When the summer heat cranks up, there’s nothing quite like the cool rush of a water park to save the day. From heart-pounding slides to lazy rivers perfect for floating your cares away, the U.S. is home to some seriously amazing aquatic playgrounds.
Let’s dive into 20 of the best water parks that promise to make a splash with visitors of all ages.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark, New Braunfels, Texas
Schlitterbahn isn’t just a tongue-twister; it’s a water park paradise that keeps raising the bar. The Master Blaster, a six-story uphill water coaster, is the kind of ride that’ll have you screaming for joy.
Noah’s Ark Water Park, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Noah’s Ark is so big, you might need two days to see it all – we’re talking 70 acres of water-soaked fun. The Scorpion’s Tail, with its near-vertical drop and loop, is not for the faint of heart, but it’s a must-ride for thrill-seekers.
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Aquatica Orlando, Florida
Aquatica Orlando is like getting two parks in one: part water park and part marine life adventure. Ray Rush combines three wild ride elements into one attraction, proving that good things really do come in threes.
Water World, Federal Heights, Colorado
Water World lives up to its name, with over 50 attractions spread across a whopping 70 acres. The Mile High Flyer is the park’s crown jewel, sending riders on a wild journey of ups, downs, and sharp turns.
Typhoon Lagoon, Orlando, Florida
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon brings a taste of tropical paradise to the heart of Florida. The wave pool here is no joke – six-foot swells that’ll have you feeling like you’re surfing in Hawaii.
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Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus, Indiana
Splashin’ Safari is home to not one, but two record-breaking water coasters. The Cheetah Chase takes things up a notch as the world’s first launched water coaster.
Waterworld California, Concord, California
Waterworld California has a little something for everyone, from chill pools to wild rides. The Break Point Plunge is for those who like their thrills with a side of ‘what did I just do?’.
Dollywood’s Splash Country, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dollywood’s Splash Country, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, offers a mountain-themed water park experience. The park’s RiverRush, Tennessee’s first and only water coaster, takes riders on a thrilling journey through the treetops.
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Water Country USA, Williamsburg, Virginia
Water Country USA brings the beach to you, minus the sand in uncomfortable places. The Cutback Water Coaster is like if a roller coaster and a water slide had a high-speed chase – and you’re in the driver’s seat.
Adventure Island, Tampa, Florida
Adventure Island, located across the street from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, offers a perfect tropical getaway. The park’s newest addition, Solar Vortex, America’s first dual-tailspin water slide, provides an adrenaline-pumping experience for thrill-seekers.
Wet ‘n’ Wild Emerald Pointe, Greensboro, North Carolina
Wet ‘n’ Wild Emerald Pointe is the biggest water park splash the Carolinas have to offer. The Daredevil Drop is aptly named – it’s a 76-foot plummet that’ll have you questioning your life choices (in a good way).
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Wild Wadi Water Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Wild Wadi might be cheating since it’s not in the U.S., but it’s too cool not to mention. The Jumeirah Sceirah starts with a trap door and ends with you wondering how you got to the bottom so fast.
Aquaventure Waterpark, Paradise Island, Bahamas
Aquaventure is another international superstar worth mentioning. The Leap of Faith slide sends you through a clear tube surrounded by sharks – it’s like being in an action movie!
Blizzard Beach, Orlando, Florida
Blizzard Beach brings a taste of winter to the Sunshine State, complete with a ski-resort theme. The Summit Plummet is as close as you’ll get to skiing in Florida – if skiing involved a near-vertical 120-foot drop.
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Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Jackson, New Jersey
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor proves that New Jersey is more than just beaches and turnpikes. The Big Wave Racer lets you challenge your friends to a head-first race to the bottom.
Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Kalahari Resort boasts America’s largest indoor water park, ensuring year-round fun regardless of the weather. The park’s Tornado Alley, featuring five slides with varying degrees of thrill, provides options for both families and adrenaline junkies.
Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wilderness Resort is like the overachiever of water parks – it has four indoor and four outdoor parks. The Hurricane ride is a family raft experience that’s part water slide, part gigantic funnel – all fun.
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Schlitterbahn Galveston Island, Texas
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island proves that everything really is bigger in Texas. The MASSIV Monster Blaster isn’t just fun to say – it’s the world’s tallest water coaster and a true test of bravery.
Great Wolf Lodge, Multiple Locations
Great Wolf Lodge brings the water park fun indoors at locations across the country. Each spot has its flair, but all of them promise an incredibly good time for the whole family.
Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort, Erie, Pennsylvania
Splash Lagoon offers year-round water park fun with its tropical-themed indoor facility. The park’s Aqua Tumbler, a giant sphere that spins riders as they slide, provides a unique and thrilling experience regardless of the weather outside.
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Cool Off at These Must-Visit Water Parks
From coast to coast (and even beyond), these water parks offer a surefire way to beat the heat and get your thrill on. Whether you’re into heart-stopping slides, lazy rivers, or just splashing around, there’s a water park on this list that’s perfect for your next aquatic adventure.
So grab your swimsuit, slather on the sunscreen, and get ready to make some waves!
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