10+ FAVORITE WATER PARKS IN VIRGINIA
Virginia summers can be steamy, but it’s easy for the whole family to cool off at one of Virginia’s best water parks. From laid-back lazy rivers and exciting splash pads to thrilling water slides, these top-rated destinations offer something for everyone—just a short drive from Charlottesville.
This popular CharlottesvilleFamily Guide to Virginia’s Best Water Parks was created by parents, for parents, to help you plan the perfect way to beat the heat with a splash of summer fun. You might also want to visit a Va theme park that is a little drier and has more roller coasters. If you’d rather do something closer to home, Charlottesville swimming pools, lakes and spraygrounds are lots of fun too!
Allegheny Springs at The Omni Homestead Resort
Address: 7696 Sam Snead Hwy, Hot Springs, VA 24445
Drive time from Charlottesville: 2 hours
Open: year-round
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 are 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.
For more information about Allegheny Springs Water Park at The Omni Homestead Resort, call (540) 839-1766.
Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
Address: 549 E Rochambeau Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23188
Drive time from Charlottesville: 2 hours
Open: year-round
This award-winning Virginia water park spans an impressive 67,000 square feet of indoor aquatic adventure, making Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg 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. The multi-level Fort Mackenzie water playground includes interactive water cannons and a giant tipping bucket that drenches guests below—an unforgettable experience for little adventurers.
Older kids and teens will love the adrenaline rush of the park’s signature “Howlin’ Tornado,” a massive six-story funnel slide that sends riders swirling through high banks before a thrilling splashdown. There’s also the Alberta Falls enclosed tube slide, and River Canyon Run, a family raft ride with twists and turns for shared excitement. The four-story water fort offers even more slides and water features to explore.
For those seeking a more relaxing visit, families can soak together in the South Hot Springs. Adults can escape to the North Hot Springs, a secluded, adults-only hot tub area perfect for a quiet moment. Adventurous guests can test their skills on the surf simulator, challenge themselves by crossing the floating lily pads at Big Foot Pass, or head outside to Raccoon Lagoon for seasonal outdoor fun including basketball hoops, geysers, and water-spraying animals.
Beyond the water attractions, 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. With themed suites and family-friendly amenities, a visit to Great Wolf Lodge is more than just a day trip—it’s an immersive water park getaway designed with families in mind. It is possible to visit the water park at Great Wolf Lodge for just the day.
For more information about the Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia, call (800) 551-9653.
Kings Dominion Soak City Water Park
Address: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
Drive time from Charlottesville: 1.5 hours
Open: June – September
This 20-acre water park sits on the same property as the amusement park and is chock-full of water-based fun from tall slides and multi-level play areas to wave pools, splash pads, and other attractions that appeal to all ages. You can also grab bites to fill hungry bellies! Kings Dominion Soak City Water Park offers 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!
For more information about Kings Dominion Soak City Water Park near Richmond, Virginia, call (804) 876-5000 or visit https://www.kingsdominion.com/soak-city.
Massanutten Indoor and Outdoor Water Parks
Address: 1200 Adventure Dr, Massanutten, VA 22840
Drive time from Charlottesville: 1.5 hours
Open: year-round (indoor); late May – early September (outdoor)
This Virginia resort sits on 6,000 acres and offers lodging and dining as well as indoor and outdoor water parks. With multiple awards under its belt, Massanutten’s expansive indoor 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.
Whether there for the day, or overnight, family members can also pamper themselves at the spa with services that range from massages and nail care to facials and other body treatments.
For more information about Massanutten Indoor and Outdoor Water Parks, call (540) 437-3340.
Ocean Breeze Water Park
Address: 849 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Drive time from Charlottesville: 2.5-3 hours
Open: late May – early September
Water tube on the river, get a rush on the slides, or spend some time laying back in the wave pool at this family-friendly water park that offers activities for everyone in the family. You can also relax inside a rented cabana to enjoy some shade when you’re not wading in the water. Ocean Breeze Water Park also offers dine-in movies, party packages, and a junior lifeguard camp.
For more information about Ocean Breeze Water Park in Virginia Beach, call (757) 422-4444 or visit https://oceanbreezewaterpark.com/.
Splash Valley Water Park
Address: 7415 Wood Haven Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019
Drive time 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 sprayground and slides as well as a current river. For visitors looking for more of a thrill, there are also 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 from an out of school event and a celebration of summer reading to lowered admission days.
For more information about Roanoke’s Splash Valley Water Park, call (540) 777-6300.
Water Country USA
Address: 176 Water Country Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Drive time from Charlottesville: 2 hours
Open: mid-May – early September
As Virginia’s largest water park, Water Country USA delivers a full day of splash-filled excitement for families of all ages. This award-winning destination offers everything from leisurely lounging to high-speed thrills. Guests can 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 H2O UFO, a massive splash zone packed with sprays, slides, and shallow pools designed just for kids.
For adrenaline-seekers, the park’s signature attractions won’t disappoint. Colossal Curl combines funnel and wave elements for an intense group ride, while the immersive Aquazoid Amped takes riders through 864 feet of tunnels with synchronized lights, pulse-pounding music, and dynamic visual effects for a multi-sensory experience. Whitewater rapids, tube rides, and freefall body slides offer even more action for thrill-lovers.
For more information about Water Country USA in Williamsburg, Virginia, call (757) 229-4386.
Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole
Address: 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr, Reston, VA 20190
Drive time from Charlottesville: 2-2.5 hours
Open: late May – early September
Operated by Fairfax County Park Authority, this popular water park is Old West Gold Rush themed. Intended to be an all-ages attraction, there are plenty of activities for the whole family including slides and opportunities for lounging. Three days during the summer Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole also hosts an hour-long sensory-friendly time that offers reduced noise and trained staff.
For more information about Reston’s Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole, call (703) 246-5929 or visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/watermine.
Northern Virginia Waterparks
Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority operates multiple water parks throughout the region that offer spots for little ones to cool off and play as well as tall and thrilling slides. Sensory days are available, too, and you can count on qualified lifeguards to always be nearby.
Atlantis Water Park
Address: 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA 20121
Drive time from Charlottesville: 2-2.5 hours
Open: late May – early September
For more information about Atlantis Water Park, call (703) 631-0552 or visit https://www.novaparks.com/waterparks/atlantis-waterpark.
Great Waves Water Park
Address: 4001 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304
Drive time from Charlottesville: 2-2.5 hours
Open: late May – early September
For more information about Great Waves Water Park, call (703) 960-0767 or visit https://www.novaparks.com/waterparks/great-waves-waterpark.
Ocean Dunes Water Park
Address: 6060 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205
Drive time from Charlottesville: 2-2.5 hours
Open: late May – early September
For more information about Ocean Dunes, call (703) 534-3437 or visit https://www.novaparks.com/waterparks/ocean-dunes-waterpark.
Pirates Cove Water Park
Address: 6501 Pohick Bay Dr, Lorton, VA 22079
Drive time from Charlottesville: 2 hours
Open: late May – early September
For more information about Pirates Cove, call (703) 339-6102 or visit https://www.novaparks.com/waterparks/pirates-cove-waterpark.
Volcano Island Water Park
Address: 20015 Volcano Island Dr, Sterling, VA 20165
Drive time from Charlottesville: 2-2.5 hours
Open: late May – early September
For more information about Volcano Island, call (703) 430-7683 or visit https://www.novaparks.com/waterparks/volcano-island-waterpark.
Find more great family festivals and fun with our stories on Virginia Children’s Museums, Richmond’s Science Museum, County Fairs in Central Virginia and more. Be sure to try this great summer pasta salad recipe.
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.