Park Authority

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Jai Cole
Executive Director

Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole

Department Resources

Related Resources

The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole Opens in May

Make a splash this summer at The Water Mine. The popular waterpark opens for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 23. The entire family will find something to enjoy from thrilling slides to fun sprays to a meandering lazy river. Tickets will be available online or at the door — stay tuned for more details as summer approaches!


Get in on the Gold Rush: Discounted Season Passes

Prepare for a summer poolside by purchasing your season passes for The Water Mine. This Gold Rush Season Pass sale runs:

  • Wednesday, April 1-Monday, May 25

Season passes offer savings of more than 60% on daily admission prices — the more you visit, the more you save. Season passholders also experience faster entry and can purchase guest passes at a discounted rate. Please note that ages two and younger enter for free. Sale prices will be: 

  • $111 $135 for a single person
  • $177 $214.25 for a family of two
  • $65 $78.50 for each additional person 

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The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole captures the excitement of the Old West's Gold Rush with attractions tailored for all ages. This family water park features more than an acre of:  

  • Slides (various sizes and intensities including three 3-story waterslides)
  • Flumes
  • Sprays
  • Showers
  • Floatables
  • Multi-level, interactive water playground
  • Tot spray pad
  • Log walk obstacle course
  • Tenderfoot Pond (with pint-sized slide and gentle bubblers)
  • 725 foot lazy river

There's something here for everyone! 

The Water Mine: Background, Tickets, FAQs, Rules

The mountain and slides are named for Pete the Prospector. According to Lake Fairfax legend, he staked his claim there in 1849, searching for gold. Sadly for Pete, his years of digging found only water. But now, with The Water Mine, the Park Authority is turning Pete's worthless old strike into the golden fun of summer.

Careen off covered wagons, float on wild animals and dash through showers tipped from water-filled ore carts. The activity pool is encircled by Rattlesnake River, a 725 foot lazy river you can enjoy a relaxing float as the current gently nudges you along. The centerpiece is Pete's Peak, a craggy mountain dotted with boarded up mine shafts and tunnels. Enjoy a slide down Big Pete and Little Pete, or experience the thrills of Prospectors Plummet with one of three 3-story waterslides!

Tenderfoot Pond, with its pint-sized slide and gentle bubblers, gives toddlers a perfect place for water play. Children will delight at the never-ending bubblers and spray fountains in Boomtown, a multi-level water playground, along with the interactive slides and additional interactive features in the tot spray pad area! The more adventurous can test their skills on Box Canyon Crossing, the log walk obstacle course. Teenagers can join a game of water volleyball or enjoy the thrill of Prospectors Plummet, and everyone will enjoy going with the flow in a tube on Rattlesnake River. 

Day of Admissions/Tickets to The Water Mine can be purchased in advance, online, over the phone or in person at The Water Mine.

  • If you are looking to prepay, you will have to create a household account and pay for all tickets online using a credit or debit card.
  • If you are a returning customer and bought tickets last year, you will need to use the account you created during the previous year.
  • Tickets will be made available two weeks in advance. Tickets will be scheduled to be released on Wednesdays for two-week intervals starting May 15, 2026.
  • Click HERE to begin your ticket process.

Purchase tickets for the day of admission either online or in person at The Water Mine:

Daily Admission:

 Monday-Friday
County/Non-County 
Weekends/Holidays
County/Non-County
Over 48” Tall$17.25 / $20$18.25 / $22
Under 48” Tall$14.25 / $20$15.25 / $22
2 Years & UnderFREE / FREEFREE / FREE
Group Rate per individual
(group of twenty (20) or more)
$13.50 / $14.50$ 15.75 / $16.75


Season Passes:

Single$135
Family of 2$214.25
Each Additional Person$78.50

Purchase Tickets

  • Booking, pricing, pictures and area amenities can be found here.
  • Groups 20 or more are required to book a rental area(s) appropriate for their group size.
  • Admission rates are not included in rental area fees.
  • For groups with rental areas or groups of 20 or more, we ask that you submit a Guest List to FCPAWaterMineRentals@fairfaxcounty.gov at least two days before your reservation. Please include the first and last names of all guests and indicate any children under 2 years old. This helps us ensure a smooth check-in process for your group. (Not applicable to camps or school groups)

Thank you for helping us ensure The Water Mine is a safe, accommodating space for everyone. Please visit the following pages to learn more about the park’s procedures and rules:

Water Mine Procedures and FAQs

Review the information on this page that outlines:

  • Inclement weather procedures
  • Re-entry into the facility
  • Prohibited items
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Water Mine Rules

Review the rules for The Water Mine. When at the park, follow the instruction of our trained staff who are obligated to enforce the rules and regulations.

Calendar & Hours

*The Water Mine may close early or lines may stall due to emergencies, capacity or weather conditions. Learn more in the Water Mine Procedures and FAQs.

Download Printable Calendar

Water Mine Procedures and FAQs

 

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