Use this guide to Water Country USA to plan the perfect trip to this fabulous water theme park in Virginia.
Water Country USA opens for the season on May 11, 2024. Summer hours vary depending on the day of the week, so check the calendar.
Remember that all kids ages 3-5 can register for a free Preschool Card that gives unlimited admission to both Busch Gardens and Water Country USA for the season. The registration and activation (at the park) deadline is May 31st.
This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Water Country USA is a family waterpark located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. If you’re looking for a great way to beat the summer heat, this is your answer!
For adventure seekers, the park offers rides like the new Riptide Race, where rider teams are pitted against each other atop a 54-foot tower before racing through 520 feet of slide, with low walls to keep an eye on the competition.
Younger children will love the Lil’ Surfers Splash Pad and the beginner water slides. Use this guide to Water Country USA to plan your perfect water escape!
Water Country USA Basics
Address: 176 Water Country Parkway, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
Hours: generally 10am – 7pm (changes depending on season)
Cost: Single day tickets – $65.99 or choose Date-specific for $49.99
Single Day + All Day Dining Pass – $95.99 or choose Date-specific for $79.99
Busch Gardens + Adventure Island Fun Card – $109.99 good through September 2nd
Getting to Water Country USA
Water Country USA is located in Williamsburg, Virginia. That’s less than an hour’s drive from Richmond, Virginia Beach, and other Hampton Roads destinations.
Williamsburg is 155 miles south of Washington DC, which can take anywhere from 2.5 hours to MANY more (this is a major route to summer vacations and beaches). It’s also 200 miles north of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Richmond (RIC), Norfolk (ORF) and Newport News-Williamsburg (PHF) International Airports are all within 45 minutes of the park.
There is so much to do in the Williamsburg area that I wouldn’t recommend the drive for a day trip. Plan to spend the night at a local hotel!
If you are staying at a hotel near the park, ask about shuttle service to and from. Many of the hotels offer a free ride since they know so many are there to attend the parks. It’s usually free, but it’s nice for you to tip the driver.
Ticket options
There are several options for tickets at Water Country USA. Tickets can be “open” or “date-specific,” and there is a big price difference. If you’re not sure of your schedule, be sure to choose the open ticket so you can use it whenever you make it to the park.
For summer 2024, a single day Water Country USA ticket is $65.99. Children under 3 are not required to have a ticket. For just $30 more you can add an All Day Dining Pass to your single day ticket, making each $95.99.
All Day Dining Passes include 1 entree, 1 side or 1 dessert, and 1 regular sized beverage (non-alcoholic), and you can go through the line once every 90 minutes. This is good for the entire day of your visit, and only the person listed on the pass can redeem.
The best value is to purchase a Fun Card for both Busch Gardens and Water Country USA for $109.99. That gives you unlimited visits to BOTH parks through September 4, 2023.
You can purchase tickets in advance here. And remember to register for a free Preschool Pass for kids ages 3-5.
Parking at Water Country USA
Single-day general parking for cars, motorcycles, trucks, recreation vehicles and campers is $30. You can purchase ahead on the website or at the park when you arrive.
Parking is free for 2-Park Unlimited or Premier Annual Pass Members.
Weather-or-Not Assurance Policy
Water Country USA does not close the park due to rainy weather. However, if thunder or lightning occur, rides will be closed for 30-45 minutes.
They do offer a zero change fee if you call ahead and change your reservation (in the case of date-specific tickets) at least 24-48 hours in advance. So if it looks like your chosen date will be a stormy day, give that a try.
Is this theme park cashless?
Yes! Water Country USA is now completely cashless. Get the details here.
Rules at Water Country USA
Check the website for the most updated rules. As of summer 2024:
- Please note that Water Country USA is a family experience, therefore we ask that the appropriate swim attire be worn (i.e., no bathing-suit thongs, please). For the health and safety of all of our guests children in diapers are required to use waterproof protectors.
- Appropriate swimwear is required. Swimwear or shoes with buckles, rivets, or any sharp objects are not permitted on our attractions. Cotton shorts or shirts, sport shorts, cover ups, loose fitting articles, or similar items are permitted but not on body slides. Footwear such as water shoes, sandals, or water socks are permitted but not on body slides.
- Note: T-shirts and footwear including aqua socks may not be worn on our body slides, Vanish Point and Jammin’ Juke box.
- Guests are NOT required to wear face coverings indoors, but it is recommended. These face coverings must fit within the CDC guidelines.
- Alcoholic beverages can be purchased by any guests over 21 years of age. Each guest must present a valid form of photo ID in order to purchase alcohol inside the park.
- There are designated smoking areas throughout the park, but all indoor areas remain smoke free.
- You are not permitted to bring outside beverages, food or coolers into the park. You may bring an empty refillable water bottle. No coolers of any shape or size are permitted in the park.
Upgrades at Water Country USA
Cabana rental
There are many options for cabana rentals at Water Country USA. All include meals and one-day locker rental. Check out the options.
Quick Queue Passes
There are three different Quick Queue passes available at the water park. Each offers unlimited priority access to a number of rides.
Water slides at Water Country USA
Riptide Race
The world’s first dueling saucers arrived at Adventure Island in Spring 2022. These high speed tunnels of twists and turns are sure to have your heart pounding.
Aquazoid Amped
This iconic slide features a special effects show, pulse-pounding music, and dynamic lighting effects. Plunge down 864 feet of fully-enclosed twisting tube at speeds of 20 feet per second. With a variety of light shows, each ride could be different than the last!
Colossal Curl
This mega-slide delivers an action-packed adventure with a unique combination of high-adrenaline elements. The ride starts with a funnel feature that swishes and swirls guests before whisking them through the ride’s enclosed colorful tubes on their way to a wave element that hurdles them high above the park. Each raft fits 2 or 4 riders, and minimum rider height is 48 inches.
Big Daddy Falls
Enjoy whitewater rafting with a serious twist! With 670 feet of flumes and tunnels, it’s a river-rafting adventure that lives up to its name. Hop on board and brave the rapids—tackling crazy curves, tunnels, drops and super-soaking cannon blasters.
Each raft fits four adults or three adults and two children—so it’s fun for the whole family. Height requirement for Big Daddy Falls is 42 inches.
Jet Scream
Hop on an inner tube, and choose one of four Jet Scream flumes. Each flume is more than 400 feet long and empties into a three-foot-deep pool, with riders reaching 25 miles per hour. Minimum rider height is 42 inches.
Malibu Pipeline
Bonzai and Oahu are mostly-enclosed tubes spanning longer than 450 feet and featuring maximum drops of 55 feet into a three-foot-deep splash pool. Look out for water jets, surprise turns and a waterfall. Minimum height is 42 inches to ride solo. Smaller children can ride with a supervising companion who meets all ride requirement and is 14+ years old.
Vanish Point
The crest of Vanish Point’s 75-foot tower challenges you with two wave paths. You can step into a skybox where you drop down when the floor drops out. Or get horizontal on the 300-foot speed slide where you drop straight down. High thrills, so the minimum rider height is 48 inches.
Nitro Racer
Race your friends or family on this head first, six-lane water slide. Ride a foam bodysurfing mat and travel 320 feet in just four seconds! The height requirement for Nitro Racer is 42 inches.
Pools and lazy rivers at Water Country USA
Surfer’s Bay Wave Pool
In this 23,000 sq ft pool you can enjoy the rolling surf with waves every 10 minutes. It is highly recommended that weak and non-swimmers wear life vests for their own safety.
Hubba Hubba Highway
This is no “lazy river!” Float through 1500 feet of surprise geysers and serious sprays. No raft is required.
H20 UFO
This low-thrill water playground is fun for toddlers and younger kids and includes one water slide that parents and kids to ride together.
Lil’ Surfers Splash Pad
Across from Surfer’s Bay Wave Pool, find this splash pad for the youngest water lovers in mind. It features dynamic fountains, splashy spray cannons and a kiddie water slide.
Cow-A-Bunga
This cow-themed play area and splash zone features a shallow heated pool and interactive water features like falls and water cannons. There are also three water slides, perfect for kids of all sizes.
Parents and children can also explore a scaled-down water slide together. Just grab a double tube and slide into a three-foot-deep splash pool.
A day spent at Water Country USA will make for special family memories. Whether you ride thrilling water slides or have a relaxing day in the sun, you’ll love your visit!
More theme parks
How to Get Free Sea World Admission
15 Theme Parks that Offer a Free Preschool Pass
Free Pre-K Pass for Kings Dominion (Virginia)
