Our Special Harbor Spray Park

Looking for the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer afternoon? Our Special Harbor is a unique inclusive spray park in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. Located in Virginia, this splash park has become a true oasis for family vacations in the USA.

The park is designed with a Chesapeake Bay theme. There are no deep pools here; instead, you'll find safe water attractions suitable for children of all ages and physical abilities. In 2023, this location received high praise, ranking second in USA Today's list of the best splash pads in the country.

The core concept of Our Special Harbor is total accessibility. It is a sensory and creative space where every child can feel like a captain or an explorer while enjoying water play in an entirely safe and friendly atmosphere.

For planning your visit to Our Special Harbor, it is helpful to have current contact information on hand. The park is very popular, so it is worth checking the official page for the current operational status before you go.

Visitors to the park are in for an exciting journey across the "seas." One of the main highlights is Chessie the Sea Serpent, who sprays jets of water to the delight of little ones. You can also cool off under the "misting lighthouse" or run past the water-spraying osprey nest. For those who prefer calmer play, there is a dedicated beach area with soft bubbles and water tables.

The fun isn't limited to water activities. The park is part of the larger Franconia Family Recreation Area. Here you can stroll along Chessie’s Trail, peek into the cozy treehouse, or have a blast at the Big Backyard playground. Special attention should be given to the fully accessible carousel, which brings joy to all guests without exception, regardless of their physical abilities.

The attraction is located at 6601 Telegraph Road in Franconia, Virginia. This is approximately 30 kilometers southwest of downtown Washington, D.C. The most convenient and fastest way to get there is by car. The drive along Telegraph Road usually takes about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is provided for visitors on-site.

If you plan to use public transport, you can take the metro to the Franconia-Springfield station (Blue Line) and then transfer to a local bus or take a taxi. A taxi ride from the city center to the park will be more expensive but will save time, especially if you are traveling with a large family.

The creation of Our Special Harbor was the result of Fairfax County's commitment to building a truly inclusive environment for recreation. The project was inspired by the ecology and beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, which is reflected in the design of every attraction. The park has become an important part of the Fairfax County Park Authority infrastructure, combining educational elements with pure fun.

Interestingly, in 2023, the park confirmed its status as a world-class facility. In the prestigious USA Today Readers' Choice Awards, it was named the second-best splash park in the entire United States. This achievement highlighted not only the quality of the water installations but also the park's significance to the local community.

The competition was fierce: Our Special Harbor beat out popular venues in Las Vegas and New York. This recognition has made the park a must-visit for tourists traveling in the region with children and has turned it into a benchmark for accessible design.

To fully enjoy all the water activities and explore the adjacent playgrounds, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 4 hours for your visit. This will be enough time for children to try out all the fountains and rest in the shade between dips in the water.

If you also plan to walk along Chessie’s Trail, visit the treehouse, and ride the carousel at the Franconia Family Recreation Area, it is better to plan for a half-day. Given the popularity of the spot, it is worth allowing extra time for potential queues during peak weekend hours.

Please note that the park operates seasonally — usually from late May to early September. In the early season (May–June) and late season (August–September), the facility is often open only on weekends and holidays from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM. During the height of summer, the park switches to daily operation; however, hours may vary: for example, it may have reduced hours on Wednesdays.

As the schedule depends on weather conditions and the specific period, it is strongly recommended to check the current schedule on the park's official website before heading out to ensure your visit is perfect and free of unpleasant surprises.

A trip to this part of Virginia offers a great opportunity to visit other interesting places for family recreation. Exploring the surrounding area can significantly enrich your experience, as there are many entertainment zones and theme parks located nearby.

Check out the nearby attractions in the table below: