The Best Waterparks in America

From sliding down a volcano to pirate ship splashpads, these waterparks across the country offer ways to beat the heat with a big side of thrills. Find out if your favorite made the list.

By Amber Guetebier June 20, 2017

That kiddie pool in your backyard is nice for cooling your feet but this summer it’s time to up the water-play game, big time. The US has no shortage of amazing water parks—from just-opened volcano-themed to revamped old classics—but we’ve picked out favorites from among the many. Click through the slideshow to see our top 14 and find out if your best-loved made the list.

Universal Orlando Volcano Bay—Orlando, Fl

This brand-new addition to Universal Orlando just opened in May and it is absolutely like no other in the country. With 18 attractions from heart-thumping adventure slides to relaxing rambling river time, it will be very hard to leave this park. At the center of it all, an epic volcano with body slides. But that is not all: the park features one of the first-ever wearable devices that not only hold your place in line, it can actually control certain features throughout the park. The TapuTapu wearable is included with admission and you can use to do tricky things like shooting water cannons at unsuspecting guests on the lazy river; causing whales to spout streams of water in Tot Tiki Reef and even illuminate images in the volcano’s hidden caves. Plus you can use it to make purchases through the park so you don’t have to worry about losing your wallet or hauling a purse around on all the rides, take selfies with it, and more! All you need is your swimsuit!

Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando
6000 Universal Ave.
Orlando, Fl
407-817-8317
Online: universalorlando.com/volcano-bay

photo: Universal Orlando

What’s your favorite water park? Tell us why in a comment below.