Florida is famed for its world-class Orlando theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, making it one of the greatest family vacation places in the United States. However, the Sunshine State is also home to some of the country’s largest and best outdoor water parks. There’s something for everyone at the greatest Orlando water parks, with splash-tastic lazy rivers, enormous wave pools, and thrilling water slides.
However, certain Orlando water parks are better suited for small children, while others offer the massive rides and bigger waves that older children (and their parents) desire.
The Best Water Park In Orlando
It’s no different when determining which of the Orlando water parks to visit with your kids. The finest family holiday ideas nearly always come down to choosing age-appropriate activities. We’ve ranked the water parks in Orlando based on their fun level and accessibility for each age group to help you make the best decision for your family’s holiday.
1: Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park
Volcano Bay is described by Universal Orlando Resort as a “water theme park” for the entire family, and it’s easy to understand why, with its rich theming, interactive components, and exhilarating activities. Furthermore, even the water park’s most thrilling slides (such as the Krakatau Aqua Coaster and the Ko’okiri Body Plunge trap-door plunge slide) have a minimum height requirement of 48 inches, implying that many younger children will be able to enjoy everything this Orlando water park has to offer.
There’s also plenty to keep kids under 48 inches entertained. Younger children like the Runamukka Reef and Tot Tiki Reef children’s sections, which both have plenty of space for them to climb, splash, and slide to their hearts’ content, and parents may rest on Waturi Beach while their children play in the sand or in the wave pool.
You obtain a TapuTapu wrist band to use for the day when you arrive at Universal’s Volcano Bay water park. The band is your virtual line pass and payment option, as well as a key to unlocking fun interactive aspects around the Florida water park.
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Phone: +1 407-363-8000
2: Aquatica Orlando
Aquatica Orlando, conveniently located across the street from SeaWorld Orlando, features many of the same aquatic features as its famous sister park.
The Dolphin Plunge tube slide transports you into an underwater tank filled with black-and-white Commerson’s dolphins. The Loggerhead Lane lazy river also goes “under the sea” through a series of tropical fish-filled underwater tunnels.
Address: 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, FL 32821, USA
Phone: +1 407-545-5550
3: Disney’s Blizzard Beach
While many of the attractions at Disney’s ski resort-themed Blizzard Beach Water Park are identical to those at Typhoon Lagoon, what really sets Blizzard Beach apart are the water slides where you can race your family members.
Toboggan Racers, Downhill Double Dipper, Snow Stormers, and Runoff Rapids are all fun to compete on. At the Ski Patrol Training Camp, kids and tweens may also put their talents to the test on the zipline and obstacle course.
Address: 1534 Blizzard Beach Drive, Orlando, FL 32836, USA
Phone: +1 407-560-3400
4: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
The 2-person rollercoaster raft-like Crush ‘n’ Gusher is one of the water slides of Typhoon Lagoon’s ten or so. There’s also the Humunga Kowabunga, which has five high drops, and the Storm and Bay slides, which are both a little slower and more aimed toward younger children. A large rapids course loops around the park in another location.
However, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon offers more than just slides. Surfers will appreciate the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, which uses strong underwater turbines to generate 6-foot swells. Shark Reef, the park’s most popular feature, allows visitors to dive in and swim with sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish.
Address: 1145 East Buena Vista Drive, Orlando, FL 32830, USA
Phone: +1 407-560-4120
5: Discovery Cove
Swimming with dolphins is a popular bucket list item, and one that Discovery Cove® Orlando can help you achieve. The Dolphin Lagoon®, located in the centre of the park, allows tourists to spend 30 minutes with one of the park’s many gorgeous species, touching, playing, swimming, and even learning to converse with it and riding its dorsal fin. All of this is done under the supervision of experienced trainers, who make certain that neither the guests nor the animals are hurt.
Address: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821, USA
Phone: +1 407-513-4600
6: Adventure Island Tampa Bay
Adventure Island, located across the street from Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay (less than a two-hour drive from Orlando), is the best water park in the Orlando area for wild water slides. There’s no shortage of thrills at this topical-themed Florida water park, with the free-falling Vanish Point slide, the tailspinning Solar Vortex, and the corkscrewing Colossal Curl. But don’t worry, the children’s splash sections, wave pool, and lazy river will provide enough of thrills.
What makes this water park even more spectacular is the family-friendly pricing on extras such as all-day food, cabanas, and quick queue access, which allows you to avoid the line at several of Adventure Island’s famous activities. Certain ticket choices provide entrance to both parks if you wish to visit Busch Gardens while you’re in town (SeaWorld and Aquatica).