Discover the Best Outdoor Water Parks in the U.S.
Nothing says summer vacation like cooling off at one of the best outdoor water parks in the U.S. Whether you're lazing around the pool, dropping down high-speed slides, or bobbing on the waves, the top water parks in the country are loaded with enough splash pads, dump buckets, and waterslides to thrill everyone in the family. From the iconic Orlando water parks to the steepest, tallest, and fastest waterslides in the Midwest, here are some of the most thrilling outdoor water parks across the country.
1. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels
Located in New Braunfels, Texas, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is recognized as the best water park in the world for more than two decades by Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards. This outdoor water park embraces its natural landscaping with 100-year-old oak, cedar, and cypress trees throughout its 70 acres. With over 50 attractions ranging from mild to wild, Schlitterbahn offers a variety of river rides, waterslides, and experiences. The Schatze's Storybrook Park kids' area features the world's first water coaster for kids, while The Falls consistently ranks among the best water park rides in the country.
Where to stay: Schlitterbahn's Treehaus Luxury Suites offer full kitchens and views of the water park, while its Riverbend Cabins can sleep up to 10 and provide easy access to all the fun.
2. Universal's Volcano Bay
Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida, features Volcano Bay, an impressive outdoor water park that gives it equal billing to its other theme parks. At the heart of this water park is the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, which whisks you through a 200-foot-tall volcano that gushes water by day and fiery "lava" at night. Guests also find plenty of drop slides, raft rides, water play areas, and a rapid roaring river that’s anything but lazy.
Where to stay: Book at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and you can walk right over to Volcano Bay and enjoy early admission to the water park.
3. Knott's Soak City
Knott's Soak City in Buena Park, California, is the way to stay cool in Southern California. Catch a ride down any of 23 different slides or take a relaxing float on one of the longest lazy rivers in the country. With high-speed thrill slides like The Wedge, Soak City is one of the best outdoor water parks in the U.S. for older kids and teens, but it also has a dedicated place for younger kids as well.
Where to stay: Knott's Hotel recently finished a multimillion-dollar renovation that includes redesigned guest rooms and new food and beverage outlets, but its convenient location near both parks didn't change.
4. Disney's Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach, part of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is themed as a melting ski resort. Centered around the spectacular Mt. Gushmore, the water park includes slalom courses, toboggan runs, and the 120-foot-high Summit Plummet that plunges riders at more than 50 miles per hour from the top of a "ski jump" tower. Blizzard Beach recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and will be open at the same time as Disney's Typhoon Lagoon in summer 2025.
Where to stay: Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is just down the road from Blizzard Beach and has a fun pool area and waterslide of its own.
5. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon, another Disney water park in Orlando, is home to the Crush ‘n’ Gusher, the first-ever water coaster in the Orlando area. Families will also enjoy Miss Adventure Falls whitewater raft ride, North America’s largest wave pool, and the Castaway Creek lazy river. On select nights during some seasons, Typhoon Lagoon hosts the Disney H2O Glow After Hours event.
Where to stay: Keep the tropical vibe going by booking a room at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort or stay at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek for a super convenient location and lots of fun amenities.
6. Holiday World's Splashin' Safari
Holiday World’s Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, consistently pushes the envelope with innovative attractions. The Cheetah Chase water coaster is the water park’s newest ride and also the world’s first launched water coaster. Attractions for younger guests include the Kima Bay monkey-themed water play area and Safari Sam’s SplashLand that's perfect for vacations with toddlers.
Where to stay: Enjoy the lakeside setting at Santa's Cottages, where amenities and activities include playgrounds, catch-and-release fishing, and the Reindeer Express Train.
7. Aquatica Orlando
Aquatica Orlando is the first outdoor water park to combine live animals and traditional water park rides and attractions. The Reef Plunge body slide shoots guests past dolphins, leopard sharks, and other cold-water fish on the way to the splashdown. Other attractions include Ihu’s Breakaway Falls, Riptide Race, and 84,000 square feet of white-sand beaches. It's also the first outdoor water park to be designated as a Certified Autism Center.
Where to stay: Aquatica has several official hotel partners like Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, which has a small water park ideal for younger kids and is located close to SeaWorld Orlando and the new Universal Epic Universe.
8. Noah's Ark
Noah’s Ark in Wisconsin Dells is the largest outdoor water park in the U.S., boasting more than 50 waterslides and dozens of attractions. Notable rides include the Black Anaconda water coaster and Scorpion’s Tail, America’s first looping, near vertical waterslide. The Surfing Safari surf simulator is another highlight.
Where to stay: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2025, Shamrock Motel Resort & Suites guests receive free wristbands to Noah’s Ark for every day of their stay, including the day of checkout.
9. Dollywood's Splash Country
Dollywood's Splash Country in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025. The 35-acre water park is home to nearly 40 rides and attractions, including RiverRush, Fire Tower Falls, and a 25,000-square-foot wave pool. Younger kids will love the Bear Mountain Fire Tower water play structure and new Little Creek Falls splash pad.
Where to stay: Stay at either of the Dollywood Resorts, Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort and Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa.
10. Water World
Water World in Federal Heights, Colorado, is a community park that rivals the largest private outdoor water parks in the country. Features include the Voyage to the Center of the Earth raft ride with animatronic dinosaurs and Mile High Flyer, the first hydromagnetic water coaster in the Rockies. The Alpine Springs Express Gondola evokes Colorado’s best family ski resorts by taking guests high above the park.
Where to stay: The new Origin Westminster, a Wyndham Hotel, offers modern guest rooms and suites and amenities like a complimentary bike rental program.
11. Water Country USA
Virginia’s largest family outdoor water park, Water Country USA, features state-of-the-art rides and attractions with a retro surf theme. Fully enclosed slide Aquazoid Amped features special effects, sudden splashes, and pulse-pounding music, while Riptide Race is a 520-foot, side-by-side, two-person racing experience through twist and tunnels.
Where to stay: Kingsmill Resort is a longtime Williamsburg favorite and one of the best U.S. family resorts and hotels.
12. Cowabunga Bay
Cowabunga Bay in Henderson, Nevada, features the world’s largest manmade parabolic wave on a giant slide called Wild Surf. For something tamer, bob in the Surf-a-Rama wave pool surrounded by a 1950s style drive-in movie theater. Other attractions include Point Panic and the Rock-A-Hoola bowl slide.
Where to stay: There are a number of reliable chain options near the water park, including Best Western Plus Henderson Hotel, Comfort Inn & Suites Henderson - Las Vegas, and Hampton Inn & Suites Las Vegas-Henderson.
13. Cedar Point Shores Waterpark
Cedar Point Shores Waterpark in Sandusky, Ohio, offers attractions like the six-lane mat slide Riptide Raceway, the Cedar Creek lazy river, and the Breakwater Bay wave pool. Kids can play with Lemmy, the mythical Lake Erie Monster, and thrill-seekers can brave Point Plummet, a six-story, four-capsule waterslide.
Where to stay: Set along Lake Erie, Hotel Breakers offers dedicated entrances to both parks and special perks for guests. Or rent one of the cottages or cabins at Lighthouse Point for a different kind of stay with similar park benefits.
