Close your eyes. Imagine a perfect blue water beach, warm temperatures on your skin, palm trees swaying along to a slight breeze, and the laughter of your children as they zoom down a water slide. Not exactly what you might picture during January, but this paradise exists for you.
As the frigid temperatures of the winter months signal the start of a new calendar year, families around the country dream of escaping to warmer climates and tropical destinations for swimming and sliding. Thankfully, there are plenty of spots to get your fill of 85-degree temperatures, even with snow outside.
Itās time for our annual roundup of indoor family-friendly water parks, and 2018 does not disappoint. Now is the time to get out the swimsuit and goggles and book a winter water excursion your family will love at these spots.
Great Wolf Lodge - Multiple Locations
For a full aquatic resort experience, Great Wolf Lodge never disappoints with numerous locations spanning the continental United States. Each location welcomes the family fun with themed sleeping areas and restaurants and world-class indoor water attractions including slides, splash areas, hot springs, activity pools, and floating lily pads. This past December, Great Wolf Lodge made waves when it opened its highly anticipated location in Bloomington, Minnesota. The centerpiece of the resort is the 75,000 square foot indoor water park, perfectly heated to an ideal 84-degrees and featuring water slides and attractions intended for children of all ages. This location debuts a brand new slideāRiver Canyon Run featuring Splash Cinema. Guests choose a movie theme and then as they splash through the slide, lights and music are projected to amplify the exciting ride experience. 2018 will bring even more water fun when GreatĀ Wolf Lodge opens two new sites in Georgia and the Chicago area.
Massanutten Indoor WaterPark - Massanutten, Virginia
Open year-round, the climate-controlled, indoor park boasts eight massive water slides, a water fortress, lazy river float, hot tubs, and the largest FlowRider surf machine in the state of Virginia. Looking for a little relaxation? Take a ride around Blue Ridge Rapids, Massanuttenās lazy river float, or soak away your troubles in the luxurious ShenandoahĀ Hot Springs, the indoor/outdoor hot tub for the whole family! If youāre visiting with the little ones, make sure to visit the Frog Pond, a 12ā deep pool with sprinklers, swings, and a giant frogās tongue that babies and toddlers love sliding down!
Kalahari Resorts - Multiple Locations
https://www.kalahariresorts.com/
You can find Americaās largest indoor waterparks under the Kalahari umbrella at the Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, and Sandusky, Ohio. In 2018, you can add Texas to the list as Kalahari opens its 4th location in Round Rock. The African-themed water adventure parks provide a world away from home with world-class attractions and family fun. While each park showcases the Kalahari design of family fun and adventure, each location houses unique features and brand new attractions. Our favorite, Storm Chaser, now open at Kalahari Sandusky, combines the action and technology of a video game with a water slide for an incredible interactive experience you canāt find at any other park.
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark - Niagara Falls
https://www.fallsviewwaterpark.com/
Niagara Falls is a popular destination for couples and families because of the natural beauty of the falls, but it is also the ideal spot for indoor waterpark fun at Fallsview. North Americaās largest indoor waterpark and resort is home to 3 acres of family fun including 16 thrilling water slides, a massive wave pool, and hot springs - all connected to hotels, dining, and hours of family fun. Visitors will love exploring the Beach House - a rain fortress right in the middle of 8 slides, and filled with ropes, ladders, stairs, and gallons of water. You can even rent a Caribbean-style private cabana in the waterpark for a taste of pure relaxation and breathtaking views while the kids swim and play in the water.
Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark - Tannersville, Pennsylvania
https://www.camelbackresort.com/adventures/aquatopia-indoor-waterpark/
Imagine having the time of your life in the Poconos while experiencing the most exciting and innovative park on the list in terms of design and layout. This park is home to 13 attractions with 7 pools, including a zero-depth area for smaller children including The Great Ka-na-gawa Wavepool, Penguin Play Bay, The Lost River (far from a lazy river), Paradise Plunge, and Storm Chaser. There is no lack of adventure and surprises at every inch of the park for kids. Parents can even relax in an indoor cabana or on an underwater bar stool at Flyboys swim up bar.
WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort - Rapid City, South Dakota
http://www.watikiwaterpark.com/
Youāll find the largest indoor waterpark in the Dakotas at WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort. Boasting 30,000 square feet of water fun, itās the perfect spot for families of all ages. The park features a lazy river, activity center, Kokoās Kingdom, Mauiās Body Slide, and the Funky Frog Slide - just to name a few of the attractions. Youāll love viewing the snow-covered Black Hills while taking in the adventures on the three main slides that stand at the center of the park. The waterpark is conveniently connected to four different hotels, and the best part is that January is considered the offseason, which is perfect for families on a budget.
Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark - Boyne Falls, Michigan
Michiganās largest indoor waterpark resort is an awe-inspiring sight to see. At 88,000 square feet and 84 degrees, this park is a must-visit location, conveniently open 365 days a year. The newest water attraction addition is The Big Couloir which launches the rider from an angled, vertical capsule through a trapdoor. Of course, you can always take water thrills to the next level with the Rip Zone Surf Simulator or the Super-G Slide if you dare! Kids 12 and under can even take a break from the water excitement at Fritzās Snow Fort, complete with daily scheduled activities such as arts and crafts.
