The Coolest Indoor Waterparks In The US, According To Parents (And Kids!)

Indoor waterparks have become a go-to option for family vacations because they offer something that outdoor parks can't: year-round fun without worrying about the weather. There's no checking weather forecasts, no fearing that a cold snap will ruin your plans, and no concern about heatstroke. Whether you're looking for a winter getaway, a spring break trip, or a rainy weekend backup plan in your local area, indoor waterparks keep kids entertained while giving parents a chance to relax. What makes the best indoor waterparks stand out is their ability to appeal to everyone in the family.

Their "cool factor" draws kids with high-speed slides, wave pools, and surf simulators, while parents enjoy amenities like lazy rivers, hot tubs, cabanas, and, in many cases, on-site lodging and dining. Across the United States, indoor waterparks range from large resorts to smaller parks with unique themes and low crowds. Based on family reviews, popularity, and overall experience, we're about to travel to 10 of the coolest indoor waterparks in the U.S. — places that parents and kids agree deliver unforgettable fun, no matter the weather.

Located inside the three-million-square-foot American Dream complex in East Rutherford, DreamWorks Water Park is a must-visit for one major reason: it's the continent's largest indoor waterpark. The scale alone makes this destination worth visiting, but the cool factor here is tied to the immersive movie-inspired theming. The park brings beloved DreamWorks films to life with rides and attractions featuring characters from "Shrek," "Kung Fu Panda," "Madagascar," "Gabby's Dollhouse," and more, making the space feel more like a theme park than a generic waterpark. There are even character meet-and-greets with Shrek and more, just like at Universal Studios' theme park properties!

Parents appreciate that the park offers both adventurous rides and calmer play spaces, so it's magical for kids of all different ages and energy levels. The 14-story-tall Thrillagascar slide, for example, is perfect for thrill-seeking tweens and teens, while younger kids will love the Kitty Splash Garden splash pad. Even couples can enjoy this spot as a fun date. "I wasn't sure if we would enjoy being 2 adults but it was a ton of fun," wrote someone who visited with their husband on Tripadvisor.

Another cool — or rather, warm — aspect of this park is its tropical temperature. Kept at 81 degrees Fahrenheit, guests can book special three-hour sunset sessions in the evenings for $59. Another thing that makes DreamWorks Water Park appealing is its proximity to New York City; it's under an hour from Manhattan by car or public transit, making it a great choice for both day trips and longer stays. Families often pair a waterpark visit with shopping, dining, and other attractions inside the American Dream complex. And if you're staying in NYC for the first time, check out these top places for first-time visitors. 

Great Wolf Lodge has built its reputation around offering a reliable resort experience for families with kids. With 23 locations spanning across the country, this resort brand is easily accessible for people throughout the United States. What makes Great Wolf Lodge especially cool for families is that it was designed from the ground up with younger kids in mind. Instead of focusing on thrill rides that might be overwhelming for little ones, Great Wolf Lodge offers fun theming, interactive play, and attractions like the Fort Mackenzie Water Playground that allow children to feel independent while still staying close to their parents. There are, however, still some larger slides and rides for bigger kids (and parents who want a quick thrill!) Although each Great Wolf Lodge location is unique in terms of design, they all feature a Northwoods-style theme.

All of the brand's indoor waterparks are kept at 84 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making this a great destination for the winter months. In addition to the waterpark itself, each Great Wolf Lodge location offers a variety of other kid-centric activities that families are sure to love. Signature experience MagiQuest turns the entire property into an interactive fantasy game, complete with a magic wand, while character appearances with the Great Wolf Pack, storytime sessions, and delicious on-site dining keep kids engaged even when they're out of the water. The brand even celebrates the seasons with themed rooms, like the Pumpkin Spice Suite in the fall! Parents appreciate the contained, safe aspect of Great Wolf Lodge. And, for children, the magic comes from feeling like these resorts were built just for them (because they were!)

Wisconsin is chock-full of tourist attractions. What makes the Wisconsin Dells' Wilderness Resort particularly cool, even in a destination known as the "Waterpark Capital of the World," is its sheer variety. Instead of relying on one indoor waterpark to keep guests entertained, this resort features four separate indoor waterparks spread across the property, each with its own layout and target demographic. Klondike Kavern is designed primarily for older kids, with thrill rides like the Hurricane and the 400-foot-long Claim Jumper Challenge waterslide. However, it also has the Bonanza Brook lazy river for those who want to relax. The Wild WaterDome, meanwhile, is a brightly colored park known for its signature attraction, the country's biggest wave pool, The Great Wave. It also has a splash pad called Mini Mammoth Cove for toddlers. Plus, this indoor waterpark features a glass roof so guests can soak up the rays even during harsh Wisconsin winters!

The third park at Wilderness Resort, the Wild West Waterpark, has something for everyone. The Ransack Ridge play area caters to elementary-aged kids, and the Wild West Toddler Pool is perfect for little ones. The ultra-thrilling Black Hole Adventure will keep adrenaline junkies happy, and families can enjoy racing on the Warped Wagons and Twisted Tails dueling slides. This park even has a 21+ area called YeeHaw's Watering Hole. Wilderness Resort's final indoor waterpark, Cubby's Cove, is a splash zone specifically designed for younger kids and their parents. In addition to the waterparks, guests can enjoy go-karts, arcades, and comfortable hotel rooms without ever leaving this resort. In a town full of waterparks, Wilderness Resort maintains its cool factor because it offers loads of space to play and plenty of variety to keep families entertained for days, not just an afternoon.

As a collective brand, Kalahari Resorts operates some of the coolest indoor waterparks in the US thanks to its commitment to thrills. Kalahari is particularly good for older kids and teens who have outgrown splash pads and kiddie zones. Known for its intense slides like the Storm Chaser, Swahili Swirl, and Screamin' Hyena, FlowRider® surf simulators, and other fast-paced rides, Kalahari delivers a rousing experience. In addition to its wide array of waterpark attractions for older kids, Kalahari Resorts offers specialty spa services for teens aged 13 to 17. But that doesn't mean younger children won't have fun at Kalahari! The Leopard's Lair play zone is designed for kids under 52 inches tall, and there are family attractions like classic lazy rivers, as well.

Parents tend to appreciate the resort-style amenities that make Kalahari Resorts truly enjoyable for the whole family. Upscale dining like Sortino's Italian Kitchen is ideal for moms and dads who get to sneak away for a date night, while family-friendly dining spots like B-LUX Grill & Bar are great for all ages. Kalahari's five locations — the Wisconsin Dells; Sandusky, Ohio, near Cedar Point; Round Rock, Texas; the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania; and Spotsylvania, Virginia — are also all strategically placed in popular family travel destinations, making it easy to combine a waterpark stay with other attractions. Kalahari has earned its cool reputation by offering an indoor waterpark experience that feels bigger and faster than many of its competitors.

The Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark is known for its climate-controlled environment that stays a balmy 84 degrees Fahrenheit all year, even when snow is falling outside. Located in the Pocono Mountains' popular Camelback Resort, Aquatopia has earned a reputation as a great all-season destination, making it a favorite for families planning winter getaways. Imagine combining waterpark days with skiing during a winter break vacation! The temperature consistency at this interior waterpark is a major selling point for parents who don't want to worry about changing their travel plans, but the cool factor lies in the rides. The Venus Slydetrap is a one-of-a-kind slide-and-raft combo that will thrill the whole family, while the Storm Chaser will take riders on the longest uphill water coaster ride in the U.S. or Canada.

Although these are both thrill rides, Aquatopia is designed to appeal to a wide range of ages. Younger children, for example, are sure to enjoy the Croc-O-Nile Crossing kids' obstacle course and the Penguin Play Bay splash pad. And, the whole family, parents included, is sure to have fun at the Great Ka-Na-Gawa Wavepool and the adventure-themed Lost River lazy river ride. This balance makes Aquatopia an excellent choice for families whose children aren't close in age. Everyone can find something they enjoy here without feeling overwhelmed or left out. Camelback Resort offers a variety of accommodation options, including rental condos with multiple bedrooms and traditional hotel rooms. This adds to Aquatopia's appeal as part of a larger trip, rather than a single-day attraction. The Poconos also make for a romantic destination for a last-minute winter getaway if you're traveling without kids!

The coolest thing about The Kartrite Resort's indoor waterpark is that it is remarkably upscale compared to its brightly colored, slightly chaotic, kid-centric counterparts. As one of the newer major indoor waterparks in the Northeast — it opened in April 2019 — The Kartrite is a contemporary, aesthetically pleasing addition to the roster of the best indoor waterparks in the United States. For families who want waterpark fun of a more serene variety, this resort is an excellent option — reviewers even say that it's enjoyable for senior citizens. Situated in a former conservatory, this waterpark features beautifully maintained tropical plantlife, pleasant blue-and-green slides, and the biggest transparent roof on Earth. There are also private cabanas available overlooking the main waterpark area, which the Mom Uptown blog notes can come in handy if you've got little kids with you who need to nap.

While kids still have access to plenty of slides and rides like The Kraken and the Nor'Easter, splash zones, and pools, the overall atmosphere at The Kartrite is calmer than many indoor waterparks, in part due to its smaller size. The Catskills location is another major reason families choose this specific destination for a getaway. Upstate New York offers a variety of other activities, including fishing, hiking, and antiquing during the summer months, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. The Kartrite's resort-style setup, complete with seven on-site restaurants and bars, makes it easy to spend a full weekend here, with accommodations intended to feel more upscale than the stereotypical family waterpark experience.

Massanutten Indoor WaterPark is another climate-controlled environment where guests can enjoy 84 degrees Fahrenheit weather even on Virginia's coldest days. Located in one of the region's most popular resort areas, Massanutten has been a go-to destination for many families for decades, earning a reputation as a multi-generational retreat that offers plenty to do. The indoor waterpark, in particular, has rides, wave pools, a FlowRider® surf simulation system (this one is called "The Pipeline"), and interactive play areas designed to appeal to kids of all ages, making it easy for families to spend a full day inside the park.

The coolest and most unique thing about this facility is its Shenandoah Hot Springs hot tub area. This oversized indoor-outdoor hot tub allows guests to move between the indoor waterpark and the great outdoors when the exterior temperature is at least 70 degrees. The waterpark here has been voted among the top ten in the United States multiple years, but it's not all that Massanutten has to offer. Visitors can also enjoy Diamond Jim's Arcade, shop till they drop at The General Store, The Market, or the Spa Boutique, and take part in a variety of seasonal activities like mountain biking, golfing, and local festivals. This Shenandoah Valley spot is a repeat destination for many families, who return year after year as their children grow. If you're staying in the area for a bit, don't miss a trip to Shenandoah National Park, one of the best national parks for hiking and a must-see Virginia destination, less than a 20-minute drive from the waterpark. 

Schlitterbahn is one of the best, most recognizable waterpark brands in America, and, although its flagship facility is in New Braunfels, Texas, its Galveston location earns a place on this list thanks to a truly unique indoor setup. Undeniably, the coolest part of this park is that a large portion of it is housed inside a converted airport hangar. This 43,000-square-foot enclosed space that allows families to enjoy waterpark attractions year-round, even during cold weather snaps or rainy Gulf Coast weather. Inside, families will find the Wasserfest Kids Area, complete with a play ship, as well as various adult pools, lazy rivers, and a swim-up bar. For kids, the appeal of Schlitterbahn Galveston lies in the company's ability to deliver a classic, high-quality waterpark experience. "So much fun for young and old alike," wrote one Tripadvisor reviewer who called their experience the "most fun ... ever."

For parents, brand familiarity is key. They trust the Schlitterbahn name to provide a safe environment for their families. Since many families already associate the Schlitterbahn name with top-notch water rides and well-designed parks, there's an extra layer of confidence that comes with planning a trip to this destination. For guests who want to stay overnight near this waterpark, the Inn at the Waterpark and Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center both offer convenient lodging. For non-locals, Schlitterbahn Galveston is the perfect place to spend a day before taking a cruise out of the Port of Galveston, where brands like Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have terminals. 

Located further north than any other park on this list, Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is within walking distance of Niagara Falls on the U.S.-Canada border. You'll need to bring your passports to cross the border, but it's well worth it. Compact but energetic, this indoor waterpark experience is the perfect complement to a larger sightseeing trip in the Niagara Falls area. For families already planning a visit to one of Canada's top attractions, it's a fun one-day add-on. The cool factor at Fallsview lies in just how much it packs into a mere three acres of indoor space! With colorful, beachy theming throughout the facility, kids and parents alike can enjoy 16 waterslides, including the Thunder and Kamakazi racing slides and the intense Sky Screamer. The Niagara Tipping Bucket — known for holding 1,000 gallons of water! — is another popular attraction here. Additionally, families with young children can enjoy splash zones and the Fallsview Beach deck chair area, or rent a private cabana for ultimate relaxation.

Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is fully glass-enclosed, offering tons of natural light even during the region's notoriously cold winters. No matter what time of year families visit the Niagara Falls area, they can spend part of the day exploring natural wonders, then head indoors for waterpark fun without worrying about the weather. There are four nearby hotels on Falls Avenue, all of which offer stunning views of the falls themselves. Dining options also abound, including family-friendly options like Rainforest Cafe and upscale choices like Massimo's Italian. Fallsview Indoor Waterpark earns its spot on this list by offering a one-of-a-kind, cross-border experience that merges traditional waterpark fun with one of the world's most iconic vacation spots.

The coolest thing about Silver Mountain's indoor waterpark is its setting (and the fact that most families outside the region haven't discovered it yet). Built within a former 19th-century mining complex in northern Idaho, Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark offers classic indoor waterpark fun with a dramatic mountain backdrop, creating an experience that feels rather unexpected in a great way. Although this is Idaho's largest indoor waterpark facility, it's still a refreshing change from more well-known resorts that are constantly crowded. Here, families will find a FlowRider® system, a lazy river, the exhilarating Moose Sluice family raft ride, the Pollywog play area for little ones, and much more. There's really something for everyone here in a contained, well-kept space that appeals to both safety-conscious parents and kids who just want to have fun and burn off some energy. "Both days the kids played so hard they slept like rocks," wrote one pleased parent on Tripadvisor.

Aesthetically, Silver Rapids offers beautiful views of the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape. Windows and a glass roof bring in natural light and offer an open, airy feel that is especially welcome during the wintertime. Families often couple their waterpark time with other seasonal resort activities, like trail biking, taking an enclosed gondola ride up the mountain, and skiing. Silver Mountain earns its spot on this list as a lesser-known gem that is ideal for outdoorsy families who want to combine an active vacation with indoor waterpark fun.

This guide relies heavily on the official websites for each indoor water park destination, as well as official tourism websites for the Poconos, the Wisconsin Dells, New Jersey, Charlottesville Family, Niagara Falls, and more. In addition, Tripadvisor reviews, as well as high-authority parent-centric and travel publications and blogs like Parents, CN Traveler, USA Today, MinneMama Adventures, and Romper, helped develop a guide that is truly designed for what parents and kids want when choosing an indoor waterpark.