Cool off or get pumped up: Best waterparks for summer adventure
Ready for summer adventure? Why not head to these top waterparks for some high adventure to cool off during the summer heat.
Summer adventure comes in many forms. On hot days, the best waterparks in the country are the perfect place to cool off and get a dose of high adventure. Throughout the country, waterparks are popular with all types of visitors. From people wanting the adrenaline thrills to families just wanting a place to cool off, a water park is a must visit for the summer.
Unlike theme parks, water parks usually draw more local visitors. The waterpark is often a one day respite from the heat. Even though many people may not be building a huge vacation around a waterpark, they continue to find ways to bring in new visitors.
While many visitors want heart-pounding thrill rides, the waterparks have to take safety into consideration. After the tragic accident at Schlitterbahn in Kansas City, waterparks have an even bigger nod to safety. Rides are tested to ensure that riders are and feel safe during their wet, high adventure.
For our summer adventure, the best waterparks that have earned a spot on this list are:
SeaWorld’s Aquatica – Orlando, Florida
Located in the theme park capital of the world is Sea World Aquatica. From locals looking for a break from the Florida heat to vacationers wanting a break from the traditional theme park rides, Aquatica offers a balance of high adventure and family-friendly fun.
The waterpark’s new addition, Ray Rush, is a great choice for all ages. The family raft ride offers drops, turns and even a boomerang moment. The open-air halfpipe is the signature drop for this ride.
Aquatica in Orlando is located next to SeaWorld Orlando.
Aquatopia – Tannersville, Pennsylvania
Located in Pennsylvania, Aquatopia was recently named the best waterpark in the state by U.S. News and World Report. This indoor waterpark offers all types of water fun for the whole family. Even on rainy days, the transparent roof lets in light and still protects guests from UV rays.
For the thrill seekers, Aquatopia features Storm Chaser, which is North America’s longest water coaster. Also, the waterpark has 13 water slides, seven pools and a multi-level aqua play structure with 84 interactive water features. With all the thrilling water fun, no one will even give a second thought about being indoors.
Aquatopia is located in the Camelback resort. The resort is 90 minutes from New York City and two hours from Philadelphia.
Splashing Safari – Santa Claus, Indiana
Santa Claus, Indiana seems like an unlikely place for a waterpark, but Splashing Safari is definitely worth a visit. With two world’s best attractions, this waterpark is great for both thrill seekers and families.
One of the must-try rides at Splashing Safari is Mammoth Water Coaster. Ranked as the Guinness World Record holder for World’s Longest Water Coaster, this behemoth is filled with steep climbs and big drops. From the highest to lowest point, the height difference is seven stories. Plus, the raft is built for a big group. What’s better than to hear your friends scream during all the thrills?
Big thrills aren’t the only reason to visit Splashing Safari. The waterpark boasts wave pools, long rivers and the new elephant-themed water play area for younger guests. The Tembo Falls and Tembo Tides are new for 2018.
Considered a favorite with Trip Advisor and locals, Splashing Safari is definitely a must visit during the summer.
Noah’s Ark – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Dells are a popular getaway for Midwesterners. Packed in the Northern Wisconsin area are several water parks. After the long, cold Wisconsin winters, visitors are ready to get out and splash in the sun.
One of the most popular waterparks in the Wisconsin Dells is Noah’s Ark. Covering 70 acres of water fun, Noah’s Ark is considered the largest Water Park in America. This waterpark is great for a wide variety of ages.
With multiple children’s play areas, bumper boats and giant wave pools, everyone can get in some water fun. Some of the water rides even offer side by side racing.
New for the 2018 season, guests will be able to conqueror Raja, the world’s largest king cobra. This massive side by side racing tubes offer a huge plunge and potential speeds up to 32 mph. A cobra’s bite might seem less menacing.
Noah’s Ark is located in the Wisconsin Dells. The waterpark is open during the summer months.
Water Country – Williamsburg, Virginia
Located by Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Water Country offers numerous all-ages attractions. With an emphasis towards younger guests, the waterpark is filled with family-friendly slides and splash areas.
Similar to theme parks, Water Country offers the first family thrill ride. As the four-rider raft twists and turns its way down the slide, riders won’t know where or when the next drop comes. It thrilling but not too scary.
This waterpark wants everyone to relax and enjoy this summer. From just enjoying a day in the sun to getting into the water adventures, the mid-Atlantic’s largest water park is popular with all ages.
Water Country is located in Williamsburg, Virginia near Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
Dollywood Splash Country – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
At Dollywood Splash Country, the waterpark tries to be as big at its namesake’s personality. While the huge adrenaline adventures might not be a top priority, there is plenty of water fun to be had. A few of the must-try attractions are the Downbound Float Trip, Mountain Waves, and River Rush.
New for the 2018 season, Dollywood Splash Country offers a new line management system. The TimeSaver H2O uses a wristband to hold your place in line so riders don’t have to stand and wait. While there is a cost associated with the wristband, it can make the day at the waterpark more enjoyable.
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Are you heading to a waterpark this summer? Which ones are part of your best waterparks list? It’s going to be a hot summer. Who’s ready to cool off?