From dams and rivers to swimming pools and flotation tanks, here are the best ways to tame the heat in Loudoun this summer.
Beaverdam Reservoir
Beaverdam Reservoir in Brambleton provides more than drinking water. Part of the NOVA Parks system, it features some 600 acres to kayak, canoe, paddleboard or hike, with a winding 2.3-mile forest trail on its western bank. The reservoir is stocked with several species of fish, too. Cast from the banks or hop into a non-gas boat. A Virginia fishing license is required for ages 16 and older.
Tubing with Harpers Ferry Adventure Center
Harpers Ferry Adventure Center in the northwest corner of Loudoun specializes in tubing adventures on the nearby Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. The Shenandoah option is a mellow river float for all the family; the Potomac section more action-packed, with a mix of flat and white-water rapids. Flat water option is suggested to those with young families or just looking for a lazy, river splash while white water is ideal for those looking for the ultimate tubing adventure. You can make a day of it and ask for the combination.
Volcano Island Waterpark, Sterling
Located within the historic Algonkian Regional Park, Volcano Island Waterpark offers up fun adventure for both kids and their parents. Water slides range from 170 feet to 230 feet – open and enclosed. The grand center piece of the waterpark includes a variety of play features in shallow waters including a 500-gallon dump bucket, tube slides and fountains. The water features are connected to a huge, main pool.
Ida Lee Park Outdoor Pool, Leesburg
The popular AV Symington Aquatic Center outdoor pool at Ida Lee is open again – a refreshing respite from the Leesburg heat. While there are minimum time restrictions for this summer, – check website for availability - the water slide, floating snake, tubes and lily pad crossing await. You can also relax in the lazy river circuit, work out in the lap pool or watch your little ones splash in the shallow sections. Bring your own blankets or chairs. Tickets for entry can be pre-purchased on Parks and Recreation’s website.
Franklin Park Pool, Purcellville
Franklin Park Pool in Purcellville is one of the finest county pools in Loudoun. Located in the heart of the expansive park, it has a 25m lap pool, a shallow paddle pool area for kids and a terraced pool one level above. With the water slide, lily pad and plastic log crossings in the top pool, there’s more than enough water to splash around in. Check Parks and Recreation’s website for summer hours.
OmFloat, Flotation Therapy, Ashburn
Okay, you don’t exactly splash around during Floatation Therapy at OmFLOAT in Ashburn, but it is water based and it does promise to cool the storms in your head. The innovative treatment involves lying on your back in a dark, 10-inch-deep tank of saltwater and floating Dead Sea-style, for 90 minutes. The weightlessness is said to induce an ethereal, meditative state akin to the most peaceful sleep, a cure for everything from anxiety to insomnia. Bring your swim trunks!