6 Best Waterparks in the U.S. Ranked by Thrills and Family Fun

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Waterparks are a great way to pass the time in the summer. You can lounge by the pool while the kids splash. As a family, you can take on some of the greatest water slides in the country. But what are the best waterparks in the United States? Here is a look at some of the top-rated parks in the country.

1. Dollywood’s Splash Country

Who doesn’t love Dolly Parton? Nestled in the heart of Tennessee, Dollywood’s Splash Country is a perfect mix of high-energy thrills and relaxing mountain charm. The park’s standout attraction, Fire Tower Falls, features a 70-foot drop that will leave even the bravest riders breathless. Families will love RiverRush, Tennessee’s only water coaster, which combines the excitement of a roller coaster with rushing water. For a more laid-back experience, visitors can float along Downbound Float Trip, a lazy river with stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. The park also offers multiple interactive splash areas, making it a great destination for younger kids.

2. Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Located in New Braunfels, Texas, Schlitterbahn Waterpark is one of the most legendary waterparks in the U.S., known for its record-breaking rides. The park’s most famous attraction, The Master Blaster, is a six-story water coaster that delivers an insane mix of drops, twists, and uphill blasts. Thrill-seekers can take on The Falls, one of the world’s longest tubing rivers, stretching an incredible 3,600 feet. Schlitterbahn also features Boogie Bahn, a world-class wave simulator that lets guests experience the thrill of bodyboarding. For families, the park offers calmer tube chutes, splash zones, and shaded picnic areas for a break from the action.

3. Legoland Water Park

For families with young kids, Legoland Water Park in California is a dream come true. The park is packed with interactive attractions, including Build-A-Raft River, where kids can design their own LEGO-inspired rafts to float along a lazy river. Joker Soaker, an oversized water playground, keeps kids entertained with slides, fountains, and a massive water-dumping bucket. Thrill-seekers can race down Twin Chasers, two intertwining tube slides that offer a splashy competition. Parents and kids alike will love the Duplo Splash Safari, a gentle water play area perfect for toddlers. Unlike most waterparks, Legoland also allows kids to build with floating LEGO bricks, adding a unique creative twist.

4. Silver Dollar City’s White Water

Located in Branson, Missouri, Silver Dollar City’s White Water is an underrated waterpark that packs a serious punch. The park’s crown jewel is KaPau Plummet, a heart-stopping drop slide that sends riders down a 70-degree plunge at lightning speed. For families, Aloha River offers a scenic float through caves, fountains, and lush landscaping. The Ohana Falls raft ride delivers big fun with fast turns and unexpected drops that will have the whole family laughing. Kids can explore Coconut Cove, a splash area filled with mini slides and water jets.

5. Adventure Island

Located next to Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, Adventure Island is a tropical-themed waterpark packed with high-speed slides and chill-out zones. The park’s most intense ride, Vanishing Point, drops riders through a trapdoor into a near-vertical freefall. If you love racing, Riptide is a four-lane water slide that lets you challenge your friends to a high-speed splashdown. Families will enjoy Rambling Bayou, a lazy river winding through lush gardens and waterfalls. Kids can cool off in Splash Attack, an interactive play structure filled with tunnels, slides, and a giant water bucket.

6. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

This is personally my favorite on the list. Typhoon Lagoon offers some unique experiences with the Disney magic. Of course, it’s located in Orlando and it has one of the largest wave pools in the world. There are also opportunities to swim with sharks and experience other unique things while you’re there. Kids will love Ketchakiddee Creek, a whimsical splash zone filled with mini slides and water cannons. Thrill-seekers can take on Humunga Kowabunga, three side-by-side speed slides that send riders hurtling down in near darkness. The lush tropical theme, combined with Disney’s signature attention to detail, makes Typhoon Lagoon an unforgettable experience.

Get Ready for a Splashing Good Time

Although we are a little ways away from summer still, it’s the best time to start planning your trip to some of the best waterparks in the U.S. Each one of these offers a unique but unforgettable experience for the whole family. So, if you’re planning something fun for your family, consider one of these parks.

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Drew Blankenship

Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.