Back in the day, water parks were once just semi-souped up pools that offered a fun way to cool off on a hot day. These days, water parks across America have morphed into the wet counterparts to theme parks-mixing adrenaline-pumping thrills with wet family fun!
What is more exciting than eighty-foot drops and white water rapids- let alone lazy rivers and wave pools? All of these parts find their way into America’s water parks, but some, of course, do it better than others. These plaes have truly earned the crown of kings of wet. So, come on, grab your suncreen, beach towel, and bathing suit and experience the best that America has to offer.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark- New Braunfels, TX
In Texas, ir is a rarity that the thermometer ever reads below 90 degrees in the summer. This one factor is what drives many families to Schlitterbahn Waterpark, outfitted with coolers and bathing suits. This little known wonder has been voted the top waterpark in America for the past three years. The park is a 65 acre Bavarian themed oasisfeaturing tunnel slides, tube chutes, floating areas, and at least four swimming pools. If you want to experience ultimate thrill, you must head on over to the Blastenhoff entrance where the main attraction is a six-story, super-soaker Master Blaster uphill water coaster. Just imagine the fun that awaits you here at Schlitterbahn Waterpark.
Raging Waters- San Dimas, CA
What is California without a world-class water resort? At Raging Waters in San Dimas, CA, die-hard water park fans will want to take on the Wedge, one of only three slides of its kind in the United States. This is a slide that deserves all the praise, boasting over 21,000 pounds of steel and 10,000 pounds of white fiberglass, all the while sending riders on the slide of their lives! All of the standard water park rides find their place here at Raging Waters, including inner tubes to float down the lazy rive, thrilling flumes, and an area just for the kids. Finally, who needs to thrill-seek by skydiving- Drop-Out will surely send your adrenaline rushing when you vertically drop seven stories, reaching up to 40 miles per hour!
Water Country USA- Williamsburg, VA
Along with standard water park rides, you’ll experience cannons, slides and waterfalls, and these are just a few of the fun things to do at Water Country USA. This park is a member of the Anheuser-Busch family, and is located just three miles from the 100-acre Busch Gardens theme park. There are plenty of attractions geared towards the younger crowd, including smaller-scale pools, fountains and waterslides.
Splish Splash- Long Island, NY
Located about one hour from New York City, youmay as well be right in the middle of the Adirondack Mountains, or at least you’ll feel that way as you walk around the park. When park designers were designing the park, they tried to keep as many of the natural trees as they could to make this a truly themed theme park. The park boasts 30 different rides and activities, but the most famous of them all is Cliff Diver, a speed slide that plummets riders 80 feet down at about 55 miles per hour.
Soak City-Buena Park, CA
Yet another one of California’s great water parks is Soak City. This park has been open since June of 200 and has the advantage of being a latecomer in the water park industry. They get the advantage of being able to pick and choose popular rides and attractions that have already been tested at other great water parks. Although it’s just 13 acres, don’t let its size predetermine the fun you will have. They have managed to cram 21 major rides, all offering a mix of experiences from thrill rides to beach-bound adventures. The park has chosen to carry-on a Surfer Theme, patterned after Southern California’s 1950’s beach towns.
Water World- Denver, CO
In the summertime, just because the ski slopes are closed doesn’t mean you can’t have fast fun in Colorado. Water World boasts 64 acres, making it one of the largest water parks in the United States. Great fun awaits as you experience themed rides in addition to traditional water park fare. This water park is borderline to an actual theme park, especially with its ride, Journey to the Center of the Earth. You will experience animatronic dinosaurs as they make their way to the Earth’s core. Of course, this park also offers a thrilling drop slide that reaches heights of 80 feet and will offer you an experience that you won’t soon forget.
Six Flags White Water- Marietta, GA
Beautifully nestled amid Georgia’s great pines,White Water park is home to an assortment of wet rides along with over 5,000 trees, giving you the illusion that you’re walking through a woodsy wonderland. This is a park that leans more towards the conventional water park, offering attractions like the lazy river, a wave pool, and other family-style attractions.  This really is a place the whole family can enjoy.
Noah’s Ark- Wisconsin Dells, WI
Boasting more water activities than many other water parks across the country, 60 to be exact, Noah’s Ark is the palce for water in the Midwest. One of the most famous rides is Flash Flood, which is a thrill ride that sends passengers in boats plunging down a 50 foot hill into a 40 foot splash. Even on rides that you are allowed to wear your street clothes, staying dry is just not an option at this park. Another popular ride is called Dark Voyage, and is a 600 foot long tube ride. There’s also plenty of family fun to be had as you try out the Congo Bongo/Kowabunga family slides and Paradise Lagoon. YOU CAN preview the park’s rides and see moving pictures as you visit their website.
There you have it- the top water parks in America. The great thing about water parks is that they are great for everyone- families, couples, kids, teenagers, etc. There is always something to entertain each member of your group. As the weather heats up this summer, make sure you’ve mapped out your destinations. Everything’s ready, you just need to come experience the fun and excitement of America’s water parks.
