Area pools, waterparks opening this weekend

Memorial Day weekend means the start of pool and waterpark season, and if you live in the Richmond Highway area, there’s a lot of good options nearby.

Here’s four local favorites where kids (and adults) can cool off and have some fun in the water — without having to pay for a membership.

Our Special Harbor sprayground

The Our Special Harbor sprayground at Lee District Park is a dream come true for parents looking to do something with their little ones on hot days.

The Chesapeake Bay-themed waterpark is fully accessible, and features areas where toddlers can enjoy themselves as well as stations that are more suited for bigger kids. Best of all, it’s free.

Our Special Harbor begins its season on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. It closes at 7 p.m., and will have those hours on Sunday and Monday as well. If you’ve never been before, check the website so you bring the right shoes.

Location: 6601 Telegraph Road (see map)
Admission: Free for individuals, check website for groups
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends; Weekday hours begin after June 14. See more info here.

Martin Luther King Jr. Pool

Owned and operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Martin Luther King Jr. Pool in Gum Springs is the only outdoor public pool in the Richmond Highway area.

The pool will open for the season this Saturday at noon. The facility features two waterslides, a wading pool for younger kids and a picnic area. Like Lee District Park, it’s free.

Location: 8115 Fordson Road (see map)
Admission: Free for individuals, check website for groups
Hours: Noon-7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. on Memorial Day. See the full summer schedule here.

Pirate’s Cove Waterpark

Pirate’s Cove in Lorton is one of five waterparks operated by NOVA Parks, and it kicks off its season Saturday at 11 a.m.

The pirate-themed waterpark features two waterslides, a 300-gallon bucket that dumps water on you, a tot pool, kid-friendly waterslides and Buccaneer Beach, a large sand play area. Food and snacks are sold on site.

Location: 6501 Pohick Bay Drive (see map)
Admission: Varies by time, age and size. See more information here. Season passes also available.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends only until June 13. See full summer hours here.

Great Waves Waterpark

If you like waterslides, and maybe want to enjoy some mini golf afterward, head on over to Great Waves Waterpark in Alexandria.

Run by NOVA Parks, this longtime favorite is part of Cameron Run Regional Park. It features five waterslides, a massive wave pool and an interactive splash pad and wading pool for the littler ones. Kids between the ages of 3-12 can also enjoy Paradise Play, a climbing structure featuring triple slides, spiral climbs, pogo bounces, rock wall, spiral slides, mazes, kids conveyors, wobble hoppers and more.

Location: 4001 Eisenhower Avenue (see map)
Admission: Varies by time, age and size. See more information here. Season passes also available.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Memorial Day weekend, see website for hours throughout the summer.