Keep It Cool: The 5 Best Water Parks in the U.S.

Thrills and splashes galore!

It’s summer’s perennial question: how to soak up the sun—and the fun—without melting in the heat? Luckily, there’s an easy answer. Make a splash this summer by adding the country’s best water parks to your bucket list. With heart-thumping slides, soothing lazy rivers, and other unique attractions, these parks promise a day filled with excitement and relaxation.

Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen, and get ready to make unforgettable memories this summer!

• Aquatica (Orlando, FL)

  Is it any surprise that one of the country’s best water parks is in the city for theme parks?

  Aquatica Orlando is part of the SeaWorld family. And as you might expect, it makes the most out of its family connection!

  The park itself is beautiful, with its lush landscaping and tropical vibes, you can almost forget you’re not in the South Seas. But only almost, because this family-friendly water park definitely doesn’t skimp on the adrenaline-fueled fun!

  Start your day at the heart-stopping Ihu’s Breakaway Falls, the tallest, steepest, and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind in Orlando.

  And whatever you do, don’t miss the park’s most iconic attraction. The Dolphin Plunge is a clear tube that zips you through a dolphin-filled lagoon.

  Only in Orlando, you guys!

• Kalahari Resorts (Sandusky, OH)

  Worried about the weather? Then we’ve got good news!

  This awesome water park is indoors and built for year-round fun. Although, if you absolutely need a dose of vitamin D, they also have an outdoor pool, kiddie splash area, and sun deck.

  If you’re a hotel guest, admission to the African-themed water park is included as part of the amenities. So you get all the water attractions plus bougie accommodations that are perfect for larger groups and families! (And if you’re not staying here, you can buy a day pass online.)

  For major excitement, check out the Tanzanian Twister. The twisting funnel flume can get you flying at up to 40 mph and ends with a heart-stopping free fall into the pool below.

  Pro Tip: Sandusky is also home to Cedar Point, “the roller coaster capital of the world” so you can get your thrills in the water and on land!

• Noah’s Ark Waterpark (Wisconsin Dells, WI)

  Want to splash all day? Then it’s time to visit Noah’s Ark, the largest water park in the country.

  With more than 50 rides, slides, and attractions, you’ll find something for everyone: younger kids, adrenaline-seekers, and everyone in between!

  The park’s most intense ride is the Black Anaconda, a scream-inducing water coaster that’s more than a quarter of a mile long!

  And if you’re traveling with the fam, make sure you ride the Big Kahuna, a family-sized raft ride that twists, turns, and drops juuuuust enough to thrill, not scare, the younger ones.

  Have extra vacation days? Wisconsin Dells is known as “the water park capital of the world.” The city boasts that it would take visitors 2 weeks to ride every slide, so go ahead, pack an extra swimsuit or two!

• Raging Waters (San Dimas, CA)

  Headed to SoCal this summer? Lucky you – one of the best water parks in America is located in sunny San Dimas, a suburb less than an hour from L.A.

  But there’s no laid-back Cali vibe here!

  Fly at speeds of up to 35 mph on the High Extreme, featuring not one but two 600-foot-long flumes. Options, right?!

  Or “drop” into their newest ride, Bombs Away. Choose your tube, say a quick prayer, and wait… until the floor disappears from beneath you! Tube one = a straight drop at a dizzying 26 feet per second; tube two = winding loops that end in an intense splashdown.

  Whew! After all that, you guys might want to spend the rest of the afternoon floating in the lazy river.

• Schlitterbahn Waterpark (New Braunfels, TX)

  When it comes to the best water parks, Schlitterbahn effortlessly combines the best of both worlds—ridiculously fast rides and natural beauty.

  Schlitterbahn’s top ride is the Master Blaster, a 6-story, thousand-foot slide that’s consistently voted the best water slide in the U.S. This “water coaster” uses powerful jets of water to blast you uphill, around, and in figure-8s during your ride.

  Too intense? Cool off from the Texas sun in the original West section, with miles of spring-fed rides surrounded by the beauty of the Comal River. Then take the free tram back over to the newer, more innovative “East” section, filled with rides such as the Boogie Bahn (for would-be surfers).

  All in all: a great way to escape from the Texas sun!

Ready to dive into adventure? Then pack your beach bag and head to one of the best water parks in the country for all the thrills you can handle!

To make the most of your sun-soaked adventures, ship your stuff to your hotel or Airbnb with LugLess. No hassles or stress at the airport, and no wasting “slide time” at baggage claim. We’ll take care of your luggage, so you can splash straight into the fun!