It’s never too early to start thinking about summer vacation, especially with so many options, including a new water park within driving distance of Northern Virginia. Great Wolf Lodge, which owns multiple indoor water parks across the country, will open its largest location to date in Perryville, Maryland (on Maryland’s upper Eastern Shore, about two hours from NoVA) on July 15.
With more than 128,000 square feet of water thrills, this park will have 22 different water slides for every age and thrill level.
There will be two brand new Great Wolf Lodge waterslides. The High Paw Roller is a turbulent body slide meant to feel like going down a ski slope. Riders surge onto a saucer from a dark tunnel and then get a “drop and dive” sensation,” according to the lodge. The Forest Flume is a 275-foot twister body slide that features loops and accelerations throughout the ride. Forest Flume is the longest twister body slide that the manufacturer has installed in Maryland.
Here’s how Great Wolf describes some of the slides at the Maryland park:
- Otter Cave Waterworks: “Great Wolf Lodge’s signature, multi-level water play structure featuring suspension bridges, slides and spray stations. Atop Otter Cave Waterworks sits a massive, 1,000-gallon tipping bucket that pours out every three to four minutes to the glee of children waiting below. Attached to the play structure are six water slides, including four twisting body slides that originate from the top of the structure and two at a lower level designed for a more leisurely ride.”
- Chesapeake Plunge: “This raft ride takes guests on a twisting, gliding adventure of a lifetime. Chesapeake Plunge sends riders careening through dipping, bending curves of a river of fun.”
- Wolf Tail: “A thrill-seeker’s delight. Guests step into a launch pod and listen to the rhythmic sound of a heartbeat as they wait for the floor to drop out from underneath, hurling them into a nearly vertical, 20-foot free fall, followed immediately by two 360-degree, high-speed loops.”
- Rapid Racer: “This single or double-person tube slide is sure to unlock that racing spirit. Riders begin the race side-by-side and then speed down a course featuring drops, chutes and serpentine curves. As riders wind their way down, they encounter two sections of the course where they find themselves side-by-side with their competitor with only a low wall separating racers.”
- River Canyon Run: “A rollicking family raft ride that sends up to five riders on a white-water adventure into a saucer and down one of the park’s longest slides. With no steep drops, this a great beginner slide for younger kids, or thrill-adverse parents.”
- Otter Run: “A body slide with sloping straightaways and quick turns that provides an exhilarating experience guests will want to do over and over again.”
- Slap Tail Pond: “A family favorite. The audio cue of a howling wolf brings this gigantic wave pool to life with waves reaching up to 3 feet in height. The active surf rolls through every five minutes, to the giggling delight of every child in the pool.”
- Crooked Creek: “A reprieve from the more active attractions in the waterpark, guests can relax and float on tubes down this winding lazy river in the middle of the park.”
- Chinook Cove: “Activity pool featuring basketball hoops, floating obstacles, and other action-oriented elements for children.”
- Big Foot Pass: “Unique water obstacle challenge where kids and adults alike balance on floating logs and lily pads while traversing the pool. Cargo netting hangs down to help guests cross from one side to the other.”
- Whooping Hollow: “A special section of the waterpark designed exclusively for toddlers and younger guests. This play pool is filled with perfectly sized water slides featuring gentle slopes and tiny turns, making them the go-to attractions for the ‘under 42 inches’ set.”
The resort also has an outdoor pool and a hot tub.
After a long day of swimming and playing at the park, guests can re-fuel at any of the resort’s dining options. For a nice, sit-down meal, guests can dine à la carte at Barnwood, which features an elegant menu and a selection of local wines. If quick and convenient sounds like the best way to end a busy day, Hungry As A Wolf Pizza and Freshwoods Market are there for you. And, for a sweet snack break or dreamy nightcap, Wood’s End Creamery offers a slew of decadent delights.
Booking for this summer is now available, with rooms starting at $199.99 per night. An overnight stay includes two days of water park action. 1240 Chesapeake Overlook Pkwy., Perryville, Maryland
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