Today’s water park attractions are far more thrilling and diverse than they were just a few decades ago. In fact, the best water parks in the U.S. feature everything from towering slides and water coasters to sandy spots and lazy rivers. Some even have giant wave pools and surf simulators to try out, and many offer on-site lodging options that make it easy to extend your stay beyond a single day. (Just be aware that many water parks are only open seasonally from May to September.)
Sitting less than 20 miles south of downtown Salt Lake City, this swinging 1960s-themed water park is decorated with surfboards, retro beach furniture and a lively color scheme that screams fun. At this seasonal outdoor park’s elaborate water playground (billed as the world’s largest), kids have access to bridges and tunnels that span 12 levels. There are also 11 twisting waterslides that are well worth a visit. While older children twist through the 800-foot-long Mondo waterslide in the dark, little ones can lounge at Cowabunga Beach or enjoy Cowabunga Kids Cove’s smaller slides. Cowabunga Bay also has a location near Las Vegas.
Where to stay: The aquatic fun doesn’t have to end when the park closes if you stay at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City Draper, located just 4 miles southwest. This hotel features an indoor pool and free breakfast. Family-friendly rooms sleep up to four, and past guests praise the welcoming staff and excellent housekeeping.
Situated in Wisconsin Dells – which is known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World” – Noah’s Ark dubs itself the largest water park in the country. In addition to restaurants and shops, the park is home to more than two dozen aquatic attractions, including the Flash Flood flume ride and two meandering lazy rivers with waterfalls. One of this innovative park’s biggest thrills is the side-by-side tube racer, Raja, which sends riders speeding around 335 feet of track before they plunge 37 feet into the mouth of a king cobra.
Where to stay: An affordable, well-liked option is the AmericInn by Wyndham Wisconsin Dells, located less than 2 miles north of the park. From on-site grills to Wi-FI access, this hotel has plenty of amenities to help you relax after a long day on the slides. Past travelers also give a thumbs up to the large pool area in the hotel, as well as the quality breakfast (which is included, too). Wisconsin Dells is also home to plenty of resorts, many of which have indoor water parks of their own.
Spanning more than 70 acres, this park near Denver features 50-plus attractions, including family waterslides, a relaxing lazy river and the huge Thunder Bay Wave Pool. If your kids are a little too young to be zipping down slides alone, there’s a good range of lower-adrenaline attractions, including the Caribbean Family Adventure, an aquatic playground great for no-fuss splashing about. Plus, you’ll have access to free parking (though the park is also accessible by Denver public transit), complimentary admission for children shorter than 40 inches and reduced rates for seniors.
Where to stay: Around 5 miles north (a quick drive on the highway) is the four-star DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver – Thornton. A sleek, modern property, this hotel features family-friendly rooms with two queen beds and budget-friendly rates. You’ll find a fitness center and a Mexican restaurant on-site, and previous guests said they appreciated the small touches here, like warm cookies provided at check-in.