Virginia Theme Parks, Water Parks, and Zoos, Spring 2012

“Everybody likes a roller coaster ride.” --Pete Waterman This is the time of year when Virginia's theme parks, amusement park, water parks, and zoos once again open their doors to the public. Furthermore, this is a wonderful time to visit these places, as you can avoid the blistering heat and smothering crowds of the summer months. Enjoy the thrill of the Alpengeist at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, take your family for a ride down King’s Dominion’s Zoom Flume, or climb atop an elephant at the Natural Bridge Zoo. If you and your friends and/or family are feeling a bit tired after a day of thrill rides, noisy children, and the general hustle and bustle of theme parks, then, depending on where you are, consider relaxing at a show.  Places like King’s Dominion and Busch Gardens offer a variety of performances from Irish step dancing, to choir festivals, to fireworks and light shows.     These outdoor adventures make the perfect family getaway, and what better way to start and end your day than at a Virginia bed and breakfast? Numerous inns are located only minutes away from these family-friendly attractions: Busch Gardens (Inns around Williamsburg, VA) King's Dominion (Inns around Doswell, VA) Splashdown Waterpark (Inns around Manassas, VA) Ocean Breeze Waterpark (Inns around Virginia Beach, VA) Virginia Zoo in Norfolk (Inns around Norfolk, VA) Natural Bridge Zoo (Inns around Natural Bridge, VA) Virginia Safari Park (Inns around Natural Bridge, VA)   By Tara Stoll