Looking for a thrilling ride down towering slides or a leisurely float along lazy rivers? These water parks and resorts have something for everyone, promising endless entertainment.
Modern water parks offer an array of attractions, from towering slides to sandy beaches and lazy rivers, providing a diverse experience for visitors. Some even boast giant wave pools and surf simulators. Many parks also offer on-site lodging, allowing visitors to extend their stay beyond a single day. (Keep in mind that most water parks are open seasonally from May to September.)
Cowabunga Bay Water Park: Draper, Utah
Less than 20 miles south of Salt Lake City, Cowabunga Bay is a swinging 1960s-themed water park adorned with surfboards and retro beach furniture. Kids can enjoy the world’s largest water playground with bridges and tunnels spanning 12 levels, along with 11 twisting waterslides. The park also offers lodging options nearby.
Noah’s Ark Waterpark: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
As the largest water park in the U.S., Noah’s Ark in Wisconsin Dells features over two dozen aquatic attractions, including the Flash Flood flume ride and two lazy rivers with waterfalls. Thrill-seekers can experience the Raja, a side-by-side tube racer with a 37-foot plunge.
Water World: Federal Heights, Colorado
Spanning more than 70 acres near Denver, Water World boasts 50-plus attractions, including family waterslides and a relaxing lazy river. The park offers free parking, complimentary admission for children under 40 inches, and reduced rates for seniors.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort: New Braunfels, Texas
Founded in 1979, Schlitterbahn is one of America’s most well-known water parks, featuring a replica German castle tower and a variety of river rides, pools, and waterslides. The park offers lodging options for families, including suites and vacation homes.
Legoland Water Park: Carlsbad, California
Located within Legoland California Resort, this water park is geared toward kids ages 2 to 12, featuring Lego-themed rides, slides, and splash pads. Families can customize rafts for the lazy river using Lego bricks, and race each other down slides at the Twin Chasers.
Universal’s Volcano Bay: Orlando, Florida
Opened in 2017 at Universal Orlando Resort, Volcano Bay is built around a realistic volcano and offers around 20 unique attractions. The park features a waterproof TapuTapu wristband for virtual queuing, and guests can enjoy a lazy river and waterslides like Maku of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides.
Silver Dollar City’s White Water: Branson, Missouri
Located in Branson, this 13-acre water park offers 2 million gallons of water across a lazy river, wave pool, and various slides. Thrill-seekers can try the KaPau Plummet ride, while little ones can enjoy the Coconut Cove water playground.
Wilderness at the Smokies: Sevierville, Tennessee
This family resort near Great Smoky Mountains National Park combines lodging with indoor and outdoor water parks. Guests can enjoy numerous waterslides, pools, and thrilling rides, along with activities like mini-golf and go-karts.
Adventure Island: Tampa, Florida
Adjacent to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island features mat racing slides, corkscrews, and a lazy river. The park continuously expands its attractions, with recent additions including the Rapids Racer and Wahoo! Remix family raft ride.
Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Part of Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, this family lodge offers access to an outdoor and indoor water park. Overnight guests receive complimentary passes to the water park, which features twisting slides, a lazy river, and an activity pool.
Cedar Point Shores Waterpark: Sandusky, Ohio
Overlooking Lake Erie, Cedar Point Shores offers 18 acres of aquatic fun, including extreme body slides, a toddler zone, and a wave pool. Hotel Breakers, located nearby, offers family-friendly accommodations with early access to Cedar Point theme park.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Wisconsin Dells: Baraboo, Wisconsin
This safari-themed resort boasts both indoor and outdoor water parks, offering a variety of slides, whirlpools, and water coasters. Lodging options include lakefront villas and classic hotel-style rooms, all with access to the water parks.
Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark: Tannersville, Pennsylvania
Located within Camelback Resort, this outdoor water park features over three dozen rides and slides, including the Titan, the highest slide of its kind in the world. Guests can stay at Camelback Lodge for easy access to the water park.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon: Orlando, Florida
Set in a tropical paradise at Walt Disney World Resort, Typhoon Lagoon offers thrilling slides and raft rides, along with a surfing lagoon and a water playground for kids. Guests can stay at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort for a complete Disney experience.
Dollywood’s Splash Country: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dolly Parton’s water park pays tribute to the surrounding area with themed rides and slides, including Tennessee’s first water coaster, RiverRush. Guests can stay at DreamMore Resort & Spa or HeartSong Lodge & Resort for convenient access to the park.
Aquatica San Antonio: San Antonio, Texas
Adjacent to SeaWorld San Antonio, Aquatica offers a beach vacation atmosphere with a wave pool, lazy river, and thrilling slides. The park also features aquatic animal encounters and offers accommodations at Omni La Mansión del Rio.
Water Country USA: Williamsburg, Virginia
Easily accessible from historical attractions in Williamsburg, Water Country USA features a lazy river, multiple slides, and a wave pool. Recent additions include the Riptide Race and Aquazoid Amped slides.
Audubon Cool Zoo: New Orleans, Louisiana
Located inside Audubon Zoo, Cool Zoo offers relief from the heat with animal-themed pools and a lazy river. Guests can stay at Omni Riverfront Hotel for easy access to the French Quarter and other attractions.
Splashin’ Safari: Santa Claus, Indiana
Known for its family water coasters, Splashin’ Safari offers thrilling rides and attractions for visitors of all ages. Guests can stay at nearby hotels with package deals that include park entry.
Knott’s Soak City Waterpark: Buena Park, California
Affiliated with Knott’s Berry Farm, this water park features 15 acres of amenities, including a lazy river and a wave pool. Families can stay at Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Buena Park for convenient access to the park.
Shipwreck Island Waterpark: Panama City Beach, Florida
Situated on Panama City Beach, Shipwreck Island offers attractions like a wave pool and thrilling slides. Guests can stay at Treasure Island Resort Condominium for beachfront accommodations.
Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures: New Caney, Texas
Home to the largest lazy river in the Houston area, Big Rivers offers thrill rides and family-friendly attractions. Nearby, La Quinta Inn & Suites provides simple accommodations with free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
Waldameer & Water World: Erie, Pennsylvania
Combining a theme park and water park, Waldameer offers slides, a wave pool, and interactive play areas. Guests can stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Erie Bayfront
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