Water parks may make you think of hot summer days, but did you know there are tons of indoor water parks to please your inner beach bum even in the winter? One of the best features of indoor water parks is that they offer fun activities for every family member through resort-style living. Whether you love to hit the waves in a wave pool or float down the lazy river, these top water parks will make sure you have a whale of a time.
Courtesy of Camelback Resort
Aquatopia at Camelback Resort
Tie those swim trunks on tight! Aquatopia is the largest indoor waterpark in the Northeast and has more slides slides available than any indoor park in the area. From the Outa-Space Race to the Venus Slydetrap, each slide at the Tannersville, Pennsylavania, water park will shoot you through one crazy, fast, immersive experience. For kids and adults both looking for a tamer time, head on over to the Croc-O-Nile Crossing to splash around with obstacle courses or float along the lazy river. Aquatopia aims to provide fun and ease for all ages, whether you love the water or are just learning to swim. There are toddler-focused themed parks so you can watch your babies learn to love the water. When everyone’s fingers are wrinkly, the fun doesn’t have to stop. Families can bowl, mini-golf, paint pottery and try rock climbing together all steps from your hotel.
Rooms start at $180 and rate includes admission to all themed areas of Aquatopia. Non-water park activities are separate.
Wilderness Resort
Wisconsin Dells is known as the water park capital of the U.S., and for good reason! Wilderness Resort is the indoor water park of your kids’ dreams. This 200,000 square-foot jungle features five different waterpark experiences. Start with Klondike Kavern, where adults and kids can dip their toes in the water by cruising on the lazy river and getting a lay of the land. Then suit up and try out body slides, raft rides and more. When you need to sit back and relax, head over to the Wild Waterdome and play in the wave pool after sunbathing in a greenhouse-like room. The fun doesn’t stop there, depending on how long you stay at Wilderness Resort (they offer a variety of park and hotel packages), you’ll have time to explore the Wild West and Cubby’s Cove, both equipped with water games and sports to keep all the kids busy. If you’re in need of some adult-only time, swim over to Margarita’s Swim Up Bar for a drink and relax.
Rooms start at $110 and include admission to the all water parks.
Great Wolf Lodge
It’s rare to see an indoor waterpark over on the west coast, but if you’re in need of some splashing around, Great Wolf Lodge’s new water park in Anaheim is the place to go – and gives you something to do beside Disney! There are over 15 different theme areas catering to the entire family, from infants to adults. This waterpark boasts the classic indoor park favorites, such as the lazy river and wave pool. What you can’t find at every other waterpark is the Howlin’ Tornado—a giant water funnel you spin and slide around while crashing into waves. Great Wolf Lodge also features just as many unique experiences and attractions out of the water. The entire family can head to the arcade, do a little shopping, or go to the movie theatre. All the fun is bound to make you hungry, so when those stomachs start to rumble, Great Wolf Lodge offers seven different restaurants to please everyone’s appetite.
Rooms start at $250 and include water park admission. Standard rooms can be upgraded to themed rooms for $100 more per night.