These VA Water Parks Among The Best In America For 2025

VIRGINIA — Two of the top 24 water park locations in the country are in Virginia, according to a recent list from U.S. News & World Report.

Virginia water parks named on the list were Water Country USA and Great Wolf Lodge, both in Williamsburg.

Located near the city’s historic attractions, U.S. News said Water Country USA’s most noteworthy attractions include a chilled-out lazy river, multiple slides and a huge wave pool. The Colossal Curl mega-slide is also popular with guests thanks to its funnel feature and tubes that seat up to four riders.

Meanwhile, each of Great Wolf Lodge’s 23 locations received a nod in the publication’s ranking.

Regardless of the Great Wolf Lodge you visit, travelers can expect to splash around lazy rivers, wave pools and waterslides in winter-friendly pools heated to 80-plus degrees, according to U.S. News. There are also usually some activities on dry land, such as arcade games and bowling.

U.S. News noted that water parks have evolved to pack in more thrills and are more diverse than they were just a few decades ago. The best of them offer something for everyone, their preferences lean toward lazy rivers, towering slides, water coasters or giant wave pools and surf simulators.

Some of the water parks on the list offer lodging for people who want to extend the fun beyond a day of wild and wet fun. Some water parks may be open seasonally from May to September, although Great Wolf Lodge indoor water parks are open year-round.

Other attractions on The 24 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2025 are:

• Cowabunga Bay Water Park: Draper, Utah
• Noah’s Ark Waterpark: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
• Water World: Federal Heights, Colorado
• Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort: New Braunfels, Texas
• Legoland Water Park: Carlsbad, California
• Universal’s Volcano Bay: Orlando, Florida
• Silver Dollar City’s White Water: Branson, Missouri
• Wilderness at the Smokies: Sevierville, Tennessee
• Soaky Mountain Water Park: Sevierville, Tennessee
• Adventure Island: Tampa, Florida
• Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
• Cedar Point Shores Waterpark: Sandusky, Ohio
• Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Wisconsin Dells: Baraboo, Wisconsin
• Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark: Tannersville, Pennsylvania
• Dollywood's Splash Country: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
• Splashin’ Safari: Santa Claus, Indiana
• Knott’s Soak City Waterpark: Buena Park, California
• Shipwreck Island Waterpark: Panama City Beach, Florida
• Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures: New Caney, Texas
• Rapids Waterpark: West Palm Beach, Florida
• Island H2O Water Park: Kissimmee, Florida
• Lost Island Waterpark: Waterloo, Iowa
• Great Wolf Lodge: Multiple Locations