TOP 10 Best Water Parks in the USA to Scream for Some Family Fun
Are you trying to find the greatest water parks in the USA this summer so that you can give your family a valid share of fun? Well, here it is! Through the following article, we will help you have a look at the top 10 Best water parks in the USA across the country that are providing loads of excitement with rides and refreshing pools.
Whether you are in search of a day full of nosebleed-inducing water slides or just floating down the lazy river, USA water parks have something to offer for everyone. We’ve crisscrossed from coast to coast and north to south to bring you the lowdown on the nation’s best water parks in the USA destinations for your traveling family.
So, pack up those bathing suits, sunblock, and a can-do attitude, and get ready to jump right into the best water parks in the USA for families.
How We Compiled our Rankings
Looking for a list of the top 10 Best water parks in the USA, we compiled many different criteria:
- Range of Rides and Attractions: From rides such as slides to pools and many more features, the entertainment is available for all age groups and thrill seekers of any kind.
- Clean and Well-Maintained: The emphasis on guests’ safety and comfort.
- Amenities and facilities: Food and shade facilities, lockers, and other amenities that should make it more user-friendly
- Guest Satisfaction: Highly rated by visitors; engenders positive reviews.
- Accessibility and location: Water parks are easily accessible and conveniently located for families.
1 Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort
Let’s begin with a renowned location: Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, situated in New Braunfels, Texas. This well-known resort is quite a hit! What makes these large United States parks distinctive is their ingenuity in stretching the rides, other than the natural river systems, and permits admission to family members of all ages.
Uniquely among them, Schlitterbahn houses a tubing river in the list of the world’s longest water parks in the USA: an over 3-mile Torrent River snaking through the park. One of the ways Verruckt towers over any kids’ family entertainer is that it is the world’s tallest water slide, with the height guaranteed to give you an adrenaline rush.
Be it along the Comal River, an onrush of a green, refreshing natural environment, Schlitterbahn indeed creates a different and delightful experience compared to other water parks within America. Other attractions situated around Schlitterbahn are on-site lodging whereby families can have lodging within the area to make sure that every member of the family only experiences an all-inclusive one-stop destination.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | New Braunfels, Texas |
| Main Attractions | The longest tubing river in the world, Verrückt (tallest water slide ever) |
| Accommodation | On-site lodging available, real river places, family-friendly spot |
| Cleanliness | Highly rated for cleanliness |
| Service | Mixed reviews; some say it needs more upkeep and better service |
| Variety of Activities | Wide selection of fun activities |
| Accessibility | Easily accessible with many nearby places to stay |
| Awards | Won awards for creative rides and natural beauty |
2. Typhoon Lagoon (Orlando, Florida)
Right in the heart of Orlando, Florida, there’s Typhoon Lagoon: a themed water parks in the USA, a Disney-owned water park whisking one to the Tropics. This USA water park is well renowned for its stunning theming, where on offer is a shipwreck surrounded by a 95-foot-tall mountain overlooking a 2.5-acre wave pool that theatrically generates waves as strong as are expected during a typhoon.
From the more adrenaline-pumping with a super splash try attractions like the Humunga Kowabunga to the calmer and more family-oriented Crush ‘n’ Gusher, Typhoon Lagoon is a plural selection of water slides. Among others present in this recreation park are the lazy river, an area for children’s play like Ketchakiddee Creek, and a beach-like wave pool called Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, where 6-foot waves are constantly generated.
With its amazing theming, quality attractions, and perfect location within the Walt Disney World Resort, Typhoon Lagoon is indeed one of the top water parks in the USA. who are after a truly magical experience.
| Topic | Tropical Utopia Hit by Storm |
|---|---|
| Highlights | Wave Pool, Mayday Falls, Gangplank Falls, Keelhaul Falls, Crush ‘n Gusher, Ketchakiddee Creek |
| Slides | Banana Cannon, Coconut Crusher, Pineapple Dive, Mayday Falls, Gangplank Falls, Keelhaul Falls |
| Pools | Main Wave Pool, Toddler-friendly Ketchakiddee Creek |
| Leisurely Stream | Castaway Creek |
| Shelters | Beachcomber Shack, Typhoon Lagoon Umbrella |
| Places to Eat | Typhoon Tilly’s, Singapore Sal’s |
| Prices | $73.49 for adults, $67.10 for kids |
| Schedule | Changes with seasons, shut down for annual repairs |
| Climate | Warm waters, shut during bad weather |
| Popular Times | Quieter in fall and winter |
| Accessibility | Free standard parking, open for everyone |
| Safety | No swimwear with buckles, rivets, zippers, or bare metal allowed |
3. Kalahari Resorts
The chain of Kalahari Resorts is spread throughout the USA, giving one large African theme. The Kalahari Resorts are in global locations in Wisconsin Dells, Ohio’s Sandusky, and the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, so hundreds of water-based activities and loads of other amenities avail for a family vacation.
Water parks in Kalahari Resorts boast the Tanzanian Twister, Zip Coaster, and multiple swimming pools, including a huge indoor wave pool and a lazy river for relaxation. This, therefore, makes it easy for a family to enjoy other in-resort facilities, such as a spa, a fitness hub, and dining outlets.
Kalahari Resorts is owned by a family and seems committed to educating their customers and raising awareness of the plight of animals in the water and on the land. What truly sets this one apart, though, is that this is an immersive and educational experience. For example, water parks are lined with the theming of
African; murals and sculptures are done minute to detail and interactive exhibits that are meant to show some of the wildlife on the continent.
| Features | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Places | Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; Sandusky, Ohio; Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania; Round Rock, Texas |
| Indoor Water Fun | The biggest indoor waterparks in the USA; Size varies from 220,000 to 223,000 square feet; Includes slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and more |
| Outdoor Water Fun | Open at specific spots in the spring/summer season |
| Staying | Cozy guest rooms and suites; Choices vary from 1 to 3 bedrooms |
| Event Space | Massive 200,000 square feet for meetings and events; Includes ballrooms, multiple rooms, and outdoor areas |
| Where to Eat | Lots of different food places; Offering steakhouse, Italian, Tex-Mex, and more |
| Extras | Full Kalahari Spa service; Fitness area; Shopping places; Arcade plus virtual reality fun; Kids clubs and activities |
| Feel | It’s like being in Africa, but it’s a resort |
4. Aquatica
Located in Orlando, Florida, Aquatica is a water park in the USA and functions independently as SeaWorld’s signature park. Here, water-based thrills mix with the fun of interactive corporals in a tropical paradise. The stunning theming holds vast marine life, from dolphins to stingrays and tropical fish.
The two most popular rides at Aquatica include Dolphin Plunge, a fast body slide where you are whisked through a transparent tube in the middle of a dolphin habitat. Next is Taumata Racer, a fast mat racing slide. Jogging families can also enjoy the lazy river, Loggerhead Lane, while kids and kids-at-heart will be having fun at Walkabout Waters, a multi-level play structure with slides and water cannons.
Aside from the roller coaster rides, Aquatica extends to its guests the chance to reach out and get to know more about marine life kept within this theme park. At the Stingray Lagoon and Commerson’s Dolphin Lagoon, you can meet these pretty animals.
| Feature | Listing |
|---|---|
| Location | Aquatica sits next to SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove on International Drive in Orlando, Florida |
| Size | This water park spreads across 59 acres and is inspired by the South Pacific |
| Ownership | SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment owns and runs Aquatica |
| Attractions | Aquatica offers an array of water activities, such as: |
5. Dollywood’s Splash Country
Nestled in the Smoky Mountain Pigeon Forge, this place combines two amazing charms. You’ll witness stunning nature while experiencing top-notch water rides. It has a family atmosphere and is partly owned by country singing star Dolly Parton, sprawled over 35 acres. Spread over 35 acres, it has a family atmosphere and is part-owned by the country music star Dolly Parton.
Dolly Wood’s Splash Country offers a lot of slides and pools including Fire Tower Falls, which is fast speed, and Mountain Scream, a lazy river to just take an easy float on. Cascades is a kids’ area with even more slides. Others include the Wild River Rampage. It provides white-water raft excitement in a simulated natural river rushing.
Except for what lurks underwater at Dollywood, there’s much that it offers with its Splash Country: reserved shaded cabanas, food and drink on-site, and even a splash pad for the tiny tots. Located in a natural setting, the park is enveloped with verdure with an upland view to boot, adding to the adorability and hominess of a water park.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Dolly’s Splash Country, next to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee |
| Size | 35 acres of fun |
| Opening Year | Opened since 2001 |
| Attractions | Exciting rides and attractions, including Mountain Waves pool, Downbound Float Trip, twin-speed slides at Fire Tower Falls, Bear Mountain Fire Tower play space |
| Amenities | Private cabanas, Riverside Retreats, quick meals at Brushfire Grill |
| Reservation System | Timesaver H2O pass to reserve turns on rides |
| Awards | “Best New Water Park in America” (2001), “Must-See Waterpark Award” (2009), “Best New Ride (Waterpark)” for RiverRush (2013) |
READ ALSO: Top 10 Best Summer Destinations in the USA
6. Wet ‘n Wild in Las Vegas,
Nevada is a weekend spot. Fun and lively moments wait for you there. It’s in the desert, right in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the United States. This is great scenery with beautiful new slides and amenities, creative attractions, and a breathtaking landscape of the desert.
On the white-knuckle rides for which Wet ‘n’ Wild is famous, there is the Rattler, a high-speed tube ride that twists and turns, and Tornado, an odd-shaped ride that has gigantic funnels allowing for an intensive, high-intensity ride. For families, the Lazy River, Splash Island children’s area, and the most enormous wave pools at Kahuna Lagoon will provide enjoyment.
Besides being unique for its water features, Wet ‘n’ Wild has many MORE other facilities it could offer—from cabanas and dining all the way to swim-up bars—making the experience amazingly full of fun to cover all for families and adults alike when it concerns being a relief from the scorching heat.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Attractions | Over 25 slides and attractions covering more than 20 acres |
| Thrill Rides | Tornado, Desert Racers, Constrictor, Royal Flush Extreme, Canyon Cliffs, Zipp Zapp Zoom, Rattler, Hoover Half Pipe |
| Family Fun | Colorado Cooler lazy river, Red Rock Bay wave pool, Paradise Falls, Kiddie Cove |
| Cabana Rentals | Standard, Exclusive, Premium, and VIP cabanas available |
| Food Options | The Oasis Cafe, Riverside, Dippin’ Dots. No outside food or beverages allowed |
| Accessibility | Suitable for all ages, with special areas for younger children |
| Unique Features | Rattler, the first slide of its kind in North America, and the Constrictor, one of the most extreme water slides in the world |
7. Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark.
Well, Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, Tannersville, Pennsylvania—families call it an all-season weather-based activity—a one-of-a-kind indoor Water Parks in the USA. They define an Indoor Water Park as a resort within Camelback Resort for a complete vacation getaway under one roof.
The Aquatopia boasts water attractions that include the Bombora Flow Rider, Kartrite’s Quest with slides at all levels, and water cannons. Family fun lies in the lazy river, the Aqua Zone for the big little ones, and the Aqua Theatre at The Kartrite, which will also bring live entertainment and shows.
The controlled, indoor setting that Aquatopia provides gives the impression of being at a water park regardless of the weather outside, making this an increasingly popular place for families looking for trustworthy, fully self-contained vacations. Other features? A spa, places to eat, and ski slopes, all in one place. Everything you need for your holiday. Let’s zoom into one place
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 125,000 square feet |
| Temperature | Kept at a warm 84 degrees |
| Attractions | Lazy river, thrilling waterslides, private cabanas |
| Additional Services | Breakfast buffet (extra fee), valet parking service (additional cost), 24/7 front desk, help with tours or tickets |
| Ski Access | Ski right from the place, free shuttle to ski spots, ski rentals, and lessons available |
| Awards | Named the #1 Indoor Waterpark in the USA by USA Today |
8 Kalahari Resorts, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.
Within the Wisconsin Dells, themselves is located one of the nation’s biggest waterparks Kalahari Resorts. Imagine, experiencing a hint of Africa right in the heart of the Midwest. This is the largest indoor water park in the United States that offers families a long list of fun water ventures and facilities for living.
Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells offers the exhilarating Tanzanian Twister and Zip Coaster slides. You’ll also find a wide variety of pools, including an immense 70,000-square-foot wave pool indoors and a chilled-out lazy river. The park also contains a Swahili Swirl, a fiberglass tube slide that sends riders through a series of loops and turns at high speed.
This includes so much more than just the water park. There is an on-site spa, numerous restaurants, a fitness facility, and African-inspired theming and details throughout that will make this a vacation destination families will never forget.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Park | Claims the title of ‘Wisconsin’s Biggest Indoor Park’ with a 125,000 sq ft area, featuring pools, slides, and fun spots for all ages. |
| Guest Rooms | 760 rooms, including 14 high-end 5-bedroom suites, each with a microwave, fridge, iron with board, voicemail, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. |
| Meeting Space | Sprawling over 212,000 sq ft with convention facilities, topped by a 56,000 sq ft ballroom, and sophisticated audio-visual tech. |
| Dining | On-site restaurants like the Double Cut Charcoal Grill & Liquor Bar, plus meeting and event catering in both buffet and sit-down styles. |
| Amenities | Spa Kalahari and Salon, a packed fitness center, off-the-track retail stores, a 15-screen movie theater, and a 27-hole golf course named Trapper’s Turn off-site. |
| Accessibility | Facilities for wheelchair-bound individuals and essential adaptive equipment are readily available. |
9. Legoland Water Park; Carlsbad, California
The Legoland Water Park, in Carlsbad, California, USA, is the first water park designed expressly with a family having small children in mind. It is a separate—the biggest—part of Legoland California Resort, offering a full Lego-styled experience with the adventurous water attractions mixed in among the world of a favorite building block toy.
Some slides and swimming pools point toward the younger visitor in this park; there are Lego Legends of Chima Water Park, a play structure with several levels, featuring the tons of slides one can expect at a main park, as well as water cannons. Slower fun is to be had with the Splash Safari; a slow-moving lazy river ride very popular with families. More relaxation and floating down the river involve building their Lego-themed rafts in the Build-A-Raft River.
In addition to the activities that are within the water, there are also many Lego-themed activities, providing building stations and interactive display cases. The detail that the Legoland Water Park has given and the love that the designers have had for the Lego name-brand is remarkable and shall be a real treat for families with small children.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Rides & Attractions | – Lego Legends of Chima Water Park: Multi-level play structure with slides and water cannons<br>- Splash Safari: Gentle lazy river<br>- Build-A-Raft River: Guests can create their own Lego-themed rafts to float down the river |
| Theming | – Lego-themed water park experience<br>- Designed with younger visitors in mind (ages 2-12) |
| Amenities | – Lego-themed building stations and interactive exhibits<br>- Variety of dining options |
| Tickets | – Admission to Legoland Water Park requires same-day entry to Legoland California Resort<br>- Discounted tickets available for booking online in advance |
| Cabanas | – Upgrade experience with private cabana rentals |
| Location | – Part of the larger Legoland California Resort in Carlsbad, California |
10. Disney’s Blizzard Beach
Coming in second on our chart of best American water parks, we have Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Situated in Orlando, Florida, it’s a top choice for many. In true Disney fashion, this water park uniquely offers the added attraction of a fun “make-believe” winter landscape with snow-covered peaks and a ski resort atmosphere.
Top of the pile at Blizzard Beach are the numerous slides and attractions here, with the most notable being Summit Plummet; a high-speed slide that rockets people down a steep, icy-like slope to shoot them out of the bottom 120 feet high. It races at 60 miles per hour, and it’s quite a thrill. Other attractions include the other things that were already mentioned, as well as Steamboat Springs, a white-water good-time family raft ride; Cross Country Creek lazy river; and the Tike’s Peak young one’s area. Many of the attractions are a group effort, with just as much fun being had by the whole family.
Other amenities at Blizzard Beach include dining areas, shaded areas, and even a chairlift featuring a previously used ski-lift type to take guests to the top of its main mountain feature. All these tiny details make for a magically memorable time for families when visiting these water parks in the USA.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Theming | – Winter/ski resort-themed water park<br>- Designed to look like a failed ski resort<br>- Includes elements like a ski lift chairlift, pretend snow skis, and alpine lodge architecture |
| Attractions | – Summit Plummet: One of the tallest and fastest free-fall body slides in the world<br>- Team boat Springs: World’s longest family raft ride<br>- Slush Gusher: Intense body slide with “airtime” sensation<br>- Cross Country Creek: 3,000-foot lazy river<br>- Melt-Away Bay: 1-acre wave pool<br>- Tike’s Peak: Kid-sized play area with scaled-down slides |
| Amenities | – Dining options like Lottawatta Lodge, Polar Pub, and Frostbite Freddie’s<br>- Rentable lockers and towels<br>- Beach Haus shop for essentials<br>- Chairlift transportation to the top of Mount Gushmore |
| Other Details | – Located at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida<br>- Year-round operation with annual winter maintenance closure<br>- Heated water to around 80°F (27°C) <br>- Ranked 3rd most visited water park in the world in 2016 |
Conclusion: From the top ten best water parks in the USA—offering the perfect mix of great rides, refreshing pools, and family-friendly amenities—a tropical oasis to a winter wonderland to an educational African adventure, the fun at these water parks is timeless. Family members can dive into the top water parks in the USA together for an unforgettable adventure, so do not delay get your swimsuit packed, and let the memories begin!
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