Skip to main content
Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County Virginia
Fairfax County Virginia

FFX Global Navigation

    • Department Homepage
    • Hours
      • Operational Hours
      • Holiday Hours & Class Schedules
      • Rec Center Schedules
    • Parks
      • Find It
      • Waterfront Parks
      • Nature and History
      • Water Parks and Spray Grounds
      • Sports and Fitness
      • Specialty Attractions
    • Rec Centers
      • Rec Centers Home
      • Memberships
      • Rec Center Schedules
      • Audrey Moore
      • Cub Run
      • Franconia
      • George Washington
      • Mount Vernon
      • Oakmont
      • Providence
      • South Run
      • Spring Hill
    • Golf Courses
      • Golf Home
      • Operating Status
      • Burke Lake Golf Center
      • Greendale Golf Course
      • Jefferson Golf Course
      • Laurel Hill Golf Club
      • Oakmont Golf Center
      • Pinecrest Golf Course
      • Twin Lakes Golf Course
    • Events Calendar
    • Park Reservations
      • Picnic Areas (Picnic shelters, canopy’s, gazebos)
      • Camping Reservations
      • Golf Tee Times
      • Water Mine
      • Our Special Harbor
    • Programs and Activities
      • PARKTAKES ONLINE
      • Summer Entertainment Series
      • Classes
      • Camps
      • Popular Activities
      • Farmers Markets
      • Healthy Strides
      • Preschool
      • Group Activities
      • Gift Cards
      • Wonder Wagon
      • Dogs of Fairfax County
      • Older Adults
    • Park Maintenance Requests
      • Request Tree and Debris Removal
      • Athletic Field Maintenance
    • Board and Committee Meetings
    • Park Budget and Fees
    • Natural and Cultural Resources
      • Archaeology and Collections
      • Heritage Conservation
      • Nature and Natural Resources
    • Trails
      • Trails Home
      • Trail Buddy
      • Discovery Trail Map
      • Accessible Trails
      • Cross County Trail
      • Bike Trails
      • Equestrian Trails
      • Trail Mix QR Code Fitness Trails
      • First Hike
    • Special Topics
    • Jobs at the Park Authority
      • #joinFCPA
      • Jobs
    • Rentals and Permits
      • Park Use Permits
      • Facility Rentals
      • Easements and Permits
    • Long Range Planning
    • Planning and Improvements
      • Planning Projects
      • Development Projects
      • Park Bond
      • Quarterly Project Updates
    • Park News
    • Connect
      • Contact Us
      • Stay Informed and Engaged
      • Park News
      • Subscribe to E-News and E-Newsletters
      • Support Your Parks
      • Friends Group
      • Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program
      • Volunteer
      • Park Volunteer Teams
    • About Us
      • Park Authority Board
      • Rules
      • Awards
    • Weather-Related Closures
    • Recreation Services for Customers with Disabilities ♿
    • Parks Website Comments
  • Residents
    • Animals & Pets
      • Adoptions
      • Animal Control & Regulations
      • Guide to Dogs
      • Lost & Found Pets
      • Shelter Support & Supplies
      • Wildlife
      • More
      Courts & Legal
      • Case Information
      • Circuit Court Docket
      • Jury Duty
      • Land Records
      • Magistrate
      • Public Law Library
      • Self-Help Resources
      • Traffic Court
      • Vital Records
      • More
      Environment & Energy
      • Invasive Species
      • Litter
      • Recycle, Trash & Compost
      • Sustain Fairfax
      • Trees
      • Watersheds
      • More
      Health & Human Services
      • Basic Needs & Assistance
      • Disability Services
      • Diseases & Conditions
      • Domestic & Sexual Violence
      • Health Clinics
      • Mental Health
      • Opioids
      • More
      Individuals & Families
      • Children & Youth
      • Federal Workforce
      • Immigrants
      • Military & Veterans
      • New Residents
      • Older Adults
      • Parents
      • People with Disabilities
      • Volunteers
      • More
      Land Use & Planning
      • Comprehensive Plan
      • County Capital Projects
      • Land Records
      • Parks Planning
      • Planning Projects
      • Research Tools
      • Transportation Projects
      • Urban Centers
      • More
      Library & Education
      • Adult Education
      • Early Childhood Programs
      • Library Branches
      • Library Catalog Search
      • Public Schools
      • More
      Parks & Recreation
      • Arts
      • Athletic Fields
      • Camps
      • Community Centers
      • Parktakes Classes
      • Rec Centers
      • Senior Centers
      • Teen Centers
      • Trails
      • More
      Permits & Licenses
      • Birth & Death Certificates
      • Building
      • Child Care
      • Dogs
      • Health
      • Marriage
      • Park Use
      • Solicitors
      • More
      Property & Housing
      • Affordable Housing
      • Code & Zoning
      • Neighborhoods
      • Real Estate Values
      • Recycling & Trash
      • Tenant Landlord Issues
      • Utilities
      • More
      Public Safety & Emergencies
      • 9-1-1
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Fire & Rescue
      • Gun Violence Prevention
      • Police
      • Scams
      • Sheriff
      • Storm Center
      • More
      Roads & Commuting
      • Bike & Walk
      • Connector Bus
      • Metrobus & Metrorail
      • Park & Ride
      • Pedestrian Safety
      • Road Maintenance/VDOT
      • Street Parking
      • Toll Roads
      • Transportation Projects
      • More
      Taxes & Fees
      • Car Taxes
      • Park Fees
      • Real Estate Taxes
      • Tax Relief
      • Trash Disposal Fees
      • More
      Voting & Elections
      • Absentee Voting
      • Early Voting
      • Election Results
      • Polling Places
      • Voter Registration
      • More
      Weather & Climate
      • Air Quality
      • Climate Action Dashboard
      • Extreme Heat
      • Floods
      • Ready Fairfax
      • Resilient Fairfax
      • Snow
      • Tornadoes
      • More
  • Business
    • Business & Construction
      • Building Permits
      • Code & Zoning
      • Land Use
      • More
      Business Services
      • Business Emergency Preparedness
      • Business Taxes
      • Consumer Services
      • Employer Transportation Service
      • Green Business Partners Program
      • Home-Based Business
      • Regulation & Licensing
      • Small Business
      • Starting a Business
      • Workplace Issues
      • More
      Doing Business with Fairfax
      • Contracting and Procurement
      • Current Solicitations
      • Permits
      • Vendor Pitch Portal
      • More
  • Government
    • About
      • Codes & Standards
      • Countywide Strategic Plan
      • Facilities & Locations
      • History of Fairfax County
      • Operating Status
      • More
      Board of Supervisors
      • Auditor
      • Board Members
      • Boards, Authorities & Commissions
      • Clerk Services
      • Committees
      • Meetings & Agendas
      • More
      Budget & Finance
      • Bonds
      • Budget
      • Financial Transparency
      • Unclaimed Money
      • More
      Departments & Agencies
      Jobs & Employment
      • Full-Time Openings
      • Internships
      • Seasonal & Non-Merit
      Maps & Data
      • Countywide Data Analytics
      • Demographics
      • Geographic Information Systems
      • Interactive Data Tools
      • More
      One Fairfax
      • Digital Equity
      • Inclusive Engagement
      • Trust Policy
  • Fairfax County Virginia
  • Services
    • Find
      • Animal Services
      • Health Clinics
      • Jobs
      • Library Resources
      • Lost or Found Pet
      • Mental Health Support
      • Park Classes
      • Real Estate Values
      • Recycling & Trash
      • Volunteer Opportunities
      • More
      Pay
      • Business Taxes
      • Car Taxes
      • Dog Licenses
      • Driving & Parking Fines
      • False Alarm Fees
      • Real Estate/Property Taxes
      • SACC Payments
      • More
      Register/Apply
      • Basic Needs & Assistance
      • Building Inspections
      • Car Registration
      • Fairfax Alerts
      • Permits & Licenses
      • Tax Relief
      • Vote
      • More
      Report
      • Animal Control Issues
      • Consumer Complaints
      • Crime
      • Domestic Violence
      • Financial Crimes
      • Neighborhood Complaints
      • Road Issues to VDOT
      • Street Light Outages
      • More
  • Connect
    • Alerts, Emails & Apps
      • Email Subscriptions
      • Fairfax Alerts
      • Mobile App
      • More
      Community Engagement
      • Surveys & Projects
      Contact
      • Directory
      • Hotlines & Emergency Numbers
      • VDOT
      • VFOIA Requests
      • More
      News & Events
      • Daily Headlines
      • Emergency Information Blog
      • Events Calendar
      • NewsCenter
      • NotiCentro (Spanish)
      • Public Meetings Calendar
      • More
      Social Media
      • Comments Policy
      • Directory of Accounts
      • More
      TV, Video & Podcasts
      • Channel 16
      • Podcasts & Radio
      • YouTube
      • More
  • TRANSLATE
    • Language Selection

      To change the language of this website, click the drop-down list and select the desired language. The Fairfax County Web site is being translated through "machine translation" powered by Google Translate. Disclaimer

The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole

  1. Home
  2. Park Authority
  3. Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole

Alert:

703-246-5929 TTY 711
FCPAWaterMine@Fairfaxcounty.gov
1400 Lake Fairfax Drive
Reston, VA 20190
fairfaxparks
Tammy Yelmgren
Watermine Manager

Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole

Department Resources

  • Department Homepage
  • Hours
    • Operational Hours
    • Holiday Hours & Class Schedules
    • Rec Center Schedules
  • Parks
    • Find It
    • Waterfront Parks
    • Nature and History
    • Water Parks and Spray Grounds
    • Sports and Fitness
    • Specialty Attractions
  • Rec Centers
    • Rec Centers Home
    • Memberships
    • Rec Center Schedules
    • Audrey Moore
    • Cub Run
    • Franconia
    • George Washington
    • Mount Vernon
    • Oakmont
    • Providence
    • South Run
    • Spring Hill
  • Golf Courses
    • Golf Home
    • Operating Status
    • Burke Lake Golf Center
    • Greendale Golf Course
    • Jefferson Golf Course
    • Laurel Hill Golf Club
    • Oakmont Golf Center
    • Pinecrest Golf Course
    • Twin Lakes Golf Course
  • Events Calendar
  • Park Reservations
    • Picnic Areas (Picnic shelters, canopy’s, gazebos)
    • Camping Reservations
    • Golf Tee Times
    • Water Mine
    • Our Special Harbor
  • Programs and Activities
    • PARKTAKES ONLINE
    • Summer Entertainment Series
    • Classes
    • Camps
    • Popular Activities
    • Farmers Markets
    • Healthy Strides
    • Preschool
    • Group Activities
    • Gift Cards
    • Wonder Wagon
    • Dogs of Fairfax County
    • Older Adults
  • Park Maintenance Requests
    • Request Tree and Debris Removal
    • Athletic Field Maintenance
  • Board and Committee Meetings
  • Park Budget and Fees
  • Natural and Cultural Resources
    • Archaeology and Collections
    • Heritage Conservation
    • Nature and Natural Resources
  • Trails
    • Trails Home
    • Trail Buddy
    • Discovery Trail Map
    • Accessible Trails
    • Cross County Trail
    • Bike Trails
    • Equestrian Trails
    • Trail Mix QR Code Fitness Trails
    • First Hike
  • Special Topics
  • Jobs at the Park Authority
    • #joinFCPA
    • Jobs
  • Rentals and Permits
    • Park Use Permits
    • Facility Rentals
    • Easements and Permits
  • Long Range Planning
  • Planning and Improvements
    • Planning Projects
    • Development Projects
    • Park Bond
    • Quarterly Project Updates
  • Park News
  • Connect
    • Contact Us
    • Stay Informed and Engaged
    • Park News
    • Subscribe to E-News and E-Newsletters
    • Support Your Parks
    • Friends Group
    • Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program
    • Volunteer
    • Park Volunteer Teams
  • About Us
    • Park Authority Board
    • Rules
    • Awards
  • Weather-Related Closures
  • Recreation Services for Customers with Disabilities ♿
  • Parks Website Comments

Related Resources

  • Park Authority Board
  • Fairfax County Park Foundation

Visit The Water Mine this Summer!

Make a splash this summer at The Water Mine! The entire family will find something to enjoy from thrilling slides to fun sprays to a meandering lazy river.

The Water Mine draws a crowd (especially on weekends and holidays) — please prepare for lines and note that the water park can reach capacity. We recommend purchasing tickets online and arriving early. The Water Mine also may close early or lines may stall due to emergencies, capacity or weather conditions.

  • Purchase Tickets

Please call 703-246-5929 in advance to determine the operational status when inclement weather is forecast. Email FCPAWaterMine@Fairfaxcounty.gov for more information.


Best Day Ever: Tips for an Optimal Visit

Best Day Ever: Tips for an Optimal Visit Image

Welcome to The Water Mine — Fairfax County Park Authority’s premier water destination for the summer. With the promise of fun for the entire family, it is no surprise that the water park draws a crowd. To make your visit the best it can be, here are some key reminders:

  • Tickets: Purchase tickets online in advance (limited quantity). Tickets are NOT available online on the day of your visit. Tickets are available at the door!
  • Hot weather: Keep safe, especially while waiting in lines, by wearing sunscreen, hats and coverings. Please bring water to stay hydrated.
  • Lines: The park often reaches capacity, especially on weekends and holidays. Please be patient as our staff work to accommodate as many people as we can safely.
  • Security To ensure everyone’s safety, all bags, coolers, etc., will be checked when entering. Please help optimize this process by not bringing prohibited items: glass, sharp objects, pool toys, speakers, lighters/vapes and alcohol (see the full list of prohibited items here).

Sensory Friendly Times at The Water Mine

The sensory friendly times at The Water Mine welcomes individuals and families who need spaces with reduced sensory input. Attend to experience limited capacity, reduced sounds and staff trained to respond to children with special needs. The Water Mine allows visitors to be fully immersed in water and louder water features are turned off during this event. Regular admission fees apply.

  • Tuesday, August 18, 10-11 a.m.

Learn more about Fairfax County Park Authority’s other access and inclusion resources. 


Spend Sun-Soaked Days at The Water Mine: Reserve Your Spot!

Take the plunge and secure your spot at The Water Mine this summer. Choose from a variety of spaces to rent to make sure your crew has the perfect staycation oasis. Rental areas include:

  • Funbrellas
  • Canopies/Tents
  • Awnings
  • Cabanas
  • Bungalows 

Please note that rental fees to not include admission, so be sure to get your tickets in advance.  

Rent Your Spot at The Water Mine Today!

watermine

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

Planning to visit The Water Mine? You have three options to purchase admissions/tickets in the days prior to your arrival at the water park! Purchase admission/tickets:

  • Online
  • Over the phone by calling 703-246-5929
  • In person at The Water Mine

Tickets on the day of your visit are ONLY available for purchase in person at The Water Mine! Please remember that admission depends on park capacity and plan for lines on busy weekends/holidays.

Online Ticket Purchases

  • 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.
  • Click HERE to begin your ticket process.

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

  • 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)

Click Here for Water Mine Rentals

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.

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. 

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

Click to view in Google Maps

Click to view in Google Maps

Lake Fairfax Park - Water Mine Location

1400 Lake Fairfax Drive
Reston, VA, 22039
Link to Google Maps

Programs & Activities

Classes and Camps
Birdwatching
Fishing
On Your Own
Plants and Wildlife
Schedule Your Own
Scouting

Facilities & Rentals

Lake Fairfax HOME
Water Mine Home
Boating/Marina
Campground
Picnic
Skate Park
Water Mine Site Rentals

Connect

Contact Us
Lake Fairfax Jobs
Watermine Jobs
Volunteering

Recent Interactions

    Ask Fairfax

    Terms & Conditions
    Live chat available Search our site

    Related Resources

    • Park Authority Board
    • Fairfax County Park Foundation
    • Translate
    • Awards
    • Site Feedback
    • PRIVACY POLICY & COPYRIGHT
    Main Address

    12000 Government Center Pkwy
    Fairfax, VA 22035

    Phone

    703-324-7329

    TTY 711

    Site Tools
    • Website Accessibility
    • Translate
    • Download Mobile App
    Support
    • ADA Accessibility
    • FOIA Requests
    • Website Administrator
    Additional Resources
    • Fairfax County Public Schools
    • Economic Development Authority
    • Visit Fairfax
    • Council of Governments
    • Commonwealth of Virginia
    • USA.gov
    • Calendar
    • Channel 16
    • Mail
    • Security
    • WIFI
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Mobile

    The Official Site of Fairfax County