The #1 Best Waterpark in the United States & A Few Runners-Up
When it comes to summer fun, water parks are a popular destination for families looking to beat the heat and have a good time. With so many water parks to choose from in the United States, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best. However, after careful consideration, one water park stands out as the number one in the country.
What’s the best water park in the US?
Of the many great water parks in the US, Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels, Texas, is the best overall water park. It has tons of amenities and offers something for the whole family, from lazy rivers to high-speed water slides. Other top contenders include Noah’s Ark in Wisconsin Dells, the largest water park in the world, and Typhoon Lagoon in Orlando, which is home to the largest wave pool in the world.
Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels offers a variety of attractions that cater to all ages, from thrilling water slides to relaxing lazy rivers.
Families can spend an entire day enjoying the park’s many offerings, and the park is committed to ensuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder this water park has earned the title of number one in the United States.
Top Waterparks in the United States
Schlitterbahn (New Braunfels, Texas)
Schlitterbahn is a waterpark located in New Braunfels, Texas. Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes Texas water parks.
Schlitterbahn is known for its thrilling water coasters and world-class facilities. The park has a variety of attractions such as wave pools, lazy rivers, and water playgrounds. Schlitterbahn also has a unique feature, the Master Blaster, which is a water coaster that takes riders uphill using water jets.
One of the biggest factors that sets Schlitterbahn apart is its commitment to safety. The park employs a team of certified lifeguards and has implemented numerous safety measures, including height restrictions, life jackets, and ride attendants trained in first aid and CPR.
Overall, Schlitterbahn offers a fun and safe experience for families and thrill-seekers alike. While other waterparks may have their own unique attractions or features, Schlitterbahn’s combination of size, safety, and family-friendly fun make it the clear choice for the top waterpark in the United States.
| Schlitterbahn Waterpark | Other Waterparks | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Largest waterpark in the country with over 70 acres | Smaller parks with less acreage |
| Safety | Team of certified lifeguards, height restrictions, life jackets, and ride attendants trained in first aid and CPR | May have safety measures, but not as comprehensive as Schlitterbahn |
| Family-friendly | Offers a variety of activities for all ages, including a lazy river, wave pool, and kid-friendly play areas | May have some family-friendly activities, but not as extensive as Schlitterbahn |
Noah’s Ark (Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin)
Noah’s Ark is located in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Wisconsin Dells is known as the waterpark capital of the world, and for good reason!
Noah’s Ark is the largest waterpark in the United States and has over 80 attractions. The park has a variety of water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Noah’s Ark also has a water coaster, the Scorpion’s Tail, which is one of the most thrilling rides in the park.
Kalahari Resorts (Round Rock, Texas)
Kalahari Resorts is a waterpark located in Round Rock, Texas. It is known for its African-themed attractions and world-class facilities. The park has a variety of water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Kalahari Resorts also has a unique feature, the FlowRider, which is a surfing simulator.
Typhoon Lagoon (Orlando, Florida)
Typhoon Lagoon is the first of many Orlando water parks on our list, as Florida is home to more water parks than any other state. Texas is a close second when it comes to the states with the most water parks, but Florida currently takes the lead, and one of it’s best is Typhoon Lagoon.
It is known for its wave pool, which is one of the largest in the world. The park also has a variety of water slides, lazy rivers, and water playgrounds. Typhoon Lagoon also has a unique feature, the Crush ‘n’ Gusher, which is a water coaster that takes riders uphill using water jets.
Aquatica (Orlando, Florida)
Aquatica is a waterpark located in Orlando, Florida. It is known for its unique attractions such as the Dolphin Plunge, which is a water slide that takes riders through a pool of dolphins. The park also has a variety of water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Aquatica also has a water coaster, the Walhalla Wave, which is one of the most thrilling rides in the park.
Overall, the United States has many great waterparks to choose from. Whether you are looking for thrilling water coasters or relaxing lazy rivers, there is something for everyone. With world-class facilities and unique attractions, these waterparks are sure to provide a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.
Other Notable Waterparks in the United States
While the number one waterpark in the United States is undoubtedly the Typhoon Lagoon, there are several other notable waterparks across the country. Here are some of the best:
Blizzard Beach (Orlando, Florida)
Located in Florida, Blizzard Beach is a Disney World waterpark that has a unique theme. It is designed to look like a ski resort that has melted into a waterpark. The park features several water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Summit Plummet, which is one of the tallest and fastest water slides in the world.
Cedar Point Shores (Sandusky, Ohio)
Cedar Point Shores is located in Ohio and is one of the largest waterparks in the Midwest. The park features several water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Point Plummet, which is a 6-story water slide that drops riders at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.
Raging Waters (Los Angeles, California)
Raging Waters is located in California and is one of the oldest waterparks in the United States. The park features several water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Dragon’s Den, which is a water slide that drops riders into a large pool.
Water Country USA (Williamsburg, Virginia)
Water Country USA is located in Virginia and is one of the largest waterparks on the East Coast. The park features several water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Colossal Curl, which is a water slide that drops riders into a funnel.
Overall, these waterparks provide a great experience for families and thrill-seekers alike. Whether you’re looking for water slides, a wave pool, or a lazy river, these parks have something for everyone.
Smaller Waterparks Worth Visiting
While the big-name waterparks get all the attention, there are plenty of smaller parks that are worth a visit. Here are some of the top smaller waterparks in the United States:
Six Flags White Water (Marietta, Georgia)
Located in Marietta, GA, Six Flags White Water has over 20 water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. The park also has a water playground for kids and plenty of facilities, including lockers and food options.
Splish Splash Water Park (Long Island, New York)
Splish Splash water park in Long Island, NY, is one of my personal favorite water parks. It has all the amenities that you want from a modern water park, like a lazy river, cabanas, and of course, lots of water slides. But it has an old-school vibe to it that you just don’t get at some of the bigger chain parks.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor (Jackson, New Jersey)
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Jackson, NJ, has a variety of water attractions, including a wave pool, water coasters, and a lazy river. The park also has a water playground for kids and plenty of facilities, including cabanas and food options.
Myrtle Waves (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)
Myrtle Waves in Myrtle Beach, SC, has over 20 water attractions, including water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. It’s not just one of the best outdoor water parks in South Carolina but in the whole country. The park also has a water playground for kids and plenty of facilities, including cabanas and food options.
If you’re looking for a more low-key waterpark experience, these smaller parks are definitely worth a visit. While they may not have as many attractions as the larger parks, they still offer plenty of fun in the sun.
Waterparks Outside of the United States
While the United States has some of the best waterparks in the world, there are also some incredible parks located outside of the country. Here are three waterparks that are worth checking out:
Siam Park (Spain)
Siam Park is located in Spain and is one of the largest waterparks in the world. The park features several water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Tower of Power, which is a 90-foot tall water slide that drops riders into a pool filled with sharks.
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa (Mexico)
If you want fun for the whole family on your next vacation, consider checking out this all-inclusive Mexico resort with an onsite water park! It boasts the largest water park in Playa del Carmen, with seven exciting slides for older kids and five for younger guests. Access to the park is free for all resort guests. The eco-resort also offers outdoor activities like kayak and cenote tours, as well as other jungle experiences. Unlimited meals, drinks, daily activities, and nightly entertainment are included in your stay.
Chimelong Water Park (China)
The Chimelong Water Park is located in Guangzhou, China and is one of the largest water parks in the world. The park features a variety of attractions, including a wave pool, lazy river, and several high-speed water slides. One of the park’s main attractions is the Behemoth Bowl, a massive water slide that drops riders into a giant bowl before they are shot out the bottom. The park also features a number of restaurants and shops, making it a great place to spend the day.
Tropical Islands (Germany)
Located in Krausnick, Germany, Tropical Islands is the largest indoor water park in the world. The park is housed inside a massive dome that is over 100 meters high and 360 meters long. Inside, visitors will find a number of attractions, including a wave pool, lazy river, and a number of water slides. The park also features a number of restaurants and shops, as well as a hotel, making it a great place to spend a weekend.
WaterWorld (Cyprus)
Water World is a water park located in Cyprus that features a number of attractions, including a wave pool, lazy river, and several water slides. The park is known for its high-speed slides, including the Kamikaze and the Drop to Atlantis. The park also features a number of restaurants and shops, making it a great place to spend the day.
Overall, these waterparks offer visitors a chance to experience some of the best water attractions in the world. Whether you’re looking for high-speed slides or a relaxing lazy river, these parks have something for everyone.
Conclusion
After researching and analyzing various factors such as park size, attractions, safety measures, and customer reviews, it’s clear that the number one waterpark in the United States is Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, Texas.
While opinions on the best waterpark may vary, Schlitterbahn stands out as the largest waterpark in the country, with over 70 acres of rides, slides, and attractions. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including a lazy river, wave pool, and kid-friendly play areas.