Virginia summers can be steamy, but it’s easy for the whole family to cool off at one of the many Virginia water parks. From laid-back lazy rivers and exciting splash pads to thrilling water slides, these top-rated destinations offer something for everyone. Plan the perfect way to beat the heat with a splash of summer fun that the whole family will enjoy. Best of all, most of them are a perfect day trip or weekend getaway from Charlottesville.
At a Glance: Virginia Water Parks
Top Virginia Water Parks for Families
Whether you want somewhere to visit just for a day or a weekend resort getaway with a water park attached, Virginia has plenty of water park options. Be sure to pack sunscreen and towels, bring flip flops or water shoes, and drink plenty of water while you’re running around having fun!
Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Drive from Charlottesville: 2 hours
Open: Year-round
This award-winning Virginia water park is entirely indoors, making Great Wolf Lodge a favorite destination for families year-round. Designed to cater to all ages, the park features a sprawling wave pool that mimics ocean swells, a meandering lazy river for gentle floating, and a zero-depth-entry kiddie pool with playful fountains and gentle sprays perfect for toddlers.
Older kids and adults will love the multi-story slides and family raft rides. Families can soak together in the South Hot Springs, or parents can escape to the secluded, adults-only North Hot Springs.
Great Wolf Lodge also offers dry-land entertainment including MagiQuest, arcade games, mini golf, a ropes course, themed dining, and story time with costumed characters. Plus, stay for the whole weekend to enjoy themed suites and family-friendly amenities.
Allegheny Springs at The Omni Homestead Resort
Where: Hot Springs, VA
Drive from Charlottesville: 2 hours
Open: Year-round, but may close for weather
This two-acre water park in Virginia is fun for all ages! Fed by water from the area’s natural springs, Allegheny Springs at The Omni Homestead Resort sports a family pool, a whirlpool, and a lazy river for relaxing while thrill-seekers (who must be at least 42 inches tall) can enjoy rides down either of the two 100-foot water slides. There’s also a play zone and beach that kids are bound to love, an indoor pool, and a warm Serenity Garden pool for guests over 18 years old.
Looking for experiences outside of the water? You can also indulge in exquisite dining, a spa experience, or golfing at the luxury Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia.
Kings Dominion Soak City
Location: Doswell, VA
Drive from Charlottesville: 1.5 hours
Open: June – September
This 20-acre water park sits on the same property as Kings Dominion theme park. It’s chock-full of fun, from tall slides and multi-level play areas to wave pools, splash pads. Plus, visit Planet Snoopy or Lighthouse Landing for area that the smallest members of the family can explore.
Everyone can enjoy snacks like fries and icy treats or more substantial meals like bowls, sandwiches, and pizza. Adults can also indulge in summery sips from the Sand Bar. Plus, for families, groups, or couples seeking a little shade, cabanas are available for rent, too. Be sure to keep the kids well hydrated for all the fun in the sun!
Massanutten Indoor and Outdoor Water Parks
Location: Massanutten, VA
Drive from Charlottesville: 1.5 hours
Open: year-round (indoor); late May – early September (outdoor)
This popular Virginia resort offers lodging and dining as well as indoor and outdoor water parks. Massanutten’s expansive water park sports a lazy river and hot springs as well as a pond for little ones. There are also plenty of slides, an enormous playhouse, and the opportunity to learn to bodyboard or surf.
If you need a break from water fun, the resort also offer activities like a family adventure park, golf, escape rooms, and even snow tubing in the winter. And whether you’re visiting for the day or overnight, family members can retreat to pamper themselves at the spa.
Ocean Breeze Water Park
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Drive from Charlottesville: 2.5-3 hours
Open: late May – early September
This family-friendly water park has activities for all ages. Water tube on the river, get a rush on the slides, or spend some time laying back in the wave pool. If you need a break from the sun, families can relax inside a rented cabana.
The younger members of the family will enjoy play areas designed specifically for them, such as Hook’s Lagoon, Little Amazon, and the South Seas Silly Slides.
Keep an eye out for special discount days, such as “Play and Pay Like a Kid” when adults admission is reduced to kid prices. Ocean Breeze Water Park also offers dine-in movies, party packages, and a junior lifeguard camp.
Splash Valley Water Park
Location: Roanoke, VA
Drive from Charlottesville: 2 hours
Open: late May – early September
Roanoke County’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism runs this outdoor water park that features a children’s spray ground and slides as well as a current river. For older visitors and kids who enjoy a thrill, there are two 34-foot high slides.
The concession stand offers snacks like fries, soft pretzels, and nachos as well as pizza, candy, and nachos. Splash Valley also hosts numerous events throughout the year, as well as days with reduced admission.
Water Country USA
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Drive from Charlottesville: 2 hours
Open: mid-May – early September
The award-winning Water Country USA is Virginia’s largest water park. It delivers a full day of splash-filled excitement for families of all ages. Drift along the 1,500-foot-long Hubba Hubba Highway lazy river, unwind in the Surfer’s Bay wave pool, or challenge friends to a race on the twin-speed Jet Scream slides.
Younger visitors will love the Cow-a-Bunga play area and the Lil’ Surfers Splash Pad. For older kids and adults, whitewater rapids, tube rides, and freefall body slides offer plenty of thrill-seeking action.
Northern Virginia Water Parks
Taking a trip to the D.C. area? The Northern Virginia region is full of medium-sized water parks that offer summer fun for the whole family. At these spots, you’ll find wave pools, zero-depth entry play areas, lazy rivers, and slides,
Because these water parks are run by county and regional park authorities, admission is generally much lower than the state’s larger water parks. Many of them also offer accommodations like hours for kids with sensory sensitivities when parks have reduced noise and specially-trained staff available to assist families.
Pirates Cove Water Park
Location: Lorton, VA
Drive from Charlottesville: 2 hours
Open: late May – early September
Website: https://www.novaparks.com/waterparks/pirates-cove-waterpark.
Atlantis Water Park
Location: Centreville, VA
Drive from Charlottesville: 2-2.5 hours
Open: late May – early September
Website: https://www.novaparks.com/waterparks/atlantis-waterpark
Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole
Location: Reston, VA
Drive from Charlottesville: 2-2.5 hours
Open: late May – early September
Website: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/watermine
Great Waves Water Park
Location: Alexandria, VA
Drive from Charlottesville: 2-2.5 hours
Open: late May – early September
Website: https://www.novaparks.com/waterparks/great-waves-waterpark
Ocean Dunes Water Park
Location: Arlington, VA
Drive from Charlottesville: 2-2.5 hours
Open: late May – early September
Website: https://www.novaparks.com/waterparks/ocean-dunes-waterpark
Volcano Island Water Park
Location: Sterling, VA
Drive from Charlottesville: 2-2.5 hours
Open: late May – early September
Website: https://www.novaparks.com/waterparks/volcano-island-waterpark.
Looking for more summer fun? Visit one of Virginia’s best theme parks, find a county fair, or check out some of the state’s many children’s museums. Prefer to stay closer to home? Find our favorite swimming pools and spray grounds around Charlottesville.
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is an award-winning freelance writer published in numerous print and digital publications. When she’s not crafting creative content, Jennifer can be found exploring new spots, indulging in some quality time with a new novel or magazine, or streaming shows about food, drinks, and travel.