Looking for fun things to do with the kids that won’t break the bank? Sign up for summer deals at these local entertainment venues and let the littles jump, game, climb, bowl and chill from now until next school year.
Nova Parks Annual Waterpark Pass
NOVA Parks is selling an $80 pass that grants admission to all five of its area waterparks. Open daily through mid-August, the closest of them is Ocean Dunes in Arlington’s Upton Hill Regional Park, which has a 500-gallon dumping bucket, waterslides, lap lanes and beach vibes. Looking for a wave pool? Head to Great Waves in Alexandria. For more waterpark and sprayground fun, check out this roundup of local places to chill out and cool off.
Climb UP! and All Adventure Passports at Climb UPton
Kiddos can also enjoy fresh air and a challenge—90 of them to be exact—at Climb UPton, a three-level adventure course at Upton Hill Regional Park. Buying a Frequent Climber Pack of four, six or 10 climbs ($14.99-$44.99) for youth or adults saves you 20%. For the ultimate day out, take advantage of all the park’s offerings, which include Ocean Dunes Waterpark, an 18-Hole Deluxe Mini Golf Course, and Slow and Fast Pitch Batting Cages. The All Adventure Passport ($19.95-$54.95) includes a climb, waterpark admission, a round of putt-putt and two rounds in the batting cages. 6060 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center
The one certainty about NoVa weather is its uncertainty. Take the guesswork out of the weather forecast by planning an outing to this indoor facility near Reagan National Airport. The leisure pool has a waterslide, lazy river and water play features for little ones, plus lap lanes for your budding Katie Ledecky or Michael Phelps. Don’t plan to use it all year? Get an adult punch pass of 10 or 25 admissions for $85-$110 or $210-$273. Youth passes are $50-$65 or $115-$149 for kids ages 5-17. The lower price is for Arlington residents, and kids under 5 get in free. 333 Long Bridge Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
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Immersive Gamebox Summer Pass
If you’re granting screen time, you might as well make it interactive. Brought to you by the creators of the Tough Mudder race and boot camp, this decidedly less dirty gaming venue inside Ballston Quarter offers an array of group gaming adventures in interactive smart rooms. A Summer Pass for 2 ($79.99) allows two players to enjoy an hourlong session once a day, Monday-Thursday. Grab a visor-like headset and tackle games ranging from the family-friendly Angry Birds (suitable for ages 3 and up) or Floor is Lava (7 and up) to Psychedelic Mansion for those 12 and older. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Unit 2233, Arlington (Ballston)
Bowlero Summer Season Pass
Strike up some fun with two free games of bowling per visit, plus free shoe rental, when you buy a Summer Season Pass to Bowlero (also called Lucky Strike or Bowl America at some alleys). The basic pass is $44.99 and is valid at a single location. The premium version works at all participating alleys and includes $5 of arcade credits and 15% off food and nonalcoholic drinks. Bowl America Falls Church, 140 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church; Lucky Strike Arlington, 320 S. 23rd St., Arlington (Crystal City); Lucky Strike Tysons Corner, 2001 International Drive, McLeanÂ
Regal’s Summer Movie Express
Rainy days and scorching hot temps call for a matinee. Through Aug. 6, catch a family flick on the big screen at Regal Cinemas for $1 per ticket to the first show on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Returning favorites include Trolls, and Paw Patrol the Movie. Summer Movie Express guests can also get a $5 snack pack, which includes a junior-size drink, snack-size popcorn and fruit snacks. 671 N. Glebe Road, Arlington (Ballston)
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Movement Crystal City
The popular indoor rock climbing gym is offering up to 30% off membership fees and no initiation fee for the summer. The deal, which is not limited to youth, costs $270 and provides unlimited access to climbing, plus yoga and fitness classes. It also comes with one free guest pass each month and two first-time guest passes, so you can bring friends. 1235 S. Clark St., Arlington (Crystal City)
Nationals All-Star Readers
School’s out, but here’s an incentive to keep kids reading all summer: Youngsters engrossed in page-turners can also earn a free ticket to a Nats game. The Washington Nationals have partnered with local library systems, including Arlington and Fairfax public libraries, to give away up to two tickets to a 2025 regular season game at Nats Park. In Arlington, the Summer Reading Challenge runs through Sept. 1. In Fairfax, the Color Our World reading challenge runs through Aug. 17. Kids 12 and younger also eat free at every game this season.
Sky Zone Summer Membership
What’s a parent to do with stir-crazy kids who need to blow off steam? Sign on for two hours of daily jump time at this indoor trampoline park Monday-Friday and before 1 p.m. on weekends, plus 20% off food and drinks and access to members-only events. The pass costs $84.99 and is good through Sept. 22. In addition to jumping pads, the park features climbing and obstacle courses, slides, hoops and more. (Note that Arlington might be getting its own Sky Zone location soon.) 5325 Port Royal Road, Springfield; 14555 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge; and 7807 Sudley Road, Manassas
Dave & Buster’s Summer Season Pass
Perfect your Skee-Ball toss with a summer pass to this arcade/restaurant with all the bells and whistles. You’ve got three options, all of which include unlimited game play. The Platinum Summer Season Pass costs $149.99 and includes 30% off food and beverages and up to 2,000 tickets (to exchange for food or prizes) each week. The Gold pass is $50 less, saves you 20% on food and drinks, and nets you up to 1,000 tickets per week. Silver, for $69.99, is valid on weekdays only and includes 10% off food and drinks. For more gaming options, see our list of places to play arcade games in Arlington. 6655 Springfield Mall, Springfield; 11958, Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax
Urban Air Adventure Park Unlimited Play Summer Pass
Set the kids loose to play laser tag and dodgeball, ride the Sky Rider Indoor Zipline, and zip round on Flip Zone Bumper Cars. An all-access 90-day pass buys you unlimited time daily with no blackout dates. Buy passes by June 30 for $69.99 each. 14173 Crossing Place, Woodbridge