Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is advancing construction on its fifth location in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, with the resort confirmed to open in November 2026. Construction on the 135-acre site, located just off Interstate 95 near Dominion Raceway in Thornburg, is progressing ahead of schedule. Reservations are open, with overnight stays available from December 2026.

The Spotsylvania resort brings together Virginia’s largest indoor water park, spanning 175,000 square feet, alongside a 10-acre seasonal outdoor water park, 907 guest rooms and suites, and 150,000 square feet of convention and event space — all under one roof. Guests also have access to Tom Foolery’s Adventure Park, a 90,000-square-foot entertainment complex featuring rides, a ropes course, an indoor zip line, bowling, laser tag, and more than 250 arcade games. Complimentary waterpark access is included for all overnight guests on both check-in and check-out days. The resort sits less than 75 miles south of Washington D.C., positioning it as a major draw for families and conference groups across the broader Mid-Atlantic region.

The $900 million development represents one of the most significant hospitality investments in Virginia in recent years. The project is expected to generate more than 1,400 full and part-time jobs across hospitality, culinary, retail, and operations, in addition to hundreds of construction roles. Spotsylvania County projects the resort will deliver approximately $7 million annually in tax revenue, adding a sustained economic engine to the region long after construction concludes.

Kalahari’s Virginia expansion is part of a wider wave of major aquatic investment taking shape across the United States. On Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, The Water District — a $220 million waterfront destination in Fort Lauderdale — is also under development, combining a marine aquarium, the International Swimming Hall of Fame, and public waterfront promenade, with a full opening targeted for late 2028.

Construction start

On October 20, 2023, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, known for having the biggest indoor water parks in America, started building its fifth resort in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. The groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of the construction of a huge 1.38 million-square-foot resort, and people are eagerly looking forward to it.

The privately owned and operated Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, managed by the Nelson Family, have carved a niche in the hospitality industry. Their accolades are a testament to their commitment to providing unparalleled experiences, featuring indoor waterparks, family entertainment centers, luxurious accommodations, exceptional culinary offerings, and top-notch convention facilities.

Opening date for the upcoming Kalahari indoor water park in Virginia

The resort’s grand opening is slated for 2026. Located just off Interstate 95 in Thornburg, approximately 13 miles south of Fredericksburg, this site strategically positions Kalahari Resorts 22 miles closer to Greater Washington than Kings Dominion amusement park. It also offers a more convenient option for visitors from the D.C. area compared to the Great Wolf Lodge locations in Williamsburg, Virginia, and Perryville, Maryland.

Spotsylvania County Supervisor, Kevin Marshall, applauded this Kalahari water park project, highlighting that it represents a substantial investment exceeding $900 million by the Nelson family. Moreover, it promises to generate employment opportunities, offering both construction jobs and over 1,400 full-time and part-time positions upon its opening.

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Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, the Kalahari indoor water park in Spotsylvania County is poised to transport guests into an authentically African-themed experience. Boasting over 150,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions aims to become a premier destination in the region, offering a diverse array of amenities and attractions.

Additionally, with existing resorts in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, Sandusky, Ohio, the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, and Round Rock, Texas, the addition of the Spotsylvania County, Virginia location solidifies Kalahari’s reputation as a leader in the waterpark resort and conference experience industry. Their authentically African-themed resorts are home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks, offering well-appointed guest rooms and suites, the indulgent Spa Kalahari, family entertainment centers, signature restaurants, exclusive retail outlets, and state-of-the-art convention facilities.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions — Fact Sheet

Project Overview

• Project Name: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions — Spotsylvania
• Location: 135-acre site off Interstate 95, near Dominion Raceway, Thornburg, Virginia
• Total Project Value: $900 million
• Type: African-inspired indoor water park resort and convention destination
• Opening: November 12, 2026
• Status: Under construction, ahead of schedule

Key Components

• 175,000 sq ft indoor water park — Virginia’s largest
• 10-acre seasonal outdoor water park
• 907 guest rooms and suites
• 150,000 sq ft convention and event space
• Tom Foolery’s Adventure Park — 90,000 sq ft of rides, ropes course, zip line, bowling, laser tag, and 250+ arcade games
• Full-service spa
• Multiple dining and beverage venues, including a swim-up bar

Location & Access

• Less than 75 miles south of Washington D.C.
• Approximately 80 miles from Montgomery County, Maryland
• Directly accessible from I-95, Exit 118 (Thornburg)

Economic Impact

• 1,400+ full and part-time jobs at opening
• Hundreds of construction jobs during build
• Projected $7 million annually in county tax revenue

Bookings

• Reservations open from December 18, 2026
• Waterpark access included for all overnight guests on check-in and check-out days
• Parking and Wi-Fi included