Water Country USA
Rating
Family of 4
$250-$340.
Duration
4-6 hours
Best Ages
3-16 years
About
Water Country USA is Virginia's largest outdoor water park, located just minutes from Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg. Operating seasonally from late May through early September, it's the go-to summer destination for families visiting the Williamsburg area and a welcome cool-down from Virginia's humid summer days.
The park offers a comprehensive range of water attractions for every age group. The massive wave pool generates waves on a regular cycle, creating body-surfing and splashing opportunities for the whole family. The lazy river winds through the park at a relaxing pace, allowing families to float together on tubes.
The main attraction lineup includes over a dozen water slides ranging from gentle family raft rides to high-speed body slides with free-fall drops.
For families with young children, the dedicated kids' areas provide age-appropriate water play with smaller slides, gentle spray features, and shallow wading pools. Lifeguards are stationed throughout, and the areas are designed for safe exploration. Parents can relax on nearby loungers while keeping their kids in sight.
The thrill rides are the draw for tweens and teens. Colossal Curl sends riders through a massive funnel. Vanish Point features a trap-door launch with a near-vertical drop. Aquazoid takes families through a multi-person raft ride with unexpected splashes and drops. The variety ensures that even repeat visitors find new challenges to tackle.
Practically, Water Country USA is best experienced by arriving at opening and prioritizing the most popular slides before lines build. Cabana rentals provide shade, lockable storage, and a home base for families planning a full day. The park is owned by the same company as Busch Gardens, and combo tickets offering admission to both parks are available and represent the best value for families spending multiple days in Williamsburg.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
true
Kid Meals
true
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays in late May or early September for shortest lines; arrive at opening
Wait Times
15-45 minutes for popular slides on weekends; shorter on weekdays
Nearby Food
On-site dining options include burgers, pizza, and snack bars. Outside the park: Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que (10-min drive), Williamsburg restaurants on US-60, and grocery stores for picnic supplies.
Why Kids Love It
Water Country USA is Virginia's largest water park and the perfect antidote to Williamsburg's summer heat. The wave pool is the centerpiece — massive waves roll through on a timer, and kids of all ages jump, body-surf, and float through them with equal glee. The lazy river provides a relaxing float for the whole family, winding through the park at a gentle pace.
For thrill-seekers, the water slides range from body slides with steep drops to multi-person raft rides that send families careening through tunnels and around banked curves. Colossal Curl, Vanish Point, and Aquazoid are fan favorites that deliver screams and laughter in equal measure. The variety means kids can gradually work their way up from tame to intense.
The kids' area, designed for younger children, features smaller slides, spray features, and shallow pools where toddlers and preschoolers can play safely. Parents can relax on nearby loungers while kids explore at their own pace. The whole park is designed for families, with lifeguards at every attraction and a vibe that's fun without being overwhelming.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Arrive at opening and head to the big slides first — lines get longer as the day heats up.
- Rent a cabana for shade, lockable storage, and a home base; they sell out early on weekends.
- Water shoes are recommended — the pavement gets scorching hot by midday.
- Bring waterproof phone cases — you'll want photos on the rides.
- The Busch Gardens + Water Country USA combo ticket is the best deal if you're doing both parks.
What to Bring
- swimsuits (worn under clothes)
- water shoes
- towels
- waterproof phone case
- sunscreen (reef-safe)
- cash for lockers
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$250-$340.
Online tickets ~$55-$70/person x4 = $220-$280.
Parking ~$25.
Locker rental: $15-$20.
On-site food: $40-$60.
Total: $300-$385.
Tips to Save
- Buy tickets online for significant savings over gate prices.
- Season passes with Busch Gardens combo offer the best value for multi-day visitors.
- Bring your own snacks (allowed in coolers) and eat outside the park to save on food costs.
- Visit after 3 PM for reduced-rate afternoon tickets on select days.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- friday
- 10:00 AM - varies
- monday
- 10:00 AM - varies (seasonal, typically May-September)
- sunday
- 10:00 AM - varies
- tuesday
- 10:00 AM - varies
- saturday
- 10:00 AM - varies
- thursday
- 10:00 AM - varies
- wednesday
- 10:00 AM - varies