10 Top Indoor Water Parks in the Northeast

If you’re looking for a memorable family getaway, you can start by pinpointing some of the best indoor water parks in our region. Whether riding the slides or watching from a comfy lounge chair, there’s plenty to keep everyone in your group satisfied and having fun.

Head out for the day or stay the weekend; many of these indoor water parks are located on-site at hotels with dining options, arcades and other kid-friendly indoor and outdoor activities to help you make the most of your visit.

And unlike traditional water parks, there’s no season for indoor water parks, so you can swim, splash and lounge at a balmy 80 degrees, all year round.

Need a ride? Rent a car.

Water Park of New England

Danvers, Mass.

Water lovers never have to go too far for a day of adventure. Water Park of New England features wet and dry fun for the whole family, including lazy rivers, water obstacle courses, water slides, indoor/outdoor whirlpools for adults, dining options and arcades. Day passes are available, as well as overnight packages for those staying at the park’s partner hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Boston North Shore.

Big Kahuna’s

West Berlin, N.J. 

Wind along the lazy river, catch some waves on Flow Rider surfing simulator, challenge your friends to a game of pool basketball in the Aqua Arena or get dunked by the deluge bucket in the Jungle Hideout – these are just some of the ways to enjoy a day of fun in the sun (or not) at Big Kahuna’s, formerly Sahara Sam’s. Several slides offer a variety of experiences, from the speedy Raging Rivers to the family-friendly Snake Eyes. A toddler play area and an adult-only area, bar and concessions are also on-site.

Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park

Queensbury, N.Y.

Just minutes away from Lake George, the White Water Bay indoor water park at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge features over 38,000 square feet of waterlogged fun and attractions, including racing slides, a whitewater raft ride and surfing simulator. With an adults-only warm water spa, a beach for the little ones and a lazy river, there’s something for everyone. Water park passes are included with overnight stays; day passes are also available. While the outdoor areas are closed for the season, the indoor fun goes on all year round.

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Big Splash Indoor Waterpark at Rocking Horse Ranch

Highland, N.Y.

Take a family road trip to this resort in the Hudson Valley for a weekend of all-around, all-inclusive good times. You’re sure to keep busy with all of the on-site activities like mountain tubing, horse riding and mini golf (and skiing, snow tubing and ice skating in winter), but there’s no doubt the kids will want to spend some time at Big Splash. They can ride the 250-foot-long Gold Rush Flume slide, play on the interactive aqua station and attempt to conquer a slippery obstacle course. This water park is exclusively for guests.

Cascades Indoor Waterpark at Greek Peak Mountain Resort

Cortland, N.Y.

While the resort is known for its ski slopes, you can experience a different kind of thrill on one of the body slides or the three-story tube slide at Cascades. If you want to slow down, head outside to the heated pool and hot tubs where you can relax beside the mountain year-round. Other attractions include a basketball cove and children’s play area. Water park tickets are included with stay at Hope Lake Lodge. Day passes are also available, but purchasing in advance on the resort’s website is highly recommended, especially for weekends.

Aquatopia at Camelback Resort

Tannersville, Pa.

No matter the time of year there’s something to do on the mountain at Camelback Resort in the Poconos, from zip lining to skiing. The fun continues for guests heading back to Camelback Lodge, where the multilevel Aquatopia awaits. Seven pools, 13 slides – including the longest indoor water coaster in the U.S., wave pool, surf simulator, lazy river, aqua play structure and adventure lagoon for the little ones, make it one of the best indoor water parts in the Northeast. A swim-up bar, spa lagoon and private cabanas provide refuge from all the excitement for adults. This water park is exclusively for guests.

H20ooohh! Indoor Family Waterpark at Split Rock Resort

Lake Harmony, Pa.

The name of the park sums it up: Water + thrilling water attractions = H20ooohh! Hot tubs, a wave pool, an aqua play structure, surf simulator and five slides – including the Amazon Blast slide, which drops four stories – are among the exciting things you’ll experience at this Pennsylvania retreat. Refuel in the snack area before going back to ride your favorites again. Day passes are available, as are discounts for those who stay at Split Rock Resort.

Kalahari Resorts

Pocono Manor, Pa.

At 100,000 square feet, the Kalahari Resorts location in the Pocono Mountains is among the largest and best indoor water parks in the country. The Africa-inspired escape features a swim-up bar, surf simulator, toddler play area, water coaster, lazy river, indoor/outdoor family whirlpool and slides like the surprising Barreling Baboon and the Zimbabwe Zipper, which can reach speeds of 40 mph. Enhance your poolside experience with a private indoor cabana, which includes a flat-screen TV, chaise lounges and a refrigerator. Water park passes are included with overnight stays; day passes are also available.

Great Wolf Lodge

Fitchburg, Mass. and Scotrun, Pa.  

A popular family destination in the Northeast, our list of indoor water parks would not be complete without Great Wolf Lodge. Here the fun includes wave pools, lazy rivers, water tree houses, obstacle courses, several play areas for the littlest members of the family and a bunch of multi- and single-rider slides. Cabana rentals and separate hot springs for adults-only and families are available for relaxing. Try slideboarding in the Poconos location, where riders use controls on their rafts to play interactive games. The water parks are for lodge guests only.

Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort

Erie, Pa.

Seven water slides, a lazy river and an awesome wave pool – just to mention a few things – make Splash Lagoon a destination worth visiting. You’ll want to try out the Aqua Tumblers, which let you walk (and fall and roll over) water. They look like too much fun to resist! Several dining options round out the day. For an on-land adventure, brave kids can take on the challenging ropes course when they dry off. Get a day pass or book a package to stay at one of the affiliated hotels nearby.

Have you been to any of these indoor water parks in the Northeast? Tell us your favorite in the comments.

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