Located in Chesapeake Beach, MD (south of Bowie), the Chesapeake Beach Water Park is a reasonable 80 minute drive from the Baltimore area. The park boasts two large water slides, a large pool area with multiple smaller slides/waterfall/animals for kids to climb on, a smaller and separate toddler pool, and a lazy river! As an adult the lazy river was my favorite and I could have spent all day floating around it! The park was big enough for my kids to stay busy and happy all day, but small enough to let my 8-year old go to the slides on his own (we had strict rules about checking in and I could see him in line from anywhere in the park). I was also pleased with the abundance of attentive lifeguards that went above and beyond the entire day.
You are not allowed to bring outside food into the park. At first I was a bit frazzled by this at first, but as I thought more about it all amusement parks are like this. I also know that this probably how they make their money as many people had the livingsocial deal (and businesses do not make much money if any from those vouchers). Their snack bar prices are very reasonable and the food was high quality and tasty! (See prices/items above) Caleb's personal pizza was easily enough for two people and he could only finish half. The burgers come fresh off of a gas grill and were fantastic!
Best yet, I got to hang out with a friend I don't see as much as I like to! (And I recommend going with friends and family as its always better to bring a village!) I can't wait to go back again next summer!
TIPS:
-Arrive 30 minutes before opening. There are not many beach chairs it's first come, first serve. You can bring a chair of your own as a back up. If you have toddler aged children go right for the toddler water park at the front. If you have slightly older children go over the bridge to the right to the middle of the park.
-You can't bring food/beverages, BUT you can bring an empty water bottle to fill at their fountains.
-There is not much shade and I got one of the worst burns of my life, despite applying twice. I recommend wearing a tee shirt/hat and using the highest SPF you can find if you have sun sensitivity (or are a vampire like myself).
-Again, keep an eye out for livingsocial/groupons.
-Later in the day the park empties and is more enjoyable.
-There are several mandatory breaks during the day for safety (everyone must leave the water). No when these breaks are (they post them on their website) and make sure to go to the bathroom/get food before they happen.
-If you have older children there is bookshelf of books from the local library to enjoy reading if you forget to bring your own. This is located right outside of the store.
-Be careful in the lazy river if you decide to walk/swim without a tube. Stay to the left or right as there are filtration domes that you can easily bust your toe/foot on.
-For more details visit their website at: http://www.chesapeakebeachwaterpark.com/
