Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Opens Virginia’s Largest Indoor Waterpark with New $900 Million Spotsylvania Resort

The brand’s fifth resort brings together guest favorites, 12+ dining options and a grand opening weekend honoring military families

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The wait for Virginia’s biggest splash is over. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions officially opened its fifth resort today in Spotsylvania, bringing a 175,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, a 90,000-square-foot adventure park, signature dining, 907 guest rooms and 150,000 square feet of convention space all under one roof. The $900 million destination gives families across the DMV a new place to play, dine and make a getaway of their own, while offering meeting planners a new destination for conferences, conventions and corporate gatherings.

Located just off Interstate 95 between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, the resort brings Kalahari’s signature family getaway to the heart of Virginia, with convenient access for families across the Mid-Atlantic.

“We’ve spent more than two decades learning what guests love about Kalahari getaways,” said Todd Nelson, founder and CEO of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. “Virginia brings together so much of what our guests look forward to – the rides they want to try again, the restaurants they love, the meetings that feel both professional and fun, and the chance to spend the whole day together. We’re excited to welcome visitors to Kalahari and share the experience with them.”

Virginia's largest indoor waterpark’s headline attraction is Nile Crocodile, North America’s longest indoor Master Blaster water coaster, sending riders through climbs, twisting turns and drops. Families can share a raft on Zambezi River Rapids, race side by side on Savannah Speedway’s four-lane mat slide or take on the spinning bowl and final plunge of Tanzanian Twister.

Between slide runs, guests can test their surfing skills on the FlowRider^®, catch waves in the wave pool, or slow down on the lazy river. Tiko’s Watering Hole gives younger children their own place to explore, interactive play, swings and slides sized for little adventurers.

The fun continues at the 90,000-square-foot Tom Foolerys Adventure Park, where thrill rides, an indoor zip line, climbing walls, laser tag, bowling and more than 250 arcade games give families another full day of entertainment beyond the waterpark.

With 12+ dining options, guests can make meals part of the getaway, from a steak house dinner to a burger-and-shake break between adventures. Four signature restaurants anchor the lineup:

• Double Cut Steak House – Premium steaks, seafood, cocktails and sides for the table to share, served in a contemporary steakhouse setting.
• Sortino’s Italian Kitchen – Casual Italian dining rooted in tradition, with a contemporary approach to classic favorites.
• Cinco Ninos – Modern Mexican dining and a tequila bar, bringing bold flavors and familiar Mexican favorites to the table.
• B-LUX Grill & Bar – Burgers and shakes made from scratch, including extravagant toppings like donuts and chocolate chip cookies, plus boozy options for those 21 years and older.

Additional dining experiences include quick service outlets like MACS – Macaroni and Cheese Shop, sweets and ice cream at The Last Bite, and cocktails with live entertainment at Redd’s Piano Bar & Lounge. All restaurants are open to both resort guests and local visitors.

For meeting planners, Kalahari pairs 150,000 square feet of flexible convention space with the convenience of a full resort in one location. Two ballrooms and 16 additional meeting rooms accommodate conferences, trade shows, corporate gatherings and breakout sessions, supported by a dedicated conference services manager, on-site catering and built-in audiovisual capabilities.

With lodging, restaurants and entertainment connected to the meeting spaces, attendees can move from general sessions to a networking dinner or a round of bowling without leaving the resort. They can also bring their families and extend a business trip into a getaway. Event planners can learn more at KalahariConventions.com.

“Kalahari is a destination for everyone from 2 to 92, with plenty for adults to enjoy for a getaway of their own,” said Nelson. “You can make a night of dinner, cocktails and live music, plan a weekend away with friends or turn a business trip into a vacation. We want guests to leave with a whole new idea of what a waterpark resort can be.”

Grand opening festivities run Nov. 12-15, beginning one day after Veterans Day with a celebration honoring invited active-duty service members, veterans and their families. A charity:water fundraising dinner will support access to clean, safe drinking water, building on Kalahari’s broader pledge to bring clean water to one million people in Africa. Family activities and live entertainment throughout the weekend add to the festivities.

Reservations are currently available for stays beginning today and beyond. Waterpark admission is included for all registered overnight guests, with access at opening check-in day to close on check-out day. Complimentary parking and Wi-Fi are also included for resort guests. Waterpark day passes are available for those looking to enjoy the resort without an overnight stay.

Guests who book the Opening Celebration Offer using promo code WELCOME can receive a $50 nightly dining credit for eligible stays Nov. 15, 2026, through March 31, 2027. The offer applies to new reservations only and is subject to availability and blackout dates. For reservations, waterpark day passes and additional information, visit KalahariResorts.com/Virginia.

About Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, founded by Todd and Shari Nelson, is home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks, and offers an unmatched mix of all-under-one-roof experiences for families, vacationers, and meeting attendees. With locations in Wisconsin Dells, WI; Sandusky, OH; Pocono Mountains, PA; Round Rock, TX; and Spotsylvania, VA, each property draws inspiration from the rich culture and vibrant landscapes of Africa. Recognized by USA TODAY’s 10BEST for Best Indoor Water Park and Best VR Water Slide, Kalahari continues to set the standard for family entertainment and hospitality. Across its growing collection of resorts, guests can expect well-appointed accommodations, signature dining, unique retail, expansive indoor and outdoor waterparks, immersive adventure parks, and state-of-the-art convention centers. In 2026, Kalahari introduced its Treehouse Adventures, luxury treehouses located on the shores of Lake Delton in Wisconsin Dells. Select locations also feature full-service spas and wellness destinations, creating the ultimate all-in-one getaway. For the latest news and media resources, visit kalaharimedia.com.