Amusement Parks

Make a Splash at the World’s 8 Coolest Water Parks

Last updated 7th March 2019

There’s nothing better than the excitement of being sent splashing through a winding tube or drifting along a lazy river. A hotel with a pool is great, but a hotel with an awesome water park takes a family vacation to new heights. These eight spots around the globe are full of thrills and spills.

1/8 The Grove Resort & Spa, Orlando

Just a few miles from Walt Disney World, The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando is home to the epic Surfari Water Park. This water wonderland entertains with a lazy river, splash areas and plenty of pools and waterslides for kids. The resort also has cabanas and hot tubs for adults.

2/8 Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

Most everyone knows Atlantis in the Bahamas, but the Dubai-based Atlantis is on another level entirely. It’s built on one of the largest man-made islands in the world, with thrills around every corner. There are high-speed slides, roaring river rapids, myriad splash zones — and even an aquarium with over 65,000 marine animals sure to please kids of all ages.

3/8 Kalahari, the Poconos

Adrenaline junkies will love this African-themed resort in Pennsylvania’s Poconos mountains. From the 60-foot Screaming Hyena that towers over the park to the Elephant’s Trunk slide, Kalahari will keep the whole family entertained for days on end. There’s also a surfing simulator, a lazy river and a swim-up bar with mocktails for kids.

4/8 Nickelodeon, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Getting slimed is a must at the Nickelodeon-themed hotel and water park in the Dominican Republic, which sits along the white sands of Uvero Alto Beach. The Aqua Nick water park offers an impressive selection of water cannons, lazy rivers and splash pads for cooling off in the Caribbean sun.

5/8 Arizona Resort & Spa, Phoenix, Arizona

The entire family can find the perfect combination of fun and relaxation on seven acres of thrilling aquatic recreation. Relax with comfort fare and libations amidst the sounds of soothing waves at The Oasis Bar & Grill, located inside Arizona’s ultimate water adventure. Families can stay cool in the shade while kicking back poolside in a private Oasis Cabana.

6/8 Labranda Aqua Fun, Marrakech, Morocco

Just a short ride from Marrakech, the Aqua Fun — Morocco’s biggest water park — is a haven from the North African sun. It features a rafting river, a wave pool and a staggering 58 waterslides. You’ll want to plan a vacation in Morocco for this resort alone.

7/8 JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa, San Antonio, Texas

Surrounded by 600 acres of oak-covered hills, this Texas resort welcomes guests with stylish accommodations, deluxe amenities and stunning Hill Country views. Dive into outdoor fun at River Bluff Water Experience, our nine-acre water park, featuring a 650-foot rapid river and 1,100-foot lazy river.

8/8 Coqui Water Park at El Conquistador Resort, Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Over two acres of thrill and adventure await guests at the family-friendly Coqui Water Park. Featuring a myriad of exhilarating slides, rapids and a trendy restaurant and bar, the water park is guaranteed to bring non-stop fun to guests of all ages.

By Carey Reilly

Find more theme park recommendations here.