Best first giant waterslide park and rollercoaster near DC - for first time

[Anonymous]

OP again here. Thanks everyone for all the helpful tips etc. I am going to do something for his bday but I think I am going to make this into our new prize for good behavior all week (maybe do a chart and if he is safe all week etc. he gets a Sunday waterpark trip). He is very difficult to motivate and struggles a lot with impulses. I might even give the sitter some type of system to use separately.

I looked up accessibility at Six Flags and they have a pass too - just an FYI for everyone else! You don't obtain the ability to jump the line but you obtain a time and can wait elsewhere - is that how they all work?

He is super tall for his age - 53 inches.

I want to do Hershey or another roadtrip but I cant do it for a few weeks due to other commitments.

We live in NW DC so the VA waterpikes are a bit of a hike, but definitely do-able.

Question - What is the lightest time of day at the VA waterparks? Is if first thing, lunchtime or some other time?



Should I get him aquasocks - are the stairs slippery? He is a bit clumsy - low tone, hypermobility, dyspraxia, balance not great, not great vestibular sensation (or however one refers to it)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again here. Thanks everyone for all the helpful tips etc. I am going to do something for his bday but I think I am going to make this into our new prize for good behavior all week (maybe do a chart and if he is safe all week etc. he gets a Sunday waterpark trip). He is very difficult to motivate and struggles a lot with impulses. I might even give the sitter some type of system to use separately.

I looked up accessibility at Six Flags and they have a pass too - just an FYI for everyone else! You don't obtain the ability to jump the line but you obtain a time and can wait elsewhere - is that how they all work?

He is super tall for his age - 53 inches.

I want to do Hershey or another roadtrip but I cant do it for a few weeks due to other commitments.

We live in NW DC so the VA waterpikes are a bit of a hike, but definitely do-able.

Question - What is the lightest time of day at the VA waterparks? Is if first thing, lunchtime or some other time?



Should I get him aquasocks - are the stairs slippery? He is a bit clumsy - low tone, hypermobility, dyspraxia, balance not great, not great vestibular sensation (or however one refers to it)

For then NVPRA parks, if you can go on a week day after 4, there is a discounted rate and it will be less crowded. Plus weekdnend afternoons s are busy and weekday mornings And afternoons have day camp field trips. Find Volcano Island, Great Waves and Pirates Cove, etc. on Facebook and follow them. They announce when they are at capacity.

[Anonymous]

In DC there is a big slide at Deanwood Aquatic center. It’s mainly a pool for the slide is big. Does Wilson Aquatic Center have a big slide as well?

Rollingcrest is part of PG Parks and Rec and would seem to meet your criteria.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again here. Thanks everyone for all the helpful tips etc. I am going to do something for his bday but I think I am going to make this into our new prize for good behavior all week (maybe do a chart and if he is safe all week etc. he gets a Sunday waterpark trip). He is very difficult to motivate and struggles a lot with impulses. I might even give the sitter some type of system to use separately.

I looked up accessibility at Six Flags and they have a pass too - just an FYI for everyone else! You don't obtain the ability to jump the line but you obtain a time and can wait elsewhere - is that how they all work?

He is super tall for his age - 53 inches.

I want to do Hershey or another roadtrip but I cant do it for a few weeks due to other commitments.

We live in NW DC so the VA waterpikes are a bit of a hike, but definitely do-able.

Question - What is the lightest time of day at the VA waterparks? Is if first thing, lunchtime or some other time?



Should I get him aquasocks - are the stairs slippery? He is a bit clumsy - low tone, hypermobility, dyspraxia, balance not great, not great vestibular sensation (or however one refers to it)

Remember some water parks target market are high school and young adults. You get a totally different vide there- group of kids cutting line, groups of girl and boys trying to meet up, people getting a little wild etc. nothing wrong with it but if you are not in that target group it can be a hassle.

[Anonymous]

I am the 12:19 poster - Both Great waves and Volcano Island closed due to capacity today. They posted on Facebook. If your kiddo struggles with crowds, you may want to avoid super hot days like today.

[Anonymous]

OP here -

Thanks everyone.

Wilson unfortunately does not have a slide or we would be there in a heartbeat!

Good to know about the Facebook page announcements. Thanks everyone!

[Anonymous]

Do you get the emails from Certifikid? They have deals sometimes on water parks.

https://www.certifikid.com/area/washington-dc/all-deals/activities-events?t=26891,26894;l=26895;i=26883;

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you are willing to go a bit further and stay overnight, Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA is great. It's about a 2 1/2 hour drive.

I love DW but it doesnt have a huge water slide! It has a small water park more suitable for younger kids.

[Anonymous]

I agree with Volcano Island after 4 PM. It is at just about the time that all of the camps are leaving and it quiets down. We used to go at that time and stay until it closed at about 7 PM. It was very relaxing, the sun wasn't as strong, and we literally felt like we were on vacation!

[Anonymous]

For closer (and cheaper), try Cub Run Leisure Pool in Fairfax. You can get non-resident passes.

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/recenter/cub-run/leisure-pool

[Anonymous]

We live near Cub Run and I can't recommend it for a child with ASD. It is always loud and crowded.

[Anonymous]

There's usually a certifikid for Chesapeake Beach Water park. It's fun and seems less crowded than the closer in VA waterparks.

[Anonymous]

For a couple smaller roller coasters (not a water park) try:

adventure park usa

https://adventureparkusa.com/

It's not very crowded, has go karts and other activities.