With fall in full swing and winter right around the corner for many areas of the United States, suggesting a trip to the water park might seem cruel and out of the question. But fear not! Endless Summer can be a reality at any of these indoor water parks, so don’t pack away your swimsuit just yet.
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge has outposts all over North America, stretching from the Pocono Mountains to SoCal, from Kansas to Atlanta. It’s branded as “America’s Largest Family of Indoor Water Park Resorts,” and with miles of family-friendly attractions all under one roof, it seems like they’re telling the truth. Each location differs in its offerings, but Fort Mackenzie, a combination water fort and treehouse is a mainstay, as well as Howlin’ Tornado, a thrilling raft ride for four, and Racoon Lagoon, a paradise perfect for the little ones in your family.
Kalahari Resorts
Another wet and wild chain with various locations, Kalahari Resorts brings its African-themed fun to Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, and has plans to soon open a park in Texas. In addition to indoor waterslides and rides, like the Sahara Sidewinder and the Screaming Hyena, Kalahari also gives the option to visit its indoor theme park with a Ferris wheel and carousel.
Wings and Waves Waterpark, Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, McMinnville, OR
There’s no shortage of things to see and do at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, with it’s rotating exhibits, educational programs, and 3D movie theater. But you’d be remiss not to purchase your “boarding pass” to the museum’s indoor water park, complete with themed attractions like the Sonic Boom and the Mach 1.
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, Galveston, TX
While the entire water park sprawls over 26 acres, the indoor section of the park, called Wasserfest, boasts an impressive 70,000 square feet. There are more than a dozen (heated) ways to get wet, including tube slides, speed slides, and even a man-made surfing wave, some with German-leaning names like the dual slides, Faust und Furious.
Wilderness at the Smokies, Sevierville, TN
The indoor section of the water park, known as the Wild Waterdome, is 66,000 state-of-the-art square feet of wet and wild fun. The glass roof allows you to feel like you’re outside (and maybe work on your tan) year-round without worrying about inclement weather. Attractions include indoor tube slides, the Storm Chaser–a thrill ride that has you plummet 55 feet down a dark tunnel–and Washout Mountain, a multi-level waterplay area (complete with cannons).
