Summer Top 10: Water Parks

By Kenda - June, 30th 2012

There are over 1,000 recreational water parks and resorts in North America. In 2010 alone over 79 million people decided to beat the heat at their favorite water attraction [source]. Which park will your family stay cool with this summer?

1. Kalahari Indoor Water Park – Wisconsin Dells, WI

With 125,000 square feet of indoor water fun, Kalahari offers a family getaway 356 days a year. Surf 5 foot waves on Flowrider,   the Victoria Falls family raft ride, or save your thrills for The Screaming Hyena tube slide which features a trap-door start and a near-vertical plunge up to 25 miles per hour!

2. Schlitterbahn – New Braunfels, TX

Not only is Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark the most popular summertime waterpark in the United States, but it is also ranked as the #1 Kid-Friendly destination in the state of Texas. The 70-acre waterpark and resort features more than 40 rides and family activities in six areas.

3. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon – Orlando, FL

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park offers fun for the whole family. Spend your days enjoying everything from fast waterslides to a children’s areas to raft rides. Hang Ten in the 6 ft wave pool or snorkel in Shark Reef with real sharks.

4. Water Country USA –  Williamsburg, VA

Plunge into outrageous fun atWater Country USA, the mid-Atlantic’s largest water park. Featuring a 1950s and 60s surf theme, Water Country USA offers families tons of summertime fun with more than 30 slides, water rides and super soakin’ thrills.

5.  Bush Gardens’ Adventure Island – Tampa, FL

Located right across the street from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island’s 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun feature the ultimate combination of high-speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings for guests of all ages.

6. Noah’s Ark  – Wisconsin Dells, WI

Known as America’s Largest Water Park, Noah’s Ark boasts 51 water rides, 2 giant wave pools, 2 endless rivers, 4 children’s play areas and the 4D Dive in Theater. This 30 year old water park was even featured on the Travel Channel in 2012.

7. Dollywood’s Splash Country – Pigeon Forge, TN

Splash Country was three times named one of America’s best water parks by The Travel Channel and offers fun for the whole family with multi-level interactive play areas, 70 foot speed slides, a 25,000 square foot wave pool and more.

8. Wet n’ Wild – Orlando, FL

One of the most widely known water parks in the country, Wet n’ Wild Orlando has been dishing out the water fun since 1977 when it was opened by SeaWorld creator George Millay.  Don’t forget to take a mind-altering trip on the Brain Wash – a four-person tube ride with a 53-foot vertical drop into a dark, swirling, domed funnel.

9.  Avalanche Bay – Boyne Falls, MI

This 88,000 square foot INDOOR water park features 5 water slides, children’s pool, a wet climbing wall, activity pool, lazy river, hot tubs, the raging wall of water and more. You can play all day or buy just a half day admission.

10. Massanutten Water Park – McGaheysville, VA

Part of Massanutten Resort, this water park has something for everyone – all indoors! Explore all day with features like Pipeline surfing pool, the 12″ Frog Pond for little visitors, Blue Ridge rapids, hot springs and more.