It’s supposed to get especially hot this summer, so you should have plans to take a break from the heat. There’s nothing like a water park to spend time cooling off. Whether you’re looking for a resort atmosphere, a place to take the whole family, or a day trip with your friends, we’ve got you covered on ten of the best water parks to hit this summer.
1. Cowabunga Bay Water Park in Henderson, Nevada
Beat the Nevada heat and cool off in this massive water park, which hosts 20+ pools, slides, and other water activities. One of the features this location is known for is the largest man-made wave in the world, Wild Surf. There’s also an enclosed slide that’s pitch black inside and will undoubtedly thrill some riders!
2. Adventure Island in Tampa, Florida
Adventure Island is an excellent spot if you’re seeking an action-filled water park day. This water park is the largest in the Tampa area, with everything from a lazy river and rides perfect for the kids to cliff jumps, thrilling water slides, and rides like the Colossal Curl.
3. Water Country in Williamsburg, Virginia
Water Country is Virginia’s largest water park, which offers water-based activities for the entire family. Your little ones can enjoy an interactive water playground and a special splash zone for kids: Cow-A-Bunga. Meanwhile, the adults and big kids can get their thrills on rides like Jet Scream and Vanish Point.
4. Hurricane Harbor in Jackson, New Jersey
Known for its 75-foot water slide, massive lazy river, and impressive wave pool, Hurricane Harbor can conveniently be found right by Six Flags Great Adventure. In addition to the water attractions, you can find several different refreshing food options, from cheesesteaks to burgers.
5. Cedar Point Shores Waterpark in Sandusky, Ohio
Alongside Ohio’s Cedar Point is Cedar Point Shores, an impressive water park that spans 18 acres and offers a wide range of water attractions. Guests report that some of their favorite rides are Point Plummet, a free fall, enclosed tunnel slide, and Crosscurrent, which you can spot by its yellow inner tubes.
6. Aquatica in Orlando, Florida
Aquatica Orlando is known around Florida and across America because it combines water slides and attractions with live water animals. A few of the most popular rides at Aquatica Orlando are the dueling raft race, Breakaway Falls, Tassie’s Twisters, and the Reef Plunge—which will send you past cold-water fish, dolphins, and other aquatic life.
7. Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort in New Braunfels, Texas
Located between San Antonio and Austin, this water park is known for its relaxing heated pools and 3,600-foot-long lazy river. In addition to these calming environments, bring your kids to the kids’ activity play area or go on one of the many water slides and other attractions.
8. Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana
Although Splashin’ Safari is far from the North Pole, this water park in Santa Claus, Indiana, is the perfect adventurous trip for the whole family. From the Bahari lazy river and wave pool to the Cheetah Chase water coaster, you can make a relaxing day of it or pack in as many rides as you can.
9. Lost Island Waterpark in Waterloo, Iowa
In addition to playing a game of water volleyball and basketball and taking a slide down the wide array of water slides, you can enjoy a relaxing ride around the lazy river (Kailahi River). If your kids are tagging along, be sure to check out Starfish Cove, which will transport them to a water kingdom of their own.
10. Blizzard Beach in Orlando, Florida
Whether you’re spending any time at Disney or not, you should not miss out on Blizzard Beach. This outdoor water park has the theme of a “melting ski resort” and offers exciting rides like the Downhill Double Dipper and the Summit Plummet.
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