Virginia, a state steeped in history and natural beauty, also boasts a vibrant collection of theme parks and water parks, offering thrilling experiences for visitors of all ages. From pulse-pounding roller coasters to refreshing water slides, the best theme parks and water parks in Virginia provide a diverse range of attractions to suit every taste. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-fueled adventures or a relaxing day in the sun, Virginia’s amusement destinations promise unforgettable memories.
The state is home to two major theme parks, each renowned for its unique atmosphere and impressive selection of rides. Beyond these giants, smaller family entertainment centers dot the landscape, offering a more intimate and community-focused experience. And when the Virginia heat becomes too much to bear, the state’s water parks offer a welcome respite, with both indoor and outdoor options ensuring year-round aquatic fun. Let’s dive into some of the best theme parks and water parks in Virginia:
Outdoor Water Parks
Atlantis Waterpark in Centreville
Nestled in Centreville, Atlantis Waterpark is a charming municipal park offering a delightful aquatic escape. Though smaller in scale than some of its counterparts, Atlantis Waterpark is packed with features perfect for families and younger children.
Attractions:
- Water Slides: Two exciting water slides provide a thrilling plunge for adventurous guests.
- Large Pool: A spacious pool offers ample room for swimming and relaxation.
- Children’s Play Area: A dedicated play area with smaller slides ensures that even the youngest visitors can join in the fun.
- Interactive Water Play Structure: A captivating water play structure, complete with a tipping bucket, promises endless entertainment.
- Baby Pool: A shallow baby pool provides a safe and enjoyable environment for toddlers.
- Sand Play Area: A sand play area offers a classic beachside experience.
Ocean Breeze Waterpark: Virginia Beach
Located in the popular coastal destination of Virginia Beach, Ocean Breeze Waterpark is a medium-sized park that’s big on fun. Catering to families and thrill-seekers alike, Ocean Breeze provides a wide array of aquatic adventures.
Attractions:
- Water Slides: A variety of water slides offer thrills for all ages, from gentle slopes to adrenaline-pumping drops.
- Wave Pool: Experience the sensation of the ocean in the park’s exhilarating wave pool.
- Water Playground: An interactive water playground provides a safe and engaging environment for younger children.
- Operation Splashdown: New for 2021, this six-story family raft ride sends up to five passengers on a thrilling 600-foot journey.
- Amenities: Restaurants, on-site catering, and private cabanas are available for added convenience and comfort.
Ocean Dunes: Arlington
Ocean Dunes, situated in Arlington, is a smaller municipal water park that offers a blend of aquatic and dry attractions. This park is a great option for families looking for a diverse range of activities.
Attractions:
- Water Slides: Enjoy the excitement of water slides for all ages.
- Interactive Water Play Structure: A water play structure with a dumping bucket provides endless fun.
- Pool: Relax and cool off in the park’s refreshing pool.
- Mini Golf: Test your skills on the park’s mini-golf course.
- Batting Cages: Practice your swing in the batting cages.
- Climbing Course: Challenge yourself on the park’s climbing course.
Pirate’s Cove: Lorton
Pirate’s Cove, located in Lorton, is a themed municipal water park that captures the spirit of adventure. Perfect for families with young children, Pirate’s Cove offers a safe and engaging environment for aquatic exploration.
Attractions:
- Themed Water Play Structure: A pirate-themed water play structure with a tipping bucket sparks the imagination.
- Water Slides: Two water slides offer a thrilling plunge for adventurous guests.
- Large Pool: A spacious pool provides ample room for swimming and relaxation.
- Kiddie Slides: Smaller slides ensure that even the youngest visitors can join in the fun.
- Sand Play Area: A sand play area offers a classic beachside experience.
Soak City: Doswell
Located within Kings Dominion, Soak City is a massive water park included with admission to the theme park. Boasting a wide variety of attractions, Soak City offers something for everyone.
Attractions:
- Pipeline Peak: Four thrilling slides offer a variety of experiences.
- Big Wave Bay: Experience the exhilaration of the ocean in the park’s massive wave pool.
- Surf City Splash House: An interactive play area provides a safe and engaging environment for younger children.
- Lazy Rider: Relax and unwind on the park’s lazy river.
- Speed Slides: Experience the rush of high-speed slides.
- Tube Slides: Enjoy a thrilling ride on the park’s tube slides.
- Kids’ Areas: Dedicated areas for young children provide a safe and enjoyable experience.
Splash Valley: Roanoke
Splash Valley, a seasonal outdoor water park in Roanoke, is a family-friendly destination offering a variety of aquatic attractions. With features designed for all ages, Splash Valley is a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
Attractions:
- Bowl Slide: Experience the thrill of a bowl slide.
- Flume Slide: Enjoy a twisting and turning ride on the park’s flume slide.
- Kiddie Slide: A smaller slide ensures that even the youngest visitors can join in the fun.
- Lazy River: Relax and unwind on the park’s lazy river.
- Interactive Sprayground: An interactive sprayground provides a safe and engaging environment for younger children.
- Leisure Pool: A spacious pool offers ample room for swimming and relaxation.
Volcano Island Waterpark: Sterling
Volcano Island Waterpark, part of Algonkian Regional Park in Sterling, offers a delightful blend of aquatic fun and dry activities. This park is a great option for families looking for a diverse range of experiences.
Attractions:
- Body Slides: Enjoy the thrill of open and enclosed body slides.
- Main Pool: A large main pool with a small slide provides a refreshing experience.
- Splash Pad: A splash pad offers a safe and engaging environment for younger children.
- Interactive Water Play Structure: A water play structure with slides, fountains, sprayers, and a dump bucket promises endless entertainment.
- Mini Golf: Test your skills on the park’s mini-golf course.
- Cafe: Relax and refuel at the park’s cafe.
Water Country USA: Williamsburg
Operated by the Busch Gardens team, Water Country USA is a major water park located near Williamsburg. Requiring separate admission, this park boasts a wide array of slides and attractions.
Attractions:
- Water Slides: A variety of water slides, including speed slides and a family raft ride, offer thrills for all ages.
- Wave Pool: Experience the sensation of the ocean in the park’s exhilarating wave pool.
- Lazy River: Relax and unwind on the park’s lazy river.
- Children’s Attractions: Dedicated areas for young children provide a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Aquazoid Amped (New for 2022): An updated version of the family raft ride, featuring special effects and amped-up music.
Theme Parks & Entertainment Centers
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Williamsburg stands out as one of the most visually appealing theme parks, divided into distinct European-themed sections. It is renowned for its thrilling roller coasters, live entertainment, and dining options.
Attractions:
- Apollo’s Chariot: A highly acclaimed roller coaster known for its smooth ride and thrilling drops.
- Griffon: A floorless dive coaster that plunges riders at breathtaking speeds.
- Battle for Eire: A virtual reality ride that immerses guests in a fantastical world.
- Pantheon (New for 2022): Billed as the world’s fastest multi-launch coaster, Pantheon reaches a top speed of 73 mph, features a 95-degree drop, and includes two inversions.
Compass Entertainment Complex: Irvington
Compass Entertainment Complex in Irvington offers a diverse range of indoor and outdoor activities anchored by a luxury movie theater.
Attractions:
- Six-Screen Movie Theatre: Enjoy the latest blockbusters in a comfortable and modern setting.
- Bumper Cars: Bump and spin your way to victory in the park’s bumper cars.
- Go-Karts: Race your friends and family on the park’s go-kart track.
- Mini-Golf: Test your skills on the park’s mini-golf course.
- Virtual Reality Attraction: Immerse yourself in a virtual world with the park’s VR experience.
- Ropes Course: Challenge yourself on the park’s ropes course.
- Climbing Wall: Scale new heights on the park’s climbing wall.
- Challenge Zone: Test your skills and agility in the park’s challenge zone.
- Kids’ Climbing Structure: A dedicated climbing structure provides a safe and enjoyable environment for younger children.
- Arcade: Play a variety of video and redemption games in the park’s arcade.
- Meridian Bar & Grill: Enjoy a variety of dishes for lunch and dinner at the park’s restaurant.
Fun Land of Fairfax: Centreville
Fun Land of Fairfax is a family entertainment center offering a wide range of indoor activities.
Attractions:
- Arcade: A large arcade with over 100 video and redemption games provides endless entertainment.
- Go-Karts: Race your friends and family on the park’s go-kart track.
- Laser Tag: Engage in a thrilling game of laser tag.
- Virtual Reality Experience: Immerse yourself in a virtual world with the park’s VR experience.
- Ropes Course: Challenge yourself on the park’s ropes course.
- Rock-Climbing Wall: Scale new heights on the park’s rock-climbing wall.
Kings Dominion: Doswell
Kings Dominion is a sprawling theme park known for its impressive collection of roller coasters and family-friendly attractions.
Attractions:
- Intimidator 305: A towering roller coaster that reaches a height of 305 feet and delivers intense G-forces.
- Planet Snoopy: A large Peanuts-themed land with kiddie rides.
- Tumbili (New for 2022): A 4D Free Spin coaster that climbs over 100 feet and features cars that rotate vertically.
- Jungle X-Pedition (New for 2022): A re-themed land that includes a new dining experience and a new shop.
Indoor & Outdoor Water Parks
Massanutten Resort
Massanutten Resort offers both indoor and outdoor water parks, along with a variety of other recreational activities.
Attractions:
- Indoor Water Park: Features a FlowRider wave-making attraction, hot tubs, a wave pool, and water slides.
- Outdoor Water Park: Offers a mat racing slide complex, a wave pool, and a splash pad and activity pool for younger kids.
- Mass Mayhem (New for 2021): A halfpipe slide.
- Peak Plunge (New for 2021): A tube slide.
- Valley Vortex (New for 2021): An enclosed tube slide.
The best theme parks and water parks in Virginia offer a wide array of experiences for visitors of all ages. From thrilling roller coasters to refreshing water slides, Virginia’s amusement destinations promise unforgettable memories. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect park for your next adventure.
