Making Summer Plans? Check Out the 10 Best Water Parks in the USA Wherever You Go

Summer vacation is the ultimate chance to let loose and make memories with the ones you love. And no matter where you’re headed on your summer getaway this year, the trip will be made better with a stop at one of the country’s best water parks. Check out the list below for the top 10 water parks in the U.S.

Summer waterpark
Photo Credit: kyuree

1. Noah’s Ark

Wisconsin Dells is home to some of the best water parks in the USA, and Noah’s Ark is one of their most exciting attractions. This outdoor water park is the largest in the country, offering 51 water slides, a surf simulator, and two wave pools. Kids and adults alike will get their thrills at this famed Midwest water park.

2. Aquatica

We would expect a place like SeaWorld to deliver on great water parks, and they do just that with Aquatica, one of two water parks within Seaworld. This high-end water park has thrilling slides and fancy perks to take the experience to the next level, including Quick Queue passes, cabana rental, and all-day dining options.

3. Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park

Once again, the Midwest proves it knows how to do water parks. You’ll find the world’s tallest water slide at Schlitterbahn, along with the world’s biggest tidal wave rider. So if you’re looking for the biggest and best, head straight to Kansas City. They even create a resort-like feel with a swim-up bar and heated pools.

4. Splashin’ Safari

Though Schlitterbahn is home to the tallest water slide, Splashin’ Safari is home to the longest. This epic water park is found in Santa Claus, Indiana, where they light up the sky every Friday with an all-American fireworks show you can view from the pool. Get the ultimate thrill on Mammoth, where a 6-person raft takes you down a seven-story hill, spinning and splashing the whole way down.

5. Blizzard Beach

As with everything under the Disney name, Blizzard Beach, in Orlando, Florida is a magical experience for the whole family. Disney takes the term “water park” to the next level, with the 120-foot high Summit Plummet, taking guests from the top of a ski tower at 55 mph. You can also try slalom courses and toboggan runs for a non-traditional thrill.

6. Raging Waters San Dimas

Raging Waters has locations all over California. So what makes the San Dimas park the best? This location has one of the fastest water slides in the country: the Bermuda Triangle. The ride takes guests through three different courses, plunging through dark tunnels and reaching speeds of up to 50 mph.

7. Water World

Denver may be known for mountain man fun, but it’s a great destination for water parks, too. Water World is a huge water park famous for the Mile High Flyer water coaster, a lightning speed, intense ride for only the biggest thrill seekers. Another popular attraction is The Storm: a fast-paced raft ride that takes riders through a dark, storm-like tube.

8. Water Country USA

If you’re looking for a clean, well-organized water park, head to Water Country USA in historic Williamsburg, Virginia. The park is part of Busch Gardens and includes a relaxing lazy river, great splash areas for toddlers, and themed play areas like H20 UFO, Kritter Korral, and Surfer’s Bay—the state’s largest wave pool.

9. Dollywood’s Splash Country

Don’t miss this unique water park in Tennessee. Dollywood shows off the best of the Smokies’ hospitable culture and is owned by Country Queen Dolly Parton herself. Make lasting family memories on Tennessee’s one and only water coaster, the hairpin-turning RiverRush. Get the fun of a real river rafting trip on The Big Bear Plunge white water rafting slide. Then take the family to check out the rest of Dollywood’s unique theme park rides.

10. Cowabunga Bay Water Park

One of the biggest perks of Cowabunga Bay is the view: the water park is situated along the beautiful Wasatch Front of the Salt Lake Valley in Draper, Utah. Families love this water park for the fun ‘60s theme and an impressive tower of slides you can see from the freeway as you approach. Kids could spend all day at the extensive water playground, while older kids will love the 1,000-foot-long Mondo waterslide.

Check Out SwimJim Today

Any water park adventure is safer and more fun when everyone in your crew is confident in their swimming skills. Whether you’re an experienced swimmer wanting to brush up on skills or a new swimmer, SwimJim has the perfect lessons for you. Check out our swim lessons in New York today.