These NoVA paddling pools offer a free way to beat the summer heat

VIRGINIA — Summer is in full swing, which means Virginia residents and their families are likely looking for the best ways to beat the heat on those sunny, sweltering days.

While Northern Virginia communities offer a range of summer activities for families, perhaps one of the best ways to cool off is with a trip to the local wading pool or splash pad.

The best part? Most of these facilities are free to access.

Patch has compiled a list of some popular public splash pads, wading pools, and water parks. They include:

Cascades Overlook Downtown Water Playground – Loudoun County

Address: 21453 Epicerie Plaza, Sterling
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Drew Park Water Playground – Arlington

Great Waves Waterpark – Alexandria (entrance fee required)

Address: 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria
Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hanson Park Water Playground – Loudoun County

Address: 22831 Hanson Park Dr., Aldie
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Hayes Park Water Playground – Arlington

Mosaic District Fountains in Strawberry Park – Fairfax City

Address: 2910 District Ave., Fairfax
Hours: 9:45 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.

Lansdowne Downtown Interactive Fountain – Loudoun County

Address: Route 7 and Belmont Ridge Road, Landsdowne
Hours: From early morning to dusk

Loudoun Train Station Interactive Fountain – Loudoun County

Address: 43751 Central Station Dr., Ashburn

Lyon Village Park Children’s Playground – Arlington

Our special water park Harbor Spray Park – Fairfax County

Pirate’s Cove Waterpark – Fairfax County (entrance fee required)

Address: 6501 Pohick Bay Dr., Lorton
Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Potomac Yard Park – Alexandria

Address: 2501 Potomac Ave., Alexandria
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Downtown Reston Fountains – Fairfax County

Address: 11900 Market St., Reston,
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Splash Down Water Park – Prince William County

Address: 7500 Ben Lomond Park Dr., Manassas
Hours: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Stonebridge Water Playground at Potomac Town Center – Prince William County

Address: 15201 Potomac Town Pl., Woodbridge
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Virginia Gateway Jet Fountain – Prince William County

Address: 7524 Iron Bar Lane, Gainesville
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Virginia Highlands Park Water Playground – Arlington

Address: 1600 South Hayes St., Arlington
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Water Mine Family Pool – Fairfax County (entrance fee required)

Address: 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston
Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Waterworks Waterpark – Prince William County (entrance fee required)

Address: 5301 Dale Blvd., Dale City
Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.