Waterparks
Family Waterparks
Slides, wave pools and lazy rivers are one of the easiest ways to keep kids of different ages happy on the same day. Here is where to find well-known family waterparks, plus the guides and checklists to plan the trip.
Waterparks at the Big Theme Park Destinations
If you are already planning an Orlando trip, a waterpark day is an easy add-on and a good break from long queues on land.
Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach — Walt Disney World, FloridaWalt Disney World runs two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon, built around a tropical, storm-swept theme with a large wave pool, and Blizzard Beach, themed as a melting ski resort. Water park admission is sold separately from or as an add-on to regular park tickets, so check current ticket options before you go.
Volcano Bay — Universal Orlando Resort, FloridaUniversal’s water theme park is set around a volcano centerpiece and uses a wearable device called TapuTapu to hold virtual places in line for many attractions, so families spend less time standing in queues.
Aquatica Orlando — FloridaSeaWorld’s water park in Orlando mixes high-speed slides with lazy rivers and dedicated areas for younger children, and is often bundled with SeaWorld tickets.
Indoor Waterpark Resorts
Indoor parks keep the water warm year-round, which makes them a popular winter-break or long-weekend option when outdoor parks are closed.
Great Wolf Lodge — multiple locations across North AmericaA chain of family resorts built around indoor water parks, where water park access is typically included with an overnight stay. Locations and attractions vary, so compare the specific lodge closest to you.
Kalahari Resorts — several US locationsAfrican-themed resorts with large indoor water parks, including locations in Wisconsin Dells, Sandusky (Ohio), the Pocono Mountains (Pennsylvania) and Round Rock (Texas).
Wisconsin Dells — WisconsinThe Dells bills itself as the “Waterpark Capital of the World”, with a mix of indoor resort water parks and outdoor parks such as Noah’s Ark. It works well as a drive-to family getaway in the Midwest.
Resort & International Waterparks
Some of the best-known family waterparks are part of a bigger vacation destination.
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels — TexasA long-running Texas Hill Country water park known for its river-style attractions, set along the Comal River.
Dollywood’s Splash Country — Pigeon Forge, TennesseeThe water park next to Dollywood in the Great Smoky Mountains area, a natural pairing with a Smokies family road trip.
Aquaventure at Atlantis Paradise Island — BahamasThe water park at the Atlantis resort, with slides, rapids and pools that resort guests can use as part of their stay.
Siam Park — Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain)A Thai-themed water park on Tenerife that is one of Europe’s best-known water parks and a common day out for families visiting the Canary Islands.
Waterpark Planning Tips for Families
General tips that apply to most parks. Always check the specific park’s website for its current rules, hours and height requirements.
Check height requirements firstMany slides have minimum heights, and they differ by attraction and by park. Measure your kids and check the park’s ride list before you go so nobody is surprised at the top of the stairs.
Arrive at openingLines for the most popular slides and the best shaded spots tend to fill up as the day goes on, so an early start usually means more rides.
Pack for sun and waterReef-safe sunscreen, rash guards, water shoes and a waterproof pouch for your phone go a long way. Many parks require swim diapers for little ones who are not yet potty trained.
Plan rest and shadeConsider a cabana or umbrella rental on hot days, schedule breaks out of the sun, and keep everyone drinking water between rides.
Related Guides & Free Tools
Use these to plan the rest of the trip.
The Ultimate Disney World Trip Planning Guide for FamiliesPlanning an Orlando trip that includes Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach? Start here.Read the guide →Best All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts 2026: What Actually Works for FamiliesSeveral family resorts in this guide include water parks on property.Read the guide →Spring Break Family Trip Ideas That Aren’t Crowded BeachesMore ideas for a school-break getaway.Read the guide →Free downloadFree Family Vacation Packing ChecklistPacking lists for beach weeks, flights and road trips.Get it free →Free downloadFree Family Travel Budget PlannerBudget tickets, food and extras category by category.Get it free →