Where to Stay and Play in Virginia

Looking forward to a May getaway? Seek out a family-friendly destination offering all the luxury treatments you deserve, but with enough free fun to balance the expense. Head to Virginia for all the kid-centric fun of theme parks and water parks by day, but with a twinge of Southern hospitality and luxury amenities by night.

Opening in May, Cutback Water Coaster is an all-new ride sliding through sloshing rivers and fast-moving water tubes through Busch Garden’s Water Country USA in Williamsburg, Virginia. The waterpark is already a go-to summer retreat for families, but the new four-person raft ride brings families more than 850 feet of fun.

Kingsmill Spring Fever Package at Busch Gardens © Visit Williamsburg

If you live nearby and plan to get as much as you can out of the park this spring and summer, opt for the Busch Gardens Membership. The membership costs about $10 a month and includes free entry to Water Country USA, first-dibs on spring break packages and year-round offers.

Other membership-included offers that will help keep your family within budget without skimping is the Everyone Eats Free deal. Available May 18–Sept. 8, guests of the park can enjoy free admission, free meals, free parking and even free accommodations for kids. Some restrictions apply, but kids aged 3–9 can stay and play for free with a paid adult.

Kingsmill Spa Getaway Package © Visit Williamsburg

For a little luxury added to the mix, the Kingsmill Resort is a short ride away and a reprieve from a busy day at the park. Rest up for a day riding rides and chasing after the kids or unwind with a spa treatment before dinner. The AAA Four Diamond Property even offers free daily shuttle rides to Busch Gardens so you can focus on the family and not the road.

The resort, sitting along the historic James River, is more than just a pretty space. Families enjoy luxury accommodations, rounds of golf, high-end services and amenities, but at a discount with various spring break deals specifically catering to families looking to enjoy the parks and surrounding historic charm.

Kingsmill Williamsburg Package © Visit Williamsburg

If your family plans on taking full advantage of the close proximity to Busch Gardens, get the most for your money with the Ultimate Spring Escape package. This deal includes three nights at the resort, discounts for golfers, free passes to Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens, breakfast, access to tennis courts, nearby fishing excursions and property biking trails. Prices vary by night and availability, but can range $135–172 a night.

Kingsmill Suite Couple’s Getaway © Visit Williamsburg

If you’re looking for a shorter getaway with the family, no problem. The resort also offers the Spring Fever package with just two-night accommodations. If a weekend of pampering is more your speed, the Spa Getaway is great for a quick girl’s weekend or couple’s retreat. Whatever you choose, there’s a spring break package to capitalize on and get more bang for your buck.