Splashdown Waterpark
7500 Ben Lomond Park Road, Manassas, Virginia
This waterpark near Washington DC is a great way to keep cool or head out of town for a day of splashing and fun. You'll find varying fun levels, from 4-story water slides to cannonball launches and slides. Adults can keep it real by floating down a lazy river while bambinos splash in the "zero-depth" wading pool.
Though not sprawling, the waterpark sits on 13 acres (5.25 hectares) and is one of the largest in Northern Virginia—you can spend the day and not run out of things to do. To visit, you'll have to arrive for the Virginia waterpark season, roughly from late May or June to September, and purchase tickets at the park entrance or get passes online. Groups and birthday parties can reserve private pavilions via the park website.
The park has several concession stands serving burgers, milkshakes, and pizza. Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside.
Lockers are available to rent for US$5 per day. Towels are available for purchase.
There are locker rooms for changing.
Some rides have height restrictions, though kids taller than 42 inches (106 centimeters) can go on most of them.
The park has a wheelchair-accessible walkway and three wheelchair lifts.
Proper swim attire is required in all pools.
The park is on Sudley Road in Manassas Park, a small suburb about 35 miles (56 kilometers) west of Washington DC. Driving is your best bet: From Washington DC, cross the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge and continue west on Interstate 66 to Manassas Park. It's a roughly 45-minute drive without traffic. Parking is free.
SplashDown Waterpark season runs roughly from late May or June to September. Hours vary, but the park is usually open in the afternoon. Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and cheaper tickets; admission costs slightly more on weekends.
When water park season begins, the Old Dominion state gives you options. The most popular water park, Water Country USA in Williamsburg, has attractions with 1950s and '60s surf themes. In addition, the Massanutten Resort Water Park has a wave pool, and Ocean Breeze Waterpark has more than 30 water rides in Virginia Beach.
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