Best Waterparks in Northern Virginia

With Memorial Day Weekend upon us it is time for pools and waterparks. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority has the best collection of waterparks in the region by far with 5 exciting waterparks. Check out the all new web sites for most of our waterparks. All of these waterparks have seen significant rennovations recently.You will want to visit all of these sites this summer many times.

Great Waves at Cameron Run
http://www.greatwaveswaterpark.com/
One of the largest waterparks in the region with a giant wave pool, speed slides, large slide towers, sand play areas, cabanas, shelters, food concession and much much more. For 2012 Great Waves features the tallest play feature of its type east of the Mississippi!

Pirate's Cove at Pohick Bay
http://www.piratescovepohick.com/
Excitement for all ages await at Pirate's Cove. In addition to the giant dumping bucket, smaller slides and water cannons, this year the waterpark has an all new slide tower that stretches 30 feet above the deck. Treasure is buried in the sand for those brave enough to dig for it. Learn about the the golden age of pirates while you have a fun filled day at Pirate's Cove.

Atlantis at Bull Run
http://www.atlantisbullrun.com/
For thousands of years people have been searching for the last city of Atlantis. It is now found and who guessed it would be in Centreville Virginia! Ancient Greek ruins, mermaids, Poseidon, the biggest dumping bucket in the area, food, sand, slides and fun.

Volcano Island at Algonkian
http://www.volcanoislandwaterpark.com/
Boasting the biggest and best volcano in Northern Virginia, go explore the island. Palm trees, thatched roofs, giant Easter Island stone heads on the deck, Volcano Island is a Polynesian paradise. You can expect great slides, sand play area, wonderful attractions for kids of all ages.

Ocean Dunes at Upton Hills
http://www.oceanduneswaterpark.com/
Thinking about the Outer Banks but do not want to sit in a car for 5 hours? We have the perfect alternative. Ocean Dunes puts you in the beach frame of mind without the drive. A beautiful waterpark with waterslides, multiple play pools, food and much more. Next to Ocean Dunes is the world famous Upton Hills mini golf as well as popular batting cages.

Virginia Outdoor Survey

Over half of Virginia Families walk for pleasure, visit historic sites, visit parks and natural areas. And the numbers engaging in these activities is on the rise!

This is just a taste of the great information in the Virginia Outdoor Survey.

http://dcr.cache.vi.virginia.gov/recreational_planning/documents/vosexecsum11.pdf

Every 5 years the Commonwealth of Virginia conducts a survey of citizens to better understand their outdoor needs and desires. The latest survey (see link above) has just recently been released. This information in addition to public comments and meetings in every region of the state are assembled and result in a document called the Virginia Outdoor Plan (VOP). This five year plan in currently being worked on.

Virginia has been doing some version of this process every five years since the mid 1960s. It serves as a great resource to planners and others that work on expanding parkland, preserved properties and developing public amenities to support use of the outdoors by the public.