $255 | $285 | Small family using multiple NOVA waterparks. |
| Family of four | $335 | $375 | Repeat family weekend or weekday visits. |
| Family of five | $415 | $465 | Large local family with flexible dates. |
| Family of six | $495 | $555 | Frequent-use family plan. |
Great Waves Attractions: Slides, Wave Pool, Kids Zone and Paradise Play
“Cameron Run Regional Park photos” and “reviews” usually lead to one question: is there enough to do for my family? Great Waves is best for local summer fun, younger kids, wave-pool time, casual slides, mini golf and batting-cage add-ons.
Giant Wave Pool
Great for families who want ocean-style wave movement without driving to the beach. Watch weak swimmers closely.
Speed Slides
Two speed slides are best for confident guests who meet the posted height and safety rules.
Three Flume / Swirling Slides
Official PDF details identify green and red open adult body slides and a yellow closed adult body slide.
Play Pool Slides
The play area includes smaller slide options, useful for guests not ready for the larger waterslides.
Splash Pad and Toddler Areas
The official budget PDF describes a toddler pool and splash pad with tumbling buckets, bubblers and water jets.
Paradise Play
Paradise Play is a 2,400 sq. ft. interactive play feature; the official page describes it for kids ages 3 to 12.
Official PDF Audit: Wave Pool, Slide Lengths and What They Mean
PDFs should not replace the live ticket page. But two official NOVA Parks PDFs add helpful micro-detail that normal SERP pages often miss: what the waterpark actually contains and how long the major slide elements are.
| Official PDF detail | What it says | How it helps the visitor |
|---|---|---|
| FY26 budget program overview | Great Waves features a 500,000-gallon wave pool as the focal point. | This confirms the wave pool is not a side feature; it is the main reason many families visit. |
| FY26 budget attraction summary | It identifies three flume waterslides, speed slides, shallow play pool, rock wall with flowing waterslides, toddler pool and splash pad. | Good for deciding whether older kids, smaller kids and toddlers all have something useful to do. |
| FY26 budget food/retail detail | It mentions food options from pizza to funnel cakes, Surf Side Ice Cream Shop and Shark Shack merchandise. | Useful because outside food is restricted; you need an on-site food plan. |
| Slide maintenance PDF | Great Waves slide list includes green open adult slide 275 ft, red open adult slide 275 ft, yellow closed adult slide 235 ft and two 155 ft speed slides. | This gives a better sense of slide scale than simply saying “water slides.” |
| Slide maintenance PDF | It also lists a 20 ft family body slide and a 54 ft open kiddie body slide. | Helpful for families checking whether smaller slide experiences exist for younger guests. |
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 City of Alexandria park page lists parking, benches, park shelter, picnic area, playing fields, pickleball, stream and wooded area features.
Best map search
Search “Great Waves Waterpark, 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304.”
Coming from DC / Arlington
Check route timing before leaving. Short map distance can still feel slow during weekend, event or evening traffic.
Arrival tip
On hot weekends, parking and gate entry matter. Arrive before opening if your group cannot risk capacity delays.
Cameron Run Regional Park Photos and Reviews
Do not use photos only to see if the park looks fun. Use them to judge shade, cabana layout, seating, wave-pool size, play-pool depth, slide height, food lines and whether the park matches your child’s confidence level.
What photos should show
Wave pool, big slides, smaller slides, splash area, cabanas, seating, mini golf, batting cages and entry area.
How to read reviews
Look for patterns, not one angry review. Capacity, cleanliness, food lines, shade and staff consistency are the most useful patterns.
Family fit check
For kids under 48 inches, check whether the play pool, splash pad and Paradise Play are enough for your visit.
Cameron Run Cabanas, Shelters and Shade Strategy
Cabanas answer a different intent than tickets. People searching “Cameron Run Regional Park tickets price” often also need to know whether they can secure shade and a base spot. Great Waves cabanas require advance reservation and minimum Play All Day pass purchases.
| Rental type | Official listed details | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tiki cabana | $65 weekdays / $80 weekends; no electricity; maximum 8 guests; minimum 4 Play All Day passes required. | Small family wanting shade, deck chairs and a base spot. |
| North Shore Cabana | $150 daily; next to wave pool; 6 picnic tables, 2 large shade structures, 2 built-in serving tables; maximum 50 guests; minimum 25 Play All Day passes. | Large group near wave-pool side. |
| Cowabunga Cove Cabana | $100 daily; centrally located near Minnow Bay baby pool; 5 round picnic tables; umbrella shade; maximum 20 guests; minimum 10 Play All Day passes. | Medium family/group near younger-kid areas. |
| Tiki Hut Cabana | $100 daily; near Paradise Play; 15×15-foot shade structure; 4 round picnic tables; has electricity; minimum 10 Play All Day passes; maximum 25 guests. | Group wanting shade near dry play. |
| Shelter 1 | Outside the waterpark near batting cages, mini golf and waterpark; ideal for groups of 100 or less. Weekend/holiday summer reservations require minimum all-facility passes. | Picnic-style group near, but not inside, the waterpark deck. |
Groups, Camps, Birthdays and Meal Plans
Group intent is different from normal family tickets. Great Waves accepts 2026 group reservations for groups of 20 or more visiting Monday–Friday on non-holidays. Some dates fill quickly, reservations are not held until deposit is paid, and the remaining payment is due at arrival.
Minimum group size
Group pricing starts with scheduled groups of 20 or more on eligible weekdays.
Deposit and no-show risk
Groups may be charged for at least 85% of the reserved number, including no-shows. Non-government groups need a 20-student minimum deposit.
$8 group meal plan
The official group page lists an $8 group kids meal option, with choices such as chicken nuggets or Uncrustables, fries or pizza/chips, and bottled water.
Cameron Run Regional Park Add-Ons: Mini Golf and Batting Cages
Cameron Run Regional Park is more than the waterpark. This matters when weather interrupts the pool, when a child wants a break from swimming, or when the Play All Day Pass may be better value.
| Activity | 2026 official details | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Mini golf | 18-hole miniature golf course. In peak summer June 13–August 23, the official page lists daily 10 AM–8 PM. | Good before/after swimming or when some family members do not want water. |
| Mini golf pricing | Age 12 & under $6; age 13–54 $8; age 55+ $6; replay $3; groups of 10+ $4; waterpark patrons $3.50; 10-round punch card $40. | Good add-on if you are not buying Play All Day. |
| Batting cages | Slow pitch softball, baseball and varied speeds; bats and helmets provided or bring your own. | Good for older kids, teens and adults. |
| Batting cage pricing | 14 balls $3. Team rentals: jurisdiction $20 per half hour / $38 per hour; non-jurisdiction $24 per half hour / $44 per hour. | Good for teams or families using the park outside waterpark time. |
Rules, Food, Swimwear and What to Pack
This section covers the micro-level questions families ask at the gate. Rules can change, and posted slide rules always control, but these are the key official waterpark policies to know before packing.
Entry and supervision
- Everyone entering the waterpark enclosure must pay the appropriate fee.
- Children under 12 must be supervised by a guardian age 16 or older.
- Non-swimmers and small children need an adult within arm’s reach.
Food and drinks
- Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
- Baby food and water are allowed.
- Glass containers and chewing gum are prohibited.
Swimwear and slides
- Appropriate swim attire is required.
- Gym pants, cutoffs and street clothes are not swim attire.
- No rivets, zippers or buttons on waterslides.
Water safety
- Shower before entering the water.
- Non-toilet-trained guests must wear swim diapers.
- Diving, running, pushing and horseplay are prohibited.
Flotation devices
- Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices are permitted.
- Children using PFDs need direct one-on-one adult supervision.
- Water wings, swim noodles and unapproved flotation devices are not permitted.
Slide rules
- One person at a time on waterslides.
- Slides are restricted to persons weighing less than 250 pounds.
- Great Waves waterslides over 10 feet list a 48-inch height requirement.
Weather, Thunder, Lightning and Rain Checks
Cameron Run is an outdoor waterpark, so weather is part of the ticket plan. NOVA Parks says guests are cleared from the water for thunder or lightning indicated on the lightning detection system, and pools remain closed until safe to return.
| Weather issue | Official policy meaning | What a visitor should do |
|---|---|---|
| Thunder or lightning | Guests are cleared from water; pools stay closed until the system says it is safe. | Keep phones, towels and dry clothes protected. Expect delay. |
| Dangerous weather / low attendance / mechanical issue | Facilities may delay opening or close early. | Check alerts before leaving and avoid far drives when storms are likely. |
| Air temperature below 70°F | NOVA Parks lists this as one possible safety reason for delay or early closure. | Do not assume a cool day is open just because the calendar says open. |
| Operations suspended 30+ minutes before 4 PM | Guests can exchange receipt for an all-day rain check. | Keep your receipt dry and accessible. |
| Last two hours of operation | Only “After 4 PM” rain checks are issued. | Evening visitors should understand rain-check limits. |
| Refunds | NOVA Parks states no refunds or early issued rain checks will be given. | Use weather radar before buying at the gate. |
Capacity Warning: Why Arrival Time Matters
Because daily tickets are on-site only, capacity is part of the “ticket price” problem. If admission sales pause, your family can lose time even though you were willing to pay.
Arrive before opening
For weekends, holidays and great-weather days, aim to be ready before the 11 AM waterpark opening.
Leaving does not always free one spot
Guests with re-entry ability may not count as final departures until they fully leave.
Have a backup
Mini golf, batting cages or another Alexandria activity can save the day if weather or capacity interrupts the plan.
Step-by-Step Cameron Run Visit Plan
This is the practical route for a smoother family visit, especially if you are bringing toddlers, seniors, non-swimmers or a group.
Check the exact date
Confirm whether Great Waves is open that day. Early and late season include weekday closures.
Check weather and alerts
Look for storms, lightning risk, air temperature, mechanical notices and NOVA Parks alerts before driving.
Choose your ticket bucket
Know whether your group is weekday, after-4PM, weekend/holiday, under 48 inches, 48 inches or taller, senior, group or Play All Day.
Arrive early on busy days
Because daily tickets are sold at the gate, arrival time matters. Capacity can stop admission sales.
Pick your base spot first
Secure seating, shade or cabana area before everyone spreads out. This helps with toddlers and seniors.
Start with the right attraction
Take younger kids to the splash pad/play pool first. Take 48-inch+ confident swimmers to slide rules before waiting in line.
Compare Cameron Run With Other Verified WaterParkUSA Guides
Use these only if Cameron Run is not the perfect fit. A local outdoor park, a bigger indoor resort and another NOVA Parks waterpark solve different family problems.
Official Cameron Run and Great Waves Links
Use these official links for final verification. This guide explains the plan, but live fees, hours, alerts, cabanas, groups and safety rules are controlled by NOVA Parks and the City of Alexandria.
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 11 AM–7 PM. Main summer hours from June 13 to August 23 are Monday–Thursday 11 AM–6 PM and Friday–Sunday 11 AM–7 PM, with holiday and late-season exceptions.
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 Cameron Run water park 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 4 PM price?
Yes. The after-4PM weekday-only price is listed at $11.50 jurisdiction and $12.25 non-jurisdiction.
Are children under age 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 wave pool is the centerpiece of Great Waves. NOVA Parks’ FY26 budget describes it as a 500,000-gallon wave pool.
How many slides are at Great Waves?
The official page and PDFs support multiple slide areas, including three flume waterslides, two speed slides, a family slide and a kiddie slide. Always follow posted rules at the park.
What is the slide height requirement?
NOVA Parks rules list Great Waves waterslides over 10 feet as 48 inches or taller. Posted rules at each slide control on the day of your visit.
Can I bring outside food to Cameron Run Water Park?
Outside food and beverage are not permitted in NOVA Parks waterparks, except baby food and water. Glass containers and chewing gum are prohibited.
Are cabanas available at Great Waves?
Yes. Great Waves offers several reserved cabana and rental areas with different prices, capacities, reservation requirements and minimum Play All Day pass rules.
Does Cameron Run have mini golf and batting cages?
Yes. Cameron Run Regional Park includes Great Waves Waterpark, an 18-hole mini golf course, 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 indicated by the lightning detection system. Pools remain closed until it is safe to return.
Can Great Waves reach capacity?
Yes. NOVA Parks says waterparks can hit capacity within the first hour after opening on weekends, hot-weather days and holidays. Arrive early.
Is the Play All Day Pass worth it?
It can be worth it if you will use the waterpark plus mini golf and batting cages on the same day. If you only need a short waterpark visit, compare the standard admission category first.
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, younger-kid areas, Paradise Play, mini golf, batting cages, cabanas and group options without driving to a far resort.
The smartest plan is simple: check official hours, choose the right price bucket, arrive before opening on busy days, keep your receipt, follow food and swimwear rules, and use mini golf or batting cages as backup if weather or capacity interrupts the waterpark plan.