Whatever changes might happen in Florida, there are some things that will always be a constant in the Sunshine State: great weather, beautiful beaches and Disney World.
And, of course, water parks.
Water parks and Florida go together like fireworks and the Fourth of July. The state – and it’s typically beautiful year-round weather – is the perfect place to enjoy water slides, wave pools and lazy rivers.
Really, the only challenge is choosing which one is the best to visit.
The Best of the Best: Florida’s Top Water Parks
Opinions vary, but looking at multitudes of lists from different sources such as the Travel Chanel and Trip Advisor – plus blogs and websites from enthusiastic water park fans – these appear at or near the top of most lists.
Some of these are not only considered the best water parks in Florida, but all the world.
Aquatica at Seaworld Orlando
This water park is actually more than just a water park – it manages to pack in slides, tubes and wave pools with animal encounters. The SeaWorld water park features one of the most famous water slides in the world, the Dolphin Plunge, which allows you to plunge via a tube through an environment where a black-and-white Commerson’s Dolphins live. There is also a wide array of slides, pools and rivers, as well as a chance to get an up close look at the dolphins and the African Spurred Tortoise.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Lake Buena Vista
Leave it to Disney to combine an attraction associated with summer and put it in a winter setting. Built to look like a ski resort, Blizzard Beach even has a chair lift to take you to the top of “Mount Gushmore.” There are also wave pools, areas specifically for small kids, and the Cross Country Creek, a lazy river flowing through the entire park. The more adventurous will want to ride the Summit Plummet, one of the world’s tallest freefall slides.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Lake Buena Vista
As if one wasn’t enough, Disney has another world-class water park in Lake Buena Vista. Among the attractions at Typhoon Lagoon is the huge surfing lagoon that features six-foot high waves. There are plenty of slides and tubes to ride, and you can also snorkel in the 362-gallon Shark Reef. The Humunga Kowabunga ride features a 5-story drop through the dark. Yes, you read that right.
Adventure Island, Tampa
Ranked among the best water parks for families on the Visit Florida website, Adventure Island – not far from Busch Gardens in Tampa – features the Rambling Bayou lazy river, the Endless Surf wave pool and a vast array of water slides and tubes, including the Calypso Coaster, the Runaway Rapids and the Colossal Curl, where you can experience – briefly – total weightlessness as you travel through its combination of funnel and wave elements.
Rapids Water Park, Riviera Beach
Rapids Water Park in Riviera Beach continues to thrill with its range of adrenaline-pumping rides. The Big Thunder remains a showstopper, offering a multi-person raft adventure through a dark tunnel culminating in a heart-stopping 45-degree drop. The Rapids Racer invites competitive spirits to race down its lanes, while the Pirates Plunge takes riders on a twisting journey of tubes and loops.
Adding to this lineup in 2024 is the Mega Mayhem, a cutting-edge ride that promises to amplify the excitement with its innovative design and splash-tastic thrills, making its debut on March 9th. This new addition is set to become a fast favorite among thrill-seekers looking for the next wave of water park adventures.
Discovery Cove, Orlando
Embark on an intimate sea adventure at Discovery Cove, where the wonders of the marine world are at your fingertips. It’s not just a water park; it’s a tropical retreat where you can swim with dolphins, snorkel among vibrant fish, and bask on sandy beaches. This exclusive park limits admission to ensure a serene experience, offering all-inclusive packages that make your aquatic dreams come true. Savor the tranquility of drifting down the Wind-Away River and the exhilaration of up-close encounters with exotic sea creatures. Discovery Cove is where moments turn into cherished memories.
Legoland Water Park – Winter Haven
Legoland Water Park in Winter Haven is a vibrant, family-friendly destination designed to inspire creativity as well as provide endless fun. This unique park combines the adventure of water slides and wave pools with the imaginative world of Lego. Children can put their building skills to the test at the Build-A-Raft River, and the entire family can enjoy the thrills of the water playground. Engaging activities like mini-golf, bonfires, and themed parties round out the experience, ensuring a delightful escape for kids and kids-at-heart.
Creating Your Own Water Park Experience
Transform your next big event or resort attraction with water slide rentals from AirFun Games. Our offerings, like the thrilling Double Lane Kahuna Water Slide, are perfect for competitive racing, while the unique alligator slide adds a visually stunning and exhilarating experience. Ideal for large-scale events, corporate functions, or resort entertainment, these slides provide a water park experience that captivates and engages your audience. Elevate your event with these crowd-pleasing attractions that promise a memorable experience for every guest.
