Resorts with indoor water parks are the ideal getaway any time of year.
Weekend trips are best spent at indoor water park resorts, which offer lodging, eating, and other amenities all in one convenient location, as well as water activities (ranging from toddler-friendly spray parks to adult-only swim-up bars).
Thanks to businesses like Great Wolf Lodge and Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, which provide a number of indoor water park resorts across the country, you might be able to discover hotels with indoor water parks within a reasonable driving distance wherever you are in the U.S.
If you’re interested in outdoor water park attractions with or without on-site lodging, check out the Finest Water Parks in the USA. Otherwise, continue reading to learn about the best indoor water park resorts in the U.S. as rated by other tourists just like you.
(Note: The COVID-19 epidemic may have an impact on some of the water parks, activities, attractions, and destinations listed here. There may be new regulations in effect, such as cap restrictions, reservation requirements, testing requirements, or mask requirements. Before departing, confirm with the local tourism bureaus, the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the water park directly.)
Resort amid the wilderness: Wisconsin Dells
For guests staying in one of Wilderness Resort’s hotel rooms, holiday villas, condominiums, or cabins located within 600 forested acres, admission to the resort’s four outdoor and four indoor water parks is complimentary. The famous Hurricane funnel and thrilling body slides at Klondike Kavern, the family rafts and bumper boats at Wild West (which will be renovated until late 2022), the adult-only swim-up bar at Wild WaterDome, the kid-friendly Cubby’s Cove Indoor Waterpark, and the legendary Hurricane funnel at Klondike Kavern are all accessible by shuttle and water taxi. Previous visitors claim that there is so much to do that a week could be needed to do it all (not to mention that Wilderness Resort is located near outdoor activities in Mirror Lake State Park and other fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells).
Location: 511 East Adams Street, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Multiple Great Wolf Lodge locations
Great Wolf Lodge, which has nearly two dozen facilities around the United States, is the industry leader in resorts with indoor water parks (plus one in Canada). Fort Mackenzie, an interactive, four-story water playground, Coyote Cannon, a water jet-fueled vortex with a 40-foot drop, HydroPlunge, a water coaster, and the Crooked Creek lazy river are some of the visitor favorites. With features like adults-only hot tubs and a wine down service available for an additional cost, Great Wolf Lodge also caters to parents and adults.
Great Wolf Lodge is also well-known for its family-friendly lodging options, which range from nightly StoryTime to the live-action game MagiQuest and feature themed hotel rooms and suites that accommodate up to 12 people (depending on where you stay). At each location, there are also food options on-site.
Locations for Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania, Round Rock, Texas (the newest location), Sandusky, Ohio, and Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, are the four indoor water park resort destinations offered by Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. From the water park attractions, such as the Anaconda family raft ride, Kenya Korkscrew tandem tube slide, and Barreling Baboon funnel slide, to the accommodations, which comprise guest rooms and two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom suites, every resort has an African safari motif. The Coral Cove for little ones and the Grotto Swim-Up Bar for older individuals are both available at Kalahari water parks.
The Kalahari Resorts & Conventions locations have an indoor water park, as well as overnight lodging and amenities including arcades, spas, and escape rooms.
Note that resorts may provide slightly different attractions and hotel choices.
Frankenmuth, Michigan‘s Zehder’s Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark
Since the middle of the nineteenth century, when it was known as the New Exchange Hotel, this Michigan location with a Bavarian theme has been in operation. Attractions for families include family raft rides, private family cabanas, and a family hot tub within the historic resort’s two separate indoor water parks, which are still open today. Additionally, there are speed slides, a zero-entry pool, cabanas, and an inflatable cover that retracts during warm weather. The 178-room Splash Village Hotel, an arcade, and food establishments inside and outside of the water parks are all connected. Previous visitors have noted that while the water park amenities are excellent, the rooms are old.
In Frankenmuth, Michigan, 48734, at 1365 S. Main St.
Monticello, New York’s The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark
The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark, one of the greatest resorts in the Catskills, boasts the biggest indoor water park in New York State. Rapid-fire slides like The Krakken tube slide, the Nor’Easter family raft ride, and the Jiggerty-Jaggerty tandem racing slides are popular with thrill-seekers. Children enjoy the rope bridge at Later Gator Crossing, the spray park at Kartrite Island, and the lagoon at Puddle Ducks. A lazy river and a surfing simulator called FlowRider are also present.
Outside of the water park, there are arcade games, bowling, indoor rock climbing, virtual reality rides, and hiking trails at the resort. There are various on-site restaurants where you can eat, and there are junior, two, and three-bedroom suites available as well. Previous visitors note that although the water park is tiny, kids still like it.
The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Water Park is a handy weekend vacation from New York City and is situated about 100 miles northwest of the Big Apple.
Postal code: 12701 Monticello, New York 555 Resorts World Drive
Massanutten Resort: Virginia‘s Massanutten
Massanutten Resort, a four-season getaway in Shenandoah National Park, offers activities like skiing and snow tubing in the winter as well as golf and mountain biking in the summer.
The indoor water park’s year-round attractions include the massive water fortress Massanutten Meltdown, body and tube slides, a lazy river, hot tubs, a FlowRider surfing simulator, and the Frog Pond for young children. As capacity is still being controlled, it is advised that you purchase tickets in advance of your visit to the water park. If you’re not spending the day indoors splashing around, retire to your own hotel room, apartment, or rental cabin.
Address: Massanutten, Virginia 22840, 1822 Resort Drive
Grand Forks, North Dakota: Canad Inns Destination Center
The Splasher’s of the South Seas indoor water park is a remedy for North Dakota’s notoriously icy winters and is situated at the Canad Inns Destination Centre Grand Forks. The 40,000 square foot indoor water park has a number of slides, a kiddie pool, an activity pool, a lazy river, a hot tub just for adults, and more. The water park offers cheap entrance to tourists who stay in one of the on-site lodging options, which include kid-themed and pet-friendly rooms. Day and nightly passes are also offered for non-hotel guests. Additionally, you have the choice of dining at one of the on-site eateries and shopping in the neighborhood. Recent guests have remarked on how spotless the hotel rooms are.
1000 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks, North Dakota 58201
Waterpark at Timber Ridge Lodge near Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
In addition to the typical pools, slides, lazy river, and kids’ spray ground, this Wisconsin water park hotel is 80 miles northwest of Chicago and 50 miles southwest of Milwaukee. It also has Avalanche Falls, where riders can zip around twists and turns while enjoying their choice of lighting and music.
With full kitchens and whirlpool bathrooms, lodge suites appeal to multigenerational families, and visitors may use the championship and mini-golf courses, as well as the spa, at the property’s opulent sister resort, Grand Geneva.
In Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, 53147, at 7020 Grand Geneva Way.
Sevierville, Tennessee, in the Smokies’ wilderness
Wilderness at the Smokies is ideal for both park visitors and aficionados of water parks because it is located less than 20 miles north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With a wave pool, surfing simulator, tube slides, raft rides, and a spray area for young children, the resort’s Wild Waterdome indoor water park is the biggest of its kind in Tennessee. The four-person, 55-foot-diameter Storm Chaser raft ride is the centerpiece of the indoor water park. It is only available at night. There are two additional water parks in Wilderness at the Smokies.
Visit the on-site family recreation center or retire to one of the guest rooms, suites, or villas, the latter of which can accommodate up to 16 people, when it’s time to take a break from the water (in the Premier and Superior categories).
Address: Sevierville, Tennessee 37876, 1424 Old Knoxville Highway
Pennsylvania’s Camelback Resort & Indoor Waterpark is located in Tannersville.
Before adding a 453-suite lodge, an indoor water park, and more dining options in 2015, Camelback Resort in the Poconos was already well-liked with families visiting its ski trails and outdoor water park.
The enclosed water park, Aquatopia, has 13 slides, including the brand-new Mountain Mayhem, a raft ride with four distinct experiences to appeal to all five senses. A toddler play area that is interactive and private cabanas that guests can rent are some of Aquatopia’s additional water attractions. You can play laser tag, try indoor rock climbing, and other activities in addition to the water park.
Recent assessments are conflicting, but a 4.5 Google rating suggests that this is one of Pennsylvania’s top water parks.
193 Resort Drive, Tannersville, Pennsylvania 18372
Castaway Bay: Ohio’s Sandusky
After a hectic day on the roller coasters at Cedar Point, one of the top amusement parks in the country, guests may unwind in this Caribbean-themed indoor water park resort, complete with palm trees, exotic huts, and lagoons. The water park’s uphill water coaster can be tried when you’re ready for another burst of excitement. Alternatively, you can unwind in one of the pools (which offer activity, wave, and heated options), let the kids burn off steam in the kids play activity area, and relax in one of the pools. The indoor water park is small, but it’s perfect for families with little children, according to recent visitors.
The hotel’s on-site lodgings, which had a complete renovation in 2022, feature two-room Caribbean-themed suites and guest rooms with themes relating to the land, air, and sea.
Sandusky, Ohio 44870; 2001 Cleveland Road West
Wisconsin Dells’ Chula Vista Resort, part of the Trademark Collection by Wyndham
On the banks of the lovely Wisconsin River, close to a hotel with more than 600 rooms, a convention center, a golf course, a spa, a riverwalk, and the highly rated Kaminski’s Chop House, is where you’ll find Chula Vista Resort’s indoor water park, Lost Rios. The 80,000-square-foot water park, which has a number of waterslides including the Fly Mayan water coaster and the Matador Mat Racers, where visitors race down a tandem waterslide on mats, is free to hotel guests (day passes are chargeable). There is a water park outside as well. Recent visitors laud the indoor and outdoor water parks, although they say the lodgings need some work.
Postal Code: 53965 Wisconsin Dells, 1000 Chula Vista Parkway
Alexandria, Minnesota’s Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center
Minnesota frequently sees sub-zero temperatures, but after spending the day at Big Splash at Arrowwood, where the “weather” is usually warm, you’d never know it. This 38,000 square foot indoor water park includes a lazy river, a tropical whirlpool spa, and three four-story waterslides. For lodging in a hotel room, cottage, or condominium with passes to a water park, order the Big Splash Package. Recent visitors observe that while the lodgings are undoubtedly outdated, the water park is a lot of fun.
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308; 2100 Arrowwood Lane NW
Nashville, Tennessee’s Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
At the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Music City, there is a water park called SoundWaves that has both indoor and outdoor attractions with a musical theme. With 111,000 square feet of area inside, rides and attractions including Stage Dive, where guests can choose to sit in translucent tubes with LED lighting, Crowd Surf, a double FlowRider for two, and the Up Tempo Rapids River, a lazy river with waterfalls and spray elements, are all available. Rentals of private cabanas are additionally offered.
Apart from the water park, the Gaylord Opryland Resort (a part of the Marriott family of businesses) features contemporary guest suites, a wide range of dining options, a variety of gardens, meandering interior walkways, and seasonal entertainment and events.
Nashville, Tennessee 37214, 2800 Opryland Drive
Boyne Mountain Resort: Michigan’s Boyne Falls
Skiers and non-skiers can equally enjoy the on-site water park, Avalanche Bay, at Michigan’s Boyne Mountain Resort. Six waterslides, a surf simulator, a kids’ pool, hot tubs, and other amenities are available at the 88,000-square-foot water park. Everyone will get wet at Splasherhorn Mountain thanks to an 800-gallon water “avalanche.” After a day of excitement, retire to the Mountain Grand Lodge & Spa or the Clock Tower Lodge, your preferred on-site accommodations. Reviews of Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark are mostly favorable.
Boyne Mountain Road 1, Boyne Falls, Michigan 49713
Cortland, New York’s Hope Lake Lodge & Conference Center
After skiing or snowboarding at Greek Peak in the Finger Lakes, warm up at the Hope Lake Lodge’s Cascades Indoor Waterpark, where you can also stay the night. The indoor water park features a wave pool, several waterslides, kid-friendly play areas, an activity pool with basketball, hot tubs, and more. Visit the on-site spa, grab a bite to eat, or stop at one of the area’s renowned vineyards when you’re not skiing or swimming.
2177 Clute Road, Cortland, New York 13045
Arnolds Park, Iowa — Bridges Bay Resort
On the beaches of Lake Okoboji in Iowa, a well-liked Midwest family holiday spot, is where you’ll find Bridges Bay Resort. Visitors have access to the Boji Splash Indoor Waterpark in addition to enjoying lake views from a few of the hotels and restaurants. It is a tiny attraction with a number of waterslides, a play area for youngsters, and hot tubs. A zipline and outdoor pool are also available, and Arnolds Park amusement park is close by. Previous visitors claim that the hotel’s water park has activities for people of all ages.
Arnolds Park, IA 51331 630 Linden Drive
Vermont‘s Jay Peak Resort
You may hit the slopes at Jay Peak Resort and spend the night in one of a dozen different types of accommodations, the majority of which offer ski-in/ski-out access. However, you don’t have to be a skier or come to Vermont in the winter to enjoy this resort.
Jay Peak is a year-round destination and has one of Vermont’s finest attractions, the Pump House Indoor Waterpark. The Pump House, the only indoor water park in the state, including the Deepwater Activity Pool, the Big River, a lazy river that winds around the water park, and Le Chute, a thrilling waterslide that shoots riders downward at speeds of up to 45 mph. The Mills Ponds Kids Play Area is another option. It has a gradual access point that leads to a massive play structure with cannons and a tipping bucket, and is appropriately named after a nearby pond (meant to resemble the type used for tapping maple syrup, of course).
Address: Jay, Vermont, 05859, 830 Jay Peak Road