10 Best Water Parks in the US

Just a stone’s throw from San Diego, Legoland Water Park offers pint-sized thrills with a LEGO twist. It’s where kids rule, building their own watery rafts and conquering slides tailor-made for young adventurers. Under the California sun, it’s a blueprint for family fun, proving that when it comes to joy, we’re all just big kids at heart.

Orlando's Typhoon Lagoon, where over 2.3 million guests in 2017 weathered the fun of a hurricane-themed paradise, boasts one of the globe’s mightiest wave pools. Yet, the crown jewel is Mount Mayday, home to adrenaline-pumping slides and the secret behind the park’s watery wonders. It’s a tempest of joy, proving Disney knows just how to make a splash.

In Wisconsin Dells, a titan among water parks reigns supreme. Noah's Ark isn't just big; it's the behemoth of the U.S. water park scene. With a treasure trove of nearly 50 slides, dual wave pools, and countless ways to get drenched, it’s the pinnacle of aquatic amusement. Open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, its constant innovation over nearly four decades keeps it at the crest of the wave, proving that even giants can dance on the water.

Imagine a blizzard in Florida. At Blizzard Beach, it happened in 1995, but this being the Sunshine State, the snow didn’t last, leaving behind a deluge of delights. Mount Gushmore, standing tall at 90 feet, launches visitors into aquatic adventures with a frosty twist. As one of the world’s most visited water parks, it's a testament to Disney’s magic, melting hearts and inspiring gales of laughter.

Adjacent to its roller-coaster-laden sibling in Jackson, NJ, Hurricane Harbor stands as a monument to the thrill of the splash. With over 25 heart-pounding attractions, including the vertigo-inducing Tornado and the race-ready Big Wave Racer, it’s a whirlpool of excitement. The park’s lazy river and Caribbean Cove ensure there’s a slice of paradise for every thrill-seeker.

Nestled near historic Williamsburg, Water Country USA marries the thrill of the slide with the charm of a bygone era. This park offers a wave of colonial-themed fun, where every splash tells a story. With state-of-the-art water rides set against a backdrop that’s a nod to America’s past, visitors can dive into history while cooling off under the Virginia sun.

Trailblazing the indoor water park revolution, The Wilderness secures Wisconsin Dells' crown as the WaterPark Capital of the World. Spanning over 250,000 square feet, its indoor delights and outdoor thrills form the world's largest private water haven. Exclusivity is its splash, open only to resort guests, ensuring every slide and ride is savoured with minimal waits. It's a seamless blend of indoor luxury and outdoor exhilaration.

Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels takes the water park experience back to nature, with rides that meander through lush landscapes and incorporate the natural flow of the river. It's where you can ride the wave of innovation with the world’s first surfing machine and enjoy a seamless blend of man-made thrills and natural beauty. It’s a testament to Texas' ability to go big - not just in size but in imagination, too.

Set in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood's Splash Country combines Southern hospitality with Dolly Parton's signature charm. Here, the spirit of the Smokies infuses every slide and wave pool, offering a water park experience that’s as warm and welcoming as it is wet and wild. It’s a place where families can make a splash and memories, all against the breathtaking backdrop of Tennessee’s rolling hills.