Summer is in full swing, so whether you are planning a quick getaway in your home state, taking a road trip, or dreaming about your vacation plans for next year, check out these waterpark resorts that should be at the top of your list. Forego the sandy beaches and separate hotels because no one wants to pile into a hot car after a long day, and head to one of the waterpark resorts where you can stay and play all day. With tons of slip, sliding fun, kiddie areas, and fast rides for the thrill seekers, grab your swimsuit and plan to enjoy your waterpark adventure whether from the top of a tall slide, or the calming waters of a lazy river.
Table of Contents
12 Best Waterpark Resorts for Families
1. Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort, New Braunfels, Texas
For a waterpark resort vacation you will return to year after year, Schlitterbahn Waterpark and resort in New Braunfels, Texas should be your next destination. Nestled next to the Comal River in the quaint and historic city of New Braunfels, this waterpark resort is part of the local landscape. With a large variety of accommodation layouts perfect for even the largest families, there is something for everyone at this waterpark resort.
Four interconnected parks, running along the river and set under a forest of large shady trees makes this park an enjoyable multi-day vacation experience for kids and adults. The original park even uses the water from the river itself for the rides, creating a natural filtration system and keeping the water a cool and refreshing temperature the whole summer season.
2. Great Wolf Lodge, Gurnee, Illinois
Great Wolf Lodge has become the name in family indoor waterpark resorts and entertainment, with several locations throughout the United States. This all-in-one resort, waterpark, and theme-park like attraction is a great way to vacation with kids because you literally never need to leave their property to have a full and diverse, family-friendly vacation experience. Their indoor waterparks include body slides, tube slides, multiple pools, kiddie play areas, and so much more. Plus, when the kids tire from all the waterplay, there are still tons of on-site activities and attractions such as bowling, mini-golf, a ropes courses, a rock wall, an arcade, Magiquest, and an indoor adventure park.
With suites and cabins accommodating up to 12 people, large families and multigenerational families traveling together can all come to stay and play at a Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark Resort.
Read More: A Minnesota Staycation for the Entire Family: Swimming, Sweets, and Stem
3. Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
With easy access to 60 miles of pristine white beaches, the Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a vacation destination full of water fun for the whole family. Whether you choose to spend your day in the sun, sand, and surf, or opt for an exciting adventure on the water slides and rides, the water play never stops at the Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark. Featuring 15 water attractions, indoor and outdoor pools, fantastic views, plenty of activities for both kids and adults, and high end amenities for both the vacation and business traveler, the Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark should be on your list of waterpark resorts to visit either as a couple or a family.
4. All Ritmo Cancun Resort and Waterpark, Cancun, Mexico
If you are looking for an all-inclusive family fun vacation then All Ritmo Cancun Resort and Waterpark is where it’s at. This family friendly resort is comprised of 115 rooms all offering either gorgeous garden or ocean views, along with on-site dining and a kid-friendly waterpark. Spend the day relaxing in the sun while the kids play in the Treehouse featuring waterfalls, waterslides, water umbrellas and more. The All Ritmo Cancun Resort and Waterpark offers a host of activities including tennis courts, basketball courts, various outdoor games, mini-golf, a kids club so mom and dad can take a break, a game room, theme nights, and more.
5. Maui Sands Resort and Waterpark, Sandusky, Ohio
This Hawaiian themed indoor waterpark resort is a year round destination for tropical fun. Accommodations include traditional hotel rooms, along with a variety of suites available as well. The large indoor waterpark is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, making for a truly memorable experience. Amenities include an arcade, the Lava Lounge and the Volcano Grill.
6. Camelback Resort Lodge and Aquatopia Waterpark, Tannersville, Pennsylvania
Camelback Resort Lodge and Aquatopia Waterpark is your one-stop vacation destination, year-round in the Poconos Mountains. This fabulous resort is ideal for all, couples, families and multigenerational travel groups looking for fun all in one location. Camelback Resort features 2 waterparks, one indoor and one outdoor, a luxury spa, shopping, multiple dining and lounge options, meeting space, and even a family entertainment center. From skiing, snowboarding, and tubing during the winter, to the zip lines, a ropes course, the mountain coaster, and more, there is something for every guest, every season.
7. Flamingo Waterpark Resort, Kissimmee, Florida
Soak up the Florida sunshine at the Flamingo Waterpark Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. Centrally located to all of the Disney, Universal and Sea World theme parks, this family friendly hotel and waterpark is tons of fun for kids and adults visiting Central Florida. With a slide tower, tot spot, lazy river, and more, waterpark admission is included in a resort stay. Perfect for a fun and relaxing day of play, the Flamingo Waterpark Resort is ideal for families traveling in large groups or with small children giving you a fun waterpark experience right outside your door.
8. Darien Lake Splashtown, Darien Center, New York
Darien Lake Splashtown is a destination vacation full of thrills, rides, and fun. This Six Flags theme park, waterpark, resort and campground offers both the relaxation and adventure one could wish for. At Darien Lake there are so many ways to stay and to play. Accommodations include a hotel, camping, glamping, cabins, guest houses, and RV rentals. For thrills and adventure, families can visit the Six Flags theme park featuring 135 attractions, head to the Splashtown waterpark (admission is included in your stay) filled with exciting rides and luxury cabanas for the ultimate relaxation, or spend the day in Darien Square featuring family friendly restaurants, shopping, and arcade and more.
9. Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark, Dubuque, Iowa
Located in the Port of Dubuque with views of the Mississippi River and historic downtown, the Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark offers all the comforts of home with all of the amenities one could desire. The Grand Harbor resort offers spacious and well-appointed rooms for ultimate relaxation while their location and on-site waterpark offer the ultimate in recreation. Boasting an on-site indoor/outdoor waterpark, the Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark is ideal for families traveling with kids as parents can relax, or play along with the kids on the waterslides, waterspouts, lazy river, tube rides and more.
10. Nickelodeon Waterpark Resort, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The Nickelodeon Hotel, Resort and Waterpark in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic is an all inclusive destination dream vacation for families. This five star luxury resort offers activities and extensive amenities for the youngest to the oldest in your travel party. Whether your ideal vacation location involves swim in/swim out luxury suites, or sleeping in a pineapple and visiting with SpongeBob, this is where you want to visit. Guests can spend the day enjoying the Aqua Nick waterpark, hanging out in the huge, two-story indoor playground, meeting their favorite characters, and even getting slimed! With state of the art amenities and the best in luxury hospitality, this tropical destination will be one to remember.
Read More: 10 Best All Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean for Families
11. Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tennessee
Featuring the luxury of a Marriott Resort combined with the action packed adventure of a waterpark, the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Soundwaves waterpark should be on your list of places to stay in Nashville, Tennessee. With 9 acres of lush indoor gardens, cascading waterfalls, and an indoor/outdoor waterpark oasis for all ages, both couples and families will love their time spent in Nashville. Looping body slides, mat racers, a wave pool and a children’s water playground are just a few of the amenities available at this luxury waterpark resort located in the heart of the city.
12. Grand Lodge Waterpark Resort, Rothschild, Wisconsin
With 50,000 feet of indoor water adventures, the Grand Lodge Waterpark Resort offers fun for all seasons. Come, stay and play year round at this resort and huge indoor waterpark. It may be chilly outdoors, but it’s always a balmy 84 degrees in the waterpark. Climb, slide, swim, or float, the rides Grand Lodge Waterpark Resort has plenty for kids of all ages, making this an ideal resort vacation for families. Offering a variety of room layouts that are fun for the family, including loft suites and bunk beds, the accommodations are comfy and cozy (some rooms even have a fireplace) while still providing all the amenities one desires on relaxing vacation.
Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall, one of these waterpark resorts for your family friendly destination vacation is located nearby. Cool off during the dog days of summer at an outdoor waterpark, soaking up the sun, or enjoy a balmy day full of water play indoors, even when it’s cold outside at one of the many indoor waterpark resorts. Fun for the whole family and with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, plan a memorable vacation that is both fun and easy with these one-stop waterpark resorts where a day full of play is literally right outside your door.
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out this Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort Review!
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