Four of the Best Mid Atlantic Indoor Waterparks.  Vacationing under a glass dome has its advantages. Just imagine a tropical spring break surfing with your kids in New Jersey or Pennsylvania. Or perhaps relaxing on a lazy river in Virginia then creating your own family’s slide boarding competition - pure fun in one place. 

If snow sports, snowmen, and snow angels do not sound like a recipe for family fun during spring break then the advantages of time at an indoor waterpark will obvious. Indoor waterparks offer the possibility for crazy fun because splashing is allowed, and squeals of joy and laughter prevail. It isn’t always size that matters but the quality of the space which allows children of different ages to have fun without conflict. Parents I have spoken with agree it was an effortless way to escape and be a kid with the kids.

 
With feedback from our readers and my own research I have identified a few indoor waterpark options for spring break not just in the mid Atlantic area but also across the US, in Canada and in the Great Lakes region. 

The Waterpark at Massanutten Resort in Virginia. For beach bunnies, perfect spring vacation weather is guaranteed at Massanutten where it’s always 84 degrees with no chance of wind, hail or snow. The 42,000-square-foot glass pyramid contains an array of energizing water based activities perfect for kids of all ages. From a Frog Pond for tykes, a giant tipping bucket (a requirement for all waterparks) and the Blue Ridge Rapids to thrilling body slides, a family-friendly pool area, and the non-stop surfing waves of the FLOWRIDER, no one will be bored. Bonus Points: Massanuttan also offers skiing, boarding, snow tubing and ice skating for families who want to combine surf with snow. (1822 Resort Drive, McGaheysville, VA, (540) 289-9441 or www.massresort.com) 

Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark in Virginia. Williamsburg offers interactive American history like no other spot in the nation. It is also is home to one of America’s best indoor waterparks. The watery oasis at Great Wolf Lodge provides interactive water activities for all year long. The water rich complex hosts the River Canyon Run, a six-story funnel slide, surf simulator, a lazy river, balance logs, floating lily pads stationary jet ski, plus  mini waterslides and a toddler–friendly beach and playground. Bonus Points: One of the most exciting activities for tweens and teens is the challenge of slide boarding which combines fast water, sliding, lights, and sounds with quick reflexes. For players there’s a free app available on Tunes.  (549 E Rochambeau Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23188. (757) 229-9700 or www.greatwolflodge.com)

  
Splash Lagoon in Pennsylvania. Just imagine surfing with your kids during spring break at the largest indoor wave pool in the Eastern US then taking a spin in an exhilarating aqua tumbler. Splash Lagoon delivers both plus a Tiki Treehouse - half fortress, half obstacle course complete with bridges, slides and a giant water-tipping bucket. Expect to enjoy the fast body slide, a thrilling tunnel slide, water basketball games, double spinning rafts, lazy river, large whirl pool, and a special area with slides, swings, and a shallow pool for tiny tykes. Bonus Points: In addition to hours of water play the complex also includes a gaming arcade, indoor ropes course, and a 2,000 sq. laser tag arena. Here’s the deal. Nearby hotels offer family getaway packages which include free shuttle rides to and from Splash Lagoon.  (8091 Peach St., Erie, PA. Toll-free 1-866-377-5274 or www.splashlagoon.com)

Sahara Sam’s Waterpark in New Jersey. Spanning 58,000 square feet the balmy complex is home to the area’s only indoor surfing simulator - the FLOWRIDER. The watery adventures menu includes tube slides, family rafting, lazy river floating, an extra-long body slide, a water obstacle course, toddler lagoon, and water basketball plus hot tubs, and a treehouse village with palm trees and water features. Bonus Points:  For a more private waterpark family base it is also possible to rent a cabana with a view of the Congo-Bongo Adventure River or the Tim-Buk-Tu Tree Fort. Here’s the deal. There are a variety of hotels nearby that will offer a discount to any guests that mention Sahara Sam’s “Stay & Play” while making a reservation. (535 N. Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 08091. Toll-free 1-856-767-7580 or www.saharasams.com)

For more cool ideas checkout waterparks in the US, Great lakes region or waterparks in Canada plus suggestions in our spring breaks folder.