The metropolitan area known as Hampton Roads, Virginia is famous for many things, but nine out of ten people come here to enjoy the beautiful beaches. Sun, surf, and sand featured most of the vacation programs, and if you really enjoy aquatic life, you probably don’t stop there. Hotel pools offer a nice respite from the salty ocean, but if you’re looking for more H2O excitement, you should definitely plan a visit to any of the area’s amazing water parks.
It is important to note that some of the water parks in the area are only open seasonally. Typically in mid-May, weather permitting, doors will open first on weekends, then daily during the summer. It’s always wise to check websites for hours of operation – the parks will stay open later on weekends and you might find a coupon or two and save some money.
So make sure your bathing suit still fits, grab your sunscreen, and enjoy an afternoon splashing around at these popular Hampton Roads attractions:
Ocean Breeze Water Park, Virginia Beach
In recent years, Ocean Breeze has built a number of new attractions for people to enjoy. There are more than half a dozen different slides and tunnels, a giant wave pool, a special section for young swimmers, and the newly opened Adventure River, where you can float on an inner tube through a quarter-mile course. Ocean Breeze also rents shaded cabanas if you plan to stay a while and offers group rates.
Water Country, USA, Williamsburg
Water Country, a companion park to Busch Gardens Europe, offers a series of slides, flumes, and slides with intimidating names. You can test your energy on the steep incline Meltdown or compete with friends on the speedy Nitro Racer slide. Younger swimmers can enjoy a reduced section of the park with kid-friendly pools and slides, and if you don’t want to wait in long lines, you can purchase special passes that get you to the front faster.
Great Wolf Lodge, Williamsburg
Great Wolf is a unique attraction in that the entire water park is indoors, it’s part of the hotel. The problem is that you have to be a hotel guest to have fun. However, once you’re inside, you can brave a tornado-like funnel ride, glide along a surf simulator, and descend a four-story flume. Look for deals and group rates.
In Hampton Roads, you can swim until you wrinkle your skin, either at the beach or at any of the area’s water parks. Take care of the safety rules when you go and have fun!