Best Water Parks in Florida: A Guide to Top Attractions for Family Fun

Florida, known for its consistently high temperatures, has an average yearly temperature surpassing 70 degrees Fahrenheit, often reaching over 80 degrees during the summer months. In the central and southern regions of the state, summer days can see temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, making it an ideal destination for water-based recreation. This climate contributes to Florida’s reputation as a hotspot for water parks, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Given the influx of tourists drawn to iconic destinations like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando, it is no surprise that these major theme parks have developed their own water park attractions. Among the premier options available are Buccaneer Bay, Discovery Cove, and the Legoland Florida Water Park. These destinations offer a variety of thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and family-friendly activities, serving as an integral part of Florida’s entertainment landscape.

Volcano Bay at the Universal Orlando Resort

Volcano Bay, located within Universal Orlando Resort, debuted in 2017 and is the most recent significant water park in Florida. Spanning fifty-three acres, this Polynesian-themed park complements Universal’s hotel offerings, including the Cabana Bay and Aventura hotels. The park is renowned for its cutting-edge attractions and is highlighted by the towering 200-foot Krakatau volcano, which erupts periodically, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

Rainforest Village at Volcano Bay

Rainforest Village is the largest area of the park, showcasing a variety of exciting slides, raft adventures, and dining options.

• Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides: These thrilling slides feature a vertical drop from a height of 125 feet.
• Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides: Guests can enjoy these exhilarating slides, culminating in a splashdown into a deep pool.
• Puka Uli Lagoon: An ideal hideaway for relaxation and lounging by the water.
• Maku and Puihi Round Raft Rides: These adventurous raft rides offer multiple elements, including funnels and tunnels.
• TeAwa The Fearless River: A more exhilarating version of a classic lazy river, this attraction allows guests to relax while being carried by the current.
• Hammerhead Beach: A leisure area for guests to unwind.
• Taniwha Tubes – Tonga & Raki: Four distinct raft rides available for solo or duo experiences.
• Punga Racers: A competitive four-lane mat slide where friends can race to the finish.
• Bambu: A quick-service dining option serving burgers, chicken, and seafood.
• The Feasting Frog: This quick service spot specializes in flavorful tacos and nachos.
• Kunuku Boat Bar: A full bar where guests can enjoy various cocktails.

River Village at Volcano Bay

River Village caters to families and younger visitors, providing an array of water attractions and play areas.

• Krakatau Aqua Coaster: A unique water ride that mimics a roller coaster experience, it takes guests through the heart of the volcano on a raft.
• Runamukka Reef: This three-story water playground features various slides and interactive water attractions.
• Tot Tiki Reef: Designed for young children, this area includes engaging water features for playful exploration.
• Kopiko Wai Winding River: A traditional lazy river experience where guests can leisurely float through the park and around the volcano.
• Honu and Ika Moana: Exciting multi-passenger raft slides offer two distinct and thrilling ride experiences.
• Whakawaiwai: A quick-service dining venue offering pizza, hot dogs, fresh salads, and more.

Wave Village at Volcano Bay

Wave Village is the place for guests seeking relaxation and sunbathing, though it also has thrilling attractions.

• Ko’okiri Body Plunge: This drop slide features a thrilling 125-foot free fall at an angle of nearly 70 degrees.
• Waturi Beach: The main wave pool situated directly in front of Krakatau provides a lively swimming experience.
• The Reef: A tranquil pool designed for young visitors, perfect for gentle play.
• Dancing Dragons Boat Bar: This full-service bar serves a range of cocktails, allowing guests to unwind with their favorite drinks.
• Kohola Reef Restaurant and Social Club: A great option for a leisurely lunch, offering a diverse menu.

Volcano Bay also features private cabanas for guests looking for an exclusive experience, and utilizes a virtual queue system called Tapu Tapu for ride access.

Typhoon Lagoon at The Walt Disney World Resort

Typhoon Lagoon Rides & Attractions

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon spans 61 acres and immerses guests in a beautifully themed environment reflecting the aftermath of a tropical storm. The park’s highlight is a vast surf pool, officially known as the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, which holds three million gallons of water and generates impressive six-foot waves every 90 seconds. Surf lessons are available before park hours, making it a unique experience for those eager to learn.

Other attractions include:

• Castaway Creek: A lazy river ride that offers a leisurely tour around the park with tube rentals available.
• Ketchakiddee Creek: An interactive play area filled with various slides and water features, designed specifically for younger guests.
• Keelhaul Falls: An inner tube ride that zips down a rapidly flowing river.
• Mayday Falls: Renowned as the longest water slide in the park, it winds through natural caves and waterfalls.
• Gangplank Falls: A thrilling ride for four riders on a 300-foot slide, delivering a shared adventure.
• Humunga Kowabunga: A fast-paced, free-fall slide that towers five stories high.
• Storm Slides: Three twisting body slides stretching 300 feet each.
• Shark Reef: An exciting saltwater pool experience where visitors can swim among real sharks and tropical fish.
• Bay Slides: Designed for children measuring 60 inches or less, ensuring safe fun for little ones.
• Mountain Trail: A scenic route for a family-friendly walk through the park.
• Crush ‘n’ Gusher: This water coaster promises an exhilarating ride with exciting twists and turns.

Typhoon Lagoon Dining, Beverages and Gifts

Typhoon Lagoon offers several dining options to satisfy various cravings:

• Leaning Palms: A quick-service eatery serving a range of items including burgers and pizza.
• Happy Landings Ice Cream: A stop for sweet treats to cool down.
• Typhoon Tilly’s: Features fresh sandwiches and salads for a lighter option.
• Lowtide Lou’s: A kiosk with snacks and beverages for quick bites.
• Let’s Go Slurpin’: Specializes in frozen drinks, perfect for a refreshing sip.
• Getaway Glen and Hideaway Bay: Designated picnic areas for visitors to relax and enjoy packed meals.
• Crush Hot Dog Cart: A kiosk for hot dogs, making it easy to grab a quick meal.
• Singapore Sal’s: A shop offering amazing apparel and gifts related to the park.
• High ‘N’ Dry: A convenient spot for photo pickups, gifts, and locker rentals.

Blizzard Beach at The Walt Disney World Resort

Blizzard Beach, established in April 1995, is one of the two water parks located within The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Spanning 66 acres, the park is themed around a fictitious freak snowstorm that transformed Florida into a winter wonderland, offering some of the most exhilarating downhill water experiences.

The park features a prominent ski jump ramp, which towers over the attractions and serves as a visual focal point. The various rides and attractions are categorized into three different slope difficulty levels: Green, Purple, and Red, catering to a broad range of adventure seekers.

Blizzard Beach Rides & Attractions

Green Slopes:
These thrill rides offer the most intense experiences.

• Summit Plummet: A 120-foot drop that provides a stunning rush for riders at least 48 inches tall.
• Slush Gusher: A speed slide that winds down the mountain, accessible to those also 48 inches and taller.
• Teamboat Springs: A family-friendly raft ride that spans 1,200 feet, filled with exciting twists and turns.
• Chairlift: A convenient way to reach the top of Mt. Gushmore, enabling guests to enjoy the green slopes with ease.

Purple Slopes:
These moderate rides offer excitement without being overwhelming.

• Toboggan Racers: An engaging race down an eight-lane mat slide, perfect for competition among friends.
• Snow Stormers: A trio of twisty mat slides designed for those who enjoy slalom-style rides.
• Downhill Double Dipper: An inner tube experience that includes a thrilling 50-foot drop into a dark tunnel.

Red Slopes and Other Rides:
These options are ideal for younger guests or those seeking a more relaxing experience.

• Runoff Rapids: Choose from open or fully enclosed slides perfect for inner tubes, welcoming younger riders.
• Melt-Away Bay: This expansive wave pool provides a peaceful spot for relaxation.
• Cross Country Creek: The lazy river encircles the park, offering a leisurely float for all ages.
• Ski Patrol Training Camp: Designed for pre-teens, this area includes various slides, water activities, and a zip-line feature.
• Tike’s Peak: A play area specifically for children 48 inches and under, equipped with smaller slides and interactive water jets.

Blizzard Beach Dining, Beverages and Gifts

• Avalunch: Offers quick service dining for a fast bite.
• Warming Hut: Provides additional quick dining options with seating available.
• Lottawanta Lodge: Another quick service location featuring seating.
• Cooling Hut: A place to grab snacks and refreshing beverages.
• Polar Pub: A spot to unwind with a cocktail.
• I.C. Expeditions: The go-to for ice cream treats.
• Frostbite Freddy’s: Refreshments and adult beverages are on offer here.
• Beach Haus: A gift shop filled with souvenirs and branded apparel.
• Snowless Joe’s: Rental lockers, towels, and life jackets are available.
• Sunglasses Hut: Perfect for eyewear needs during park visits.

Aquatica at SeaWorld Orlando

Aquatica Rides & Attractions

Aquatica is known for its wide variety of rides and attractions that cater to visitors of all ages. The park spans 59 acres and includes a combination of thrilling waterslides, relaxing areas, and interactive experiences with marine life.

• KareKare Curl: A recent addition to the park, this slide features a 361-foot descent that launches riders up a steep 35-foot curve.
• Riptide Race: This competitive duo of flume slides encourages friends to race side-by-side down an exciting tube.
• Ray Rush: A family-friendly slide that offers a journey with twists and turns, providing the thrill of spinning inside a water sphere.
• Dolphin Plunge: Adventurers navigate this exhilarating body slide that passes through a habitat of Commerson’s dolphins, enhancing the aquatic experience.
• Ihu’s Breakaway Falls: Thrill-seekers can enjoy three different drops on this slide, two of which feature trapdoors that release riders into freefall.
• Omaka Rocka: Two spiral tube slides that lead to massive funnels for an unforgettable ride experience.
• Tassie’s Twisters: Another family raft ride, which propels riders into a large bowl, sending them swirling before returning to the lazy river.
• Taumata Racer: This high-speed mat ride offers a friendly competition to see who can reach the bottom fastest.
• Walhalla Wave: Families can enjoy this raft ride that weaves through a multi-story maze of twists.
• Whanau Wave: Perfect for groups, this tube ride features four unique experiences for a variety of thrills.
• Cutback Cove and Big Surf Shores: These expansive wave pools deliver different aquatic experiences for guests.
• Kata’s Kookaburra Cove: Designed for younger guests, this area includes gentle slides, sprays, and play features.
• Loggerhead Lane: A relaxing lazy river option.
• Roa’s Rapids: A dynamic lazy river that offers a quicker float.
• Walkabout Waters: A massive play area spanning 15,000 square feet, complete with slides, fountains, and plenty of fun for families.

Aquatica Dining, Beverages and Gifts

Visitors at Aquatica can enjoy a range of dining options that reflect the park’s vibrant atmosphere.

• Banana Beach Cookout: A barbecue lover’s dream featuring grilled chicken, pulled pork, ribs, pizzas, and kid-friendly meals.
• Mango Market: Ideal for a quick bite, this spot provides sandwiches, salads, and hot dogs for guests on the move.
• Waterstone Grill: A popular quick-service restaurant offering an array of burgers, sandwiches, and kids’ meals perfect for all-day dining.
• Adaptations: A retail location that showcases swimwear, accessories, and jewelry from well-known brands.
• Kiwi Traders: This shop caters to families with toys, gifts, and apparel suitable for all ages.

Aquatica also offers premium amenities such as private cabanas, all-day dining options, and a priority boarding pass known as “Quick Queue” to allow guests to bypass standard lines and maximize their time at the park.

Adventure Island

Located in Tampa, Florida, Adventure Island spans 30 acres and has been providing water fun since its opening in 1980. This water park, adjacent to Busch Gardens Tampa, features a variety of attractions suitable for all ages, including numerous slides, pools, and play areas.

Adventure Island Rides & Attractions

Adventure Island offers an exciting lineup of attractions:

• Solar Vortex
• Vanish Point: A thrilling drop slide
• Colossal Curl
• Aruba Tuba
• Calypso Coaster
• Caribbean Corkscrew
• Riptide
• Runaway Rapids
• Water Moccasin
• Endless Surf: A large wave pool (17,000 sq. ft.)
• Paradise Lagoon: A play area and pool (9,000 sq. ft.)
• Rambling Bayou: Lazy river experience

Rapids Water Park

Situated in the West Palm Beach region of South Florida, Rapids Water Park has been entertaining visitors since 1979. Spanning across 35 acres, the park boasts over 40 slides and attractions.

Rides & Attractions include:

• Big Thunder
• Black Thunder
• Raging Rapids
• Riptide Raftin’
• Brain Drain
• Baby Blue
• Big Red
• Body Blasters
• Old Yellar
• Pirate’s Plunge
• Tubin’ Tornadoes
• Alligator Alley
• Big Surf
• Criss Crossing
• FlowRider
• Lazy River
• Splash Hill
• Splish Splash Lagoon
• BareFootin’ Bay

Island H2O Live! at the Margaritaville Resort

Situated within the Margaritaville Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, Island H2O Live! ranks among the latest additions to Orlando’s array of water parks.

While it may be smaller compared to other prominent parks in Central Florida, it offers a diverse selection of attractions such as a wave pool, lazy river, and various water slides for guests to enjoy.

Legoland Water Park

Located at the back side of the Legoland Florida Theme Park in Winter Haven, Florida, the Legoland Water Park is a smaller, but fun water park. 

Visitors can enjoy a range of interactive water rides, including the Build-A-Raft River, where kids can construct their own LEGO rafts and float down a lazy river, and the Joker Soaker, an interactive water playground with slides, climbing areas, and a giant bucket that periodically dumps water on everyone below. The park also offers a wave pool, splash zones, and several water slides suitable for different age groups and thrill levels.

Other Florida Water Parks

Shipwreck Island Water Park

Shipwreck Island Water Park, situated in Panama City Beach, has been a family favorite since 1976. The park features attractions such as a 500,000-gallon wave pool, a thrilling lazy river, various water slides, and a dedicated play area for children. Fun awaits for visitors of all ages.

Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park

Established in 1986, Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park offers a diverse array of over 40 water attractions alongside thrill rides and a miniature golf course. Key features include the Kowabunga Racer, Hammerhead, Monkey River, Cobra Twister, Honolulu Half Pipe, Jumanji, and the Maui Pipeline Slides.

SunSplash Family Waterpark

SunSplash Family Waterpark features a variety of exciting rides and attractions. Thrill-seekers can experience Cape Fear, a ride from a 30-foot platform using single or double tubes. The Fun-L-Tunnel offers a unique drop slide, plunging 30 feet over a 200-foot course without a tube. The Zoom Flume presents a 200-foot open-air body slide, while the Electric Slide and Power Surge consist of two five-story tube rides that twist and turn over a combined distance of 457 feet.