Combining the thrills of a theme park with the family fun of a classic summer vacation, Big Sky Waterpark (open mid-June to August) has loads of wet and dry excitement and is one of the coolest things to do in Montana. The state’s largest waterpark – suitable for ages three and up – challenges riders to speed down the seven-storey Geronimo Speed Slide before battling with water balloons on the lawn. With a range of admission prices it’s easy to find the right deal, and their Twilight Pass (entry from 3pm) will save you a few extra dollars.
Wings and Waves (open Jan-May) is changing the way you experience an indoor waterpark. This innovative Oregon attraction has a wave pool that screens films, and the technology doesn't end there. The Sonic Boom water slide also gets an impressive upgrade, with virtual reality displays that enhance the thrills with a different experience on each ride. Little aviators and adults alike will also love touring the on-site Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. The park has a few wheelchair-accessible spots, including the wave pool area, leisure pool and spa. With so much to explore, it’s good value for money as tickets start at just $30 (£25). Online discounts are also available.
Love this? Follow us on Facebook for more travel inspiration
Located inside the Wonderland Park, Morgan’s Inspiration Island is an ultra-accessible waterpark designed for visitors with diverse abilities which, with its accessible splash pads and accommodations, has previously made TIME’s World’s 100 Greatest Places list. Morgan’s Inspiration Island (open May-December) is adjacent to Morgan’s Wonderland (March-December), an equally accessible theme park for all ages and abilities. Outside the summer months it tends to be open on weekends only. Purchase a dual pass to both sites to ensure you enjoy all the watery action.
Unlike other parks that have separate admission tickets, Pittsburgh’s Idlewild & SoakZone (open May-October) give you all the fun of a theme park and waterpark in a single ticket. Named ‘Best Kids Park in the World’ by Amusement Today, kids can run amok on Captain Kidd’s Adventure Galley, racing down water slides and spraying their siblings. Don’t miss the park's revamped Kids Fest in June 2023, either. The cheapest pass is their Bronze Pass ($90/£75 when purchased in advance), while the pricier Platinum Pass ($230/£192) includes more frills and thrills, like year-round admission and free drink refills.
Bringing island vibes to the middle of Iowa, Lost Island is an oasis with 11 water slides, including the 990-foot (300m) hydromagnetic water coaster Wailua Kupua. This massive coaster is rare for waterparks, but the littlest swimmers might be more impressed by the pretty mermaids gliding around Mermaid Cove. It’s not hard to see why USA Today readers voted it the second-best outdoor waterpark in the US, with its three main sites incorporating a theme park, waterpark, and golf and go-karts. All three parks are open at the same time between June and mid-August and it’s worth checking out their season passes – adults and kids cost $375 (£314) but under-threes go free.
Rides and slides are the name of the game at Idaho’s Boulder Beach. Located inside the Silverwood Theme Park – the largest theme park in the Northwest region – Boulder Beach has wet and wild experiences for thrill-seekers as well as slow and steady soaks for the little ones. But it’s the park’s latest ride, Stunt Pilot (which opened in 2021), that’s truly one-of-a-kind; the ‘plane’ mimics an iconic air show with exhilarating twists and turns along the way. Open daily May-September (plus a Halloween-themed month in September-October), there's a hefty discount if you and your family arrive at the park after 4pm.
Award-winning Zoombezi Bay (open May to mid-August) is connected to the huge Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Monkey around in the Baboon Lagoon with nearly a hundred interactive aquatic controls allowing kids to play with the water flow. Follow tiny tadpoles into the zero-entry Otter Banks pool, then defy gravity while rocketing down the 50-foot (15m) Big Boa Falls or on the Python Plunge, which defies gravity yet again by sending you up into the sky. The 2023 season welcomes the arrival of Pelican Point, a small splash pool with slides and sprinklers ideal for toddlers.
It's no surprise that the largest wave pool in North America is found within one of Walt Disney World’s expansive parks. Typhoon Lagoon brings an oasis of magic to Central Florida, with a wave pool that features swells up to six feet (1.8m) tall. From Ketchakiddee Creek to Humunga Kowabunga, there are multiple water slides, rides and pools for kids of all ages. The sprawling site is usually open between March and October.
Wilderness Resort in the Wisconsin Dells has eight waterparks, amounting to 12 football fields' worth of fun. The parks are split down the middle – four indoor and four outdoor – each with unique and special surprises. Cubby’s, an outdoor park, has dazzling Lake Delton views. Wild WaterDome has a see-through roof and a chilled-out adults-only pool with a swim-up cocktail bar. A perfect spot for adults to unleash their inner child for the weekend, try the park's brand-new Twisted Trails mat-racer or revamped Warped Wagons tube ride before the park closes for the season in September.
This 40,000-square-foot (3,716sqm) indoor waterpark with an Oceania theme has it all: the exhilarating Rarotonga cannonbowl slide, the Coral Sea kiddie pool and the East Australian Current lazy river. Parents can even find some relaxation in the Malucca Sea adult hot tub. Currently North Dakota’s largest indoor waterpark, it's open year-round. While admission rates tend to be on the higher side, hotel guests of the adjacent Canad Inn can take advantage of incredible discounts.
The astounding views at River Ranch Water Park will convince you to stay at this Hilton resort. Located in Phoenix, the hardest decision you’ll make is whether to appreciate the mountain views from the lazy river or from a shady cabana. With cocktails and cuisine from the poolside Slim Picken’s restaurant delivered right to your sun lounger, River Ranch Water Park offers the best seat in the hotel. Better yet, it’s open year-round and is one of the less frantic waterparks on this list; those wanting to let the kids splash about while parents kick back in a cabana will enjoy it most.
This waterpark (open year-round) is home to the longest mat-racing slide in the region, the Boogie Board Racer. Other features, like the Barracuda Blasters slides, make it a fun day out for families with older children, although Myrtle Turtle Beach, a kids’ play area, is suitable for under-threes. The waterpark celebrates its 50th birthday this year by opening a brand-new Aeronautica Landing area, where budding pilots can manoeuvre the skies, be strapped to an enormous aircraft thrust or stick to ground level at Terminal A, an airport lounge-themed food and drinks area.
Lake Compounce knows a thing or two about delivering a memorable experience – it's been doing so since 1846. The oldest continuously-operating amusement park in North America, its Boulder Dash was once named the Best Wooden Coaster in the World. Experience a weightlessness journey through the Venus Vortex (New England's largest waterslide), rocket down a mountain on the Sawmill Plunge, or sit back and relax in the Croc-O-Nile lazy river while the tots play at Clipper Cove. When it reopens in April 2023, season pass-holders will be treated to a brand-new floating lake stage, where free concerts are held until the end of the season (typically September).
Only in a place called Santa Claus, Indiana, will you find both a theme park and a waterpark dedicated to your favourite holidays. When you’re not giggling on the Thanksgiving Turkey Whirl or Hallowswings, throw on your swimsuit at Splashin’ Safari (open May-September/October). The Cheetah Chase is the world’s first launched water coaster, incorporating powered racing slides that maximise curve speed and enhance G-forces.
In Texas, there’s only one word for fun under the sun: Schlitterbahn. Although there is a Galveston location, the New Braunfels location is lauded annually as one of the best waterparks on the planet. Essentially four waterparks in one, Schlitterbahn has miles of lazy rivers, the Boogie Bahn Surfing Ride and several water playgrounds for all-age children. Although the park is open from April to September, their accommodation is available year-round, so you can enjoy a family-friendly break or adults-only retreat. And while it’s pricier than other waterparks on this list, heavy online discounts are available to bring the cost down.
You don’t need to stay at Boyne Resort to enjoy Avalanche Bay’s four pools, seven water slides and 10 restaurants. This 88,000-square-foot (8,175sqm) indoor waterpark, the largest in Michigan, is open year-round. A little kicking back in the Glacier Hot Springs hot tub for adults and challenging Haute Route Water Crossing obstacle course will keep smiles on every face.
Between May and September a large inflatable obstacle course turns this body of water on Park Lake into an exciting destination, complete with a water slide and plenty of jumping-off points. It’s ideal for adrenaline-enthusiasts (or those who are just really competitive) as kids can climb, bounce and slide their way to the finish line. Younger years won’t miss out on the action either – there’s boating, swimming, plus aquatic activities also available. Even with the parking fee ($10/£8.35) and day pass ($15/£12.50) combined, it works out as great value, and the natural swimming hole is open year-round.
While central Florida has no shortage of waterparks, Buccaneer Bay is the only one that incorporates the fun into a state park. Located in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Buccaneer Bay has two water slides (with height restrictions) that twist and turn right into the pools of the crystal-clear natural springs. A sandy beach, a lazy river and the Lil’ Mates Caribbean Cove wading pool – perfect for ages six and under – are only outdone by the site’s famous mermaid shows. The exhilarating park opens in March and is tremendously popular over the summer – try visiting towards the end of the season in August for an ever-so-slightly quieter experience.
There’s a reason Wet’n’Wild is one of the top-ranked family attractions in Oahu. Teens will claim it’s the Shaka’s 36-foot (11m), 70-degree drop that makes the waterpark iconic, while little ones will insist it’s the 8,000 square-foot (743sqm) Lil Kahuna Beach. If the family work up an appetite, head for the chief’s evening luau with fire-knife dancers and slow-cooked Kalua pork. While it’s open on selected dates from January to August, visit in June and July for maximum availability. Considering how much there is to do for all ages, the tickets are reasonably priced – at $54 (£45), they’re 10% cheaper when booked in advance online, with further discounts for kids and over-65s.
Not one, nor two but three waterparks are included during your overnight stay at Wilderness at the Smokies. This Sevierville resort has two outdoor waterparks, a sprawling indoor waterpark, climate-controlled cabanas and a four-storey play structure at Salamander Springs. The outdoor waterparks are usually open for weekends in April and May and then full-time from Memorial Day weekend onwards, but if the weather’s good enough they also open over March weekends with decent Spring Break discounts – perfect for college students looking to unleash the big kid inside.
Believe it or not, The Tank (open February to early November) in the Golden Nugget casino has only one water slide, but it’s enough to convince anyone to visit. Not only does this lavish pool complex have a 200,000-gallon (757,000-litre) shark tank aquarium, but the water slide runs right through it. While the award-winning pool is suitable for all ages, older teens will appreciate it most – you can marvel at the predators surrounding your slide then splash into the pool, where more views of the fish tank await. Don't worry, the sharks definitely can't get you...
Water Country USA (open May to mid-September) is ranked the third-best outdoor waterpark by USA Today, and challenges you to ride its newest attraction, Riptide Race. This duelling 520-foot (158m) pipeline sees you in a speed contest with friends, family or strangers. Meanwhile, the special-effect-soaked Aquazoid Amped and turbo-boosted Cutback Water Coaster deliver hours of excitement. The little ones will love play areas like the Cow-A-Bunga and H2O UFO. If you’ve time, it’s worth splashing out on a three-day ticket, which at $37 (£31) per day works out cheaper than their one- or two-day passes.
West Virginian locals know that the fun flows steadily at the ACE Adventure waterpark (open May-September). The infamous BLOB ride is a literal launch pad that’ll leave you drenched in laughter. 50 huge inflatables, including an obstacle course and 25-foot (7.6m) climbing mountain, join water slides, zip lines and complimentary biking/hiking trail access for a summer of fun on a spring-fed lake. Under-fives – who get free entry – can frolic in the new splash pad, too. Choose from half-day, full-day or season passes for uninterrupted adventures on an epic scale.
New Jersey’s own version of the wild west comes in the form of Mountain Creek Waterpark's Colorado River: not the natural feature, but a thrilling whitewater rafting experience that is rivalled only by the 18-foot (5.5m) freefall drop at the end of the park's Bombs Away water slide. Loved by locals and tourists alike, there’s a few rides and attractions suitable for younger years – like a little lazy river – but older children, teens and adults can get truly stuck in with the mayhem here. The waterpark is open from the end of June until Labor Day (5 September).
Steps from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Jolly Roger Splash Mountain Water Park (open Memorial Day in May to Labor Day in September) lets you choose how to soak up the sun. The Aqualoop, a 360-degree looping water slide, has earned recognition as the best in the country. The Master Blaster – which includes an uphill ride – is another crowd favourite, but the Rain Forest treehouse play area is the family-friendly attraction that’ll splash its way into your shared memories. Whatever your age there’s a ride for you here, and with a range of flexible passes to choose from, you’ll find yourself coming back for more.
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park (open May to Labor Day in September) brings Hawaiian vibes to the Florida Panhandle. Surf the Honolulu Half Pipe without ever waiting for waves to break, then plunge into darkness with the freefall drop on Jumanji. With more than 40 different water play areas, rides, slides and pools, kids and adults will have plenty of options to consider for their next move while floating in the relaxing lazy river.
No matter if you’re cooling off in the summer or warming up in the winter, a dip at Star Plunge in Hot Springs State Park is never a bad idea. Insider ranked it as the state’s best waterpark, after all. Open year-round, this Wyoming spot has both indoor and outdoor pools, toddler-friendly water slides, hot tubs and even a pool for babies. Get a splashy science lesson in the Vapor Cave: this area, cut into a mountain, is heated by natural hot mineral water. Good for the skin too!
California amps up the adrenaline at Raging Waters (open mid-May to September). With more rides than any other SoCal waterpark, the Los Angeles location features the state’s only hydromagnetic water coaster (which sends you uphill), the Aqua Rocket, plus a million-gallon (454,600-litre) wave pool. Experience Neptune’s Fury with a 30 miles per hour (48km/h) raft ride into darkness. If that’s not enough water to leave your skin pruney, a few hours in the 30,000-square-foot (2,787sqm) Kid’s Kingdom will do the trick. The new Bronze season pass – the cheapest of the lot at $100 (£85) if bought online – also includes summer admission across popular dates, including 4 July.
Tired of lugging rafts up and down the water slide steps? Then get yourself a valet at Water World (open from Memorial Day in May to Labor Day in September). This award-winning waterpark offers a Tube Valet wristband that provides express entry and reduced tube-carrying for six rides, like dinosaur-themed Voyage to the Center of the Earth and Egypt-esque Lost River of the Pharaohs. Or keep your arm muscles warmed up and ready to wave as you jet down the Warp Speed and Mile High Flyer rides. The park runs some good special offers, with dads getting free entry on Father’s Day.
At 70 acres, Noah’s Ark (open Memorial Day in May until Labor Day in September) holds the title of America’s largest outdoor waterpark. The Endless Kiddie Pool is a shallow place for the littlest swimmers to play, while slightly older kids and adults can raft down 700 feet (21.3m) of twists on the Congo Bongo. Only the courageous will take on the Scorpion’s Tail: the country’s first looping, near-vertical water slide, towering over the rest of the park at almost 10 storeys high. The Gold season pass ($100/£85 if purchased online)) offers discounted food and drink rates, while the Platinum season pass ($130/£109 when bought in advance) includes the most perks, such as unlimited summer admission to all Palace Entertainment US parks.
Now discover the best record-breaking distraction in every state