Florida is known for its warm weather and beautiful beaches, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. However, when the heat becomes too much to bear, many people seek out a different kind of water experience: outdoor water parks. Florida is home to a variety of outdoor water parks that offer a fun and refreshing way to cool off.
What’s the best outdoor water park in Florida?
Some of the most popular outdoor water parks in Florida include Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Universal’s Volcano Bay, and Adventure Island in Tampa. Each park offers its own unique attractions and experiences, but all of them provide a much-needed escape from the heat and humidity that Florida is known for.
From thrilling water slides to lazy rivers, Florida’s outdoor water parks have something for everyone. Many parks also offer amenities such as cabanas, food and drink options, and even live entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly day out or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Florida’s water parks have got you covered.
So grab your swimsuit and sunscreen and get ready to make a splash at one of Florida’s many outdoor water parks!
Top Outdoor Water Parks in Florida
Florida is known for its sunny weather and beautiful beaches, but it’s also home to some of the best outdoor water parks in the country. Whether you’re looking for thrilling water slides or a lazy river to relax in, Florida has it all. Here are some of the top outdoor water parks in Florida:
1. Adventure Island (Tampa)
Located in Tampa, Adventure Island is a water park that’s owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. With over 30 acres of water rides, slides, and attractions, this park is a must-visit for anyone looking for an exciting day out in the sun.
One of the most popular rides at Adventure Island is the Colossal Curl, a thrilling slide that takes riders through a series of twists and turns before dropping them into a giant funnel. For those who prefer a more relaxing experience, the Rambling Bayou lazy river provides a peaceful float through lush tropical landscapes.
Adventure Island also offers a variety of dining options, including restaurants and snack bars that serve everything from burgers and fries to fresh salads and smoothies. Visitors can also rent cabanas and lockers for a more comfortable and convenient experience.
Overall, Adventure Island is a great choice for families and thrill-seekers alike. With its wide range of attractions and amenities, this water park is sure to provide a fun and memorable day out.
2. Rapids Water Park (Riviera Beach)
Rapids Water Park is a popular family-friendly attraction in Florida your kids will love. Located in Riviera Beach,the park features over 40 water attractions, including 42 water slides, including the Brain Drain, which takes riders on a 70-foot drop through a series of twists and turns, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
One of the most popular attractions at Rapids Water Park is Big Thunder, a thrilling water sliopde that sends riders on a high-speed journey through twisting tunnels and steep drops. Another fan favorite is Riptide Raftin’, a multi-person raft ride that takes guests on a wild ride through rapids and chutes.
In addition to its water attractions, Rapids Water Park also offers plenty of amenities for visitors. The park features numerous dining options, including a full-service restaurant and snack bars. There are also plenty of shaded areas and lounge chairs for guests to relax in between rides.
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting day out with the family, Rapids Water Park is definitely worth a visit. With its wide range of attractions and amenities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Florida is the state with the most water parks? It’s true! California water parks claim the second spot and, somehow, Missouri rounds out the top 3!
3. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park (Orlando)
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is one of the most popular water parks in Florida. It is located in Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The park features a winter wonderland theme with a variety of attractions for all ages.
The park’s main attraction is the Summit Plummet, a 120-foot-tall water slide that takes riders on a 60-mph plunge to the bottom. For those looking for something less extreme, there are also a variety of other water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.
In addition to the water attractions, Blizzard Beach also offers a variety of dining options, including quick-service restaurants and snack stands. Guests can also rent lockers and towels, and there are plenty of chairs and umbrellas available for lounging in the sun.
If you’re planning a trip to Florida and looking for a fun day out, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is a must-visit destination. With its exciting attractions and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to cool off and have some fun in the sun.
4. Universal’s Volcano Bay (Orlando)
Universal’s Volcano Bay is a water park located in Orlando, Florida. It is a part of the Universal Orlando Resort and opened in May 2017. The park is themed around a 200-foot-tall volcano, named Krakatau, which houses the park’s signature attraction, the Krakatau Aqua Coaster.
The park features over 18 attractions, including a wave pool, lazy river, and several water slides. One of the park’s most unique features is the TapuTapu wearable device, which allows guests to virtually wait in line for attractions and interact with various features throughout the park.
Volcano Bay also offers a variety of dining options, including quick-service restaurants, food stands, and a full-service bar. Guests can enjoy dishes such as tacos, burgers, and sushi, as well as refreshing drinks like smoothies and cocktails.
Overall, Universal’s Volcano Bay is a great destination for families and thrill-seekers alike, offering a unique and immersive water park experience.
5. Shipwreck Island Waterpark (Panama City Beach)
Shipwreck Island Waterpark is a thrilling outdoor water park located in Panama City Beach, Florida. This water park is perfect for families and friends who want to enjoy a fun-filled day in the sun. Shipwreck Island Waterpark has a wide range of attractions, including water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a children’s play area.
One of the most popular attractions at Shipwreck Island Waterpark is the Great Shipwreck. This massive water slide is over 60 feet tall and sends riders on a thrilling journey through twists and turns before splashing into the pool below. Another must-try attraction is the Treetop Drop, which is a high-speed water slide that drops riders from a height of 65 feet.
For those who want to relax, Shipwreck Island Waterpark has a lazy river that winds through the park. Visitors can float along the gentle current and take in the sights and sounds of the park. The park also has a wave pool that simulates the ocean waves, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of the beach without leaving the park.
Shipwreck Island Waterpark also has a children’s play area called the Tadpole Hole. This area is specifically designed for young children and features smaller water slides, fountains, and interactive water features. Parents can relax in the nearby lounge chairs while their children play in the water.
Overall, Shipwreck Island Waterpark is a fantastic destination for families and friends who want to enjoy a day of fun in the sun. With its wide range of attractions and activities, there is something for everyone at this exciting outdoor water park.
6. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon (Lake Buena Vista)
Located in Orlando, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is a popular water park that features a wave pool, lazy river, and a variety of water slides.
One of the park’s main attractions is the Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster, which takes riders on a thrilling ride through a series of twists and turns.
7. Aquatica Orlando (Orlando)
Aquatica Orlando is another popular water park in Orlando that’s known for its animal encounters and water slides.
The park features a variety of attractions, including a wave pool, lazy river, and a number of water slides, including the Dolphin Plunge, which takes riders through a tube that goes through a pool of Commerson’s dolphins.
As you can see, Florida has no shortage of water parks to choose from. But if you and your family somehow make it through our list of top Florida water parks, no worries, we’ve got you covered. A quick trip up to your neighbor state will unlock all of Georgia’s outdoor water parks for your family to enjoy, too!
Florida Outdoor Water Park Comparison Table
| Name | Where | Park | Attractions | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adventure Island | Tampa | 30+ water rides, slides, and attractions | Colossal Curl, Rambling Bayou lazy river | Dining options, cabanas, lockers |
| Rapids Water Park | Riviera Beach | 40+ water attractions, 42 water slides, wave pool, and lazy river | Big Thunder, Riptide Raftin’ | Dining options, shaded areas, lounge chairs |
| Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park | Orlando | Water slides, lazy river, wave pool | Summit Plummet | Dining options, lockers, towels, chairs, umbrellas |
| Universal’s Volcano Bay | Orlando | 18+ attractions, including wave pool, lazy river, water slides | Krakatau Aqua Coaster, TapuTapu wearable device | Dining options, full-service bar |
| Shipwreck Island Waterpark | Panama City Beach | Water slides, lazy river, wave pool, children’s play area | Great Shipwreck, Treetop Drop | Lounge chairs |
| Typhoon Lagoon | Orlando | Water slides, wave pool, snorkeling | Crush ‘n’ Gusher, Miss Adventure Falls | Dining options, lockers, towels, chairs, umbrellas |
| Aquatica Orlando | Orlando | Water slides, wave pool, lazy river, animal encounters | Dolphin Plunge, Roa’s Rapids | Dining options, cabanas, lockers |
Conclusion
Florida is home to some of the best outdoor water parks in the country. With year-round warm weather and plenty of sunshine, it’s no wonder that so many people flock to these parks to cool off and have fun.
From the thrilling rides and attractions at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Universal’s Volcano Bay, to the relaxing lazy rivers and wave pools at Adventure Island and Rapids Water Park, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, a day spent at one of Florida’s outdoor water parks is sure to be a memorable one. So pack your sunscreen, grab your swimsuit, and get ready for some fun in the sun!