If you go to Harrisonburg, VA, you will be close to the Massanutten Resort. This four season resort with skiing, tubing, adventure parks, food, spas and more is great for family getaways or just to have some fun for the day. The Massanutten Water Park is just inside the resort.
A generous friend gifted us tickets to the water park so we decided to go on a winter day. It is very nice to have an indoor waterpark relatively close to us and we were excited to try it out with both kids. If you aren’t staying at the resort, but want to visit, use booking.com to find a nearby hotel or even expedia down below!
Massanutten Water Park Overview
This section will discuss the basics of the park and the main attractions that can be found at the Massanutten Water Park.
Massanutten Melt Down
This is the center of Massanutten Water Park
This is the WOW part of the park when you walk in. The theming of the park is a Ski Resort that is melting and that is just what it looks like!
There are water hoses all over the area, cargo nets to climb and slides to enjoy. This area is a great section for families because there are so many activities. The slides range from small for younger kids to big ones that are for kids who enjoy a little more thrill.
Massanutten Water Park Slides
Next to the large play structure, you will see the entrances to four tube slides. These tubes go outside of the building and then come back in after your ride. When you pull up in the parking lot, you will see these beckoning into the park!
Lazy River around Massanutten Water Park
The lazy river was always one of my favorites when I was a kid. Now, it appears this is one of my kids’ favorites, too! Next to the lockers is an entrance to the lazy river.
This can be a bit disorganized, but guests line up to get tubes and usually it works out. They have single tubes and double tubes. There are clear tubes for kids under 42″ that have a bottom, but if your kid is bigger and can’t go alone, you will have to get creative with the two person tubes.
We ended up having our youngest sit on the middle part of a double tube while her dad put his feet around her. This seemed to work out well, but the early confusion with the tubes made for a frustrating start.
Guests will get sprayed on this ride and can get large amounts of water dumped on them as well. There is also a spot you can continue to circle as long as you want or get stuck in near the end of the ride. Guests can ride as many times as they want.
Swimming Pool
There is a swimming pool attached to the same water as the lazy river that is 42″ deep. My kids enjoyed being in there because they like being in swimming pools. There were also steps on the sides of the pool to just sit and enjoy.
Hot Tub
There is a medium sized hot tub to the side of the park. I enjoyed this because I tend to get cold really easily when I swim in the winter.
Unfortunately, kids were splashing around excessively in the hot tub. There were also a fair amount of people in the hot tub and it was hard to find a space of your own.
Flow Rider
This is your chance to bodyboard with a constant wave. These bodyboarding attractions are one person at a time and there are several chairs set up so people can watch.
Kiddie Pool for babies and toddlers
There is a smaller area that is great for babies and toddlers off to the side of everything. The frog slide is always a hit and there’s a giant area of shallow water and some sprinklers. You won’t be allowed to use this area if your kids are above 42 inches.
Diamond Jim’s Arcade attached to Massanutten Water Park
Lastly, we have Diamond Jim’s Arcade. This area has grown to the point that they have moved some of the games down the hall. Guests will get a swipe card to put their money on and it keeps track of your money and how many tickets you have earned.
The prices are a bit high, but the kids really love it. There is a large variety of games and the kids will want some time to check it all out and get their prizes.
Massanutten Water Park Tips
Here are some tips about the water park that I feel would be helpful for anyone making plans to visit. The park is not cheap and this can help you get the most out of your money.
Massanutten Water Park Tickets and Reservations
The Water Park now takes reservations for days they are open. When purchasing your ticket, select the date you would like to visit. Don’t wait until the last minute or you might not get the day you want. Reservations open 10 days before the date you wish to visit.
Discount Massanutten Water park Tickets
If you go on a Saturday, be prepared to spend more money. Saturday’s tend to be the most expensive days and if you decide to go on a different day, you could save $13 per ticket. Check the prices ahead of time to see what works best for you.
Go in the Summer
If you go in the summer, the outdoor portion of the water park is open and if gives guests much more room to spread out. There are more attractions, slides and space. This water park is not large by any standard and it’s much better when you have more room.
Eat Before You Go
As with most Water parks, the food leaves a bit to be desired. There are several restaurants on the way to the resort in the Harrisonburg area and on Route 33 on the way in. In addition, there are several within the resort like the Campfire Grill which has a reasonably priced breakfast buffet.
Return Your Locker Key for Arcade Money or a Partial Refund
Most guests will need a locker while visiting the park. There is a charge of $25 to rent the lockers. However, if you return the key, you will receive $10 or a $15 credit to the arcade. This is a great way to get some money back or get a little discount at the arcade.
You Don’t Have to Get Wet with and Observer ticket
At the park, guests have an option to buy an Observer ticket which means you can have admittance to the water park, but you will not be getting in the water. This ticket is cheaper and great if you have people joining that want to be in on the fun but water parks aren’t their thing.
Other Helpful Links
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Tips for Kids
How to Save Money at Busch Gardens