What’s the best thing you can do to beat the heat in the middle of summer? Grab your kids and get ready to make a splash! There are hundreds of outdoor water parks across the country where you can cool down while still enjoying the summer sun. Many theme parks cater to families of all ages with tiny-tot daycare programs. You’ll be able to take your toddlers to a splash pad and then tube down that big slide with your teens.
Courtesy of Water Safari
Enchanted Forest Water Safari
New York’s largest water park in Old Forge is the perfect place for kids who want a day of fun in and out of the water. There are 32 water rides and an array of amusement park-style coasters, along with an arcade and traditional playground. This water park is the place for a family-filled day. Grab a five-person tube and hop on the Amazon, a 1,100 ft ride through the jungle, or race the kids down the Nairobi Narrows body slide.
Courtesy of Busch Gardens® Williamsburg
Water Country USA
Whether you want to body surf or enjoy the lazy river, everyone in the family will enjoy this water park in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Surfer’s Bay wave pool is a good place to get your feet wet before heading to the bigger attractions like the Jet Stream, Colossal Curl and Big Daddy Falls. Toddlers can have some fun in the multiple splash pads all featuring animal themes. Cabanas and loungers are available for rent for families who want to spend the day at the park. Cashless wristbands also make it easy to purchase food and drinks for the family without having to worry about carrying around a wallet in the water.
Courtesy of Legoland
Legoland Water Park
Almost every kid has a love for Lego. Combine that with the fun of splashing around all day and this water park outside of San Diego is a winner! Parents and kids can spend the day getting creative while they build rafts to float down the lazy river. The creativity doesn’t stop there. Head to Imagination Station to build bridges and cities and then see how they stand up to a test of rushing rapids! The park also features water slides and splash zones for kids of all ages.
Courtesy of Schlitterbahn New Braunfels
Schlitterbahn Water Park
Whether you are looking to twist and turn down water slides or work on your tan lounging in the sun, Schlitterbahn in Kansas City is the Midwest’s answer to outdoor fun. Make a big splash on Blitz Falls or fly through the air in the Soaring Eagle zip line, then head over to some of the craziest tube slides in the country. Families are welcome to turn their day at the park into a mini vacation, with lodging options available just outside of the park entrance.