Virginia summers are real — hot, humid, and long enough that you need a solid rotation of places to cool off. If you're living in or around New Kent County, you might assume you have to drive a long way to find a splash pad or a public pool you can actually use. The good news: you don't. Within about 30 to 40 minutes in almost any direction, there are free spray parks, public pools with day passes, and even full-scale water parks that make an easy afternoon outing.
New Kent County itself doesn't currently have a public splash pad or community pool, so most families head to the surrounding areas — and there are plenty of great options. Here's every splash pad, day-use pool, and water park within a reasonable drive of New Kent, organized by type so you can find exactly what you're looking for.
Free Splash Pads & Spray Parks
Henrico County operates six free spray parks across the county, and Chesterfield recently opened its first. All are zero-depth water play areas — no standing water, no swimming ability required — making them ideal for toddlers and young kids. They're open daily during the summer and cost nothing to use.
Dorey Park Spray Park
What's there: Zero-depth spray park with water jets, misting features, and interactive water play areas. Located within the larger Dorey Park complex.
The spray park sits alongside playgrounds, a fishing pond, a dog park, and Virginia Capital Trail access — making it easy to turn a splash pad visit into a full morning or afternoon outing. Arrive before 10 AM on hot weekends to beat the crowds. Bring towels and a change of clothes.
Short Pump Park Spray Park
What's there: Spray park with water features and splash zones. Adjacent to playgrounds, walking trails, and a popular community park setting.
Short Pump Park is one of the busiest spray parks in the county, especially on summer afternoons. Early morning visits (right at 9 AM) are the sweet spot. The park has restrooms and picnic areas, so pack a lunch and make a day of it.
Twin Hickory Park Spray Park
What's there: Whimsical spray park with water features, plus separate playgrounds for ages 2–12, walking trails, disc golf, and picnic facilities.
Twin Hickory is a favorite among Henrico families because the spray park and playgrounds are right next to each other, making it easy to rotate between water play and dry play. The disc golf course is a bonus for older kids and adults. Restrooms are available on-site.
Taylor Farm Park Spray Park
What's there: Spray park with mist mounds and an interactive play stream, plus nature-based playgrounds with treehouses, a 17,000-sqft skate park, a pump track, and a 1-mile asphalt trail.
Taylor Farm Park is a standout — the spray park is just one piece of a nationally award-winning park design. The nature-based playgrounds with treehouses are a hit with kids, and the skate park and pump track give older children and teens something to do. It's worth the drive from New Kent.
Beulah Park Splash Pad
What's there: 3,550-square-foot fenced splash pad with spray features, plus a playground, regulation cricket pitch, sports fields, walking trail, and restrooms at the broader park.
Chesterfield's first free splash pad (opened 2025) is a great addition to the area. The fenced design is a plus for parents of toddlers. The broader park has plenty of green space, so bring a blanket and make an afternoon of it. About 40 minutes from New Kent.
Public Pools with Day Passes
When you want more than a spray park — actual swimming, lap lanes, water slides — these public pools offer daily admission without requiring a membership or residency. They're seasonal, so check hours before you go, but each one is worth the drive.
Carter Park Pool
What's there: Eight-lane junior Olympic-sized pool (25 meters), open swim with zero-depth entry, a water slide, dumping buckets, and a separate kiddie pool for young children.
Carter Pool is a real gem and the closest full-featured public pool to New Kent residents who don't mind a 25-minute drive to Ashland. The zero-depth entry and kiddie pool make it toddler-friendly, while the lap lanes and slide keep older kids and adults happy. Arrive early on weekends — it fills up fast on hot days.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park Pool & Splash Pad
What's there: Seasonal outdoor pool and a camping-themed splash pad set within the beautiful Chickahominy Riverfront Park, which also offers kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and walking trails along the Chickahominy River.
This is more than a pool day — the park itself is gorgeous, set right on the Chickahominy River. Combine swimming with a paddle on the river or a walk along the trails. The splash pad is a hit with younger kids. About 30 minutes from New Kent.
Upper County Park Pool
What's there: Seasonal outdoor pool within a larger park that includes athletic fields, playgrounds, and picnic shelters.
Upper County Park is a solid option if Chickahominy Riverfront is crowded. The pool is well-maintained and the surrounding park has plenty of room to spread out. Call 757-566-1451 (summer) for current hours and rates.
Frank J. Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center
What's there: Indoor heated pool with lap lanes, swim lessons, water fitness classes, and open swim sessions. Connected to the Eastern Henrico Recreation Center.
The free weekend swim for Henrico residents is an outstanding deal, especially on rainy days or during the off-season when outdoor pools are closed. You need to register in advance for the free sessions. About 30 minutes from New Kent.
Richmond City Public Pools
What's there: Richmond operates several outdoor public pools, including Battery Park Pool, Randolph Community Center Pool, and Fairmount Pool. Each has lap swim, open swim, and some offer water slides or splash features.
Richmond's public pools are budget-friendly and spread across the city. Battery Park Pool in the Museum District is the most popular — it has a retro charm and a loyal neighborhood following. Fairmount Pool on the East Side has a splash pad area. Check rva.gov for the current summer schedule.
Water Parks & Indoor Water Fun
When you want the full water park experience — big slides, wave pools, lazy rivers — Williamsburg has two excellent options within about 30 minutes of New Kent. One is a seasonal outdoor park; the other is open year-round indoors.
Water Country USA
What's there: Virginia's largest water park with water slides, wave pools, a lazy river, kid-friendly splash areas, and seasonal events like Kids Fest. Part of the SeaWorld Parks family.
Water Country USA is about 30 minutes from New Kent and is the closest full-scale water park. Buy tickets online in advance for the best prices — gate prices are higher. The park is less crowded on weekdays and during the first and last weeks of the season. Bring or rent a locker for valuables.
Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
What's there: Year-round indoor water park with water slides, a lazy river, wave pool, activity pools, and a dedicated area for smaller kids. Towels and life jackets included with day pass.
Great Wolf Lodge is the best option for a water park day when the weather doesn't cooperate or during the off-season. The 84-degree indoor environment means it's always swim weather. Book your day pass online well in advance — popular dates sell out. About 35 minutes from New Kent.
