Spring is here and it’s starting to warm up! It may be still be too cold to head to the beach or lake, but don’t fret, you can always head to an indoor water park. Since these water parks are climate controlled, you can head there any time — even the dead of winter.
For those looking for some water activities and family fun, here are my picks for the best indoor water parks.
1. Great Wolf Lodge
Multiple Locations
There are 11 locations throughout the United States, so no matter where you live, there is probably a Great Wolf Lodge near you. When the kids are ready to hit the pools, the first place they’ll probably want to go is Fort Mackenzie. This 4 story tower is loaded with suspension bridges, swinging cargo nets, and a 1,000 gallon bucket hanging from above to tip over and keep the kids soaked. When you’re ready to get in the water and join the kids hop on the 3-person tube to make your way down the winding 336-foot waterslide. These are just a few of the rides that make up this great water park.
There is also more than just a water park there as well, so if the kids get bored of swimming there are many more activities available. A spa, bowling, and miniature golf are some of the extra activities, and there is also an adult only whirlpool.
2. Sahara Sam’s
West Berlin, New Jersey
Sahara Sam’s is New Jersey’s largest indoor waterpark which is made up of 58,000 square feet of water attractions. One of the top attractions is region’s only indoor surfing simulator called the Flowrider. Some of the other attractions are a lazy river, an obstacle course and a kiddie slide for toddlers.
There are a variety of hotels nearby and all you have to do is mention Sahara Sam’s “Play & Stay” to get a discount when they are making a reservation. In addition to the discount, a few of the local hotels offer packages such as free breakfast. They have a lot of great deals that it’s almost to hard to pass up.
3. H2Oasis
Anchorage, Alaska
Perhaps nowhere else is an indoor waterpark more fitting than in Anchorage. Most of the time temperatures don’t get above freezing and the sun barely shines in the winter. The H2Oasis is an escape with an 84-degree oasis.
The main draw at H20 is the 42-foot ride called the Master Blaster, which is a water coaster that tosses riders on inner tubes through steep drops and sharp turns. It can shoot riders as fast at 20 MPG. Other attractions include a wave pool, a Body Slide and the 575-foot floating river.