The best indoor water parks in the US for year-round summer vacations. Places to ride big water slides and waves

By Anna Veselova-SolovoniukApr 9, 2024 17:09 PMUS
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Huge pool at DreamWorks Waterpark in the U.S. Source: https://www.americandream.com/

Are the kids tired of waiting for summer and everyone wants to have fun in swimsuits? Choose one of the best indoor water parks in the United States and dive headfirst into a vacation. The longest lazy rivers, 504-foot-long rafts, colorful cocktails at water bars, and experiences for the whole family. New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Alabama, and New Jersey will be your next destination no matter what time of year you plan a vacation, as summer reigns eternal here. A location where you can combine snow slides and water slides is also on the list of the most luxurious water parks in the United States.

The steep slopes of the OWA Tropical Falls water park in Alabama. Source: https://visitowa.com/
The steep slopes of the OWA Tropical Falls water park in Alabama. Source: https://visitowa.com/

Tropical Falls at OWA in Alabama

Oh wow – that's what you'll exclaim almost all the time you go to the indoor water park, which is located within the huge Tropic Falls amusement park. The water park is covered by a glass roof that disappears when the sun in Foley starts to get hot. The surf simulator will pump your skills at different wave heights and lengths. The U.S. Waterpark's slides reach 75 feet and are steep for twists and turns. The atmosphere between the pools, and themed areas is tropical, so you'll have the feeling of vacationing on a fun ocean island. You can stay at the park's hotel or choose to stay in cabins, buy tickets only to the water park, or join the rides in the warmer months – it's fun either way. Tropical Falls OBA Water Park is one of the largest water attractions in America.

Master Blaster's fast slide at the Wisconsin Waterpark. Source: https://www.kalahariresorts.com/
Master Blaster's fast slide at the Wisconsin Waterpark. Source: https://www.kalahariresorts.com/

Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin

There are endless water activities and experiences within 125,000 square feet. Wisconsin Dells is known for its 920-foot lazy river and 504-foot raft rides. Crocodile Cove will provide plenty of water games, including water basketball. The children's area includes water cannons, with the Victoria Falls slides causing just a wild squeal, even in adults. A wave simulator whips the water up to 5 feet up, and an indoor and outdoor spa keeps the adult crowd entertained. By booking your stay at the Water Park Hotel, your admission tickets will already be in your pocket. Everything you need for water recreation can be purchased on-site, don't worry unless the water park realized your kids have outgrown their swimsuits or don't have life jackets (kids under 48 inches). At one of America's best Kalahari water parks, you can book a party, rent your own bungalow, and take advantage of a bunch of extras that make your vacation even more enjoyable.

Ride until you're dizzy at a Pennsylvania water park. Source: https://www.splashlagoon.com/
Ride until you're dizzy at a Pennsylvania water park. Source: https://www.splashlagoon.com/

Splash Lagoon Waterpark in Pennsylvania

The tropical climate of Splash Lagoon, one of the coolest water parks in America, will have you cooling off in its pools all day long. The mind-blowing Cyclone slide and its four scrolls, the Black Hole Tunnel where your senses will be heightened as your vision will be cut off and your adrenaline will skyrocket, and the Wave Simulator where your task will be to hold on and defeat the sea element. Don't worry for those who are not ready for risk and dizzying experiences there are many gentle descents with smooth turns and relaxation zones where it is as interesting to chill as it is to descend. Enjoy water basketball, a lava pool, a lazy river, and plenty of locations to grab a snack or fill up for the day. Splash Lagoon Waterpark features additional dry adventures for kids and adults: arcades, virtual reality XD theater, and more.

Tatham Oases of the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Wisconsin. Source: https://www.greatwolf.com/
Tatham Oases of the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Wisconsin. Source: https://www.greatwolf.com/

Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin

The architecture of an ancient Native American settlement and a multitude of land and water recreation areas. This large U.S. water park will provide a day's worth of entertainment and give the gift of continued relaxation in its top stopover suites. Organize a quest for the whole family and feel like fun pirates in swimsuits, enjoy the gastronomic scenes, because they are numerous and varied. Bowling, mini golf, and back into the water for the best fun downhill family laps. This kind of U.S. water resort covers 76,000 square feet of land and offers plenty of activities to suit different ages. The Frogtown for the youngest ones features water shooters and funny animal slides. There are a variety of organized activities daily at the Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark that will add fun to your busy summer heat, even in the winter. Stay in comfortable family rooms and suites to extend the fun.

Tropical heat at DreamWorks Waterpark in New Jersey. Source: https://www.americandream.com/
Tropical heat at DreamWorks Waterpark in New Jersey. Source: https://www.americandream.com/

DreamWorks Waterpark in New Jersey

Letting in plenty of daylight, the water park's glass dome maintains tropical temperatures year-round. It is said to have the largest number of water slides and water recreation areas. The water park is owned by DreamWorks Studios, which has transformed the space into a world of famous cartoons and characters. Take a dip in the waves of the largest pool and get your adrenaline up to 14 tajas with a hatch slide. This is America's largest indoor water park, don't even try to do it all in one day. It's better to stay in a comfortable hotel and fully enjoy each unique colorful water attraction. In addition to the water, land awaits with the best restaurants, games, and activities. Shop right at DreamWorks Waterpark to replenish your summer closet and savor all that summer has to offer year-round.

Amazing water rides at Aquatopia Waterpark in Pennsylvania. Source: https://www.camelbackresort.com/
Amazing water rides at Aquatopia Waterpark in Pennsylvania. Source: https://www.camelbackresort.com/

Aquatopia indoor water park in Pennsylvania

The state of Pennsylvania is ready to surprise you with the number of water locations for swimsuit vacations. However, the state is known as a completely unique place where winter meets summer at the same resort. Camelback Ski Resort has been a breakthrough in the horizon of vacation options and variety. After the snowy slopes, you can safely head to the indoor tropics and strip down to your swimsuits. The water area offers waterslides for all ages. The Lost River will take you through the ruins, while the hot oasis of Mystic Springs will warm every cell after the snowy fun. You'll have 13 slides to choose from with varying levels of adrenaline boost, as well as a wide variety of restaurants, stores, and cocktail relaxation areas both in the water and on land. U.S. Waterpark Aquatica has become a unique addition to skiing and a luxurious solution to your vacation any time of year.

Conquer the waves at Michigan's water park. Source: https://www.avalanchebay.com/
Conquer the waves at Michigan's water park. Source: https://www.avalanchebay.com/

Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark in Michigan

A huge indoor aquatic area in Michigan is spread over 88,000 square feet. Four huge pools cater to different ages and skill levels of young swimmers. In the Grand Couloir, you'll find slides for extreme swimmers, including a tunnel where your downhill speed will reach the 26 mph mark. The waterpark is served by 10 restaurants, allowing you to choose your favorite location for a birthday party or just a bite to eat. Family rooms offer several large beds or multiple bathrooms, as well as service that will elevate you to a better comfort zone. At the water park, you'll find an arcade room where you can continue your experience on land. One of the best water parks in America, Avalanche Bay will be a luxurious vacation with kids with many experiences.

The gallogram tunnels of the Smoky water park in Tennessee. Source: https://www.wildernessatthesmokies.com/
The gallogram tunnels of the Smoky water park in Tennessee. Source: https://www.wildernessatthesmokies.com/

Wilderness at the Smokies, Tennessee

The large, spacious grounds and unique slopes put Wilderness Waterpark in the Smokies on the world's TOPs. The glass roof fills the water areas with daylight and makes you forget you're under a dome. The luxury rafting experience for the whole family reaches the height of a five-story building and is packed with tunnels, loops, and turns for an exciting adventure. Storm Chaser will give you a real adrenaline rush and a feeling of weightlessness. A wave stimulator creates water obstacles five feet high, realistic scenery will transport you to the tropical wilderness and drop your board in the beach area. In addition, a spa awaits you, with relaxation both under the roof and outdoors. Enjoy Wilderness Waterpark at the Smokies to the fullest while staying in comfortable hotel rooms.

Texas Schlitterbahn Waterpark Whirligigs. Source: https://www.schlitterbahn.com/
Texas Schlitterbahn Waterpark Whirligigs. Source: https://www.schlitterbahn.com/

Schlitterbahn Indoor Waterpark in Texas

The presence of grilling areas and picnic gazebos adds to the reassurance that you're in nature. The water park in Galveston, Texas features lazy rivers that connect the fun and adrenaline-fueled waterslide areas and allow you to navigate only on water. Even the littlest ones will find their entertaining island of happiness here with water adventures. Adults and daredevils can try their luck on the extreme slides Rohr, MASSIV, and Screaming Serpents. Schlitterbahn Water Park in Galveston is one of the most interesting water areas for recreation in America.

Have fun in the water tunnels in South Dakota. Source: https://www.massresort.com/
Have fun in the water tunnels in South Dakota. Source: https://www.massresort.com/

WaTiki Resort Indoor Waterpark in South Dakota

South Dakota's harsh winters aren't as scary when you know you can dive into summer and enjoy warm water at any moment. The water park isn't as massive as its counterparts across the country, but it offers enough entertainment to get you stuck in for the day. Flipping vats, high slides, and small lagoons allow the whole family to relax. Pizzerias and luxury restaurants will diversify your table and emphasize the significance of the moment. Pools, fountains, palm trees, and rocks will become your tropics, a surfing pool will allow you to conquer the waves, and a variety of relaxation areas on sun beds will give you a chance to catch your breath before continuing the water fun. WaTiki Water Park offers many theme-organized events to celebrate your holiday.

An oasis with waterfalls and steep slopes in Virginia. Source: https://www.massresort.com/
An oasis with waterfalls and steep slopes in Virginia. Source: https://www.massresort.com/

Massanutten Resort in Virginia

Massanutten's water playhouse offers rolling waterfalls and a shootout with numerous water cannons. Walk carefully near the overturning water bucket, as you risk getting washed into the pool. Water snakes rise 39 feet up and weave around each other for interesting twists and turns and different speeds. Getting up on the board using the piping is an asterisk challenge, as almost 50 gallons of water will pass underneath you in a minute. Bridges and passages between pools will offer their own adventures, and the islands offer the most delicious picnics to quench your hunger and thirst. Massanutten Resort offers a variety of arcade games on land to keep the fun going.

Travel the lazy river at the Tennessee Water Park. Source: https://www.soundwavesgo.com/
Travel the lazy river at the Tennessee Water Park. Source: https://www.soundwavesgo.com/

SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland in Tennessee

SoundWaves Waterpark offers its refreshing oases over three floors. The small but exciting water areas include lazy rivers, water slides, a toddler area, caves, adult-only areas, and delicious gastronomic scenes. Not only will you be able to have fun and relax, but you'll also be able to shop before you leave. The water locations at Sound Waves Waterpark are both indoor and outdoor, which will expand your options and experiences at Gaylord Opryland.

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