After receiving multiple messages and inquiries about tips for visiting Kings Dominion in the summer. I figured it’s time to put my years of experience as a season pass holder to use by putting together a family summer guide. Visiting Kings Dominion during the summer is like having access to two amazing parks. You can explore the thrill of the theme park while also staying chill in Soak City. So, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know to have fun in the sun at Kings Dominion this summer.
DISCOUNTS & TICKETING
Kings Dominion is a family-friendly park. One way they show this is in the passes available. Kings Dominion offers tons of programs to make the park affordable! Through the Pre-k Pass, all kids ages 5 and under can access a FREE pass. It’s simple to sign up for and use. I completed the online registration and then downloaded the pass to my app. Kings Dominion offers great discounts to military personnel and their family with special pricing on day passes and season passes for under $100. Even if you aren’t military, season passes are as low as $115. Season passes include admission into the park all season, free parking, discounts on food and merchandise, as well as special perks such as bringing friends for $25 or even FREE! If a season pass isn’t your cup of tea, be sure to check your local parks & recreation center for discounted tickets.
BE PREPARED
Be prepared and go like a pro! One of the first things I recommend is to download the Kings Dominion app. You can save your passes to the app, which will save you time when scanning passes at the gate, as well as save space when it comes to packing. The app can also help you plan out your day. The app provides information on park hours, show times, and a map of the park. You can also get details on ride wait times and other details like thrill level and height requirements.
BEAT THE HEAT
I recommend arriving at the park when it opens and in your swimsuit. Once you enter the park, make your way to the Ole Virginia section. This is where you will find the White Water Canyon and Shenandoah Lumbee Company rides. Both of which often leave riders soaked. Next, make your way over to Soak City, where you can stay refreshed and cool. The water park is open during the peak heat hours. We usually stay in the water park until about an hour before it closes. I have the kids towel off and change into dry clothing. Then we grab a bite to eat and catch a show. Catching a show after dinner is a great way to let food settle before hitting the rides.
WHAT TO PACK
Since I still have a little one, I load up my stroller with all the necessities and use it as a rolling locker. I pack towels for drying off, a change of dry clothing, goggles, sunglasses, sun screen, water shoes, and puddle jumpers. Our family has dietary restrictions and allergies, so I often bring snacks to munch on. I always have a waterproof cell phone case that I put my cell phone in. I often do not bring a purse, cash, or credit cards, and only bring my cell phone, which I keep on my person. Other helpful items include a stroller fan and reusable water bottles with a handle. You can refill your water bottles with ice and water free of charge.
SET UP CAMP
One of the first things I do once we get to the water park is set up camp. It’s nice to have a little spot to take breaks at or even meet up at if your group likes to split up. If you are looking for a less crowded spot, try Lil’ Barefoot Beach. You can lay out a towel on a lounge chair or two and park your stroller. This is a great spot to return to frequently to take breaks, reapply sunscreen, or if you have older kids, sit back, relax, and take a nap.
PLAY TIME
The greatest part about the water park is that the entire family, whether big or little, has tons of things to do together while staying cool. If you have kids of a variety of ages, be sure to check out:
- Lighthouse Landing: This was one of our favorite spots to explore! Lighthouse Landing is a multi-level aqua play structure that features over 200 elements and 8 different slides to splash down.
- Tidal Wave Bay: A huge wave pool.
- Lazy Rider: A lazy river to float along and relax.
- Free Styling: Tube slide that you can ride tandem.
Big Kids
- Pipeline Peak: Solo Slide for 48″ and up.
- Baja Bends: Solo Slide for 48″ and up.
Littles
- Splash Island: Giant splash pad with water features.
- Lil’ Barefoot Beach: Giant splash pad with water features.
FUN FOR EVERY SEASON
If you didn’t make it out to Kings Dominion in time to enjoy the Soak City, have no fear! Kings Dominion has something fun for every time of the year. Our family especially enjoys exploring the park during the fall for Tricks & Treats event. A family-friendly fall festival at the park. Kings Dominion also has a new roller coaster for the adrenaline junky; be sure to check out Rapterra!
PARK INFORMATION
KINGS DOMINION
- Location: Doswell, VA
- Season: Open May – November 2, 2025
- Hours: Vary day to day
- Ticketing: Link
- Website: Link
******The Playful Parent is a 501(c)(3) and is not paid to promote companies. Sharing information, and my unbiased opinion about our family’s favorite spots around the DMV area is an honor. I want to thank Kings Dominion for inviting us out for the day, so we could get all the information to write this guide and help parents plan their trip to Soak City this summer. All content and photos from the article are intellectual property of The Playful Parent protected by the DCMA.***
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