Florida is famous for having hot and sunny weather all year long, so it’s no wonder the Sunshine State has so many water parks for locals and travelers of all ages to enjoy. Whether you’re on the hunt for something relaxing like a luxurious lazy river or hungry for the kind of adventure that only winding water slides can provide, there’s something for everyone!
Today, we’ll discuss five of the top water parks in Florida that you can check out using ResortPass, plus four theme parks to take your vacation to the next level.
1. Cypress Springs Water Park
The Cypress Springs Water Park is located in the heart of Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. The 3-acre water park has enough attractions to keep your family entertained all day long.
There are seven exhilarating water slides to enjoy, including the Florida Free Fall, in which you take a 35-foot fall through a trapdoor and spin in the slide’s giant bowl. For something to do in pairs, try the Tamiami Twister and race down a winding course to the deck below.
Surf without ever having to leave the resort. The FlowRider Surfing Experience allows you to surf or bodyboard on simulated waves with the help of resort trainers. Then, hit up the zero-entry pool, which is made to feel like you’re walking straight into the ocean.
Younger visitors can play in the Tree House Water Playground. It features four water slides, a geyser and ground spray area, and a 317-gallon tipping bucket.
Finally, get the whole family together to board the Crystal River Rapids attraction. Travel through speeding currents, cascading waterfalls, sprinkling leaves, and caves with leaky ruinous walls.
2. Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
As the experts on all things aquatic, SeaWorld Orlando boasts multiple water park locations. If you’re craving something more relaxing, try the Renaissance Orlando, available through ResortPass.
This family-friendly resort is within walking distance of the SeaWorld theme park. Kids and teens can play at the on-site R Aqua Zone water park, which features water jets, slides, splash pads, and a toddler area.
Meanwhile, parents can lounge poolside with tropical drinks in hand. Various restaurants and bars feature innovative cocktails and cuisine, including Tradewinds Restaurant, Boardwalk Pub, and Mist Wine Bar & Tapas, which lies at the center of an amazing atrium.
However, parents and kids don’t have to enjoy the day separately. At the Palms Pool Bar, Mom and Dad can enjoy a tropical drink while the kids splash in the water. For families looking for a day trip that offers serenity as well as adventure, look no further than the Renaissance.
3. The Grove Resort and Water Park
The Grove Resort in Orlando isn’t just a 4-star hotel with exceptional amenities and a prime location. Overlooking Orlando’s Lake Austin and a convenient drive from Disney World and Universal Studios, The Grove Resort is also home to Surfari Water Park.
Surfari Water Park promises family-friendly fun for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest members of your expedition. The pools are packed with thrilling attractions like dual water slides for the kids to race and soothing experiences like a 695-foot lazy river for adults. There’s also a kids’ activity pool and splash pad for the little ones.
Ease into the zero-entry heated pool to enjoy a more traditional pool day, or level up your stay with the Flowrider Surf Simulator. For an additional fee, you can hit the waves as if you’re out on the ocean, with boards provided by the park and staff on hand to ensure your safety.
The Grove’s entertainment options extend beyond the water park. On Lake Austin, you can try your hand at various water sports, while indoors, you can get your game on at the Family Fun Center arcade. And if you’re craving a bite to eat, you don’t even have to leave your chair, with multiple poolside restaurants.
4. Tidal Cove Water Park
Opening its doors for the first time during Memorial Day in 2019, the Tidal Cove Water Park at J.W. Marriott Miami Turnberry is one of the latest additions to Florida’s staggering collection of water parks. But with its state-of-the-art attractions and enviable amenities, that should come as no surprise.
Just listen to all of its fun-filled features. First, Tidal Cove offers two luxurious outdoor pools, not to mention a 4,000-square-foot splash pad designed for infants under 48 inches. If that wasn’t enough to keep the kids entertained, there are also seven slides and the FlowRider Triple, another simulated surf machine.
For adults, feel free to relax as you make your way down the lazy river. The park offers convenient towel service when it’s time to dry off, as well as ice water stations for humid days in Orlando. Throw in changing rooms and lockers available to rent, and the Tidal Cove has every amenity you could need.
But what about food? Not a problem: the water park offers poolside food and drinks. If you’re looking for a meal when the day is done, the J.W. Marriott Miami Turnberry has a host of choices, from quick service at Freestyle to fine dining at Corsair Kitchen and Bourbon Steak.
5. CoCo Key Hotel and Water Park Resort
While every water park on this list is worth the day trip, none are quite as colorful as CoCo Key. Literally: Their various water attractions are painted every color of the rainbow, which makes this resort the perfect place for your next family vacation.
The entire CoCo Key Water Park is covered by a 54,000-square-foot canopy, which means you can enjoy the resort’s thrills and chills, rain or shine. With 14 water slides to choose from, you’ll never be bored as you plunge into the pool and swim the day away.
CoCo Key also features an interactive, water-filled jungle gym, ideal for kids of all ages if they somehow tire of the water slides. At Minnows Lagoon, your little ones can enjoy a zero-depth entry pool, water spouts, water guns, and kiddie slides made just their size.
The Coral Reef area features a stunning waterfall and another spacious pool, while indoors, you can challenge your family to a game at the 6,500-square-foot arcade. Add in a delicious poolside restaurant, and CoCo Key has everything you could ever want in a Florida water park.
What Are Other Top Parks To Check Out in Florida?
Are you looking to enjoy a world-class water park one day, and hit a theme park the next? Or maybe you’re hoping to hop from one stunning water park to another. If you’re looking to extend your daycation to include other top attractions in Florida, here are four additional parks to consider.
Adventure Island Tampa Bay
Adventure Island Tampa Bay at Busch Gardens is a water park paradise for kids. There are four different pool attractions, including Endless Surf, which is the 17,000 square-foot wave pool, and Castaway Falls, the new interactive splash and play area that features four thrilling slides and three giant tipping buckets that dump 1,300 gallons of water.
You can also play at Paradise Lagoon. This tropical area is complete with fun net climbs and provides its bravest guests with the chance to cliff jump into 9,000 square feet of tropical blue water.
The smallest visitors can play safely in the Shaka-Laka Shores interactive splash and play zone. Positioned in the heart of Adventure Island, this play structure is situated within a zero-depth area and has 25 play elements to keep the kids busy.
For something more suited for the grown-ups, travel nearby to The Tampa EDITION. This luxurious escape, nestled in Downtown Tampa, immerses you in urban luxury. Take a dip in the rooftop pool, nap in a private cabana, or indulge in some gourmet dining created in partnership with Michelin-starred chef John Fraser.
Designed by architects at Morris Adjmi, this stunning getaway is the ideal setting for anyone looking to kick up their feet and enjoy a delicious poolside cocktail.
Walt Disney World Resort
If you vacation in Florida, you’ll likely consider stopping by Disney. Aside from its four theme parks, the Walt Disney World Resort features two impressive water parks.
If you’re looking for something with smaller crowds but still crave that Disney magic, try the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. This resort was designed with quality time in mind. You and your family can enjoy the waterfalls, waterslides, six swimming pools, and four whirlpools.
Outside of the water, your group can enjoy various activities, including playing with the outdoor ping-pong and pool tables, checking out the beachside playground, and serving up some fun on the sand volleyball courts.
LEGOLAND Florida Water Park
Like the other major theme parks in Florida, LEGOLAND has its own kid-friendly water park. Surrounded by LEGO decor, this park provides a good mix of whimsy and adventure.
Cool off in the LEGO Wave Pool or splash in the Joker Soaker interactive play area filled with slides, climbing areas, wading pools, and a 300-gallon bucket. For something to do in pairs, try Twin Chasers. Board tubes and ride 375 feet down an intertwining pair of enclosed water slides.
Children aged six and under can play in the DUPLO Splash Safari, going down short slides and splashing in shallow water. The area is creatively decorated with larger-than-life DUPLO animals.
In true LEGO fashion, there are several opportunities for families to get creative. You can visit Creative Cove and partake in Build-A-Boat. Construct your own LEGO watercraft and join a race. Then, kids can practice problem-solving as they can use big blocks to design and build LEGO vessels to ride around the 1000-foot-long lazy river.
If you want to keep the fun going, head to Balmoral Resort Florida, located in Haines City. Enjoy the waterpark with waterslides and a splash playground without having to wait in long lines.
Play games outside like foosball, pool, and cornhole, and then head indoors to hang out at the arcade. Parents can lounge poolside or relax in the hot tub.
Positioned on the lake, this resort also provides you with the opportunity to go fishing and play putt-putt golf. Once you’ve built up an appetite, go to the Balmoral Bar & Grill for some delicious food.
Universal Volcano Bay
Universal Volcano Bay is Universal Orlando Resort’s action-packed water park. Thrill seekers can board the Krakatau Aqua Coaster and travel through the volcano and waterfall.
For something to do as a group, climb aboard multi-passenger rafts and speed through open flumes and twisting slides. For a solo adventure, try the body slides. Take a jaw-dropping plunge from high atop the volcano through trap doors and end up in the turquoise waters below.
End the day with a relaxing slow ride on the Kopiko Wai Winding River that takes you all over the bay and through Stargazer’s Cavern where you get to see the magical night sky above.
If you enjoy the adventurous spirit of Universal Volcano Bay, you’ll want to check out the Omni Orlando Resort, just a short drive away.
The Omni Orlando Resort sprawls across 800 acres of lush palms and sparkling water. Take a dip in the family pool fashioned with fountains, a water tower, and a 125-foot corkscrew water slide. Children can also ride the waterslides over at the kid’s pool. Traveling without children? Hang out at the adults-only pool or take a ride down the 850-foot lazy river.
For something a little different, take advantage of the two championship golf courses or go mini golfing. Get competitive on the tennis and basketball courts or in the arcade. After you’ve built up an appetite, take your pick at one of the ten unique restaurants and lounges.
How Can ResortPass Help?
With so many places to choose from, ResortPass can help take your daycation to the next level. We partner with hotels to offer Day Passes to guests interested in enjoying a resort’s pool and amenities without having to book a room.
Select your location, purchase a ResortPass, and then enjoy all the amenities listed on our site. In other words, ride the lazy rivers and water slides without paying for the night.
The next time you plan a water park vacation, surprise your family with twice the fun using ResortPass.
