What Amusement Park Is in Virginia? Explore Top Attractions and Fun Activities
If you’re looking for fun and adventure in Virginia, the state is home to some of the best amusement parks that are perfect for family outings, thrill-seekers, and anyone in between. From heart-pumping roller coasters to charming family-friendly attractions, Virginia offers a wide variety of parks that cater to all kinds of interests. In this article, I’ll take you through the best amusement parks in Virginia and what you can expect from each of them. Whether you're a local resident or visiting the state, this guide will help you plan the perfect trip to one of Virginia’s fantastic theme parks.
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1. Busch Gardens Williamsburg: A Thrilling Adventure Awaits
One of the most famous amusement parks in Virginia is Busch Gardens Williamsburg. As soon as you step foot into this park, you’re transported into different regions of Europe, each one offering unique rides, games, and attractions. For adrenaline junkies like myself, Busch Gardens is home to some of the best roller coasters on the East Coast, including the infamous Apollo’s Chariot and Griffon, two towering coasters that will leave you breathless.
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1.1 Family-Friendly Attractions
But Busch Gardens isn’t just for thrill-seekers. I’ve spent many relaxing afternoons with my family enjoying the calmer, more family-friendly attractions. The Sesame Street Forest of Fun is a great spot for younger children, featuring gentle rides and interactive experiences with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street characters. For those who love animals, the park’s Safari Village offers a chance to view exotic animals in a fun, educational setting.
1.2 Special Events
Another highlight of Busch Gardens Williamsburg are the seasonal events. I’ve had the chance to experience Howl-O-Scream during Halloween and the Christmas Town celebration, both of which are fantastic ways to experience the park in a new and festive way. During these events, the park is transformed with special shows, unique food offerings, and stunning decorations.
2. Kings Dominion: The Ultimate Thrill Experience
Located in Doswell, Virginia, Kings Dominion is another amazing amusement park that offers thrilling rides, water attractions, and plenty of family-friendly fun. What sets Kings Dominion apart is its vast selection of coasters and rides. Intimidator 305 is a must-ride for coaster lovers, offering high-speed drops and twists that are sure to satisfy even the most extreme thrill-seekers. I’ve had some of my best roller coaster experiences here, screaming in excitement as the rides take you to new heights.
2.1 Water Park Fun
During the warmer months, Kings Dominion also offers a fantastic water park called Soak City. It’s the perfect place to cool off and enjoy the sun while splashing around in the wave pools or zooming down water slides. The water park has something for everyone, from relaxing lazy rivers to high-speed water slides that are sure to get your heart racing.
2.2 Kid-Friendly Rides
If you’re visiting with younger children, Kings Dominion has an impressive collection of family-friendly rides in its Planet Snoopy area, where kids can meet Snoopy and his gang while enjoying gentle rides tailored to their age group. It’s the perfect place for younger kids to enjoy the park at their own pace while parents can take a breather.
3. Virginia’s Largest Amusement Park: Great Wolf Lodge
If you’re looking for an immersive experience that combines an amusement park with an indoor water park, Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg is the place to be. This massive resort features a wide range of family-friendly activities, including a large indoor water park, obstacle courses, and character meet-and-greets.
3.1 Indoor Water Park
As a fan of water attractions, I personally love spending hours in the indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge. The Howlin’ Tornado and Wolf Rider Wipeout water slides are my personal favorites. Whether you're relaxing in the wave pool or trying to beat the clock on the rope course, there’s no shortage of fun activities to enjoy. And because the water park is indoors, it’s perfect no matter what the weather is like outside.
3.2 Family Accommodation
What makes Great Wolf Lodge even more special is the family-friendly accommodations. The rooms are themed, making your stay an experience in itself. From suites with bunk beds for the kids to wolf-themed rooms, it’s a great way to add a little extra magic to your trip.
4. Water Country USA: A Summer Favorite
For those hot summer days when you’re craving some water fun, Water Country USA in Williamsburg is the best place to cool off. Located right next to Busch Gardens, it’s Virginia’s largest water park and is packed with slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.
4.1 Thrilling Water Slides
One of my favorite memories at Water Country USA was riding the Colossal Curl, a giant slide that sends you swirling through a bowl-like funnel. It’s a thrilling ride that I’ve done multiple times. For those who prefer something a little less extreme, there are plenty of other slides and splash zones to enjoy.
4.2 Relaxing Spots
If you prefer a more laid-back day, the lazy rivers and sandy beaches at Water Country USA offer a peaceful place to relax and soak up the sun. I always enjoy spending time floating down the lazy river with a refreshing drink in hand, enjoying the scenic views and warm weather.
5. Why Virginia is a Great Destination for Amusement Parks
Virginia is truly a hidden gem for amusement park lovers. Whether you’re looking for a high-speed roller coaster, a family-friendly water park, or a relaxing resort experience, the state has something to offer. The convenience of having multiple parks in one area—like Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, which are located right next to each other—makes it easy to experience a variety of attractions during your visit.
5.1 Accessibility and Convenience
Virginia’s amusement parks are easily accessible from major cities like Washington, D.C., and Richmond. Many parks also offer discounted tickets and packages for families and groups, making it more affordable to visit. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or planning a longer vacation, Virginia offers a range of options that cater to all types of travelers.
5.2 A Variety of Experiences
What makes Virginia’s amusement parks stand out is the variety of experiences they offer. From the thrilling rides at Busch Gardens to the water fun at Water Country USA, there’s no shortage of excitement for both kids and adults. And with the addition of family-friendly resorts like Great Wolf Lodge, you can extend your adventure beyond the amusement park itself.
