Spring break is almost here and we can’t wait to get our bathing suits on and chill out. You don’t need to worry about weather dampening your water-bound fun when you choose one of these hotels and resorts that feature indoor waterparks all within driving distance of the DMV. No need for sunblock at these destinations, simply pack your bathing suits to make a splash!
Virginia
Massanutten Indoor WaterPark
Surfing in the Shenandoah Valley? Why not! Big kids ride the waves of this water park's Pipeline—the largest indoor surf park in Virginia—while little ones slip and slide at the Frog Pond's 12-inch deep pool. From water cannons and body slides to tipping buckets and wading pools, there's really something for everyone at this water-lovers oasis. And the best part? It's a toasty 84 degrees all year long!
Where: 1822 Resort Dr., McGaheysville, VA
Price: $40/adults; $29/kids; free/kids under 2
Online: massresort.com
Great Wolf Lodge
Explore all the levels of splashing fun in the best water fort treehouse you've ever seen—delight in the interactive water toys and kid-activated splash features. Then, escape via the Totem Tower body slides to start all over again. And listen for the bell; when it rings, the gigantic bucket on top is ready to tip. Finally, hop on the Alberta Falls water slide, which takes you right outside the building and back in again before your final drop into the plunge pool.
To Do Nearby: Colonial Williamsburg is the world's largest living history museum. The 301 acres feature iconic sites, working tradespeople, historic taverns, and two world-class art museums. Historic Jamestowne offers much to see and do too. A typical visit can last 2 to 3 hours, but those wishing to delve deeper into Jamestown's history can easily spend half a day or more exploring the island. See archaeology in action as the Jamestown Rediscovery team continues to excavate parts of the island.
Where: 549 E Rochambeau Dr, Williamsburg, VA
Price: From $200/night
Online: greatwolf.com
Pennsylvania
Hershey Lodge
Get a sugar rush at this 30,000 square foot pool at the sweetest place on earth. From a Twizzlers Twists water slide to a Reese's Water Walk that features, you guessed it, oversized peanut butter cups, the hotel pool at Hershey Lodge checks off every candy lover's list. Other features include a zero-entry pool, a sand castle spray zone, a lighthouse tipping bucket and more.
To Do Nearby: Book your tickets for Hersheypark. The park has something for everyone. From thrilling coasters to classic family rides to an entire water park, there are countless ways to ride the day away. Eat at The Chocolatier, the all-new, full-service restaurant, bar, and patio. The restaurant serves up family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate.
Where: 325 University Dr, Hershey
Price: From $229/night
Online: hersheylodge.com
Kalahari
Plan a getaway you'll never forget at America's Largest Indoor Waterparks. You can try the very first (and only) Virtual Reality Waterslide in the United States. This VR waterslide brings a totally new dimension to waterpark fun. With multiple immersive experiences, your kiddos can throw on the headset and are instantly launched into a new realm as they ride down the waterslide.
To Do Nearby: Take the opportunity to check out NASCAR at Pocono Raceway. Go mountain biking or play paintball with your whole crew. The kids will love seeing the animals at the wild animal park. For a little slower pace, sightseeing on horseback or a scenic, historic train ride may be just what you all need right now.
Where: 250 Kalahari Blvd, Pocono Manor, PA
Price: From $320/night
Online: kalahariresorts.com
Crystal Springs Resort
The Biosphere is the first structure of its kind in the U.S. to incorporate advanced German Foiltec roofing material, allowing nearly 100% light transmission year-round. The retractable roof, which produces an extraordinary outdoor effect, is a genuinely unique feature in the Northeast. In addition, the exotic freeform pools are surrounded by lush tropical foliage, specially transported to be housed in the Biosphere. You won't want to miss the underground aquarium and a 140-foot water slide.
To Do Nearby: While you're in town, visit High Point State Park for a great family hike and a photo op in front of the monument. Stop by Windy Brow Farms to pick your own locally grown produce and get a taste of sweet farm life. Finally, take your little animal lover to Space Farms Zoo & Museum, a 100-acre zoo and museum complex full of furry friends to enjoy.
Where: 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, PA
Price: From $349/night
Online: crystalgolfresort.com
Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort
This Pennsylvania water park is kept at a balmy 84 degrees so it feels like summer all the time. Get your thrills with the Cyclone slide, where you’re spun around four times before you’re shot out into a pool. Want more thrills? Try out the Black Hole, a pitch black slide where you won’t know where you’re going until you’re shot out at the end. Later, jump inside the Aqua Tumbler—a giant inflatable ball that shoots water at you while you run inside it—then take a break from getting wet and hit the 3-story-high Tree Tops Ropes Course.
Insider Tip: Top off your visit to Erie with a visit to Pulakos Chocolate for local-favorite Sponge Candy!
Where: 8091 Peach St, Erie, PA
Price: From $55/adult; $45/kid; free/kids under 2
Online: splashlagoon.com
Worth
Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark
This Pennsylvania water park, located at Camelback Mountain, gives you the best of both winter and summer: you can ski outside and then go inside to the water park to play with penguins at the Penguin Play Bay, a (warm) shallow adventure lagoon. If you’re looking for a little more excitement, try the Skydive Plummet, a free-fall body slide with a 360-degree figure eight loop. Later, slow down with a float down the The Lost River, made to look like the site of ruins, or simply relax in the Mystic Springs hot pool.
To Do Nearby: Big Pocono State Park has a seven-mile long hiking trail system, with trails of different grade and level of difficulty. There is also a horseback riding trail with the trailhead near the park entrance. There are three picnic areas with many tables and benches, all the space you and your littles need for a great family picnic.
Where: 193 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA
Price: From $69/person
Online: camelbackresort.com
Worth the Drive
Wild WaterDome at Wilderness at the Smokies
Less than a 30-minute drive from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee’s largest indoor water park is adjacent to two outdoor water parks for maximum aquatic fun. Race through 450 feet of waterfalls and tunnels, 360-degree loops, and a drop of almost 60 feet in the Runaway Canyon raft ride. To up the thrill factor, try the Strom Chaser Thrill Ride. You’ll rush 55 feet through a dark tunnel followed by a zero-gravity fall into a funnel, where you’ll experience several fast oscillations before splashing into a pool below—all alongside three of your nearest and bravest.
Adventure Forest gives guests a chance to DRY off from all of the WET activities Wilderness currently provides. Guests will be able to challenge their inner-fears, in the canopy of the Adventure Forest on Tree Top Towers, a three story ropes course; or take down the competition in an exciting game of laser tag at Fury in the Forest, a multi-level laser tag arena, as well as many other thrilling attractions and mega arcade.
To Do Nearby: Take your littles underground to the nearby Forbidden Caverns.
SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville
Indulge in Music City's newest attraction, SoundWaves. The upscale experience sets the stage as Nashville's premier water attraction with 4 acres of combined indoor rides, relaxing indulgences and seasonal outdoor water amenities. Indoor and seasonal outdoor cabanas are available to rent daily by guests who have pre-purchased a SoundWaves experience. Each cabana seats up to six guests, and conjoining cabanas are available for up to 12 guests. Check out the Rapid Remix: Climb aboard a mega raft for 4-5 people and get ready for a breathtaking series of vortex loops-complete with 21 LED lights and 12 music speakers, or try the Record Launch: Choose your adventure at the top. Pick the tubing bowl path for an intense centrifugal experience with 16 LED lights and four music speakers. Or push the limits of gravity with our two-person serpentine water ride.
Price: From $479/Night
Online: soundwavesgo.com
—Mary Martha Aubry
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