The United States is a great place to find some of the world’s best water parks! Visitors of all ages can enjoy thrilling rides and attractions. Here’s the top 9:
- Typhoon Lagoon – Orlando, Florida
- Aquatica Orlando – Orlando, Florida
- Schlitterbahn – New Braunfels, Texas
- Noah’s Ark – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
- Six Flags Hurricane Harbor – Arlington, Texas
- Hersheypark – Hershey, Pennsylvania
- Universal’s Volcano Bay – Orlando, Florida
- Water Country USA – Williamsburg, Virginia
- Dollywood’s Splash Country – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
These parks offer a variety of activities like water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, extra clothes, and towels for a comfortable visit.
What Makes a Great Water Park?
Need the top-notch water park experience?
A few things to think about!
Some want the most thrilling rides, some prefer family-friendly spots. But, U.S. water parks have certain qualities. Let’s examine these now.
Variety of Rides and Attractions
A great water park has a wide variety of rides and attractions, something for everyone to enjoy! Here are must-haves:
- Thrill rides – High-speed water slides, body slides, tube slides, and wave pools for the adrenaline-seekers.
- Family-friendly – Water play structures, lazy rivers, and kiddie pools for all ages.
- Interactive experiences – Water coasters, interactive play features, and virtual reality.
- Relaxation areas – Shade cabanas, lounge chairs, and sun decks for when visitors need a break.
The U.S. has 9 top water parks, from Verrückt at Schlitterbahn Kansas City to Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World Resort.
Safety Measures and Accommodations
A great water park offers not only thrilling rides and attractions, but also prioritizes safety measures and accommodations.
Essential safety measures should include:
- Lifeguards – Adequate numbers of trained lifeguards should be at each ride and attraction.
- Safety Signs – Clear and visible signs must be posted throughout, with depth info, warnings of hazards, and emergency procedures.
- First Aid Stations – Medical staff and fully stocked first aid stations should be accessible.
Accommodations are important too.
- Wheelchair Accessibility – Guests with disabilities should be able to access all rides and attractions.
- Family Restrooms – Family restrooms should be in handy locations so families can quickly attend to children’s needs.
- Locker Rentals – Lockers are essential for guests’ valuables and belongings.
By prioritizing safety and accommodations, water parks create an enjoyable, memorable and comfortable experience for everyone.
Cleanliness and Maintenance
For a great water park, cleanliness and maintenance are essential. It requires attention to detail and cleaning, inspecting, and repairing of water rides, pools, decks, and areas around them. Here are tips for keeping a water park clean:
- Do routine checks and maintenance of pools, including testing and treating the water to avoid bacteria.
- Put the right drainage and filtration systems to take out dirt, debris, and pollutants from the pools and slides.
- Frequently disinfect surfaces touched often, like handrails, loungers, and restrooms.
- Make sure guests have access to fresh towels, locker rooms, showers, and changing areas.
- Train staff on proper cleaning techniques and ask them to wear protective items such as gloves and masks while working.
Maintaining cleanliness is vital for the safety and pleasure of guests at water parks.
Top 3 Water Parks in the West
Searching for the finest water parks in the West? Worry not! This article highlights the top three.
From Wild Rivers in California to Schlitterbahn in Texas, we provide the best spots for both households and adrenaline-junkies. Let’s plunge in and inspect the best water parks of the Western United States!
Blizzard Beach – Orlando, Florida
Blizzard Beach, a popular water park in Orlando, Florida, is the perfect summer escape! It has attractions that everyone can enjoy, like a wave pool, water slides, and a lazy river.
Here are the top three attractions to check out:
- Summit Plummet: This is the main attraction! Enjoy a 120-foot, 60 mile-per-hour water slide.
- Teamboat Springs: Take a 1,200-foot journey with friends and family. Twists, turns, and drops will make it a wild ride.
- Melt-Away Bay: Have a relaxing time in this one-acre wave pool.
Blizzard Beach is one of the “9 Best Water Parks in the U.S.“! It’s great for the whole family and promises hours of fun.
Aquatica – San Diego, California
Aquatica in San Diego, California is a top water park in the West USA. It has thrilling rides, animal exhibits and other attractions.
Popular rides like Taumata Racer, Woohoo Falls and HooRoo Run give visitors an adrenaline rush. Also, the Dolphin Plunge and Roa’s Aviary offer chances to see and interact with marine life. There are plenty of food, picnic spots and cabanas for visitors. Soak up the California sun and enjoy the rides with family and friends.
Pro tip: Sunscreen and a spare outfit are a must-have for a fun day out!
Water World – Denver, Colorado
Water World in Denver, Colorado is the perfect spot to beat summer heat and have a blast! It’s one of the biggest water parks in the US with over 50 attractions and 70 acres of water-tastic fun. Here’s what you’ll find there:
- Wally World: This area is just for kids- with shallow pools and mini slides.
- Voyage to the Center of the Earth: Get ready for total darkness before a wild ride of twists and turns.
- Wave Pool: Kick back in the largest wave pool in America- waves reaching up to 4 feet high!
Whether you want a family-friendly experience or an adrenaline rush- Water World has something for everyone. So don your swimsuit and sunscreen and let the splashing begin!
Top 3 Water Parks in the Midwest
The Midwest has awesomeness galore! In the US, it’s home to some of the most amazing water parks ever. From Wisconsin Dells’ Noah’s Ark and its amazing slides, to Ohio’s family-friendly Adventure Island – there are plenty of options.
Here’s a list of the 3 top water parks of the Midwest to help you make the right choice:
Noah’s Ark – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Noah’s Ark is a water park situated in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. It has over 70 acres of rides, slides, wave pools and more!
One of the most thrilling ones is Scorpion’s Tail – a 10-story slide that drops riders straight down. Then there’s Black Anaconda – a water coaster journey.
For those seeking a calmer atmosphere, Big Kahuna wave pool and Adventure River are ideal.
This incredible park has something for everyone!
Pro Tip: Get in early or visit during the week to avoid the crowds.
Schlitterbahn – Kansas City, Kansas
Schlitterbahn in Kansas City, Kansas is a top water park! It has over 40 water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool and play areas for kids.
Some of the attractions include:
- Verrückt: The world’s tallest waterslide. 168 feet and 7 inches tall! Riders go up to 70 miles per hour.
- Torrent Beach: A wave pool with ocean-like waves. Great for body surfing and boogie boarding.
- Kinderhaven: For younger children. It has interactive water features and mini-slides.
Schlitterbahn is a great spot for a fun-filled day with family and friends!
Cedar Point Shores – Sandusky, Ohio
Cedar Point Shores is an awesome water park in Sandusky, Ohio. It’s known for its thrilling rides, like Point Plummet, Whitecap Racer, and Breakwater Bay.
Point Plummet takes riders on a near-vertical fall at 50 mph. Whitecap Racer is a head-first mat racing slide. Breakwater Bay is a huge wave pool simulating Lake Erie.
Cedar Point Shores is considered one of the top three Midwest water parks. Plus, it’s part of a larger amusement park with roller coasters, live shows, and more attractions.
Top 3 Water Parks in the South
The US is home to the best water parks in the entire world! With tall slides and pools that never seem to end, these parks are bound to offer a thrilling experience for all.
In the southern states, you can find many water parks that offer awesome attractions. Here are the top 3 water parks in the South that you should visit:
Typhoon Lagoon – Orlando, Florida
Typhoon Lagoon is a top-rated water park in Orlando, Florida. It has thrilling water attractions and a tropical vibe. The park has a giant wave pool, water coasters, lazy rivers, and water playgrounds. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
The Crush ‘n’ Gusher is an exciting water coaster with twists and turns. The Surf Pool has 6-foot waves, perfect for surfing. There are also sandy beaches and a relaxing lazy river.
Pro Tip: Get to Typhoon Lagoon early to avoid long lines. Make the most of the less busy times!
Wet ‘n’ Wild – Greensboro, North Carolina
Wet ‘n’ Wild, situated in Greensboro, North Carolina, is an awesome water park in the southern USA. You’ll find an 8-lane racing slide – the Riptide Racer – and the 76-ft Daredevil Drop free fall water slide. Plus, a lazy river, wave pool, and kids’ play area. 36 acres of fun!
Pro tip: Sunscreen and hydration important – enjoy!
Hurricane Harbor – Arlington, Texas
Hurricane Harbor, in Arlington, Texas? It’s a hit with thrill seekers and families. It features a 6-story slide, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
Other top water parks in the South include:
- Typhoon Lagoon in Orlando, Florida.
- Aquatica in San Antonio, Texas.
- Shipwreck Island Waterpark in Panama City Beach, Florida.
These parks have something special, like an artificial wave pool and a beach-style wave pool. They also have the usual – water slides and kiddie areas.
No matter which one you pick, it’ll be an awesome experience for the whole family!
Top 3 Water Parks in the Northeast
Summer’s near! Lots of people wanna go to a water park. The Northeast has some of the best in the U.S.A. You live here or you’re visiting? Choose one of these three parks for a day of fun! Here’s the top 3 water parks in the Northeast.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor – Jackson, New Jersey
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Jackson, New Jersey is one of the most popular water parks in the Northeast. It’s the perfect place to relax on hot summer days! Here’s why it stands out:
- Epic Water Slides: King Cobra has mega drops, Tornado has twists and drops, and SkyScreamer has a zero-gravity free fall!
- Kid-Friendly Attractions: Bugs Bunny National Park has an interactive water playground, Hook’s Lagoon has a pint-sized pirate ship, and Big Wave Racer has a family raft ride.
- Adventure-seeker paradise: Thrill-seekers can go on the rafting slide or black hole slide for some exciting adventure.
Pro Tip: Get a Flash Pass to skip the long lines!
Water Country USA – Williamsburg, Virginia
Do you crave adventure and fun? Then Water Country USA is the perfect destination for you! Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, this top-3 water park in the Northeast offers thrilling water rides, wave pools, and river adventures.
Experience the Colossal Curl, Vanish Point, Nitro Racer, and Malibu Pipeline! Plus, rent a cabana or locker, explore the dining options, and shop for souvenirs.
When you’re done with your rides, enjoy live music, dance parties, and other entertainment shows. Water Country USA ranks among the 9 best water parks in the U.S. So what are you waiting for? Come and explore!
Splashin’ Safari – Santa Claus, Indiana
Splashin’ Safari is world-famous! It’s located in Santa Claus, Indiana and is known as one of the best water parks in the US. Here are three reasons why it stands out:
- It has amazing water rides and attractions – like the Wildebeest, the longest water coaster, and the Mammoth, the longest water slide.
- It’s a family-friendly environment – offering rides and attractions for all ages.
- It’s set in Holiday World with lush greenery and stunning natural landscapes – a perfect spot for a refreshing day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the top water parks in the United States?
The top 9 water parks in the United States are Splashin’ Safari, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Kalahari Resorts, Aquatica Orlando, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Noah’s Ark Waterpark, Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix, Raging Waters Los Angeles, and Water Country USA.
2. Which water park has the most thrilling rides?
Schlitterbahn Waterpark, located in New Braunfels, Texas, is known to have a wide range of thrilling water rides that are perfect for adrenaline junkies. Some of the popular rides include the Master Blaster, Boogie Bahn, and Guadalupe River.
3. How much does it cost to visit a water park?
The cost may vary depending on the park, but the average ticket price for one day at a water park is around $40 to $50 per person. Some water parks offer discounts for groups, students, or military members.
4. Do water parks have height restrictions for rides?
Yes, most water parks have height restrictions for rides to ensure the safety of all guests. The height restrictions vary from ride to ride, but typically range from 36 inches to 48 inches for children and over 48 inches for adults.
5. Are there water parks that also offer other activities besides water rides?
Yes, some water parks offer other activities such as mini-golf, zip lining, wave pools, and arcade games. For example, Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, is not only a water park but also has a spa, indoor theme park, and outdoor adventure park.
6. Can you bring your own food and drinks to a water park?
Some water parks allow guests to bring their own food and drinks, while others do not. It is best to check the park’s policy on outside food and drinks before your visit. Most water parks have restaurants or snack bars on site for guests to purchase food and drinks.