It’s summertime in RVA, and if there’s one thing all Richmonders have in common during the summer, it’s finding ways to beat the humidity. While there are several public pools and splash pads in the area, I urge you to consider visiting Soak City at Kings Dominion the next time you’re looking to cool down. Now only is Soak City fun, it’s also cost-efficient – if you keep the tips below in mind.
Soak City Details
(Photo credit: Kings Dominion)
Soak City is a 20-acre water park, complete with splash pads, wave pools, toddler pools, an interactive water play area, water slides and more.
For young children, Lighthouse Landing is ideal. This large aquaplex is only 8” deep, and has several slides, buckets, and splashing opportunities. Life jackets are available outside this area for safe water play. There is no charge to use a life jacket.
(Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison)
Other highlights for young children include: Lil’ Barefoot Beach, Splash Island, and Sand Dune Lagoon. All of the aforementioned attractions were completely safe for my 4 year ol, and I felt completely comfortable with him in these areas.
For thrill seekers, Pipeline Peak, which consists of 4 totally enclosed slides is a must! My daughter (9 years old) especially loved Turbo Twister, an inner tube ride.
A fun ride with family or friends is the Zoom Flume. Four riders ride together on a raft down a water path.
Savings on Admission
(Photo credit: Kings Dominion)
Prior to your visit, purchase tickets online versus at the park. This easy and simple process can save you up to $35 compared to the front gate price.
If you plan to visit the park more than twice this season, your best option is to purchase a season pass. Parking is included with the season pass, so this is an additional savings each time you visit the park.
Bringing little ones with you? Children 2 and under are free! And, for children ages 3-5, register them for the free Pre-K pass. Caregivers must have a season pass to access the Pre-K pass.
If you only want to visit once or twice, check in with a friend who has a season pass. You may be able to go with your season pass holding friend on one of the “Bring a Friend” days for a reduced price.
Additional Savings
(Photo credit: Kings Dominion)
Admission to Soak City includes your admission to the entire Kings Dominion park. My family likes to start our day at Soak City, which typically closes around 7 P.M., and then enjoy the rest of our time on the roller coasters for the remaining hours the park is open, around 9 or 10.
(Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison)
Options like All Day Dining and Premium All Day Dining allow patrons an entree and side every 90 minutes. The Premium All Day Dining Pass offers guests not only a meal every 90 minutes, but also a Coca-Cola beverage every 15 minutes. For large families, this can allow for a huge savings.
Another way to save is in lieu of purchasing a meal plan: utilize the picnic pavilions outside the park to enjoy a packed lunch or dinner. Re-entry is permitted and unlimited, so you could do this for both lunch and dinner.
As you plan how to beat the heat in RVA, make plans to visit Kings Dominion’s Soak City!
Lindsay Garrison, RVA on the Cheap Publisher, is a Richmond, Virginia based Mom to two young children. A graduate from Chesterfield Schools and Randolph-Macon College, Lindsay is proud to call Richmond home. In the years prior to planning activities and outings with her own children, she was a French teacher. During her tenure she earned accolades for her creative teaching style and ability to connect with her students. Lindsay now applies the skills she learned when she was planning student trips to France, to her own family adventures. She can’t wait to take her own children to France one day! Follow the Garrison’s family adventures on Instagram: @rva.familyfun
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