Virginia is a fantastic place to visit, especially if you happen to be visiting in an RV. There are opportunities for hiking, chances to hang out at the beach, plenty of historic sites, and of course, the many Virginia amusement parks.
That’s right, we think it’s worth taking the time to check out the awesome amusement parks in Virginia. There are several great parks to choose from, and each and every one has something special to offer. Whether you’re traveling with kids, with friends, or you’re a solo traveler looking for some thrills, one of the many Virginia amusement parks is sure to please you.
Virginia Amusement Parks
Of course, the first thing you have to do when planning a trip to see some of the amusement parks in Virginia is choose which ones you will check out. This is easier said than done, because there are so many great ones to choose from. This is where our article comes into play.
Below we’ve listed our favorite Virginia amusement parks to help you pick the best option(s) for you and/or your travel buddies:
- Kings Dominion & Soak City
- Massanutten WaterPark
- Splash Valley Water Park
- Maui Jack’s Waterpark
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg
- Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
- Water Country USA
- Waterworks Waterpark
- Great Waves Waterpark
- Atlantis Waterpark
Obviously, you will need a bit more information than just the names of the places you plan to visit. To gain this information, read on. We’ve included important tips, places to stay, and the costs of visiting each of these amusement parks in Virginia.
Kings Dominion & Soak City
We’ll start with an awesome amusement park and waterpark combination: Kings Dominion and Soak City. Located just north of the city of Richmond, this is the only place in Virginia where you can experience two parks in one place, and it is absolutely fantastic!
Kings Dominion features such favorite thrill coasters as the Dominator and Intimidator 305. There is also an incredible 4-D ride known as Jungle X-Pedition, and for little ones there is an entire Peanuts-themed area with all kinds of adorable kiddie rides.
Soak City, on the other hand, is a large 20-acre waterpark with even more awesome fun for the whole family. Water slides, a wave pool, a mini wave pool, a lazy river, and a huge water play structure all ensure there is something for everyone.
RV Camping Near Kings Dominion & Soak City
Camping is always the way to go when it comes to going on a family vacation, and a Virginia theme park getaway is no exception. For this reason, we definitely recommend packing up an RV before you hit the road.
Kings Dominion KOA — Wondering where to park your RV once you arrive? Kings Dominion KOA is an excellent choice. This park is located right next to Kings Dominion and Soak City, making it super easy to access the fun. On top of that, the campground offers all the amenities you’d expect from a KOA, including full hookups, a pool, a playground, and more!
Rent an RV Near Kings Dominion & Soak City!
Planning Your Trip to Kings Dominion & Soak City
Tickets to Kings Dominion start at just $29.99 when bought online—an excellent price, especially when compared to the admission price for many other theme parks in the country. Tickets include access to Soak City when the waterpark is open. They do not include parking however, so be prepared to pay an extra fee to park.
Outside food is not allowed in the parks, but there are shaded picnic areas available in the parking lot for those guests who wish to pack a lunch. There are also plenty of dining options within the park gates, so nobody needs to go hungry.
Massanutten WaterPark
Next up, Massanutten WaterPark in Massanutten, VA. This is an indoor and outdoor waterpark located inside the Massanutten Resort. The indoor section of this water play space is open all year long. Meanwhile, the outdoor area opens only for the summer months. Both sections are well worth visiting, so we recommend planning your trip for the summertime if at all possible.
The indoor waterpark at this resort is always heated to 84 degrees (°F). It offers such fun attractions as a water playground, inflatable water toys, water slides, a surf simulator, and a lazy river. For parents looking to relax while their kids have a blast, there are also hot tubs in the indoor section, something we very much appreciate.
Ready to head outdoors? That’s great because the outdoor waterpark is just as fantastic! Here you’ll find even more water slides, including a boomerang slide and a mat racer. There is also a zero-depth entry pool that is great for the whole family, along with a play area that is perfect for little ones.
RV Camping Near Massanutten WaterPark
You could stay at Massanutten Resort itself, but then you’d miss out on the extra fun that RV camping with the family provides. For this reason, we think it’s a much better idea to grab an RV and use that for lodging during your Virginia adventure.
Harrisonburg/Shenandoah Valley KOA Holiday — We always love a stay at a KOA, and we think the Harrisonburg/Shenandoah Valley KOA Holiday is well worth a visit. This park offers plenty of shade and greenery, full-hookup sites, a pool, and plenty of family-friendly activities that are sure to keep the whole gang smiling.
Rent an RV Near Massanutten WaterPark!
Planning Your Trip to Massanutten WaterPark
The cost to visit the waterparks at Massanutten fluctuates based on time of year and day of the week. Costs start at just $20 for a spectator and go up to $70 for an adult ticket bought the day of the visit during a peak time.
You can save by buying online in advance—just be sure to do so at least 24 hours before you visit. Military members and those under 42 inches tall also save a bit, and those aged 2 and under enter for free.
No outside food or drink is allowed in either waterpark, but there is food available for purchase onsite.
Splash Valley Water Park
Want even more waterpark fun? We don’t blame you. Who wouldn’t want to cool off in the water during the Virginia summer? Splash Valley Water Park in Roanoke is a great place to do just that!
Although this is a smaller, city-run water park, it is still packed with awesome things to do. These include two large water slides that are just perfect for those who need to get their thrills. For families, there is a current river that is just perfect for floating and relaxing. There is also a great water playground with plenty of interactive features, as well as some fun little slides for smaller swimmers.
RV Camping Near Splash Valley Water Park
As always, we urge you to pack up an RV and make your trip to Splash Valley Water Park a camping trip. There is nothing like making camping memories as a family, especially when those memories are combined with days of fun in the sun at a waterpark.
Explore Park — The best place to stay in Roanoke is Explore Park. This is a lovely little county park located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are only a handful of RV sites here, but they are clean and well kept. Each site offers an electric hookup, and both potable water and a dump station are available. The bathrooms feature showers and are also incredibly clean. The best part? The camping fees here are incredibly low, leaving you more money to spend on fun experiences as you explore the state.
Rent an RV Near Splash Valley Water Park!
Planning Your Trip to Splash Valley Water Park
We love that admission to Splash valley is so affordable. Those aged 3–15 pay only $11 to enter. Meanwhile, anyone between the ages of 16 and 54 will pay $13. Seniors pay only $9, and those under 3 years of age enter for free. The park also offers a twilight rate for those planning to visit after 4pm on any given day; this is just $7 no matter your age.
Parking is free and plentiful, outside food is prohibited, there is a concession stand onsite, and season passes are available for those who plan to visit regularly.
Maui Jack’s Waterpark
Another wonderful Virginia waterpark is Maui Jack’s Waterpark in Chincoteague. This is a medium-sized park that offers a large amount of fun, and we’re confident your family will have a blast when visiting.
This park is home to three twisting waterslides that are great for kids and adults alike. Those after a real adrenaline rush will also appreciate the two drop slides that quickly plunge you into a pool below. Meanwhile, folks who are just looking to relax might prefer floating along the lazy river.
Have little ones in tow? They are sure to enjoy the super fun water playground with small slides, interactive water features, and a shallow pool that is just their size.
RV Camping Near Maui Jack’s Waterpark
Camping is definitely the way to go when it comes to finding lodging near Maui Jack’s Waterpark. Why? Because the awesome park is located right next to an equally awesome RV park!
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Chincoteague Island — Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park locations are always wonderful, and the one in Chincoteague Island is among the best. As mentioned above, the campground is located right next door to Maui Jack’s. It is also near beautiful beaches and Assateague Island National Seashore. The park features a pool, a jumping pillow, and scheduled events, and it’s a lovely place to stay!
Rent an RV Near Maui Jack’s Waterpark!
Planning Your Trip to Maui Jack’s Waterpark
Admission to Maui Jack’s Waterpark is $21.99 for those under 48 inches tall when entering on a weekday, and $25.99 for the same guest on a weekend. Those over 48 inches will pay $26.99 on a weekday and $30.99 on a weekend. Meanwhile, seniors pay only $16.99 no matter the day, and those aged 3 and under enter for free.
Cabanas, lockers, concessions, life vests, and a gift shop are all available in the park. There is also a full-fledged bar and grill for those looking for a more relaxed dining experience.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens has a couple of locations, and both are worth checking out. The one in Williamsburg often gets overlooked thanks to the many great historic attractions in the area. While we totally recommend seeing those historic attractions, we also recommend making time for Busch Gardens, as it is a fantastic amusement park. Some might even say it’s the best in the state!
One of the newest attractions at Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the Pantheon. This coaster is touted as the world’s fastest multi-launch roller coaster, making it the perfect option for those who love a good thrill. Other thrill rides at the park include Finnegan’s Flyer, Loch Ness Monster, and Griffon.
Looking for something for the family to enjoy together? You’ll likely appreciate the Busch Gardens Railway scenic train ride, the slow moving Skyride, or the Battering Ram swinging ride.
Of course, the little ones deserve to have fun too. This is where things such as the Kinder Karussel, Sesame Street Forest of Fun, and Land of the Dragons all come into play.
RV Camping Near Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Obviously, you will need a place to stay while you explore all that Williamsburg has to offer. An RV is a great solution, as it ensures you can be comfortable no matter where you end up parking.
The Williamsburg Campground — One of our favorite places to stay in Williamsburg is Anvil Campground. This is a well-kept park that offers guests easy access to area attractions. The sites have full hookups and the in-park amenities are plentiful. A camp store, pool with spray features, and jumping pillow are among some of the favorite amenities offered.
Rent an RV Near Busch Gardens Williamsburg!
Planning Your Trip to Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Tickets to Busch Gardens Williamsburg start at $76.99 when bought at the gate. That said, there are almost always discounts available when you buy your tickets online. Be sure to check for deals before you go, as you could save 50% or more.
Another thing to know? “Fun Card” memberships are a fantastic value if you plan to visit Busch Gardens more than a couple of times. Not only that, but preschoolers can get a free Fun Card! You can also add Water Country USA to your Fun Card, making this an even more affordable way to go.
Parking fees start at $30 at this park. Outside food is not allowed, but food is sold in the park. Lockers are available to rent.
Water Country USA
Owned by the same company that owns and runs the aforementioned Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Water Country USA in Williamsburg is an excellent place to play. It is Virginia’s largest family water park and is a great addition to a vacation to see Busch Gardens and the nearby historic attractions.
This park gives each and every guest a way to have a good time. There are awesome multi-person slides and raft rides, a super cool water coaster, terrifying drop slides, racing slides, and even a slide with a special effects show!
For kids, there is an amazing water play area with slides, interactive water features, and more. Even smaller children might prefer the adorable cow-themed play area. All kids will love the new Lil’ Surfers Splash Pad. Meanwhile, the whole family will love the Hubba Hubba Highway lazy river.
RV Camping Near Water Country USA
Looking for lodging? Why not take an RV? This will give you your own space to cook, shower, and sleep in complete privacy. Not only that, but hopping from one part of the state to the next will be a cinch.
American Heritage RV Park — Another great Williamsburg campground is American Heritage RV Park. This park is wonderfully green and has level full-hookup sites. It’s close to attractions and places to eat and shop, and the pool and restroom facilities are very clean and well-maintained.
Rent an RV Near Water Country USA!
Planning Your Trip to Water Country USA
One-day tickets to Water Country USA start at $74.99, but discounts are often available. Multi-day tickets are also available, and once again we must also mention the Fun Cards, which can be an excellent deal for those who will be in the area long enough to visit three or more times.
Outside food is not allowed in the waterpark, but food can be bought onsite. There is a fee for parking and rental lockers are available.
Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
Yet another amazing Williamsburg attraction, Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg should also go on your list of places to check out while in the area. This is an indoor water park that offers all the fun of its outdoor counterparts, no matter what the weather is like outside. Not only that, we think it’s the very best indoor water park in the state!
The centerpiece of this park is an enormous water playground where kids can run, climb, slide, and splash to their hearts’ content. There is a wave pool that is referred to as Slap Tail Pond, along with a lazy river called Crooked Creek. Whopping Hollow is a shallow pool filled with kid-sized water slides, and the Cub Paw Pool offers even more fun for the littlest swimmers.
Looking for some thrills? Be sure to try your hand at surfing at Wolf Rider Wipeout. You’ll also want to make sure to ride Alberta Falls and Howlin’ Tornado.
Finally, we must mention the amazingly relaxing North Hot Springs and South Hot Springs hot tubs, where you can soak and unwind after a long day of play.
RV Camping Near Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
Staying at Great Wolf Lodge is fun, but we still think RV camping is more fun! For this reason, we recommend skipping the hotel stay and loading up the RV instead. This will allow you to enjoy the indoor water park while also enjoying camping experiences.
Chippokes Plantation State Park — Prefer a more natural escape as well as a more budget-friendly camping experience? Head to Chippokes Plantation State Park. Yes, this campground is located a bit outside of town, but the drive isn’t bad and the ability to immerse yourself in nature is wonderful. The sites at this park have both electricity and water, and there is a dump station and bathhouse available.
Rent an RV Near Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg!
Planning Your Trip to Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
Day passes to Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg fluctuate in price based on time of year and day of the week. That said, most people can expect to pay between $50 and $100 a day for a full-day pass, and between $40 and $80 for a half-day pass (with admission starting at 4pm). Kids under the age of 2 enter for free.
Parking is complimentary. There are plenty of food options in the resort. There are also other activities available in the resort that you might want to budget for.
Waterworks Waterpark
Like the aforementioned Splash Valley Water Park, Waterworks Waterpark in Dale City is a city-run amusement spot. Yes, it is a bit smaller than some of the other parks on this list, but it is also much less expensive to visit, and there is enough fun to fill several hours or more.
There are a few different slides in this awesome little water park. These include a winding enclosed slide and an open sister slide right next door. There is a low-down straight slide that is perfect for kids and a teeny tiny baby fish slide for the toddlers in your group.
Another great feature of the park? The super fun water playground! Kids can climb, slide, splash and play in this colorful space full of dumping buckets and interactive water features.
Lastly, we must mention the lazy river, the perfect spot to cool off as you bob along.
RV Camping Near Waterworks Waterpark
Camping in Virginia is a wonderful experience. There are just so many great natural areas in the state, and making incredible memories exploring these areas can’t be beat. That’s why we recommend making your trip to WaterWorks Waterpark an RV vacation.
Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest RV Campground is a lovely and affordable place to park an RV. The sites include electric and water hookups. Some also have sewer hookups but there is a dump station available if needed, and the bathrooms and showers are clean. Finally, we must mention that there is a pool onsite, making this an ideal place to stay during the summer.
Rent an RV Near WaterWorks Waterpark!
Planning Your Trip to Waterworks Waterpark
The cost to enter WaterWorks Waterpark is just $8.25 for those over 48 inches tall. Those under 48 inches (as well as seniors) get in for only $7.50. Additionally, the park hosts a Splash n’ Play event for toddlers and preschoolers. For this event, kids pay just $6.50 and can bring an adult to play for free.
Outside food is not allowed in the waterpark. It is possible to leave the park for lunch and return later. There is also food available for purchase in the park.
Great Waves Waterpark
Yet another fantastic Virginia waterpark that we feel deserves a place on this list is Great Waves Waterpark. This amusement spot is located in the Cameron Run Regional Park in Alexandria and is run by NOVA Parks. It’s quite large for a regional water park, and the awesome attractions here could easily keep one entertained for an entire day.
The main attraction at Great Waves? A giant wave pool, of course! This pool is tons of fun to play in and gives you a chance to jump waves or bob along in a tube with family or friends.
In addition to the amazing wave pool, this park also offers a whole host of water slides, ensuring everyone can find a slide that suits their tastes. There are speed slides, winding open slides, and a single enclosed tube slide for those who enjoy sliding in darkness.
For kids, there is the Kids Zone. This area has all kinds of interactive water fun for you and the little ones to enjoy together!
Want even more fun? Cameron Run Regional Park also boasts a huge and unique playground, batting cages, mini golf, and more!
RV Camping Near Great Waves Waterpark
Obviously, we are going to recommend RV camping once again. We simply can’t recommend enough that you get out there and enjoy all that camping has to offer! Besides, who wouldn’t want to stay in their own private home-on-wheels?
Pohick Bay Regional Park — One of our favorite places to stay in this area of Virginia is Pohick Bay Regional Park. Coincidentally, this park is also run by NOVA Parks. The campground is well-laid-out and features level full-hookup gravel sites. There is plenty of shade and all the amenities are clean and in good condition.
Rent an RV Near Great Waves Waterpark!
Planning Your Trip to Great Waves Waterpark
The cost to enter Great Waves Waterpark is $17.50 for those 48 inches tall and over, $14 for those under 48 inches tall, and $11.25 for those aged 55 and over. Children under the age of 2 enter for free.
Outside food is not allowed in this park. There is a concession stand and items purchased from the stand may be eaten in the park, but only in designated areas.
Atlantis Waterpark
Last but not least, we must mention Atlantis Waterpark at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville. This is another of the NOVA Parks waterparks, and while it isn’t quite as big as the aforementioned Great Waves Waterpark, it is equally fun.
This awesome waterpark features two large waterslides—one that’s long, winding, and open, and another that is shorter but in darkness, adding to the thrill factor. There is also a large main pool with plenty of room for swimming and splashing.
The centerpiece of the park is a good-sized water play area that features a medium-sized slide, a huge dumping bucket, and plenty of fun water features for splashing and spraying your friends and family.
If you have smaller swimmers with you, you will also appreciate the baby pool, and all kids can have a good time in the amazing sand play area.
RV Camping Near Atlantis Waterpark
RV camping is the way to go when visiting Atlantis Waterpark. Staying in an RV means plenty of privacy for your family, as well as the ability to get up and go whenever you feel like it. The best part? You can stay right next to the water park!
Bull Run Regional Park — That’s right, Bull Run Regional Park plays host to both Atlantis Waterpark and a campground. The sites in this campground offer water and electric hookups, but no sewer. That said, there is a dump station available and the bathhouses are clean. Of course, the low price is pretty nice as well.
Rent an RV Near Atlantis Waterpark!
Planning Your Trip to Atlantis Waterpark
Weekday admission to Atlantic Waterpark is $10.50 for those 48 inches and taller, and $8.50 for those under 48 inches (as well as seniors). Those who choose to visit after 4pm on weekdays will receive discounted admission of only $6.25 for a person, regardless of age.
Visiting on the weekend? Expect to pay $13 for those 48 inches and taller, and $11 for seniors and those under 48 inches. Those under the age of 2 always enter for free.
Outside food is not allowed, and lockers and showers are available.
As you can plainly see, you won’t be bored during an amusement park vacation in Virginia. In fact, there are so many great Virginia amusement parks that we couldn’t list them all here! Therefore, doing a simple internet search for “amusement parks near me” after checking into your campground could lead you to even more fantastic theme park finds.
Want to learn about still more amazing things to do in Virginia? Lucky for you, there are lots to discover, and we have several articles to help you find the perfect attractions to add to your trip itinerary. The articles linked below are some of our favorites:
