We love a good indoor water park and we have been to multiple over the years and some of them 2-3 times! In this post we share our top picks for Indoor water park resorts in the US and also asked our fellow travel experts to share their top picks as well.
Are you searching for an Indoor Water Parks Near Me?! This is a great list! Some of these may be day trips from where you are but they are worth it. Check out the list and start planning your trip.
Highlighted Water Park States:
- 12 Top Indoor Water Parks in Ohio
- 4 Best Indoor Water Parks In Tennessee
- 7 Amazing Indoor Water Parks In Texas
- 4 Fun Indoor Water parks In Michigan
- 5 Best Indoor Water Parks In New Jersey
- 4 Best Indoor Water Parks In Wisconsin
Table of Contents
Wisconsin – Wilderness Resort
If you are looking for the ultimate in Indoor Water Parks you are going to want to visit the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells. This massive resort’s indoor water park features 4 indoor water parks (Wild WaterDome, Wild West Waterpark, Klondike Kavern and Cubby’s Cove) 3 of them are over 60,000 sq feet, that’s a lot of fun per square foot. Yes, you read that right: 4 indoor water parks!
There are slides for all different levels, an indoor wave pool and plenty of spraying water fun for everyone at the multi-level water play structures. There is even a special slide for children under the age of 12, the Bonanza Bluff Body Slide.
When you are done with the water playground fun you can head to all the fun indoor activities. They have a ropes course, black light 3D mini golf course, bumper boats, laser tag, laser maze, and a multi-level indoor go-cart course! Check out the Fun Pass for the best deal on all of these activities.
We also enjoy hanging out by the free indoor Timberland play area where the kids can climb and explore the play structure for hours. Just be sure to bring socks with you, since they will need them in the play structure. If you forget they do have a sock vending machine – we have had to use it before when we forgot socks.
When the weather turns cool a place like the Wilderness is perfect for a family vacation. The 80 degree indoor water parks are a great escape from the cold and when you are done swimming you can enjoy hours of activities without even leaving the resort. Plus they have multiple restaurants and if you can getaway they also have a spa that I have heard is amazing.
Our Secret Tip On The Wilderness
Our secret when you visit the Wilderness is actually to get into your car and make the 10 minute trip over to Wilderness on The Lake. Here you will find a smaller water park (Cubby Cove), a deeper pool and a large indoor outdoor hot tub. What we love about going here it is normally much less busy then the larger waterparks, since most water parks are on a first come first served basis. So shh don’t tell everyone because then it will start to get busy!
Please Note: All children at Wilderness on the Lake under 48″ tall will be required to wear a coast guard approved life vest as part of their rules. You will probably want to make sure the real little kids and babies have swim diapers as well.
If you have small kids you will want to have a stroller or wagon with you. The resort is HUGE and you do have to do some walking to get from water park to water park or to the other activities. Having a place to put your kids and your stuff will be super helpful.
You can also look into the indoor cabana’s, found in the Wild WaterDome, if you are looking to rent a place for the family to kick back and relax in-between swimming. Plus the swim up bar is located in this water park – just a heads up it is an adults only area at the swim up bar.
Wisconsin – Great Wolf Lodge
If you have younger kids or older kids who aren’t so keen on big, dark water slides the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park in Wisconsin Dells is a great choice. They have 3 connected water parks that do a great job of catering to the pint sized crowd. Almost all of the slides are open concept or lighted so they are less scary (no free falls here!). Except for the Hurricane (which is CRAZY), I did it once and that was enough for me.
GWL is also known for all their fun activities they have throughout the day – especially on the weekend. For example, when you check in each of the kids will get a set of wolf ears to wear! Then through the day they have things like story time where an interactive display tells a night time story or trick-or-treating if you are there in October. There are also multiple restaurants on site.
One of our favorite non waterpark things to do was have a yummy huge ice cream sundae called The Tipping Bucket as a family on our last night there. This thing was massive and yummy with ice cream, cookies, brownies, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and sprinkles!! Plus they have delicious Wisconsin cheese curds – you can’t pass these up when you are in Wisconsin. You get all this yumminess at Buckets Incredible Craveables – be sure to check the time because they do close early.
Here are some great tips on visiting any Great Wolf Lodge.
If you are in the Wisconsin area you may want to check out the Timber Ridge Lodge waterpark as well.
Washington – Great Wolf Lodge
Located midway between Portland, OR, and Seattle, WA, Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, WA is a fun, family get-away for a weekend getaway or even a night, with special seasonal highlights (Howl-o-ween, Snowland, and more) for additional family memories as part of your weatherproof vacation.
Swim, splash, and ride all of the best rides like the Alberta Falls 4-story tube ride, the Howlin’ Tornado Funnel, and the River Canyon Run raft ride. You won’t want to leave.
Great Wolf Lodge has many activities for kids and families, in addition to their indoor waterpark. Your kids can play MagiQuest or ShadowQuest and go on missions throughout the resort complex, build a stuffed Great Wolf kids friend at the Creation Station, play video games in the Arcade, get a Glitz Tattoo, play mini golf, and more. (You can purchase these items separately or consider buying a Paw Pass that gets a whole bundle of fun at a great discount.)
Shared by: Jana Seitzer – https://www.whiskynsunshine.com/
Tennessee – Wilderness at the Smokies
Located in Sevierville, Tennessee, near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Wilderness at the Smokies contains all there is to love about an indoor water park. From the wave pool to the multilevel splash park (complete with dumping bucket) to the many water slides, there’s water fun for all.
My family’s favorite, though, is the Storm Chaser Thrill Ride. Up to four family members climb aboard a raft and set off down the slide before plummeting 55 feet into a large funnel. Here, you spin your way around until entering the final slide that deposits you into the pool at the bottom. It’s even better at night when multicolored lights fill the funnel.
When visiting during warm weather, you also can enjoy the many features of Wilderness at the Smokies’ outdoor water park. Attractions include a wave pool, a lazy river, several water slides and a new children’s water fun zone. If that’s not enough entertainment, inside the hotel complex you’ll find an indoor ropes course, laser tag, rock wall climbing, an arcade, and more.
Whether you go for a weekend or extend your stay, there’s more than enough to keep the entire family occupied at Wilderness at the Smokies.
Shared by: Karon Warren – https://www.thisgirltravels.com
Tennessee is filled with awesome things to do! From Nashville to Chattanooga to the Smokey Mountains. You may just need to go on a Tennessee Road Trip!
Pennsylvania – Great Wolf Lodge
With views of snow covered mountains in the distance, Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains is an all-under-one-roof resort destination. The “Northwoods” themed family resort has a rustic timber framing that harkens back to the Park-itecture of the grand hotels of America’s National Parks. It reminds me of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, but my daughter was quick to point out, “This is better, it has a waterpark!”
Yes, Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains’ indoor waterpark is included with your room reservation, and admission is limited to hotel-resort guests to prevent over-crowding. Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains’ indoor waterpark has unique features such as Slideboarding – a video game waterslide, Double-Barrel Drop funnel slide, Hydro Plunge aqua coaster, and the typical splash ground with dumping bucket.
However, Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains also has non-waterpark fun such as MagiQuest interactive fantasy-adventure game, Howlers Peak Ropes Course, a bowling alley, arcade, mini golf, ice cream themed Scooops Kids Spa, and a full-service Elements adult day-spa. The Loose Moose Family Kitchen offers an all-you-care to eat buffet for breakfast and dinner, and there’s even a “wine-down” service where room-service brings adult sweet and savory culinary treats along with a bottle of wine to your suite while the little ones sleep.
Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains has a mission to create family traditions one family at a time. Our family has certainly created many great memories at this indoor waterpark resort in the Poconos with our kids growing up with Great Wolf Lodge’s brand of Northwoods indoor waterpark fun.
Shared by: Dave Parfitt – http://www.adventuresbydaddy.com
Pennsylvania – Kalahari Resort in the Poconos
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the Poconos, Pennsylvania is sure to thrill kids and parents alike with its African-themed decor, plentiful activities, delicious dining and luxurious amenities. The recently expanded property boasts 222,000 square-feet of waterpark fun making it America’s Largest Indoor Water Park. Catch a wave by trying surfing or body boarding on the FlowRider, ride twisty waterslides, get wet at Splashdown Safari, relax in the lazy river, explore the kiddie slides or enjoy the indoor/outdoor family hot tub for fun.
If you’ve got a large group, renting a cabana is a great option. For some dry fun, hit the Family Entertainment Center where you’ll find arcade games, mini-bowling, Blacklight Mini-Golf, virtual reality games or sign up for the Kalahari Adventurers Club kid activities. Families will love the choice of restaurants offering everything from casual poolside pizza, salads and sandwiches to gourmet steak dinners and artisan cocktails. Don’t miss the fun-filled character meals and fireside story times and be sure to check out the amazing desserts and frozen treats at The Last Bite Candy & Ice Cream Shoppe.
Shared by: Lyla Gleason – http://www.globetrottingmommy.com
Oregon – Wings & Waves Waterpark
Summers in Oregon are hot. It’s the reward for 6 months of rain. Wings & Waves Waterpark in McMinnville, OR is an indoor, all-season waterpark that includes 10 waterslides for kids of all ages, ranging from slides for the little ones to slides for daredevils, and even a wave pool!
It’s perfect for cooling down and getting out of the sun! You can slide out of a real Boeing 747 aircraft sitting on the roof, and enjoy an awesome day of indoor waterpark fun just outside of Portland, OR! Shoot out of the Mach 1 high-velocity body slide, enjoy the quick drop and sudden bank of the Nose Dive tube ride, or fast-paced figure-8 turns of the Tail Spin tube ride.
Shared by: Jana Seitzer – Whisky N Sunshine
When Oregon be sure to also check out Portland, the Hood River area and the McKenzie River!
Ontario, Canada – Great Wolf Lodge
The Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls is a destination all on its own. We stayed for 2 nights, 3 days this past summer and during our time there we did not leave the property once during our stay. There was no reason to. We had everything we needed inside the resort. We joined long time friends on our stay, and it is the perfect place for young families to come together. The rooms are very large, and they offer special themed rooms which our boys loved.
If you are going to spend time in the area check out this Niagara Falls weekend getaway!
Shared by: Nicole Wears – https://travelingcanucks.com
Ohio – Castaway Bay
Sandusky is a small town offering big time family fun with lots of indoor waterparks! The Ohio area boasts several that are great including Castaway Bay, a Caribbean-inspired waterfront resort. The indoor waterpark admission is included with your room so there’s no added fee to worry about.
Castaway Bay waterpark has a tropical ambiance with a wave pool, water coaster, slides, play areas for kid and other activities. Snoopy and his PEANUTS friends visit the resort regularly which ties in nicely with nearby Cedar Point Amusement Park where the characters have a heavy presence. Additionally, Castaway Bay offers a state-of-the-art arcade, retail shops and is only steps away from the fun and tasty Quaker Steak & Lube restaurant.
Castaway Bay has 237 rooms that are a good size for families. Ours was clean and had a little balcony looking over the water and free Wi-Fi. Castaway Bay is a Cedar Point property and they offer the best ticket values and early park entry if the Amusement Park is part of your family travel plan. You’ll find this to be a fantastic family venue with water fun and close proximity to restaurants and more. Enjoy!
Shared by: Becky Beall – http://thetravelvoicebybecky.com
Ohio – Kalahari Waterpark
Our family has been going to the Kalahari Waterpark in Sandusky, Ohio, for most of our teenage daughter’s life. When she was small, she loved the play area, the enormous bucket that dumps water on everyone, the slides, riding the waves on the flowrider, going fast (or slow) in the lazy river, and jumping waves in the wave pool – and the laughter – we were always laughing!
Fast forward to teenagerhood, and she still loves to head to the Kalahari. These days, it’s more about the big slides and rides, running around with friends, and the hot tub. There’s also the arcade, for kids of all ages. What I love about Kalahari is that there is something for everyone – of all ages. We come home exhausted (all that play!), exhilarated, and happy to have built more joyful memories together.
Shared by: Dr. Jessica Voigts http://www.WanderingEducators.com
For more on Ohio Indoor Water Parks check out our post: Top 12 Indoor Water Parks in Ohio You Will Want to Visit
North Carolina – Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, North Carolina is a great place for families because there are so many activities to do, the different sizes of rooms and its location near other things. First, we love that it can accommodate different sizes of families. There are suites that sleep from 4 up to 8. If you’re taking a multi-generational trip, that’s a great selling point for families of different sizes. You can pay for the size of room you need.
My family has visited GWL a few times (we have family in the area) and one of the reasons we keep going back is because of the variety of activities. Being able to change up the routine for our days by starting with Yoga Tails or playing on the rope course in the evening allows my family to truly enjoy our time here.
Finally, we love that the Concord GWL is located near shopping at the Concord Mills Mall. That also helps change up our routine and makes it feel like a true vacation. I get to sneak in a little retail therapy for myself and my husband can check out the Bass Pro shop. It’s a win for us all!
Shared by: Kendra Pierson – http://kendrapierson.com
When you are in North Carolina be sure to check out Asheville!
New Hampshire – Kahuna Laguna (Currently Closed)
Kahuna Laguna is the indoor waterpark at the Red Jacket Mountain Resort in North Conway, New Hampshire. Whether you are visiting in the summer or the cold New England winter, it is fun to escape to the indoor water park after a busy day outdoors.
The waterpark features a zero-entry wave pool, two waterfalls, and even a water basketball area. The main feature is a three-story tower with four different water slides — two body slides and two tube slides. The Bamboo Bay adventure tour for smaller kids offers family fun with water cannons, slides, and a giant tipping bucket.
There is even a small cafe inside the water park so you don’t need to miss a minute of fun. Entrance to the Kahuna Laguna does require a fee, unless you booked a package that includes tickets. The Red Jacket Mountain Resort is a classic New England family hotel, welcoming generation after generation of visitors. Nestled in the White Mountains, families can use the Red Jacket as a home base for hiking, visiting Mount Washington, splashing in Diana’s Baths, rock climbing wall, and even taking a moose safari.
It is currently closed due to a fire but they are hoping to reopen.
Shared by: Tamara Gruber – https://we3travel.com
Click here for other great fall family getaways in New England!
New Jersey – CoCo Key Water Resort (Currently Closed)
When visiting Philadelphia or driving through Southern New Jersey, be sure to visit tropical themed CoCo Key Water Resort. It is located in The Hotel ML. Boasting over 55,000 square feet, this mammoth indoor water theme park offers guests 150,000 gallons of water. They have related rides for all ages and are open year round!
Younger children enjoy exploring Parrot’s Perch, an interactive aquatic jungle gym. It includies zero-depth entry, mini-slides, water cannons and bucket dumping activities. Of course, no visit to a waterpark would be complete without time spent meandering on an inner tube on a lazy river.
Way up high, overlooking the park, is a wading activity pool designed for young visitors. It offers Baby Slides and a Baby Bungee. An added perk for adults, the adults only Palm Grotto Indoor/Outdoor Spa. It lets you indulge in warm water therapy and destress in huge whirlpools.
My girls loved the Lilly Pad Adventure which tests both balance and strength. as you find your way across the pool. My family delights in thrill rides! If yours do too, check out these hair-raising slides. For those not afraid of heights, take a ride on Sharks Slam. Towering four stories high, you will whip and turn your way to an awaiting pool. It may not be the tallest indoor slide in the country, but it is tall enough!
For thrill seekers, hop on the Barracuda Blast, as you slide through the dark through lots of loops and turns over 350 feet. For the daring, you can try the smallest raft slide, the Pelican Plunge, which takes you on a curvy ride over 300 feet long. Family members who prefer to stay dry can entertain themselves with CoCo Key’s arcade games and dining venues.
Currently Closed
The facility is currently closed as new ownership takes over. But hopefully will be open under a new name soon!
Shared by: Lisa Grabelle – Hilton Mom Voyage & We Said Go Travel
For more on New Jersey Indoor Water Parks check out our post: Top 5 Indoor Water Park New Jersey You Won’t Want To Miss!
Missouri – Grand Country Resort
Grand Country Resort in Branson, Missouri is one of the funnest family friendly resorts in Branson. This incredible resort in the heart of the entertainment district has so many amenities it’ll make your trip perfect. The activities on property include: miniature golf, go-karts, laser tag, an arcade and more.
In addition, there is an ice cream parlor and pizza shop, as well as other dining options. Grand Country Resort is also home of the Grand Country Music Hall. The Hall features a lot of great, family friendly shows. The best part of Grand Country Resort just might be the two story indoor (and outdoor) waterpark. It features a lazy river, kiddie pools, slides, tree house with water features and a huge 1,000 gallon tipping bucket.
Grand Country Resort is right on the main strip of Branson – highway 76. This means, even though there is dining, entertainment and activities right at your resort, you are also close to all the other tourist attractions in the city. You can easily enjoy other dining, shopping, shows, museums, and attractions not far from your hotel room. All this makes Grand Country Resort a win-win in the vacation department!
Shared by: Stefanie Cornwall – Making of a Mom
Michigan – Great Wolf Lodge
Perhaps the most fun thing at Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City – amongst the many options to choose from – is the wide range of events. As with Great Wolf Lodge waterpark resorts, the Traverse City location has a fantastic waterpark. Along with an arcade and spa, evening story time, the great clock tower show, and plenty of kids activities (play room, wolfercize, wolf walk, and more).
But what our family loves most is to attend during seasonal events. There is the Magical snowland, Howl-o-ween, Trick or Treat Trail, Spooktacular story time, Visits with Santa, etc. As our 8 year-old daughter said as she flopped onto the bed when we first arrived, “Great Wolf Lodge feels like Home…but more fun!”
Shared by: Dr. Jessica Voigts – Wandering Educators
Massachusetts – Cape Codder Resort
Summer’s swimming season is short in Massachusetts, but the indoor water park at Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis (Cape Cod, Massachusetts) allows us to enjoy visiting Cape Cod with the kids year-round. The park has a relaxing lazy river, four slides, splash area for the littlest kids, a wave pool and even a hot tub and a sauna for parents! In the summer they open a retractable roof to let the sun in. (It is better to call ahead for day passes in the high season).
Shared by: Victoria – http://celebratetheweekend.com
Indiana Big Splash Adventure
Located in historic French Lick, Indiana. Big Splash Adventure is a unique water park destination featuring 40,000 square feet of aqua action under a retractable roof. Families who are also looking for convenient hotel accommodations will be thrilled to find the variety of room types available in the same facility. Including room suites with four bunk beds.
Create unforgettable memories zipping down one of four water slides. Exploring the park from a lazy trip down the Lost River. Kids of all ages will enjoy the Buccaneer Bay splash pad or one of many other activities. Rumbling tummies can be satisfied with a pizza or other snacks from the Galley Grill. Located just outside the water park next to the Treasure Chest arcade.
Also under this same complex roof is The Boatyard restaurant that offers family friendly dining. If non-water park fun is on the list, French Lick – West Baden offers several other attractions including laser tag, bowling, indoor karting, elephant & giraffe experiences at Wilstem Ranch, plus train rides, and trolley service to the stunning West Baden dome.
Our crew agrees this stop in beautiful southern Indiana is a favorite on our list. Big Splash Adventure provides “splashtastic” family fun from this area of the Hoosier State.
Shared by: Mary Beth Goff
California – Great Wolf Lodge
The newest Great Wolf Lodge opened just a short distance from Disneyland in Garden Grove, CA. We love visiting this hotel several times a year, as it is close and super fun for the whole family! The main attraction is the huge indoor water park. With slides, a wave pool, toddler area and many other attractions, there is something for your entire family to enjoy. The water park area is completely enclosed, making it the perfect destination when the weather outside isn’t so great.
But there is lots more to do here besides the water park! GWL has many activities to keep your family entertained. They have an arcade, bowling, laser tag and glow in the dark mini golf which the kids love! You can also purchase a Pup Pass for the younger kids, which includes activities suitable for the younger crowd. They get to pick a stuffed animal at the end of their adventure to take home.
For the older kids, the very popular MagiQuest is available. This is an interactive game and kids must walk from station to station all over the hotel. Kind of like a scavenger hunt that will keep them entertained for hours!
As you can see, there is lots to do at the Great Wolf Lodge for every member of your family. You may come for the water park attraction, but will soon discover so much more your family can enjoy!
Shared by: Maggie Alexander – https://milanastravels.com
There are so many fun things to do in California! Check out our Northern California road trip for more ideas!
Check out some other great activities to do with families:
If you are looking for indoor water park fun in Texas check out our post: Top 7 Amazing Indoor Water Park Texas You’ll Want To Check Out!
When in Georgia check out the Great Wolf Lodge there!
If you are looking for indoor waterparks near me I hope this list helped you find the best one!
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She loves being outside and exploring new places which is all made better when doing it with family and friends!
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I am looking for a Indoor Year around Water Park for Employment! If the fit is right I am willing to relocate! I have worked at the Water Park at Safari Joe’s and H20 in Tulsa for over a year now in Summer time frames! I know everything in what to do at Safari Joe but I love Grounds! I am a very OCD Clean Freak and love to clean! I love different jobs threw out the day to! I make $10 a hour right now and trust me I am well worth $10 a hour! You will not regret one minute about hiring me! I will make your Park and Employees very happy and I love people and talking to people! I want a opportunity to relocate and come work for you guys year around at your Water Park! The only thing I ask is try and give me at least $10 a hour! Thanks and God Bless!!
Hi Mark, we’re just a blog that wrote about our time visiting the waterparks. If you’re looking for employment, check out their websites to see what they have available. Best of luck!
Need to make it 20 indoor parks. Left New Mexico’s ABQ Surf’n Slide off the list. Fun park: wave surfing, good slides, lazy river, indoor/outdoor spa.
We’re heading to New Mexico soon so we may have to check that one out. Thanks for the suggestion!