Imagine a summer filled with a rush of water in your face, high-pitched laughter, and adrenaline-pumping attractions at every turn. We’ve put together a list of water parks you won’t want to miss this season. Every park has a range of water-filled attractions for all ages plus amenities that are worth traveling to before the end of the summer season.
Location: Orlando, Florida
Volcano Bay is more than just a water park, it’s a water theme park filled with immersive experiences unlike any other in the country. Universal Orlando Resort’s first water park just opened on May 25 and the excitement has been well worth the wait! At the center of the park stands the Krakatau Volcano, an impressive masterpiece complete with four unique and exhilarating attractions, including the Krakatau Water Coaster and Ko’okiri Body Plunge, complete with a 70-degree fall through a drop door. The Polynesian-themed water theme park also provides every guest with the TapuTapu, a waterproof wristband that lets visitors reserve a place in line instead of waiting for long periods of time with a raft (included with the price of admission). With 18 awe-inspiring attractions including the Kopiko Wai Winding River, Puka Uli Lagoon, Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides and more, this will be the must-visit water park this year.
Location: Santa Claus, Indiana
Nestled in the heart of Santa Claus, Indiana, Splashin’ Safari is the ultimate Midwest water park treat for all ages. The park boasts not only one, but two water coasters. Start with a conveyor ride up the Wildebeest, a fast-moving water coaster that propels you through hills, tunnels and more. Don’t forget to ride the 6 passenger Mammoth, the world’s longest water coaster (certified by Guinness World Records), guaranteed to make you scream at the top of your lungs. The water park is also home to two wave pools, kid-friendly slides and splash areas, plus a slew of thrilling waterslides. Not to mention Splashin’ Safari also provides free sunscreen, soft drinks, parking, and wi-fi as part of your full-day admission to the award-winning theme park, Holiday World. You might even spy Santa Claus taking a retreat during the summer months in the town named for him!
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
Spend some time cooling off at Water Country USA, Virginia’s largest water park, just a few miles from Busch Gardens Williamsburg. If your family has a competitive streak, the Nitro Racer is a thrilling race challenge with a 6-lane highway complete with speed and water fun. If you’ve never seen a cow on skis, you need to stop by the Cow-A-Bunga kids splash zone, guaranteed to make your little ones laugh and splash for hours. The park’s newest adrenaline-pumping ride, Colossal Curl, promises swishing and swirling to a wave element that thrusts you high above the park. If you are looking to get completely drenched, the Aquazoid is a must. Make sure you look out for the waterfalls!
Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dolly Parton knows how to create a memorable, family-friendly experience and Dollywood Splash Country is no exception. This year the park is debuting a brand new family racing slide with high-speed aqua tubes and a splashdown finish, called TailSpin Racer. You can also take in the breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains while floating along the Downbound Float Trip. Of course Fire Tower Falls is perfect for an adrenaline burst as it claims the title of the tallest and fastest slide in the park. You can also hop aboard the popular RiverRush, Tennessee’s first and only water coaster. Guests also have access to TimeSaver H2O, a convenient line reservation system through a rented wristband. When it comes to water safety, Dollywood is second to none as their team of lifeguards recently earned the prestigious Platinum International Safety Award from Ellis & Associates.
Location: San Antonio, Texas
A brand new water park opened on June 17 and we couldn’t be more excited to feature it on this list. Morgan’s Inspiration Island is the most unique water park experience when it comes to ride design and mission. This water park was specifically designed for individuals with disabilities, making summer water fun more accessible. The park is home to a host of attractions that are all wheelchair accessible in a safe, inclusive, and fun environment for all guests. The $16-million, multi-acre attraction features five tropically-themed splash pads, a River Boat Adventure ride, and numerous support facilities and resources for all guests such as the opportunity to privately transfer out of their chairs into waterproof wheelchairs. The water park is also connected to Morgan’s Wonderland, a fully accessible theme park filled with 2 acres of dry rides and entertainment.
Location: Meridian, Idaho
Roaring Springs is the Northwest’s largest water park and is connected to Wahooz Family Fun Zone, featuring the new Indoor Adventure Park and Pinz Bowling Center. Brand new this year are Corkscrew Cavern, the first 360-degree looping waterslide in the entire Northwest, and Cliffhanger, where you can step inside a launch capsule and await the opening of a trap door below for an adventure six stories high and 4 seconds long. The water park is also home to two family raft rides, a wave pool, endless river, bowl slide, racing slide, and kiddie play area. There is no lack of fun around every corner at this enjoyable full-day destination.
Location: North Richland Hills, Texas
NRH20 is known for having one-of-a-kind attractions you won’t find anywhere else in the country. NRH20 is home to the largest and tallest uphill water rollercoaster, Green Extreme, at 1,161 feet long. If you are looking for even more water thrills, the Viper will take your entire family on a rush of turns with a heart-pounding drop into a 20-foot mega-tube. You’ll also enjoy the rush of Bounder’s Thrill Tower, their newest attraction featuring 4 new body slides. The entire family will enjoy the Splashatory, a multi-level interactive playground or the Endless River, a journey filled with 660 feet of relaxation, floating, and misters.
Location: Federal Heights, Colorado
Water World is one of the biggest and most innovative parks on the list, boasting 50 thrilling attractions on 70 acres as one of the nation’s largest family water parks. Water World‘s Warp Speed lets riders zap out light targets while whirling down a flume at high speeds. We have a feeling you might scream when you take on this adventure! Scores are tabulated and displayed on scoreboards at the end of the ride. Hop on an inner tube with the entire family and journey back to the time of the dinosaurs with Voyage to the Center of the Earth, for the most impressive lazy river journey on the list. For thrill seekers, we recommend taking the plunge on Zoomerang or the tandem racer, Double Dare.
Location: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Noah’s Ark water park claims the title of the largest water park in America. Located in Wisconsin Dells, the water park capital of the world, Noah’s Ark has a mix of kiddie attractions, thrill rides, and even dry activities as well. Adventure River is a favorite as you glide gently along a river and encounter some surprises along the way! This ride is ideal for both solo riders and groups that can travel on family-sized rafts. The OctoExplorer is also perfect for smaller children as they climb and explore the tentacles of an octopus. For thrills beyond compare, the Black Anaconda, Point of No Return, and Scorpion’s Tail should be at the top of your list. For time outside the pool, the 4-D Dive-In Theater will provide an unforgettable experience for some much-earned down time from all the water fun!
Location: Orlando, Florida
In the heat of summer, the ideal destination is somewhere cool and refreshing. So how about a ski resort that has melted in the heat of the Florida sun? Disney’s Blizzard Beach offers the ultimate Disney experience -- water park style. Get your pulse pounding on the 120-foot slope of Summit Plummet or gather up to 6 people and take a journey down the mountain on one of the world’s longest, group whitewater rafts, Teamboat Springs. You can also brave the Slush Gusher, a 90-foot long high-speed water slide complete with 2 hills that might let you grab some air! No ski resort would be complete without the Chairlift that lets you take in the sights and sounds of the entire park under a beautiful, canopy umbrella complete with skis below.
