Living There
When the weather starts to heat up, thoughts turn to a refreshing dip in the pool. Even better, combine your love of thrill rides with water by dusting off those flip-flops and strapping on a bathing suit to hit a water park. Conveniently, some of the best places to live in America are also home to the coolest water parks:
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Santa Clarita, California
With more than 20 different water attractions, including pools, lazy rivers, raft rides, and slides, this California water park has everything. You’ll find places to splash and those that thrill, including the 60-foot-wide funnel found on the Tornado. Located a short distance outside Los Angeles off the Golden State Freeway, this water park has the added benefit of being located right next to Six Flags Magic Mountain, a thrill-seeker’s paradise of roller coasters. Turn your trip into a family getaway fit for a weekend or longer.
Pump House Indoor Water Park in Jay, Vermont
A great water park doesn’t have to be outside. This incredible indoor water park, located at the Jay Peak Resort, offers a little bit of everything. There are water slides like the 65-foot tall La Chute, a Big River rapids ride, and a place to surf on the Double Barrel FlowRider. When relaxation is necessary, hit up the indoor or outdoor spas, or grab a drink at the poolside bar.
Runaway Rapids Water Park in Keansburg, New Jersey
There are approximately 26 different types of water fun at this family-friendly water park. There are 17 wild and wet slides, as well as other attractions, including an interactive water landscape made just for kids.
Water World in Denver, Colorado
This is an enormous water park, so give yourself more than one day to soak in all the fun. Packed with excitement, highlights include two slide complexes, a water coaster known for its incredible speed, a raft ride through dark tunnels that feature lighting and thunder, an eight-across slide competition, and a wave pool. Other attractions include the Big Top Family Fun Zone, Voyage to the Center of the Earth, and a tube ride for groups called Ragin’ Colorado.
Noah’s Ark in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Claiming to be the country’s largest water park, the Dells boasts 51 slides, a surfing simulator, and two wave pools. It also has the longest water coaster in the U.S. and the world’s only 4D Dive-In Theater. There’s even a ride that features body slides starting at 10 stories.
Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City, Kansas
Recognized as the tallest water slide in the world, The Verruckt takes four riders down 15 stories on a raft and reaches upwards of 70 miles per hour. There are milder diversions here too, including the world’s largest tidal wave river, a swim-up bar in the heated pool, and the innovative uphill water coaster. With three mini water parks within the main park, there is something for everyone. Plus, they offer an area to enjoy food and beverages that can be brought from home free of charge.
Time to take the plunge at one of these incredible water parks as part of a family staycation or a trip farther away!
