Water Country USA

If you can stand the large crowds, you should be more than pleased with Water Country USA, say several recent park-goers. And wait times aren't unreasonable at rides, slides and concession stands despite all the people. "I would say that we didn't have to wait more than thirty minutes for anything in the park -- a rare treat for a water park," says a TripAdvisor traveler who recently visited.

Some of Water Country's popular attractions include Surfer's Bay (a wave pool), Vanish Point (a 75-foot tower slide), the Jet Scream (an inner tube slide) and Big Daddy Falls (a whitewater rapids ride). There's also Cow-A-Bunga (a kiddie pool area) and a 20-minute "aquabatics" water show. There are also lessons for less-confident swimmers (these cost extra).

You can find Water Country USA in the same vicinity as Busch Gardens, southeast of Williamsburg.

It's open from late spring until Labor Day weekend. Each day begins at 10 a.m., but closing time ranges from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., dependent on day. Single-day tickets cost between about $40 and $47, but there are also bundle passes to visit Water Country over several days or to visit the water park, Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg. Go to the official website for more information.

Also consider purchasing a multiple-day Williamsburg Flex Ticket that allows you to visit several area attractions, including Water Country USA, for about $177.