There are not many things that get people as excited as the idea of soaking up some rays on a sunny beach. And if you are reading this article, I assume that it is your intention to go to Florida and soak up some rays in one of the greatest state parks on earth.
Florida is home to some of the world’s best water parks, with a fantastic range of exciting rides, from lazy rivers and wave pools to exhilarating adrenaline chasers.
From the parks owned by big theme park names such as Disney and SeaWorld to those designed around nature, you won’t struggle to find an option that the whole family will enjoy.
In this guide, we’ve included our picks for the 12 best water parks in Florida so that you can plan a memorable family vacation.
Best Water Parks In Florida (Top Pick)
Disney’s Blizzard Beach
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is one of the world’s most exciting water parks, and you can’t beat the location: right next to the Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park!
At Blizzard Beach, you’ll find one of the world’s tallest and fastest free-falling waterslides—the Summit Plummet—which speeds you down a drop of 85 feet at speeds up to 60 mph. But if it’s too much for your little ones, there are plenty of other options that are just as fun but a little less intense.
The park also has slides for all ages, like Tike’s Peak (a kid-sized snow castle play area), Slush Gusher (a snowman-themed slide), Humunga Kowabunga (an inner tube ride that goes through several 360-degree turns), Runoff Rapids (a tube ride with small swimming holes), and Teamboat Springs (a ride that takes you through a series of rapids).
Afterward, cool off in the wave pool or splash around in some of the many waterfalls throughout the park.
Best Water Parks In Orlando, Florida (3 Options)
Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove offers an experience unlike any other: you can swim with dolphins, feed tropical birds and even walk on a coral reef—all in one place! Between quests, you can relax on the island and enjoy a variety of food and beverages. This hands-on experience will relax, engage and educate your family while helping everyone connect.
Discovery Cove is located in Orlando, Florida, just minutes from Walt Disney World Resort. The park is home to more than 1,000 animals that live in the Grand Reef Habitat. This habitat features six acres of natural land where guests can swim freely with dolphins and manatees and get up close to exotic animals like parrots and flamingos.
They also have access to an eight-acre coral reef where guests can snorkel through colorful fish or explore shipwrecks while they swim above it all on an overhead walkway!
Universal’s Volcano Bay
As the fabled Waturi people searched high and low for the perfect island paradise, they found it at Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park, part of Universal Orlando Resort!
Volcano Bay is split into four distinct areas anchored by the towering, 200-foot-tall Krakatau volcano. The park is a stunning testament to the Waturi philosophy: “Water Is Life and Life Is Joy.”
This imaginative water theme park is equal parts vibrant and serene. Resort-level amenities and creative menu offerings only add to the South Pacific island appeal. Sip a specialty cocktail or sample Polynesian delights as you plunge into island life!
Aquatica® Orlando Water Park
It’s the perfect place for families, friends and anyone else who loves water!
Aquatica® Orlando is a one-of-a-kind water park that will delight all ages and interests. It is home to some of the world’s most thrilling water rides, featuring 42 slides, rivers and lagoons and 84,000 square feet of sparkling white, sandy beaches. The park has something for every member of your family: from high-speed water slides and exhilarating wave pools to tranquil beaches. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it at Aquatica® Orlando!
Best Water Parks In Florida For Adults (3 Options)
Rapids Water Park
If you’re looking for the best water parks in Florida, Rapids Water Park is sure to be your first choice. With 42 thrilling slides and rides, a cool wave pool, and a relaxing lazy river, there’s no shortage of fun for the entire family.
South Florida’s largest water park was founded in 1979 on 4 acres of land and four water slides. Since then, it has grown to over 30 acres.
With so many attractions, Rapids Water Park is sure to have something for everyone: whether you want to go on high-speed slides or slow down with some relaxation time in the wave pool or lazy river.
Island H2O Live!
If you’re looking for the best water parks in Florida for adults, look no further than Island H2O Live!
From exhilarating drop slides to relaxing wave pools, Island H2O Live! offers over 20 unique experiences at Orlando’s most immersive and technologically-advanced water park.
The park’s main attraction is its wave pool, which offers several different waves that range from gentle waves to waves that can only be described as “extreme.” For those who want to get a bit more of a thrill, the wave pool also features high speed slides and tube rides.
For those who prefer something a bit less intense, there are several other options available. There’s a lazy river that winds through the middle of the park, as well as several smaller pools with shallow water that are perfect for relaxing. If you’re looking for something more active but don’t have time for a full-on swim workout in the pool, there are also fitness classes offered at certain times throughout each day.
Sun Splash Family Waterpark
Sun Splash Family Waterpark, located near Naples and Bonita Springs in Southwest Florida, is the area’s largest waterpark with 14 acres of slides and pools for all ages. It is open only during the months of March through September.
The park features more than 50 rides, including a wave pool, lazy river, and children’s play area along with a full complement of water slides that range from gentle to extreme thrill rides. Sun Splash also features an on-site beachside restaurant, cabana rentals and lockers.
Sun Splash is the perfect destination for families looking for a fun-filled day of sun and sand in southwest Florida, with plenty of attractions for adults to enjoy as well!
Best Water Parks In South Florida (2 Options)
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is a great place to cool off and have some fun. The park features attractions for the whole family, from fast waterslides to a children’s area with pint-sized raft rides. Catch 6-foot waves in the Surf Pool and snorkel Shark Reef, with real sharks!
Escape to a tropical paradise where you’ll discover a storm of fun in the sun. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park is the place to go for aquatic thrill-seekers of all ages. In addition to great waterslides, you’ll love the lazy river, wave pool and children’s play area!
Universal’s Volcano Bay
With its incredible rides and attractions, Universal’s Volcano Bay™ water theme park is a must-visit for anyone visiting South Florida. The entire park has a unique and exciting island vibe, with tropical plants and flowers everywhere you look.
The park has several areas that are dedicated to providing relaxation and fun for guests. The Waturi Beach is an entire beach with white sand, palm trees, and cabanas where you can relax in the shade or under umbrellas while listening to music from a DJ playing on the beach.
The Waturi River offers an adventure ride through rapids and waterfalls, as well as a lazy river where you can float along at your own pace. There are also several kiddie areas at Universal’s Volcano Bay™ water theme park that are great for younger kids who want to have fun in the sun without any major thrills.
Best Indoor Water Parks In Florida (2 Options)
Adventure Island
Adventure Island is Tampa’s biggest water park and it’s a great way to beat the heat. It’s located right across the street from Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay.
In Adventure Island®, you can choose to race down rapids, dig your toes into the sand or just relax all day in a private cabana. Hurtle high and experience a feeling of weightlessness on Colossal Curl™, Adventure Island’s newest family thrill slide.
Adventure Island has 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun, with high speed thrills and tranquil tropical surroundings. The tropical atmosphere of Key West is the perfect setting for slides, corkscrews, waterfalls and other family-friendly attractions.
LEGOLAND Water Park
This is one of the newest attractions at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The park features more than seven slides, sandy beaches and the unique Build-A-Raft River plus Pirate Reef and LEGO Legends of CHIMA Water Park comprising 10 acres of water fun!
You’ll love all the rides here, like Surge N’ Surf Racers and the Surf Lagoon Wave Pool. There’s also a new kids area just for younger guests called Octonauts Cove with its own interactive play areas for children as well as a giant splash pad that lets kids play in an outdoor pool.
Legoland Water Park is included with park admission, so you don’t have to pay extra to enjoy all this fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most popular water park in Florida?
The most popular water park in Florida is Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. It has a rating of 9.2 out of 10 and over 1,000 reviews on Trip Advisor.
What is the #1 water park in USA?
The top-rated water park in the U.S. is Schlitterbahn Waterpark at New Braunfels, Texas. It has a rating of 9.7 out of 10 and over 100 reviews on Trip Advisor.
Which Florida water park is best for kids?
The best Florida water park for kids is Wet ‘n Wild Orlando, which has a rating of 9.1 out of 10 and over 300 reviews on Trip Advisor.
What is the #1 water park in the world?
The #1 water park in the world is Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, located at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It features a 27-acre man-made lagoon that combines thrill rides with relaxing pool areas. It has received more than 30 million visitors since it opened in 1989.
What is the 3 biggest waterpark in the world?
The top three biggest water parks are Wet ‘n Wild in Orlando, Florida; Splash Kingdom in Houston, Texas; and Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort in New Braunfels, Texas.
What is the #1 visited theme park?
The most visited theme park on earth is Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Nearly 20 million people visited it last year!
What is the most beautiful state park in Florida?
That’s a tough one! I think you could make a strong case for Wakulla Springs or Fort DeSoto, but honestly, I think the best way to find out is to visit them all. I’m sure you’ll have fun wherever you go!
What is the coolest waterpark?
There are so many great waterparks in Florida that it’s hard to choose just one, but if you’re looking for something on a smaller scale, then I recommend going to Fun Spot America. It’s got everything from a lazy river ride to two big slides and two smaller ones (plus all kinds of other fun stuff). Plus, their prices are really reasonable, you can get an all-day pass for $26!
