Location: George, Virginia Years Active: 2009 – Active Swaders Sports Park in Virginia – it’s been around since 2009. They call themselves family-friendly, but is it really? Sure, there’s go-karts and mini-golf, the usual stuff. But some parents might raise an eyebrow at the intense laser tag battles. Location is everything. Swaders is easy to…
Location: Chincoteague, Virginia Years Active: 2018 – Active Maui Jack’s Waterpark isn’t your grandma’s pool. It’s a splash-tastic, adrenaline-fueled playground on Virginia’s Chincoteague shore. This place is perfect for families and anyone who loves the feeling of their heart pounding in their ears. Looking for thrills? The Tidal Wave Tower will send you flying. Think…
Location: Newport News, Virginia Years Active: 2010 – Active Ever heard of Great Outdoors Waterpark in Newport News? It’s the place to beat the Virginia heat. Think water slides, a lazy river, and kiddie pools – all wrapped up in a nature theme. It’s been open since 2010, so it’s not exactly a hidden gem….
Location: Richmond, Virginia Years Active: 1911 – Active Welcome to the Henry Vilas Zoo, a Richmond institution for over a century! This zoo isn’t always perfect, just like any place. But they focus on what counts: animal care, teaching visitors, and offering a fun day out. See creatures from all corners of the globe. Lions…
Location: Alexandria, Virginia Years Active: 1999 – Active Great Waves Waterpark isn’t your average splash pad. This Alexandria gem has been thrilling locals since 1999. Ditch the tourist traps and head here for some real summer fun. Ready for the inside scoop? They’ve got the tallest speed slides in the area. The wave pool will…
Location: Manassas, Virginia Years Active: 1996 – Active Splashdown Waterpark has been Virginia’s summer staple since 1996. It’s a classic for a reason – the mix of old-school thrills and relaxing zones hits the spot for families. But it’s not perfect. Lines get LONG on weekends, and those twisting water slides aren’t for the faint…
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia Years Active: 1989 – Active Ditch the beach. Virginia Beach hides a way wilder secret – Motor World. Forget fluffy kiddie parks – this place is all about speed and a hint of danger. They’ve been around since ’89, so they know how to get your heart racing. Go-karts are their…
Location: Norfolk, Virginia Years Active: 1900 – Active The Virginia Zoo’s been a Norfolk staple since 1900. It’s smaller than some, only 53 acres, but they pack a lot in. Expect lions, giraffes – the crowd-pleasers – plus some lesser-known cuties like red pandas. The zoo throws fun events throughout the year. Boo at the…
Location: Natural Bridge, Virginia Years Active: 2000 – Active Virginia Safari Park is where the wild things are – and they might just greet you at your car door! This isn’t your average zoo experience. Get ready for zebras begging for snacks, ostriches giving you the stink eye, and maybe even a bison traffic jam….
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia Years Active: 1984 – Active Water Country USA is a water park in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States. It is the Mid-Atlantic’s largest water park, and it offers live entertainment, shops and restaurants, water rides, and other family attractions, all of which have a 1950s or 1960s surf theme. It is owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. The park…