Best Family Vacation Spots with Theme Parks and Water Parks

1. Walt Disney World, Florida

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is often regarded as the ultimate family vacation destination, and for good reason. With its combination of four major theme parks, including the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, and water parks like Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, Disney World offers endless entertainment for children and adults alike. It's a magical destination where families can enjoy rides, character meet-and-greets, fireworks shows, and of course, the Disney charm.

Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, Disney World never fails to enchant. One of the standout features is its immersive themed experiences. For instance, kids can step into the world of their favorite Disney movies, ride thrilling roller coasters, and even experience cutting-edge attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Beyond the theme parks, the water parks provide an excellent way to cool off, featuring water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools for all ages. Disney World is undoubtedly one of the best family vacation spots with both theme parks and water parks.

2. Disneyland Resort, California

Located in Anaheim, California, Disneyland Resort is a fantastic choice for families looking to experience the magic of Disney on the West Coast. Disneyland Park, the first of its kind, offers classic attractions like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, while Disney California Adventure Park provides thrilling experiences such as the Incredicoaster and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout.

While Disneyland is a bit smaller compared to Walt Disney World, it still packs a punch in terms of family fun. What sets Disneyland apart is the charm and nostalgia of its original park combined with the modern upgrades found in California Adventure. For families who enjoy both theme park excitement and water fun, Disneyland Resort offers the nearby Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and other family-friendly amenities. There’s also a water play area and themed attractions in California Adventure, making it one of the best family vacation spots with theme parks and water parks.

3. Universal Studios, Florida and California

Universal Studios offers a different kind of excitement for families looking to immerse themselves in movie-themed attractions. Universal Orlando Resort in Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood in California both feature world-class rides and attractions that bring beloved movies to life.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a huge draw, offering fans the chance to explore Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, with thrilling rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. But Universal is more than just Harry Potter; it’s also home to iconic attractions such as Jurassic Park, Transformers, and the Minions. For families who enjoy both movie magic and water fun, the water park at Universal’s Volcano Bay in Orlando is a top choice. This water park features some of the most innovative water rides, including drop slides and the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, making it one of the best places to visit with kids for a fun vacation.

4. Best Beaches and Water Parks in the US

Not all family vacations have to involve large theme parks. For families looking for a blend of relaxing beach days and exciting water park adventures, there are plenty of beach destinations with water parks in the U.S. that offer the best of both worlds.

noah's ark waterpark
Noah's Ark Waterpark

1410 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, USA

1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is home to long stretches of sandy beaches and a range of family-friendly attractions, including water parks. The city offers a variety of accommodations, from beachfront resorts to hotels with their own water parks, making it a great option for families. Kids can enjoy attractions like the Myrtle Waves Water Park, which features water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.

six flags water park
Six Flags: Hurricane Harbor

1623 Main St, Agawam, MA 01001, USA

2. Destin, Florida

Known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, Destin, Florida, is an excellent family vacation spot. Beyond the beach, there are many resorts with water parks, and attractions like Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park offer water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers for a fun day in the sun.

5. Wisconsin Dells: The Waterpark Capital

Wisconsin Dells, often referred to as the "Waterpark Capital of the World," offers a wide array of indoor and outdoor water parks that make it a perfect family vacation spot. Located in central Wisconsin, this destination is home to both large water parks and smaller, kid-friendly water attractions, ideal for families with children of all ages.

The Kalahari Resort is one of the largest indoor water parks in the U.S., offering water slides, wave pools, and an extensive play area. Meanwhile, the Great Wolf Lodge provides a more immersive experience with a variety of themed water activities. With both water parks and theme park-style fun, Wisconsin Dells is a must-visit destination for families looking to enjoy endless water-based fun.

6. Tips for Planning Your Ideal Family Vacation

When planning a family vacation to a destination with theme parks and water parks, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, make sure to book your accommodations and park tickets in advance, especially for popular destinations like Disney World and Universal Studios. This will save you time and money.

Also, plan for rest periods throughout the day, especially when visiting water parks and theme parks where there are long days of walking and activity. Take advantage of the numerous dining options at most parks and resorts, many of which are kid-friendly and provide healthy meals.

If you're looking for additional family vacation planning tips, check out Hickory Dickory Dock for more information on how to make the most of your family vacation. Don't miss out on unforgettable experiences — book your next adventure today!