Set on 6000 acres in the Shenandoah Valley, the award-winning Massanutten Resort is home to a multitude of family-friendly attractions. Among them is the resort’s impressive water park which has received multiple accolades for being among the top ten water parks in the United States. Just over an hour from the heart of Charlottesville, Massanutten offers both indoor and outdoor water parks with activities for family members of all ages.
Massanutten Outdoor Water Park
From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, visitors can cool off from the summer heat at the outdoor water park. For a low-key option, families can settle into White Caps, a beach-style experience where they can wade and enjoy three-foot-high waves or simply relax in the hot springs. For visitors looking for a little more adventure, there are body slides and tube slides while thrill-seekers can climb on the park’s newest extreme slides, Mass Mayhem, Peak Plunge, and Valley Vortex. Meanwhile, little ones and adults alike can get active in Splash-a-Nutten’s splash pad and activity pool featuring a floating crosswalk, games, and slides.
If families or groups are looking to lounge in between dips in the water, Massanutten rents cabanas that provide shelter from the sun for two to eight people. The cabanas are the perfect place to settle in with snacks or meals from the two available eateries, too. From hamburgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches to salads, sodas, and adult beverages there’s something for everyone who has worked up an appetite.
Massanutten Indoor Water Park
Meanwhile, Massanutten’s indoor water park is open year-round with water kept at a comfortable 80 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The indoor activities are just as family-friendly, ranging from a lazy river, pool, and hot tub to slides, a water fortress, and opportunities to learn how to surf.
Outside of swimming or soaking in the sun, visitors to both water parks can explore three stories of shops or pop into Diamond Jim’s Arcade. Filled with over 70 games, there’s sure to be something everyone in the family will enjoy. Plus, on Thursdays from late June to early August, Diamond Jim’s hosts a teen night featuring snacks, a DJ, and unlimited free play on many games.
Where to Stay When Visiting Massanutten with Kids
While you can visit for the day, Massanutten offers numerous lodging options including in the Valley and on the Mountain. Visitors to the water park may prefer the latter for its proximity to the park. Rentals in the valley are also close to a golf course, spa, parks, and pools. Meanwhile, accommodations on the Mountain are close to the Ski and Adventure Park area, another golf course, a general store, and the Massanutten Fitness and Rec Club. The resort also offers multiple packages for lodging that often offer discounts for longer stays
The resort’s impressive water park has received multiple accolades for being among the top ten water parks in the United States.
Family Activities at Massanutten
If you do choose to extend your stay at Massanutten, there’s no shortage of family fun to be had in addition to the water parks any time of the year. In the winter, you can take to the slopes for skiing, boarding, and tubing or strap on some ice skates at the rink. In other seasons, visitors can get active by biking, hiking, golfing, horseback riding, or climbing and rappelling, among numerous other activities. Or, for relaxation, sign up for one or more of the spas many services. Plus, there are a dozen different eateries to explore along with a whole host of events that range from Wine Wednesdays and whiskey socials to smoking and grilling classes, an escape experience, and a kid’s night.
Whether you’re visiting primarily for the water park or taking a much-needed extended vacation, Massanutten’s breathtaking resort offers activities that are bound to appeal to the whole family. To plan your visit, check the seasonal dates and times that the water parks are open and find more information at https://www.massresort.com/.
Looking for other family fun adventures? Check out our CharlottesvilleFamily Guide to Swimming Pools, the Best Water Parks in Virginia, Agecroft Hall, the Booker T. Washington Monument for Kids & More.
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.