10 of America’s Best Water Parks (2024)

Whether you’re four or 40, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of zipping down a waterslide on a hot summer day, feeling the rush of adrenaline that comes with every twist, turn and drop, then plummeting into a shallow pool, climbing out, and doing it all over again. Waterparks are some of life’s most nostalgic places, where sore feet and sunburns are the mark of a day well spent.

From innovative theming to record-breaking attractions, here are 10 of America’s best waterparks.

Universal Orlando unveiled its third theme park, the all-water Volcano Bay in 2017. The park pays homage to the South Seas with a 200-foot volcano at its center. Universal parks are known for their thrills, and Volcano Bay delivers with a massive aqua coaster, a handful of drop slides, and even an adventure-filled rapids river. Guests receive a waterproof bracelet on arrival that can hold a spot in a virtual queue or make cashless purchases during their visit.

Claiming the title of “World’s Best Waterpark,” the Schlitterbahn park in New Braunfels, Texas, packs more than 51 attractions into 70 acres. The name nods to the area’s German heritage, with dedicated sections housing slides, coasters, rivers and pools interspersed through natural landscaping.

No one does a theme quite like Disney, and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is no exception. Telling the story of a legendary storm that struck a tropical island, the focal point of the park is a shrimp boat stuck on top of Mt. Mayday. The surrounding 56 acres are filled with waterslides, a surf pool and the kid-friendly Ketchakiddee Creek playground.

Bare feet and LEGOs finally go hand-in-hand at LEGOLAND California’s waterpark. Interspersed with the park’s waterslides and wave pools are activities like the “Imagination Station,” where kids (and let’s be honest, adults) can build bridges and dams with DUPLO bricks, build a boat to race or build a LEGO raft in the lazy river.

Wisconsin Dells may be known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” but one rises above the rest with an impressive record: it claims “America’s Largest Waterpark.” Noah’s Ark Waterpark is often a pioneer in water rides, introducing a glowing slide this year (Chameleon) to enjoy alongside the world’s largest king cobra slide (Raja) and the country’s first nearly vertical looping slide (Scorpion’s Tail).

Six Flags Over Georgia has a dedicated water park onsite, Six Flags White Water. As its name suggests, there are plenty of adrenaline-inducing rides like the tropical storm-themed Typhoon Twister or the ultra-tall Dive Bomber with a 90-degree drop. For casual park-goers, Six Flags White Water also has a wave pool and lazy river.

In a town called Santa Claus, a holiday-themed amusem*nt park just makes sense. Navigating through Holiday World park sections with themes like Halloween and Fourth of July will lead you to Splashin’ Safari, a sprawling tropical park with nearly 50 attractions, including the world’s longest water coaster. Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari promise value, with one ticket admitting entry to both parks and free soft drinks and sunscreen offered throughout.

The sweetest waterpark around, the Boardwalk at Hersheypark is the waterlogged counterpart to the adjacent candy-inspired amusem*nt park. Challenge your friends at the world’s longest mat racing slides, get an adrenaline rush on a watercoaster, or opt to float down the (more than) 1,300-foot lazy river.

We’d be remiss not to mention the largest chain of indoor waterparks in the country, Great Wolf Lodge. Contrary to most others on the list, these parks stay open year-round for aquatic adventure no matter the weather. From California all the way to Massachusetts, guests can enjoy wave pools, slides and lazy rivers all day long, then retire to their resort-style accommodations without ever leaving the property. 2023 welcomed two new properties: Great Wolf Lodge Maryland and Great Wolf Lodge Poconos.

There are two outposts of Cowabunga Bay, a retro surfer-inspired waterpark in Las Vegas and Draper, Utah. Skip the strip and head to the Nevada location, where more than 25 attractions like body slides, racers and an all-dark tube slide add to the thrill. The Utah counterpart has 11 colorful slides and a dedicated area for little adventurers.