Water adventures are always a great summer diversion for all ages, and while the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia is best known for its history, hiking, and mountain recreation, it also has some great water parks, river trips and mountain lakes perfect for that special family outing.
Massanutten Ski Resort
Massanutten Ski Resort has an indoor/outdoor water park where families can catch some waves, race the downhill slide, or try their luck at a wide range of water challenges. Small children will be captivated by the Frog Pond. There’s a tube ride for every level of thrill-seeker, and a hot tub for taking a breather. An arcade, gift shop, and four different food facilities round out the amenities available at Massanutten Water Park and offer families a great way to spend an adventuresome day together.
For more information: Massanutten Water Park. Phone: (540) 437-3340.
Shenandoah River Outfitters and River Cabins
Shenandoah River Outfitters and River Cabins will get the whole family rolling on the river with a full range of scheduled tubing, rafting, and canoe/kayak trips on the Shenandoah River near Luray. Owner Nancy Sottosanti recommends the unguided raft trips for families with small children. Visitors can pick a 2-3 or 4-5 hour trip, although groups must have three paddlers for the six man rafts, as Shenandoah River Outfitters won’t combine groups. Pack a cooler and plenty of sunscreen, and your family is in for some splashing good fun. Want to get the whole river experience? Rent a cabin and sky-gaze or watch the wildlife from the porch. Making reservations, pre-payment, and completing waivers in advance will get the expedition launched much quicker, so visit their website for all the details.
For more information: Shenandoah River Outfitters and River Cabins. Phone: 800-6canoe2 (540)743-4159.
Sherando Lake Recreation Area
For the perfect place to let the kids blow off lots of steam, pack up the picnic basket, don the bathing suits, and head to Sherando Lake Recreation Area near Waynesboro. Lounge on the beach of a 25-acre spring-fed lake while the kids frolic in the refreshing water, or head out for a number of trails that range from easy around the lake to more challenging that connect to the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway. If boating or fishing is a family favorite pastime, launch or drop hook in the main lake or the 7-acre upper lake that is located a short drive through the camping area. There are over 70 picnic spaces with grills, and a covered shelter in the case of rain. Trail maps and facility brochures are available online.
For more information: Sherando Lake Recreation Area. Phone: Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger District (540) 291-2188.
Finding a cool summer spot that pleases and entertains everyone might seem like a challenge in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, but water park, river and lake activities offer a wide range of versatile vacation or day-trip water adventures to keep the entire family happy.
Karen Lawrence - Karen Lawrence is a freelance writer and administrative consultant based in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. She specializes in nature, ...
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