The Coolest Water Parks Around the World

Universal’s Volcano Bay, Florida

The new waterpark at Universal Studios Orlando is a game changer with TapuTapu wristband technology that holds your place in line. No more waiting. No more lugging around bulky tubes. With less time to wait, you get more time to enjoy the park, from the private cabanas to the massive Waturi Beach pool to the resort's tiki bars. Don't miss the tropical-inspired eats at Kohola Reef. The veggie burger is hands down some of the best theme park food this writer has ever had.

Blizzard Beach, Disney World, Florida

One of the best parts of this water park is the theme. Designed as a former ski resort that melted, the park features fun winter-meets-summer details like a ski lift, floating icebergs and appearances by Frozen characters, such as the loveable snowman Olaf. Daredevils shouldn’t miss Mount Gushmore, one of the tallest and fastest waterslides in the world.

Aquaventure Waterpark, Atlantis, The Bahamas

With nearly a dozen pools, tons of fast-paced slides and a tropical lazy river that wanders through a lush oasis, there's something for every speed. Daredevils can try the Leap of Faith, a nearly vertical slide that drops you down a clear tunnel through a shark-filled lagoon. You don’t have to be a guest at the Paradise Island resort to visit the massive water park as day passes can also be purchased. But these go fast since the park is popular to cruisers who port close to Paradise Island.

Dollywood’s Splash Country, Tennessee

Ranked one of America’s Top 10 Water Parks by TripAdvisor, Dollywood’s Splash Country features 35 acres of slides, pools, raft and tube rides, plus beautiful Smoky Mountain scenery. Families will enjoy The Cascades lagoon-style pool with more than 25 interactive elements including a geyser.

Water Cube Water Park, China

Beijing’s National Aquatics Center, former site of the 2008 Summer Olympics, has been converted to an indoor water park. The now largest water park in Asia is home to new slides, rides, a lazy river, a giant wave pool and a spa.

Waterbom Bali, Indonesia

Bali isn’t just about peaceful yoga retreats. At Waterbom Bali it’s all about fun in the sun. Rated one of the best water parks in the world by TripAdvisor, the park offers some extreme slides like the Climax. Sliders stand in a small chamber over a slide that is so near vertical, a trap door opens to drop sliders. This 2.5 G-force of speed is only for true daredevils.

Wild Wadi Waterpark, United Arab Emirates

The Dubai outdoor water park features more than a dozen slides, heated and cooled wave pools and two artificial surfing machines. Those up for a thrill should try the aptly named Tantrum Alley for a series of tornado bowls that swish a raft of four around and around before plunging riders into a pool.

World Waterpark, Canada

Visit the world’s largest indoor wave pool in Alberta, Canada. The park is the size of four football fields and includes nine indoor water slides and a 10-story bungee jump over the wave pool. The park is located beside the largest shopping mall in North America, making it a great weekend getaway for families.

Wet ‘n’ Wild, Hawaii

Located not too far from the famous Waikiki Beach, this water park lives up to its name. There’s 25 acres of action-packed, adrenaline-pumping fun including the Shaka, a 30-mile-per-hour water half pipe that drops tubers down a 70-degree incline only to shoot up the other side. Other thrills include the Tornado, which will give you stunning views of Oahu as you’re catapulted 50 feet through the air!

Beach Park, Brazil

The largest water park in South America, Beach Park is situated on the beach of Porto das Dunas. There’s tons of family fun, spas and if you’re feeling brave, try the Insano, one of the tallest water slides in the world.

Tropical Islands, Germany

Housed in a former airship hangar, Tropical Islands is now the world’s largest indoor water park with themed areas inspired by Thailand, Samoa, Borneo and Bali. The water park also features a rainforest with nearly 50,000 plants.

Aquaventure Waterpark, Atlantis Palms, United Arab Emirates

Originally created by the group that launched the resort of the same name in the Bahamas, this resort was inspired by the lost city of Atlantis, and there are nods to mythology everywhere. Tackle the popular Tower of Neptune and be propelled uphill on tubes only to ride down dark tunnels before spitting out on the lush and serene lazy river.

Typhoon Lagoon, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida

Water parks can be daunting when you’re trying to keep up with so much stuff for the whole family, but Disney takes care of that with the park’s Beachcomber Shacks. These premium lounge areas can be reserved for groups and come with comfy chairs in the shade, lockers, coolers with ice water and attendants on hand. Upgrade your day with your own private family area.

Yas Waterworld, United Arab Emirates

There’s fun for the whole family here from Water Wars to Slither’s Slides, a series of water slides that empty out of the mouth of fanged snakes. And if you want to dry off, there’s a roller coaster that zips through the park, sometimes through narrow passages in between water slides!