Earlier this month, Universal Orlando announced that a mainstay among American water parks will close permanently at the end of 2016. Wet ‘n Wild, an Orlando area destination park and the 10th busiest park in the world in 2014, according to the Orlando Sentinel, will shutter its slides for good, leaving families and water park fans longing for great summer splash spots. Here’s a look at the top five water parks that are other great options around the country, according to Fodors.
Noah’s Ark
Located in the Wisconsin Dells, Noah’s Ark hails as the largest water park in the country. The aquatic entertainment center boasts 70 acres filled with rides and slides, and is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There are numerous slides, two huge wave pools and many more amenities and features. Plus, the park has been a recipient of the Top Award for Aquatic Safety annually for two decades, making it a great and safe choice for you and your family.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Despite the German-sounding name, this watery wonderland is located in the heart of Kansas City, Kansas, and offers tons of slides, rides and tube glides for visitors. The park is also home to the world’s tallest waterslide, Verrückt, that takes three raft riders through a more than 168.5-foot drop before taking a second 50-foot fall down a second hill. If you love high speeds and high thrills in your water slides, Schlitterbahn is the place for you!
Splashin’ Safari
Situated in Santa Claus, Indiana, and sharing space with Holiday World amusement park, Splashin’ Safari boasts the two longest water coasters in the world. Reaching speeds as high as 60 miles per hour, these coasters offer fast thrills and refreshing chills with splashing water. The park also boasts plenty of tube rides, a wave pool, and multiple open play areas, including the Monsoon Lagoon and Safari Sam’s SplashLand for smaller children.
Water World
Not to be confused with the Kevin Costner flick, Colorado’s mile-high city of Denver plays host to Water World, boasting nearly 50 unique watery wonders, making it home to the largest variety of slides and rides among American water parks. There are tons of options for all ages, from family tube sides and splash and play areas with the littlest ones in mind to speed slides and thrill rides like the six-story Red Line and Warp Speed, the park’s newest attraction.
White Water Park
An addition to Branson, Missouri’s Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-themed experience, the White Water Park is incredibly well organized and family centric, notes Fodors. The park is a bit smaller than others on the list, but offers 13 acres of wet and wild fun. Whether it’s the relaxing motion of the wave pool or the high thrills of the 70 degree KaPau Plummet that launches riders at speeds of nearly 18 miles per hour, there’s plenty of fun in the sun to be had at this aquatic adventure park. Visitors can also buy combo tickets, granting access to both parks at a discount.
Let Blue Horizon Travel & Yacht Charters plan your trip to one of these fantastic and fun aquatic parks this summer as part of your family vacation. We have access to an extensive range of air and hotel packages, all-inclusive resort stays and other adventures to make for an unforgettable experience for young and old alike. Contact us today and get started planning your family’s dream vacation!
