US States Ranked by Number of Water Parks: Which State Takes the Top Spot?

The United States is home to some of the world’s most exciting water parks. These parks are particularly popular during the summer months, when families flock to them to escape the heat and enjoy some fun in the sun. With so many water parks to choose from, it can be challenging to determine which state has the most.

Water parks are a great way to keep kids entertained during the summer months. They offer a wide variety of attractions, including water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and more. Many water parks also offer food and beverage options, making them an all-day experience for families. However, with so many water parks to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which one to visit.

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Which State has the Most Water Parks?

Florida has the most water parks in the US, with a total of 103. California is a close second with 102 water parks, followed by Missouri with 99, Texas with 89, and Illinois with 66 waterparks.

Water parks are a popular destination for families, especially during the summer months. With so many water parks to choose from, it can be challenging to decide where to go. However, some states have more water parks than others.

The top five states with the most water parks are:

RankStateNumber of Water Parks
1Florida103
2California102
3Missouri99
4Texas89
5Illinois66
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It is worth noting that the number of water parks in a state does not necessarily correspond to the quality or popularity of those parks. Water parks in Wisconsin are some of the best in the world, but it’s only home to 54 total parks. There are many factors to consider when choosing a water park, such as location, size, attractions, and amenities.

However, knowing which states have the most water parks can be a useful starting point when planning a family vacation.

Water Parks in Florida

Florida is home to the most water parks in the United States. With its warm weather and abundance of tourists, it’s no surprise that some of the best Florida water parks are also some of the best in all of the United States. Here are three of the top water parks in Florida:

Aquatica

Aquatica is a water park located in Orlando, FL, and is owned by SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. The park features a variety of water rides, including high-speed water slides and a lazy river.

One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Dolphin Plunge, where visitors can slide through a clear tube and see dolphins swimming around them. Aquatica also has a large wave pool, multiple play areas for children, and a variety of food and beverage options.

Blizzard Beach

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Blizzard Beach is a water park located in Orlando, FL, and is owned by Walt Disney World. The park is designed to look like a ski resort, with a variety of water slides and attractions that resemble ski slopes.

One of the park’s most popular attractions is Summit Plummet, a 120-foot-tall water slide that reaches speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. Blizzard Beach also has a wave pool, a lazy river, and several play areas for children. The park offers a variety of food and beverage options, including a full-service restaurant.

Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon is a water park located in Orlando, FL, and is also owned by Walt Disney World. The park features a variety of water rides, including a large wave pool and a lazy river. One of the park’s most popular attractions is Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a water coaster that sends riders through a series of twists and turns. Typhoon Lagoon also has a variety of play areas for children and a range of food and beverage options.

Overall, Florida is a great destination for water park enthusiasts. With its warm weather and abundant attractions, visitors will surely find a water park that suits their interests and preferences.

Oh, and we also know that a lot of you are using Florida as a jumping-off point for a Caribbean Cruise. If you and your family love water parks and are heading to the island, man, check out our guide to the best all-inclusive family resorts with water parks in Jamaica.

Water Parks in California

California is home to a number of water parks, making it a popular destination for families looking for a fun day out.

And California gets that your four-legged friends are part of the family, and doesn’t it sound fun to splash around with your dog on a hot day a dog water park?

Here are some of the top water parks in California:

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord is one of the largest water parks in the state. It features over 30 water attractions, including a wave pool, lazy river, and a variety of water slides. The park is open from May to September and offers a range of amenities, including lockers, cabanas, and food and beverage options.

AttractionHeight RequirementDescription
Break Point Plunge48 inches or tallerA steep slide that drops riders into a pool.
The Big Kahuna42 inches or taller with adultRaft slide for the whole family
Breaker BeachN/AA large pool that generates waves.

If you’re a little further south and looking for a great LA water park, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, LA has you covered.

Raging Waters

Raging Waters is located in San Dimas, California, and is another popular water park in the state. It features over 50 water attractions, including a wave pool, lazy river, and a variety of water slides. The park is open from May to September and offers a range of amenities, including lockers, cabanas, and food and beverage options.

  • One of the most popular attractions at Raging Waters is the Aqua Rocket, which is a water coaster that sends riders up and down hills and through a series of twists and turns.
  • The park also features a number of family-friendly attractions, such as the Little Dipper, a small water slide designed for younger children.

Water Parks in Missouri

Missouri is home to several great water parks, including White Water in Branson, which features the thrilling Voyage to the Center of the Earth water coaster. Oceans of Fun in Kansas City is also a popular Missouri water park destination, with its numerous water rides and attractions.

Missouri has some of the best outdoor water parks in the United States, offering a wide variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.

Branson, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Lake of the Ozarks are some of the best destinations in Missouri to experience thrilling water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and more.

Silver Dollar City’s White Water

Located in Branson, Silver Dollar City’s White Water  is a well-liked water park spanning over 13 acres with a variety of aquatic attractions.

Guests can indulge in exhilarating rides such as the KaPau Plummet and the Kalani Towers, or opt to unwind on the serene Aloha River at Hula Hula Bay. Additionally, the park boasts a wave pool, a lazy river, and a water play area complete with a tipping bucket.

Oceans Of Fun

Located in Kansas City, Oceans of Fun is a vast water park spanning over 60 acres. This popular attraction offers visitors a plethora of aquatic adventures, with over 20 thrilling water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a water play structure designed especially for children.

For those seeking a more heart-pumping experience, the park features a racing raft ride and a water coaster, which takes riders on a 486-foot-long journey through a tunnel. Additionally, guests can rent a private cabana for the day, where they can indulge in delicious food and drinks from the park’s restaurants and snack bars.

Water Parks in Texas

Texas is home to some of the best water parks in the United States. The state has a variety of water parks that cater to all ages and preferences. Here are some of the most popular water parks in Texas:

Schlitterbahn New Braunfels

Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is a water park located in New Braunfels, Texas. It is one of the largest and most popular water parks in the state. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels has over 40 water attractions, including water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.

One of the most popular attractions is the Master Blaster, which is a water coaster that takes riders up and down hills and through tunnels.

Not only is it one of the best water parks in Texas, it’s also our top pick for the best water park in the US (yeah, the WHOLE United States!)

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

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Arlington, situated right outside Dallas, is home to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, a waterpark famous for its exhilarating water rides like the Typhoon Twister and Black Hole. The park also has designated play areas for little ones such as Hook’s Lagoon and the Splash Island Kiddie Area.

In addition, visitors can take a leisurely walk through the park’s botanical gardens or indulge in delicious meals at numerous restaurants when they need a break from the water.

Overall, Texas is a great destination for water park enthusiasts. With a variety of water parks to choose from, visitors are sure to find a park that suits their preferences.

Water Parks in Illinois

Illinois is home to several great water parks, including Hurricane Harbor in Gurnee, which is part of Six Flags Great America.

Hurricane Harbor

This water park near Chicago features an assortment of water rides and amusements, such as the Tsunami Bay wave pool, which produces 3-foot waves, making it ideal for both surfers and swimmers.

Moreover, Tidal Wave, the only tailspin waterslide in the Midwest, is another highlight of this park. Younger children can have fun in the Little Lagoon play area, which has smaller slides. There are ample shaded areas and a concession stand serving a variety of food options.

Knight’s Landing Action Park

Located in Springfield, Illinois, Knight’s Action Park is a water park that caters to families with children.

It boasts an array of water slides, among which the Boomerang slide stands out as a crowd favorite, as it propels riders up a steep incline and then drops them down a steep decline. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s lazy river, wave pool, and multiple play areas designed specifically for kids.

Other States with Notable Water Parks

While some states may not have as many water parks as others, there are still plenty of options for water park enthusiasts. Here are some other states with notable water parks.

Love water parks? Planning a trip outside of the US? Consider checking out our list of the best all inclusive resorts with water parks in Mexico to help inspire your next vacation! (Pro Tip: They’re actually more affordable than the pictures will leave you to believe).

Arizona

Known for being hot and dry, Arizona is a perfect place to cool off at a water park. Arguably the best water park in Arizona is the Oasis Water park.

Phoenix, Arizona is home to Oasis Water Park, which is an integral part of the Arizona Grand Resort. This water park offers visitors a chance to enjoy a wave pool, lazy river, and several thrilling water slides. Additionally, the park provides cabana rentals, a restaurant, and a bar, giving guests plenty of options to relax and have a good time.

Colorado

While it may be best known for its skiing, Colorado has some great water parks, too. One of the most popular is Water World in Federal Heights, which boasts over 50 attractions, including some of the most thrilling water coasters in North America.

Connecticut

Connecticut has a handful of outdoor and a lot of indoor water parks for residents and visitors to choose from. Lake Compounce Family outdoor water park in Connecticut offers a variety of attractions, including a water park to cool down during the summer and an amusement park with intense roller coasters.

Colder weather doesn’t mean you need to miss the pool. Check out our guide to indoor water parks in Connecticut at the link below!

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Indoor Water Park Connecticut: The Ultimate Guide

Delaware

Hitting up one of Delaware’s outdoor water parks during the summer is an unforgettable experience for families and friend.

Jungle Jim’s is an outdoor water park in Rehoboth Beach, offering a variety of water attractions such as a wave pool, lazy river, and water slides. Visitors can also enjoy additional activities like go-kart tracks, batting cages, bumper boats, and mini-golf.

Georgia

Georgia is home to several great water parks, including Six Flags White Water in Marietta, which features the thrilling Typhoon Twister water coaster.

Indiana

Indiana is home to one of the most popular water parks in the country: Holiday World in Santa Claus. This park is known for its thrilling water coasters, lazy rivers, and wave pools.

If you’re sweatin’ in Indiana this summer, you’ve got to check out our list of the best water parks in Indiana!

Kansas

Kansas may not be known for its water parks, but it has several great options. Splash Cove at the Jim Allen Aquatic Center is a great option for families with little kids, who will love mini wave pool and interactive water playground.

Louisiana

Louisiana is home to several great water parks, including Blue Bayou Water Park in Baton Rouge, which features the thrilling Ragin’ Cajun water coaster.

Maine

Being the northern-most state on the east coast, outdoor water parks in Maine are rare, indeed. There are a few that are open during the summer months, though.

Funtown Splashtown USA is one of the largest and most popular outdoor water parks in Maine. 

Massachusetts

The Cape Cod Inflatable Park is a unique water park in Massachusetts that showcases inflatable attractions. Among the top attractions are bouncy houses, obstacle courses, and waterslides. Additionally, the park provides a lake where guests can enjoy swimming or kayaking.

Michigan

Michigan is home to several great water parks, including Michigan’s Adventure in Muskegon, which features the thrilling Funnel of Fear water coaster.

Looking for more? Check out our guide to the best outdoor water parks in Michigan for a full list of outdoor-only water parks you can enjoy this summer!

And if the weather isn’t on your side (as is often the case in Michigan), consider checking out some of Michigan’s best indoor waterparks.

Minnesota

While Minnesota may be best known for it’s snowy winters, the summer months are great for visiting one of the many great outdoor waterparks in Minnesota. One of the best is Soak City at Valleyfair in Shaokopee.

Soak City offers a variety of thrilling rides and attractions for all ages. It also features food and beverage options, shaded areas, and lounge chairs.

Nevada

Nevada may be known for its casinos, but it also has a great water park: Wet’n’Wild in Las Vegas. This park features numerous water rides and attractions, including the Tornado water coaster.

New Hampshire

Water Country in Portsmouth is one of the most popular water parks in New Hampshire, with its lazy river, wave pool, and waterslides.

New Jersey

Home to some of the most famous beaches in the country, New Jersey water parks are also some of the best in the country. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Jackson is one of the most popular, with its numerous waterslides and giant wave pool.

New York

New York is more well-known for its indoor water parks than it’s outdoor ones. One of the best indoor water parks in New York is the Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark.

The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark is located in Monticello, NY, and features a variety of water attractions, including a FlowRider surfing simulator, a lazy river, water slides, and a wave pool. Visitors can also enjoy several dining options and a spa.

That said, there are still some great outdoor water parks in New York. Splish Splash Water Park on Long Island is one of my personal favorites.

Ohio

Cedar Point in Sandusky is one of the most popular theme parks in the country, but it also has a great water park: Cedar Point Shores. This park features several water coasters, as well as numerous other water rides and attractions.

Not only is it one of the best water parks in Ohio, but it’s also one of the best water parks in the whole country!

Oklahoma

Oklahoma also has lots of great options when it comes to water parks. One of the most unique in this state is Water-Zoo Indoor Water Park. Featuring a retractable roof that can be opened on nice days and closed during poor weather, this wheelchair accessible water park has something for everyone. Oh, and did we mention the four-story water slides?

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Oregon

Oregon may not be known for its water parks, but it has several great options. Wings & Waves Waterpark in McMinnville is one of the most popular, with its numerous water rides and attractions.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has several great water parks, including the newly opened Kalahari Resort in Pocono Manor, which features the world’s largest indoor water park. Pennsylvania water parks are typically indoors, but there are a few significant outdoor water parks in PA too.

Hersheypark in Hershey is also a popular destination, with its numerous outdoor water rides and abundance of Hershey’s Chocolate.

South Carolina

South Carolina water parks are both numerous and unique. Visitors to the Palmetto state will love Myrtle Waves in Myrtle Beach and Wild Water & Wheels in Surfside Beach.

Tennessee

Not only is Dollywood’s Splash Country in Pigeon Forge the best Nashville outdoor water park, but it’s also a favorite among families visiting anywhere in the Smoky Mountains. Wilderness at the Smokies in Sevierville also offers a variety of indoor and outdoor water parks, as well as fitness and movement classes.

If you happen to be in Tennessee during the winter, that doesn’t mean you need to miss out on any waterpark fun! There are a lot of great options when it comes to indoor water parks in Tennessee, especially around the Nashville and Gatlinburg areas.

Utah

Utah may be known for its skiing, but it also has some great water parks. Splash Summit in Provo is one of the most popular, with its numerous water rides and attractions.

Virginia

Virginia is home to several great water parks, including the Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, with its indoor water park and numerous other entertainment options.

Water Country USA is located in Williamsburg, Virginia, and is a popular water park in the state. It features over 20 water attractions, including a wave pool, lazy river, and a variety of water slides. The park is open from May to September and offers a range of amenities, including lockers, cabanas, and food and beverage options.

  • One of the most popular attractions at Water Country USA is the Big Daddy Falls, which is a water slide that sends riders down a steep drop and through a series of twists and turns.
  • The park also features a number of family-friendly attractions, such as the Cow-A-Bunga, a small water slide designed for younger children.

Washington DC

While not technically a US state, DC offers visitors and residents lots of options when it comes to indoor water pars.

My favorite water park in DC is at The Great Wolf Lodge. Slides, a lazy river, water games, a splash pad, and lots of food and seating make it a perfect place to cool off year-round.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin is known as the “Water Park Capital of the World” and boasts some of the best water parks in the United States. With over 5 million visitors annually, Wisconsin water parks, particularly in the Wisconsin Dells, is the epicenter of water park fun in the state.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is home to the largest concentration of water parks in the world, with over 20 indoor and outdoor water parks. The city’s water parks range from small, family-owned parks to large, nationally recognized parks. Some of the most popular water parks in Wisconsin Dells include:

  • Wilderness Resort
  • Noah’s Ark
  • Kalahari Resort

Wilderness Resort

Wilderness Resort is a premier destination for indoor water park enthusiasts in Wisconsin Dells. With over 240,000 square feet of water fun, the resort features a variety of thrilling rides, slides, and attractions, including a wave pool, lazy river, and multi-level play structures. The park also offers cozy accommodations, delectable dining options, and exciting activities for guests of all ages.

Noah’s Ark

Noah’s Ark is the largest water park in Wisconsin Dells and one of the largest in the United States. The park features over 50 water attractions, including 2 wave pools, 2 lazy rivers, and 4 children’s play areas. Noah’s Ark is a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Kalahari Resort

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Kalahari Resort is one of the largest indoor water parks in the United States, with over 220,000 square feet of water park fun. The park features a retractable roof, allowing visitors to enjoy the water park year-round. Kalahari Resort also features an outdoor water park, making it a great destination for summer fun.

Water ParkSize (sq. ft.)
Wilderness Resort240,000
Noah’s Ark70 acres
Kalahari Resort220,000

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