If you want most kids to have a great vacation, just add water. They’ll find it in all shapes, forms and motions in the largest water theme park in the Mid-Atlantic, featuring a 1950’s “surfs-up” feeling.  The whole family can join in a ride on a river-raft down the Big Daddy Falls. Or up to six people can race against each other on the Nitro Racer water slide.  A honeymooning couple can experience a sense of ocean surfing as they snuggle on a two-person tube that swoops them through the Malibu Pipeline – through water flumes and waterfalls.  All guests under 42” tall are required to wear a life vest. (The Rampage is the only water ride requiring guests to be at least that tall to ride.) The largest, longest attraction is the Hubba Hubba Highway, stretching 1,500 feet in length over 3.5 acres.

 While the adventures are considered safe, you have to keep kids from engaging in horseplay that could cause injuries to themselves and others.  The “buddy” system where one responsible person watches after one child is a good safety idea for all families.  So remember – “Surfs up!” is the cry and theme of this park,  particularly welcome news during those often hot Williamsburg days in July and August.  Call 800/343-7649 to check hours (times can change and the park may close during unseasonable weather).  Or surf to www.watercountryusa.com.

Some general tips:

• May and September are usually less crowded.

• Plan a central meeting place at Water Country if someone gets separated from the group

• There are a number of places to dine in the park. But save more time to play by avoiding the peak dining hours (lunch from noon – 2:30 P.M. and dinner, 6 P.M – 8 P.M.)

• Remember that you can’t carry glass into the park. Use plastic water bottles.

• Use lots of sunscreen and bring hats.

• Baby changing stations are available throughout the park.

Admissions for 2006 season:

Single Day Admission – Valid for one day admission on any opening day during the 2006 Season.

·        $37.95 Ages 6 & over

·        $30.95 Ages 3 to 6

·        Children 2 and under are admitted Free

 Season passes offering free parking and discounts on food and merchandise at Water Country USA are also available. Visit watercountryusa.com for details.

Directions:  Located right off 199.  Easiest route from Williamsburg is to take the Colonial Parkway (near the Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center). Then go under the 199 viaduct and turn right to circle around and join 199 going toward I-64.  Turn right at the Water Country entrance.  If you’re traveling west on 64 from Newport News and Hampton, do not get off at the well-advertised Busch Gardens turnoff.  Continue on to Exit 242 and head north on  199. The entrance to Water Country will be on your right.  

RETURN TO:  HOME PAGE     GUIDEBOOK DIRECTORY

TRAVELERS TALKBACK

Win a  a free copy of the new Williamsburg One-Day Trip Book with your picture and byline on the cover!

If you've visited Virginia  recently, give us your honest evaluation of your visit. Click here for details and the TRAVELERS TALKBACK form.

TRAVEL WRITERS WANTED

FREE  trial lesson in  new "WRITING TO  PUBLISH WORKSHOP."

 Send us an email for details. Publication is guaranteed for those accepted in program. Instructor is former president of the Society of American Travel Writers.

Visit the FREEDOM GALLERY to see scenes of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown as magnificent works of photographic art.