Great Waves Waterpark is a summer fun must-do. Between the water slides, the Kids Zone, and the Wave Pool, Great Waves offers something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Former Alexandria resident Eddie Gunn said he enjoys the big water slides, while his daughter, 6 years old, has the most fun on the Splash Pad.
Great Waves Waterpark includes a 17,500-square-foot pool that produces rolling waves, five curling and straight waterslides, the Paradise Play structure for children, the Kids Zone which includes smaller slides, a wading pool, and the Splash Pad with falling water buckets and water tables.
The park also has a gift shop called to the Shark Shack as well as miniature golf and batting cages.
Great Waves offers many different ticket options for these attractions. Some of which include unlimited use of the waterpark, batting cages, and miniature golf; unlimited use of only the waterpark’ and the bounce pass, which is a seasonal pass. Prices range from $14.50- $85 for individuals 48” and taller, less for children not reaching that height and free for children under the age of 2.
“We usually buy a pass for the summer, it’s much cheaper than buying day tickets since we go about 15-26 times a season” said Gunn.
The waterpark’s season lasts from opening day on Memorial Day weekend, May 24, to Labor Day, Sept. 1. Paradise Play, the batting cages, and the miniature golf are open until Oct. 31.
The park has a long and busy season, but to avoid the crowds try coming to the park at certain times and days of the week. “Our busiest day is definitely Saturday, that’s the day most of the families come, by midday there is not much parking left,” said Donny Wensinger, Great Waves Waterpark and Cameron Runs Regional Park manager.
To avoid the rush, come earlier in the day on Saturday. Visitors can take the bus since there is a bus stop right out side the parking lot.
“If you come Tuesday or Wednesday or anytime during the week you’ll be 1 of 800 instead of 1 of 2,000 on the weekends,” said Wensinger. Nannies usually bring children to play during the week when it is not as crowded and families come for the day on the weekends. Lunch can be bought in the park, serving chicken fingers, hot dogs, fries, burgers, etc. About 95 percent of visitors buy in the park, but lunch can also be brought from home and eaten at picnic tables outside the waterpark gates, said Wensinger.
Larger groups such as camps and school fieldtrips are also welcomed and encouraged to come during the week where they can receive a group rate.
Ronni Coleman, who visits the park with her daughters, 8 and 13, about once a season, said she “recommended the waterpark to a friend, who runs a daycare, to bring all of the children during the week.”
Great Waves will cater to them as well as other groups such as family reunions at the two large pavilions that can be rented out. For more details and ticketing information go to www.greatwaveswaterpark.com.