True thrill-seekers know that some of the best aquatic adventures can be found at a waterpark resort. Although there’s tons of fun to be had at an outdoor water park, they don’t promise year-round fun in most places.
Due to cooler temperatures in the fall and winter and summer thunderstorms and heat waves, splashing around outside isn’t always possible. That’s where the concept of an indoor water park comes into play.
Indoor water parks feature all the most beloved water park elements (like water slides, cabanas, tube slides, hot tubs, a lazy river, and more) enclosed under a roof. This means that they can stay open year-round and provide you with 365 days of fun.
This guide is going to take a look at the best indoor water parks in the United States. These parks are known for offering the ultimate waterpark experience with the highest-quality rides and something for every member of the family. It will also walk you through how ResortPass can help you make the most of these unbeatable indoor water parks.
1. Camelback Resort Poconos
Located in Tannersville, Pennsylvania, the Camelback Resort Poconos provides family fun all year round. With more than 13 water slides and a water park that’s always set at a cozy 84 degrees, the Camelback Resort Poconos is perfect for birthday parties, family reunions, and simple get-togethers with friends.
With access to the connected Aquatopia indoor waterpark, you can enjoy the thrill of a multi-level aqua play structure, plus access to a wave pool, lazy river, and an oasis swim-up bar. When you dry off, you can hit the arcade or delight in a bite to eat at numerous restaurants, including Trails End, Graffiti Pizza, and Berrelli’s.
2. Massanutten Indoor WaterPark, Virginia
The Massanutten Indoor WaterPark is home to an impressive playhouse that offers panoramic views of the water cannons, waterfalls, and the giant tipping bucket that has made this park iconic. You can witness the magic of the manmade waterfalls on a trip down the Blue Ridge Rapids at Massanutten Resort. For something on the exhilarating side, you can try out the 39-foot-tall body slides.
3. Great Wolf Lodge, Arizona
Great Wolf Lodge, Arizona, can be the perfect family getaway if you’re looking for an indoor waterpark out west. With two indoor pools and an outdoor lagoon, you can jump between activity areas (if the weather permits) and splash to your heart’s content.
This Great Wolf Lodge location boasts six slides, a lazy river, and special attractions just for kids. For example, your children will love the kid’s water treehouse or the cub paw pool for infants and toddlers. Throw in an obstacle course with poolside food and drinks, and your getaway day is looking set!
4. Island Waterpark at Showboat, New Jersey
The Showboat Hotel Atlantic City is an impressive accommodation in its own right, and it also happens to be home to the Island Waterpark at Showboat.
This indoor water park features waterslides, several different bars and dining options, and the Lucky Snake Arcade, where you can enjoy a wide variety of games with arcade credits. Whether you’re craving fun in the water or on land, there’s something for everyone here.
5. Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, Michigan
Tucked away in small-town Michigan is the Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark. There’s a zero-depth Kitz Pool where little ones can splash safely that features sprinklers, a mini-slide, and basketball (ideal for a competitive game of water basketball). That said, there are also a few more fast-paced water slides for more confident swimmers.
6. Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort, Wisconsin
Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort has a claim to fame that makes it one-of-a-kind. This resort is home to the only rotating water slide in the US (which also happens to be one of only a few in the world).
Called Medusa’s Slidewheel, this raft ride may have you airborne in moments as you travel at almost 25 miles per hour. But it’s not all high-intensity thrills; there’s a 12,000-square-foot kids’ area where you can bring your toddlers and young kids.
7. Tropic Falls at OWA, Alabama
There’s plenty of sun in Foley, Alabama, and it comes streaming through the glass roof in Tropic Falls at OWA. With 23 rides and water features, this indoor water park has something to entertain every type of guest. The 75-foot-tall water slides, surf simulator, and wave pool are just a few of the must-visit attractions at Tropic Falls.
8. Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Texas
Self-described as having offerings that range from “mild to wild,” the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Texas knows what it takes to keep all ages entertained. There’s the Screaming Serpents body slide for the adrenaline-seekers and a swim-up bar for all the adults invited on your daycation.
The pavilions offer an ideal spot to enjoy a sweet treat like a fresh funnel cake or something more savory like barbecue hot off the grill.
9. Jay Peak Pump House, Vermont
You might be familiar with the concept of a lazy river, but Jay Peak Pump House in Vermont is ready to introduce you to the exhilarating raging rapids and currents in their Big River. Located next to some of Vermont’s finest ski slopes, this water park boasts indoor and outdoor hot tubs that can offer beautiful snowy views.
It also has a 65-foot-high water slide called La Chute, which can provide an extra burst of adrenaline in case you don’t get your fix on the slopes.
10. Splash Lagoon, Pennsylvania
All your childhood tree house dreams mix with the fun of a water park at Splash Lagoon. This three-story tree house-esque resort features a few distinct attractions that draw crowds from all over the US.
The Cyclone slide spins you around and sends you shooting out into a pool, and the Black Hole tube slide offers a completely pitch-black ride. When you and your family have gotten your fill of aquatic experiences, you can head inside to the Treasure Island Arcade.
11. Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, Texas
Family vacation fun is guaranteed at the Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, located just outside Grand Prairie, Texas. They say everything is bigger and better in Texas, and that definitely reigns true for the lazy river at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark.
With an extra-long lazy river and the Yellow Jacket Drop that will offer a momentary feeling of free fall, this water park is perfect for those looking to make the most of the Texas sun without roasting outside.
12. WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort, South Dakota
WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort is enclosed in glass and offers the best refuge from South Dakota’s infamous winters. All the slides are connected to the lazy river in this park, making it easy to keep track of your kids as they wander and explore.
13. DreamWorks Water Park, New Jersey
As one of the biggest indoor water parks in North America, the DreamWorks Water Park blends the fun of a water park with the magic of some of the most beloved DreamWorks characters. Interactive water features and themed attractions will transport you and your family into some of your favorite animated worlds while you splash and play.
How Can ResortPass Help You Visit the Best Indoor Waterparks?
To have the ultimate indoor waterpark adventure, you don’t have to break the bank by buying a season pass for your whole family. With ResortPass, you can buy a day pass to the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Arizona and make use of their pool, food and drink services, lazy river, waterslides, and lockers.
With ResortPass, you can access all the information about the park’s hours of operation and different food offerings. You can also add a cabana to your reservation to give your family a convenient “home base” at the resort.
Similar passes are available at the Camelback Resort Poconos Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark and the Island Waterpark at Showboat. At Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, you can choose between a regular Day Pass, Adventure Pass, and several cabana options that give you access to different park elements.
The ResortPass offerings at Island Waterpark at Showboat include a Day Pass, Twilight Pass, and Paradise Adult Island Pass. The Twilight Pass is a great option if your kids have a half day at school because it offers admission from 4:00 p.m. to close (the waterpark hours at this resort are from noon or 11:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. Friday to Monday).
Taking a daycation has never been easier, thanks to ResortPass, so don’t wait. With sites all over the US, from the beaches of Florida to the sunny skies of California, you can book now through ResortPass and get ready for a day full of all the adventures America’s best indoor water parks have to offer.
