With the humidity, heat and mosquito assault, it may seem like summer is already here, but officially the first day isn't until June 21. To celebrate the occasion, Water Country USA in Williamsburg, Virginia is throwing a party.
The aptly named First Day of Summer Party is an all-day event from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with games and activities themed around summer.
A DJ will set up all day at the park's gigantic wave pool, and families will be able to enjoy a brand new attraction, Colossal Curl. The first major addition to the park in three years, it's also the first of its kind in the U.S. Designed by acclaimed water slide manufacturer Proslide, it features funnel elements, huge twists and weightless moments.
The brave can look forward to thrill rides including a near-vertical drop on Vanish Point, but there are also less intense thrills including tube rides, enclosed dark slides and an expansive kids' play pool.
Bring flip-flops (the concrete paths can get extremely hot) and sunscreen, but be prepared to do quite a bit of walking across the sprawling complex.
Water Country USA, part of Busch Gardens, is Virginia's largest water park and includes more than 15 slides and attractions inspired by 1950s Americana. The park is approximately 150 miles from D.C. The party is included with your water park admission fee; single-day tickets start at $30. Other options, including admission to the theme park, are available from the park's website.