The family and I recently received a surprise invitation to join some friends at the Massanutten Resort complex, located in central Virginia.  It’s a sprawling 6,000 acre, four- season resort located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley near Harrisonburg, VA, (about 140 miles southwest from Hagerstown, MD, right off of I-81).  There’s something for everyone here, but today I wanted to focus on the highlight of our overnight stay, the Massanutten Water Park.

The water park complex consists of both an outdoor an indoor water complex, both of which are accessed via a large multi-level building that also houses a gift shop, dining facilities, and a large family arcade (that has dozens of those ticket-redemption games for prizes).

After paying for entry on the bottom floor, visitors are issued a wristband that is good for the entire day (so you can leave and come back at any time during your ticketed day).  Lockers are available for rent on the first floor (a deposit is required, part of which is refunded at the end of the day upon returning the locker key), and the locker area dumps out into the indoor water park.

This area is dominated by a large, water play structure that is themed to a ski-resort, with water dropping through pipes and off of various contraptions all over the various play levels.  A “lazy river” surrounds the mountain, and access to various tube and raft slides is obtained on the second level of the indoor park.  There is also a “Waverider” machine on the first level, which allows participants to ride boogie or body boards on a man-made current that simulates the fast moving surf.

The indoor building exits into an extensive outdoor water park space, which includes a wave pool, racing slides, and a large kid’s area with numerous smaller splash attractions.  There are covered lounge areas (including private cabana rentals), plenty of lounge chairs, and also other non-water games set up for free play, such as cornhole and giant “Jenga” puzzles.

The attractions, buildings, and grounds are clean and well maintained, with plenty of staff and lifeguards keeping watch over the pool areas.  I also saw on several occasions where the call of a lost child instantly brought all of the staff to bear until the missing tot was located (usually within minutes), so there was a feeling of safety and security in allowing kids to roam freely within the confines of the park boundaries.  Lines were steady on the various slides, but not overly long, and the kids loved the ability to go both outside and inside for their water thrills.

If there is one downside to the day, it was that the food items were both overpriced and underwhelming (and the lines for counter service were long and slow moving.)  There are also no “picnic” areas at the water park, so no outside food and drinks are permitted.

Overall, my entire clan enjoyed their day (whether it be lounging or splashing) and the speed in which everyone in the car was sound asleep on the ride home indicated that a good time was had by all.  I would highly recommend Massanutten to anyone looking for a nice, clean, and safe water park that is near enough to constitute a family day trip (a scenic 2.5 hour drive – one way).

For more information on the Massanutten Water Park, visit their website at www.massresort.com/play/waterpark