Summertime – when the sun is shining, and the temperatures are rising, nothing quite beats taking a plunge in the pool. But why settle for the ordinary this summer? Join us as we visit the top U.S. water parks nationwide to help inject some excitement into this leisurely pastime.
Whether you seek an epic wave pool, crave to ride the nation’s best waterslides, or simply want to float down a lazy river together as a family, our compilation of the top U.S. water parks is designed to provide an action-packed adventure for all the family. on’t forget your swimsuit and get ready to beat the heat this summer at some of the nation’s top outdoor water parks.
Where better to start on our quest to explore the top U.S. water parks than at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Arlington, Texas. With 50 acres of slides and rides and a one-million-gallon wave pool, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is a gem in the Lone Star State’s crown.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor has rides for all the family. With a host of attractions suitable for all ages, you can hang out with the kids at the ‘Suntan Lagoon’ or spark their imaginations at this family-friendly water park’s ‘Hook’s Lagoon Treehouse’ play place.
However, if you want to raise the tempo this summer, adventure seekers can head to the legendary 72-foot-tall ‘Der Stuka’ for the ultimate thrill ride. Alternatively, if you’re visiting with friends, challenge them to the ‘Wahoo Racer’ – plunging 40 feet per second on the largest multi-lane water slide in the world.
You can reserve a family room at the Best Western Plus Arlington North Hotel & Suites if you’re looking for hotels in Arlington, Texas.
Next on our list of top U.S. water parks, we’re heading to Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville, Tennessee. As the newest water park on our shortlist, this 50-acre water park has a horde of water park rides and attractions to choose from.
Located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Soaky Mountain Waterpark offers visitors a chance to conquer the colossal 35,000-square-foot wave pool, complete with towering six-foot waves. Next, try ‘Blue Mountain Mayhem’ for the not-so-faint-hearted wanting to experience weightlessness. Here you can jump on a two to five person raft and tackle the two unbelievable gravity-defying walls.
Soaky Mountain Waterpark also offers a variety of activities to captivate young ones, too. The ‘Lil Rattlers’ tube slides provide a mini-adventure for the little thrill-seekers, while ‘The Hive’ is a specially designed play area for kids that guarantees an afternoon of amusement.
Make a vacation of it by staying locally at the Best Western Plus Apple Valley Lodge Pigeon Forge.
If you’re looking for summer fun in 2023, where better to head than The Sunshine State and Panama City Beach in Florida? Making our recommended shortlist is the incredible Shipwreck Island Waterpark. With over three million gallons of water to swim and slide around in, it’s one of our favorite family-friendly water parks.
Ideally suited for younger visitors, Shipwreck Island Waterpark has a collection of animal-themed slides centered around a gigantic children’s activity pool at ‘Tadpole Hole.’ That’s why it comes as no shock that it’s among the top U.S. water parks for family entertainment this summer.
For the daredevils among you, fear not; Shipwreck Island Waterpark has the perfect waterslides for you too, including the ‘Pirate’s Plunge Racing Slide’ as you race side by side to the bottom from the 60-foot-tall tower. Afterward, you can chill out and catch your breath at the park’s iconic 2,000-foot lazy river.
You can reserve a family room at the Best Western Plus Panama City if you’re looking for hotels in Panama City, Florida.
We’re heading to Ohio next in our pursuit to visit the top U.S. water parks for some summer fun. Zoombezi Bay in Powell, Ohio, is the perfect destination to keep you cool in the heat of the summer. With an excellent combination of water slides and rides, this has to be one of the nation’s best outdoor water parks.
To get your pulse racing, head to the ‘Big Boa Falls’ to experience zero gravity and the rush of weightlessness. Plummeting at great speed, the Big Boa Falls drives you through tunnels before cascading down a 50-foot hill into the landing pool below. However, for the more sedate waterpark goers, you can head to the ‘Croctail Creek & the Sandbar,’ grab a refreshment, then float along the adjoining 700-foot lazy river.
Zoombezi Bay also tailors to the water park’s smallest visitors. As one of the best water parks in the US for kids, ‘Pelican Point’ is a 4,000-square-foot heated water playground. With small water features and slides, it’s the perfect playground to keep the kids cool this summer.
Complete your family’s ideal vacation by staying nearby at the Best Western Hilliard Inn & Suites in Hilliard, Ohio.
We’ve dedicated our final destination on our list of top U.S. water parks to the largest outdoor water park in the nation. Covering over 70 acres, Noah’s Ark Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, has over 51 water rides and slides to help you beat the heat this summer.
Noah’s Ark Waterpark is introducing ‘Chameleon’ for a truly sensory experience. This 520-foot-long ride plunges you downhill, immersed by surround sound and hyper-colored lights. Or if you’re feeling genuinely fearless – head to ‘Scorpion’s Tail,’ America’s first vertically looping waterslide.
This incredible family-friendly water park has a dedicated children’s area to cool down this summer at ‘Tadpole Bay.’ Ideal for parents to join in the fun amongst the fountains and slides.
You can reserve a family room at the Best Western Ambassador Inn & Suites if you’re looking for hotels in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.