Water Ways vs Long's Retreat Family Resort
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Water Ways | Long's Retreat Family Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Water Ways
- wave pool
- group rates
Only at Long's Retreat Family Resort
- splash pad
- hiking trails
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Water Ways
West Virginia
Water Ways sits on 15 acres of rolling West Virginia hills about 20 minutes north of Charleston, making it the go-to summer destination for families across the Kanawha Valley. The park's claim to fame is its massive wave pool that generates 4-foot swells every 15 minutes - big enough to body surf but not so intense that younger kids can't handle the shallow end. The slide tower anchors the center of the park with four different options: two traditional tube slides that twist through the trees, a racing slide where you can challenge your friends, and a kiddie slide that's perfect for first-time sliders. What really sets Water Ways apart is how well they've designed the kids' area. The Tadpole Pool has mini slides, fountains, and a giant tipping bucket that dumps 300 gallons every few minutes. Parents can actually relax on the surrounding lounge chairs and keep an eye on everything. The lazy river winds around most of the park and takes about 8 minutes to complete if you don't stop at the swim-up snack bar halfway through. Speaking of food, skip the usual water park pizza and go straight for their pulled pork sandwiches - they smoke the meat on-site and it's legitimately good. The best strategy for visiting is arriving right when they open at 10 AM. Grab your tubes early because they run out of the good double ones by noon on busy days. The concrete gets scorching hot by mid-afternoon, so water shoes are essential…
Read the full Water Ways guide →Long's Retreat Family Resort
Ohio
Long's Retreat Family Resort sits on a sprawling property in rural Latham, Ohio, and it's exactly what the name suggests - a genuine family retreat that happens to have some excellent water attractions. This isn't your typical massive commercial water park with towering slides visible from the highway. Instead, it's more like a summer camp for families, where the water features are just one part of a bigger outdoor experience. The main pool area centers around a good-sized swimming pool with a separate shallow end that works perfectly for younger kids. You'll find a couple of moderate water slides - nothing that'll terrify a 7-year-old, but fun enough to keep tweens entertained for hours. The real gem here is how uncrowded it stays, even on busy summer weekends. While other parks have you waiting 20 minutes for a slide, you can usually walk right up here. The lazy river winds through some nicely landscaped areas, and they've done a smart job incorporating natural shade trees rather than building expensive structures. Kids love the splash area with its smaller slides and water features designed for the under-10 crowd. What sets Long's Retreat apart is the full resort experience. You're not just getting water park access - there are picnic areas, hiking trails, and that relaxed atmosphere where parents actually seem to unwind instead of stress about logistics. The food situation is basic but reliable - think burgers, hot dogs, and pizza rather than gourmet options. Pricing stays reasonable because they're not…
Read the full Long's Retreat Family Resort guide →Ready to visit Water Ways?