A few of America’s best waterparks…
Years ago, we went to the lake, a near by beach, or a community pool to swim a bit and cool off. For extra fun, we took a few air mattresses and an inner tube or two. For snacks we took an ice chest with cold drinks and sandwiches.
Then…came the first waterparks with a lake, a kiddie pool, a large pool and a waterslide or two, then…waterparks with a few more daring slides, a wave pool, perhaps a short river…then…theme waterparks with longer slides, more daring rides and roller coasters, and now…extremely innovative water parks with more and more daring rides. Each park across the US is unique and vie with each other to have the longest, the steepest, and the fastest ride. Today’s waterparks have snack bars, theme restaurants, entertainment venues, gift shops, arcades, miniature golf, complete shower and changing facilities and other amenities. Some allow you to bring your own snacks to picnic on; others do not. All of them offer fun, FUN, FUN!
There is specific information about the parks mentioned in this article but things do change so please contact the parks to confirm information before visiting the parks.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon was Walt Disney Worldâ Resorts original water park. Currently it’s not open every day so be sure to check before you go. Some of its features include Mayday Falls, storm slides, and Castaway Creek.
Noah’s Ark in the Wisconsin Dells region is the largest water park in the US. It covers 75 acres and has been open for over 25 years. There are two meandering rivers, totaling over a mile in length, 40+ waterslides, four kiddie pool/water activity areas and two big wave pools. The latest feature is the Big Warp; with speeds up to 30 MPH and a total drop of 70 feet. For more information, visit them at noahsarkwaterpark.com.
Run out of money when you’re in Vegas? Then, it’s time to visit Wet ‘N Wild Vegas, where they handle over half a million visitors a year. Nevertheless, this park is a pretty well kept secret because most Vegas visitors have never heard of this park (including me.) Unfortunately, this park is closed for the entire 2006 season but their website says they’ll be back in ’07.
Six Flags is a very respected name in water parks and White Water near Atlanta, Georgia is one of its best. Its Cliff Hanger is one of the highest free falls in the world; the rider is plunged 90 feet into the water at high speed. The Run-A-Way-River is a 700+ foot long tunnel raft ride with surprising curves and dips and a fast descent of 72 feet. One of its most popular attractions is the three story tree house. They even have “dive in” movies on some nights. For more information contact them at sixflags.com/whitewater.
WaterWorld at Hyland Hills is just 15 minutes from Denver and has been attracting visitors for over 26 years. It’s spread out on 64 acres. Thunder Bay has an incredible 1.8 million gallon wave pool and is larger than a football field. Voyage to the Center of the Earth has been a popular ride for over a decade; it takes you on a ride back in time when dinosaurs ruled the earth. Picnics are allowed in the park (there are restaurants also) and the parking is free.
An article on waterparks would not be complete without mentioning the ones in my hometown(s), The Island Water Park in Fresno, and Wild Water Adventure in Clovis.
Wild Water Adventure is less than half a mile away from my home, yet the last time I was there it had only lakes and was best known for fishing, not swimming. (OK, maybe there was a pool but I never saw it.) It was also half an hour from town – today, it’s surrounded by communities of homes. I get to watch their 4th of July fireworks for a full week from my neighbor’s front porch every summer. (But, we’re too far away to hear the music.) The extreme thrill seeker will want to ride the Sidewinder where you’ll drop down three stories and slide back up thinking you’ll go right over the edge. There is a large tropical paradise for the little ones along with mini slides to entertain them. Get more information at wildwater.net.
The Island Water Park is a fairly new park, located right on Freeway 99 near Shaw Avenue in Fresno. You can actually see the slides spiraling down from the sky as you drive by. Unfortunately, it’s so new, there is very little actual shade. Nevertheless, I remember a fun media party held there the summer it opened – an evening party so no water attractions were open. Enjoy their enclosed tunnels (bamboo shoots) slides or climb 70 feet to the Plunge Speed Glide. The Island Express is a miniature train for kids that travels around the park. Visit them at islandwaterpark.com.
Now, grab your swim suit cover-up, the sun screen, a camera and you’re off!
