Last Updated on February 22, 2025 by JJ
Florida’s year-round warm weather makes it the perfect place for waterpark fun. Whether you’re seeking thrilling slides, relaxing lazy rivers, or kid-friendly splash zones, the Sunshine State is home to some of the best waterparks in the country. From world-renowned attractions in Orlando to hidden gems in smaller towns, Florida offers a water adventure for every age group. Here’s a guide to the best waterparks in Florida and what makes each one special.
Volcano Bay – Orlando
Universal’s Volcano Bay is a tropical-themed waterpark that takes the experience to the next level with cutting-edge technology and immersive surroundings. At the heart of the park is Krakatau, a towering volcano that serves as both a stunning visual centerpiece and the launch point for several thrilling rides.
The park’s most famous ride, the Ko’okiri Body Plunge, features a 125-foot drop through a near-vertical tube inside the volcano. For those who prefer a more relaxing experience, the Kopiko Wai Winding River and the Waturi Beach wave pool provide a tranquil escape. One of the biggest draws of Volcano Bay is its TapuTapu wearable wristband, which allows guests to join virtual lines for rides, eliminating long waits.
🔗 Universal’s Volcano Bay
Aquatica – Orlando
SeaWorld’s Aquatica combines thrilling water slides with a marine-life experience, making it a favorite among families. The park’s signature attraction, Dolphin Plunge, sends riders speeding through a clear tube that runs through a pool filled with playful Commerson’s dolphins.
Other highlights include the Ray Rush, a family raft ride that features giant water jets and enclosed tunnels, and the Taumata Racer, a high-speed mat slide where guests race against each other. Aquatica also boasts two large wave pools, a lazy river, and multiple play areas for young children.
🔗 Aquatica Orlando
Adventure Island – Tampa
Located near Busch Gardens, Adventure Island offers a mix of high-speed water rides and laid-back attractions in a tropical setting. The park’s newest ride, Rapids Racer, is a dual-rider water slide that pits guests against each other in a side-by-side race.
The Colossal Curl is another fan favorite, featuring a massive funnel that sends riders soaring up the walls before a dramatic drop. Those looking for a more relaxed experience can float along the Rambling Bayou lazy river or cool off in the Endless Surf wave pool. The park’s large splash areas and shallow pools make it a great choice for families with young children.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach – Orlando
Blizzard Beach stands out with its unique theme—an alpine ski resort that’s been transformed into a waterpark. The park’s main attraction is Summit Plummet, one of the tallest and fastest free-fall water slides in the world. The ride plunges guests down a nearly vertical 120-foot drop, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph.
For families, the park offers Teamboat Springs, one of the longest family raft rides, and the relaxing Cross Country Creek lazy river. The kid-friendly Tike’s Peak features mini slides and interactive water play areas, making it a perfect spot for younger visitors.
🔗 Disney’s Blizzard Beach
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon – Orlando
Typhoon Lagoon is another Disney waterpark, featuring a tropical island theme with lush landscaping and sandy beaches. The park’s highlight is the massive Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, one of the largest wave pools in the world, capable of generating six-foot waves.
The park also offers Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a water coaster that combines the excitement of a roller coaster with the refreshing splash of a water ride. Younger guests will enjoy Ketchakiddee Creek, a play area designed for kids under 48 inches tall, featuring mini slides and interactive water features.
🔗 Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
LEGOLAND Water Park – Winter Haven
LEGOLAND Water Park is the perfect destination for families with young children. Designed with LEGO enthusiasts in mind, the park features attractions that encourage creativity alongside water fun.
The Build-A-Raft River allows guests to customize their own floating rafts using giant LEGO bricks before drifting along a lazy river. The Joker Soaker is an interactive water playground featuring slides, water cannons, and a giant bucket that dumps hundreds of gallons of water. Other highlights include the Twin Chasers tube slides and the LEGO Wave Pool.
🔗 LEGOLAND Water Park
Rapids Water Park – West Palm Beach
Rapids Water Park is one of Florida’s largest standalone waterparks, covering 30 acres and featuring over 40 water slides and attractions. The park’s standout ride is Big Thunder, a multi-person raft slide that sends riders down a steep drop into a massive funnel.
Other thrilling rides include Brain Drain, featuring two 70-foot drop slides, and the Raging Rapids, a fast-paced whitewater rafting experience. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, the Lazy River and the Big Surf wave pool provide a welcome break from the adrenaline-pumping slides.
Sun Splash Family Waterpark – Cape Coral
Sun Splash Family Waterpark is a great option for those on Florida’s Gulf Coast looking for a more affordable and less crowded waterpark experience. The park features the Electric Slide, a high-speed enclosed tube slide, and the Terror Tube, which offers a thrilling drop in total darkness.
For families, the park offers the Main Stream River Ride, a 1,200-foot-long lazy river, and the Pirate’s Cove play area, which includes mini slides and interactive water features for younger kids. Sun Splash is a budget-friendly option that still provides plenty of fun and excitement.
🔗 Sun Splash Family Waterpark
Shipwreck Island Waterpark – Panama City Beach
Shipwreck Island Waterpark is a family-friendly park on Florida’s Panhandle, offering a mix of slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. The Tree Top Drop features two vertical drop slides that give riders a thrilling free-fall experience.
The White Knuckle River and Zoom Flume offer multi-person raft rides, while the Lazy River provides a relaxing float through tropical scenery. The park’s fun, pirate-themed attractions make it a hit with families visiting the area.
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park – Destin
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park is another great option for those in Florida’s Panhandle. The park features over 40 attractions, including the Kowabunga Racer, a four-lane racing slide that lets guests compete to see who can reach the bottom first.
Other top rides include the Jumanji, a twisting and turning tube slide, and the Maui Pipeline, a high-speed water coaster. Big Kahuna’s also features a lazy river, wave pool, and several interactive play areas for young children.
🔗 Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
Conclusion
Florida is home to an incredible variety of waterparks, each offering something unique for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for extreme thrills at Volcano Bay, Disney’s imaginative water wonderlands, or the family-friendly fun of LEGOLAND Water Park, there’s a splashy adventure waiting for you.
From the tropical settings of Orlando’s world-famous parks to the hidden gems in coastal towns, Florida’s waterparks provide the perfect way to cool off and make unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or looking for a relaxing float in a lazy river, Florida’s waterparks are sure to deliver endless fun under the sun.
