Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism is kicking off the summer season with the opening of two aquatic attractions on Saturday, May 25. New this summer, Blue Mountain Adventures will be offering inflatable tube or kayak rentals at Explore Park, allowing participants to enjoy a one-mile float through the picturesque Roanoke River Gorge.
According to department director Doug Blount, Memorial Day weekend is a great time to visit Explore Park or Splash Valley, “For families staying in town for the holiday, Roanoke County offers several fantastic recreation opportunities at a great value. We’re especially excited about the expansion of our partnership with Blue Mountain Adventures to offer tubing on the Roanoke River. It’s an unforgettable experience and a great way to spend quality time with friends and family.”
Rentals will depart on Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM, and a $20 fee will include gear and transportation to a launch point near the park. Online registration is available at ExplorePark.org/river
Roanoke County’s outdoor aquatics facility, Splash Valley Water Park begins its 10th season this weekend. The park will be open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM through August 11, and late season weekends through Labor Day. Season pass holders and Roanoke County residents may enter an hour early at 10:00 AM on weekends.
Every Friday night from June 14 to August 2, Splash Valley will be open extended hours until 10:00 P.M. Each Hang 10 Friday will feature a different theme such as Superhero Night, and will feature concessions discounts including $10 full pizzas. This season the water park is also offering several weekly events, including:
- Making Memories Mondays – Ages 55 and older get in free with one paid youth admission.
- Family Tuesdays – Families of up to six individuals per household get in for a flat $27 admission.
- $7 Wednesdays – Individual admissions are only $7 all day long regardless of age or residency.
- Member Discount Thursdays – Green Ridge members get an extra $2 off gate admission.
A limited number of 2019 Season Passes are still available at Splash Valley, although much of this year’s allotment has already been purchased. The final day to purchase any remaining passes will be June 30. Reservations are also being taken for birthday parties, group visitation and after-hours facility rentals. Information about passes, group rates, fees and operating schedule can be found at SplashValleyWaterPark.com.
Visitors can sign up to receive notifications by email or text regarding weather related closures at the park. Anyone wishing to opt into this service can sign up at SplashValleyWaterPark.com/alerts.
