Top Amusement Parks with Water Rides in the U.S.
If you're a thrill-seeker who loves a mix of high-speed roller coasters and splashing water rides, amusement parks with water attractions are the perfect destination for you. There’s something uniquely exhilarating about feeling the rush of water as you conquer heart-pounding rides, making these parks the go-to spots for family-friendly fun and excitement. Whether you're planning a summer getaway or looking to cool off during a fun-filled adventure, the best amusement parks with water rides in the U.S. offer unforgettable experiences. Let’s dive into the top parks that combine adrenaline-pumping fun with refreshing water-based attractions.
Noah's Ark Waterpark
1410 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, USA
1. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon – Orlando, Florida
One of the most famous water-themed parks in the world, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon in Orlando offers a fantastic mix of water rides and relaxation. As part of Walt Disney World Resort, Typhoon Lagoon is home to one of the world’s largest wave pools, where you can experience massive waves that are perfect for both surfing and enjoying a family swim. The park offers a variety of thrilling water attractions, including the “Crush ‘n’ Gusher,” a water roller coaster that combines water slides with high-speed thrills. There’s also the exciting “Miss Tilly,” a boat that’s perched atop a mountain, erupting in water when the boat “shakes loose,” providing a fun splash for visitors below.
For families, the park has gentle water features like the lazy river, where guests can float peacefully in the warm Florida sunshine. With its immersive theming and diverse range of attractions, Typhoon Lagoon offers something for everyone.
Six Flags: Hurricane Harbor
1623 Main St, Agawam, MA 01001, USA
2. Schlitterbahn Waterpark – New Braunfels, Texas
For over 40 years, Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, Texas, has been one of the most popular family destinations for water-based fun. The park is known for its unique combination of water rides, water slides, and river rides that allow visitors to explore water attractions at their own pace. Schlitterbahn is also famous for its well-designed “Blastenhoff” area, which features thrilling water coasters that provide a roller coaster experience combined with water splashes. The “Master Blaster” water coaster, in particular, sends riders on a thrilling journey uphill and downhill using water-powered technology.
Schlitterbahn also offers lazy rivers and interactive water play areas, making it an ideal destination for families of all ages. Whether you’re into high-speed water rides or just want to relax in the cool water, Schlitterbahn provides the ultimate waterpark experience.
3. Aquatica – Orlando, Florida
Aquatica, owned by SeaWorld, is another standout water park located in Orlando, Florida. Known for its wide range of thrilling water rides, Aquatica is home to some of the most exciting water-based attractions in the region. One of the park’s highlights is the “Dolphin Plunge,” a water slide that takes you through an underwater tunnel, where you can experience the thrill of passing by dolphins as you slide down at high speed.
In addition to exhilarating slides, Aquatica offers relaxing lazy rivers, wave pools, and plenty of shaded areas for guests to unwind. With its well-maintained facilities and emphasis on aquatic adventure, Aquatica is an ideal destination for visitors seeking both excitement and relaxation in one spot.
4. Knott’s Soak City – Buena Park, California
Located in Buena Park, California, Knott’s Soak City is a water park that is perfect for those looking for an exciting, family-friendly destination. Featuring a wide range of water rides, from high-speed water slides to relaxing river rides, Knott’s Soak City offers something for every visitor. The park’s iconic “Shore Break” slide features six stories of twisting slides, while the “Tidal Wave Bay” is a massive wave pool that mimics the motion of the ocean, allowing visitors to ride the waves or simply relax on the shore.
Knott’s Soak City’s excellent customer service, cleanliness, and variety of attractions make it one of the top choices for families looking to experience the best water rides in Southern California.
5. Water Country USA – Williamsburg, Virginia
Water Country USA is a favorite destination in Williamsburg, Virginia, especially for those who enjoy classic water park experiences. Known for its fun and exciting water rides, this park features everything from towering water slides to peaceful lazy rivers. One of the park’s most popular rides is the “Colossal Curl,” a giant funnel-shaped ride that sends riders spinning through the air before plunging them into the splashdown pool below.
Water Country USA also offers a range of water play areas designed for younger children, including splash zones and shallow pools. With its combination of thrilling slides and family-friendly attractions, Water Country USA is an excellent option for families looking to experience water fun in a relaxing environment.
6. Hurricane Harbor – Arlington, Texas
Hurricane Harbor, located in Arlington, Texas, is a massive water park that offers an incredible array of water attractions. Featuring both high-speed slides and a variety of family-friendly areas, Hurricane Harbor is perfect for visitors of all ages. The park’s “Typhoon Twister” is one of the most exciting rides, offering a thrilling experience as guests zoom through a giant funnel before being dropped into a splash pool.
For those looking for something more relaxing, the park has a lazy river and wave pool, as well as plenty of shaded areas for resting. With its well-designed attractions and commitment to providing a fun and safe environment, Hurricane Harbor is one of the best waterparks in the country.
7. Splashin’ Safari – Santa Claus, Indiana
Located in Santa Claus, Indiana, Splashin’ Safari is one of the best-kept secrets in the world of waterparks. Known for its incredible water rides, including the world’s longest water coaster, “Mammoth,” Splashin’ Safari offers a thrilling mix of high-speed slides, water coasters, and relaxing lazy rivers. The “Wildebeest” water coaster is another fan favorite, sending riders down a winding, water-powered track for an exhilarating experience.
Splashin’ Safari also features a variety of family-friendly attractions, such as interactive play areas and wave pools, making it the perfect destination for those looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation. This park is a hidden gem that offers an unforgettable water ride experience.
Conclusion
When it comes to thrilling water rides, the best amusement parks with water attractions offer the perfect combination of excitement and relaxation. Whether you're seeking high-speed water coasters, giant wave pools, or peaceful lazy rivers, the top amusement parks in the U.S. provide something for everyone. From the iconic Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon to the adventurous Schlitterbahn Waterpark, these parks offer unforgettable experiences for families and thrill-seekers alike. Plan your next adventure at one of these exciting destinations and prepare for a splashing good time!
